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On the Line #1
Pure Vengeance
A cop with an axe to grind. An FBI agent with attitude. Will their immediate attraction turn their vigilante case cold?
Police Detective Cal Rylan swore an oath to protect the innocent. So when a sniper shoots his witness dead and clips his partner in the crossfire, Cal's sense of justice goes into overdrive. After he's teamed up with a brilliant, beautiful FBI agent, he vows to not let his new partner suffer the same fate.
Eve Sands has endured her fair share of setbacks, including the leering eye of her boss at the FBI. But after losing her key witness, she knows it's time to take matters into her own hands. With false leads and body bags piling up, Eve can't help but find comfort in her new partner and the potential spark of passion under fire.
With the city of New Haven in the crosshairs, can Cal and Eve turn the heat up on the investigation before the killer orders their execution?
Police Detective Cal Rylan swore an oath to protect the innocent. So when a sniper shoots his witness dead and clips his partner in the crossfire, Cal's sense of justice goes into overdrive. After he's teamed up with a brilliant, beautiful FBI agent, he vows to not let his new partner suffer the same fate.
Eve Sands has endured her fair share of setbacks, including the leering eye of her boss at the FBI. But after losing her key witness, she knows it's time to take matters into her own hands. With false leads and body bags piling up, Eve can't help but find comfort in her new partner and the potential spark of passion under fire.
With the city of New Haven in the crosshairs, can Cal and Eve turn the heat up on the investigation before the killer orders their execution?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2017
542 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
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August 27, 2025
This was my first time reading a romantic suspense novel by Lori Ryan, and I was immediately struck by her character-driven style. The story follows Detective Cal Rylan of the New Haven PD, who is paired with FBI Agent Eve Sands after one of the Bureau’s witnesses is killed by a sniper while being transported from the police station to the FBI office. The attack leaves Rylan’s partner, Jarrod, critically injured—a devastating blow that stirs up guilt from losing a former partner in the past.
With Eve now at his side, Rylan struggles to balance his instinct to protect with his respect for her skills. He admires her sharp mind, steady composure with the press, and undeniable strength. Though he feels an instant pull toward her, he knows their focus has to stay on catching the sniper before more blood is shed.
As the investigation unfolds, the sniper strikes again—taking out men in the middle of violent crimes, from an attempted rape in a park to a gas station holdup. What begins as a suspected mob hitman evolves into the chilling possibility of a lone vigilante doling out justice on their own terms.
This fast-paced read is packed with action, secrets, and tension, both professional and romantic. I found the characters well developed, the dialogue authentic, and the push-and-pull between Cal and Eve full of sparks. The cat-and-mouse chase with the sniper, always one step ahead, kept me hooked until the truth was revealed—and when it came, the motive made sense. While a few moments were slightly confusing, the story’s momentum and the simmering attraction between the leads more than made up for it.
Overall, Lori Ryan delivers an engaging romantic suspense with plenty of twists and just the right amount of heat. I’ll definitely be picking up more of her work. Two thumbs up!
Some of my favorite lines:
He didn’t introduce himself. He had more than one reason for going on the offensive with her. The fact his witness and partner had both been shot was only the start of it. The kick of attraction he felt for her was another. He didn’t know where the hell it came from, but he didn’t want it getting in the way. “Why the hell weren’t we told this guy was high value? What the hell kind of clusterfuck is the FBI running?”
He would have known she was FBI without the badge. She had it written all over her buttoned-up suit and the way she’d twisted her hair tight to the nape of her neck.
And where the hell had thoughts of the nape of her neck come from? Why did he even know those words? Cal shook his head to clear it and focused on the anger. He had every damned right to be angry here. The FBI’s screw-up had just put his partner in the hospital.
With Eve now at his side, Rylan struggles to balance his instinct to protect with his respect for her skills. He admires her sharp mind, steady composure with the press, and undeniable strength. Though he feels an instant pull toward her, he knows their focus has to stay on catching the sniper before more blood is shed.
As the investigation unfolds, the sniper strikes again—taking out men in the middle of violent crimes, from an attempted rape in a park to a gas station holdup. What begins as a suspected mob hitman evolves into the chilling possibility of a lone vigilante doling out justice on their own terms.
This fast-paced read is packed with action, secrets, and tension, both professional and romantic. I found the characters well developed, the dialogue authentic, and the push-and-pull between Cal and Eve full of sparks. The cat-and-mouse chase with the sniper, always one step ahead, kept me hooked until the truth was revealed—and when it came, the motive made sense. While a few moments were slightly confusing, the story’s momentum and the simmering attraction between the leads more than made up for it.
Overall, Lori Ryan delivers an engaging romantic suspense with plenty of twists and just the right amount of heat. I’ll definitely be picking up more of her work. Two thumbs up!
Some of my favorite lines:
He didn’t introduce himself. He had more than one reason for going on the offensive with her. The fact his witness and partner had both been shot was only the start of it. The kick of attraction he felt for her was another. He didn’t know where the hell it came from, but he didn’t want it getting in the way. “Why the hell weren’t we told this guy was high value? What the hell kind of clusterfuck is the FBI running?”
He would have known she was FBI without the badge. She had it written all over her buttoned-up suit and the way she’d twisted her hair tight to the nape of her neck.
And where the hell had thoughts of the nape of her neck come from? Why did he even know those words? Cal shook his head to clear it and focused on the anger. He had every damned right to be angry here. The FBI’s screw-up had just put his partner in the hospital.
October 6, 2022
During a witness transport from a police station to the FBI the witness is killed even before he embarks the car and still on police ground. Detective Cal Rylan and FBI Agent Eve Sands are now assigned to find out what happened. Both are experienced enough to realize that they’re dealing with a professional sniper and maybe even one of their own ranks. Cal and Eve are also experienced enough to know that by investigating their own ranks they won’t make any new friends…. And both of them know that for as long as the investigation is ongoing, they’re not supposed to give in to their feelings – or not?
Both lead characters came with their own baggage but they got on well enough to produce results during the investigation. It was also clear that both of them were mature enough to deal with their feelings, even during the investigation and without impeding the murder hunt – on the contrary. It was exactly this silent understanding and respect between Cal and Eve, which most definitely intrigued me. No stupid or short-circuited actions from either of them that would require the other to save the first one and no back paddling for either of them regarding their feelings. Nice!
An entertaining and well elaborated plot + intelligent main characters + a sprinkle of hot bedroom scenes + a villain who received bad cards from destiny = a very nice and entertaining read.
There was just one minor issue for me personally, which is of course completely my “thing”: to create suspense the author chose to release as little information as possible on the villain. However, pieces of the villain’s thoughts and insights were offered right from the start and throughout the book, making me feel as if I were a part of the investigating team. However, all of a sudden and due to a brain wave from Eve, this concept was overthrown, and the villain was uncovered. Not that I had a problem with Eve being the best and being able to find out what happened. I just felt a bit “mislead”. Even more so towards the end of the book when the events occurred in such a quick succession that it created a hectic atmosphere instead of offering closure. But as I said, just a minor “thing” and really more my “thing” than the book’s.
Other than that, a very nice and entertaining book.
Both lead characters came with their own baggage but they got on well enough to produce results during the investigation. It was also clear that both of them were mature enough to deal with their feelings, even during the investigation and without impeding the murder hunt – on the contrary. It was exactly this silent understanding and respect between Cal and Eve, which most definitely intrigued me. No stupid or short-circuited actions from either of them that would require the other to save the first one and no back paddling for either of them regarding their feelings. Nice!
An entertaining and well elaborated plot + intelligent main characters + a sprinkle of hot bedroom scenes + a villain who received bad cards from destiny = a very nice and entertaining read.
There was just one minor issue for me personally, which is of course completely my “thing”: to create suspense the author chose to release as little information as possible on the villain. However, pieces of the villain’s thoughts and insights were offered right from the start and throughout the book, making me feel as if I were a part of the investigating team. However, all of a sudden and due to a brain wave from Eve, this concept was overthrown, and the villain was uncovered. Not that I had a problem with Eve being the best and being able to find out what happened. I just felt a bit “mislead”. Even more so towards the end of the book when the events occurred in such a quick succession that it created a hectic atmosphere instead of offering closure. But as I said, just a minor “thing” and really more my “thing” than the book’s.
Other than that, a very nice and entertaining book.
September 7, 2025
okay, but…
As with many e-books, I read I picked this one up because I had the opportunity to get it at low price and it had good ratings. I was rather disappointed in the book. I’m sure this author has a dedicated following, but I really don’t feel inclined to grab the next one.Primarily because of continuity issues within the storyline.
There were a few typos, there usually are in the books. But two big issues, stood out to me. The first one; and chapter 8, the character Cal Rylan objected to being called by his last name stating that every time he heard that he looked around for his brother that his older brother went by that name. However, when we get to chapter 25 and the character is talking with his mother on the phone, she comments that she only has one son.
Second biggest issue; Cal’s partner Jarrod gets shot very early on in the book. He never meets Eve Sands. But when we get back to chapter 27 they behave as though they’ve known each other forever no introduction required. Did the author just forget they had never met ? Don’t know, but those kinds of things really bug me.
Overall, I felt the book lacked depth, both in character, development and plotline. The author tried to combine too many different components, but didn’t spend enough time developing any.
As with many e-books, I read I picked this one up because I had the opportunity to get it at low price and it had good ratings. I was rather disappointed in the book. I’m sure this author has a dedicated following, but I really don’t feel inclined to grab the next one.Primarily because of continuity issues within the storyline.
There were a few typos, there usually are in the books. But two big issues, stood out to me. The first one; and chapter 8, the character Cal Rylan objected to being called by his last name stating that every time he heard that he looked around for his brother that his older brother went by that name. However, when we get to chapter 25 and the character is talking with his mother on the phone, she comments that she only has one son.
Second biggest issue; Cal’s partner Jarrod gets shot very early on in the book. He never meets Eve Sands. But when we get back to chapter 27 they behave as though they’ve known each other forever no introduction required. Did the author just forget they had never met ? Don’t know, but those kinds of things really bug me.
Overall, I felt the book lacked depth, both in character, development and plotline. The author tried to combine too many different components, but didn’t spend enough time developing any.
February 26, 2017
This Story sucks you in. You can't help but feel a part of the investigation and everything involved. This book is a very strong Mystery/crime thriller with a touch of romantic chemistry thrown in. Cal's story was highly anticipated and did not disappoint. He is a great cop to start off this new series. Eve is a great match for him. They have a lot of chemistry between the two, that is hard to act on while they are working together, but like any great chemistry/love story is hard to deny. I want more of the two, I can see their love story exploding into so much more. I hope they continue to appear in future books. I love how characters are brought in from another series and previous crimes are mentioned so that you feel like you are apart of this town, and it's history.
Both characters are strong, well described and deep. The mystery is well developed and adds in points that make you think. The Killer is not predictable and makes the story that much stronger. The romance is lacking a little, but does not take away from a great read. This one is truly hard to put down
Both characters are strong, well described and deep. The mystery is well developed and adds in points that make you think. The Killer is not predictable and makes the story that much stronger. The romance is lacking a little, but does not take away from a great read. This one is truly hard to put down
June 21, 2023
This book has great characterization, intelligent characters, and a well-paced plot that thoroughly kept my interest. Eve is a strong h, which Cal, the H, admires. He has a tender side, very protective of his sister, who experienced a traumatic event which has caused her to have agoraphobia. Eve is attracted to this side of him and the fact that for the most part he doesn't try to be over-protective of Eve when she's on official business. Their attraction to each other progressed at a realistic pace.
Lori Ryan didn't fall into the trap of overdoing internal dialog. The internal dialog she did use was beneficial to understanding the characters, but the characters' words and actions were more important.
I believe this is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.
Lori Ryan didn't fall into the trap of overdoing internal dialog. The internal dialog she did use was beneficial to understanding the characters, but the characters' words and actions were more important.
I believe this is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.
March 10, 2017
What an action packed thrilling read that really keeps you turning the pages with thrills of sniper killing bad people. When the police department and the FBI meet sparks fly with enough heat to set the sky blazing. The author gives you mystery of trying to work out who the sniper is and what his ties are. She gives you a believable story that is very realistic it pulls you in from the first page. I found myself turning the pages to see where the author would take me with a story I could not put down. My mind doesn’t work around transporting a prisoner only to have him shot and killed before your eyes. Everyone is now on the hunt to find out just who the shooter is. Things do not add up with this prison that really has no value he isn’t important to any major crime rings or is he.
Cal and Eve make a great team as they put their head together both agree something isn’t right things aren’t adding up. Both are very strong characters that aren’t over pushy or bossy just wonderful ones that really grab your attention. As they get closer to who and why the witness was killed they grow closer together. Each knowing this isn’t a good thing they try their best to keep passion at arms links. With more prisoners ending up dead there are many questions that need answering. Why and who would be doing this, what does he have against the people, is it the crime family or just someone who wants to take out criminals one at a time?
At times my heart was beating fast wondering if Eve might be the next one. The author gives such vivid details you can picture the scene unfold leaving you with a shock look on your face. The story just seems so real you can tell the author really has done her research. It is a romance but more built on the suspense and action which is very entertaining. The characters and supporting characters add so much to the plot as things get very dangerous. I enjoyed learning about Cal’s sister and all she went through. I see a story based around her in the near future.
I honestly never know what to expect when I pick up one of Ms. Ryan’s books. I know it will be filled with excitement that will keep my attention pulling me in and it is going to be an outstanding plot. This is one of my go to authors when I want that added thrill, and just the right about of romance that only this author can pull off. Anyone who loves a thrill, adventure, excitement and suspense with a touch of romance will love this.
Cal and Eve make a great team as they put their head together both agree something isn’t right things aren’t adding up. Both are very strong characters that aren’t over pushy or bossy just wonderful ones that really grab your attention. As they get closer to who and why the witness was killed they grow closer together. Each knowing this isn’t a good thing they try their best to keep passion at arms links. With more prisoners ending up dead there are many questions that need answering. Why and who would be doing this, what does he have against the people, is it the crime family or just someone who wants to take out criminals one at a time?
At times my heart was beating fast wondering if Eve might be the next one. The author gives such vivid details you can picture the scene unfold leaving you with a shock look on your face. The story just seems so real you can tell the author really has done her research. It is a romance but more built on the suspense and action which is very entertaining. The characters and supporting characters add so much to the plot as things get very dangerous. I enjoyed learning about Cal’s sister and all she went through. I see a story based around her in the near future.
I honestly never know what to expect when I pick up one of Ms. Ryan’s books. I know it will be filled with excitement that will keep my attention pulling me in and it is going to be an outstanding plot. This is one of my go to authors when I want that added thrill, and just the right about of romance that only this author can pull off. Anyone who loves a thrill, adventure, excitement and suspense with a touch of romance will love this.
December 18, 2022
Cal is a cop and as they are escorting a witness to the Federal building, his partner is shot and the witness killed. He is then partnered up with FBI agent Eve. The witness was coming to talk to her task force about a mob boss. They are trying to find the sniper when another killing occurs. The city thinks it’s a vigilante because more and more people are being killed. The bullets point all to the same gun. As the investigation progresses, Cal develops feelings for Eve. Eve doesn’t want to admit her feelings because it’s taken her so long to move up in the FBI and doesn’t want to be known as the agent who will get involved with her fellow agents. Can they find the sniper before anyone else is killed?
Excellent story. Action. Suspense. Co workers to lovers. A little sex.
Excellent story. Action. Suspense. Co workers to lovers. A little sex.
February 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. It's more suspenseful than I usually prefer but it's a nice change of pace. As much as Eve and Cal fall in love over the course of the story I found this book to be more about finding the sniper terrorizing New Haven. This book just grabbed me, pulled me in and didn't let go, I stayed up past my bed time to finish. The characters are awesome and I loved getting to see Jarrod again (however briefly). I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series, because this one was a great start. I received an arc of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2021
Pure suspense
What a good book! Not only was I immediately engrossed in the story, the characters reached out to me, also. IMHO this is a really well-written book. Each chapter is short, packed with drama, little repetition and continues the story in an exciting way. Great plot twists I could not have dreamed of. The end was just as full and complete as the rest of the book, not trailing off into the mists as some do. Yes, there is adult romance but not the pornographic trash some writers serve. You probably won't be skipping page after page in this book, lol. I already have book two ready to open.
What a good book! Not only was I immediately engrossed in the story, the characters reached out to me, also. IMHO this is a really well-written book. Each chapter is short, packed with drama, little repetition and continues the story in an exciting way. Great plot twists I could not have dreamed of. The end was just as full and complete as the rest of the book, not trailing off into the mists as some do. Yes, there is adult romance but not the pornographic trash some writers serve. You probably won't be skipping page after page in this book, lol. I already have book two ready to open.
January 4, 2022
After reading book 3, I decided to read the first two in the series. Pure Vengeance was spectacular. A sniper making crazy shots wrecks havoc in New Haven. Detective Cal Rylan's partner was wounded in the first killing. The FBI sent Special Agent Eve Sands to investigate the murder of the victim being transferred to them. The shooting continues and nothing connects them except the gun. The chemistry is strong between Cal and Eve, but they decide to table it until the case is complete. The storyline is brilliantly plotted, and the characters are well-developed. I look forward to delving into book 2. I recommend this series for those who love mystery and intrigue.
February 25, 2017
What a start to a new series! We have met Cal in previous stories, and I was thrilled that he finally gets his HEA! He has definitely met his match in Eve-- she is strong, smart, and determined. They make a great team, and I liked watching them learn how to work together.
The mystery was great, and I was surprised by the killer! The pacing was good, and the story flew by. I was sucked in right from the very beginning, and I loved the ending as well. I adore Joy and hope that her story is next!
The mystery was great, and I was surprised by the killer! The pacing was good, and the story flew by. I was sucked in right from the very beginning, and I loved the ending as well. I adore Joy and hope that her story is next!
February 22, 2017
Another thrilling ride of a read by this author! Cal, a police detective, and Eve, an FBI agent, meet on a task force and work together to solve a string of vigilante-type sniper homicides. As long as they worked together on the case they have to fight their escalating attraction for each other while fighting crime, but their combined intellect and past experiences make them an unbeatable couple at finding the reasons for the shootings and ultimately the sniper. Ryan knows how to do unbeatable romantic suspense !
January 14, 2022
Pure Vengance
This is a griping story that kept me turning the pages long into the night. The only problem I had was the cast of characters was confusing. I finally had to concentrate on just a few characters and left the rest on the fringe. Lori Ryan always writes a good story so it kept me involved but so many names and trying to keep them in order took away from the flow of the story.
This is a griping story that kept me turning the pages long into the night. The only problem I had was the cast of characters was confusing. I finally had to concentrate on just a few characters and left the rest on the fringe. Lori Ryan always writes a good story so it kept me involved but so many names and trying to keep them in order took away from the flow of the story.
July 15, 2024
An FBI witness is killed before he can be transported. New Haven Police Detective Cal Ryan and FBI Agent Eve Sands are assigned to find out what happened. Cal and Eve try to figure out why a sniper killed the witness. The Genesio crime family might be behind the murders of other people. Cal and Eve develop a romantic chemistry between each other while investigating the crime. I really enjoyed this remarkable mystery romance novel.
September 13, 2022
I enjoyed this story. Fast, easy read about a sniper killing people they think deserves to be killed. Why they did this was interesting. Detective Cal and FBI Eve work together and also learn they have feelings for each other.
I'll be looking into other books by this author. She engages the reader from start to finish.
I'll be looking into other books by this author. She engages the reader from start to finish.
May 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this thriller. The revelation of the bad guy’s identity was an extraordinary event. I liked the characters and the way their strengths and weaknesses were revealed and explored. I will be looking into other books by this author.
June 21, 2023
a certified police thriller
Excellent writing dovetails multiple suspects, serial killings, and highly skilled police and FBI agents to arrive at a totally unexpected ending. The numerous characters are artfully developed to the point of seeming to be real. Highly recommended.
Excellent writing dovetails multiple suspects, serial killings, and highly skilled police and FBI agents to arrive at a totally unexpected ending. The numerous characters are artfully developed to the point of seeming to be real. Highly recommended.
July 24, 2023
2023 Romanceopoly owned board: Sleuth St - MC is detective or PI
I grabbed this as a freebie because I enjoyed Lori Ryan’s UF series earlier this year. I probably didn’t like this one quite as much, but I’d certainly be willing to read more of the series.
I grabbed this as a freebie because I enjoyed Lori Ryan’s UF series earlier this year. I probably didn’t like this one quite as much, but I’d certainly be willing to read more of the series.
October 22, 2017
I liked the vigilante's(the sniper) story. Although there were just snippets of the vigilante's part(few sentences at most)and it was a tragic ending.
September 13, 2021
All I can say is wow to Pure Vengeance
The story line kept me guessing on who done it. Anyone reading this book will be in for a big surprise. Thank you Lori Ryan!
The story line kept me guessing on who done it. Anyone reading this book will be in for a big surprise. Thank you Lori Ryan!
January 24, 2023
A great, fast-paced read!!!:)
Want to read
June 20, 2023Amz Purch. June 14, 2023
June 21, 2023
loved this!
I’m so excited I found this series!!! I love the characters and the way Cal and Eve found their happy ending ❤️
I’m so excited I found this series!!! I love the characters and the way Cal and Eve found their happy ending ❤️
June 23, 2023
I kept putting this book down. It did not hold my attention. Could have used more character development. I never connected with the main characters.
June 30, 2023
SLOW AND KINDA BORING AND LACK LUSTRE. WASN'T A VERY LONG BOOK 196pgs IT ONLY SEEMED LIKE IT. ;<
July 3, 2023
Alright!
This is a first time for me reading a book by this author. It was alright. The characters were fleshed out a bit and the story flowed.
This is a first time for me reading a book by this author. It was alright. The characters were fleshed out a bit and the story flowed.
dnf
June 4, 2024On page 49
A little too basic for my tastes. Also, just because a character says there is an attraction, that isn't enough to interest me in their romance.
A little too basic for my tastes. Also, just because a character says there is an attraction, that isn't enough to interest me in their romance.
November 15, 2024
‘Pure Vengeance’ was riveting. Its thrilling plot was filled with tension, suspense, action, and romance. Overall, I liked the gripping narrative.
December 31, 2024
read for the suspense !
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews