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The IMA #4
Cease and Desist
Michael and Christina are back in the explosive conclusion to the IMA series.
The IMA is an international group of mercenaries who deal in blood the way other businessmen deal in oil or diamonds. There is no commodity they will not provide; and now, their operations have expanded to include human trafficking. Public enemies of the IMA are disappearing, and when they're found again they're in third world brothels...or dead.
AMI was created as a foil to the IMA's efforts; everything the IMA stands for, AMI is against. Everyone in the group has something to lose and the only goal that unites them is the desire for the death of the IMA's leader: Adrian Callaghan.
But when one of AMI's operatives turns up dead, both Christina and Michael are forced to go undercover to infiltrate Adrian Callaghan's seediest venture yet.
This time, it's personal.
The IMA is an international group of mercenaries who deal in blood the way other businessmen deal in oil or diamonds. There is no commodity they will not provide; and now, their operations have expanded to include human trafficking. Public enemies of the IMA are disappearing, and when they're found again they're in third world brothels...or dead.
AMI was created as a foil to the IMA's efforts; everything the IMA stands for, AMI is against. Everyone in the group has something to lose and the only goal that unites them is the desire for the death of the IMA's leader: Adrian Callaghan.
But when one of AMI's operatives turns up dead, both Christina and Michael are forced to go undercover to infiltrate Adrian Callaghan's seediest venture yet.
This time, it's personal.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2015
9 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Nenia Campbell
60 books20.8k followersNenia Campbell is a dark romance author who lives in San Francisco, California. When she's not writing, or reading, she can be found roaming the city or curled up with her void cat. She collects romance novels older than she is and loves a villain with flair.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 28, 2015
I LOVED THIS.
The fourth and final book in The IMA series delivered in spades. We've waited a long time for this, but don't worry, it picks up like it was yesterday and doesn't let up until the last page. If you're not sure how things were left in book 3, then maybe refresh your memory. But to give you a quick rundown:
Michael and Christina are heading up The AMI, an organization they spearheaded in response to the IMA's fall into depravity. All thanks to the sociopathic Adrian Callaghan, now in charge of the IMA. Michael and Christina are trying to stay under the radar after things come crashing down. Pretty soon, they're running for their lives and are forced to enter the lions den.
Okay, so I don't want to say too much, since reading this was such a rush, but...I will touch on what I absolutely loved. Which was everything! but still...
Michael and Christina
Can I say how much I love these two?! They're such an unlikely couple, but so suited for each other at the same time. Michael is a hard and unyielding man. He's done very bad things and has led a very dangerous life. But with Christina, he sees everything differently. She gives him hope and the ability to BE more. The thing I loved seeing was how Michael never faltered from his original characterization. He didn't suddenly start spewing poetry and writing love songs. He was exactly the same, but softer somehow. I loved how NC kept his character true to form. When he did express his feelings, I melted. The things he said to Christina were devastatingly heartfelt.
Christina was awesome. She has grown so much over this series. Once afraid and meek, she has become brave and willing to take risks. Her life was turned upside down, but she thrived under the pressure and really blossomed. Together, these two were on fire. The sexy time between them was great and playful, especially one scene on a plane...;)
Adrian Callaghan
What a sick FUCK. No, really, he was one twisted MOFO. His ability to send goose bumps up my arm just from reading what he did, is a testament to his utter and despicable nature. He's the guy you love to hate and there's plenty of him to hate here.
The Plot
So intelligent, so fast paced and so intricate, I loved everything about this series and it's evolving story line. Even the ending was completely in line with the plot. Although I keep thinking an epilogue would have sent my heart a'fluttering, I also see how it could have ruined the effect. But that's the thing with this whole series, It has stayed true to form throughout all the books. Things are so consistent, it's amazing how NC has kept everything in order. When I look at it that way, how everything ended made sense. Needless to say, I LOVED THE ENDING. I just don't want to say goodbye!
Anyways, highly recommend this series. It's smart, action-packed and incredibly entertaining, loved it.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
The fourth and final book in The IMA series delivered in spades. We've waited a long time for this, but don't worry, it picks up like it was yesterday and doesn't let up until the last page. If you're not sure how things were left in book 3, then maybe refresh your memory. But to give you a quick rundown:
Michael and Christina are heading up The AMI, an organization they spearheaded in response to the IMA's fall into depravity. All thanks to the sociopathic Adrian Callaghan, now in charge of the IMA. Michael and Christina are trying to stay under the radar after things come crashing down. Pretty soon, they're running for their lives and are forced to enter the lions den.
Okay, so I don't want to say too much, since reading this was such a rush, but...I will touch on what I absolutely loved. Which was everything! but still...
Michael and Christina
Can I say how much I love these two?! They're such an unlikely couple, but so suited for each other at the same time. Michael is a hard and unyielding man. He's done very bad things and has led a very dangerous life. But with Christina, he sees everything differently. She gives him hope and the ability to BE more. The thing I loved seeing was how Michael never faltered from his original characterization. He didn't suddenly start spewing poetry and writing love songs. He was exactly the same, but softer somehow. I loved how NC kept his character true to form. When he did express his feelings, I melted. The things he said to Christina were devastatingly heartfelt.
Christina was awesome. She has grown so much over this series. Once afraid and meek, she has become brave and willing to take risks. Her life was turned upside down, but she thrived under the pressure and really blossomed. Together, these two were on fire. The sexy time between them was great and playful, especially one scene on a plane...;)
Adrian Callaghan
What a sick FUCK. No, really, he was one twisted MOFO. His ability to send goose bumps up my arm just from reading what he did, is a testament to his utter and despicable nature. He's the guy you love to hate and there's plenty of him to hate here.
The Plot
So intelligent, so fast paced and so intricate, I loved everything about this series and it's evolving story line. Even the ending was completely in line with the plot. Although I keep thinking an epilogue would have sent my heart a'fluttering, I also see how it could have ruined the effect. But that's the thing with this whole series, It has stayed true to form throughout all the books. Things are so consistent, it's amazing how NC has kept everything in order. When I look at it that way, how everything ended made sense. Needless to say, I LOVED THE ENDING. I just don't want to say goodbye!
Anyways, highly recommend this series. It's smart, action-packed and incredibly entertaining, loved it.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
November 3, 2015
REVIEW TO COME!
ARC kindly provided by author in return for an honest review
August 3, 2016
Holy Moley!!
4.5 stars!!
Absolutely the best book of the series!!
Every time I thought that Christina and Michael had the upper hand, Adrian seemed to be two steps ahead of them. It made for some intense reading. And I loved every minute of it! Although I hated him, Adrian Callaghan was an insane/genius mastermind.
The way that Adrian met his end (finally!) was at once satisfying and heartbreaking. Why Nenia??? Why you do me like that???
So upset right now :(
That ending though. Any chance I could see what is in the message to Christina??? Can you write some more on this series please, Nenia Campbell. A novella perhaps? *wink*
XO
Absolutely the best book of the series!!
Every time I thought that Christina and Michael had the upper hand, Adrian seemed to be two steps ahead of them. It made for some intense reading. And I loved every minute of it! Although I hated him, Adrian Callaghan was an insane/genius mastermind.
The way that Adrian met his end (finally!) was at once satisfying and heartbreaking. Why Nenia??? Why you do me like that???
So upset right now :(
That ending though. Any chance I could see what is in the message to Christina??? Can you write some more on this series please, Nenia Campbell. A novella perhaps? *wink*
XO
October 25, 2015
4 hope is the worst evil of all stars
**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for a fair & honest review. Thank you, Nenia! **
First let me start off by saying how much I absolutely LOVED this series. Michael and Christina are one of my FAVORITE power couples! My favorite part of this book, as with all of the other books in the series, is the seriously funny (and often sexual) banter that our hero and heroine partake in.
This book had it all: love, sex, murder, action, torture, revenge...the list is endless. There were many times I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen to the characters I have grown to love. And Adrian, omg Adrian. Every book, we get to see more and more just how evil and demented that man is. In this book, you truly get to see the full depravity that is Adrian Callaghan.
So it's obvious that I LOVED this book. SO why the 4 stars? well that's simple, THE ENDING!
If you have yet to check out the IMA series, I suggest you do so ASAP!
Reading Order:
Cloak and Dagger
Armed and Dangerous
Locked and Loaded
Cease and Desist
**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for a fair & honest review. Thank you, Nenia! **
First let me start off by saying how much I absolutely LOVED this series. Michael and Christina are one of my FAVORITE power couples! My favorite part of this book, as with all of the other books in the series, is the seriously funny (and often sexual) banter that our hero and heroine partake in.
This book had it all: love, sex, murder, action, torture, revenge...the list is endless. There were many times I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen to the characters I have grown to love. And Adrian, omg Adrian. Every book, we get to see more and more just how evil and demented that man is. In this book, you truly get to see the full depravity that is Adrian Callaghan.
So it's obvious that I LOVED this book. SO why the 4 stars? well that's simple, THE ENDING!
If you have yet to check out the IMA series, I suggest you do so ASAP!
Reading Order:
Cloak and Dagger
Armed and Dangerous
Locked and Loaded
Cease and Desist
May 19, 2016
3.5 stars
All lines are gray in the dark.
The fourth and final book in the IMA series, Cease and Desist continues the story of Michael and Christina. If you read the first in the series, you'll know that our couple had a bit of a dubious start; Michael kidnapped Christina. Through the books they have quite the journey, hate, love, death, violence, sacrifice, and turmoil. While this book carries forward the action plot with Christina and Michael still battling against the IMA and namely a sadistic truly vile villain Adrian Callaghan, the purpose seemed to be addressing the themes presented throughout the series and Christina psychoanalyzing her own emotions and actions.
I loved Michael, and I wasn't quite sure why because he gave me so little recourse in this twisted excuse of a relationship. Was it because I wanted to fix him, or because the sex was good? Was it years of Catholic repression rearing its head, or was it because he had loved me first, and I loved the idea of being loved more than I actually loved the man?
Chiefly, Christina explores how, why, should, and if she loves Michael. The book almost felt sort of meta for me at times with it feeling like the author was searching through her characters why she wrote them the way she did. As this is the last in the series, I didn't mind all the introspective insights and delving and as this series as a whole had me questioning the same things Christina did, I was able to analyze my own thoughts and feelings along with her. It gave the book a different tone from the rest but still had the action. Action that will not be for the average reader as it involves sex slaves, torture, and rape. I said in my review from the first book that the author goes there (way there in this story) but not sure she should have. Same feelings in this case, although, it felt less shock value this time and more like, here's an unflinching story about the dregs of society.
The ending? It's a cliffhanger and challenging happily ever after all rolled into one; if you don't like ambiguity or open-ended finishes, you're going to want to stay away. My first response was to yell a "NO!" and then "oh come on, that can't be the ending!". After thinking about it though, it works for me. My thought on the ending, (seriously, don't read if you are going to read the series or book, it will ruin the ending for you)
If you want to muck around in the grays, challenge and contemplate your views on right, wrong, and love, then this series would be an interesting one to take on.
*This book can't be read as a standalone, you need to start from the beginning.
All lines are gray in the dark.
The fourth and final book in the IMA series, Cease and Desist continues the story of Michael and Christina. If you read the first in the series, you'll know that our couple had a bit of a dubious start; Michael kidnapped Christina. Through the books they have quite the journey, hate, love, death, violence, sacrifice, and turmoil. While this book carries forward the action plot with Christina and Michael still battling against the IMA and namely a sadistic truly vile villain Adrian Callaghan, the purpose seemed to be addressing the themes presented throughout the series and Christina psychoanalyzing her own emotions and actions.
I loved Michael, and I wasn't quite sure why because he gave me so little recourse in this twisted excuse of a relationship. Was it because I wanted to fix him, or because the sex was good? Was it years of Catholic repression rearing its head, or was it because he had loved me first, and I loved the idea of being loved more than I actually loved the man?
Chiefly, Christina explores how, why, should, and if she loves Michael. The book almost felt sort of meta for me at times with it feeling like the author was searching through her characters why she wrote them the way she did. As this is the last in the series, I didn't mind all the introspective insights and delving and as this series as a whole had me questioning the same things Christina did, I was able to analyze my own thoughts and feelings along with her. It gave the book a different tone from the rest but still had the action. Action that will not be for the average reader as it involves sex slaves, torture, and rape. I said in my review from the first book that the author goes there (way there in this story) but not sure she should have. Same feelings in this case, although, it felt less shock value this time and more like, here's an unflinching story about the dregs of society.
The ending? It's a cliffhanger and challenging happily ever after all rolled into one; if you don't like ambiguity or open-ended finishes, you're going to want to stay away. My first response was to yell a "NO!" and then "oh come on, that can't be the ending!". After thinking about it though, it works for me. My thought on the ending, (seriously, don't read if you are going to read the series or book, it will ruin the ending for you)
If you want to muck around in the grays, challenge and contemplate your views on right, wrong, and love, then this series would be an interesting one to take on.
*This book can't be read as a standalone, you need to start from the beginning.
November 6, 2015
This is book 4 in Nenia Campbell's IMA series. I would advise reading books 1-3 before reading this one. By doing so you will get a good idea of the character development, especially Michaels and Christina's.
Cease and Desist picks up where Locked and Loaded left off.
Michael and Christina have left IMA and are in the infancy of their own organization called The AMI. If you read the previous books in the series you will know who Callaghan is, (the head of the IMA), and why Michael and Christina's sole purpose is to take him down.
Michael and Christina
What can I say about these two except they have come so far. Christina has matured so much from the innocent naïve girl she was in the first book. I adored her character in this book. She has accepted that her future is now with Michael and stands behind him. They have been through so much together.
"Together, we were like an island in the eye of a hundred-year storm. We were alive and full of the kind of fire that can light an entire sky up with brilliant streaks of neon flame even as civilization burns to a smoldering ash below. The consequences would come later. For now, we would wreak our own brand of chaos."
Michael, the mercenary/assassin was just awesome. Even though his character was still hard, he had a wonderful soft spot for Christina,
which was so sweet. I loved his character!
“You rearranged my entire world, forced me to live by an entirely new set of rules. You almost got me killed, but I survived, and then I got stronger. And so, cher amour, did you.”
Callaghan is the most evil of evils. Again he is up to his old trick but this time he is into some more, human trafficking.
"He was Satan with a human face, and I wanted to put him back where he belonged. In hell. “One of us would have to sell another. One of us would have to be trafficked to Adrian Callaghan's men.”
If you enjoy action, suspense and thrills with some wonderful romantic scenes and a thrilling and engaging plot I definitely suggest you read this series. I loved every moment!!
ARC kindly provided by author for an honest review
Cease and Desist picks up where Locked and Loaded left off.
Michael and Christina have left IMA and are in the infancy of their own organization called The AMI. If you read the previous books in the series you will know who Callaghan is, (the head of the IMA), and why Michael and Christina's sole purpose is to take him down.
Michael and Christina
What can I say about these two except they have come so far. Christina has matured so much from the innocent naïve girl she was in the first book. I adored her character in this book. She has accepted that her future is now with Michael and stands behind him. They have been through so much together.
"Together, we were like an island in the eye of a hundred-year storm. We were alive and full of the kind of fire that can light an entire sky up with brilliant streaks of neon flame even as civilization burns to a smoldering ash below. The consequences would come later. For now, we would wreak our own brand of chaos."
Michael, the mercenary/assassin was just awesome. Even though his character was still hard, he had a wonderful soft spot for Christina,
which was so sweet. I loved his character!
“You rearranged my entire world, forced me to live by an entirely new set of rules. You almost got me killed, but I survived, and then I got stronger. And so, cher amour, did you.”
Callaghan is the most evil of evils. Again he is up to his old trick but this time he is into some more, human trafficking.
"He was Satan with a human face, and I wanted to put him back where he belonged. In hell. “One of us would have to sell another. One of us would have to be trafficked to Adrian Callaghan's men.”
If you enjoy action, suspense and thrills with some wonderful romantic scenes and a thrilling and engaging plot I definitely suggest you read this series. I loved every moment!!
ARC kindly provided by author for an honest review
October 25, 2015
This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review. Please fasten your seat belts and place your trays in the up right position, for this explosive, action packed, novel. What comes to mind when I say; espionage... assassins.... mercenaries....sex....murder? Nenia Campbell takes you on one hell of a thrill ride, you're literally clinging to the edge of your seat!
The name Michael Boutilier use to instill fear, causing fellow colleagues at IMA to tremble at the sound while others pissed themselves. Out manned, out gunned, limited resources, wanted by just about everyone, especially that sick fuck Adrian. Christina and I are on the run of our lives, when the chase of prey and predator begins.
Adrian:You could have disappeared off the face of the earth, and instead you chose to stick around and bait me, and you got her to help you do it. Well— ” he smiled“ — I'll bite.”
November 17, 2013
yeah i know there is no blurb or official details on this book but that doesn't stop my excitement. i mean it's Michael and Christina for lords sake. one of my FAVORITE couples of ALL TIME. they are AMAZING together and i get MORE. CAN'T WAIT!!! write as fast as you can, Nenia. now i'm gonna just share a pic...like i always do :D :p
doesn't he just looks absolutely edible with that smile? lol.
doesn't he just looks absolutely edible with that smile? lol.
February 16, 2016
** 2.5 Stars from me!
What the f**k kind of ending was THAT? Even worse than a cliffy! AND, to make matters worse, the author says this is the last ever book? What the hell? There was absolutely no closure at all, good or bad. Lots of unanswered questions.
It felt like the author just gave up and stopped writing. Not very happy :(
I wish I could have rated this book higher, but the start was sooo slow and it did tend to ramble on about nothing... A LOT!! Random thoughts about Christina's past, where she would have liked to travel, things that weren't important to the story.
I got really bored and had to take a break.
Michael, even though he has some really amazing moments, is still really hard to connect with.
The storyline, once it finally got going about 50% in, was great. But the last 30% is what made me add another star to my review. It was action-packed, although completely devastating in places.
I am really hoping that that wasn't the end of the series...
What the f**k kind of ending was THAT? Even worse than a cliffy! AND, to make matters worse, the author says this is the last ever book? What the hell? There was absolutely no closure at all, good or bad. Lots of unanswered questions.
It felt like the author just gave up and stopped writing. Not very happy :(
I wish I could have rated this book higher, but the start was sooo slow and it did tend to ramble on about nothing... A LOT!! Random thoughts about Christina's past, where she would have liked to travel, things that weren't important to the story.
I got really bored and had to take a break.
Michael, even though he has some really amazing moments, is still really hard to connect with.
The storyline, once it finally got going about 50% in, was great. But the last 30% is what made me add another star to my review. It was action-packed, although completely devastating in places.
I am really hoping that that wasn't the end of the series...
July 8, 2016
“I’m not judging you, sweetheart. All lines are grey in the dark.”
OK UM holy shit?! I’m sorry about the profanity, but the IMA series has left me in a state of severe emotional turmoil. The last time I was this WRECKED over a book was when Sirius Black fell through the veil in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. A part of me is truly devastated it has taken me so long to read this series. Another part of me is beyond grateful I was spared the torture of waiting for the release of each book. Books rarely leave an emotional impact on me, I like to think this is because although I’m sensitive, I’m also resilient. However, Nenia Campbell’s writing rendered me completely and totally vulnerable. I felt this series: It kept me up at night, it had me scrambling out of bed in the morning, and at every possible moment in between - my nose was buried in these books. I read all four back-to-back from Saturday to Thursday (I’m quite proud of this). I gave myself a headache from staring at the computer screen reading the iBooks, I snapped at people who interrupted my reading sessions, and I turned my boyfriend into my chauffeur so that I could read while he drove me to work, because A MOMENT SPENT NOT READING THESE BOOKS WAS A MOMENT WASTED. Unfortunately, I’m not exaggerating in the slightest. Hi, my name is Vaneesha, I am a book addict. Alright, with that out of the way, I hope you’re able to understand that I was an emotionally invested reader.
Here’s the bare bones of the storyline: Christina Parker is the eighteen year-old daughter of a computer programmer and a Dominican model. Her computer programmer father hacks into a weapons database of an organization called the Integrated Military Affairs (IMA), and as a result, puts the lives of his family at risk. Christina is kidnapped by Michael, an assassin of the IMA, and then shit hits the fan.
I don’t usually read stories about assassins, for the same reason I don’t read a lot of fantasy: I find it difficult to become so immersed in the story that it feels real. I can’t exactly pinpoint what made the IMA series so different for me, but reading these books was like a mental movie, I could visualize the story. A huge part of what makes these books so good is that the story is fast-paced, unpredictable, and action-packed - something is always happening. Although the books follow Michael and Christina and the IMA, there is so much more to the story. There's incorporation of a number of societal issues: Abusive familial relationships, abusive intimate relationships, sexual assault, slut-shaming/victim-blaming, rape culture, body dysmorphia, capitalism, government corruption, flawed litigation systems, racial inequality (*cough cough* white privilege), child abuse, human trafficking, poverty, gang violence, and abysmal working conditions in third world countries. Including conversations about these issues contributes to realism, serves the purpose of being educational, and in the framework of the story is indicative of (what I perceived to be) “the bigger picture”: These circumstances are a direct result of the twisted society we live in.
I also appreciate the amount of effort put into understanding the subject matter discussed. From discussion of psychological topics (which I know a little about) to the technique required to fly a helicopter (which I know absolutely nothing about) to the different dialects of the Spanish language, the descriptions felt both thorough and real, and were also informative.
The story is told in alternating first-person narrative of Michael and Christina. Both Michael and Christina are extremely complex characters, as a result, the dynamics behind their relationship are equally complex. The two are also incredibly perceptive, readers learn a lot about them from what they share in their own narrations. However, readers also learn a lot about them through the perspective of the other. Sorry if that was convoluted, what I’m trying to say: We learn a lot about Christina from Michael’s perspective, and we learn a lot about Michael from Christina’s perspective. I felt like this balance evened things out, allowing readers to have a well-rounded understanding of the characters.
Despite the unique context, emotions were described in a way that made connecting to the characters very easy. There were also instances where, while reading I would feel how the characters felt. Additionally, there were lots of beautifully worded passages (I’ve accumulated 3 entire pages of quotes that resonated with me). I often find that literary devices are used frivolously in stories; they don’t really fit, they feel like they’ve been included because they’re “quotable”, that was not the case with these books. I loved a lot of the use descriptors, I found them powerful, for instance:
“If emotional wounds manifested themselves like their physical counterparts, my heart was a lesion, riddled by the putrefaction and gangrene of regret and anger, weeping pus-yellow sorrow through the sores.”
The story was dark and gritty; I felt that the raw writing style emphasized this.
This review is getting far too long I’m very sorry. I want to keep going with listing the things I loved but I feel like I can't possibly do these books justice and that's making me feel quite inadequate and also really sad. SO PLEASE JUST GO AND READ THIS SERIES .
In all seriousness, to wrap things up: This was an intense read, with a fierce, bad-ass feminist woman, and a twisted storyline that will haunt me for a very long time.
June 18, 2017
You can spend your entire life making reparation for a single mistake.
I feel emotionally drained after finishing this book. After 4 books I’ve grown so attached to Michael and Christina and to see them suffer so much was not easy. Let me tell you, this book is not for the faint of heart, expect torture, rape, body mutilations and more. I feel like some readers might find certain things to be ‘too much’, but I think after 4 books we learned what to expect from Nenia Campbell, and let me tell you – her shade of dark is right up my alley. While there is still plenty of action, this installment had a much heavier tone, it’s gloomy & dark.
Nothing is as deadly as a love of a powerful man.
There is also psychological analysis of Christina’s relationship with Michael, which I liked. Just because they are now together and love each other it doesn’t mean everything is perfect. If you’ve ever been with someone who’s older, stronger, bigger or in some other way superior to you, you’ll know how Christina feels. In a relationship, partners should be equal, but somehow in their case they’re not – if one is always looking out for the other. I really liked those introspective passages. Christina has matured. I also loved the ending, I felt it was very appropriate.
Therefore, with the IMA series, I’ve found my new favorite series, but also a new favorite author. I love love Campbell’s style of writing and I’ll definitely be reading more from her!
People say hate is like a poison – but they’re wrong. It’s like a drug. You never forget your first hit, how it seduces you with its strength and power, and takes you completely by storm. It colors your world with light and meaning, until you wonder how you ever managed to get by without it. And then, eventually, you get to a point where you can’t. it takes over your life, until hating becomes your reason for living.
*My review for Book #1
*My review for Book #2
*My review for Book #3
November 22, 2015
Ok, I want to start by saying I really liked this couple. Their journey throughout this series was quite an adventure. We got to see Michael and Christina really be a couple and show their love in this book. I loved that they both were still affected by the events of the first book. This was a very realistic portrayal of these characters. The writing was absolutely stellar and I want that to be stressed. It's not common to find books where the writing has such high quality.
I have to address the events that happened in this book. What happened to Suraya was really awful. I was horrified that after what she endured she was still killed in such a brutal way. This was a super depressing book, where the good guys suffer and the bad guys get away with everything. When we do see the bad guys be thwarted or killed, it just isn't satisfying. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed in what happened to Christina and Michael. I really wished the author had not made them suffer such trauma. They had endured such pain, tragedy, and loss throughout this series. I really, really needed them to get their HEA and all they got was more pain, tragedy, and loss. It didn't make any sense that there weren't more people willing to fight Adrian. The rape and the ending left a bad taste in my mouth. I wanted to give this 2 stars but the author has created these characters and this world so brilliantly, I added another star. This is the second series I have read from Ms. Campbell and it had the same themes and questionable ending as the last series. I am now hesitant to start the Bound series.
I have to address the events that happened in this book. What happened to Suraya was really awful. I was horrified that after what she endured she was still killed in such a brutal way. This was a super depressing book, where the good guys suffer and the bad guys get away with everything. When we do see the bad guys be thwarted or killed, it just isn't satisfying. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed in what happened to Christina and Michael. I really wished the author had not made them suffer such trauma. They had endured such pain, tragedy, and loss throughout this series. I really, really needed them to get their HEA and all they got was more pain, tragedy, and loss. It didn't make any sense that there weren't more people willing to fight Adrian. The rape and the ending left a bad taste in my mouth. I wanted to give this 2 stars but the author has created these characters and this world so brilliantly, I added another star. This is the second series I have read from Ms. Campbell and it had the same themes and questionable ending as the last series. I am now hesitant to start the Bound series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2016
I've come full circle with this series.
This book is a 3.5 stars for me, just like the first book. Extra 0.5 stars added because of the ending! I like open endings like that! If Michael had conclusively had died, and there was a funeral, I would've given this a 4. Would've packed in the emotional feels. OR...if Michael and Christina had an emotional reunion...I would've given this 5 :)
Hahaha. I'm kidding.
Michael had an excellent character arc in this novel. You see him really stripped bare and vulnerable. Christina too! She's a survivor. They both go through some horrendous shit - from a guy that is as one-dimensional can be. I get it. He's a raging psychopath. Michael is a great character. He's the best character, because he's so grey. Adrian is more one noted. In the previous books, the first in particular, I liked how he played mind games, by pretending to be Christina's 'saviour' and leading her to police HQ - that's all gone now. Where is the Adrian that liked seeing hope, encouraging it even, then crushing it with an iron fist? Now, he just makes empty promises to Suruya and Michael, which are empty indeed, but it doesn't cause the characters to feel an extreme of emotions....they're broken already....
That said - what he does to Christina & Michael - not described graphically, but original. You don't see that everyday!
Overall, a good closure to the series - though a novella wouldn't hurt.
Locked & Loaded remains my favourite.
Then Armed & Dangerous.
Cloak & Dagger next.
And finally Cease & Desist :)
This book is a 3.5 stars for me, just like the first book. Extra 0.5 stars added because of the ending! I like open endings like that! If Michael had conclusively had died, and there was a funeral, I would've given this a 4. Would've packed in the emotional feels. OR...if Michael and Christina had an emotional reunion...I would've given this 5 :)
Hahaha. I'm kidding.
Michael had an excellent character arc in this novel. You see him really stripped bare and vulnerable. Christina too! She's a survivor. They both go through some horrendous shit - from a guy that is as one-dimensional can be. I get it. He's a raging psychopath. Michael is a great character. He's the best character, because he's so grey. Adrian is more one noted. In the previous books, the first in particular, I liked how he played mind games, by pretending to be Christina's 'saviour' and leading her to police HQ - that's all gone now. Where is the Adrian that liked seeing hope, encouraging it even, then crushing it with an iron fist? Now, he just makes empty promises to Suruya and Michael, which are empty indeed, but it doesn't cause the characters to feel an extreme of emotions....they're broken already....
That said - what he does to Christina & Michael - not described graphically, but original. You don't see that everyday!
Overall, a good closure to the series - though a novella wouldn't hurt.
Locked & Loaded remains my favourite.
Then Armed & Dangerous.
Cloak & Dagger next.
And finally Cease & Desist :)
Want to read
October 5, 2013One more??? Oh my my...*jumps in joy*
So that means there's going to be more of Michael and Christina??
Can't wait for this book!!!
So that means there's going to be more of Michael and Christina??
Can't wait for this book!!!
March 12, 2015
It's getting 5 stars even though I haven't even read it!!! C'mon - how could it not be good??? Michael????
January 5, 2016
I still don't know how I feel about this series. I mean, it was obviously intriguing, and there was something about it that made me need to finish it, but it was dark and disgusting. This was a new level of darkness, a place that I hope I never have to experience in real life. It's tragic and heartbreaking, and terrifying. With the exception of Christina (and not even always her), every character in this book was a terrible person. There was something broken about each and every one of them. But this story, with all its issues, is really just a love story. This series shows how all encompassing love can be, and how beautiful and life changing, but when certain people succumb to the pull of it, they can do terrible things for it, things that resemble hate and vengeance, and end up tainting something so pure.
November 12, 2015
I have been waiting for this book for so long because I love my obsessed anti hero's and Micheal was def that, the story was so engrossing but I had to take pints off for two of my worst peeve's apart from cheating which is rape especially once I feel like I have a connection with the characters. I should warn people who like myself hate rape that both hero and heroine get raped by truly nasty villain and even though thankfully it's not described it's still horrible reading about it. My next issue is the ending I HATE it when it's left to the conclusion of the reader whether a character is still alive I want a define answer and these endings always leave me so frustrated!!! All in all I really enjoyed the first three books but this one let me down which is such a shame as otherwise it would have been a great series.
April 5, 2016
I can't even. What did I read?
Things that made me dislike this series ending:
1. Why were they investigating this whole other organization (female sex trafficking) when another organization (Assassins) was trying to kill them?
People are trying to kill you!!
2. The whole thing with the other girl was unnecessary. Also, what happened to her sister?
3. What kind of non-ending was this.
4. So much abuse and rape! Way too much.
Things that made me dislike this series ending:
1. Why were they investigating this whole other organization (female sex trafficking) when another organization (Assassins) was trying to kill them?
People are trying to kill you!!
2. The whole thing with the other girl was unnecessary. Also, what happened to her sister?
3. What kind of non-ending was this.
4. So much abuse and rape! Way too much.
March 16, 2016
I'll be happy when this will be in my hands.
March 20, 2018
I AM SO EXCITEDDDDDD
upcoming-releases
October 5, 2014I want it. Now.
November 29, 2015
EDIT: I swear to God a review will happen...I just got suckered into yet another writing project though, so I can't say when that will be. But there will be a review. Swears. :D
March 30, 2021
Ahahahha it was so good. I can’t even put into words how it felt reading this. Like a fucked-up, heart-wrenching, beautiful, dark masterpiece.
January 23, 2016
This book was the most suspenseful out of the entire series. Because it's the last one, I knew that anything could happen. If you've made it this far, then I don't think I need to warn you that the villain is brutal, and that this is not a story in which the hero always saves the day. It's been a long time since I've read anything in the thriller genre, so I don't know how much has changed. I can tell you that this is different than anything I've read in that genre before. Back then it was always a lone wolf hero going after the bad guy. There was rarely a love interest, and if there was he'd have to save her from the bad guy. What I love here is that Christina is not just the damsel in distress, but neither is she Ripley from Aliens. She is not bad ass all the time, but she is not weak either. As she says, she is a survivor. That means that she's vulnerable, but she makes it through and pushes on.
Michael is vulnerable too, and his character arc is really incredible. He's such a tough man, and he's still gruff and prickly even when he's in love. He never did soften all that much, but his love is fierce. The one typically romantic thing he did in the entire series just about made me cry, because it was so significant coming from him. This love story became so powerful over the course of these four books, because it built so slowly. Even though Michael stated his love in the first book--and I do mean stated rather than declared--it was more a selfish claiming of what he wanted than actually showing his love. Well, he proved it here beyond what most men would even consider doing.
The violence in this book is not graphic. Most of it happens off the page, but we are clear on what did happen even if we are spared having it described as it's happening. The suspense is built up enough that we are feeling all the terror and dread of the characters. There is rape in this book, but it is not sexualized at all. It's shown to be an act of violence in a long list of violent acts. I've never seen it handled that way in any other book. The author deserves credit just for that alone. She also deserves credit for not making it about gender. Since it's a violent act, anyone can be a target. The only thing that didn't make sense to me is why Suraya didn't at least try to escape after she suspected that she'd been compromised. She knew she was a sitting duck there, and if she was still being allowed to work on the street she should have tried to run away. It would have been more believable if her escape attempt had failed than if she never tried to escape at all.
I enjoyed all the sexy times between Christina and Michael in this series, and I wish there would have been more of them. Maybe they wouldn't have been as sexy, though, if there had been a lot of them. This kept the sexual tension going through the whole series. They are certainly one of my favorite fictional couples ever. It was the typical bad boy falls for good girl done in a fresh, new way. I love that Michael proved his love with actions rather than spouting a bunch of gooey declarations of love. He told her that he loved her, but what was most important was that he showed her. Actions really do speak louder than words. He could be tender at times, but he remained the antihero to the end. He was just the right amount of hot and cold for my tastes. There is a huge difference between an antihero and an abusive jerk. This is the way to redeem a bad guy. You don't have him brutalize the heroine in every way possible and then turn him into a love interest. You can only have him reach a certain level of bad with the heroine before it becomes too much. The author knew how far to go with Michael, and it worked out to be a great love story.
That ending, wow! I finished the book at 2:30 in the morning and got out of bed to look up the epilogue on Goodreads, because I couldn't wait to read it. I can't say more, because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. All I can say is that this an excellent series, even for someone like me who is not fond of series books.
Michael is vulnerable too, and his character arc is really incredible. He's such a tough man, and he's still gruff and prickly even when he's in love. He never did soften all that much, but his love is fierce. The one typically romantic thing he did in the entire series just about made me cry, because it was so significant coming from him. This love story became so powerful over the course of these four books, because it built so slowly. Even though Michael stated his love in the first book--and I do mean stated rather than declared--it was more a selfish claiming of what he wanted than actually showing his love. Well, he proved it here beyond what most men would even consider doing.
The violence in this book is not graphic. Most of it happens off the page, but we are clear on what did happen even if we are spared having it described as it's happening. The suspense is built up enough that we are feeling all the terror and dread of the characters. There is rape in this book, but it is not sexualized at all. It's shown to be an act of violence in a long list of violent acts. I've never seen it handled that way in any other book. The author deserves credit just for that alone. She also deserves credit for not making it about gender. Since it's a violent act, anyone can be a target. The only thing that didn't make sense to me is why Suraya didn't at least try to escape after she suspected that she'd been compromised. She knew she was a sitting duck there, and if she was still being allowed to work on the street she should have tried to run away. It would have been more believable if her escape attempt had failed than if she never tried to escape at all.
I enjoyed all the sexy times between Christina and Michael in this series, and I wish there would have been more of them. Maybe they wouldn't have been as sexy, though, if there had been a lot of them. This kept the sexual tension going through the whole series. They are certainly one of my favorite fictional couples ever. It was the typical bad boy falls for good girl done in a fresh, new way. I love that Michael proved his love with actions rather than spouting a bunch of gooey declarations of love. He told her that he loved her, but what was most important was that he showed her. Actions really do speak louder than words. He could be tender at times, but he remained the antihero to the end. He was just the right amount of hot and cold for my tastes. There is a huge difference between an antihero and an abusive jerk. This is the way to redeem a bad guy. You don't have him brutalize the heroine in every way possible and then turn him into a love interest. You can only have him reach a certain level of bad with the heroine before it becomes too much. The author knew how far to go with Michael, and it worked out to be a great love story.
That ending, wow! I finished the book at 2:30 in the morning and got out of bed to look up the epilogue on Goodreads, because I couldn't wait to read it. I can't say more, because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. All I can say is that this an excellent series, even for someone like me who is not fond of series books.
November 2, 2015
Cease & Desist picks up where Locked & Loaded left off. Michael and Christina are building their new organization the AMI in order to take down the evil mastermind and leader of the IMA Adrian Callaghan. Michael and Christina are firmly together and Christina seems to have finally gotten over any remaining reservations she may have had about being in a relationship with Michael. They make a good team.
This time around Callaghan has gotten involved in the human trafficking business and the AMI decide to infiltrate the ring. There is nothing romanticized about this version of trafficking. It’s brutal and ugly and violent. And the characters are very human, very vulnerable and very real. I’m drawn to the fictional characters of paranormal urban fantasy – those sword swinging women with 9 lives and brass balls. I’m drawn because it’s fantasy – who doesn’t want to see themselves as tough and strong and invincible? Christina is not in an urban fantasy – and it’s hard to see her struggle with her fear of being chosen as the sacrificial lamb, her relief that someone else volunteers and her guilt around her willingness to accept someone else’s sacrifice while she remains safe. But it’s very real. And of course a moot point because whenever Callaghan is involved in something, no one remains safe for very long.
Ultimately it’s Michael and Christina pitted against Callaghan and it gets…intense. Uncomfortably intense. The IMA has been one of my favorite series and I’ve given every previous installment a solid 5 stars. I rounded up here, but I honestly think Cease and Desist is more 4 ½ stars for me because it was just so…angsty. And of course my usual complaint when I’m really into a particular couple and focused on the relationship – there was so much…plot. Stressful, tension provoking plot. Yes there were strides in the relationship department and Michael and Christina had opportunities to showcase their ever evolving chemistry and connection…but frankly I just wanted more rainbows and puppies and unicorns.
The last 20% was a nail biting wild ride that gave me whiplash. I went from hanging on to the edge of my seat - to OMG Christina you totally Kate Daniels sword wielding Snoopy dance rock - to wait…what? – Ms. Campbell I’d like to introduce you to Kathy Bates “you’re biggest fan” because you’re gonna totally need to be re-writing that last bit…to a very satisfactory, hopeful and uplifting ending (that I had to re-read a few times). While I still personally would have preferred more concrete closure (with puppies and unicorns)…I realize this was a perfect ending for this series.
This time around Callaghan has gotten involved in the human trafficking business and the AMI decide to infiltrate the ring. There is nothing romanticized about this version of trafficking. It’s brutal and ugly and violent. And the characters are very human, very vulnerable and very real. I’m drawn to the fictional characters of paranormal urban fantasy – those sword swinging women with 9 lives and brass balls. I’m drawn because it’s fantasy – who doesn’t want to see themselves as tough and strong and invincible? Christina is not in an urban fantasy – and it’s hard to see her struggle with her fear of being chosen as the sacrificial lamb, her relief that someone else volunteers and her guilt around her willingness to accept someone else’s sacrifice while she remains safe. But it’s very real. And of course a moot point because whenever Callaghan is involved in something, no one remains safe for very long.
Ultimately it’s Michael and Christina pitted against Callaghan and it gets…intense. Uncomfortably intense. The IMA has been one of my favorite series and I’ve given every previous installment a solid 5 stars. I rounded up here, but I honestly think Cease and Desist is more 4 ½ stars for me because it was just so…angsty. And of course my usual complaint when I’m really into a particular couple and focused on the relationship – there was so much…plot. Stressful, tension provoking plot. Yes there were strides in the relationship department and Michael and Christina had opportunities to showcase their ever evolving chemistry and connection…but frankly I just wanted more rainbows and puppies and unicorns.
The last 20% was a nail biting wild ride that gave me whiplash. I went from hanging on to the edge of my seat - to OMG Christina you totally Kate Daniels sword wielding Snoopy dance rock - to wait…what? – Ms. Campbell I’d like to introduce you to Kathy Bates “you’re biggest fan” because you’re gonna totally need to be re-writing that last bit…to a very satisfactory, hopeful and uplifting ending (that I had to re-read a few times). While I still personally would have preferred more concrete closure (with puppies and unicorns)…I realize this was a perfect ending for this series.
November 26, 2015
Cease and Desist is the best of the series. It has everything from action, romance, horror and I was both excited and anxious the whole ride (sigh).
There's a lot of gruesome scene from abuse, torture and rape. I like the topic of sexist, human trafficking and psychological elements that the characters have to endure. And Adrian...oh a real psychopath I wish her suffer more. Anyway what's not impressive for me is that I somehow feel like Michael and Christina are too setted to be doom. It made and interesting storyline and not cliche plot but since Michael supposes to be no.1 and feared by many he hadn't have any real shining moment for a glimpse his prowess. Yes, he has super fighting skill, shoot 10 guys while injured, hard to kill, skill in computer and even do disguise makeup himself but so does any professional assassin/mercenary, right?
It seems like Adrian is always many steps ahead and I can't believe that someone considered IMA's prodigi couldn't step ahead of him for sometimes. I actually think the dooming sense works really well in building reader's anticipation....I've got all emotional anxiety myself. It's impressive and out of the norm but it's kind of discredit Michael's reputation at the same time. I wouldn't mind if the book didn't emphasis his highly regard status all the time....to me I think his character clashes with some plots.
Anyway I like Cease and Desist. The book is fun and entertaining, more serious and emotional than the first 3. Well done.
Note: If you are offense with violence, rape and other sexual related issue don't read.
There's a lot of gruesome scene from abuse, torture and rape. I like the topic of sexist, human trafficking and psychological elements that the characters have to endure. And Adrian...oh a real psychopath I wish her suffer more. Anyway what's not impressive for me is that I somehow feel like Michael and Christina are too setted to be doom. It made and interesting storyline and not cliche plot but since Michael supposes to be no.1 and feared by many he hadn't have any real shining moment for a glimpse his prowess. Yes, he has super fighting skill, shoot 10 guys while injured, hard to kill, skill in computer and even do disguise makeup himself but so does any professional assassin/mercenary, right?
It seems like Adrian is always many steps ahead and I can't believe that someone considered IMA's prodigi couldn't step ahead of him for sometimes. I actually think the dooming sense works really well in building reader's anticipation....I've got all emotional anxiety myself. It's impressive and out of the norm but it's kind of discredit Michael's reputation at the same time. I wouldn't mind if the book didn't emphasis his highly regard status all the time....to me I think his character clashes with some plots.
Anyway I like Cease and Desist. The book is fun and entertaining, more serious and emotional than the first 3. Well done.
Note: If you are offense with violence, rape and other sexual related issue don't read.
January 3, 2016
Cease and Desist the last novel in the IMA series.
Christina and Michael are like most of couples in novels like these. Unsuited for each other, but go perfectly with each other. Balanced really well.
Adrian Callaghan is such a disgusting guy. Like really disgusting. His hands are all over the place. (Not meant to be dirty, but is.)
I have enjoyed this series because it has what I love, sex, romance, action, and everything that I haven't experienced in my life never really want to. This is series is like any of the other ones out there without much detail which is perfect if you aren't into descriptions of rape or someone being tortured or killed.
Cease and Desist end with kind of an opened ending but it's easy to imagine where the characters end up. And Nenia has an epilogue on her facebook page if you want more..
Nenia has many of other books and in different types of genres so have fun diving into all of her other stories. They're amazing.
**Once again, thank you Nenia Campbell for gifting me this copy to read and review.**
FIRST BOOK OF 2016
Christina and Michael are like most of couples in novels like these. Unsuited for each other, but go perfectly with each other. Balanced really well.
Adrian Callaghan is such a disgusting guy. Like really disgusting. His hands are all over the place. (Not meant to be dirty, but is.)
I have enjoyed this series because it has what I love, sex, romance, action, and everything that I haven't experienced in my life never really want to. This is series is like any of the other ones out there without much detail which is perfect if you aren't into descriptions of rape or someone being tortured or killed.
Cease and Desist end with kind of an opened ending but it's easy to imagine where the characters end up. And Nenia has an epilogue on her facebook page if you want more..
Nenia has many of other books and in different types of genres so have fun diving into all of her other stories. They're amazing.
**Once again, thank you Nenia Campbell for gifting me this copy to read and review.**
FIRST BOOK OF 2016
Want to read
March 29, 2020🎁 The complete IMA Series (4 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/29/2020)! 🎁
July 8, 2019
Are you f'ing kidding me!?
The ending was horrible! I was glad it left hope but come on!? Really!? Not ending is worse than a sad ending. Noooooo!!
The ending was horrible! I was glad it left hope but come on!? Really!? Not ending is worse than a sad ending. Noooooo!!
November 16, 2015
I would like to preface this review by saying that I have obsessively read every book that indie author Nenia Campbell has published. Her writing is just so consistently good, and yet for some reason I still have not written an actual review for any of her books. I really feel like I owe this to her at this point, because I want this lady to do well, and I think a lot of people out there would really enjoy her reading books. So that being said, on to Cease and Desist.
Wow. I feel like this book in particular may be the best of the IMA series.
Michael. Christina.
Michael.
Shudder.
The way these two characters play off of each other is simply irresistible. Yeah, their relationship is twisted, but there is something about the angst, the sexual tension, and the fucked-up-ness of it all that just makes it hot. Why is that? I don’t know, but I often wonder why we (and I’m talking about the collective “we” of millions of 20-to-40-something women who like to read about effed up romantic relationships) like this stuff so much. Have healthy relationships in real life and just read about the fucked up ones, that’s my motto, anyway. But let’s be real here, there is a lot of really popular literary garbage out there in such genres. I know because I’ve read a lot of it myself (FSOG comes to mind). This book is not that. I think there are two reasons why Michael and Christina’s relationship is so well done: 1.) neither character is a vapid, one-dimensional, place-holder-for-fantasy-fulfillment 2.) Nenia Campbell is masterful at capturing the scope and subtleties of emotions that inevitably come with having such a messed up relationship.
But there is more to this book than just romance. Ms. Campbell took on such difficult subject matter, sex trafficking, and yet she manages not to cheapen it for the sake of plot lines or shock value. The complexity of her characters and their varying emotions to the situations they were placed in felt so raw, real, and legitimate.
And then there is Adrian Callahan. What can I say about that psychopath? It takes guts to write a character so fucking demented. Now, I consider myself a little jaded when it comes to this kind of subject matter. I’ve pretty much read it all, seen it all before. But there was one scene in particular in this book that still has me shivering and feeling a little haunted.
I read most of this book with my body physically tense from the suspense, and that's saying something. Nenia (can I call her Nenia? Because I feel like I’m on a first name basis with this author because I love her writing so much) is just so masterful with words. The way she describes things, ugh, its something I can only hope to aspire to as a dabbler in fiction myself.
Cease and Desist was a quick read for me and after it was done, as I do with any good book, I let myself have a few day “mourning” period before I started any other stories in order to ruminate on the book and what it meant to me.
And this book had an ending. I really hate reviewing endings because no matter much I ***SPOILER ALERT*** enviably someone’s curiosity will get the best of them and they will read on anyway. I know this because I do it myself and then I kick myself because I really hate having the ending of a book spoiled. Like, I’m still really pissed at my dentist for the time I went to get my teeth cleaned and I overhead him discussing Dumbledore’s death really loudly with the patient in the next room the week the book came out. And how many years ago was that? I don’t care, I still hold a grudge. Anyway, I digress… So all I’m going to say about the ending to Cease and Desist is this: I liked it. I found it very fitting. But that’s just me, and also I think that there are people out there who may find it unsatisfying.
But furthermore, and probably most importantly, the ending was not completely definitive. So what I’m saying is (and I just want to plant this little seed) sometime in the future, there could be more to this series. I know Nenia plans on moving on to other projects and she has said this will be the last book, so I wouldn’t expect anything soon. But this is Nenia’s most popular series, I believe. I would definitely keep reading if it was revisited. And like I said, no matter which direction she takes, I will read anything she writes.
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