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War

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My father was the leader of a protection racket; a criminal group that uses violence to ensure our clients won’t be harmed or robbed, and that their businesses will remain protected. What we do isn’t legal, but it’s the way we’ve lived for many years now.

Memphis Reed—my father—was formidable. He was a man people both respected and feared. He taught me everything he knew, and when he died I was left in charge.

Before his death, a battle was brewing on the streets. Lies were told, deceptions were made, and people were killed. People we thought we knew changed, relationships and friendships were torn apart, and loyalties were questioned. After his death, a full on war is raging, and Roman Rios—a man we now know we can’t trust—wants to move in on our business.

With me now being the leader of nine men, it’s up to me to protect them from Roman and his own crew of ruthless criminals. I’ll do whatever’s necessary to keep my business my own and protect everything my father worked for. Even if I have to go up against Xavier Delgado. Roman’s number two. A man with no heart and a black soul. A man Roman trained to be as vicious and cold-blooded as he is. A man who once upon a time I thought I was in love with.

Yes, I’m a she. My name is Chevelley Reed, and all’s fair in love and war.

*Due to language and content, this book is intended for mature audiences only*

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2015

11 people are currently reading
450 people want to read

About the author

Isabel Lucero

37 books1,850 followers
Isabel Lucero is a bestselling author, finding joy in giving readers books for every mood.

Born in a small town in New Mexico, Isabel was lucky enough to escape and travel the world thanks to her husband's career in the Air Force. Her and her husband have three kids and two dogs together, and currently reside in Delaware. When Isabel isn't on mommy duty or writing her next book, she can be found reading, or in the nearest Target buying things she doesn't need.

Isabel loves connecting with her readers and fans of books in general. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/authorisabel...
https://twitter.com/AuthorIsabel
http://instagram.com/isabel__lucero
http://authorisabellucero.blogspot.com/

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5 stars
68 (29%)
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69 (29%)
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56 (24%)
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24 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,419 followers
June 11, 2019
I loved Xavier. Without getting inside his head, he was the one shining, glistening, beautiful moment in this book. He was everything and any scene that didn't involve him didn't hold my attention. Just sayin'. The author did a fantastic job of bringing this bad boy to life and I only wanted more and more and more of him. I'm so greedy and I would have given just about anything to get his perspective.

I love strong and fierce female characters, especially when they're cast in roles more common for men. I love when they can take that role and make it their bitch, smashing through gender stereotypes, and creating their own unique take on it. It was easy to imagine Chevelley doing all of this and more. The situation was ripe for it. She was raised by a father who didn't shelter her from the life he was leading. She was aware of the ins and outs of the protection game and when he passed she became the de facto leader. I was ready to see her thrive and own it. I could picture it so well. Unfortunately, that's not what happened here. Chevelley was no leader. Surrounded by a group of alpha men, her bark was much louder than her bite. She allowed her emotions to rule her and made questionable decisions. I would not follow her into battle.

This may not have been the huge winner I was counting on, but I enjoyed this author's writing style. She's new-to-me and from this introduction, I can tell she will keep me entertained. I will definitely be reading more from her. This is one of her earlier stories and while it was good, I can only assume that it gets better from here.
Profile Image for ✿kawehi.reviews.
1,453 reviews428 followers
March 18, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆

Maybe I’m in minority because I just couldn’t find the whole criminal aspect and organization part of the plot legit or realistic. I’m not speaking as if I know, or from personal experience, because I don’t…but, the story and even the characters did not feel practical or naturalistic. There was a huge disconnection basically, and particularly with, Chevelley and her crew that faltered the entirety of this book for me.

I couldn’t understand how a person like her would be the leader of an illegal protection racket when a lot of the time she went into things half blind and half-baked. She reacted on impulse and didn’t take sufficient note of the repercussions before made life-threatening decisions. I mean, a true leader would be more mature and level headed and I don’t feel Chevelley fit the bill to be one.

She was reckless and emotional which led to unnecessary deaths of loved ones.

I don’t know. She is honestly what made this read basically a “meh” one for me and her subordinates didn’t hold much presence.

As for Xavier, well, he was gorgeous. I loved him and understood his motives and placement in all of this chaos. So he is exempt from my critique.

But, as a whole though, this novel was a toss-up really for me. Not awesome, but not terrible either.

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Kawehi
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,013 reviews431 followers
April 1, 2015
I started this one evening & ended up reading it right through my tv programmes. I couldn't put it down.

Chevelley is a strong female character. She takes over her fathers business when he dies. She was brought up in a lifestyle where she needed to be tough.
An obstacle stands in her way threatening to take over. That's in the shape of Roman. However it's his right hand man Xavier who Chevelley thinks is her main obstacle as he was her first love.

I found this to be an action packed story with unpredictable twists and turns that had me gasping. Great read.
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews728 followers
June 3, 2015
3,75 "Ah, why-did-it-have-to-end-like-a-soapopera" stars

well, shit!!!
it started fantastic!
here we had opposed three racket organisations, dealing with guns, drugs, intermediation, "protection" of the clients and all other "bad stuff" and the fight for the territory was necessarily!
somewhere in there a love story is interwoven and we follow (through flashbacks) our badass anti-heroine Chewelley (aka Chelle/ aka C) and as equally badassy anti-hero Xavier (aka X)they fell for each other hard and took it all passionately and without reservation, breathing with full lungs, living each day as if it were their last! (well considering their lifesyle, you kinda have to do that...LOL)
the third criminal party makes things going towards shit, and some scary events happen that change the course of their lives...
several years pass and the lovers are on opposite sides in a state of war, a lot of guns firing, killings, setting bombs...some real action is turmoiling their lives and our MCs are hurting inside - being enemies now - hating each other but actually covering/hiding the love that still lingers there.
threatning to kill each other over territorial rapture...and some serious deals going wrong...things escalade to the peak...where deep buried secrets come up and change the sense and meaning of everything....

and then....up till then, the story, the characters are f*cking awesome, i was thinking this was going to be a 6 star rating and also on my favorite shell...but after the turning point it started disintegrating in front of my very eyes...and I'm sitting in my bed thinking....

wait, what! what is this? what the f*ck happend to the book i was reading?!

how can a book go wrong after almost 90% of phenomenal plot?!
What the bloody f*ck...I'm totaly shocked by this and that's why there are NO GIFS for you, book!!!!

what went wrong people is the fucking pace! the PACE!!!
it went from fast and furious to the old-granny-crossing-the-road kinda shit
that is not the way to do it, God dammit!!!

by the end I felt like I was re-watching "Santa Barbara" soapopera and my C and X became Cruz and Eden

and that was just WRONG!
but I'm willing to forget that misfortunate HEA (and that is double wrong cause I f*cking crave for HEA, it's mandatory for me! and that's where my conflict lies) and look beyond...into the bright blue skies and let it be...

I loved X and really digged C...so I'll let them have an alternate ending and HEA, but they would ride it fast and wild and passionate...and they would re-live the Bryan Adams lyric "Everything I do I do it for you..."

[but I can't give you the whole song! LOL]

Profile Image for Rea Nicole ✰.
318 reviews154 followers
March 25, 2015
"We. Aren't. Going. Anywhere."
He glances down at my finger with a look that says he's not amused.
"Then you've just started a war."
Xavier looks me up and down before turning around and walking back to his car.


West Side Story meets Sons of Anarchy meets The Notebook.

Yep… there’s a little bit of every intense subject in this book by Isabel Lucero. Shall we not mention the discrete age old battle of Chevy versus Ford? All of the characters in Chevelley’s crew drive a Chevy vehicle plus she’s named after a Chevy Classic! The enemy of course drives a Lincoln (Ford product). I got a little kick out of this – I’m dying to ask the author- was it intentional ?!



War begins with Chevelley aka “Chelle” and “C” as she deals with a tough situation. She’s learned a rival criminal group plans to overtake her crew unless they submit and work under the others. The hell that’s gonna happen! As C tries to come up with a plan she continuously crosses paths with her ex and first love, Xavier (now the enemy). He’s cruel and cold yet seems to be giving her hidden warnings- but why? As tensions rise and bodies start to pile up- what’s a mid-twenties crime boss to do?

This was my first book by the author and I enjoyed it very much. It would be impossible to form a “meh” opinion on this book… there was one aspect I LOVED and one that left me with a ton of questions.

What I LOVED
The dynamic between C and Xavier came alive to me as I read the book. I could feel the heartache, desperation, fear and loathing that C felt the whole time she was around him. She can’t forgive him because he doesn’t want to be forgiven- he’s working for the enemy. Yet his warnings gave us the reader hope, hope that this alpha male wasn’t all bad and was still redeemable. The push and pull of these two was written brilliantly- really stood out in my mind.

What I questioned
Okay.
The premise of a young, twenty-something girl being the boss of a large racketeering crime organization was wayyyy too much beyond my suspension of belief. Plus the crime group is all younger men save a few older ones who don’t participate in the “activities” because they are retired. RETIRED?! I didn’t know huge crime bosses could retire. Yeah… Plus the MAFIA answers to this group of young adults?! No way. I think the group would have been better categorized as a street gang, MC outlaw group, or something the like. Also- where’s the money? For a successful crime group running West Philly where do they siphon their money? And last question- why do they text/talk about HUGE confidential operations? You’d think they’d have a little discretion.



Overall I loved the book and it was a quick read for me- the dynamic between the heroine and enemy really made any grievance I had insignificant and on the back burner. There was a lot of action and tension building moments that were well-written and executed great. I’d definitely recommend it to others.

4.5 stars xx
***

Profile Image for Kizzy.
1,060 reviews35 followers
March 19, 2015
Another hit from Isabel! I have been fan of hers from her first book and this one was so different, yet amazing!!

From the beginning you are hooked. Chevelley Reed (aka C) and Xavier Delgado (aka X) are characters you won't forget! The story draws you in from the beginning and you can't wait to see what happens next. C is the leader of a criminal group after her father dies and will do anything to bring her rival Roman Rios down. She wasn't one to mess with and I loved that about her! She didn't care who she had to go up against, even if that meant the one person she was in love with years ago..X!

X..what a character he was. I loved how we got flashbacks of C and X, seeing how they were before they became enemies..What happened to him made him the person we was today. You understand more of him when you see what he went through.This book had it all..drama, suspense, action..everything..

Not to give away spoilers, but what happens when you have to go up against the one person you never expected? I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Is all fair in love and war? You have to read to find out! Believe me you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Iris.
29 reviews
March 8, 2015
What can I say? Isabel Lucero did it again. War was a great read.
I really enjoyed this side of her. I recommend this book to you all.
1. The characters were on point
2. The flow of the book was great. you don't get lost.
3. The love story was so cute.
4. The drama was good.
5. Isabel wasn't repetitive, which is because I get annoyed with that.
I loved it. It's one of my favorite. Once again Isabel got me.
I am always gonna be a fan of hers.
Profile Image for L Morales.
723 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2015
From the very beginning this book captivated me and I couldn't put it down!Xavier and Chevelley have a powerful connection and great chemistry together.This book is filled with mystery, suspense,drama and love! I definitely recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Eye Candy Bookstore.
571 reviews123 followers
March 16, 2015
Well, I devour anything this lady writes… and let me tell you WAR was no different. If you are looking for a new kind of romance with a bada$$ woman in charge, WAR is definitely the story for you.

Chevelley “C” Reed is probably one my favorite characters I have read about. She is the leader of a crime group (a hot group of guys) that is in the business of protection. Since her father’s death she has stepped up to the plate and taken care of business like a BOSS! When a rival leader Roman Rios is threatening to take her business, she does what any leader would do, devises a plan to take him out first, but there is one problem… Xavier “X” Delgado. Did it just get hot in here?

Xavier is Chevelley’s ex and first (and only) love but now, he works for the enemy as his number two and is as ruthless as they come. I’ve read about complicated relationships, but this is an all new kind of crazy. There is something mysterious and alluring about X and C’s relationship, even when they are mortal enemies, they have this pull towards each other that you can feel. The way Isabel writes will pull you into their past history, I am not usually one for flashbacks in books, but I felt like I was living the memories with Chevelley and Xavier.

This book is amazingly fast paced with some crazy twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. You need to take a ride in this fast paced, suspenseful, crime, drama romance. I can tell you, it is a crazy ride that will have you begging for more and wondering, “Is all fair in love and war?”

5 stars!

Reviewed by Tonya Nichols @ Eye Candy Bookstore
Profile Image for Katja Novak.
7 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2015
I'm a fan of Isabel Lucero's books for quite some time, I love her writing, her books... And WAR was no different! Well, it was different from her other books, but I LOVED IT!!! I read it in one sitting! :D
Story developed beautifully, it wasn't too slow or too fast, there was drama, and a few times I thought my heart won't handle it.
It's a great story about love, family, friends, loyalty.
I loved Chevelley and Xaviers story and I loved all of the other guys... and I really hope that Isabel will write another book, or two...or maybe three about Silas, Gage and Rem :D
So if you are looking for a book, that has it all, a love story, mixed with a story of crime and loyalty, a strong heroine and amazing hero, than go buy and read WAR!!
Profile Image for M.L..
Author 2 books40 followers
March 12, 2015

My star rating for WAR is: 4 out of 5 stars! :)

This was an entertaining story about protecting and fighting
for power and control. Chevelley is the main female character
and runs a protection business that was handed down to her after
her father is gone. The lifestyle they live brings violence,
enemies and a dark need to protect their own.
Some may die and some may be living a lie that can turn the whole
entire game around. There is a great mixture of suspense,
drama and romantic interests that keep this story enjoyable all
the way till the last drop.
Check this one out if you are into a mesmerizing read with
hot alpha-male galore and a leading lady who can hold her own
among them.

My full blogging review will be posted at:
BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews38 followers
March 16, 2015
4.5 out of 5
Some people ask the question what exactly would you do to protect not only your future but also the legacy of your past but that is not the case with either Chevelley or Xavier, because with them both the question really needs to be “What wouldn’t you do?”

War is not exactly as you would anticipate from the title, it is so much more – it is as hostile and belligerent, almost as much as it is intense and nefarious, but ultimately it is emotionally thrilling.

Daughter of the legend that is Memphis Reed – Chevelley finds her world well and truly turned upside down when in the space of a day she not only has to get her head around the fact that her father is missing, assumed dead but also that with him not gone – she has to take her place at the helm of the organisation that he has ruled over for so long.

His iron fist may be missing but Chevelley is no little miss herself, this balls to the wall woman has her feet planted firmly and her head screwed on and there is nothing that she is not willing to face in order to ensure that her father’s legacy and their business does not fall apart.

She has one task now and that is to insure that the business does not falter and that the wolf that is beating a path to her door, knows that he will leave empty handed because she will do whatever is required to protect and provide for the guys in the crew that have both her love and respect.

But her father’s demise brings forward questions that require resolution, what path had he been and where exactly does Roman Rios fit into the picture because this dangerous man appears to be the lynchpin to the events that she is now surrounded by and with the threat that he poses to her family and business, Chevelley has her work cut out if she is ever to achieve her goal.

Xavier Delgado is Roman’s right hand man, the type of man that a woman would be well minded to
steer well clear of but Chevelley and Xavier have history of the most intimate kind and as her achilles heel he has just have walked back into her life and be about to try and tear it down.

Xavier isn’t the man that Chevelley knew before, hell he barely knows himself anymore, since join Roman he has done and seen things that have made him a shadow of the man that she loved so long ago.
But how far will is memories and conscience allow him to go when it comes to her, because once the war between the crews take a hold – sides will have to be selected and choices made, no matter how difficult they may be but can he face the love he had and ruin her again or will she stop at nothing to protect the lives of her men.

The connection between Chevelley and Xavier is as intense as it could ever be but the situation that surrounds them is far from what either of them would have wished.
The story will completely take your breath away – it had me furiously turning the pages to get my fix of what was coming next, it made the blood flow through my veins just that little faster as the intensity stepped up a gear and the lies that instigated the betrayal that was surrounding them ebbed and flowed.
This book will floor you with the overload of emotions that will run rampant through you as you career toward the last page.
Profile Image for Books Movies Fandoms.
219 reviews12 followers
January 20, 2016

My star rating for WAR is: 4 out of 5 stars. :)

My ‘Blogging Reader’s Review’ after reading an ARC Copy of ‘WAR’(via: BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com):

This review is for the new novel simply titled “War” by author Isabel Lucero. “War” is not this author’s first novel but it is her first in this kind of storyline with darker elements to it. The story delves into the fascinating, dark and violent-criminal world where enemies will do anything to rule everything and everyone they can. Readers will get to follow this story through the main female character Chevelley Reed’s P.O.V.(point of view).

Chevelley Reed is the beautiful daughter of Memphis Reed, who started his own illegal protection racket business. Chevelley “Chelle” was taught and raised to know the business inside and out. Upon the death of her father, she gains the seat of leader and runs the business with nine others who follow her orders. When the head of a local crew decides that he wants in on Chelle’s territory, her leadership and business is put to the test.

Roman Rios is the leader of another organization that deals in illegal dealings in the same city as the Reed’s. When he decides to move his business into the area Chevelley’s crew protects, this causes tension between the two crews. Roman’s only offer is to join forces and be a part of the same dealings but Chelle and her guys want no part of it. The tension becomes heightened and a war between the two crews seems inevitable.

There’s one other problem that Chelle has to face when dealing with Roman’s crew and his name is Xavier Delgado, Roman’s 2nd in command. This man is fierce, dangerous and has a complex history with Chelle that left her years before feeling so confused and hurt. When Chelle and Xavier met when she was a teenager, the attraction was strong but short lived. After they reunite and get to know each other better, life seems to be going good between two people a part of such a dark lifestyle. When that violent life touches them, things are changed so much. Xavier changes even more.

Violence is hard to escape and people will die. But who? The story is entertaining from page to page in this book. I felt enthralled into this dark lifestyle with a strong female leading character who has to be in charge but still has to deal with emotions and heartbreak. She does it well which adds to the awesomeness of this story. The rest of the characters are also quite enjoyable and alpha-sexy. This has tons of suspense, drama and romance that all plays out in such an instrumental way. I recommend this if you like a good story with dark and sexy elements to it. Check this one out readers!


My star rating for WAR is: 4 out of 5 stars. :)

Visit my Blog and see Memorable quotes and character photos of how I imagined them while reading WAR.

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Profile Image for Klaire.
472 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2015
*Gifted for an honest review* 5 stars

I couldn’t really find any fault with this if I’m being honest and that is a breath of fresh air in my books. It’s not your usual gang/Mafia story but more two syndicates (one barely legal and the other highly illegal) finding themselves warring with one and other. There’s a long history covered in this book and whilst it does flit back and forth it is very readable and easy to get on board with. It has this wonderful flow to it that makes it effortless, and the reminiscent time jumps really are needed in order to figure out how Chevelley and Xavier fit into each other’s lives.
There’s some violence, but not so descriptive that it has you gagging, it’s expected with this kind of genre and I don’t imagine it will scare any one off from reading it. I had read Isabel’s work before and I have to say this is different (a fact she mentions in her end of book musings) I do think she has a future writing this kind of genre. The story was different enough to make it a refreshing read, although plot lines are nothing new the way in which the story was delivered made it her own. I liked it, and am really looking forward to more of this kind from the author.
There’s a very interesting mix of characters in this story, all playing their part and extremely well developed. There’s an onus on family loyalty in here as well as other subjects. I think the title was apt. There’s so many “wars” going on between the pages and not just with the two syndicates. It’s an intense book, riddled with action and explosive scenes. I couldn’t find any gaps or inconsistencies, nor any duplication, which for me hails this just about perfect! An often volatile love story is entwined in amongst all of the other things going on, but it rears its head enough for you to feel those frustrating emotions. X and C are simply meant to be together. Enough to keep me reading right on through, I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone that likes this genre. I for one am hoping that Isabel will go on from War and bring us some more stories from this book, especially Rem and deacon. Worthy 5 star read.
Profile Image for Barbara.
90 reviews26 followers
March 15, 2015
Chevelley Reed, also know has C and Chelle, was born into a crime family that ran a Protection Racket business. Dangerous: totally, murder: absolutely, revenge: all of the time. Trained by her father in all aspects of the business, Chevelley was a force to be reckoned with; she always carried at least one gun and knew how to use it. When her father was murdered she picked up right where he left off by heading up the business that was made up entirely of men. These guys were hard core murderers, kidnappers, torturers, whatever it took to protect their customers as well as their own lives. This business was not for the faint of heart, but it was the only thing that Chevelley knew. She was born and bred on it.

Meet Xavier, lethal, badass, gorgeous and sexy! He also worked with his Father in the Protection Racket business until he died. Upon his death, Xavier was given an ultimatum by a man named Roman, who was the most evil man to walk the earth. This ultimatum gave him no choice but to work for Roman in his racket business. Roman’s goal was to put Chevelley out of business. He did not want competition. The only way to put people out of business in their world was to kill them off one by one by one!

This is a story about war between these two businesses. This is also a story about Chevelley and Xavier who before his father’s death were lovers. They had not seen each other for many years until they confronted each other with this impending war started by Roman. They were on opposing sides, but could they forget everything they had meant to each other, would death be their final fate? How far would a man go to protect the woman he loves?

If you are expecting a hearts and flowers erotic romance novel, this book is not for you. Isabel Lucero did a 180 with this change of genre. This book is hardcore, it is dangerous, it is murder, it is bloody and I loved it and think she gave us one hell of a great read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!

Rosie’s Book Heaven was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Janna ♥ I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore ♥.
1,842 reviews211 followers
March 15, 2015
www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com

Every once in a while there will be a book that you get so very excited about after reading the synopsis, thinking I will love this book. Then you start reading it and it ends up not being everything you had hoped for. Sadly this happened with War for me. I will flat out say that I didn’t love it, not even close, but I did overall like it. I just couldn’t connect with Chevelley and I couldn’t come to terms that she ran a protection racket that was left to her by her father because there was sadly nothing in the story to back that back ground up. I liked Xavier and the persona he portrayed. You could tell that there was more to his sudden change when it came to Chevelley, you slowly learn not only about what caused that change but about their previous relationship from flash backs to the past. These two have history, one that has made them who they are in the present but while I could understand and feel for Xavier’s past I just couldn’t with Chevelley’s reactions or how she acted at times.

That all being said, as I stated in the beginning I did like War overall. I would say read it for yourself, give it a chance, this very well could be an instance of it’s not the book it’s me, situation which happens. I had never read anything by Isabel Lucero before and I am not ready to write her on my won’t read list just yet. I want to read her other series because I have heard such great things about them that I want to give this author another shot.
Profile Image for Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane).
1,039 reviews41 followers
March 13, 2015
I had enjoyed 'The Escort Series' by Isabel Lucero and I was very excited to read 'War'. Isabel Lucero did not disappoint. Chevelley Reed is the leader of a criminal group that had been started by her father. When another crew threatens to take over their territory, Chevelley confronts Xavier, her former love, and makes her decision loud and clear "We. Aren't. Going. Anywhere." Unfortunately the response she received "Then you've just started a war." was not good news.

Xavier was a very different person until one day tragedy struck and he was no longer the same, Xavier had changed and abandoned Chevelley. He was now number two, the enemy. There are two wars raging in this story, the war on the enemy and the war on love, and both are life changing. The need to protect and avenge changes the course of their lives. There are sacrifices made and wars to be won. I hope you enjoy 'War' as much as I did.
Check out my blog for more reviews, Reading Keeps Me Sane http://readingkeepmesane.blogspot.com/
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Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
March 16, 2015
When one of the guys on Chevelley's crew draws his gun at an inopportune moment it causes a war. The guy on the other side of the gun was one of Roman's men and they are trying to take over her crew. Unfortunately someone she used to care about is on the wrong side of this war. Xavier is Roman's second in command. So Chevelley has to keep her guys safe and deal with X at the same time. He has secrets he kept from her and everyone else after his father was murdered that will change everything.

This story was non stop action from the very first page. Edge of your seat kind of action where you just hoped that everyone on Chevelley's crew made it through the war alive.

I give War 4 hearts!
Profile Image for Holly Michelle.
89 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2015
Are you looking for a fast paced book that keeps you wanting more? One that you can't put down because you need to know what happens!?!? If you love the chase of a thrilling novel then WAR is for you! In her latest novel Isabel has changed the direction her books usually go and set the bar high. I am giving it a high five stars.
The first thing about this novel that stands out is the main character. Chevelley is bold and powerful. I also find it refreshing to read a book where a women is the headliner, and not naive!
As well has the head character you also have a great "cast" of characters that you can easily visualize in your head while you are reading. The writing style flows, the timeline is on point, and the plot is amazing.

Profile Image for Kelly Fletcher.
103 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2015
I received an ARC via The Booktique in exchange for an honest review

This is my first read by Isabel Lucero and it did not disappoint. Gripping from the start, War grabs you and and does not stop until it reaches it's conclusion.

The chemistry between Chevelley and Xavier is palpable and if there was ever an example of two people who should be together it's them but will they find their happy ever after? It's not going to be an easy journey that's for sure.

Lots of suspense and drama and a generally great read. Looking forward to reading more from Isabel.
Profile Image for Riza.
403 reviews11 followers
March 17, 2015
5 Stars

WAR is a very different book from Isabel Lucero.
I really had a great time beta reading this book and reading it once more today.
Cee and Xavier 's love story is not the typical romance or love story, theirs is more like a bad ass Romeo and Juliet type but very different.
This book is action-filled with a bad ass heroine. If you are looking for a different read or getting tired in a weak heroine personality here's a breath of fresh air.
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,153 reviews9 followers
March 29, 2015
I'm being generous with 3 stars..

hmm ok this book holds a lot of potential... to begin with it was really good, got hooked but in the middle it was predictable and the end I knew what was gonna happen.. the ending seemed rushed.. I don't know the story line is great but I wasn't feeling it towards the end.
Profile Image for Celine.
174 reviews13 followers
March 18, 2015
I had a hard time finishing this book. I was expecting a kick-ass h since she was the leader of this racketeering syndicate, but sadly she was NOT. The story itself is not really believable(?) with the things this group do.
Profile Image for Texas.
524 reviews4 followers
April 7, 2015
Awesome Book...great read..smooth as silk and honey!!!
Xavier..we all want him!!!
This one will have your heart pumping for several reasons!!
WOOT..HEA..excellent book, well written!
Profile Image for SLSR.
233 reviews
July 18, 2019
Intense & bad a$$ boss b

The main character was pretty amazing, yes she had a softer side but that made her character well rounded and believable. Loved the intensity between her and X.

Fast paced and action packed with a bit of steamy
Profile Image for Lisa.
803 reviews9 followers
March 3, 2020
Bad boys

Wow, this book was something I felt a little different for Isabel but omg it was still so bloody good!!!!!! With tattooed hunks and a feisty gun wielding chick this is a definite must read
Profile Image for Holly.
207 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2015
(I received an ARC for an honest review - thanks Isabel! <3)

*cue hyperventilating*

OMG Wow! This book is one intense, thrill ride of drama, suspense and a whole lot of lust! This is my first book by Isabel Lucero but I doubt it'll be my last now!

Chevelley is the daughter of Memphis Reed the big boss of a feared illegal group who protect their client's and their businesses by any means possible. When Memphis goes missing and is presumed dead Chevelley takes his place. The only woman amongst a group of big intimidating guys she's worked hard to earn their respect and considers them all her brothers.

Before his death events were unfolding that would change the course of all of their lives. There were lies and betrayals which left them reeling. And at the heart of it all? Roman Rios.

Roman is a very dangerous man - if you want to stay alive you learn to never trust nor betray him. Chevelley has managed to keep her business and boys away from him...until now. With Roman determined to steal her business, a war is brewing and it's Chevelley's job to keep her boys safe. But there's one problem.

Xavier Delgado.

Once upon a time Xavier meant everything to her, she loved him unconditionally and couldn't have been happier. But after his father's death, he changed. He pushed her away and betrayed her in the worst possible way - he joined Roman's crew.

Now Roman's number 2, Xavier has done terrible things and Chevelley can barely recognise him anymore. When war breaks out between their crews, Chevelley knows that they will undoubtedly come face to face. But will she be able to protect her crew and do what ever it takes to win this war - even if it means killing Xavier? Or will old feelings creep to the surface and get in the way?

Shots are fired, blood is spilt and lives are lost, but at the end of it all, is everything truly what it seems?

War is an absolutely epic read. Fast-paced, full of suspense and unbelievably hot, I was held mesmerised by this book from start to finish. If you're a fan of MC novels then this is definitely right up your street. I loved that Chevelley was the big boss - normally in this time of book the heroine is the boss' daughter but here Chelle is definitely the one calling the shots and it's brilliant! As for her and Xavier? Boy those two have crazy chemistry! Trust me when I say their story will captivate you in every way and Xavier will undoubtedly be added to your alpha male book boyfriend shelf!

Suspense. Lust. Betrayal. Lies & Passion - War has them all in spades. An intense, epic read with unbelievable twists which will leave you begging for more - definitely one not to be missed!
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
March 20, 2015
3.5. Stars

I'll be honest with you, this book has some good things, but it also has some problems. I'm not exactly a crime lord, but even I can tell that the book does not depict the criminal life realistically. Terrible things happen in this book, but no cops are ever seen. People commit mass murder with no consequences whatsoever. 

However, that said, some of the characters are interesting, especially Xavier, the male lead. I kind of wish we got more of his story. He gave up everything for the one he loved, and I wanted to feel that sacrifice more. I'd love to learn more about his time with Roman, the bad guy in the book. 

Chevelley is the female lead, and she is interesting, but again, not very realistic. She is supposed to be the leader of this group of rough and tumble men, but she's only 26 years old. Her father was the leader, and made her a boss before his sudden disappearance. I found it a bit unbelievable that these men would follow her. She seemed very impulsive and emotional at times. Yes, she's tough, and not afraid to use force when necessary, but I still don't think these men would just fall in line behind her. 

The romantic relationship between Chevelley and Xavier was nearly nonexistent at first, except for a few flashbacks. For most of the book they are on opposite sides of the "War". But when it does finally kick into gear, it's very hot and sexy. 

There are some exciting nail biting moments, and I really enjoyed them, even if they were unrealistic. I guess the point here is to not expect a criminal documentary. This is a fantasy depiction of the criminal life. If you can keep that straight going in, then you'll probably be fine.

The book is fully self-contained, no cliffhanger ending to worry about. I say give it a try if you just want a little fantasy crime with your romance. 
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,094 reviews93 followers
December 2, 2016
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *

~ 5 Love and War Stars ~

I have to be honest...I was kind of nervous to read this book. But I am extremely glad I took a chance and had faith in Isabel.

This book was AMAZING!! I loved every second of it. This book kept me on my toes the whole way through. I was nervous about how graphic this book could get but don't worry it wasn't graphic at all. It was very tastefully written but also got the point across.

I don't want to say much about the storyline because that will spoil the story but I will say this....this book was intense. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop. I loved how Isabel told this story. It was told solely from the heroine's POV. She also connected the characters to the story by telling it primarily from the present tense but gave us flashbacks to the past so we could see how Xavier and Chevelley connect. I liked watching their story unfold. My only complaint about this book is I felt that the conclusion of the Roman story needs to quickly and easily. I wanted more from that. It didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book at all though.

War is a standalone novel. It's a fairly quick read but that because you can't help but turn the pages as fast as you can to see how it plays out. This book just proves that Isabel Lucero has the great ability to write many different types of books and they will all be fantastic. I am never disappointed with her books.

I would 100% recommend this book to everyone. It was nonstop action and will have you on the edge of your seat.


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