Raven

Kindred #1

by Scarlett Finn

Raven

He's mysterious and alluring,
Dominant and powerful.
He keeps her grounded,
And lets her fly.

After a date ends in disaster, Zara Bandini is drawn into a conspiracy of dark lies and hidden motives. Bidding farewell to blissful ignorance, she must betray those who trust her to prevent evil from murdering innocent civilians.

Raven guides her, shields her, and seduces her…
Now Zara has to protect her heart while saving the world.

Warning: Contains explicit language and imagery. Suitable only for ages 18 and over.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Suspense, Mystery

380 pages, ebook

First published May 23, 2016

About the author

Writing has always been a big part of my life. Since I was a child I've known exactly where my passion lay.
No matter what's gone on in my life writing has been my touchstone. After all, we all need a place to escape to.
Reading is my idea of heaven. There's nothing I like more than to switch everything off, close the bedroom door, and curl up with a good book.
I have a feeling that's something all at Goodreads can identify with.

Thanks for taking the time with me today. Now do something for yourself, go and curl up in your own reading heaven.

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raven must use all his skills including manipulation...of the naughty kind

Well, Raven…what can I say about Raven? I liked it. I was a little frustrated with it, but I think it had more to do with the players involved than the storyline. We’re on a mission to stop the handover of a dangerous device. If the device gets into the wrong hands we could be looking at a disaster. Who is on the good side and who is on the bad side? People are murdered, threats are made and sex is used to manipulate. I felt like I was sitting on the sidelines trying to work out who was going to be the winner in this mission and whether that win would be a good one or a bad one. See, my problem is…I struggled with the main characters. All of them had a vulnerable side, had ulterior motives and do stupid things because of their arrogance and need to feel successful. Where do I go from this? Who do I route for? Who do I want to win and be happy for them? There is an ending but it’s not a conclusion. So many things are still in play and we are yet to see who will come out the victor.

Zara is a workaholic and proud of it. With a small town upbringing and a narrow-minded father, Zara knew if she didn’t move away, she’d be knocked up, housebound and stuck in that little town. With her job at Cormack Industries as Premium Personnel Coordinator to the CEO, Grant McCormack, she works hard but feels the effort is well worth it. Her connection with Grant is purely business and she respects him for his fine work and business sense. Each Friday Zara has a tradition of going to a bar called Purdy’s and having a glass of wine to reflect on her success. One particular Friday she is approached by a man and they form an instant attraction. Unfortunately, that night does not end well for the man and Zara is left shocked and unsettled by what she has seen and dealt with. That wasn’t the only shock of the night, someone was waiting in her bedroom for a little chat.

Raven's job rules his life. I’m not sure he’s proud of it, but he knows that his purpose supersedes his own desires and wishes. Raven is his code name and he works best under the cover of darkness. His team of men that he works with are his family also known as Kindred. Kindred believes in looking out and protecting each other. Chief of Kindred is also Raven's uncle, Art. Raven wants a safe world and if he has to take out the baddies to make it safe, he has no hesitations in doing it. Feelings and emotions play no part in his decision-making. He will use every trick in the book to manipulate his target so that he gets the outcome he is looking for.

Zara and Raven must come together to fight evil, but it takes awhile for Raven to convince Zara that her boss and mentor, Grant, isn’t the Saint he makes himself out to be. Raven and Zara must learn to work and have a little trust in each other.

There are some steamy scenes where Zara and Raven can no longer fight their attraction. Raven likes it a little rough and it doesn’t take Zara long to realise that she likes it that way too. Both of them push their feelings aside because they are scared and uncertain and don’t feel like they can trust each other. At one stage I was sure that Raven was loosening up a little and about to show Zara how much she meant to him. That stage doesn’t last long and he's back to pushing her away and hurting her in the process.

Hmmm…I actually thought that Zara was a bit of a twit. I’m not sure I understand why a woman keeps having sex with someone who clearly doesn’t want her...enough. She does nearly all the chasing and keeps trying to justify to herself why he keeps hurting her. I think my last straw was when Raven gives Zara a codename - Swallow - implying that she works in the opposite way that he does. He sleeps with women to get them to comply and she "swallows" to get her way…nasty. Zara is also very gullible when it comes to Raven and to some extent Grant. Both men use and abuse her trust and yet until the very end, she is dedicated and devoted to them.

The suspense part of the story was interesting. I wanted to know more about the device and its purposes, how it was made and came together. Forming alliances was never straightforward because both the good and bad sides were not exactly nice. Grant had an evil side that came through in his business dealings. Raven had an evil side by being unemotional in getting to the end.

This was a fairly long story. Some things were over-explained while others I just wanted to know more. I hope that the second book in the series gives me a little bit more of the necessary details. I hope that Zara will start using her head instead of her heart and that Raven will listen to his heart. I also hope that Grant stops being a douchewaffle…

To pre-order your copy of Raven for $0.99 from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1s1ZmVd



I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think of James Bond with a very dirty sexy talk during bed session. And I like it. This is my first read by Miss Finn. The suspense is bit difficult to navigate but hexk, I love the dirty talk.
I do have soft heart for hero with a very dirty mouth.

Raven is a series. The story continues on Shallow. The plot kept me hanging wanting to know more and more. I like Zara. I think she played dump to get what she wants. Especially about Raven.
Raven is sexy, mysterious and hot.

4 stars

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/8/2019)! 🎁

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I jumped into reading “Raven” by Scarlett Finn when it appeared on my kindle without re-checking its blurb (I am not sure I need to explain but reviewing so many books there are often books appearing on your kindle without further information send from authors you reviewed before or from publishers)

The title sounded interesting at that moment so I did not re-check with our blog schedule if it was a scheduled review and started reading it. I tell you this to explain because I thought at first that this book might be a paranormal romance.

(spoiler : it is not #laughing but the way Raven is introduced to the reader – no reader of paranormal romances would have wondered if he turned out to be a creature of the night)

Raven is so mysterious and well exactly what the Blurb states … he is alluring, dominant and most definitively powerful. In fact I have no other book hero to compare him with … well maybe – if I reconsider … there is one … I met him in J.T. Geissingers book “Make me Sin” …

This is no sugary flowery romance with hearts and white picket fences. This is dark and dirty. But it is pure and addictive and with “it” I mean the story is to the readers as well as Raven is to Zara. Or should I better say as addictive as Zara is to Raven ? I am not sure which one of them is worse.

The author created a perfect start to a (what I hope) series of standalone books with “Raven” that are centered around something that I will not name here to refrain from spoilering. There are definitely interesting side characters the reader meets in Raven that we hope to see again.

If this book is any indication than the series will be a rollercoaster ride with good guys appearing bad, bad guys that are maybe better than the good guys and really bad guys that you do not mind getting killed in the process.

Ask you self the question “How do you explain the meaning of “love” to a man who has never loved

Think about it and than start reading “Raven” to find out … (Go-sh... I need the next book ... like in NOW)

[M.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I am in love with this book. I knew on page 1 this was something special. I received an arc in exchange for an honest review and I was not disappointed. I loved the premise, the plot twists and turns. One of the best books I have read this year. 5 stars. Highly recommend. Now I will wait not so patiently for book 2.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

"4,75" Mysterious stars from me!!

What a beautifully executed dark story!! Filled with mystery, secrets, action and twists you definitely can't put it down until the mystery is solved ...well then you have to reach the end (or not). I personally think and hope that there will be more installments because this one opens the road for many more.

Zara's life changed one peacefull night when she was in a bar after work and drinking wine, a desicion made her a witness and so in a middle of a war zone. There Raven comes this mysterious, sexy, dominant man. Both have trust issues and generally it's difficult of who to trust in this story, who says the truth ..who doesn't and what is hidden behind all this mystery.

Passion and insta-lust are two things that makes the book more intense and seductive with the super hot scenes. The dialogues were very enjoyable and cryptic the same time, in addition action makes this story like a movie (yeah i felt that popcorn was needed).

I don't wanna spoil anything so i stick to what i've already said and i have to mention that from the storyline which had steady pace to the very likeable characters, this is a story you don't want to miss. Hoping to see that this story will turn into series and so there will be more Zara and Raven and why not other dark/enjoyable characters.

[April ♥"LOS" ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be Kindred!!!

Every so often a book comes along that immediately pulls you in and demands your attention, is that book. From beginning to end, I was drawn in and couldn't stop reading.

In one night, Zara Bandini's life is turned upside down when she witnesses a murder and becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. For a woman who has fantasized about a life of adventure and excitement, she suddenly has more than she ever dreamed of.

When dark and mysterious "Raven" enters her world everything she thinks she knows is questioned. Nothing is as it seems, including him. While she wants to trust that Raven is one of the "good guys", she knows nothing about him and it's obvious he is keeping secrets of his own.

I have so many favorite parts of this book that it's hard to review without spoilers but needless to say, I will be reading this book again soon. I would highly recommend Raven and as I already said... I want to be Kindred!

***I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review***

[MandaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read a great suspense book. I have a feeling Raven, Zara and a few others are going to become a new obsession.
Very smart, witty and crisp writing!
I will be honest and say I wasn't sure in the very beginning if this was going to have enough 'romance' for my taste, but that didn't last long. I quickly found myself hooked!
I'm intrigued!

Ready for the next book now!!

[Yelena Bosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Lord. I cannot with this one.. <3

[Kristy]

I just couldn’t make it through this book & I have to DNF but had to with this one.

[Alicia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Parts of the story were okay.
Like James Bond, with more spice.

Most of the decisions were stupid and lacked any kind of actual thought. and the the whole premise of keeping her safe is washed away in the final chapter.

Worse though is the description of the terrorists (which could have just been referred to as something else entirely) of "having tanned skin and dark hair, suggesting Middle Eastern ancestry" just pushes the Islamophobic narrative.

[Bookworm Haven · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like Raven by Scarlett Finn. The premise sounded like it had all the elements I enjoy—dark romance, tension, and a strong heroine—but unfortunately, it just didn’t deliver.

The pace of the story was all over the place, and the plot felt like it was trying too hard to be edgy without actually earning any of the emotional depth. The characters didn’t have much chemistry, and I never really connected with them. The FMC fell after the first sexual encounter and seemed to be trying to force the white picket fence relationship. Their decisions were confusing and inconsistent, and the romance felt more forced than fiery.

The writing also didn’t help me like this book any better. It was repetitive and clunky in spots, and instead of drawing me in, it kept pulling me out of the story. I kept hoping it would improve, but the story failed hard by chapter 17. This one was unfortunately my first DNF. Between all the points I’ve stated above, the sexual language was unappealing with the words used to describe anatomy. Folds is not a great descriptor for female anatomy in my opinion. Using bosom instead of breasts for example made even the sexual scenes feel forced like the author was trying too hard to write a darker romance novel without being completely comfortable using real world common descriptors.

If you’re into dark romance, there are much better options out there. This one just missed the mark for me.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara Bandini is the executive assistant to the owner of a multi million dollar company. She has come a long way from a simple farm girl, all through hard work and long hours. Then while she is enjoying her usual Friday night drink an interesting guy buys her a drink. Unfortunately the night doesn't end quite the way she would like.
I am not going to tell you anything about the hero because until the book is more than halfway through we don't know who he is. Plus our heroine is so confused even she doesn't know whose side she is on. This is a romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through. I was reading until 2 am. because I just HAD to finish it. It has everything you could want, danger, adventure and smoking hot sex . I loved every page.

[Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was an incredibly tough one for me because I have so much respect for this author and her work. One thing I can always say that you can expect from Scarlett Finn is the hottest spice you have ever read. I mean, seriously I don’t know how she does it lol 😂
This was the opening to a series so that might atone for the backstory the filling in and the countless paragraphs of just explanation, but I did find myself getting a little bit tired and skimming here and there.

Zara was a character to get used to and when I do decide to pick up the rest of the series, I’ll be eager to see where her experiences take her. I’m not sure why she was so attached to her boss at CI, but I am thankful that last 10% of the book We finally got somewhere with the couple that we’ve been rooting for. I may pick up the rest of the books this year. May wait till next year to finish the series, but she definitely laid the groundwork to make a reader ear to see where the crew is going to take us.

[Terry Stahlnecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline. I’d like to find out more of what will happen but this was the free book to listen to on Spotify. Lots of hot scenes. Had me asking my wife to pick a safe word. 😉.

[Kayal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars. A thrilling story that keeps you hooked from start to finish—never a dull moment. Spicy, intense, and with a dark edge. Not for everyone, but definitely a personal favorite and highly recommended.

[Tayla Linke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this book had me hooked, that’s all really

[Ria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I.
am.
kind.
of.
disappointed.

I had high expectations for this book since Scarlett Finn wrote the fantabulous "Explicit Instructions" series with Rushe. I felt like there was too much resistance on being with each other I got sick of the couple about half way, the ending wasn't conclusive too. I really wanted Sutcliffe to die and my poor Art :-(

I'm hoping this isn't one of those standalone book series. Ugh, I haven't checked but fingers crossed!

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

"Scrutiny leads to paranoia...I exist in the shadows and anyone who tries to venture into my darkness has to abandon the world. Living life alone is not as easy as people like to think."

Raven is an assassin for hire. The rumour is he is dead. Part of the shadows, a whisper fleetingly heard on the lips of dead men he is an enigma. Part of a covert team that eradicates problems in return for a fee he is one of the Kindred. Crossing paths with Zara as the next target in sights involves her indirectly, he sees an opportunity and pounces.

Zara is a small town girl done good as she is now part of a vast and successful company as the right hand woman to the big boss! He is reclusive, private yet trusts her with the day to day running of his business. Having had her date for the night casually murdered right in front of her starts a change of events that opens her eyes to the mystery surrounding her. Thrust into a world of espionage, thrill seeking and death can Zara choose which side she is on when they it's they are all varying shades of grey.

What unravels is a plot thick with doubt, action and suspense. The lines are well and truly blurred as the main characters have jaded morals and all too human motivations. I think my favourite character is Art. The mastermind and loving uncle, the dual sides to this complex characters shows insight into the many facets of human nature. Raven is a cold and calculating man that takes what he wants, takes what he needs without consideration of the repercussions or the impact he has on those he uses. Zara...hmmmm, I don't think I liked her. She sat on the fence a little too long for me and at times reacted like an air head that made me wonder how she ever got the job in the first place! She grew on me. Overall I really like the edgy feel to this story, it left you guessing to the very end, action packed and filled with suspense with a splash of romance and a smidgen of tragic loss I found I couldn't put it down.

A four star dark and mysterious read

~*~ Obsessed by Books copy given in exchange for an honest review ~*~

[Yvonne V (Naughty Professora) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not often that a book surprises me...and this one did. I wasn't sure what to expect as I went in blind, not reading the blurb or any reviews.

Zara is an administrative assistant to Grant McCormack, a man she admires. She has a regular routine of heading to the local bar, and having a glass of wine to unwind and possibly, meet someone. She meets a man that claims to have noticed her weeks before, and finally makes his move only to have things go horribly wrong. Zara is freaked, and heads home to find Raven in her room.

Raven is targeting Zara for her connections to her boss. He's trying to stop the sale of some crazy world destruction level device, and him and his men called "The Kindred" use anything they can to accomplish their mission. Raven uses Zara, but then seems to develop feelings for her.

This is where things get messy. Raven connects to Zara for her connections to Grant, only Raven is also connected to Grant. So is one of the Kindred. Raven keeps everyone and everything at arms length, the whole "broody loner" thing going on. Zara develops feelings for him, and he uses those feelings to get what he wants. Everyone is keeping secrets. You can't tell who is a good guy and who is the bad guy, don't know who to root for, and find yourself stuck in the drama of it all.

While this isn't a cliffhanger, there is the expectation that the story will continue with more Zara as she's now part of the Kindred.

[Fiction Vixens Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything by Ms Finn and I must that I thoroughly enjoyed this great story, Ms Finn has given us a story that will suck you in and then will keep you there from start to finish ,and then will leave you wanting more from this author. The characters were well written and really well developed and the writing was amazing, if you like romantic suspense then this story is for you. Zara Bandini is the executive assistant for an owner of an multi million dollar company ,and that's great she's came along way from being a farm girl ,who knows what hard work and long hours is all about . While having a drink one Friday night in a place she usual visit , this handsome guy buy her a drink ,but to her disappointment the night didn't go the way she excepted. To my surprise we never find out who the hero is until halfway through the story .But the heroine of the story is confused and she doesn't know who's side that she needs to be on .This story has everything that you want in a story from danger ,adventure ,and some hot and steamy sex. I could tell you more about this story ,but that would spoil it for you. I highly recommend that read this sweet story ,you won't be disappointed.

[SDDonley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Stuff Your Kindle find. One I was surprised how much I liked it.

Zara is happily working her corporate life until a date is assassinated in front of her. She's then thrust into a dark world of gray morals, vigilantes, and possible mass murder.

The world the author is introducing us to - she's bringing us in slowly, building the intrigue. Going through it alongside Zara.

Oh, Zara. There were many times I would have liked to shake her and tell her to get over herself. The arguments between Zara and Brodie quickly began to get really redundant and annoying.

I appreciated how the author tried to write the spicy bits, avoiding as many 'crass' words as possible. But in doing that she created a good amount of cringe. Instead of being eloquent and romantic it was just kind of . . . icky.

While the majority of the story revolves around both the MCs' emotional hang-ups, I'm interested to see where the main plot goes. Is the Kindred going to be able obtain the device that could kill millions?

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time reading this author. The lure of the suspense attracted me. Zara drew me in and there she kept me. This is about good and evil but it is also the way the author has written it. She also has one that will light her fire with his fire with Brodie being much more. Especially since she can sure get in the middle of it. This is one that would have to be experienced by the reader if they like heat and suspense. What happens to become kindred is also part of this too. It is a battle with more than just them involved. It is a little different with that being a plus for it also. I look forward to what more lies in store for this series from this author.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read this book yesterday and wondered...why didn't I read this before??!? The only thing better than this book is knowing that it is a series and there are FIVE more books in the series already published and waiting (screaming) for me to read!! Imagine a siren enticing captains to crash their boats into the rocky coast. You just cannot stop the inevitable. This book had it all...from the first chapter you are tempted to inhale the whole story as quickly as possible. Suspense. Angst. Passion. Intrigue. An alpha male. Oh, and really HOT sex! Remind me to thank the author for changing my mundane existence into an addictive, amazing escape.

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is captivating and intriguing, with Zara being in between good and evil in a war where there are no certainties and the players are not as easy to identify or better yet qualify as being good or evil.
Raven and Grant, good and evil, with yet different sides to them that could lead them straight to evil or more evil in Grant case.
It's impossible not to question everyone and everything and I can't definitely wait for more!

[Jill Kirtley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read!!!

Wow! What a great book.
After a date with death Zara meets Raven a rough dominant man and is drawn into a conspiracy of lies and deceit. Raven is one hot as hell hero, just what Zara needs to put some excitement in her life. Scarlett Finn definitely has a talent for weaving a complex tale that keeps you reading until the end, it was thrilling, exciting and so sexy. I can't wait for more in this series, I would highly recommend.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book! It took me a while to get into the book but then it got to where I would sit down with it intending to read 20 more pages or so only to find myself putting it down 150 pages later. It grabbed me after a while. I would recommend it!

I was lucky enough to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man....this book has it all. Danger, Alpha Male, twists, love, sadness... Whew! I'm still in shock. I hope there is another book being written. The potential is enormous! Raven is sexy and Alpha and Zara is smart and loyal. Together with Tuck they are an awesome team. What happens with Grant is a huge mystery.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more of the Kindred Series! At times I wanted to yell and scream at several of the characters, but they would quickly redeem themselves only to do it again. This book was the perfect mix of action, suspense, angst, and sexy romance.

[Karma Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody writes dark, dirty talking, alpha anti-heroes like Scarlett Finn.