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Royal Blood #2
Bad Blood
A killer without a master.
A monster without a leash.
Xavier “X” Blood is a contract killer. Cold, calculating, devoid of feeling.
He knows the best way to drive the life from another human beings eyes, but what he doesn’t bargain on is wanting to save a life he’s meant to take.
Mercy Reid was good at running from her demons. That was until she met X and her life was thrown into chaos.
Mercy finally has him on her side…and in her bed, but it’s at a cost far greater than she could’ve anticipated.
On the run, they must learn to trust one another beyond their burgeoning love if they want to get through the coming chaos. Revenge, truth, lies...heartache...insanity. All of it thretening to drive them apart.
Mercy will do whatever it takes to avenge the horror that Sykes put her through. Anything. Even if she has to drown the last of her soul in the bad blood that threatens to destroy the last thing she holds dearest in her heart.
X.
A monster without a leash.
Xavier “X” Blood is a contract killer. Cold, calculating, devoid of feeling.
He knows the best way to drive the life from another human beings eyes, but what he doesn’t bargain on is wanting to save a life he’s meant to take.
Mercy Reid was good at running from her demons. That was until she met X and her life was thrown into chaos.
Mercy finally has him on her side…and in her bed, but it’s at a cost far greater than she could’ve anticipated.
On the run, they must learn to trust one another beyond their burgeoning love if they want to get through the coming chaos. Revenge, truth, lies...heartache...insanity. All of it thretening to drive them apart.
Mercy will do whatever it takes to avenge the horror that Sykes put her through. Anything. Even if she has to drown the last of her soul in the bad blood that threatens to destroy the last thing she holds dearest in her heart.
X.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
35 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Amity Cross
55 books784 followersAmity Cross is the author of wicked stories about rock stars looking for redemption, gritty romances featuring MMA fighters and dark tales of forbidden romance. She loves to write about alpha males and the strong women who challenge them to fall in love.
Amity lives in a leafy country town near Melbourne, Australia and can be found chained to her desk, held at ransom by her characters.
Don’t send help. She likes it.
AVAILABLE SERIES:
The Beat and The Pulse - (Series Complete)
Unexpected - (Series Complete)
Royal Blood - (Series Complete)
L is for Luminous - (Stand Alone Romance)
The Thornfield Affair - (Series Complete)
The Devil’s Tattoo - (Series Complete)
Fortitude MC - (Series Complete)
And more coming soon!
Find out more about Amity and her books by visiting:
http://www.amitycrosswrites.com
Want to be notified about new releases? Sign up for the VIP newsletter and get occasional free books, bonus stories, and more: http://bit.ly/AmityCrossNews
Give a new hero a try! Grab the FREE Amity Cross Starter Library today:
http://bit.ly/AmityFreebies
Amity lives in a leafy country town near Melbourne, Australia and can be found chained to her desk, held at ransom by her characters.
Don’t send help. She likes it.
AVAILABLE SERIES:
The Beat and The Pulse - (Series Complete)
Unexpected - (Series Complete)
Royal Blood - (Series Complete)
L is for Luminous - (Stand Alone Romance)
The Thornfield Affair - (Series Complete)
The Devil’s Tattoo - (Series Complete)
Fortitude MC - (Series Complete)
And more coming soon!
Find out more about Amity and her books by visiting:
http://www.amitycrosswrites.com
Want to be notified about new releases? Sign up for the VIP newsletter and get occasional free books, bonus stories, and more: http://bit.ly/AmityCrossNews
Give a new hero a try! Grab the FREE Amity Cross Starter Library today:
http://bit.ly/AmityFreebies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 16, 2015
This was an amazing continuation of Royal Blood!
Xavier and Mercy will finally get their revenge on Sykes but the road towards it is extremely rocky! Darkness lurks everywhere and especially inside our characters.
Mercy will have to learn how to fight, how to be strong; how to kill. Xavier is deliciously dark, his character changing only towards Mercy. I love their relationship and the hold she has on him. Their chemistry is explosive and I loved the air of danger that dominated the book.
Simply amazing. I cannot wait to start Devil's Blood.
5 Bloody Stars from me!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Xavier and Mercy will finally get their revenge on Sykes but the road towards it is extremely rocky! Darkness lurks everywhere and especially inside our characters.
Mercy will have to learn how to fight, how to be strong; how to kill. Xavier is deliciously dark, his character changing only towards Mercy. I love their relationship and the hold she has on him. Their chemistry is explosive and I loved the air of danger that dominated the book.
Simply amazing. I cannot wait to start Devil's Blood.
5 Bloody Stars from me!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2015
X he's seeing different things when he's with his woman you know like how a normal life could be, "I lounged in the armchair by the open fireplace, watching Mercy move around in the kitchen. Watching her cook was very… domestic." He still has a massive hard on for his womanbpersonally I don't think that's ever going to change, "Just thinking about it made my balls begin to ache. Since all I could think about was effing Mercy's a**, it had obviously had the desired effect." Mercy is learning the ways of X and his lifestyle and at times it gets the girl all hot and bothered, "That was such a effinng rush and I wasn’t even there.” Turned on it was. She pressed against me, grinding against my erection, our lips coming together." X's style of romance is interesting, "some men gave their women flowers and jewelry. I laid the bodies of her enemies at her feet like a effed up wreath of roses." I loved this book
July 23, 2015
This is book two in the Royal Blood Series. Make sure you read book one Royal Blood before reading this one.
X and Mercys story continues. They are on the run. Mercy wants revenge for the murder of her family. X is fighting his demons. X is a badass alpha. I love how Mercy is getting stronger throughout these stories.
Really great dark and gritty story. This is action packed with romance and mystery. I couldn't help but read this in one sitting. I was literally glued to it. Loved it.
X and Mercys story continues. They are on the run. Mercy wants revenge for the murder of her family. X is fighting his demons. X is a badass alpha. I love how Mercy is getting stronger throughout these stories.
Really great dark and gritty story. This is action packed with romance and mystery. I couldn't help but read this in one sitting. I was literally glued to it. Loved it.
Want to read
February 23, 2015
April 20, 2015
You know that hair raising wormy feeling you get on the back of your neck when you think someone is watching you, or how your heart skips a few beats when you know you're being followed? The next shuddering breath you take could be your last. I'm a ghost, a living breathing shadow, a figment of your imagination and if you're one of the unlucky few to have seen my face....let just say you won't be around long enough tell the tale.
Mercy Reid was my one failed missions, my perpetual weakness a contracted hit I didn't pull the trigger on. She stirred up so many feelings and now the monster roams free, a beast without the leash. Memories long forgotten have surfaced and she's right in the eye of the storm. Her need of killing Sykes is more than a pipe dream, one she'll be able to achieve if I train her, turn her into a killer make her into a monster like me and that's if I don't end up killing her first.
But loves causes us to do stupid things! Mercy and I will become reckless when we need to keep our eyes on the prize. So many are after us and the next step we take very well could be our last, but damn what she does to me!
Mercy Reid was my one failed missions, my perpetual weakness a contracted hit I didn't pull the trigger on. She stirred up so many feelings and now the monster roams free, a beast without the leash. Memories long forgotten have surfaced and she's right in the eye of the storm. Her need of killing Sykes is more than a pipe dream, one she'll be able to achieve if I train her, turn her into a killer make her into a monster like me and that's if I don't end up killing her first.
But loves causes us to do stupid things! Mercy and I will become reckless when we need to keep our eyes on the prize. So many are after us and the next step we take very well could be our last, but damn what she does to me!
March 17, 2015
I just finished Bad Blood and I really liked it. This is a follow up from Royal Blood so this must be read in order to be able to get the full impact of the story with the characters. This story is about X (Xavier Blood) and Mercy Reid. Mercy wants revenge for the deaths of her family and she will get it at no cost. Sykes is a bad man. This was botched in Royal Blood and now Sykes no who she is and wants her dead. It was X's responsibility to deliver Mercy but since they found each other, it was really hard for him to do this. Now its their story about survival and extracting revenge. X will help her with this but she will see how he really is. Will she be able to take Sykes out and still be able to be her? You will just have to read and see.
I really enjoyed this story. It was beautifully written. It really put me in the story and I so didnt want to leave! The characters are so versatile and distinct, made you want the best for these characters. Enjoying the secondary characters too. Im digging Vaughn and cant wait to see what happens with him!
I would definitely recommend this to my girls!
Story 5
Sex 5
Overall 5
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore
I really enjoyed this story. It was beautifully written. It really put me in the story and I so didnt want to leave! The characters are so versatile and distinct, made you want the best for these characters. Enjoying the secondary characters too. Im digging Vaughn and cant wait to see what happens with him!
I would definitely recommend this to my girls!
Story 5
Sex 5
Overall 5
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore
March 17, 2015
4.5 stars
After a little confusion at the start because I couldn't seem to recall this series being set in England, I quickly got into this story.
This book starts off with Mercy still wanting to seek revenge against her family's murderer, Sykes and with the help of X she finally has a chance to avenge their deaths, but the majority of the story leaves us wondering whether she can finally go through with it.
X is still struggling to come to terms with who he is and what we ultimately have is a story of two people needing the other and working together.
Mercy is a lot more focused than she was in book one and at first it seems she has lost the feistiness I originally loved about her, but I think I love her more now as she attempts to turn herself into someone who is capable of killing another human being.
I really love the journey these two are on and although this book isn't to everyone's taste, for example, the sex, which tends to be of a more violent nature, I really am hooked.
After a little confusion at the start because I couldn't seem to recall this series being set in England, I quickly got into this story.
This book starts off with Mercy still wanting to seek revenge against her family's murderer, Sykes and with the help of X she finally has a chance to avenge their deaths, but the majority of the story leaves us wondering whether she can finally go through with it.
X is still struggling to come to terms with who he is and what we ultimately have is a story of two people needing the other and working together.
Mercy is a lot more focused than she was in book one and at first it seems she has lost the feistiness I originally loved about her, but I think I love her more now as she attempts to turn herself into someone who is capable of killing another human being.
I really love the journey these two are on and although this book isn't to everyone's taste, for example, the sex, which tends to be of a more violent nature, I really am hooked.
June 20, 2015
Mercy and X finally had a chance.
Escaping. Plotting, scheming revenge. But a what cost?
Everything comes with a price. That price is life and death.
For X, he’s slowly remembering his past. Did he have a family? Has he ever loved?
Flashes of his targets. Crossed out. X marks the spot.
So many nightmares plaque him, putting Mercy in his line of fire.
She has hope and faith in him though so she’s not letting go.
Extracting Intel on their target is key. No failing allowed.
Past meets present and future. An eye for an eye.
One man can give X and Mercy what they want the most. Not without some type of payment though. Again nothing in life is free.
One hit. One step closer to ending the man personally responsible for ending her life.
Mercy is reborn.
Revenge executed but not without any hiccups.
This is a dark, sensual & sexually gritty read (Fanning self) loving every minute of it.
I was graciously gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Escaping. Plotting, scheming revenge. But a what cost?
Everything comes with a price. That price is life and death.
For X, he’s slowly remembering his past. Did he have a family? Has he ever loved?
Flashes of his targets. Crossed out. X marks the spot.
So many nightmares plaque him, putting Mercy in his line of fire.
She has hope and faith in him though so she’s not letting go.
Extracting Intel on their target is key. No failing allowed.
Past meets present and future. An eye for an eye.
One man can give X and Mercy what they want the most. Not without some type of payment though. Again nothing in life is free.
One hit. One step closer to ending the man personally responsible for ending her life.
Mercy is reborn.
Revenge executed but not without any hiccups.
This is a dark, sensual & sexually gritty read (Fanning self) loving every minute of it.
I was graciously gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2018
This was better than the 1st book
April 6, 2015
I've been waiting to see how Amity Cross planned to continue X and Mercy's story. At the end of Royal Blood, they are on the run, vowing the revenge that Mercy desperately needs in order to move forward with her life. But that promise comes with a number of repercussions, most of which could get them both killed.
Bad Blood is broken up into two parts; part one focuses on training, regrouping, fracturing, and transforming. Both Mercy and X are adjusting to their new connection and close quarters, and they are slowly becoming different people as Mercy is trained to exact her revenge and X is regressing back to his old self - the man he was before he was programmed...conditioned to become a killing machine. There's nothing easy about these changes; the situation is dark, dangerous, and devastating because as X comes back to himself, his mind gets bogged down with memories that threaten to not only destroy him but his connection with Mercy.
Part Two has one clear objective - revenge, but to get to the end game, there are so many things that could go wrong, leading to multiple conclusions. X's diverse skill set is showcased as the plan plays out to exact Mercy's revenge on Sykes. This is a task that's supposed to be emotionless, but when it comes to the way Mercy and X feel about each other, that's easier said than done, which means the risk of death is even greater.
Royal Blood seemed to be a complicated game of cat and mouse with X trying to figure out who his mark is and Mercy working to not make another misstep. Bad Blood ups the stakes, and it's no longer a game but a hunt, and even if X and Mercy's prey momentarily alludes them, with a little help from one of X's contacts, everything Mercy's trained for comes to fruition but it's unclear if she'll be able to follow through with her plan.
Amity Cross gives readers a play by play of X and Mercy's transformative journey by giving us their dual perspectives and forcing us to understand what every action means for them, both individually and as a couple. Although the story doesn't end in a cliffhanger, there's more to tell when it comes to X and Mercy's story because there's still others to be dealt with. But as the series continues, it has definitely been made clear that both X and Mercy can be whoever they want to be now.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Bad Blood is broken up into two parts; part one focuses on training, regrouping, fracturing, and transforming. Both Mercy and X are adjusting to their new connection and close quarters, and they are slowly becoming different people as Mercy is trained to exact her revenge and X is regressing back to his old self - the man he was before he was programmed...conditioned to become a killing machine. There's nothing easy about these changes; the situation is dark, dangerous, and devastating because as X comes back to himself, his mind gets bogged down with memories that threaten to not only destroy him but his connection with Mercy.
Part Two has one clear objective - revenge, but to get to the end game, there are so many things that could go wrong, leading to multiple conclusions. X's diverse skill set is showcased as the plan plays out to exact Mercy's revenge on Sykes. This is a task that's supposed to be emotionless, but when it comes to the way Mercy and X feel about each other, that's easier said than done, which means the risk of death is even greater.
Royal Blood seemed to be a complicated game of cat and mouse with X trying to figure out who his mark is and Mercy working to not make another misstep. Bad Blood ups the stakes, and it's no longer a game but a hunt, and even if X and Mercy's prey momentarily alludes them, with a little help from one of X's contacts, everything Mercy's trained for comes to fruition but it's unclear if she'll be able to follow through with her plan.
Amity Cross gives readers a play by play of X and Mercy's transformative journey by giving us their dual perspectives and forcing us to understand what every action means for them, both individually and as a couple. Although the story doesn't end in a cliffhanger, there's more to tell when it comes to X and Mercy's story because there's still others to be dealt with. But as the series continues, it has definitely been made clear that both X and Mercy can be whoever they want to be now.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
April 7, 2015
I am not saying this to warn you off, in fact I hope you dig right in because you will be missing something that I can only describe as extraordinary if you don’t but it would be remise of me not to say what I am about to – Please if you do not like a story that is dark and unforgiving then do yourself a favour – secure your sleep and heed the authors warning because as magnificent as Bad Blood is it is not for the faint hearted, it will take you to places that other books steer well away from but if you want to face the challenge then you are my friend in very good company because Amity Cross – has a story that will not only keep you on the edge of your seat but also have your heart in your mouth.
Taking up the mantle from the end of Royal Blood we are right back in the thick of it – with Mercy and X as they do their best to escape the danger they are in. X is feeling things that he has long since laid forgotten and the impact they have on him are causing more issues that he could have ever anticipated but his saving grace is the effect that Mercy has on him – she knows all too well that he is a serious threat to her safety but yet she feels or at least shows little fear – because she seems to be able to calm him when nothing else can.
Mercy is holding fast in the hope that not only will she be able to extract revenge on those that took away all that she loved in the world but that in time X will eventually fill that void and be able to love her the way she knows she loves him. It gave me a sense of pride watching Mercy develop and adapt, knowing that despite where she had come from she was finding her metal and would be able to exact her revenge.
If like me you like to take a walk on the dark side every one and then, then I have to say that both Royal Blood and this Bad Blood will feed your need – I loved it.
I thought long and hard before writing this review because I didn’t want to put anyone off the book, because it deserves to be read by as many people as possible but while it is expertly written and superbly crafted it is not for everyone, but if you are looking for a challenge and a chance to throw caution to the wind then this might just be for you – go on – take a chance, I dare you!!!
Taking up the mantle from the end of Royal Blood we are right back in the thick of it – with Mercy and X as they do their best to escape the danger they are in. X is feeling things that he has long since laid forgotten and the impact they have on him are causing more issues that he could have ever anticipated but his saving grace is the effect that Mercy has on him – she knows all too well that he is a serious threat to her safety but yet she feels or at least shows little fear – because she seems to be able to calm him when nothing else can.
Mercy is holding fast in the hope that not only will she be able to extract revenge on those that took away all that she loved in the world but that in time X will eventually fill that void and be able to love her the way she knows she loves him. It gave me a sense of pride watching Mercy develop and adapt, knowing that despite where she had come from she was finding her metal and would be able to exact her revenge.
If like me you like to take a walk on the dark side every one and then, then I have to say that both Royal Blood and this Bad Blood will feed your need – I loved it.
I thought long and hard before writing this review because I didn’t want to put anyone off the book, because it deserves to be read by as many people as possible but while it is expertly written and superbly crafted it is not for everyone, but if you are looking for a challenge and a chance to throw caution to the wind then this might just be for you – go on – take a chance, I dare you!!!
May 2, 2015
~*~ Obsessed by books arc given in exchange for an honest review. ~*~
"She wanted revenge. I wanted her. I'd shaped her in my own image at her behest. A monster and his apprentice."
And oh boy is Mercy a fast learner! Picking straight up from where we were left dangling at the end of book one, Mercy and X are on the run. Unleashed from his ties to Royal Blood, his new master is unaware of the power she holds over him. Using his skills and talents X teaches Mercy to become detached, efficient and his equal on the killing fields. Their story takes them on a journey of self discovery and it is a time of metamorphosis for them individually and together. Seeking revenge for the death of her family Mercy never planned on falling in love. X having set himself free of Royal Blood's conditioning has to deal with the encroachment of feelings, memories and regaining his humanity in small fragments. Can this couple survive the cataclysmic changes that their decisions have wrought?
Of course there are other dangers to face...Sykes knows he is a hunted man and has put the wheels in motion. The chase leads them to Paris and Mercy learns more of the web she has been caught up in. Power, greed, human trafficking, pain and misery will it all be too much for her to handle? Whilst X trains and plans revenge he too is undergoing some changes, as the conditioning breaks he is left with memories and dreams, questions that he can't yet answer. They are both haunted by demons, existing in their own personal hells only surviving by their fierce connection. They are slaves to their pasts, controlled by their feelings for one another.
This ends with Mercy rite of passage...with her becoming X equal. But there is so much more to be told. Who is The Watchman, what has Vaughn got planned, what is Royal Blood's next move!?! The plot is twisty and dark. Tenderness is fleeting,X showing his love and commitment in violent acts that turn her on! The sex is seriously explosive and I can't wait to read more.
Five earth shattering stars.
"She wanted revenge. I wanted her. I'd shaped her in my own image at her behest. A monster and his apprentice."
And oh boy is Mercy a fast learner! Picking straight up from where we were left dangling at the end of book one, Mercy and X are on the run. Unleashed from his ties to Royal Blood, his new master is unaware of the power she holds over him. Using his skills and talents X teaches Mercy to become detached, efficient and his equal on the killing fields. Their story takes them on a journey of self discovery and it is a time of metamorphosis for them individually and together. Seeking revenge for the death of her family Mercy never planned on falling in love. X having set himself free of Royal Blood's conditioning has to deal with the encroachment of feelings, memories and regaining his humanity in small fragments. Can this couple survive the cataclysmic changes that their decisions have wrought?
Of course there are other dangers to face...Sykes knows he is a hunted man and has put the wheels in motion. The chase leads them to Paris and Mercy learns more of the web she has been caught up in. Power, greed, human trafficking, pain and misery will it all be too much for her to handle? Whilst X trains and plans revenge he too is undergoing some changes, as the conditioning breaks he is left with memories and dreams, questions that he can't yet answer. They are both haunted by demons, existing in their own personal hells only surviving by their fierce connection. They are slaves to their pasts, controlled by their feelings for one another.
This ends with Mercy rite of passage...with her becoming X equal. But there is so much more to be told. Who is The Watchman, what has Vaughn got planned, what is Royal Blood's next move!?! The plot is twisty and dark. Tenderness is fleeting,X showing his love and commitment in violent acts that turn her on! The sex is seriously explosive and I can't wait to read more.
Five earth shattering stars.
April 6, 2015
www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com
Just like in the previous book I am going to warn you. If you do not like dark reads, skip this book. If you do not like disturbing situations, then skip this book. If you are looking for rainbows, unicorns and sunshine, then skip this book cause there isn’t one damn rainbow, unicorn or glimpse of sunshine in Bad Blood. If you need sweet romance, keep on moving because Bad Blood is anything but.
We pick up where Royal Blood left off, with X and Mercy leaving to get away from the threat that her thirst for vengeance has brought and the threat of his MC for his betrayal. X has broken through his training, and he is remembering and feeling things he never felt before, and these things are fucking with his sanity. Mercy is a calming force for him but at the same time his thirst for blood, Mercy’s blood, is still strong. Mercy knows that at any moment X could end her, but she hopes deep down that one of those feelings that he is beginning to feel is love for her. While training for her to be able to take her vengeance on the bastard who killed her family, Mercy learns more about herself, X and to what lengths she can actually go to to complete her plan.
Was I as completely enthralled by Bad Blood as I had been with Royal Blood? Yes I was but at the same time I wanted so much more. Okay maybe I was out of blood when I was reading this, I may have been in a mood that needed the darker side of my love of reading to be fed. And it was fed but I needed more! There is a slight cliff hanger that leaves the possibility for more of X and Mercy in the future, and I hope we get more because I would read it for sure. Like I said when I started this review this book does not have rainbows, unicorns and sunshine but it has something that makes you want X and Mercy to find their own version of a happily ever after, even if that version is surrounded by blood, death or vengeance. This author has been one of my go to authors when I need something darker and will continue to be so.
Just like in the previous book I am going to warn you. If you do not like dark reads, skip this book. If you do not like disturbing situations, then skip this book. If you are looking for rainbows, unicorns and sunshine, then skip this book cause there isn’t one damn rainbow, unicorn or glimpse of sunshine in Bad Blood. If you need sweet romance, keep on moving because Bad Blood is anything but.
We pick up where Royal Blood left off, with X and Mercy leaving to get away from the threat that her thirst for vengeance has brought and the threat of his MC for his betrayal. X has broken through his training, and he is remembering and feeling things he never felt before, and these things are fucking with his sanity. Mercy is a calming force for him but at the same time his thirst for blood, Mercy’s blood, is still strong. Mercy knows that at any moment X could end her, but she hopes deep down that one of those feelings that he is beginning to feel is love for her. While training for her to be able to take her vengeance on the bastard who killed her family, Mercy learns more about herself, X and to what lengths she can actually go to to complete her plan.
Was I as completely enthralled by Bad Blood as I had been with Royal Blood? Yes I was but at the same time I wanted so much more. Okay maybe I was out of blood when I was reading this, I may have been in a mood that needed the darker side of my love of reading to be fed. And it was fed but I needed more! There is a slight cliff hanger that leaves the possibility for more of X and Mercy in the future, and I hope we get more because I would read it for sure. Like I said when I started this review this book does not have rainbows, unicorns and sunshine but it has something that makes you want X and Mercy to find their own version of a happily ever after, even if that version is surrounded by blood, death or vengeance. This author has been one of my go to authors when I need something darker and will continue to be so.
March 13, 2015
Amity hits it right in the sweet spot once again. I have to say that her darker books just do it for me.
In book one I fell in love with Mercy and X, they rode off into the darkness together and something new was created. A quest for revenge.
Mercy and X set out on their revenge mission to find Sykes. X teaches her how to be a killer, to switch off her emotions and she teaches him how to slowly switch his back on.We meet some new players in this story Vaughn who gives me the absolute willies is one of them, he is the man who will lead them to Sykes, but he has his own agenda. Vaughn has loved and lost, and doesn’t approve of what X is doing with Mercy.
“You’re just deflowering her humanity”
We watch the two of them grow closer, Mercy uses sex as a way to keep X from reverting and X uses it to keep her from acting on emotions. In their isolation they truly become “A monster and his apprentice”
Nothing is ever certain in any story, can they find Sykes? If they do can Mercy pull the trigger? Can X live with the truth of turning her into a monster? Will Royal Blood find them and kill him first?
I was left with two feelings at the end of this, relief and a sick sense that not all is as it seems...
A thrilling rollercoaster of action, sex, guns, revenge and a heart stopping good read – Again. I love Amity’s writing style and will be author stalking her to get the next book!
Once again a 5 **** Merciless Murderous Stars from me.
Reviewed for Mrs Kebabs Kindle Blog. ARC kindly provided by author, this did not affect my opinion of the story in anyway.
In book one I fell in love with Mercy and X, they rode off into the darkness together and something new was created. A quest for revenge.
Mercy and X set out on their revenge mission to find Sykes. X teaches her how to be a killer, to switch off her emotions and she teaches him how to slowly switch his back on.We meet some new players in this story Vaughn who gives me the absolute willies is one of them, he is the man who will lead them to Sykes, but he has his own agenda. Vaughn has loved and lost, and doesn’t approve of what X is doing with Mercy.
“You’re just deflowering her humanity”
We watch the two of them grow closer, Mercy uses sex as a way to keep X from reverting and X uses it to keep her from acting on emotions. In their isolation they truly become “A monster and his apprentice”
Nothing is ever certain in any story, can they find Sykes? If they do can Mercy pull the trigger? Can X live with the truth of turning her into a monster? Will Royal Blood find them and kill him first?
I was left with two feelings at the end of this, relief and a sick sense that not all is as it seems...
A thrilling rollercoaster of action, sex, guns, revenge and a heart stopping good read – Again. I love Amity’s writing style and will be author stalking her to get the next book!
Once again a 5 **** Merciless Murderous Stars from me.
Reviewed for Mrs Kebabs Kindle Blog. ARC kindly provided by author, this did not affect my opinion of the story in anyway.
April 7, 2015
I loved how we started right where we ended with Royal Blood #1, Mercy and X escaping for their lives.
Where I felt in book one that I did not get all that was X, #2 does not disappoint, we get more history and definitely more of what makes these two characters tick. Mercy is still on her mission and X is helping prepare her and of course we are involved in some very intense, erotic and forceful sex scenes.
What I found during this read was both characters in their ways are being healed by each other just that little bit more, allowing Mercy to find her revenge and X to find freedom of choice and to travel back from the darkness with each other.
They are admitting their feelings for each other and some sexual scenes you could feel more emotion. The scenes around the cabin are some of my favourite of the book. I found the ending chapters around Paris really rushed as we took forever to get there and then boom!
I hope in Royal Blood #3 we find out more answers to X and his dreams as those are such intense flashbacks and I find myself wanting to know who truly X is.
Where I felt in book one that I did not get all that was X, #2 does not disappoint, we get more history and definitely more of what makes these two characters tick. Mercy is still on her mission and X is helping prepare her and of course we are involved in some very intense, erotic and forceful sex scenes.
What I found during this read was both characters in their ways are being healed by each other just that little bit more, allowing Mercy to find her revenge and X to find freedom of choice and to travel back from the darkness with each other.
They are admitting their feelings for each other and some sexual scenes you could feel more emotion. The scenes around the cabin are some of my favourite of the book. I found the ending chapters around Paris really rushed as we took forever to get there and then boom!
I hope in Royal Blood #3 we find out more answers to X and his dreams as those are such intense flashbacks and I find myself wanting to know who truly X is.
April 28, 2015
Bad Blood = Good Stuff!!
It is no secret that I am a huge Amity Cross fan. She writes such gritty, messed up characters, I can't get enough! Blood, sweat, sex, revenge and more blood. In this second book of the series, Mercy is preparing to avenge her families brutal murders.
Mercy, who is still "blindly in lust with this dangerous man," blew me away in this book. She took her bad@ss up a few notches. Although she is timid until under pressure, X trains her to be even stronger than she was. And X is as hot as ever with his bad alpha self.
With a couple new creeps in the mix this time around, they travel to England to follow through with their plan. The suspense mixed with steamy scenes made me love this book as much as the first! I loved getting small glimpses into X's memories and hope there are more in the next book. ~ Krissy, 4 Straight and True stars
It is no secret that I am a huge Amity Cross fan. She writes such gritty, messed up characters, I can't get enough! Blood, sweat, sex, revenge and more blood. In this second book of the series, Mercy is preparing to avenge her families brutal murders.
Mercy, who is still "blindly in lust with this dangerous man," blew me away in this book. She took her bad@ss up a few notches. Although she is timid until under pressure, X trains her to be even stronger than she was. And X is as hot as ever with his bad alpha self.
With a couple new creeps in the mix this time around, they travel to England to follow through with their plan. The suspense mixed with steamy scenes made me love this book as much as the first! I loved getting small glimpses into X's memories and hope there are more in the next book. ~ Krissy, 4 Straight and True stars
March 24, 2015
Wholly ship batman! The story continues with the sexy alpha X and as the story thickens so does the sexy and emotions! I can't get enough and my brain is on overload! Mercy has fallen in love with X but hasn't said the words, she thinks he should see and feel it within the emotions that she gives him! Can X fall in love with her or is he just a protective man that is just trying to find his way! Yay Amity I can't get enough!
July 31, 2015
This book is a roller coaster..X and Mercy's story is just as unstable and intense as the man himself..not that their situation is better.
The tension keeps building until you think you won't be able to take it anymore.
The two of them have a plan, kill Sykes, and we follow them as they put everything in place.
Here we meet another important character, Vaughn. A pretty interesting and gruesome story.
I loved it and can't wait for more!
The tension keeps building until you think you won't be able to take it anymore.
The two of them have a plan, kill Sykes, and we follow them as they put everything in place.
Here we meet another important character, Vaughn. A pretty interesting and gruesome story.
I loved it and can't wait for more!
June 18, 2015
Royal Blood, Bad Blood, & Blood Rites
Amity Cross
5 Stars – are there more? Because if there are nail them all here.
WARNING: These are stories about pain and retribution. Some do not have a happy ending. There is strong language, brutal sex scenes and extreme violence. It is not intended for those of a delicate and prudish disposition. The Royal Blood Series is a dark and dangerous place. You have been warned. If you do NOT like graphic descriptions do NOT read this book and certainly don’t review it. The author gives you a warning and nothing ticks me off more is when you have been warned and reviewers STILL dive in and then bash the book.
Moving on … If I could rate this series higher than 5 stars it would be whatever that star is read for me. I now have an unhealthy addiction to dark, brutal, dirty reads thanks to Ms. Cross and a few other authors who have passed through my kindle recently. You know who you are! There is serious something wrong with these writers and even more so with me as I am panting for MORE.
The characters in the series are wicked. You have Xavier, Mercy, Vaughn, and Hawkes. Skyes, the Royal Blood & Necromancer MC, Weiss and Monsieur Lafayette (whom you only hear his name a few times which makes me pray and wish on the stars that this series will continue with the likes of his antics.) Remember I am reviewing the entire series thus far so stay with me.
Royal Blood is our first book. Mercy Reid is running. She wants revenge. Not the sweet innocent kind but the kind with blood. The violent kind. Mercy Reid is not who she says she is but she’s on her way to becoming her leaving who she was far behind. She is searching for answers after coming home to a blood bath. Everyone dead .. and not only dead shot point blank through the head. Mercy knew her brother was into bad dealings and that is why she didn’t come home for four long years and the day she decides to come back her identity and her entire self will forever change.
Xavier or “X” is a hit man. Not your ordinary hit man either. This is the most brutal and messed up character I have ever read in a book with the exception of one other. He is aggressive, he is brutal, he is torturous and almost vile. AND DANG I LOVED HIM. Mercy Reid has opened the gates of hell for him that included an invitation of being aroused using pain and force. She is playing a dangerous game with him. A game she refuses to relent.
This isn't your typical love story, or your typical broken guy and girl story with a happy ending. This is much more. This is something like I have NEVER had the privilege of reading. We are talking extreme sexual situations, graphic murder and not just murder, torture. X and Mercy are engulfed in darkness. But each of them knows what they must do. X needs to find his next target and get the job done to find his freedom from being owned by the MC’s and Mercy needs her revenge; her revenge that puts a bullet straight through her families murderer; right between the eyes – only then will she have redemption.
Bad Blood is is the continuation of Royal Blood. Bad Blood is even darker than the first.
Each has a chosen path before they met, (Check the Book 1) these roads lead to something unexpected for both. We dive into what happened to X and who made him the monster he is now. He wasn’t born this way of course but he was conditioned, tortured and broken. His body tells the story and shows the pain that was put on him. On the physical side; I cant even put it into words. Emotions are written into each scene but they aren’t filled with hearts and flowers yet they aren’t anything I found horrific. It was more healing in a very disturbing way. Mercy and X are on the road to redemption. Vaughn has agreed to give them what they need but for a price. Skyes has taken something very important away from him. He wants this man dead just like X and Mercy. X will kill to give Mercy what she wants. And so he does. Bad Blood takes us further into the “relationship” between X and Mercy along with Mercy’s redemption and revenge. We also find out what Vaughn has to do with all of this and his interest in Skyes being taken out as well. Hawkes is present in this story as well. He is one bad man and is Vaughn’s best friend and protection. However after with Skyes did to Vaughn he doesn’t need Hawkes’ protection.. the world needs protection from The Hangman.
This book is an explosive charge of rage, torture, seduction and a very dark landscape scrolling through the pages. And yes, it made me want more.
Moving forward to Blood Rites; this book says its 2.5 in this series but believe me when I say that there is no “half” of anything in this installment. It is a full on assault once again of brutality with romance. Again let me warn you that if you are unsure about this type of genre then DO NOT click it -- warning – this is not a pink fluffy novel. This one slams your will to continue reading into overdrive. This book takes you places that are not pleasant but in this story are vital and it does so with absolute conviction. Blood Rites gives us the back story of Vaughan and what makes him who he is. It details what went wrong in his dealing with Skyes and moved him on in his life that has resulted in him being the man he is today and as we are ready know his character, this man is difficult to get a handle on.
Vaughn was a decent sort of person; maybe prior to the events that took place. He is dashing, a billionaire and looks like your average billionaire in the daylight; but when the day turns to night he becomes just the same as X. A killer. There is much more that I cant tell you. You must read the book to understand why Vaughn becomes who he is in Bad Blood. It will completely make you lose your mind. Blood Rites is the story of the decisions that are maked and the repercussions that those decisions have for not only him but those around him. Lorelei will change his life forever.
Sykes is a vile character. He has no regard for the sanctity of life. Vaughan’s dealings with Sykes are the reason for his loss.
Lorelei’s character and undoing will gut you. Her thoughts at the end of the book will tear you apart. Beware. Its not pretty and the boom just like that its over and you are yelling WTF just happened.
Just like that .. I want more dark, I want more twisted and I need it now. Where is the next book Amity!? Take me to the depths … its oh so good!
Amity Cross
5 Stars – are there more? Because if there are nail them all here.
WARNING: These are stories about pain and retribution. Some do not have a happy ending. There is strong language, brutal sex scenes and extreme violence. It is not intended for those of a delicate and prudish disposition. The Royal Blood Series is a dark and dangerous place. You have been warned. If you do NOT like graphic descriptions do NOT read this book and certainly don’t review it. The author gives you a warning and nothing ticks me off more is when you have been warned and reviewers STILL dive in and then bash the book.
Moving on … If I could rate this series higher than 5 stars it would be whatever that star is read for me. I now have an unhealthy addiction to dark, brutal, dirty reads thanks to Ms. Cross and a few other authors who have passed through my kindle recently. You know who you are! There is serious something wrong with these writers and even more so with me as I am panting for MORE.
The characters in the series are wicked. You have Xavier, Mercy, Vaughn, and Hawkes. Skyes, the Royal Blood & Necromancer MC, Weiss and Monsieur Lafayette (whom you only hear his name a few times which makes me pray and wish on the stars that this series will continue with the likes of his antics.) Remember I am reviewing the entire series thus far so stay with me.
Royal Blood is our first book. Mercy Reid is running. She wants revenge. Not the sweet innocent kind but the kind with blood. The violent kind. Mercy Reid is not who she says she is but she’s on her way to becoming her leaving who she was far behind. She is searching for answers after coming home to a blood bath. Everyone dead .. and not only dead shot point blank through the head. Mercy knew her brother was into bad dealings and that is why she didn’t come home for four long years and the day she decides to come back her identity and her entire self will forever change.
Xavier or “X” is a hit man. Not your ordinary hit man either. This is the most brutal and messed up character I have ever read in a book with the exception of one other. He is aggressive, he is brutal, he is torturous and almost vile. AND DANG I LOVED HIM. Mercy Reid has opened the gates of hell for him that included an invitation of being aroused using pain and force. She is playing a dangerous game with him. A game she refuses to relent.
This isn't your typical love story, or your typical broken guy and girl story with a happy ending. This is much more. This is something like I have NEVER had the privilege of reading. We are talking extreme sexual situations, graphic murder and not just murder, torture. X and Mercy are engulfed in darkness. But each of them knows what they must do. X needs to find his next target and get the job done to find his freedom from being owned by the MC’s and Mercy needs her revenge; her revenge that puts a bullet straight through her families murderer; right between the eyes – only then will she have redemption.
Bad Blood is is the continuation of Royal Blood. Bad Blood is even darker than the first.
Each has a chosen path before they met, (Check the Book 1) these roads lead to something unexpected for both. We dive into what happened to X and who made him the monster he is now. He wasn’t born this way of course but he was conditioned, tortured and broken. His body tells the story and shows the pain that was put on him. On the physical side; I cant even put it into words. Emotions are written into each scene but they aren’t filled with hearts and flowers yet they aren’t anything I found horrific. It was more healing in a very disturbing way. Mercy and X are on the road to redemption. Vaughn has agreed to give them what they need but for a price. Skyes has taken something very important away from him. He wants this man dead just like X and Mercy. X will kill to give Mercy what she wants. And so he does. Bad Blood takes us further into the “relationship” between X and Mercy along with Mercy’s redemption and revenge. We also find out what Vaughn has to do with all of this and his interest in Skyes being taken out as well. Hawkes is present in this story as well. He is one bad man and is Vaughn’s best friend and protection. However after with Skyes did to Vaughn he doesn’t need Hawkes’ protection.. the world needs protection from The Hangman.
This book is an explosive charge of rage, torture, seduction and a very dark landscape scrolling through the pages. And yes, it made me want more.
Moving forward to Blood Rites; this book says its 2.5 in this series but believe me when I say that there is no “half” of anything in this installment. It is a full on assault once again of brutality with romance. Again let me warn you that if you are unsure about this type of genre then DO NOT click it -- warning – this is not a pink fluffy novel. This one slams your will to continue reading into overdrive. This book takes you places that are not pleasant but in this story are vital and it does so with absolute conviction. Blood Rites gives us the back story of Vaughan and what makes him who he is. It details what went wrong in his dealing with Skyes and moved him on in his life that has resulted in him being the man he is today and as we are ready know his character, this man is difficult to get a handle on.
Vaughn was a decent sort of person; maybe prior to the events that took place. He is dashing, a billionaire and looks like your average billionaire in the daylight; but when the day turns to night he becomes just the same as X. A killer. There is much more that I cant tell you. You must read the book to understand why Vaughn becomes who he is in Bad Blood. It will completely make you lose your mind. Blood Rites is the story of the decisions that are maked and the repercussions that those decisions have for not only him but those around him. Lorelei will change his life forever.
Sykes is a vile character. He has no regard for the sanctity of life. Vaughan’s dealings with Sykes are the reason for his loss.
Lorelei’s character and undoing will gut you. Her thoughts at the end of the book will tear you apart. Beware. Its not pretty and the boom just like that its over and you are yelling WTF just happened.
Just like that .. I want more dark, I want more twisted and I need it now. Where is the next book Amity!? Take me to the depths … its oh so good!
November 26, 2017
This book didn't let me down! What a great series, looking forward the reading the third installment of it. My only complaint is that I was expecting a more fast paced read which is why it has 4.5 stars from me instead of 5.
February 2, 2019
Good
Good reading ,Mercy got her revenge and a suprising twist with the brother being a part of the human trafficking and raping the women. I wasn't expecting that . Revenge wasn't as satisfying as she thought it would be.
Good reading ,Mercy got her revenge and a suprising twist with the brother being a part of the human trafficking and raping the women. I wasn't expecting that . Revenge wasn't as satisfying as she thought it would be.
June 7, 2017
redhat lady
Book 2 was great. I loved how Mercy got her revenge. How X was training her to become like him. I was exciting. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Book 2 was great. I loved how Mercy got her revenge. How X was training her to become like him. I was exciting. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
books-i-have
July 2, 2016
A killer without a master.
A monster without a leash.
Xavier "X" Blood is a contract killer. Cold, calculating, devoid of feeling.
He knows the best way to drive the life from another human beings eyes, but what he doesn't bargain on is wanting to save a life he's meant to take.
Mercy Reid was good at running from her demons. That was until she met X and her life was thrown into chaos.
Mercy finally has him on her side...and in her bed, but it's at a cost far greater than she could've anticipated.
On the run, they must learn to trust one another beyond their burgeoning love if they want to get through the coming chaos. Revenge, truth, lies...heartache...insanity. All of it threatening to drive them apart.
Mercy will do whatever it takes to avenge the horror that Sykes put her through. Anything. Even if she has to drown the last of her soul in the bad blood that threatens to destroy the last thing she holds dearest in her heart.
X.
April 7, 2015
*Gifted for an honest review – 5 stars
Whoa….packed full to the gunnels of action and adrenalin, this read is nothing short of mind blowing. Amity weaves a sordid, twisted tale of murder and love in her second instalment of Royal Blood. If you weren’t convinced with the first then this one will change your mind for sure!
“Straight and True.”
And this little quote holds from beginning to end with Mercy and X. Bad Blood is something else, there’s such a mix of things in here from streets blowing up, to car chases to the emergence of some kind of love. Both Mercy and X are struggling with the type of people they are becoming, neither really understanding how to embrace these changes but both knowing that with each other they will figure it out. The word soul lies heavy on my tongue; I think they are trying to save each other’s. Whilst X thinks he doesn’t have one, he is afraid that Mercy will lose hers with the path she has chosen to walk. A path he takes her down though not always willingly. They fight to conceal how they feel, thrust into a confusing barrage of emotions that neither are all too comfortable with. Of course X has his moments, when you see it there, how he feels about Mercy and you understand that this complex man needs to find himself first. But what they have, although often times brutal and violent, it is something quite magnificent.
Of course the crux of the story is Mercy’s revenge and this does not come easy either. There are outside influences that come into play that hinder her progress but with X at her side her resolve stands firm. The reader finds X making many allowances for Mercy and them rationalising them so that he can understand the things she does. When he’s doing that it kind of feels like he’s unravelling bits of himself. He’s fighting it but I think he likes it a little at the same time.
The emotions are there, I wouldn’t expect any less. But Amity doesn’t make you feel all teary eyed and ugly cried out. Oh no….she makes your heart race and the blood in your veins thrum. That’s not to say that you don’t feel those “f*cking tender moments” because you do. They get under your skin and burrow deep. And those steamy scenes? Yip, right there and as hot as ever, it’s a case of hold onto your panties ladies, especially if you like it rough! They will make you blush in all the right places.
There was a hint of difference in narration, you know the difference between the two POV’s, they don’t read the same and I found that to be really quite alluring. I think it’s quite a hard thing to do, especially when you have a really good flow to a story. I loved all the action, and there’s much more in Bad Blood than Royal Blood, it shifts the story along into a fantastic conclusion. Vaughn was an interesting character and even after his first introduction I was really hoping that Amity had something in the pipeline for him…well, she has, a novella and that made me immensely happy as I know there will be no HEA there and it will be interesting to see how that one goes.
Seriously love this author and she has yet to write something I can’t read! This is no exception. Highly recommended as with every other Amity Cross book!
Whoever said X was a killer without a Master? Meet Mercy Reid…
Whoa….packed full to the gunnels of action and adrenalin, this read is nothing short of mind blowing. Amity weaves a sordid, twisted tale of murder and love in her second instalment of Royal Blood. If you weren’t convinced with the first then this one will change your mind for sure!
“Straight and True.”
And this little quote holds from beginning to end with Mercy and X. Bad Blood is something else, there’s such a mix of things in here from streets blowing up, to car chases to the emergence of some kind of love. Both Mercy and X are struggling with the type of people they are becoming, neither really understanding how to embrace these changes but both knowing that with each other they will figure it out. The word soul lies heavy on my tongue; I think they are trying to save each other’s. Whilst X thinks he doesn’t have one, he is afraid that Mercy will lose hers with the path she has chosen to walk. A path he takes her down though not always willingly. They fight to conceal how they feel, thrust into a confusing barrage of emotions that neither are all too comfortable with. Of course X has his moments, when you see it there, how he feels about Mercy and you understand that this complex man needs to find himself first. But what they have, although often times brutal and violent, it is something quite magnificent.
Of course the crux of the story is Mercy’s revenge and this does not come easy either. There are outside influences that come into play that hinder her progress but with X at her side her resolve stands firm. The reader finds X making many allowances for Mercy and them rationalising them so that he can understand the things she does. When he’s doing that it kind of feels like he’s unravelling bits of himself. He’s fighting it but I think he likes it a little at the same time.
The emotions are there, I wouldn’t expect any less. But Amity doesn’t make you feel all teary eyed and ugly cried out. Oh no….she makes your heart race and the blood in your veins thrum. That’s not to say that you don’t feel those “f*cking tender moments” because you do. They get under your skin and burrow deep. And those steamy scenes? Yip, right there and as hot as ever, it’s a case of hold onto your panties ladies, especially if you like it rough! They will make you blush in all the right places.
There was a hint of difference in narration, you know the difference between the two POV’s, they don’t read the same and I found that to be really quite alluring. I think it’s quite a hard thing to do, especially when you have a really good flow to a story. I loved all the action, and there’s much more in Bad Blood than Royal Blood, it shifts the story along into a fantastic conclusion. Vaughn was an interesting character and even after his first introduction I was really hoping that Amity had something in the pipeline for him…well, she has, a novella and that made me immensely happy as I know there will be no HEA there and it will be interesting to see how that one goes.
Seriously love this author and she has yet to write something I can’t read! This is no exception. Highly recommended as with every other Amity Cross book!
Whoever said X was a killer without a Master? Meet Mercy Reid…
April 5, 2015
Bad blood is book 2 in the "Royal Blood" series. You need to read Royal Blood (book 1) before reading Bad Blood as the book is a continuation.
After reading book 1 we know that Mercy is hell bent on getting revenge for her family's death. X was set a job to capture and deliver Mercy, however X and Mercy ended up falling hard for each other and X couldn't keep to his contract even though it was really hard for him to choose between Mercy and his job.
This decision by X leaves him struggling throughout a lot of the book with the decision he made. Although he had to put his feelings aside because he and Mercy are now both on a mission to get the revenge that Mercy wants.
Mercy is a lot more focussed and stronger in this book. This is mainly down to X. He teaches her how to become a killer and switch off her emotions when she needs too. In return though Mercy teaches X how to switch his emotions back on after all this time and finally start letting himself feel again.
Both characters in this book change and become like one person. They both teach each other so much throughout the book emotionally and physically that they start thinking alike. This makes them grow a whole lot closer.
The story for Mercy and X was a lot about the journey of self discovery. They both needed each other as much as the other one did. Reading about their journey was captivating. Both characters learnt so much in the book whether it was to open up again, or learn to survive.
The story however isn't just about the couples journey, but it's also about them trying to stay alive, and seeking revenge at the same time.
This was never going to be easy. The book took you on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of emotions.
The story had everything you want in it from dirty sex, revenge, versatility and quite possible an epic love if the couple can survive long enough to find out.
Amity Cross is one of my favourite authors. Her stories are always exciting, nail biting, gritty and raw....this book was no different.
I found this book to have a slight edge over book 1. I think it's because I knew the characters and had an idea of what was going on. I loved the change in both characters too. This made the stories dynamics change slightly to book 1. Seeing X's more softer side (if you could call it that) was nice. I liked seeing Mercy open him up and get some of his real personality out in the open, rather than the man he's been hiding behind a shield for so long.
Amity Cross definitely didn't disappoint with book 2. It was a extremely thrilling ride that I'm glad I took.
5 stars
After reading book 1 we know that Mercy is hell bent on getting revenge for her family's death. X was set a job to capture and deliver Mercy, however X and Mercy ended up falling hard for each other and X couldn't keep to his contract even though it was really hard for him to choose between Mercy and his job.
This decision by X leaves him struggling throughout a lot of the book with the decision he made. Although he had to put his feelings aside because he and Mercy are now both on a mission to get the revenge that Mercy wants.
Mercy is a lot more focussed and stronger in this book. This is mainly down to X. He teaches her how to become a killer and switch off her emotions when she needs too. In return though Mercy teaches X how to switch his emotions back on after all this time and finally start letting himself feel again.
Both characters in this book change and become like one person. They both teach each other so much throughout the book emotionally and physically that they start thinking alike. This makes them grow a whole lot closer.
The story for Mercy and X was a lot about the journey of self discovery. They both needed each other as much as the other one did. Reading about their journey was captivating. Both characters learnt so much in the book whether it was to open up again, or learn to survive.
The story however isn't just about the couples journey, but it's also about them trying to stay alive, and seeking revenge at the same time.
This was never going to be easy. The book took you on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of emotions.
The story had everything you want in it from dirty sex, revenge, versatility and quite possible an epic love if the couple can survive long enough to find out.
Amity Cross is one of my favourite authors. Her stories are always exciting, nail biting, gritty and raw....this book was no different.
I found this book to have a slight edge over book 1. I think it's because I knew the characters and had an idea of what was going on. I loved the change in both characters too. This made the stories dynamics change slightly to book 1. Seeing X's more softer side (if you could call it that) was nice. I liked seeing Mercy open him up and get some of his real personality out in the open, rather than the man he's been hiding behind a shield for so long.
Amity Cross definitely didn't disappoint with book 2. It was a extremely thrilling ride that I'm glad I took.
5 stars
April 10, 2015
I am calling this the modern day erotic Bonnie and Clyde.
If you are looking for a little crazy and a whole lot of sexy, this is your book and your series.
“You blew up a building for me,” she murmured through a heavy breath. I suspected she was somewhat out of her mind from her orgasm, but I supposed she was right. Some men gave their women flowers and jewelry. I laid the bodies of her enemies at her feet like a f*cked up wreath of roses. I guess that was my way of saying 'I love you'.
It's hard to decide whether to love X and Mercy or drive them to the nearest psyche ward. In this book we finally get some back story as to why they are the way they are.
Believe it or not, X really stole my heart in this one. The first book...not so much, but after witnessing his dreams (or should I say nightmares) and reliving what he has been through I totally fell hard this man.
Sometimes I wondered if she was using me to get to Sykes. Other times I wondered if she had a death wish. And sometimes when I was alone with my thoughts, I wondered if she wanted me for whoever I could become. I didn't know any of it, let alone which direction was up.
In the second book it is Mercy that does the 180. I loved watching her change into the bad ass heroine she always wanted to be. With X as her mentor, nothing was stopping her.
“Then good luck to Mercy and her first time.”
“I'm not taking her virginity,” I spat, thoroughly pissed at his constant probing into mine and Mercy's relationship.
“No,” Vaughn said, shaking his head. “You're just deflowering her humanity.”
Overall, this story was action packed. Not to mention loads of sexy. There was on line in the book that I believe sums up this entire story.
Our plan was... we had no plan. We would figure that out once we had a place to rest and regroup. Then and only then, would we plan a murder. Not only murder, revenge.
Revenge is the motto for book 2. Do they get it? Buy it to find out.
I give Bad Blood by Amity Cross 5 oddly beautiful stars.
If you are looking for a little crazy and a whole lot of sexy, this is your book and your series.
“You blew up a building for me,” she murmured through a heavy breath. I suspected she was somewhat out of her mind from her orgasm, but I supposed she was right. Some men gave their women flowers and jewelry. I laid the bodies of her enemies at her feet like a f*cked up wreath of roses. I guess that was my way of saying 'I love you'.
It's hard to decide whether to love X and Mercy or drive them to the nearest psyche ward. In this book we finally get some back story as to why they are the way they are.
Believe it or not, X really stole my heart in this one. The first book...not so much, but after witnessing his dreams (or should I say nightmares) and reliving what he has been through I totally fell hard this man.
Sometimes I wondered if she was using me to get to Sykes. Other times I wondered if she had a death wish. And sometimes when I was alone with my thoughts, I wondered if she wanted me for whoever I could become. I didn't know any of it, let alone which direction was up.
In the second book it is Mercy that does the 180. I loved watching her change into the bad ass heroine she always wanted to be. With X as her mentor, nothing was stopping her.
“Then good luck to Mercy and her first time.”
“I'm not taking her virginity,” I spat, thoroughly pissed at his constant probing into mine and Mercy's relationship.
“No,” Vaughn said, shaking his head. “You're just deflowering her humanity.”
Overall, this story was action packed. Not to mention loads of sexy. There was on line in the book that I believe sums up this entire story.
Our plan was... we had no plan. We would figure that out once we had a place to rest and regroup. Then and only then, would we plan a murder. Not only murder, revenge.
Revenge is the motto for book 2. Do they get it? Buy it to find out.
I give Bad Blood by Amity Cross 5 oddly beautiful stars.
May 11, 2015
This is the second book in this series and it picks up where book one ended.
Our X, stud alpha male that he is, has taken his woman Mercy and run off to find out who has decided to try and take him out as well as his angel. He doesn't want to believe his best friend is involved, but it starts looking more and more like he did have something to do with the attempted murder of X.
Mercy is still determined to kill the man who killed her family and X has promised to help her with that. She knows that her and X didn't have a conventional start to their relationship, but she loves him nonetheless. She knows that X will never hurt her, hell, he proved it when he didn't kill her the day he had been ordered to,so she has decided to trust him and follow him wherever he feels necessary to train her for this killing she had in mind to do. She would follow X anywhere, but sometimes things happen and you have to decide what's more important, your own life or the man you love more than yourself.
This book is well written and held my attention throughout, once I started I couldn't put it down. X is such a special character, the glimpse of his past we get makes him all the more endearing. He is a man that has been made to be the way he is but at the end of the day all his bad characteristics feels disappear and he is a wonderfully caring alpha male to his queen Mercy.
The ending of this book came all too quick for me and I was a little stressed when it did.
There was a part where I found myself going no, no, no, oh god don't let it be. I exhausted myself, which only made me love the book that much more.
I would suggest this book to anyone who a hero and heroine that are both kickers and strong while in love with each other to the point where their two halves make a whole, and if you like a hot sex scene or two this is definitely the book for you.
I would recommend reading book one first so that you get the whole reasoning behind the need for revenge these two have.
5 stars all the way
*** Review by Tammy ***
Our X, stud alpha male that he is, has taken his woman Mercy and run off to find out who has decided to try and take him out as well as his angel. He doesn't want to believe his best friend is involved, but it starts looking more and more like he did have something to do with the attempted murder of X.
Mercy is still determined to kill the man who killed her family and X has promised to help her with that. She knows that her and X didn't have a conventional start to their relationship, but she loves him nonetheless. She knows that X will never hurt her, hell, he proved it when he didn't kill her the day he had been ordered to,so she has decided to trust him and follow him wherever he feels necessary to train her for this killing she had in mind to do. She would follow X anywhere, but sometimes things happen and you have to decide what's more important, your own life or the man you love more than yourself.
This book is well written and held my attention throughout, once I started I couldn't put it down. X is such a special character, the glimpse of his past we get makes him all the more endearing. He is a man that has been made to be the way he is but at the end of the day all his bad characteristics feels disappear and he is a wonderfully caring alpha male to his queen Mercy.
The ending of this book came all too quick for me and I was a little stressed when it did.
There was a part where I found myself going no, no, no, oh god don't let it be. I exhausted myself, which only made me love the book that much more.
I would suggest this book to anyone who a hero and heroine that are both kickers and strong while in love with each other to the point where their two halves make a whole, and if you like a hot sex scene or two this is definitely the book for you.
I would recommend reading book one first so that you get the whole reasoning behind the need for revenge these two have.
5 stars all the way
*** Review by Tammy ***
May 10, 2015
“X was the manliest man I ever knew.”
Oh and what a man he is! Talk about your alpha, anti-hero, bad boy book boyfriend!! This man has it all and I want him. I need to find a way to bring this man to life, truly. Xavier Blood is a killing machine, trained to do the job, forget about it and move on to the next one. That was until Alison Crawford became his mark. Now X is beginning to remember things, things he isn’t supposed to. This has put him on the wrong side of his MC, the Royal Bloods. It has also put him on the wrong side of the MC who hired him to take out Alison Crawford, the Necromancers.
“Fuck. Just…. Fuck.”
Mercy (Alison) and X are on the run. They need to lay low and stay out of sight until they can figure out a way to get the revenge Mercy so badly needs. Can they trust the only man X can turn to at this time? After all X’s number one rule is “not to trust anyone.”
“I knew X was badass, but wrecking a car in spectacular fashion with just a motherfucking handgun? Oh my fucking god.”
I love this book, absolutely LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It is full of action, secrets, smoking hot sex, and a side of X not seen before. Amity Cross is a master at storytelling. She truly has a gift. I cannot wait to read Blood Rites (Royal Blood 2.5). Amity has such freaking sexy names for her characters. In this next book we get to know Sebastian Vaughn. But more so, I can’t wait to read Royal Blood #3. I am waiting with baited breath to know where Xavier’s path will lead.
“Some men give their woman flowers and jewelry. I laid the bodies of her enemies at her feet like a fucked up wreath of roses.”
If you like dark, badass anti-hero’s, strong woman, dark sex, action and messed up love stories, then I HIGHLY recommend this book. I give it 5 stars with 5 hands down the pants. Great job Amity Cross, great job.
“In a fucking bath with a hitman. What the hell was this world coming to?”
Oh and what a man he is! Talk about your alpha, anti-hero, bad boy book boyfriend!! This man has it all and I want him. I need to find a way to bring this man to life, truly. Xavier Blood is a killing machine, trained to do the job, forget about it and move on to the next one. That was until Alison Crawford became his mark. Now X is beginning to remember things, things he isn’t supposed to. This has put him on the wrong side of his MC, the Royal Bloods. It has also put him on the wrong side of the MC who hired him to take out Alison Crawford, the Necromancers.
“Fuck. Just…. Fuck.”
Mercy (Alison) and X are on the run. They need to lay low and stay out of sight until they can figure out a way to get the revenge Mercy so badly needs. Can they trust the only man X can turn to at this time? After all X’s number one rule is “not to trust anyone.”
“I knew X was badass, but wrecking a car in spectacular fashion with just a motherfucking handgun? Oh my fucking god.”
I love this book, absolutely LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It is full of action, secrets, smoking hot sex, and a side of X not seen before. Amity Cross is a master at storytelling. She truly has a gift. I cannot wait to read Blood Rites (Royal Blood 2.5). Amity has such freaking sexy names for her characters. In this next book we get to know Sebastian Vaughn. But more so, I can’t wait to read Royal Blood #3. I am waiting with baited breath to know where Xavier’s path will lead.
“Some men give their woman flowers and jewelry. I laid the bodies of her enemies at her feet like a fucked up wreath of roses.”
If you like dark, badass anti-hero’s, strong woman, dark sex, action and messed up love stories, then I HIGHLY recommend this book. I give it 5 stars with 5 hands down the pants. Great job Amity Cross, great job.
“In a fucking bath with a hitman. What the hell was this world coming to?”
November 8, 2015
DISCLAIMER TO MY FELLOW GOODREADER
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
29 year old Xavier "X" Blood is a killer. A monster. A man with no soul. He was contracted to hunt down a woman who attempted to kill a rival MC's President. In the meantime he got caught up on 23 year old Mercy Reid. She is running from something, but X never anticipates she is the woman he is looking for (in more ways than one). Should he kill her? Should he keep her? Mercy sparks something deep in X's blackened soul. For now, he decides to keep her and seek revenge. For him and for her.
"I had to trust him. It was more than the feelings he stirred up inside my body. He drove me made in an animalistic sexual way, but it was more...deeper in my heart. Whatever, or whoever Xavier Blood was...there were parts of him that were snaking into my soul and clawing deep. That was something I couldn't turn away from."
Mercy Reid is his. His to train. His to mold. His to unleash. His to save. His to protect. His to love? Problem is once X laid claim to Mercy his mind started to slowly unravel. Now he is at war with reality. With it all on the line, will X be able to save Mercy from the dark path of vengeance or will she lose a piece of herself forever?
Cliffhanger – no (book 2 of series)
POV - Mercy and X
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
29 year old Xavier "X" Blood is a killer. A monster. A man with no soul. He was contracted to hunt down a woman who attempted to kill a rival MC's President. In the meantime he got caught up on 23 year old Mercy Reid. She is running from something, but X never anticipates she is the woman he is looking for (in more ways than one). Should he kill her? Should he keep her? Mercy sparks something deep in X's blackened soul. For now, he decides to keep her and seek revenge. For him and for her.
"I had to trust him. It was more than the feelings he stirred up inside my body. He drove me made in an animalistic sexual way, but it was more...deeper in my heart. Whatever, or whoever Xavier Blood was...there were parts of him that were snaking into my soul and clawing deep. That was something I couldn't turn away from."
Mercy Reid is his. His to train. His to mold. His to unleash. His to save. His to protect. His to love? Problem is once X laid claim to Mercy his mind started to slowly unravel. Now he is at war with reality. With it all on the line, will X be able to save Mercy from the dark path of vengeance or will she lose a piece of herself forever?
Cliffhanger – no (book 2 of series)
POV - Mercy and X
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