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Xander King #1
Whiskey & Roses
IF SOMEONE MURDERED YOUR FAMILY, HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO FOR REVENGE?
The world knows Xander King as a handsome, charismatic, and successful young business man who bravely moved past the tragedy of witnessing the brutal murder of his parents. However, the CIA knows Xander as the US military's most legendary soldier, turned vigilante assassin, who sharpens his skills in the shadows until he can exact revenge on the monster that stole his family. They have watched his double life go on long enough, and now the government wants their weapon back.
Xander has different plans.
After a passionate night with Hollywood sweetheart, Natalie Rockwell, is violently interrupted by a surprise attack at Xander's own home, those plans are set in motion. Xander's experts say it's suicide, but he sidesteps the CIA anyway, and takes the fight directly to his rival. With unlimited resources and unimaginable skills, Xander's enemy will need an army to survive his wrath. Turns out, that's precisely what his enemy has. This is no longer just about revenge, this is war.
Do-Not-Miss-This-Ending
The world knows Xander King as a handsome, charismatic, and successful young business man who bravely moved past the tragedy of witnessing the brutal murder of his parents. However, the CIA knows Xander as the US military's most legendary soldier, turned vigilante assassin, who sharpens his skills in the shadows until he can exact revenge on the monster that stole his family. They have watched his double life go on long enough, and now the government wants their weapon back.
Xander has different plans.
After a passionate night with Hollywood sweetheart, Natalie Rockwell, is violently interrupted by a surprise attack at Xander's own home, those plans are set in motion. Xander's experts say it's suicide, but he sidesteps the CIA anyway, and takes the fight directly to his rival. With unlimited resources and unimaginable skills, Xander's enemy will need an army to survive his wrath. Turns out, that's precisely what his enemy has. This is no longer just about revenge, this is war.
Do-Not-Miss-This-Ending
412 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2016
3185 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
August 14, 2018
Whiskey & Roses was the best book I have read in a very long time. This book for you on the edge of your seat a lot. I have a thing for military men especially the SEALS!!! Bradley Wright really whet my appetite!! Now I need to read ALL his books.
September 28, 2017
An exciting read with a new 'hero', Xander King, an ex-special ops man, who now tries to rid the world of those who destroy others. Sure, you have to take it to heart that you are reading Fiction, therefore some things would be impossible in real life, but it is a fun story if you enjoy this type of writing.
King does his work while still seeking those who murdered his parents years ago. He works with a bad-ass female,Sam, who makes it her job to have a complete plan ready to execute for their missions. Interesting characters, lots of action in amazing scenes , this book grabs those who want to take a chance to make things better!!
King does his work while still seeking those who murdered his parents years ago. He works with a bad-ass female,Sam, who makes it her job to have a complete plan ready to execute for their missions. Interesting characters, lots of action in amazing scenes , this book grabs those who want to take a chance to make things better!!
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March 23, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/23/2018)!💝
"King sits alongside Rapp, Reacher, and Harvath as my favorite action-thriller heroes."
The world knows him as a handsome, charismatic, and successful young businessman. The CIA knows Xander as the US military's most legendary soldier, turned vigilante assassin, who sharpens his skills in the shadows until he can exact revenge on the monster that murdered his family. They have watched his double life go on long enough, and now the government wants their weapon back.
Xander has different plans.
After a passionate night with Hollywood sweetheart, Natalie Rockwell, is violently interrupted by a surprise attack at Xander's home, those plans are set in motion. Xander's experts say it's suicide, but with the CIA closing in, he must sidestep them and take the fight directly to his rival. With unlimited resources and unimaginable skills, Xander's enemy will need an army to survive his wrath. Turns out, that's precisely what he has. This is no longer just about revenge, this is war.
Readers love this different twist on their favorite action-thriller genre, calling the series: "shocking", "refreshing", "heart-pounding fun!". And saying this about Xander: "he's a hero with swagger", "I love his willingness to do anything for his team", "Xander and Sam are action-thriller gold!".
Xander King Series in Order:
1.WHISKEY & ROSES
2.VANQUISH
3.KING'S RANSOM
4.KING'S REIGN
"King sits alongside Rapp, Reacher, and Harvath as my favorite action-thriller heroes."
The world knows him as a handsome, charismatic, and successful young businessman. The CIA knows Xander as the US military's most legendary soldier, turned vigilante assassin, who sharpens his skills in the shadows until he can exact revenge on the monster that murdered his family. They have watched his double life go on long enough, and now the government wants their weapon back.
Xander has different plans.
After a passionate night with Hollywood sweetheart, Natalie Rockwell, is violently interrupted by a surprise attack at Xander's home, those plans are set in motion. Xander's experts say it's suicide, but with the CIA closing in, he must sidestep them and take the fight directly to his rival. With unlimited resources and unimaginable skills, Xander's enemy will need an army to survive his wrath. Turns out, that's precisely what he has. This is no longer just about revenge, this is war.
Readers love this different twist on their favorite action-thriller genre, calling the series: "shocking", "refreshing", "heart-pounding fun!". And saying this about Xander: "he's a hero with swagger", "I love his willingness to do anything for his team", "Xander and Sam are action-thriller gold!".
Xander King Series in Order:
1.WHISKEY & ROSES
2.VANQUISH
3.KING'S RANSOM
4.KING'S REIGN
March 15, 2020
2 extremely unshiny stars. A very solid 'meh' from me.
I downloaded 'W&R' as part of my on-going, 'try something totally new' reading targets where every year I do my best to get through a new genre (for me) or a heretofore unknown author's (to me) work. In the past this has led to some great new reading outlets... and yes, some real stinkers, too. This falls in the latter category.
This book is not badly written - despite the constant and unnecessarily repeated droning and whiny, self-absorbed inner monologues. It's just far too focused on the opulent world of its protagonist's life and his frat-boy existence (serial killing tendencies aside). To me it was like reading a combined magazine article from the pages of 'Guns & Ammo', 'Cosmo' and maybe an on-line update from TMZ with some tips by 'Interior Design Montly' thrown in for good measure. There was far too much focus on the details of the surrounding decoration or fashion, to the point it just became uncomfortable in its fawning style.
Even the action scenes were far too unbelievable in terms of fighting skills (good or bad), good fortune or the supposed incompetence of terrorists or especially our own CIA. Seriously folks, we fight wars on terror because the terrorists aren't all that bad at fighting and believe it or not, they aren't poorly trained either (none of them had grenades or missiles? Really?). If one-man excursions could take them out, don't you think we'd do that? And if the CIA knew someone was killing people left and right, do you think they'd let him continue to do so unmonitored even at an event like the Kentucky Derby? I refuse in any way to suspend enough belief to accept some of the more ludicrous suppositions of this plot! My neck is still sore from all the head-shaking...
End result: I may read the LAST of the series (for one already spoiled reason only) but I won't plod through what is no doubt 3 more books of 'gosh everyone that lives in these stories is so beautiful, rich and horny' or 'whew, we sure are lucky that worked out, thanks Batman, I mean, Xander!'. A new fan was not won by this experience.
I downloaded 'W&R' as part of my on-going, 'try something totally new' reading targets where every year I do my best to get through a new genre (for me) or a heretofore unknown author's (to me) work. In the past this has led to some great new reading outlets... and yes, some real stinkers, too. This falls in the latter category.
This book is not badly written - despite the constant and unnecessarily repeated droning and whiny, self-absorbed inner monologues. It's just far too focused on the opulent world of its protagonist's life and his frat-boy existence (serial killing tendencies aside). To me it was like reading a combined magazine article from the pages of 'Guns & Ammo', 'Cosmo' and maybe an on-line update from TMZ with some tips by 'Interior Design Montly' thrown in for good measure. There was far too much focus on the details of the surrounding decoration or fashion, to the point it just became uncomfortable in its fawning style.
Even the action scenes were far too unbelievable in terms of fighting skills (good or bad), good fortune or the supposed incompetence of terrorists or especially our own CIA. Seriously folks, we fight wars on terror because the terrorists aren't all that bad at fighting and believe it or not, they aren't poorly trained either (none of them had grenades or missiles? Really?). If one-man excursions could take them out, don't you think we'd do that? And if the CIA knew someone was killing people left and right, do you think they'd let him continue to do so unmonitored even at an event like the Kentucky Derby? I refuse in any way to suspend enough belief to accept some of the more ludicrous suppositions of this plot! My neck is still sore from all the head-shaking...
End result: I may read the LAST of the series (for one already spoiled reason only) but I won't plod through what is no doubt 3 more books of 'gosh everyone that lives in these stories is so beautiful, rich and horny' or 'whew, we sure are lucky that worked out, thanks Batman, I mean, Xander!'. A new fan was not won by this experience.
September 14, 2016
Not ever again
Totally implausible story line, characters who couldn't possibly exist...I need more believability in both. So far away from a Lee Child that I am angry I was duped into reading this. Will never buy a book by this author again. Ever.
Totally implausible story line, characters who couldn't possibly exist...I need more believability in both. So far away from a Lee Child that I am angry I was duped into reading this. Will never buy a book by this author again. Ever.
November 29, 2016
The e-book was poorly edited (homonyms were overlooked) . It was a good diversion for a rainy day. The hero was not believable. And a Marine would never become a Navy SEAL. The instructors for SEALS are Chiefs. Not for a reader who would want any kind of reality But it was a fun escape.
February 4, 2019
A wealth assassin trained by the US military before taking his work to the private sector. He doesn't hire out his services, rather he's all about removing bad guys from the gene pool free of charge. There's something Batman/Punisher like in the premise, though the protagonist seems to have as much fun playing the wealthy playboy as he does with his avenging alter ego. There's room for character development and I'm interested to see where things go with the character in future books.
October 10, 2018
Not bad
But not sure I'll want to follow up on the rest of the series. I'm sure it'll work for those who like that kind of "Black ops" novels. Just not what I'm looking for in terms of characters building.
But not sure I'll want to follow up on the rest of the series. I'm sure it'll work for those who like that kind of "Black ops" novels. Just not what I'm looking for in terms of characters building.
November 26, 2020
A former Navy SEAL becomes a vigilante with vengeance to get rid of evil man. CIA wants to recruit him and use him. But he gets info about his parent's killer and wants to exact revenge...
January 25, 2018
When a book starts out with every ancillary character beating you over the head with "he may be the best there's ever been" and it's about a handsome millionaire playboy who seemingly doesn't even have the ability to lose.... Super amateurish and heavy handed.
I just want to assign the author to read some Spencer books by Robert B Parker. Spencer is ugly, and occasionally loses, but it just makes the character real and relatable. "Xander" (PS. pretentious DB name,) is a golden boy, and that gets old quick.
Then again, despite himself, the story was heavy handed but interesting enough to keep me reading. I really think the author has potential, but the best I can give this book is "JUST BIT ABOVE AVERAGE".
Since I can't rate 3.5 in here, I am going with 4.
I just want to assign the author to read some Spencer books by Robert B Parker. Spencer is ugly, and occasionally loses, but it just makes the character real and relatable. "Xander" (PS. pretentious DB name,) is a golden boy, and that gets old quick.
Then again, despite himself, the story was heavy handed but interesting enough to keep me reading. I really think the author has potential, but the best I can give this book is "JUST BIT ABOVE AVERAGE".
Since I can't rate 3.5 in here, I am going with 4.
July 25, 2025
This is the story of Batman, a rich and charismatic vigalenty. The author is also aware of this and puts in several references to Batman, such as a utility belt and how heros do not wear capes. The action was decent and I hope the characters evolve over the series.
Read
January 6, 2017No comparison to Lee Childs as an author and his Xander King is no comparison to Jack Reacher. I cannot get into an assassin who is a billionaire, the most handsome guy on the planet, most athletic, surrounded by beautiful women, and kills 40 men with his hands and a knife.
August 9, 2016
Great read
From start to finish, Whiskey & Roses kept me at the edge of my seat. A great read and one that I would recommend to all fans of action novel enthusiast.
From start to finish, Whiskey & Roses kept me at the edge of my seat. A great read and one that I would recommend to all fans of action novel enthusiast.
August 23, 2016
Well written and interesting launch of a new action hero. If you enjoy the strong, silent type like John Ringo's Paladin series, this will be right up your alley.
January 1, 2021
My thoughts are a bit muddled right now. I accidentally read book 1 in what I guess is the new spin off series and takes place many years in the future (Xander is no longer called Xander, but Alexander.....make sense? Nope, me either)
Anyway, it is a pet peeve of mine to read books out of order, but since the other book was labeled as book 1, I did not realize that there were more books out there until too late. Soooo, instead of continuing on in THAT series, I wanted to go back and start from the beginning. Okay, sorry for that totally unnecessary info, but I think it will help me understand my feelings.
The truth is, I didn't love this book. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't awful. In fact, it had real moments of goodness. But, if I hadn't already read the other book and seen the growth of the MC (Xander) then I most likely would NOT have continued. So, hence my feelings of confusion.
I am a HUGE fan of this genre. I have my favorites of course (Mitch Rapp, Evan Smoak, Court Gentry, Gabriel Allon, Scot Harvath, Pike Logan ...you get the jist) But I am always more than willing to add to that list. Here is where I had problems. There is believability and then there is believability.
We as readers know that there is some level of reality and believability that we have to suspend as we read about our favorite characters. It is kind of an agreement that we have with these authors. BUT, while we agree to suspend, the authors have a responsibility to maintain the credibility of our guys. They cannot go so far out of the realms of believability that the reader is pulled out of the story. To hear (and quite often) that this guy is the be all end all, that he is practically a superhero (especially in a meeting with the heads of the CIA) that was my first issue. If we are at the beginning of a series...SHOW me, don't tell me. After we see his abilities, then maybe we can throw in some praise for him. It just seemed backwards. (and about thoses abilities - my goodness - taking out 9 men that storm his house in the middle of the night with night vision, a helicopter and full kit while he has none of that and just woke up...like I said.. definitely possible, just quite a pill to swallow at the beginning of this series. And walking into the house of the head of a cartel by himself, rescuing hostages and killing everyone in 12 minutes? )
So there is definitely action. While very interesting, it was a bit over the top. My believability factor just flew out the window, and THAT is never a good thing. But, the book that I read (as I said before, many years in the future) shows a more mature Alexander with developed and mature relationships - yet he still had his personality. So, I'm perplexed about continuing on. I may finish that other series and come back to this one. We will see.
Oh, and I alternated between listening and reading this. I am not a huge fan of the narrator - Adam Verner. I have heard him on other books, so his voice and cadence was familiar, but it seemed to bother me a bit more on this book than in the past. Oh well, those are my thoughts.
Anyway, it is a pet peeve of mine to read books out of order, but since the other book was labeled as book 1, I did not realize that there were more books out there until too late. Soooo, instead of continuing on in THAT series, I wanted to go back and start from the beginning. Okay, sorry for that totally unnecessary info, but I think it will help me understand my feelings.
The truth is, I didn't love this book. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't awful. In fact, it had real moments of goodness. But, if I hadn't already read the other book and seen the growth of the MC (Xander) then I most likely would NOT have continued. So, hence my feelings of confusion.
I am a HUGE fan of this genre. I have my favorites of course (Mitch Rapp, Evan Smoak, Court Gentry, Gabriel Allon, Scot Harvath, Pike Logan ...you get the jist) But I am always more than willing to add to that list. Here is where I had problems. There is believability and then there is believability.
We as readers know that there is some level of reality and believability that we have to suspend as we read about our favorite characters. It is kind of an agreement that we have with these authors. BUT, while we agree to suspend, the authors have a responsibility to maintain the credibility of our guys. They cannot go so far out of the realms of believability that the reader is pulled out of the story. To hear (and quite often) that this guy is the be all end all, that he is practically a superhero (especially in a meeting with the heads of the CIA) that was my first issue. If we are at the beginning of a series...SHOW me, don't tell me. After we see his abilities, then maybe we can throw in some praise for him. It just seemed backwards. (and about thoses abilities - my goodness - taking out 9 men that storm his house in the middle of the night with night vision, a helicopter and full kit while he has none of that and just woke up...like I said.. definitely possible, just quite a pill to swallow at the beginning of this series. And walking into the house of the head of a cartel by himself, rescuing hostages and killing everyone in 12 minutes? )
So there is definitely action. While very interesting, it was a bit over the top. My believability factor just flew out the window, and THAT is never a good thing. But, the book that I read (as I said before, many years in the future) shows a more mature Alexander with developed and mature relationships - yet he still had his personality. So, I'm perplexed about continuing on. I may finish that other series and come back to this one. We will see.
Oh, and I alternated between listening and reading this. I am not a huge fan of the narrator - Adam Verner. I have heard him on other books, so his voice and cadence was familiar, but it seemed to bother me a bit more on this book than in the past. Oh well, those are my thoughts.
April 17, 2019
CIA Director William Manning was holding a top-secret meeting for 7 of the elite CIA.
CIA Sarah Gilbright gave her presentation on Alexander “Xander” King (former Special Ops), & Samantha “Sam” Harrison (British, Xander’s business partner, former M16).
Miguel Juarez (Jose’s son, Trinity Cartel leader) had been running a human sex slavery prostitution trafficking operation.
Xander had taken out 2 of his guards.
There had been 14 drug related deaths at Shelby HS.
Xander had flown Melanie, Natalie Rockwell (movie actress), & Annie (Natalie’s BFF) to the Churchill race track to watch his horse King’s Ransom run.
Gary is Ransom’s trainer.
Rory (21, guide) had met the 4 of them.
It just so happened Erik Kulakov was at the horse races.
Xander, Melanie, Natalie Rockwell (Xander’s lover, movie actress), Annie, Gary, & Jose (jockey) were all there to basque in the glory of King’s Ransom’s win.
Xander, & Natalie were in bed as rapid fire was penetrating the mansion.
1 guy came through the door as Xander nailed him right between the eyes.
His AK-47 bullets were going everywhere.
3 more intruders went down.
What was Sanharib Khatib (oil baron, terrorist) being interrogated about?
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.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written thriller 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 thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; InstaFreebie; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
CIA Sarah Gilbright gave her presentation on Alexander “Xander” King (former Special Ops), & Samantha “Sam” Harrison (British, Xander’s business partner, former M16).
Miguel Juarez (Jose’s son, Trinity Cartel leader) had been running a human sex slavery prostitution trafficking operation.
Xander had taken out 2 of his guards.
There had been 14 drug related deaths at Shelby HS.
Xander had flown Melanie, Natalie Rockwell (movie actress), & Annie (Natalie’s BFF) to the Churchill race track to watch his horse King’s Ransom run.
Gary is Ransom’s trainer.
Rory (21, guide) had met the 4 of them.
It just so happened Erik Kulakov was at the horse races.
Xander, Melanie, Natalie Rockwell (Xander’s lover, movie actress), Annie, Gary, & Jose (jockey) were all there to basque in the glory of King’s Ransom’s win.
Xander, & Natalie were in bed as rapid fire was penetrating the mansion.
1 guy came through the door as Xander nailed him right between the eyes.
His AK-47 bullets were going everywhere.
3 more intruders went down.
What was Sanharib Khatib (oil baron, terrorist) being interrogated about?
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.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written thriller 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 thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; InstaFreebie; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
September 16, 2018
"Whiskey & Roses" by Bradley Wright attracted my attention, I'm pretty sure anyway, through a post on my Facebook feed, comparing the author's style to that of Follett, Silva, Lee and Flynn. The text promoted it as action adventure or something like that, and it hooked me right away. I'd just finished something else, mystery-related, and started reading right away. Love the electronic bookstore. Xander King, the protagonist, sounds almost like a caricature. Rich father, trauma as a child when his parents are murdered in front of him and a lifetime vowing to find their killers. King is rich. His father left him a vast collection of wealth. But he joined the service, learned all it had to give and came out as one of the most effective assassins the government could have created. But King isn't part of the CIA, or any other agency. He's just on their radar. He's taken crime fighting on by himself, with the help of his team. Sam, his partner, is an ex-British special ops agent he rescued from when she was tortured and near death. She's got skeletons. Lots of them. But she's loyal and deadly. King also has a best friend who'd much rather wine and dine attractive women but gets carried along in the various ops. Then on a night that should have been epic for other reasons, assassins invade King's home. They know too much. They're professionals. Anybody else would have been long dead but King goes into overdrive. He dispatches one after another. And then he's off chasing whoever sent them despite the personal cost. It's a great launch. The series just gets better. And Wright doesn't shy from some pretty horrific narrative. It aptly describes the stakes and consequences of a lifestyle wrapped in violence.
October 9, 2023
I'm not even sure where to start.
The premise of the book is solid escapism fiction. Promised non-stop action. What I read instead, was a lot of things. Yes, there was plenty of fun, if totally unrealistic action, which to be fair, I'm ok with. But the rest was filled with unlikable supporting characters who are just poorly written, horny men for the most part, Hallmark movie level romance, terrible dialogue and boring flashbacks and segues.
The main character, Alexander King, AKA Xander (eye roll) or X (what a douche) is at times the most arrogant and unlikeable protagonist that I've ever come across in this genre. Sometimes, he is just fine. It's this back and forth with his personality that I found very frustrating. That, added with the terrible stereotypical male types, that (I'm sorry) feel like characters a woman would write, kept my head shaking in disbelief. I'm no fan of feminism, but I felt ashamed for all the chauvinistic men in this story.
All this leads me to say, overall it wasn't a bad story. I'd probably give it 3.5 stars if I could.
That being said, I'm in no hurry to continue this series, but I will likely give it another chance one of these days in the hopes that this one was a one-off dud in the writing department.
The premise of the book is solid escapism fiction. Promised non-stop action. What I read instead, was a lot of things. Yes, there was plenty of fun, if totally unrealistic action, which to be fair, I'm ok with. But the rest was filled with unlikable supporting characters who are just poorly written, horny men for the most part, Hallmark movie level romance, terrible dialogue and boring flashbacks and segues.
The main character, Alexander King, AKA Xander (eye roll) or X (what a douche) is at times the most arrogant and unlikeable protagonist that I've ever come across in this genre. Sometimes, he is just fine. It's this back and forth with his personality that I found very frustrating. That, added with the terrible stereotypical male types, that (I'm sorry) feel like characters a woman would write, kept my head shaking in disbelief. I'm no fan of feminism, but I felt ashamed for all the chauvinistic men in this story.
All this leads me to say, overall it wasn't a bad story. I'd probably give it 3.5 stars if I could.
That being said, I'm in no hurry to continue this series, but I will likely give it another chance one of these days in the hopes that this one was a one-off dud in the writing department.
May 24, 2018
Whiskey and Roses(The Xander King Series, #1) is winner and an exciting and promising as the first book in a brand new series of thrillers. Xander kind of reminds me of Mack Bolan in the original The Executioner series where Bolan took on the whole Italian Mafia single handed to avenge his family killed by them. Like with Bolan, the government is out to get Xander to work for them, taking out high valued targets that they, for one reason or another, can't take out themselves. Like Mack, Xander doesn't trust the government and has no interest in going to work for them but there is no doubt in the reader's mind that at some point the government will make him an offer that he can't refuse and that alone is enough to keep me buying and reading all the books in The Xander King Series.
December 27, 2023
Whiskey & Roses is book one by Bradley Wright in the Xander King series. Xander King's world came to an end when he witnessed the death of his parents and decided to go off the reservation and find the killer. However, the CIA has had enough and wants him to stop his quest for revenge. The readers of Whiskey and Roses will continue to follow Xander King to discover what happens.
As a rule, I enjoy reading thrillers. However, I did not enjoy this book. I looked forward to reading Whiskey & Roses but was disappointed with this book. It was slow, and I needed help understanding the plot of this book. I wouldn't say I liked Bradley Wright's written style or his portrayal of his characters. I did like Bradley Wright's description of the Whisky & Roses settings, which complemented the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
As a rule, I enjoy reading thrillers. However, I did not enjoy this book. I looked forward to reading Whiskey & Roses but was disappointed with this book. It was slow, and I needed help understanding the plot of this book. I wouldn't say I liked Bradley Wright's written style or his portrayal of his characters. I did like Bradley Wright's description of the Whisky & Roses settings, which complemented the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
October 19, 2025
Alexander King is just your average millionaire playboy assassin. Former MI6 agent Samantha sets up the hit and "Xander" King eliminates whoever the evil person is. While the CIA is unsuccessfully trying to recruit him, he finds out who he thinks killed his parents and immediately heads an absurdly impossible operation to kill a well-guarded terrorist.
A strangely constructed book. Most of the first half is describing Xander using his wealth to impress a young actress as they fly to Kentucky to watch his horse in the Derby. The second half of the book is all action, as he and his colleagues raid a compound in Syria where everything goes horribly wrong.
The characters are all a little over-the-top, but I think that's on purpose. Still entertaining enough to keep me interested in the series.
A strangely constructed book. Most of the first half is describing Xander using his wealth to impress a young actress as they fly to Kentucky to watch his horse in the Derby. The second half of the book is all action, as he and his colleagues raid a compound in Syria where everything goes horribly wrong.
The characters are all a little over-the-top, but I think that's on purpose. Still entertaining enough to keep me interested in the series.
August 8, 2017
“Some people don’t deserve to live. One man is exceptional at making sure they don’t.” Xander King is an assassin on his own mission to avenge his parents’ death. With complete government training but without the red tape, Xander and his friends take out the trash and hunt down more information behind the murders.
The story moves along well with lots of action. Xander King comes off as a strong alpha billionaire but personable. There is a short romantic entanglement that is left at loose ends in the finale of this story. And while the mission is wrapped up, it is not a complete success that will set up the rest of the series.
Overall, a great story and I look forward to reading more of the series.
https://bubblesunlimited.wordpress.com/
The story moves along well with lots of action. Xander King comes off as a strong alpha billionaire but personable. There is a short romantic entanglement that is left at loose ends in the finale of this story. And while the mission is wrapped up, it is not a complete success that will set up the rest of the series.
Overall, a great story and I look forward to reading more of the series.
https://bubblesunlimited.wordpress.com/
November 12, 2019
😊
When your parents are killed in front of you as a child and as an adult you seek revenge the killers better watch their backs.
Xander King doesn't mess around. Multi millionaire, ex military turned vigilante assassin. The C.I.A want Xander to work for them though and plan to make a deal to make that happen. The knowledge of his parents killer in return for working for them. Race against time to find the name before Xander does and lose their leverage with one of the best soldiers they have known.
Fast paced military style action. Well written and keeps the attention and imagination very well.
When your parents are killed in front of you as a child and as an adult you seek revenge the killers better watch their backs.
Xander King doesn't mess around. Multi millionaire, ex military turned vigilante assassin. The C.I.A want Xander to work for them though and plan to make a deal to make that happen. The knowledge of his parents killer in return for working for them. Race against time to find the name before Xander does and lose their leverage with one of the best soldiers they have known.
Fast paced military style action. Well written and keeps the attention and imagination very well.
June 8, 2021
This is a traditional "lead in" book to a series and while it could be complete in itself, the author leaves all sorts of loose ends.
If you like wild, shoot 'em up action and can put aside all reality you'll probably like this book. For me however, characters have to be more realistic as do the scenarios. One guy in a well protected home who is aroused by an unidentified caller who says "someone is in your house" and promptly disposes of a whole gang of armed assassins? Nope, and then despite having a technical guru working for him, he doesn't even track down who called or why they didn't call sooner...still nope.
If you like wild, shoot 'em up action and can put aside all reality you'll probably like this book. For me however, characters have to be more realistic as do the scenarios. One guy in a well protected home who is aroused by an unidentified caller who says "someone is in your house" and promptly disposes of a whole gang of armed assassins? Nope, and then despite having a technical guru working for him, he doesn't even track down who called or why they didn't call sooner...still nope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2018
The horse is phenomenal. His new girlfriend is a top Hollywood actress. He makes a very good bourbon. And just to keep from getting bored, he kills really nasty bad guys to make the world a better place. There is more fantasy in this book than President Trump colluding with the Russians.
The main mission in this book is to kill the terrorist that killed his parents when he was about 15. I don't like to give out many details in a review. Let's just say action of one type or another is nonstop , and if you like that and fantasy, you'll love this book.
The main mission in this book is to kill the terrorist that killed his parents when he was about 15. I don't like to give out many details in a review. Let's just say action of one type or another is nonstop , and if you like that and fantasy, you'll love this book.
October 1, 2020
A nice read - except the side trip
The author did a fine job of developing and following a logical plot! The development of the three main characters was well done! The MC was developed and followed consistent behavior!
The inclusion of the silly romantic side trip - Natalie - was both irritating and just plain silly! None of the narrative was neither logical nor believable! I skip this nonsense!
I’m hopeful for the author to avoid any repeat of such nonsense in the follow up work! If there’s a recurrence, I’ll avoid this author!
The author did a fine job of developing and following a logical plot! The development of the three main characters was well done! The MC was developed and followed consistent behavior!
The inclusion of the silly romantic side trip - Natalie - was both irritating and just plain silly! None of the narrative was neither logical nor believable! I skip this nonsense!
I’m hopeful for the author to avoid any repeat of such nonsense in the follow up work! If there’s a recurrence, I’ll avoid this author!
February 21, 2023
great book
I didn’t know there were prequels till after finishing the first three of the Alexander King series which were all 5 star books.
What’s interesting is this book, written way earlier, I would say isn’t as good. Very slow moving and way less action. That being said it was still a great book.
If anyone reads this before any of the others, please know, although a great book, even though slow, it pales in comparison the the King series! You will be super happy and definitely finish this book. The end is awesome.
I didn’t know there were prequels till after finishing the first three of the Alexander King series which were all 5 star books.
What’s interesting is this book, written way earlier, I would say isn’t as good. Very slow moving and way less action. That being said it was still a great book.
If anyone reads this before any of the others, please know, although a great book, even though slow, it pales in comparison the the King series! You will be super happy and definitely finish this book. The end is awesome.
February 8, 2018
I read book two of this series first. I made the decision to get the first book in this series. It really clarified some questions that I had from Vanquished.
The insight into what makes a super soldier and how those soldiers are used by corrupt men they thought they could trust is startling to say the least. It’s no wonder that they don’t give their trust carelessly. This book keeps you on the edge of your chair. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
The insight into what makes a super soldier and how those soldiers are used by corrupt men they thought they could trust is startling to say the least. It’s no wonder that they don’t give their trust carelessly. This book keeps you on the edge of your chair. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 12, 2018
Really like the characters....
But I didn’t like the romance novella toward the beginning of the book. It was just too much. I didn’t want to read a romance novel (which I hate); I wanted to read an espionage thriller. I really like the Xander character and would love to read more of him, but I don’t know if I’ll continue with this series or not. The second half of the book is much better than the first. I’d say give it a try.
But I didn’t like the romance novella toward the beginning of the book. It was just too much. I didn’t want to read a romance novel (which I hate); I wanted to read an espionage thriller. I really like the Xander character and would love to read more of him, but I don’t know if I’ll continue with this series or not. The second half of the book is much better than the first. I’d say give it a try.
August 31, 2018
Interesting and Intriguing
You will find that what You could very well happen. Bradley writes with intelligence and thought provoking reality. You will want to keep reading and will find it difficult to put away. I enjoyed the ending and look forward to book 2. This series starts off fast and yet the author writes story we’re the reader can keep up with characters. That is important to me as a reader.
You will find that what You could very well happen. Bradley writes with intelligence and thought provoking reality. You will want to keep reading and will find it difficult to put away. I enjoyed the ending and look forward to book 2. This series starts off fast and yet the author writes story we’re the reader can keep up with characters. That is important to me as a reader.
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