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Blackwood Elements #2
Lithium
Every girl loves ice cream, right? Not Sofia. She's tried all the flavours, but plain old Vanilla was her downfall. A trip to the Cayman Islands to give her ex what he deserves is made all the more complicated by her fear of water—not easy to handle at the best of times, but he’s taken up residence on a yacht. She cooks up a special recipe for revenge, and it’s a dish best served chilled. But will handsome stranger Leo add some unwanted heat into the kitchen?
Lithium is a standalone romantic thriller in the Blackwood Elements series. No cliffhanger!
Lithium is a standalone romantic thriller in the Blackwood Elements series. No cliffhanger!
227 pages, ebook
Published March 31, 2017
39 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Elise Noble
88 books735 followersElise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.
Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.
You can get find her current freebies HERE.
Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.
You can get find her current freebies HERE.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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March 25, 2017Lithium
This is the second book in the Blackwood Elements Series. I haven't read Oxygen, the first book, but Lithium was perfectly fine to read as a stand alone. I'd definitely recommend reading the first three Blackwood books before this one to fully appreciate it (there's plenty of Emmy in this one!) but it's not necessary.
Sofia is an assassin who fell in love with the man she was hired to kill. Unfortunately, she didn't quite get her happily ever after... and now a few months and a near death experience later, she's back to complete the job, face her fears, and maybe fall in love again on the way. The perfect blend of murder, suspense and romance, with trademark sense of humor and little gems of wisdom.
'Remember, tough times don't last, but tough people do.' - Emerson
I stayed up half the night reading this book. I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. By the time I did, I was craving waffles and somewhat put off ice cream...
Thanks Elise for another great book!
This is the second book in the Blackwood Elements Series. I haven't read Oxygen, the first book, but Lithium was perfectly fine to read as a stand alone. I'd definitely recommend reading the first three Blackwood books before this one to fully appreciate it (there's plenty of Emmy in this one!) but it's not necessary.
Sofia is an assassin who fell in love with the man she was hired to kill. Unfortunately, she didn't quite get her happily ever after... and now a few months and a near death experience later, she's back to complete the job, face her fears, and maybe fall in love again on the way. The perfect blend of murder, suspense and romance, with trademark sense of humor and little gems of wisdom.
'Remember, tough times don't last, but tough people do.' - Emerson
I stayed up half the night reading this book. I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. By the time I did, I was craving waffles and somewhat put off ice cream...
Thanks Elise for another great book!
October 31, 2022
After about five pages I was wondering how this book has such a high rating but I decided to power through… now that I’ve finished it I can only assume that all of the reviews are fake.
This book is horrible.
This book is horrible.
May 28, 2020
A suprise, but the good kind
This is a little wordy, but I had to say it all. I really enjoy the way Elise Noble tells a story and makes me love the people in it.
I wasn't expecting the tangled web of everything from Sofia's past. No wonder she and Emmy are so close, and why she's SO GOOD at her job. Leo is the perfect balance for her, in every way. As always, anything with Emmy is perfectly worth missing (another) night of sleep. I'm working my way through the series, so there are several books I still have to read, but I've noticed a pattern. While a plot might be based on a (male) Blackwood agent, the true main character is always a strong woman. Even some of the novellas (Black, Neon, For the Love of Animals) the story was about independent women facing hardship, finding their own truths and pursuing what makes them happy. While they might not have the grit to persevere in the beginning, they all find it somewhere in the story. I can never get enough of rightful empowerment for women. Of course, I always finish a book thinking "Do men like this really exist? Where are loyal and supportive employers like these? Do those covert missions really happen in our world?" I'm sad that the book is over and I want more of these people that have been SO REAL...and I guess that's when an author knows they've done it right. I've laughed, cried, celebrated, been angry right along with these characters. Every time. Looking forward to more of that :)
This is a little wordy, but I had to say it all. I really enjoy the way Elise Noble tells a story and makes me love the people in it.
I wasn't expecting the tangled web of everything from Sofia's past. No wonder she and Emmy are so close, and why she's SO GOOD at her job. Leo is the perfect balance for her, in every way. As always, anything with Emmy is perfectly worth missing (another) night of sleep. I'm working my way through the series, so there are several books I still have to read, but I've noticed a pattern. While a plot might be based on a (male) Blackwood agent, the true main character is always a strong woman. Even some of the novellas (Black, Neon, For the Love of Animals) the story was about independent women facing hardship, finding their own truths and pursuing what makes them happy. While they might not have the grit to persevere in the beginning, they all find it somewhere in the story. I can never get enough of rightful empowerment for women. Of course, I always finish a book thinking "Do men like this really exist? Where are loyal and supportive employers like these? Do those covert missions really happen in our world?" I'm sad that the book is over and I want more of these people that have been SO REAL...and I guess that's when an author knows they've done it right. I've laughed, cried, celebrated, been angry right along with these characters. Every time. Looking forward to more of that :)
January 4, 2023
Entertaining
What I found hilarious:
1) Bradley cutting Fia’s hair, she wanted to kill him and he said he had something to do and ran off.
2) Before she approached Leo. She fantasized about Leo’s butt, then Raul’s and then the mental slap. How you wrote it, made the slap sound loud and made me laugh.
3) She gave Leo a surprised hug while she took his other knife. Fooled me too 🤣
4) The part where Emmy bellowed Bradley to make a pool out of Fia and Leo.
5) “I do not snore.” “It’s more of a cute little snuffle-snort...” “Shhh.” Hilarious!
6) “Leo got into character as he escorted me across the quayside, managing to wrap me up in both his arms as well as pausing to press his lips to my cheek halfway. Goosebumps popped out all over me, strictly from the cool night air, you understand.” The way she kept denying it, lmao!
What I found ridiculous though was the Captain that didn’t know how to do the CPR. Don’t you learn how to do CPR before becoming a captain on a ship? How do you save people after swallowing too much water if they almost drowned?
Other than that, I loved everything to do with Emmy and co 💛
What I found hilarious:
1) Bradley cutting Fia’s hair, she wanted to kill him and he said he had something to do and ran off.
2) Before she approached Leo. She fantasized about Leo’s butt, then Raul’s and then the mental slap. How you wrote it, made the slap sound loud and made me laugh.
3) She gave Leo a surprised hug while she took his other knife. Fooled me too 🤣
4) The part where Emmy bellowed Bradley to make a pool out of Fia and Leo.
5) “I do not snore.” “It’s more of a cute little snuffle-snort...” “Shhh.” Hilarious!
6) “Leo got into character as he escorted me across the quayside, managing to wrap me up in both his arms as well as pausing to press his lips to my cheek halfway. Goosebumps popped out all over me, strictly from the cool night air, you understand.” The way she kept denying it, lmao!
What I found ridiculous though was the Captain that didn’t know how to do the CPR. Don’t you learn how to do CPR before becoming a captain on a ship? How do you save people after swallowing too much water if they almost drowned?
Other than that, I loved everything to do with Emmy and co 💛
April 6, 2020
Ice Cream
What's an assassin to do when her targeted lover dumps her, literally, off a bridge. If you are Emmy's friend Sofia, aka Snow, you get over yourself and go back to finish the job.
This is another great Blackwood Security spinoff series addition and gives us Emmy and Dan as backup to a stone cold killer who is struggling emotionally after being dumped and almost drowned by Vanilla, her last assignment. Sofia now fears water, but Raul has berthed his yacht in the Caymans, so she will have to face her fears, and her unrequited love for him, before serving up her revenge. So when she sets up her surveillance and notices someone else has the same idea, she has him checked out.
Leo's sister was with Raul prior to Sofia, but she disappeared. Her body was recently found and now Leo is seeking his own revenge. Fia soon learns he doesn't have her skill set, though, and he doesn't expect to live through it. But she also finds what he can do very well is convince her to let him help with her mission.
What's an assassin to do when her targeted lover dumps her, literally, off a bridge. If you are Emmy's friend Sofia, aka Snow, you get over yourself and go back to finish the job.
This is another great Blackwood Security spinoff series addition and gives us Emmy and Dan as backup to a stone cold killer who is struggling emotionally after being dumped and almost drowned by Vanilla, her last assignment. Sofia now fears water, but Raul has berthed his yacht in the Caymans, so she will have to face her fears, and her unrequited love for him, before serving up her revenge. So when she sets up her surveillance and notices someone else has the same idea, she has him checked out.
Leo's sister was with Raul prior to Sofia, but she disappeared. Her body was recently found and now Leo is seeking his own revenge. Fia soon learns he doesn't have her skill set, though, and he doesn't expect to live through it. But she also finds what he can do very well is convince her to let him help with her mission.
May 11, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Lithium, the second book in the Blackwood Elements series. Great characters, strong but also with flaws that make them more human, fast paced and held my interest all the way through. I loved the interaction between Soph ia and Leo - awkward at first then warming to each other and eventually on fire! Raul (the assassin's target) was a nasty piece of work who had ordered Sophia's death by drowning with a cement block, but she had survived, but not unscathed. It had left her with an overwhelming fear of water that she needed to overcome in order to get her target. Great to see cameo appearances of other Blackwood team members.
Highly recommended reading - the pages turn themselves!
Highly recommended reading - the pages turn themselves!
May 20, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Lithium, the second book in the Blackwood Elements series. Great characters, strong but also with flaws that make them more human, fast-paced and held my interest all the way through. I loved the interaction between Sophia and Leo - awkward at first then warming to each other and eventually on fire! Raul (the assassin's target) was a nasty piece of work who had ordered Sophia's death by drowning with a cement block, but she had survived, but not unscathed. It had left her with an overwhelming fear of water that she needed to overcome in order to get her target. Great to see cameo appearances of other Blackwood team members.
Highly recommended reading - the pages turn themselves!
Highly recommended reading - the pages turn themselves!
March 22, 2022
Loved it!
No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers although there is reference to child sexual abuse lightly written.
The characterisation is flawless, as ever from the pen of Elise Noble. I always found Sophia a hard character to get into, but Elise has perfected the art of making a reader love a difficult character. Leo is just the man Fia needed.
The plotline is first class, twisty and offbeat with flashes of humour and sadness to round it out.
I have sort of skipped around the series, having read it in order and on the re-read picking out the favourites to dive into again and apart from Bradley's story, I am literally on pins for James and Emmy's - I guess I would need tissues for that one!
No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers although there is reference to child sexual abuse lightly written.
The characterisation is flawless, as ever from the pen of Elise Noble. I always found Sophia a hard character to get into, but Elise has perfected the art of making a reader love a difficult character. Leo is just the man Fia needed.
The plotline is first class, twisty and offbeat with flashes of humour and sadness to round it out.
I have sort of skipped around the series, having read it in order and on the re-read picking out the favourites to dive into again and apart from Bradley's story, I am literally on pins for James and Emmy's - I guess I would need tissues for that one!
July 25, 2018
Another perfect book about one of the characters from Blackwood Security. Sofia (Snow), a deadly assassin, gets her own story in this book. I had so much fun reading about Sofia. She has a complex and devious mind required by a successful assassin but also has all the emotions involved in heart-break and revenge. Hurt, anger, loss of self-confidence and fear. But through this story she discovers that she is a real girl. Strong, confident and capable. Romance, humour and lots of action kept me reading this book until the wee hours. I recommend this book.
January 10, 2024
Just finished rhe book and can say that this is just as good as the last. I love that she puts recurring characters, so it continues to grow. I live Emmy, and how she is always there for her friends, no questions asked.
October 3, 2019
I loved Sofia’s story.
May 20, 2020
great story of revenge and justice
Another great story. admittedly focusing on how to murder someone which did not sit well but it is just a story and well written
Another great story. admittedly focusing on how to murder someone which did not sit well but it is just a story and well written
July 16, 2020
Anyone for Ice Cream?
Another brilliant storyline drawing you into the life of an assassin. Elise doesn’t disappoint with her deadly plots and wicked sense of humor!
Another brilliant storyline drawing you into the life of an assassin. Elise doesn’t disappoint with her deadly plots and wicked sense of humor!
September 9, 2021
Lovely story
Yay blackwood books haha . I couldn't tell you how many I've read so far I've lost count haha but I continue to look forward to the next one every time I finish one.
Yay blackwood books haha . I couldn't tell you how many I've read so far I've lost count haha but I continue to look forward to the next one every time I finish one.
July 13, 2022
I love Snow aka Sofia!
November 2, 2024
WOW!!!
Amazing storyline, great characters… Snow was amazing, love learning more about Emmy. Hot guy, gorgeous scenes, and excellent adventures… Enjoy!!!
Amazing storyline, great characters… Snow was amazing, love learning more about Emmy. Hot guy, gorgeous scenes, and excellent adventures… Enjoy!!!
March 24, 2017
Lithium the most awaited book and I can happily say it didn't disappoint me . It was well worth the wait . A complete page Turner and unable to keep down without finishing it . It's what it promised to be and all the more . I am a huge fan of Elise noble and this book just added to my love for her works .
I loved it . Hats off to you . And my most favourite character was Leo . He is so damn cute .
I loved it . Hats off to you . And my most favourite character was Leo . He is so damn cute .
March 25, 2017
Lithium is another amazing read from the Blackwood Element series which I couldn't help turning it's pages until I got to the end of the book, is the 2nd book of the Element series right after the 1st book Oxygen where Sofia/Fia aka Sasha made her appearance, but now in Lithium u get meet the mystery Lady from Oxygen, who is a hardcore assassin. How did she come to fall in the man she is meant to take out n had to find out the hard way that he break up with n decides to take out her 1st? Has she been discover? Can she love again n has she been broken? Will she find love again where she least expect? If you want to know then I urge you to pick up Lithium by this Amazing author Elise Noble works n I guarantee you will want go through all her other books in the Series, though Lithium can be read as a stand alone book.
March 29, 2017
A fantastic, can’t-put-it-down book where you love the main character (an assassin), hate her ex (a ruthless killer) and his henchman, adore her accomplice (a grief stricken brother), and crave ice cream! It was captivating to be along for the ride while Sophia tracks down "Vanilla" and plots how to kill him, especially when Leo enters the picture and throws a monkey wrench into her planning.
Most of this book takes place on Grand Cayman Island, which provides great visualizations for us (the readers), but a huge obstacle for Sophia because her ex is on a yacht and she is deathly afraid of water! Luckily, she meets Leo, who is able help her work through her panic-attack causing fear of the water so she can continue to plan the assassination she was hired to carry out and get the revenge she is due.
There are awesome sex scenes, appropriately placed cussing, a hint to a history of incest, and the planning of a contract kill. This book is intense and it does not disappoint. This is not a "sweet" romantic story, but if you enjoy strong yet vulnerable characters, an even stronger plot (including a romance), with great settings and fantastic action, this romantic thriller is for you! I LOVED IT!!!
Lithium is a complete standalone novel with no cliffhanger, but I recommend reading the entire Blackwood Security series first for maximum reading enjoyment (or after if you can't wait to read Lithium). If you are familiar with the Blackwood Security series, Emmy, Mack, Black and Bradley all make an appearance in this book!!! Elise does a fantastic job writing a complete standalone novel with my favorite Blackwood Security series characters sprinkled in! I love how Elise's mind works and I love her characters even more!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book... lucky me!!! Now, it's time to get some ice cream! Mocha Chocolate Chip is my favorite!
Most of this book takes place on Grand Cayman Island, which provides great visualizations for us (the readers), but a huge obstacle for Sophia because her ex is on a yacht and she is deathly afraid of water! Luckily, she meets Leo, who is able help her work through her panic-attack causing fear of the water so she can continue to plan the assassination she was hired to carry out and get the revenge she is due.
There are awesome sex scenes, appropriately placed cussing, a hint to a history of incest, and the planning of a contract kill. This book is intense and it does not disappoint. This is not a "sweet" romantic story, but if you enjoy strong yet vulnerable characters, an even stronger plot (including a romance), with great settings and fantastic action, this romantic thriller is for you! I LOVED IT!!!
Lithium is a complete standalone novel with no cliffhanger, but I recommend reading the entire Blackwood Security series first for maximum reading enjoyment (or after if you can't wait to read Lithium). If you are familiar with the Blackwood Security series, Emmy, Mack, Black and Bradley all make an appearance in this book!!! Elise does a fantastic job writing a complete standalone novel with my favorite Blackwood Security series characters sprinkled in! I love how Elise's mind works and I love her characters even more!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book... lucky me!!! Now, it's time to get some ice cream! Mocha Chocolate Chip is my favorite!
March 29, 2017
I was given this book before it came out for an honest review. I read in in one day.
LOVED it!
Sofia is after Vanilla. She has made it through the Ice Cream list and she saved the most awful for last.
When she gets to the island where he is holed up she is not the only one after him.
Leo's sister fell into Vanilla's sticky trap and when he was done with her... you get the picture.
Sofia and Leo are a great couple once they start working together.
Emmy has her fingers in their lives just like she does everything else.
Hope I get to see these two in another book.
LOVED it!
Sofia is after Vanilla. She has made it through the Ice Cream list and she saved the most awful for last.
When she gets to the island where he is holed up she is not the only one after him.
Leo's sister fell into Vanilla's sticky trap and when he was done with her... you get the picture.
Sofia and Leo are a great couple once they start working together.
Emmy has her fingers in their lives just like she does everything else.
Hope I get to see these two in another book.
March 30, 2017
I thought that this was a really enjoyable addition to the Blackwood world! However, I didn't enjoy it as much as the other books only because it had new characters that weren't really like the others in the series. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and it did fill in some information that I've been wondering about!
March 30, 2017
Brilliant read!
What a rush! Getting to know Snow (Sofia) and her life was as thrilling and exciting as I hoped. As expected, Elise Noble spins a tale full of intrigue, passion and vengeance. Beautifully descriptive writing leads you to care for Sofia, sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting for the outcome of her adventures.
Even though the book can be read as a stand alone novel, reading the Blackwood series in order would make it even better. The book is definitely for a mature audience, due to explicit scenes and language.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
What a rush! Getting to know Snow (Sofia) and her life was as thrilling and exciting as I hoped. As expected, Elise Noble spins a tale full of intrigue, passion and vengeance. Beautifully descriptive writing leads you to care for Sofia, sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting for the outcome of her adventures.
Even though the book can be read as a stand alone novel, reading the Blackwood series in order would make it even better. The book is definitely for a mature audience, due to explicit scenes and language.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
April 1, 2017
Lithium
Elise Nobel always a good read❤️. Characters always interesting and kept in the Blackwood theme. Spy always new and exciting adventures.
Elise Nobel always a good read❤️. Characters always interesting and kept in the Blackwood theme. Spy always new and exciting adventures.
April 1, 2017
Again Ms. Noble writes intrigue, humor, and excitement, never a dull moment. I started the Blackwood series last year and haven't found myself bored, or skimming through any of her stories. I am retired and semi disable, so I have lots of time and lots of books to read. I have always been an avid reader, as are most of my family, and have a book collection my husband says that some third world countries would like. He exaggerates of course, but understands my reading habit. I am not one to praise undeserved but think that other readers would receive the great enjoyment that I have if they will try this series.
April 2, 2017
Once again Elise Noble knocks it out of the park! In Lithium, we get an inside look at the world of deadly assassin Snow (Sofia) and her perfect lover Leo. A bit darker and more blunt than other Blackwood novels but still a real page turner. A fantastic read! I love how real Elise's characters are and how her writing style brings them to life - as a reader, I find myself becoming fully vested in their lifes - cheering for their successes and wringing my hands at their foibles. Can't wait for the next book!
April 3, 2017
Lithium is one of the many books written by Elise Noble. I really love reading this book and it became one of my favorite.
The book is all about Sofia/Fia/Sasha and her mission in getting revenge on her ex-boyfriend who she is supposed to kill a long time ago.
Congratulations to Elise Noble for another beautiful book.
The book is all about Sofia/Fia/Sasha and her mission in getting revenge on her ex-boyfriend who she is supposed to kill a long time ago.
Congratulations to Elise Noble for another beautiful book.
April 5, 2017
Another great one
Another great story from Elise Nobal , love her writing and the Blackwood series and all the characters she has developed !
Another great story from Elise Nobal , love her writing and the Blackwood series and all the characters she has developed !
April 11, 2017
lithium... another wonderful story of the blackwood elements series I couldn't stop till I completed it....every page made me impatient for the next page...icing on the cake...it's the mixture of my favourite genres...lots of action...some thriller.....romantic ending... absolutely perfect....
April 30, 2017
Wow! Just Wow!!!!
A fantastic, can’t-put-it-down book where you love the main character (an assassin), hate her ex (a ruthless killer) and his henchman, adore her accomplice (a grief stricken brother), and crave ice cream! It was captivating to be along for the ride while Sophia tracks down "Vanilla" and plots how to kill him, especially when Leo enters the picture and throws a monkey wrench into her planning.
Most of this book takes place on Grand Cayman Island, which provides great visualizations for us (the readers), but a huge obstacle for Sophia because her ex is on a yacht and she is deathly afraid of water! Luckily, she meets Leo, who is able help her work through her panic-attack causing fear of the water so she can continue to plan the assassination she was hired to carry out and get the revenge she is due.
There are awesome sex scenes, appropriately placed cussing, a hint to a history of incest, and the planning of a contract kill. This book is intense and it does not disappoint. This is not a "sweet" romantic story, but if you enjoy strong yet vulnerable characters, an even stronger plot (including a romance), with great settings and fantastic action, this romantic thriller is for you! I LOVED IT!!!
Lithium is a complete standalone novel with no cliffhanger, but I recommend reading the entire Blackwood Security series first for maximum reading enjoyment (or after if you can't wait to read Lithium). If you are familiar with the Blackwood Security series, Emmy, Mack, Black and Bradley all make an appearance in this book!!! Elise does a fantastic job writing a complete standalone novel with my favorite Blackwood Security series characters sprinkled in! I love how Elise's mind works and I love her characters even more!
Now, it's time to get some ice cream! Mocha Chocolate Chip is my favorite!
A fantastic, can’t-put-it-down book where you love the main character (an assassin), hate her ex (a ruthless killer) and his henchman, adore her accomplice (a grief stricken brother), and crave ice cream! It was captivating to be along for the ride while Sophia tracks down "Vanilla" and plots how to kill him, especially when Leo enters the picture and throws a monkey wrench into her planning.
Most of this book takes place on Grand Cayman Island, which provides great visualizations for us (the readers), but a huge obstacle for Sophia because her ex is on a yacht and she is deathly afraid of water! Luckily, she meets Leo, who is able help her work through her panic-attack causing fear of the water so she can continue to plan the assassination she was hired to carry out and get the revenge she is due.
There are awesome sex scenes, appropriately placed cussing, a hint to a history of incest, and the planning of a contract kill. This book is intense and it does not disappoint. This is not a "sweet" romantic story, but if you enjoy strong yet vulnerable characters, an even stronger plot (including a romance), with great settings and fantastic action, this romantic thriller is for you! I LOVED IT!!!
Lithium is a complete standalone novel with no cliffhanger, but I recommend reading the entire Blackwood Security series first for maximum reading enjoyment (or after if you can't wait to read Lithium). If you are familiar with the Blackwood Security series, Emmy, Mack, Black and Bradley all make an appearance in this book!!! Elise does a fantastic job writing a complete standalone novel with my favorite Blackwood Security series characters sprinkled in! I love how Elise's mind works and I love her characters even more!
Now, it's time to get some ice cream! Mocha Chocolate Chip is my favorite!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews