Rogue

Deadliest Lies #1

by Michele Mannon

My lover is dead.

And they think I killed him.

I'm running rogue. Hell bent on both revenge and redemption. Whatever it takes, I'm going to finish a job that began nine months ago. An unauthorized assignment that turned horribly, devastatingly wrong. My miscalculation. My fault. My heart left shattered into incomplete pieces which will never wholly fit back together again.

But first I have to outsmart my former organization and the hired killer they've sent after me; a killer who knows my every move, who’s been inside my head, my heart, and my dreams.

I'm the traitor, Kylie. The rogue mercenary. Jaxson's newest assignment. And this is our love story.

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Dark, Thriller, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Second Chance

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

About the author

Michele Mannon has been writing romance since her first publication in 2012. A multiple recipient of Romantic Times Magazine’s prestigious TOP PICKS award, Michele’s books always pack a punch, leaving readers laughing out loud or swooning and biting their fingernails at all the appropriate times.

Her latest release is Dirty Mafia Sinner, a super spicy, twisted, dark mafia romance.

Michele lives on a mountain overlooking the Delaware River, where she can be found with a glass of Riesling in her hand and a laptop on her lap. Find her online at: http://www.michelemannon.com

Or connect here:

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Amazon ➔ https://amzn.to/2V3LomK

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oklahoma to Paris!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💛💙
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📒
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 👤👤👤👤

The setting: Okla-f*ck-me-over-homa, Paris

The Hero: Jaxon – He is a mercenary for an off-the-grid private security contracting organization (in other words a shady company full of killers and spies). His specialty is charming the women. He also likes to antagonize his boss Hayden.

The heroine: Kylie – Her parents have both died, all she has is her sister Madelyn who is very innocent and naïve. She wants revenge for her father’s murder. A mob boss was responsible and she is recruited by a Hayden and his company because she was going after the same person they were.

Love Story: Jaxon has worked for Hayden and his “Security Organization” for five years, along with his friends Declan and Diego. Hayden makes his employees (Mercenaries) go through the training again if they mess up even one time, so they and Kylie are all in training together and Jaxon falls for Kylie right away and he is a huge flirt.



Kylie was fierce. Some of the things in this book didn’t really make sense. I mean I get the fact that these mobsters move into the small town of Shelby Oklahoma, because I watched Justified. Shelby reminded me a lot of Harlan County. Though the law there was no Raylan Givens. There was a local mob boss Franco (picture Wynn Duffy), and he had a higher boss (Robert Quarles). So that was nice. I guess Kylie has a bit of Ava Crowder in her as well. She also delivers one of the best inner monologues that I have read in a while.

“I bring the sharp edge of the stone into his throat. Digging deep into his windpipe. Then, on behalf of every female whose been abused, manhandled, touched inappropriately, patted on the ass, or had her tits fondled without her permission, I grab hold of his pride and joy, then twist my wrist with a quick snap. Fracturing his penis and wiping that smile clear off his face.”

The things I didn’t get were very small things, like I didn’t understand Hayden. He owns this private “Security Company” which is really mercenaries and assassin’s that take care of things that the government can’t or wont. However, he is such a jerk to his people. I understand during their training, but even after they work for him he is often threatening to have them “Terminated” which does not mean fired. But who would ever sign on for a job like that. I just don’t understand why they work for him. I mean Kylie at least had a few reasons. But hopefully Hayden’s story will be told after Diego’s. I do plan to keep reading this series. I think Diego will be a lot like Declan and I really loved that story.

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[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review



Rogue by Michele Mannon is a suspenseful novel that was full of twists and turns. With a strong heroine, Mannon was able to create a story that weaved action, chicanery, deceit and revenge in the backdrops of romance. While the overall story line was intriguing, I felt the first half of the book was a bit slow for my taste and it definitely affected my rating. I liked the concept of the story since it reminded me of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. So if you are looking for a sexy romantic suspense, this book might be for you.



Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story that I’ve read by this author, and I doubt if it will be the last! This is a romantic suspense with so many twists and turns it keeps you guessing throughout. It is told from two time periods but concerns the same main character, Kylie, a feisty, hot-headed young lady whose life was changed when her father was murdered, especially as no one was arrested for the crime. She’s determined to get revenge and unexpectedly gets the opportunity to do so when she’s recruited by Hayden to join a group of mercenaries investigating the very people she suspects are behind the death of her Dad.

The story alternates between the present time and when she was first recruited and trained. There are a whole group of alpha males for her to interact and train with - and she falls into instant lust with one of them, Jaxson. Their attraction is mutual but is frowned on by their boss who does all he can to undermine it. Find out how she puts herself and her new life in danger. The story is packed with suspense, danger, action and uncertainty. Go read it to explore the hidden areas of Paris, get ready for mis-direction, betrayal, love and romance as you read this great adventure which will keep you on the edge of your seat!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that the first half of the book really had me on the edge of my seat. This story was unique and it had a story you had to follow intently, otherwise it wasn't understandable.

This book had a lot of potential in the start, but there are things later on that I wish would've just been written better.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL REVIEW

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what it is about a romance story where the protagonists are out to kill each other that make me grab it up so fast. But yes, that happened here. Though, in this case, I've read the author's other books and loved them so this was no real gamble.

The story opens with rogue operative, Kylie, on the run from her organization because of a disastrous mistake, but determined to finish her mission. Revenge is all she has left because her target took out the man she loved and now their organization has a price on her head thinking she is a traitor who sold out Jaxson to their target.

But no, Kylie is not the traitor though she knows who is. Staying alive long enough to prove it might be a problem since she couldn't even have predicted the ruthless, skilled and cunning operative sent to take her down. Between the dangers of tracking her target and avoiding getting killed by her own people, Kylie's in a world of trouble. This makes her think on the past and how she found herself where she is now.

Alright, this is one that pulled me two directions constantly. I was riveted and so into it, but my mind never shut down to the issues I was also having with it. It's weird being tugged back and forth like that, but I'm still going to declare it a win since I raced to grab the next one pronto.
I was on the edge of my seat even though I shook my head about improbable plot and characters. And the plot itself of why people were doing what they were doing was either under-developed in some instances or down right head-scratch worthy in others.

The story is not a smooth one and not just because it is told non-linearly with the flashbacks that go back to the beginning and bring the reader up to speed on the present. I actually enjoy that sort of story especially when the present situation is rather incomprehensible like a girl mourning her lover who was her partner and having her own team of people out to killer her, stringing along a traitor who she thought was a friend, and also continuing with her revenge/mission. But while I could appreciate what I was getting there were a few holes that left me questioning even late in the book that never got explained.

Kylie was the first person narrator. She's tough and snarky and arrogant to cover her pain and vulnerability. Usually, I like this sort of heroine, but I can't put my finger on why I never warmed to her. I enjoyed her story without really enjoying her more than mildly if that makes sense.

The action plot is truly exciting stuff, but I struggled because Kylie's decisions and her actions made me realize she was more lucky than right constantly. I never got past the fact that some weeks of training and her self-defense workouts at the gym suddenly turned her into a commando spy. I chose to go with the fact that sometimes an amateur with luck and a little skill can achieve the impossible just because they do get under-estimated.

This is an action-based plot so it was no surprise that the romance jumped out of the gates with insta-lust and some sizzling encounters to cement the love. Again, I went with it b/c I liked the intensity and passion of the story.

So, hmm, it was a bit of this and a bit of that. Overall, a win. Very exciting action and sizzling hot enemies to lovers style romantic suspense. I definitely want to keep going and get the stories for the other operatives.

I received this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've ever read by Michele Mannon and it definitely won't be my last! I couldn't put this one down! I ended up devouring it in one sitting. This is the first of a new series called Deadliest Lies and can be read as a standalone.

Kylie is determined to get revenge for her father's murder so she joins Hayden's group of mercenaries. Another reason she joined with them is because she needs the money to pay for her mother's expensive healthcare cost, due to her cancer. Kylie is hot-headed and often lets her temper get her into trouble.

Jaxon is smitten with Kylie from the very beginning. He's got a playboy reputation but is determined to show her that with her it would be different. He continually used his charms to try and win her over. He is also fiercely protective over Kylie.

The chemistry between the two of them was sizzling. There wasn't a ton of steamy scenes in this one but I thought that worked better with the seriousness and suspense being the focal point. Since this is a book about a group of mercenaries there is a good deal of violence in this, so if that isn't your thing then this is probably not the book for you. There was nothing that I would call over the top tho.

This story alternates between present day and the past when they first met at "The Ranch". The author always made it clear at the beginning of the chapter if it was present day or in the past, which I liked, so there was no confusion. I did feel like the constant back and forth pulled me out of the story a bit a times. Every time one story line was getting really good the chapter would end and we would jump back or forward. It built suspense but also drove me a little crazy.

** I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **

[Bess · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author via Netgalley.

The plot in general was good. The ex-spy being a target by her ex-lover. And she trying to complete her mission was cool.
Start ok Kylie spying in some "Pricks" and after she being recruited by TORC she is training and of course there is "hotty" guy and insta-love. Kylie has some smarts comments and she is this good girl who can be a bad girl too.

The romance was ok. Did not felt nothing towards them. What botters me was: why she was recruited?? And the TORC's moto was weak I did not get it and was like a children academic.
Also her comments about Physo-the psychologist and her boss was disrespectful. She was mad with them about what?? It is her job to do was she told.

And then I realize that after 62% the big secret was not delivered I got tired and DNF.

[Joanna Shupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, sexy book. I like the dark hero and the strong female heroine. Did I mention it's HOT? I can't wait for the next book!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rogue was fun fast read! The first few chapters were a little confusing in establishing the plot, but then the writing style really hit its stride. I thought the duel timelines worked really well in building tension and the characters were well thought out. Mannon has set up for the next book in the series and I will certainly check it out.

*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Jungian.Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic bad-boy romance but a lot is well written and with an intriguing plot and a strong heroine.
This is a romantic suspense, told from alternating time periods from the point of view of Kylie whose whole life shifted after her father was brutally murdered. When no one was charged for his murder, she decided to seek revenge herself. She then gets recruited by a group of mercenaries to investigate the death of her father. This is how she meets Jaxson.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

3.5 stars

This is definitely an intense, emotional story. A romantic suspense with several twists and turns and sometimes, a little bit confusing story-line. But, once I got into the writing style of Michelle Mannon, the way she was bringing the story, I was really interested to find out exactly what game was being played and who the major players were.

Kylie did not grab me at all. I was actually starting to get disgusted with her, her attitude, her way of looking at things. She’s out for revenge and she’ll take down the Pricks that took her family away from her and left her to care for her dying mother and younger sister. But, in trying to get the proof she needs, she’s side-tracked by a man, built for sin and letting her know that he’s hell-bent on sinning with her. Jaxson … the bane of her current existence and the love of her life. If it wasn’t for TORC, she would have never met him, she would have never become a fighting machine, she would have never had the chance to truly take down Novak, she would never have had the money to get her mother treatments or send her sister off to school. Then again, she would never had had the chance to get her lover killed, or so she thinks.

Jaxson came off as a fun-loving, not a serious bone in his body kind of guy. But, he’s definitely a killing machine … both with a gun and with the ladies. He makes it his mission to get into Kylie and he descriptively tells her every chance he gets. From the sparring ring, to the gymnasium, to the fallen tree … he lets her know exactly what he’s going to do to her when he gets the chance. But, one person is standing in his way and there’s nothing short of insubordination that he can do about it. To hell with everything … he claims her and promises to keep her safe. Until that fatal day when she betrays him, TORC and everything that they worked so hard to achieve. Or, did she?

There were several other characters in this book that played important roles. Hayden, Francis, Diego, Declan and then Novak, Franco and the Pricks. Sometimes, there were so many, that I got confused and had to go back to put them all in order. I was also a little confused with the timeline. The story would jump back and forth between the past and the present, from Shelby, Oklahoma to Paris, France. Everything seemed to be pointing towards drug-running then switched to gun-running. Madelyn, her sister, was packing to go to school in California then, a few months later, she was living in Florida. I am still not sure what happened to Franco … what TORC stands for … where Declan is or his role with Madelyn.

So, even though I got invested in how the story was going to play out, I wasn’t totally enthralled with it. I felt that there were things that could have been explained more, that the characters could have had a little more depth and the time-line could have been a little more realistic. I enjoyed the banter between Jaxson and Kylie but didn’t understand the hatred that just bled off the other men on the team. Rogue was an intense read, had a lot of moving parts to it and had a wonderful ending.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traitor… A word that kicks off a hell like no other….

James Bond has nothing on this story of spies, betrayal and love amongst it all.

“Move over, Barnum & Bailey, here comes the Kylie and the Smooth-Talking-Man-Whore show.”

How Kylie and Jaxson come together is a complex, refreshing, twisty tale. It was funny, all kinds of sexy, and full to the brim with action and suspense. Yes, it had it all. In a story that switched from the past to the present, the hero and heroine alternated from devoted lovers to hated enemies in a romance that had me second-guessing throughout.

“Two weeks and I’m a goner. A walking-talking schoolgirl blushing casualty of lust.”

Jaxson, ah Jaxson. It’s easy to see why Kylie became a puddle around such a sexy, complex yet funny man. He knew how to throw a knife and a line, and when to choose between them. Throw in a (non-existent) and totally imaginary Scottish accent and I can picture him perfectly….

Kylie was everything I love about a kick-ass heroine. She had an incredible capacity for love and her loyalty knew no bounds. She was also self-deprecating, sarcastic, and perfectly capable of calling people on their shit or kicking their asses for it. She was smart—incredibly so—but also vulnerable when it came to her heart… Even at her lowest though, she was determined to do what was right. And she didn’t need to be saved though others may need to be protected from her—especially the bad guys!

And there are bad guys. Pricks, bosses, supposed comrades-in-arms. There are also allies in unexpected places… With the mid-west and Paris as backdrops, this story packed a punch on an international scale.

“Ah oui…he’s going to die when he sees you.”
He just might, I think. And it won’t be the first time.

This could have easily been a 5+ star read but the back and forth between time periods really threw me. The author explained her reasoning for it—and I totally respect and appreciate her thoughts—but, for me, it was the one thing that completely derailed what was otherwise a stellar read. Overall, a great new series and first read of this author. ~ Diane, 4 stars

[Mazmum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review - Rogue by Michele Mannon - 4 Kick ass, bring on the girls Stars

There were many things to love about this book:

Amazing location - check - who’d want to be anywhere other than THE city of love Paris. From wandering around the patisseries sampling their melt in the mouth creations to running around in the catacombs, Paris is a great location and we get to experience lots of it

A kick ass heroine - check - never a lover of books where the female is nothing better than a blow up doll animated, I love when we have a great female lead. Kylie has been dealt a rubbish hand in life - trying to protect her family and avenge wrongs, she ends up entering Hell Camp. Here she trains with men who dwarf her in stature, and she has to use her brains as well as skills to survive. Kylie’s sassy, sarcastic and I just loved her, flaws and all.

A loveable bad boy - check - ah Jaxson, Jaxson, Jaxson. Here’s a guy who rails against establishment, who thinks that rules were meant to be broken. One of those rules happens to be no relationships amongst the team. But some rules were meant to be broken. And from the moment Jaxson sees Kylie in her ‘Can’t catch me’ tshirt, Jaxson’s had one target in sight. But true love never runs smooth, and their story has a hell of a lot more potholes than many others road to travel.

Bad guys - check - well I mean, you can’t have a suspense without the necessary bad guys. Whilst we spend most of our time chasing the elusive Novak, we are surrounded by bad guys trying to ensure that Kylie doesn’t get to him. Plus, when you step across that line yourself, who exactly is the bad guy in all of this?

Overall, I found this a fun ride to take with the guys. There are a few times Jaxson is called Jason which tended to throw me out of the story for a while and a slight continuity issue but they really don’t spoil what is an entertaining storyline.

Indeed I’m intrigued enough about her sister and Declan to want to read on.

Pick this one up if you fancy a little suspense along with your romance tonight.

[Elizabeth (Perusing Princesses) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read from Michele Mannon.

I really enjoyed this book! It is really fast paced and original.

We get the story of Kylie. A young girl who is surviving a tragedy. She is surviving this tragedy by planning revenge!! Coincidentally, this revenge is going to include a top secret mercenary group that is also taking roots in her town along with the bad guys. With all of this she is also dealing with her mothers illness and trying to protect her sister.

This is a story of suspense and love both found unexpectedly... but both very intense! Especially when the love of your life believes you became a traitor, and is set to hunt you down and terminate you!
Yeah.. not your usual love story!

[Nadia Debowska-Stephens (Obsessed by Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Paris. The last city on earth a woman with her twisted version of a clipped wing and an irreparably shattered heart should be flying solo in."

Kylie is on the run, perceived as a traitor by the agency she fought so hard to join, she is now a rogue mercenary determined to finish what she started. The gunning down of her father set the wheels in motion for her life to be totally turned around. When criminals make her sleepy town their home to run their underhand business lessons are taught to the town folks so they know not to whisper about the powerful yet dangerous men that have arrived. Her father, just an example of their power and heartlessness, is the catalyst for Kylie to rid her home town of such an abomination. With her family life strained she sets about seeking revenge for get father and ends up catching the attention of a covert, undercover security firm. Enlisted by one of the agency's top guys, Kylie survives Hell Camp and her whole outlook changes when she gets more than she bargains for when she accepts their offer. Jaxson is not only her recruiter but the man who owns her heart. Their attraction can not be denied and draws the wrong type of attention from their boss, complicating things for everyone involved. Juggling her family commitments and her team thongs quickly escalate and go awry. Leaving Kylie out in the cold and broken hearted...Can she complete the mission and end the sinister plans of the Pricks? Can she put right the wrongs of her past? Or will she be terminated before she can prove she isn't the traitor she is believed to be?

Rogue is told from a then and now point of view and slowly her current circumstances are explained by her past experiences. She is a strong and willful woman who has her mind set on vengeance and will stop at nothing to achieve get goal. Determined, headstrong and totally devastated by her loss she clings on to desire to end Novak. She's got charm, wit and the guts to overcome most things I can see why Jaxson fell hard for her! He is the ultimate super soldier, a rival for Bond and Bourne! Protecting her, sheltering her and encouraging her to survive he has many talents that makes him one super alpha male. Their romance is harsh, fast and sometimes brash but sue ti their circumstances it suits them. Without any spoilers all I can say is I loved the twists and turns, the ending had me smiling from ear to ear. This is a fast paced, action packed thriller with a romance thrown into the mix. It was great to read a different genre and this is the first story by this author and I really enjoyed her writing style.

A four star I want to learn to knife throw read.

~*~ Netgalley kindly provided a copy in exchange for an honest review ~*~

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Rogue", is the first book I have read from Ms Mannon and was captured and drawn in by the suspense and intrigue of the story line, along with the depth of the characters.

Shelby, Oklahoma has been invaded , changed from a small lovely rural town to one with a high crime rate , drugs and driveby shootings. A particular driveby shooting is what drives the main protagonist Kylie, her father was killed while on his front porch leaving behind her sick mother and her and her sister Madelyn and Kylie's desire for vengeance against the mobster Franco and his boss Novack. Kylie spends her days spying on their compound , looking for a a way to bring them down. Little did she realize she was not the only one spying, until she finds herself being captured by the others. Now Kylie might be able to defend herself , but up against three bulking men and then the biggest and drop dead good looking one Jackson. Jackson has been watching Kylie while watching the others and his orders from his director Hayden are to bring her into TORC headquarters . Hayden's goal to recruit Kylie as a new mercenary. The money that Hayden offers Kylie is a godsend, she will be able to pay for her mother's treatments , care for her sister, but the catch is she needs to go through training and keep the organization a secret. Striking a bargain wither Hayden she joins to spite Jaxson's warnings, he may be giving warnings against TORC but it does not stop him from chasing her hardcore.
When training hand to hand, when shooting he is whispering inner ear, how she is his, ebbed when hiding on a field trial he takes the opportunity to try and get into her pants . Jaxsons bold ways finally won over Kylie leading to sexy times . However a relationship between the two of them aggregates Hayden, making him feel like he is loosing control of his team, but that does not stop him from sending them out on a mission.Kulie is supposed to infiltrate Franco DiCapatano's group and pass the info on, but when trouble arises and the plan backfires Jaxson is taken and Kylirs failure to reach him in time, costs her the love of her life Jaxson. Then it puts her on the run, because Hayden now believes she has betrayed TORC and led Jaxson to his death. The real question being did she betray them.?
Only finishing the book will lead you to the answers.
Arc Graciuosly provided via Netgalley for an honest review.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one had me from beginning to end. I could not put it down.

Why? Alpha males in Hayden, Jaxson, Diego, Declan and perhaps McDuff all working for TORC were HOT and then to add in Kylie who gets to train and work with them made it a lot more interesting. The instant attraction felt by Kylie and Jaxon was so much fun to read about as it became more. Jaxson surely did have a way with words!

Kylie was focused on revenge for the murder of her father and because of this she came to the attention of TORC. She has monetary needs so joins the group to achieve the revenge they promise her as well as make money to provide for her family’s needs. Set up to take the fall for compromising her team she is chased by assassins sent to kill her. Will she survive? What happened to set this all in motion? Will she get the revenge she is focused on? Will she find love? You will have to read the book to find out ;)

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have to say I am eager to read more about the Alpha males that work for TORC and look forward to reading more in this series.

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, brave and strong Kylie is on the run from the man that employees her, a dangerous man to cross. She is considered a traitor, hunted, but she doesn't know or even imagine that the person hunting her is the one person she dreams of, Jaxson.
His advantage is that she thinks he is dead and that he knows her more than any other person. See you always know the person that holds your heart. Now he is hunting his heart, sent by the man that wants her dead.
This book is filled with passion, danger and more twists and turns than you can imagine. All of this makes for one hell of a read that will have your blood boiling with anger and then heated with the passion between Jaxson and Kylie. Can love overcome his orders to kill the traitor?
Amazing read!

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. Full of adventure, hot sexy times, and revenge. The mc are great. Jaxson is big, tough, and all alpha. Kylie is strong and determined. The story goes back and forth between past and present so that we get the full picture of how Kylie got involved with this intense group of mercenaries and why she is now running for her life. Running from the man she loves with her whole heart. This stories as more twists and turns than you can imagine. It definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is a book I highly recommend.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kylie is on the run trying to complete the mission she was sent to do while dealing with the loss of her love. She also is running from the organization that hired her because they think she has gone rogue. That is why they sent someone after her. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep this story going there is also some romance thrown in as well as she is also wanting revenge on who killed her lover. With plenty of action and just enough suspense for an interesting book. Overall a good book. I got this book from NetGalley. I gave it 3 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on my toes the whole way through, read it in one sitting but once it was over, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I wanted more.
Jaxon's character is to die for, he is the best of them (book boyfriend I mean) who will stay with you for weeks! I loved Kylie, she's so sassy and brave, she is a breath of fresh air.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read with well-developed characters, interesting storyline and enough twists to keep you hooked. I loved the dynamics between the characters. Looking forward to the next.

[Savana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book for review through NetGalley from the publisher. My opinions here are my own, and are not influenced by this partnership. This is a spoiler-free review.

The cover H-O-O-K-E-D me, but the story took a while to reel me in. I'm not usually a fan of insta-love, and this author's style (switching back and forth between locations/time periods for each chapter) didn't set well with me at first...but I'm glad I stuck it out because the plot and character development (oh and the romanceeeee) progressed nicely and the HEA ending was worth it, albeit a little predictable.

Kylie is a spitfire, or as Jaxson likes to call her, Fireball. From the start you know she's rough around the edges and can hold her own which I love - I'm here for tough and strong willed heroines - but it probably took 65% of the book for me to actually like her or feel any sort of connection to her. Which made it tough wading through the first half of the book. More of her story and the background of her assignment and current predicament is shared as the book goes on, switching back and forth between the "past" in Shelby, OK and the "present" in Paris. I'm not a fan of this style because I typically decide to keep reading based on my love of the character development and I wasn't feeling it here. However, once you catch on to the flip flopping of time and location Kylie's story really develops and you get glimpses into her and Jaxson's blossoming relationship as well as her more personal family life. The more Jaxson and Kylie interacted, the more I loved them both!

Let's not ignore the elephant in the room - this book is HOT. As in hot men (and women), hot tension, and hot sex. There was one major con to me while reading this though - which is why I removed a star. During the entire first half of the book, I felt like the "romance" (cue *sex scenes*) gave me whiplash. One moment it was your typical Kylie narrative i.e. rough & tumble fighter chick with a hit out on the bad guy training to be the best but also balance home life, the next it was along the lines of 'my panties are wet and my thighs slick with wanting him' in the MIDDLE of a regular scene...which just does not sit well with me. It's tough to transition, but this was one of my least favorite books in that sense. It didn't feel natural or authentic at all, more than once I had to go back a couple paragraphs to reread and make sure I didn't skip a scene or page by accident. I came very close to DNF'ing this multiple times because of this alone. It got a little better as the book progressed, which I think was thanks to Kylie and Jaxson being a bit more simpatico, so again I'm glad I didn't DNF it but be warned.

In the end, I really enjoyed this. There were times I caught myself losing track of time and itching to skip ahead, and others where I questioned if I should bother finishing. But that's just me as a reader and editor, I tend to get pretty picky and critical. Kylie is tough and I love her, Jaxson is dangerous and sexy and I'm here for him, and the book gave me everything I wanted by the end of it!

I (the editor in me) want to call out that there are countless, extremely noticeable grammar/syntax errors throughout the book. This was an ARC, so I understand they are not finalized and just hope that those are corrected before publication. And of course, I do not hold this against the author in any way - it is not reflected in my star rating above.

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS





'Rogue' is the first book of the 'Deadliest Lies' series by Michele Mannon.

This is the first book I have read by this author and even though the first-half of the book was good , it was the second part that had me feeling bored , hence my low rating. The storyline was ok and I loved the chemistry between Kylie and Jaxson , but it always seemed as if something was missing.

I loved Jason's ruthlessness. The way he went after Kylie to make her see how amazing they both were together, was really good! They both were a team and I liked thier love story a lot. But as I said before , the story seemed to be missing a spark and I just couldn't find myself being absorbed in it. Still ,I would recommend it to all the contemporary romance lovers , who knows you might end up liking it!


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[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s a smart and savvy kickass heroine out for revenge. He’s a sexy and skilled mercenary who’s on a mission to terminate her.

Kylie is one of those strong and hot-tempered heroines who will do anything for her family. Even join a band of mercenaries to get revenge on her father’s death. Her induction into the good-ole-boy club is not an easy one, but one cocky womanizer named Jaxson is willing to help her against his better judgment. However, when things go wrong and she loses him, she goes on the run determined to complete her mission of revenge. Will she be able to kill the man she despises or will her own deadly team kill her first?

I love Kylie’s spunk and resourcefulness and Jaxson’s dirty-mouthed self-assuredness. Watching them fight it out playing cat and mouse is a worthwhile feat and the sex scenes are beyond steamy. As for supporting characters, the hot and dangerous mercenary team are definitely eye candy and have their own stories, and I can’t wait to see them in future books in the series. In fact, I wouldn’t mind reading about Hayden, the ruthless boss’s story.

Overall, this is a fast-paced, action-packed, and provocative romantic suspense novel that will leave you breathless. If you enjoy badass heroines, and bold heroes, give this book a try.

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one – it was a great story

I thought that it was well written with a good natural flow to it and it was packed with action and romance- the plot was great and it kept me hooked through to the last page. It was packed to the gills with testosterone.

The characters were really good and worked well together, I loved the interaction, was great to be able to read a book with such strong and committed characters.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended and a great read!!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! The characters were quirky and fun and actually had their own personalities! It was swoony and just wonderful!

[ItsAboutTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review can be read at It's About The Book

4.5 stars

What a fantastically confusing, erotic, hot mess of a story that started off with a bang and just kept going. There’s the past and then the present, and hooking them together to knit the plotline caused some confusion at first, but by the time I got going, the story began to unfold and I couldn’t wait for the next chapter!

Kylie was determined to find the men who’d killed her father and report them to anyone she could get to listen. Homeland Security, the FBI, whoever. She just needed someone to believe her and help her take them down. So when she was approached by the quasi-military private security contractor TORC, offering her a job watching them? Game on. She knows her father was killed by Franco’s thugs. This is a chance to take him out, to get revenge for her father’s death. Plus, she was going to be able to afford the experimental treatments her dying mother needed.

She knows her father was killed by Franco’s thugs. This is a chance to take him out, to get revenge for her father’s death. Plus, she was going to be able to afford the experimental treatments her dying mother needed.

It was also going to put her in constant contact with the man who worked all her senses–Jaxson. He was an infuriating giant of a man who knew just how to push all her buttons. But the more she learns about the team and what’s expected of her, the less appealing it becomes. And she also knows that if she screws up, the man she’s attracted to might be the one sent to terminate her.

Choices. Once you signed on to TORC, you lost your choices.

I really liked the suspense angle of this book. The plot was woven so tightly that it was difficult at times for me to figure out what was going on. However, I think that was part of the mystique. Kylie and Jaxson’s sexual chemistry was smoking hot, especially because it was forbidden. Co-workers were definitely NOT encouraged to have relationships. In fact, the agents at TORC were discouraged from having relationships AT ALL. They were considered liabilities, a weak link that could distract an operative in the field.

So the whole time, while you’re rooting them on, you’re also waiting for the other shoe to drop. And boy howdy, does it!

I had the great opportunity to read the one that comes after this and it’s just as hot and takes you even further into the plotline. Now I’m hooked!

Thanks!

[A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Rogue was one read that really hit the spot! It was exactly the kind of book I love to read and it made you feel a good balance between the easier emotions versus the not-so-easy ones. Rogue was just perfection and I can't tell you how much I loved, loved, loved it!

Man, that Jaxson is one very hot hero. He's beyond sexy and tempting and naughty and of course, I loved all that, but I loved his playful, teasing side even more. Jaxson is the kind of guy who always has a smile on his face, always has a joke ready, and will always be able to make you laugh. He does lose that part of himself for a little while and he wasn't really my favorite person around that time, but it ultimately didn't change how I felt about him. Jaxson charmed me just as much as he could everyone else and he completely and utterly stole my heart!

If there's anything that Ms. Mannon did right in the book, okay, she did a lot right, it was without a doubt Kylie! Kylie is a total Bada*s with a capital B. She's smart and cunning, sneaky and devious, and so strong, brave, and fearless. Kylie is stubborn, determined, and extremely loyal - she's definitely one person who I want in my corner and I had so much respect for and even though, it's not the norm for me, I loved her way more than I loved Jaxson. It might have been because the book was only told from her point of view and while I usually prefer dual points of view, I'm actually glad that we got to be inside her head all the time. I just felt such a strong connection to Kylie - she is amazing!

Rogue is the kind of book that will take you to a whole new world. It sucks you in so deep that the pages in the book blur until you only see what Kylie sees, you feel what she feels, and you never want to leave. This book absolutely did that for me - I felt the hard, bittersweet sting of heartache, the sharp bite of anger, the fierce burn of passion, and the melting warmth of love and laughter. Rogue was incredible for me, even when it broke my heart or made me frustrated, I loved and enjoyed every bit of it.

Rogue is a standalone and it's told from Kylie's point of view. Jaxson and Kylie's happy ending left me a huge grin and now I'm so excited for the next book! Bring on the Mercenary!

~ Sonja, 5 Stars

[Daijah · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*

I honestly wished this book was better than it turned out to be. The blurb sounded amazing, and I was so excited for a mercenary/mob book but it just fell so so flat and become highly confusing.

Firstly the characters were okay in the beginning. I enjoyed their banter and the fierceness of our main female lead, Kylie. In a lot of mob related books the main protagonist is so out of the loop and doesn't have any sort of common sense but Kylie really defied that. The main male protagonist was really intriguing and sexy in the beginning, but he had absolutely no depth to him at all. I was just waiting for him to develop some sort of personality other than being horny all the time but it never came.

Another thing that also bothered me about the characters that bothered me is that their motives for their actions in the past and present were so weak. The organization that Kylie and Jaxon worked for also had a weak motive in their reasoning for even wanting to recruit Kylie in the first place. This was a recurrent theme throughout the novel in which everybody's motives were just off. The logic in Rogue was nonexistent especially the deeper you got into the book with the mystery. The mystery just became confusing and in the end it just seemed like no big deal. I think the author was just attempting to do too much and none of the aspects could have been truly explored making the logic extremely confusing.

Lastly, the plot and the writing were just not very good. There was a bit of steam in here which was fine but there was no sexual tension that built up between the characters, The steam started almost immediately and would sometimes happen 2/3 times in just one chapter! The plot was extremely repetitive in the beginning and it was just the same thing over and over again.

This book had a lot of promise but it was just too all over the place and repetitive for my taste. The characters lacked depth, there was no logic, the plot was repetitive, and there was no build up between the two main romantic interests making me not care if they're together or not. As I said I think this is just a case of trying to do too much leading to a lackluster novel that is underdeveloped.