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Eagle's Heart
Salomeh Jones is a Brooklyn high school teacher whose attempt to aid an abused student ruins her career and puts her life in jeopardy. Julian Tamali is a special agent hot on the trail of the Albanian mafia boss responsible for a slew of crimes, including the death of Julian's family. When Julian finds a connection between the mafia boss and the disgraced school teacher, he sets into motion a series of events that will change their lives forever.
A night of pleasure throws them into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the man who has kidnapped Salomeh's student and is possibly providing weapons to terrorists. Caught in a web of passion, danger, and betrayal, Julian and Salomeh must stop the mafia boss or forfeit their chance at redemption--and their lives.
A night of pleasure throws them into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the man who has kidnapped Salomeh's student and is possibly providing weapons to terrorists. Caught in a web of passion, danger, and betrayal, Julian and Salomeh must stop the mafia boss or forfeit their chance at redemption--and their lives.
234 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Cole
41 books6,517 followersAlyssa Cole is an award-winning author of historical, contemporary, and sci-fi romance. Her Civil War-set espionage romance An Extraordinary Union was the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award’s Best Book of 2017 and the American Library Association’s RUSA Best Romance for 2018, and A Princess in Theory was one of the New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2018. She’s contributed to publications including Bustle, Shondaland, The Toast, Vulture, RT Book Reviews, and Heroes and Heartbreakers, and her books have received critical acclaim from The New York Times, Library Journal, BuzzFeed, Kirkus, Booklist, Jezebel, Vulture, Book Riot, Entertainment Weekly, and various other outlets. When she’s not working, she can usually be found watching anime or wrangling her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 18, 2014
Eagle's Heart is a romantic suspense featuring an African-American heroine and an Albanian hero. This book didn't spare a moment before thrusting me into the thick of things so I'm going to say up front that I really enjoyed it and was quite impressed. Eagle's Heart was so much more than I expected with a storyline that is unique for the genre. So what's it about? We start with Salomeh Jones. She's a teacher who's just been informed that a student's mother has made claims that she's molesting her daughter. To Salomeh's horror not only is the mother making these claims but the student is agreeing that it happened. Salomeh is devastated. Not only is her career, good name, and life falling apart around her, but the student is someone that she's tried to help and cares a great deal for. Even worse, the news and tabloids are painting her as a pedophile and people on the street are harassing her. Of course Salomeh is innocent and she's intentionally being ruined by the Albanian mob boss named Bardhyn who employs the abusive boyfriend of the students mother. Julian Tamali is a special agent who shares a history of violence and death with the mob boss. He's trying to bring him down and get vengeance for past wrong-doings. When the agent and the disgraced teacher meet it is combustible. Not only are these two attracted to one another, but they're also both marked by the mob boss.
The Good: This book was filled with suspense, suspense, suspense!! Salomeh's situation is ugly and I can't even imagine being accused of something so vile. I can honestly say that I've never read of a heroine who's been accused of molesting her female students. The real beauty of this book is Julian. Alyssa Cole did her research on Albania and the problems that have plagued the people there. His history is gritty and real, and you get a very vivid sense of where he's been and how he got to where he is now. The relationship between him and Bardhyn is a complex one that's fraught with betrayal and hurt feelings turned deadly. There was a lot of action, which was good because I never wanted to put the book down. Fights, car chase, explosions, gun fights and vows of revenge, I could easily see this as a movie that I would go watch. I also give it kudos for not making a big deal on the difference in skin color between the hero and the heroine. It wasn't even mentioned. This is just pure romantic action-suspense.
The Bad: My complaints all have one thing in common - Salomeh. Okay, she wasn't the worse heroine that I've ever read and there were things about her that I did like, but girl did some of the stupidest things! There's really just two times that Salomeh takes a journey down TSTL lane, but they are significant. The only other thing that bugged me enough to mention is the speed in which Salomeh and Julian fall into each other's arms (and bed). I'm thinking she would have been more leery of people than that.
The Bottom Line: Eagle's Heart was an invigorating thrill ride that grabs the reader from the very first page. It can be pretty hard hitting in some parts as human trafficking and sexual slavery also play a part in the story. Overall I really liked Eagle's Heart and I think that Alyssa Cole is a strong new voice in the genre. I highly recommend this romantic action-suspense and believe most readers won't be disappointed. I give it a 4 out of 5 rating.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*
Want more of my reviews? Visit my book blog
The Good: This book was filled with suspense, suspense, suspense!! Salomeh's situation is ugly and I can't even imagine being accused of something so vile. I can honestly say that I've never read of a heroine who's been accused of molesting her female students. The real beauty of this book is Julian. Alyssa Cole did her research on Albania and the problems that have plagued the people there. His history is gritty and real, and you get a very vivid sense of where he's been and how he got to where he is now. The relationship between him and Bardhyn is a complex one that's fraught with betrayal and hurt feelings turned deadly. There was a lot of action, which was good because I never wanted to put the book down. Fights, car chase, explosions, gun fights and vows of revenge, I could easily see this as a movie that I would go watch. I also give it kudos for not making a big deal on the difference in skin color between the hero and the heroine. It wasn't even mentioned. This is just pure romantic action-suspense.
The Bad: My complaints all have one thing in common - Salomeh. Okay, she wasn't the worse heroine that I've ever read and there were things about her that I did like, but girl did some of the stupidest things! There's really just two times that Salomeh takes a journey down TSTL lane, but they are significant. The only other thing that bugged me enough to mention is the speed in which Salomeh and Julian fall into each other's arms (and bed). I'm thinking she would have been more leery of people than that.
The Bottom Line: Eagle's Heart was an invigorating thrill ride that grabs the reader from the very first page. It can be pretty hard hitting in some parts as human trafficking and sexual slavery also play a part in the story. Overall I really liked Eagle's Heart and I think that Alyssa Cole is a strong new voice in the genre. I highly recommend this romantic action-suspense and believe most readers won't be disappointed. I give it a 4 out of 5 rating.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*
Want more of my reviews? Visit my book blog
November 1, 2015
I was expecting contemporary romance but got a more action-oriented romantic suspense. The way the bad guy engineered the heroine's public disgrace is my personal nightmare. And how awful of me that my first thought when a bunch of goons get killed in her apartment and she had to flee is "now maybe people will believe that she was telling the truth!' Really who cares about goons bleeding out all over the carpet.
The hero was nicely sexy and the chemistry between the leads was palpable. Did think their emotional connection felt rushed, but the pace of the story almost seemed to drag the characters along so that there was a reason to the urgency.
This was a page turner with a bit of a heartbreaking twist at the end regarding a supporting character that I did not see coming!
Enjoyed this one.
The hero was nicely sexy and the chemistry between the leads was palpable. Did think their emotional connection felt rushed, but the pace of the story almost seemed to drag the characters along so that there was a reason to the urgency.
This was a page turner with a bit of a heartbreaking twist at the end regarding a supporting character that I did not see coming!
Enjoyed this one.
January 28, 2014
This was one of those "I really should go to bed but I can't stop reading" books. The characters are well developed and juicy. Salomeh is so dynamic that it's impossible not to root for her. And Julian is charming and super hot. The premise--a teacher falsely accused of molesting a student gets caught up in the Albanian mafia--is intriguing and extremely well done. The author did her research and it shows. Best of all, the book is tightly paced, flowing from thrilling scene to thrilling scene.
July 3, 2016
Loved it
This book is well written. The dialogue between the characters flows easily and they are likeable. This was such a good book that I even didn't mind the whole love at first sight crap that I usually detest. The perfect amount of romance, action and mystery. Really love this author.
This book is well written. The dialogue between the characters flows easily and they are likeable. This was such a good book that I even didn't mind the whole love at first sight crap that I usually detest. The perfect amount of romance, action and mystery. Really love this author.
October 30, 2014
4.5 stars. Loved the story, love the characters. The topic, which relate very well, what is going on in our world. OMG, it had me on the chair, wondering what the hell is going to happen. Bravo to the author.
July 3, 2017
Is there anything this author can't write! I l♥ved it.
June 28, 2021
I liked it. At about 70% in I realised that I'd actually read it already, but I still liked it. Not really a romance though, and the heroine is possibly Too Stupid To Live? You know, one of those types who deliberately follow mafia henchmen into dark alleys to give them a stern talking to? It gives the hero a chance to be all rescue-y, and Julian is one of those very rescue-y types, but I still wished that Shalomeh actually acted like an educated woman of the world for once. She was so frustrating!
But I really liked Julian's staged Meet-Cute. It was very wrong of him, but I love heroes who do dickish things in the name of love. The conflict and the tension of that first half before he bursts his own bubble of deception was very well done. The string of lies and creative half-truths, and his whole "Excuse me Miss, what's your name?" routine...
But I really liked Julian's staged Meet-Cute. It was very wrong of him, but I love heroes who do dickish things in the name of love. The conflict and the tension of that first half before he bursts his own bubble of deception was very well done. The string of lies and creative half-truths, and his whole "Excuse me Miss, what's your name?" routine...
November 28, 2017
I am completely embarrassed to admit that I mistook Albania for Algeria and was getting rather annoyed at all the white-coding of characters from Africa. My bad. This book featured a Black heroine, a Latina bestie, and queer secondary characters, all of which were done right, without needing to make a big damn deal out of any of it. What a pleasure!
The plot itself was thrilling. A highschool teacher gets in way over her head while trying to help an abused student. A FBI agent on the heels of a notorious gangster from his past runs across a beautiful woman whose life is being torn apart as collateral damage. Sparks fly and the two of them team up to save the day. Wonderful.
The plot itself was thrilling. A highschool teacher gets in way over her head while trying to help an abused student. A FBI agent on the heels of a notorious gangster from his past runs across a beautiful woman whose life is being torn apart as collateral damage. Sparks fly and the two of them team up to save the day. Wonderful.
January 9, 2022
Steamy, excellent descriptions. The book touches upon some big themes such as human trafficking, civil war, and the mafia. It was a light read and for the first book by this author; I found it to be a wonderful effort.
May 5, 2019
3.5 stars
March 9, 2014
Eagle’s Heart is a multicultural romantic suspense story with a leading couple so hot that there are times it seems as if the story will send steam out of the ereader. At the same time, the suspenseful aspects of the plot are very dark; mixing a tale of Albanian gangs and weapons dealers with a story about revenge and the horrors of the child sex trade.
Teacher Salomeh Jones discovers that one of her students is being abused by both her mother and her mother’s sadistic boyfriend. But when Salomeh reports the crime to the police, instead of helping the girl, the cops uncover evidence that Salomeh is abusing her students. All evidence manufactured by an Albanian gang leader who gets his kicks from destroying people’s lives. Salomeh’s case attracts the attention of FBI Agent Julian Tamali, who has been tracking the gang leader since Bardhyn murdered his entire family in order to punish him for wanting to walk away. Julian doesn’t know whether Salomeh is a suspect or a victim, but he can’t resist falling for him. When they discover that the gang is targeting them both, they join forces for good. And possibly forever.
Verdict: Recommended for romantic suspense readers who want their suspense on the dark, gritty and deadly side. The story is compelling, but with part of the jeopardy including girls forcibly addicted to drugs and turned to prostitution, it is not for the faint of heart.
Teacher Salomeh Jones discovers that one of her students is being abused by both her mother and her mother’s sadistic boyfriend. But when Salomeh reports the crime to the police, instead of helping the girl, the cops uncover evidence that Salomeh is abusing her students. All evidence manufactured by an Albanian gang leader who gets his kicks from destroying people’s lives. Salomeh’s case attracts the attention of FBI Agent Julian Tamali, who has been tracking the gang leader since Bardhyn murdered his entire family in order to punish him for wanting to walk away. Julian doesn’t know whether Salomeh is a suspect or a victim, but he can’t resist falling for him. When they discover that the gang is targeting them both, they join forces for good. And possibly forever.
Verdict: Recommended for romantic suspense readers who want their suspense on the dark, gritty and deadly side. The story is compelling, but with part of the jeopardy including girls forcibly addicted to drugs and turned to prostitution, it is not for the faint of heart.
January 20, 2017
I quite enjoyed this book and would have given it 3.5 starts if it were possible. Both Salomeh (what a great name!) and Julian were interesting lead characters, caring, strong and vulnerable, with a sizzling hot chemistry (although I could have done without the whole "attraction-at-first-sight" thingy) and well researched background stories (especially Julian). I also liked Yates (and her niece who was such a sweetheart even though she only got a few lines) and Martha. The plot was solid and well paced. I liked that the writing didn't sugarcoat or glamorize what those mafiosi/gangster people did, the way too many "gangster" romances usually do. I got a little bit annoyed how it handled the big confrontation by the end, having Salomeh acted so, so stupidly and making an already dangerous situation even more so. I also didn't like how judgemental she reacted toward Linda, who was another interesting secondary character. But I liked the ending and especially the fact that the writer didn't pull any "miracle" regarding Salomeh's situation and had her be happy nevertheless.
July 15, 2016
Pretty cute! One thing I really appreciate about Cole's books is the natural diversity. A lot of times when I read m/f romance I just prepare myself to enjoy my favourite romantic tropes, but also to disappear back into a world where everyone is white and straight. But you don't have to do that in Cole's novels. The heroine isn't the only person of colour, when others were mentioned (even in passing) it didn't come off as token-y at all, and there were the beginnings of a tiny f/f B-plot. And I appreciated that!
The story itself was cute, a little silly at times, not very surprising/inspired in its twists and turns, and at one point I wanted to strangle the hero (JUST TELL HER THE TRUTH DUDE). And I feel like she tried to tie up the story a little too quickly and neatly when she didn't really need to.
But it was a nice, fun, leisurely read; just what I needed.
3.5 stars
The story itself was cute, a little silly at times, not very surprising/inspired in its twists and turns, and at one point I wanted to strangle the hero (JUST TELL HER THE TRUTH DUDE). And I feel like she tried to tie up the story a little too quickly and neatly when she didn't really need to.
But it was a nice, fun, leisurely read; just what I needed.
3.5 stars
January 26, 2014
4.5 stars
February 27, 2014
Reviewed at Dear Author - linky: http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/d-...
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews