The Nines

by Dakota Madison, Sierra Avalon

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Dakota Madison and Sierra Avalon team up to bring readers a new breed of antiheroes…THE NINES. Vengeance is mine not the Lord’s. It’s what I breathe for. It’s what I’m still living for. I live for the moment when I will literally have his eye for mine. It’s been two years. Two long and difficult years, but my plan is nearly complete. When I’m not in a hospital having doctors try to repair my ravaged body I spend my time on the computer, doing hacking jobs for large corporations and governments who don’t want to get their hands dirty or be associated with a job if things go sideways. But they don’t have any reason to worry. I’m meticulous, so I’ll never get caught. Just one thing stands in my The mysterious young woman without a past who desperately wants to be part of my future. I just need to figure out why… THE NINES is an ongoing romantic suspense series. Each book can be read as a STAND ALONE NOVEL or as PART OF THE SERIES. Due to mature LANGUAGE and CONTENT, THE NINES is recommended for adult readers. UPCOMING BOOKS in the THE NINES ROMANTIC SUSPENSE Blood Sings (Hector’s Story) Brooklyn Justice (Julio’s Story) Bite Hard (Ash’s Story) Big Empty (Ivan’s Story)

Genres: Thriller, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2015

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling author Dakota Madison is known for writing new adult, love in midlife, and contemporary romance with a little spice and lots of heart. Dakota is a winner of the prestigious RONE Award for Excellence in the Indie and Small Publishing Industry. When she's not at her computer creating spicy stories Dakota likes to spend time with her husband and their bloodhounds. Dakota also writes under the pen names SAVANNAH YOUNG, SIERRA AVALON and REN MONTERREY.

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is certainly not a book for the faint-of-heart or who may have triggers resulting from reading about sexual assaults, beatings, in a college setting. There has been much in the news over the last few years from female college students being assaulted on campus. Some of those cases never reached a courtroom, with some colleges 'taking care of the complaint" internally.

Female college students are being drugged, beaten, assaulted and then threatened with their lives if they ever tell what happened in the bowels of a particular fraternity. The young men in this fraternity come from the wealthiest, most prominent families in their communities. One is the son of a judge, another the son of the Chief of Police. The school actually tells the victims ... when they do tell ... that they will never be believed. They are told to accept what happened to them and then forget it.

When one student's roommate goes missing and is later found dead and another girl is found beaten, close to death, after a group of young men drugged her... one student decides enough is enough. Pairing up with a young hacker and her roommate's boyfriend and his roommate, they form a group called The Nines.

They want justice .... they want revenge!

Due to mature LANGUAGE and CONTENT, THE NINES is recommended for adult readers.

THE NINES is an ongoing romantic suspense series. Each book can be read as a STAND ALONE NOVEL or as PART OF THE SERIES.

The authors have done due diligence and tackled a particularly difficult subject that affects many, many young women across the country. This book has has woven a fictional story around a very real problem as delicately as possible.

Many thanks to the authors and ReadingDeals. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book – The Nines
Author – Dakota Madison & Sierra Avalon
Publication Date – April 13, 2015
Genre – Thriller/Suspense Romance
Type – Stand Alone Series
Cliffhanger - No
Rating – 3.75 out of 5 Stars


Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
 
My Thoughts - Story
This is the first book I have read from this author and I have to say that this book was so fast paced, I was able to complete it in no time. So much was going on from the minute you read the first page until the last.

I did have a bit of a problem connecting with the characters until further in the story but it didn’t take away from the plot and the outcome.



Definitely a series I will continue to read!

Re-Cap
Is it fate that brings Roxie and the masked man together?

Is it a way to let go of the past and make a future together?

Roxie is the sister of a high school bomber and she runs away to college, changes her name and tries to put her past behind her. Until a mysterious man who wears a mask gains her curiosity. What is his connection to her brother and the bombing?



Along with this, there are a slew of murders and rapes going on around campus and Roxie’s roommate is one of them.

They race against time trying to find a way to bring justice to the hurt girls.
 
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Writing Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Anyone who loves a great suspense --- need to know what’s gonna happen next.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW another amazing written book that sucks readers in right from the beginning, but to be completely honest - by now whenever I see the above authors names on any books - they are an automatic read as I know that they will be amazing as the author never falters - no matter what pen name she writes under she is amazing and all her titles should be read. The Nines however was in a whole different category of it's own. This book was truly amazing and heartbreaking at the same time , it made me sick to my stomach but also curious at the same time. It made me smile but it also made me cry. The book starts out with an accident and nightmare and then flips ahead where Roxie Bailey is at College and away from her past . She is trying to start new and fresh , but what happens when the one person she is attracted to turns out to know her past and that in a way wants revenge for the person who hurt him and that person is closer to Roxie than anyone actually realises ? The second storyline of this book which is the wow factor touched on in the story is the issue of secret fraternities that have rape rooms and gang bang drugged out girls and what's worst is that girls accept the invites to the societies as its a status symbol. Another thing was that the guys in the fraternites are ones who cannot be touched due to wealth and rich and powerful parents. After reading this book , I actually went on Amazon and purchased one of the reference books that was talked about in The Nines Bibliography as this is a real issue that happens within the universities in America "Scary Huh".... In a way the ending of this book was as much of an happy factor as the story was going to get as it is a powerful and emotionally charged read. One though that I would personally recommend to everyone to read, though this is not a story for the faint hearted.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This one was completely original. Different from anything I've read. The fact that this happens in real life makes me sick to my stomach, but at the same time I had no idea!! What an eye opener. I finished in just a few short hours. It's gripping, heart breaking and just sucks you in. The only thing that prevented me from giving it 5 stars was because I felt the ending was a little bit rushed. I wanted just a little bit more. The writing was incredible and I can't wait for more from Dakota!

[Amy Hitt-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying this book is not for the faint of heart. It touches on the issue of school violence but also gives great insight on how those who commit these acts also do great harm to their own loved ones.

Roxie starts college with lots of secrets. Secrets that have made her a recluse. She's more comfortable chatting with her online friends than socializing in person. This is where she meets Alex. Little did they know how entwined their lives have been. When tragedy strikes and Roxie loses her roommate to a heinous crime committed by a secret fraternity it allows a chance for Roxie and Alex to begin to heal and bond further.

This is a remarkable story that is well written. It kept me on the edge of my seat! While it is a story of great loss it is also a story of great healing! I will be reading more by this author!

[Lindsey Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how this story is different from the others that I have read before. I like how the author put in a little computer nerd/hacker spin on Alex in the story. Of course I like that since I am a little bit of a computer nerd myself. This was a very different spin on the college life than most books out there. A little bit of mystery and a little bit of love added in to make the story complete. It will be interesting to read the other books that are part of this series and see how they will go along with this book.

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2015/05/b...

Roxie is hiding a scarred soul and a haunting past. Living under a new name in a new city, she is careful never to let anyone get close.

Alexander had once been the golden boy. Handsome, straight 'A' scoring student and a great athlete, his future was set but one terrible bombing at his school left him horribly burnt and forced to live in seclusion. His only aim now is to exact vengeance on the person responsible for the bombing but a series of events leave him a changed man with vengeance served under "The Nines"!

I got interested in this book when I read the blurb. Intriguing and promising a suspenseful story, I took it up to read and am so glad that I did. A page turner right from the first page, The Nines by Dakota Madison and Sierra Avalon had me glued to my seat right till the end.

I loved the whole modern Beauty and the Beast angle to the story, felt the emotions as if they were my own and was horrified at the things people do. This is an eye opening story on the many things that go on in prestigious colleges and how the authorities remain blind towards them.

The writing style is simple and with the alternating perspectives, I was able to get the views of both Roxie and Alexander on the current scenarios which made me relate to this story even more and remain engaged.

The characterization is expertly done and I could feel Roxie's guilt and Alexander's anger and hatred. His pain had me misty eyed and sympathetic towards him. The love story between him and Roxie is both sensitive and heartfelt and had me rooting for a happily-ever-after for them.

The only thing that left me a bit disappointed was the fact that no explanation is given why the person responsible for the school bombing did it. He is shown as a responsible student who suddenly went astray and bombed his school but what were the reasons behind it? I would have loved a little insight into his motivations and I guess that would have made this story truly a 5 star read.

For now, however, I loved and enjoyed reading The Nines by Dakota Madison and Sierra Avalon and give it 4.5 out of 5 and hope to read the future books in this series. Strongly recommended to romantic suspense lovers over sixteen years of age due to a strong rape subject, go grab your copy today!

I received this book from the authors and the publicist and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Story Full of Twists and Turns
After reading the blurb about The Nines I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not but the premise was interesting, so I have it a go. I'm really glad that I did, it’s not really like ant other story that I've read up to this point. In this story we meet Roxie, a girl from a small town that could be one of a million little small twins everywhere, until disaster strikes and a bomb goes off in her high school, a victim of the "back to School Bomber" the entire town is in shock and terror at the lives that were lost and the many more who were injured in one act of senseless violence. Then we meet Alexander he had the perfect small town life, star quarterback for the football team, tons of friends, a devoted girlfriend, and a golden future, until that day. The day the bomb went off. The day his life and future were burned away along with nearly half if his body.
This book is full of twists and turns, the very first being, the "Back to School Bomber" is none other than Roxie's brother! She is left with no other option than to skip town and go somewhere where no one will know, or discover who she really is, she finds a college that fits the bill and enrolls. Obviously this means Roxie doesn't get to have a social life, her main concern is staying under the radar, and maintaining her anonymity. She struggles with the memories of her past, but finds a friend in her college roommate Claire. As I mentioned before the story is full of twists, and it is in one of these twists that Roxie meets up with Alexander. What good can possibly come out of this meeting? How will Alexander react when he finds out who Roxie is? Who her brother is? If they can overcome the past, what happens next? I have barely begun to scratch the surface of the things that this book is about. This story is full of action, mystery, and will keep the reader flipping pages on the edge of their seat until the end. This story is very well written, excellently sculpted in premise, plot, and character development. We have to take a hard look at some very real controversial issues. Even though this a work of fiction, things like the things that go on in this book go on in the real world. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting. I wasn’t sure how I would like the book at first but as I delved further into it and saw the complexity and intertwining of events and peoples lives it got more and more intriguing. I didn’t expect the prologue to really come into play but amazingly it did. Roxy held that huge secret and it kept her from allowing people into her life. Alexander was injured in Roxy’s secret. So much so that he wanted revenge and lived away from the world. Roxy changed that. Or is slowly changing that. Her ringing of the doorbell changes Alexander’s world. No longer wanting revenge and no starting to feel more comfortable in his skin he meets a group of people who are accepting. He also gets drawn into a world of revenge for the tragic death of another. Another who did nothing but be in the wrong place at the wrong time so she could be there for a friend. this cost her dearly and now those that did it will pay. Roxy and Jose and Hector are out to exact justice against those who feel they are above it all. Those who do cruel things in the name of hazing and want to be feared by all around them. Getting away with it for so long has given them a feel of invincibility. Until now. This is the fascinating story of Roxy and Alexander. The story of them finding acceptance from each other and forgiveness for their past that brought them together. The story of them falling in love and helping each other through the pain of the past and pushing forward to the future. The story of getting justice outside of the law and bringing them down for their horrible acts that have caused pain and suffering to others. This is the story of the creation of the Nines a group that will find justice for those who don’t get it when the law won’t. This is a slow, but addictive, building story of intrigue and in unusual way a love story as well. We see what happens when people are allowed to get away with anything and how dangerous this can be. We see pasts be put to rest and acceptance be found. The question of what is next for this group called the Nines will resonate with you after as you are awaiting the next adventure for this group.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a few books from this author and they are usually comfort reads for me since they have been contemporary/new adult romances. I love my romantic suspense and was looking forward to see how this book would measure up – and let me say that The Nines did not disappoint, but the suspense aspect was really just the tip of the iceberg to the story. There was so much going on in this book and everything seemed to just come together in just the right way to create a suspenseful romance with some unique twists and turns.

This is the first book in the series and really sets us up for the characters and stories we can expect as the series moves forward. The main characters are both broken and damaged, and I enjoyed watching them work through the secrets, pain, and suspicion that were the barriers to their relationship. The extended cast added another great dynamic, adding drama and tension to the story. Not only do we have to deal with past tragedies, but those of the present bring this group together and unite them, seeking a common goal…be it vengeance or justice, the lines seem to get blurred when you consider the true evil that was occurring.

This book was quite unique and has definitely sucked me in to the series. These friends by circumstance have me intrigued and not quite sure where Dakota Madison and Sierra Avalon are going to take us next…but I’m certainly looking forward to the ride!

[JoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There’s no such thing as perfect. We're two damaged people, but when we're together I think we make each other a lot less flawed. Somehow our broken pieces seem to be coming back together again.” ~ Roxie


Sooooo, the premise of this book is amazing. I read the blurb and a little excerpt and I was hooked. It has everything I could ever want in a thriller, and the fact that it has that NA feeling didn't bother me at all, even though I don’t like nor read NA.
We are introduced to two main characters and the story is told through each of their POVs. That is something I’m not used to nor I appreciate much on books I enjoy but the plot and story was so well developed that it didn't take anything away from this one. Roxie Bailey has a past that she'd rather keep hidden from the world and feels that the best way to do so is to keep to herself as much as possible. Alexander Grant has suffered a great ordeal and not only has decided to alienate from everyone but also take justice into his own hands.


“I was burned very badly in a fire. I like to keep my scars covered. “
“Everyone has scars,” Luci says. “You just wear yours on the outside. And I will be too.”


The beauty of these two characters is that they are so emotionally (if not physically) scarred that you can't help but feel sympathetic for each of them from the start, even for Alexander who tended to be a bit cold-hearted at the beginning. And even though they are young they don’t come across as foolish or immature. Their relationship has a much deeper meaning and is more truthful than I've seen in many other romantic stories, and although is not a long novel, their love connection does not feel rushed.


“’We’re together’ […]
The two words are simple, but when Alexander says them they seem to hold so much meaning. Not just that we're a couple, but god help the person who tries to come between us, or hurt me.” ~ Roxie


The second characters add a lot of depth to the story. And, of course the thriller itself is superb. What brings Alexander and Roxie together is not roses and poems, but a serious, horrible, damaging situation that will change their lives forever more. Rape, violence, threats, terrorism, and even death, all become part of this story that had me biting my nails and wanting to punch somebody and sometimes even at the brink of tears! Does the end justify the means? Can you be both judge and jury? Is friendship and love truly enough to keep going after life has thrown you that horrible blow and that curveball that you just were not able to avoid? Those are questions that will pop in your mind as you read The Nines.
Truthfully, this would have earned 5 shining stars in my book, however the fact that it was written in present tense was a bit distracting for me and in the end it did affect how much I enjoy it.


Other favorite quotes:

“But I'll take what I can get, whatever you're willing to give me. I'll take leftovers, scraps, whatever. I’m yours. But I don’t expect you to be mine. It was ridiculous to even suggest.” ~ Alexander

“You deserve to have all of me. You don’t have to settle for anything less.” ~ Roxie


*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review ***

[Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting. I’m calling it a dark romance suspenseful NA novel. Did I cover it? maybe. I’m calling it dark romance, not because the romance itself is dark (it’s not, there’s one legit sex scene in the book and it’s the epitome of innocence) but because the main character, our dearest Alexander, is pretty dark. Roxie is fighting her own past (which is also somewhat horrid) and the book deals with fighting a, for lack of a better word, rape gang.

The writing style of the book was ok – I wasn’t overly sucked in, but I found the plot pretty enjoyable. I found myself doubting the believability of Roxie in the beginning when she was demanding answers to questions. It didn’t feel like it was natural, but I understand why the authors chose to do it that way.
Alex and Roxie’s love story is certainly not traditional, but it’s super fast. I suppose the fact that they share a connection from their past helps to alleviate the instalove that some readers will hate, but I have to admit that the l-bomb was dropped pretty fast even for me. I wish there was more than one sex scene in the book, and I really wished that the authors found a new word to describe how Alex was feeling other than ‘turned on’. Regardless, I liked their relationship and felt their connection. I was super happy with how they progressed as a couple, so no concerns there.

Big warning to potential readers: the content of this book is pretty unsettling. If you don’t like reading about rape or brutalization of women, just count yourself out now. However, it is is NO WAY glorified or romanticized. [thank fuck].

I actually wasn’t expecting how the authors resolved the issues in the book and I was really pleasantly surprised. It was a creative (and right) move on the authors’ part and I heaved a huge sigh of relief. The actual ending was a little abrupt, but I suppose that was to set up for the next one in the series….I just felt like it ended mid thought. It’s a different kind of read than my usual fare but I liked it. Overall, it’s a good read with a bit of darkness, light sex and heavy suspense.

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...

[Charles Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxie Bailey is an 18-year-old college student hiding a terrible secret—a secret that makes it difficult for her to form relationships, other than her online chats with fellow psychology students, in particular ALEXANDERTHEGR8T. She finds herself in a tricky situation when her Claire, her roommate, insists that she go along with her and her boyfriend, Julio to meet his roommate Hector. Hector develops a liking for her, but she’s reluctant to let it get beyond friendship. Then, she convinces Hector to accompany her as she tracks down the mysterious Masked Man reported to be living near campus.
From this point on, things get complicated. Roxie meets the Masked Man face to face. Alexander, a recluse who has suffered severe burns which have disfigured him, is at first hesitant, but quickly a bond develops between them, a bond that could be severed when Roxie learns that Alexander was maimed when her brother set off a bomb in their high school on the first day of school. Can a victim of the Back to School Bomber deal with the emotions he’s feeling for his assailant’s sister?
The Nines, by Dakota Madison and Sierra Avalon, takes us alternately into the lives, minds, and hearts of Roxie and Alexander as they learn to live with their pain. The suspense is ratcheted up several knots when Claire fails to return to the dorm, and they learn that she’s been killed by members of a secret fraternity near the campus. Claire’s boyfriend wants more than justice, he wants revenge. But, the fraternity members are all rich and well-connected—and basically consider themselves above the law.
As Alexander and Roxie set out to make things right, their relationship grows even stronger.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. The authors write with a level of authority and understanding of human nature and human relationships that will suck you in and keep you reading until the end. Given the recent news stories about fraternity misbehavior around the U.S., this book is more than a complicate love story. It’s a story of the level of dysfunction that exists on too many college campuses, and how two people have chosen to deal with it. It might be fiction, but the way it reads, it’s all too real.

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the first day back to school. Roxie looked around for her pink sneakers but found his brother waiting for him in the car. As late as she was, she couldn’t help but feel excited to be back to school. But her brother was a different story. He took his time driving their car to high school, and parked at the farthest lot from the school grounds. Then everything exploded! Literally!

A couple of years after, Roxie became a different person, secluded, introverted, guarded. When she became close to one person she thought could make her happy, her world came crashing down on her again. Because her past had finally caught up on her.

This had me screaming from the get go. Literally. When the first word you see in this book is Screaming, you as a reader would definitely start screaming on your head and ask, what am I screaming about? Such is the case with The Nines.

I think, Dakota Madison and and Sierra Avalon had raised the bar high for novels that tackle fraternities and terrorism. This book is a freaking genius. I couldn’t stop reading Roxie’s tale of events that happened around her before and after the “School Bombing” issue, plus the frat houses and rape rooms. I can’t really remember the last time I read a book about frats. But this one is definitely going to stay on my mind for a long time. The chaos, the angst, the destruction, the pain, the animosity, the cruelty and above all, the love, are all covered in the Nines. Plus the fact that most of the events here have had happened in real life – that was unimaginable!

The author’s writing is intense and powerful! I liked it so much that she/they’re able to craft a story worth reading and discussing. A combination of drama, action and mystery in one effective setting that had me on edges. This is a highly recommended read worth two thumbs up!

[ByoBook Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you are running from your past but it seems you can't run far enough? Roxie has gone to extreme measures to distance herself from her past but even after everything it still finds a way to hunt her after everything. All she wants to do is be a regular psychology college student but fate has something different in store for her.

Alexander is a recluse and it isn't by choice he is hiding from the world, it is because of the work of a mad man. What happens when your past seeks you out and he's not even aware of it? The day he meets Roxie he doesn't realize but he's about to come face-to-face with his past and the feelings she inspires in him. These feelings are something no one has ever manage to inspire in his damage soul and body .

Roxie, Alexander and their friends are about to uncover a big secret that will turn their world upside down and it will never be the same. One horrible act will lead them to become The Nines. They will take justice in their own hands, defend those who are no longer able to defend themselves and resolve the injustices that others turn a blind eye to.

This book was a page turner from start to finish. It has some of everything in it from suspense, drama and romance. This book has some very sensitive subjects and even touch on gently it's not for everyone. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a romantic suspense books. The Nines is a book that has quickly climbed to a favorite of mine.

[Claudia Burgoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vengeance is mine not the Lord’s. It’s what I breathe for. It’s what I’m still living for. I live for the moment when I will literally have his eye for mine …

Roxie lived a normal life until one day in the small town of Massachusetts her high school is bombed. It was the first day of school, and the so called “Back to school Bomber” is her brother. She had no other option but to leave her past behind. Who wouldn’t after the tragedy where many were killed, a lot more injured and town is mourning in terror. With a new name, no family and a fresh start, she lives her life under the radar. Partying, boyfriends or the sorority life is out of her agenda. The only thing that matters is that no one ever finds out who she really is.

During said tragedy, Alexander, lost everything. He was the QB, had the perfect girlfriend, lots of friends and the bright future. In one instant that brilliant future burned into ashes as half of his body burned along with his chances.


The Nines it’s a story like nothing I’ve ever read. It is a web of delicate subjects that the authors handled with exceptional craft. Alexander and Roxie are two damaged souls that find each other and come together to help those who need it. This is a page turner that takes a bit to warm up to, but soon becomes a page turner that keeps the reader at the edge of their seats.

[Shanoff Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received an ARC for an honest review.**

This was a a quick and very thrilling read. I could not put it down, because I wanted to know how it played out and I was surprised by the way things came full circle for both Alexander and Roxie. It is weird when fate steps into the picture and draws two people who are trying to hide from their pasts, together.

I shocked by some of the things that went on in this book and to learn from the front of the book that these things may in fact be going on around us. I loved the way that these unlikely group of "friends" came together to right wrongs that others turned a blind eye to all because of the influence and wealth of their families.

I really enjoyed this book and I definitely look forward to more of this series. I want to know all of their stories and how things go from here. I want to know that Julio's life gets better, I want Hector to find his person and I really want to know about Ivan and Luci. My main curiosity is who is Ash...I like the fast pace of this series and I will be reading more.

[Alison Chewning · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** ARC provided by Obsessed By Books ***

Wow what a entertaining book The Nines was. This was the first time read for me by this author Dakota Madison. I had no clue what this book was about until I started reading The Nines at first I was skeptical about the book. I am glad that I read it and finished it was a great book to enjoy.

Roxie is a small town girl with secrets of her own she lived in Massachusetts. Her school was blown up by her brother known as the Back to School Bomber. After the bombing she left her town in Massachusetts.
After leaving her town Roxie is struggling with memories of her past. Until she meets Alexander who is the star quarter back for his high school he had it all the looks and plenty of girlfriends to chose from.

The Nines will keep you on your toes this book has many twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I really liked all the twists and turns in the Nines love those types of book that keep you on the edge and wanting to throw something too.

[Paula Harp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxie is a college freshman who spends more time in online chat rooms that she done in the real world. She has a secret so she doesn't want friends who get too close. She meets Alexander in a chat room, he is a hacker and he has a secret also. Roxie and Alexander find they have a common bond with their secrets. Then they find out the D.O.G. fraternity is raping girls on campus and Roxie's room mate is one of them. Can they, along with Julio and Hector, get revenge for the raped girls? Note rape is mentioned but not to the main character. The author draws you into the story with the secrets in the background and you are so hoping Roxie and Alexander will learn each others secrets and still be together. Awesome Read, would like to read more by these authors.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nines totally grabbed me from the first paragraph. I had read the synopsis and the references in the beginning and quite honestly wasn't sure how I'd like it. Well, I loved it. The tough subject matter; school violence, sexual assault, crime, corruption, unconditional love, regret, forgiveness and shame were handled extremely well. You'd think that this would be a depressing, dour novel, quite the contrary. It was fast paced,tender and at times sexy. The characters were multi layered and I loved how each of their backgrounds and unique ties to one another played out. I loved the mystery that seemed to permeate the story and the connection between Roxie and Alexander was magical and sexy. Completely hooked and anxious for others in the series.

[Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile" · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining read about a reclusive burn/school-bombing victim and the younger sister of the bomber. For the subject, the story is too short to have the depth and angst needed considering the events and psychological aftermath that would follow this type of setup. We get a little insight/background of the pair but the story is in the present - events that bring them together to deal with an underground fraternity preying on female college students. This is a standalone series with no cliffhanger and is not graphic in content. The other books in the series are about other characters as leads. 3 stars.

[Eye Candy Bookstore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book like this. A young girl's brother is a school bomber in a quest to get away from the circus that is her life; she changes her name and goes to college. While in school she is studies and stays out of sight until she learns about a secret fraternity that allows it's members to rape girls with no fallout. Again, I have never read anything like it before. It had me on the edge of my seat I give this book a five. There is nothing like it.
5 stars ~ Mariah Kingsley for Eye Candy Bookstore

[Tish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. It was fast paced and interesting. My typically my kind of story but once I got started it drew me in. Emotional, exciting and the characters are great! I will definitely be reading more!

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st. day of class. Claire (college roommate, epilepsy) introduces Roxie Bailey (Rovzan Baiev, roommate) to Julio (Claire’s BF), & Hector (Julio’s BMF).
Lots of back to school parties to go to.
Fast forward; What did Roxie & Julio go see Heather (RA, grad; psychology) about?

What was found at Make Out Ridge?
What did Roxie & Alexander Grant (CS, Alexander (firebombing victim, hacker) figure out?
As a former undergrad/grad student, this happens on every town USA college on/off campus.

In 2017, I thought maybe things were changing legally wise when it comes to this issue.

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free bookfunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)

[Ki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Dakota Madison and Sierra Avalon novel and I can’t believe I’ve never picked them up, even though I’ve seen them around! I’m super happy though that I picked this up because, The cover can absolutely fool you! And not just that but the blurb didn’t say much about what it was either so I didn’t know what I was getting myself into besides it being a suspense, which I totally enjoy, and that it referred to being a comic book and a romance mash up. But once I got going with it, It was excellent! I know for sure it’s not going to be my last of them.

This was utterly different from any book I’ve read and it was a thriller ride. It’s told from two perspectives in first person so that made the story even more personal. Plus, it’s like telling a real true story yet fictional one because of the topics it touches upon. Those topics are what we are getting exposed to now in our real world currently involving huge universities and frat groups and even politics.

Just to summarize the story….. There are two characters we’re following. The heroine, Roxie and the hero, Alexander. Both of them are connected together by a horrible event that happened to them when they were high schoolers in Massachusetts. Now they’re far from home and attending college at one of its prestigious colleges were wealth rules the campus and fraternities are outlawed. Both have kept their pasts hidden from the new lives they’re living and thought that no one in this new town would find out who they truly are. Roxie isn’t her real name, she had changed it to get away from that horrible past that will connect her to it for life, while Alexander has locked himself away from the world due to his disfigurement from that event and chooses a virtual existence than live among the flesh around him. Without knowing it, their paths soon crosses and when Roxie’s roommate goes missing, they end up work together to find her and bring down a secret fraternity will bind them together forever. Although there are many things that connect them, both are also afraid to share their secrets and their hearts due to the pain and suffering they’ve felt from the past.

I highly enjoyed this and was super devastated when I finished it. Why? Because I swear I though it was going to be much longer book. I was even contemplating that if it was going to end on a cliffhanger I would be alright with it because I was going to get the next book anyways. And you know How I hate cliffhangers! But man, it ended and I didn’t like it. Not that didn’t like it but that it just ended too quickly and I still had all these questions I wanted answered and all these emotions flying about. But really, it did end pretty quick. It was totally rushed and I didn’t like that. The major thing I didn’t like about this book. It went from climax to Bam! The End. Sad….

Otherwise the relationship between Roxie and Alexander was great. Sure it felt rushed but knowing they had been chatting online without knowing who each other were made up for their quick connection and spark.

I thought Alexander was super cute. Moving from this popular kid to a recluse really changed him and how he saw the world but I loved that we got to know him and see all of his vulnerable sides and insecurities as a man. I loved that he wasn’t a push over. He contemplates and work meticulously, plus is very careful about what he does and say. This might be due to the fact about him being a hacker, doing illegal things but also to protect himself from harm and from his past. But I super love that he does that with Roxie because it shows how much he cares about her and her opinions. He wants her to feel comfortable even though he himself have all these insecurities. And I love that he just so sweet and loves so deeply and passionately. Not having contact with physical beings for so long must had been so hard on him and knowing that this great and caring man was locked inside was just a breather when he finally found Roxie to let him live again.

Roxie had a lot on her shoulders and I really felt for her. She’s truly connected to what happened back in Mass. and it can really change how everyone see her if they knew who she was so changing her name and keeping a distance from folks made for a sad life for her. But on the other had she’s a strong young lady and life made her curious about everything, from people, life, and choices. That’s how she met Alexander because she was curious about the masked man who lived on campus, without knowing that she has already met him and have a deep past connection with him. She can be a bit nosy and manipulative. This is how she is with Alexander and getting him to do things out of his boundaries. Although they were done to help him breakout of this shell he carved himself I felt like she went over the top to get him to do as she pleased. It was definitely a different side of her and definitely not the same Roxie we knew, so it was kind of off character for her. But I like her passion and her determination in finding out things that catches her interest.

Also, as I read this I had no notion of time. Sure I knew that two years had past since the horrible event but things tend to had moved quickly in matters of days if not just mere weeks. So having Roxie and Alexander’s relationship move from first base to home-run really got to me. Like it made me pause on it. Nothing bad about it but it just got me to pause because they moved pretty quick even though they practically knew each other for months online before then. Another was how much this story read to me like a non New Adult book. Like I new it was college students but I felt like it should have been characters in their late twenties and early thirties you know. I don’t know why but that’s just how i felt when I read it but then the topics this story hit wouldn’t have really worked so I kind of gave it a pass.

So, all in all I really liked this. Other than how it ended I highly enjoyed this would recommend it to suspense lovers. I’m definitely going to keep up with the next book and see if it’ll start off from where we were left off, which I hope it does, but we’ll see. I’m hoping this series is a series that follows Roxie and Alexander on their conquests about the university but as I see it it’s not so I’m sadden but optimistic about what’s next.

*This book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.

[J_McA 251 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel really starts with a bang (quite literally), but unfortunately gets itself entangled in too many “ripped from the headlines” plot lines to be a very cohesive story. The word that kept coming to mind was “farfetched.” Had the author chosen one timely topic to focus on, this could have been a decent thriller. But there were so many (Chechen terrorists, international cyber-hackers, campus sexual assaults) that it all just seemed extremely overdone. To add to it, while some initial moments seemed fairly realistic, they soon veered into over-the-top dramatic moments that totally lost the reality. For example, the absolute cruelty and animalistic behavior of the fraternity was frankly unbelievable. Regular assaults are horrific enough without having to resort to cartoonish villainy. I did kind of like the “Beauty and the Beast” feeling of the romance part of the novel, and the two main characters were likable, although not very deep. All in all, it felt very rushed and somewhat histrionic. (Side note: Some of the resources cited at the beginning of the novel were questionable at best, and therefore did not lend a credible tone to the story). I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the book from the author and Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock in exchange for an honest review.
The NINES is the first book in a series full of romance, suspense and revenge. This novel tells the story of Alexander and Rozvan, two people to people that are connected by such a twisted and bloody crime that marked them as broken or so they thought. Alexander was Mr. Popularity, future homecoming king, and had a beautiful girlfriend that would make anyone jealous. He had the world at his feet until one of his high school classmates decided that bombing school on the first day of a new semester would be the perfect homecoming reception. Alex was one of the few that survived but the scars on all of his body made everyone look at him with pity or disgust. He lost everything but he is about to find out that when a door closes others open.
Rozvan is the baby sister of the guy that caused the death and injuries of hundreds of students and teachers with that awful first day of school bomb. She suspected that something was wrong with her brother. He never drives that slowly to school or park that far away from the entrance. However, no matter how strange he had been acting after he joined that troublesome crew, she would have never imagined that he would be capable of murdering all those innocent people. His actions marked not only him but their family for life to the point that she had to change her name and move out of town so she can have a little bit of peace, if that is possible.
I have to say I thought Rozvan or Roxie, as she calls herself, was too nosy at the start of the novel. It is okay to be curious about somethings that are not quite normal in the everyday life but she acted way too crazy when she followed a delivery guy to a stranger’s house just to find out why the owner of the house wears a mask. She asked way too many questions to the point of bothering her roommate and her boyfriend. She truly needs to take a hint and act a little more considerate about others. However, if she hadn’t acted that way I guess there wouldn’t have been a story to tell. On the other hand, I loved everything about Alexander. I think that after everything he went through the fact that he got a job and started college is amazing. Sure, he works for dangerous people but he never harms innocents. His classes are online but that is understandable. I had the feeling that those two will meet at some point of the story and I really thought that Alexander would shout at her and pout all his anger into his words. Probably, after a while he will apologize. Nonetheless, he gave me an amazing surprise. Even though he wanted to blame her he could see nothing more than a beautiful and innocent woman full or sadness and warmth that had nothing to do with the actions of the monster that harmed him.
It was quite an irony that a crime not only linked Alexander and Roxie years ago but also in the present. When Claire, Roxie’s roomie, attended to a secret sorority party with a friend and never returned, Roxie has a bad feeling that has her and Claire’s boyfriend, Julio, running through all campus looking for her. The only hope they have to find Claire? A computer genius that specializes in security and hacking. Guess who our boy is. Of course, Alexander! What started as searching for Claire turned into a much more dangerous and complicated mission as other girls from campus ended up raped and hospitalized. There is a secret fraternity hurting the female students on campus. They are animals that think they are lawless because their parents are rich and powerful. However, they made the mistake of messing up with Claire and Luci, Roxie’s friends, because now they have a very motivated Alexander after them and with him come all his contacts with criminal organizations.
I recommend this book to anyone over the age of 18 due to the rape, murder and other criminal situations that are exposed in the book. They aren’t very explicit, however, their implications are discusses during the whole book. I would also recommend you have read it when you have a couple of free hours because you won’t be able to put it down.

[Amy Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I received a copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

Roxie has a dark secret that she carries with her every day since she left Massachusetts. Her High School was bombed on the first day of school by the “Back to School Bomber” where many were killed and even more were hurt. That bomber was her brother. Since that very day, her life changed and people treated her like she was a criminal too. She left town and changed her name to start her life over but gave up the life of having boyfriends or good friends she could ever trust the secret with. Is there possibly one person that is connected with her past that can look past all the ugly and see the beautiful in her?
Alexander had it all, the looks, the girlfriend, high school quarterback, and the popularity. That all changed on the first day of school as his entire left side of his body was burned so badly that every single person in his life looked at him with horror. He was angry and wanted revenge, understandably so. Little did he know that his revenge would not be served on the bomber that did that to his life but on countless others committing criminal acts. He would get his revenge and vengeance would be served under “The Nines.”
I was reserved about reading this book after the first couple of chapters. The story really tore at my heart strings and brought waves of different emotions. It brought up memories of the countless horrible acts that have been committed against innocent people and have taken way too many innocent lives. To name a few of those acts; Columbine, The Boston Marathon Bombing, Sandy Hook, plus many, many more acts of incredible violence. This story touched me in more ways that I really ever expected it to and I almost stopped reading. I’m so glad that I didn’t stop even though it brought to my attention another bout of horrible crimes committed on college campuses every year; the secret fraternities that have rape rooms where horrible, horrible actions are committed against innocent victims.
While this book is a work of fiction, it was refreshing to think of a group such as “The nines” taking justice into their own hands when law enforcement has a cloud over their eyes. I was impressed by the way in which it was written. It was also very nice to read happiness and love to the story between Roxie and Alexander. It has a way to leave you with hope to know that the world is not completely an ugly place; you just have to look for the silver lining. I was able to finish this book with a smile on my face and a feeling of happiness and a bit of peace for the characters. As this story is part of a series, I look forward to reading the others. These authors are incredible writers and write on such a touchy topic so beautifully. I would recommend reading this book, even though it touches on such sensitive subjects.

[Anja ~ Once Upon a Page ⚜️ Books and Tequila · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I generously received an Advanced Readers Copy for an honest review*

This book has been nothing like I’ve ever read before and I’ve been trying to put my thoughts in order to be able to write this for a while now. The fact that the horrible occurrences in this story happen every day around the world is scary and left a sour taste, and yet, it also filled me with hope—hope that one day people won’t be judged by their appearance or by what other people did anymore. (One can hope, right?)

Roxie has had a childhood like every other average kid in America. She has been happy and had friends and a family who loved her. Until one single event has changed everything and makes the world she knew crumble around her. She’s been running from her past ever since, trying to find her own little happy place. She has never expected to find it in the arms of the one man who has every right to hate her.

Alex is a recluse, not stepping foot outside of his house unless he absolutely has to. He has had a good life, anything he could wish for, until one tragic event changed everything. He isn’t the attractive young man he used to be, a deformity has forced him to isolate himself. He thinks he’s as happy as he’ll ever be, being alone, doing hack jobs for anyone who pays him enough, and plotting his revenge on the one person who destroyed the life he used to have.

Even though they aren’t supposed to meet, and Alex is NEVER supposed to find out her well-kept secret about her past, when they do meet nothing else seems to matter. Roxie doesn’t have a judgmental bone in her body, mostly because she knows what that feels like, and doesn’t care what Alex looks like. But will he be able to do the same, or will her past destroy them before they even had a chance?

In addition to all of this, Alex, Roxie, and her friends learn of some horrific machinations on campus that again will force their live in a different direction than planned. In order to stop the horrors from continuing, they take justice into their own hands and become The Nines.
From page one, I haven’t been able to put this book down. It has had me gripping my kindle, hoping and praying that my predictions were wrong. Even though I wanted some more depth to the characters, especially Alex, I loved this book and can only recommend it to anyone who likes to read something unique; with lots of romance, drama, and suspense. I for one, can’t wait for the next one!


(Though, some of the subject matter might be offensive to some people, even if it’s written very tastefully and not offensive in the least. Be aware of this.)

[Badass Bloggettes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

What a great story! I love a good thriller. The Nines has a good mix of everything I like in a book…a mystery, a budding love story, and the past and present coming together.

Roxie, the heroine, has a secret that keeps her from getting close to people. She fears friends because they will ask questions about her history. Her methodology to keep people at bay is to concentrate on her studies and to join online school chat rooms. Alexander, the hero, is a computer hacker with secrets of his own. Roxie and Alexander know, and like, each other online but they don’t really know each other.

While Roxie is trying to figure out more about Alex her dorm mate, Claire, introduces Roxie to Hector, a friend of her boyfriend Jose. Claire is trying to play matchmaker and, while Hector is attracted to Roxie, Roxie isn’t interested. There is also something about the legend about the student that wears a mask that intrigues Roxie. As she works to untangle the legend her past and present collide and Roxie’s secrets come to the surface.

The authors switch back and forth between Roxie and Alexander’s point of view. This is an excellent choice for this story because both of these characters have suffered so much. The reader gets into their heads and understands what they are both thinking. More important however, is that we get into their hearts and feel what they are feel.

The thriller is a secret fraternity with rape rooms. This fraternity is a group of men who feel privileged and protected because of their status. There are a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns to hold the reader’s interest. I like the way current events are used to weave this tale. The setting is very believable and the conversations are realistic and sometimes thought provoking. There is an underlying theme of don’t judge a book by the cover so to speak too. Sometimes what you see on the outside isn’t what exists on the inside.

Dakota Madison and Sierra Avalon are new authors to me. This is the first book I’ve read by them and I will be looking for more in the future. I really like their writing style. While there aren’t any hot love scenes there is a growing romance that is fun to experience. My only complaint is a little one. I like the ending; however it seems a little quick. For me it feels like a chapter is missing. One minute I’m on a high as the group is solving the mystery and then bam I read “The End”. I need more of something to wrap it up. Regardless of this little complaint it is worth spending your reading time on The Nines.