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Lawless Kings #3
Beautiful Killer
She’s wanted a big family ever since her distant father and cold stepfamily isolated her from affection. He’s an ex-SEAL sniper with PTSD.
Too bad she’s been told she can never have children, never have a family of her own.
Too bad he’s shut off his heart from love.
What do you do when one secret could bring you ultimate happiness…or destroy everything you hold close?
Beautiful Killer is an intense, ultra-sexy standalone novel set in the world of the Lawless Kings. Sherilee Gray’s raw, deeply-emotional voice will leave you breathless long after the last page.
Too bad she’s been told she can never have children, never have a family of her own.
Too bad he’s shut off his heart from love.
What do you do when one secret could bring you ultimate happiness…or destroy everything you hold close?
Beautiful Killer is an intense, ultra-sexy standalone novel set in the world of the Lawless Kings. Sherilee Gray’s raw, deeply-emotional voice will leave you breathless long after the last page.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2018
24 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Sherilee Gray
53 books1,282 followersSherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand with her husband and their two children. When she isn't writing sexy contemporary and paranormal romance, searching for her next alpha hero on Pinterest, or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of chocolate in the other.
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January 8, 2018
Beautiful Killer is book three in the Lawless Kings series by Sherilee Gray. I’ve long been a fan of Sherilee’s books, I’ve read them all. But this book…after reading this book I am awed by this author. I loved it that much!
Zeke Stanton is an ex Navy Seal Sniper, the best of the best. But he came home from his deployment a changed man. He suffered from severe PTSD. He felt responsible for the deaths of two of his team. Then when he found his fiancé with another man, he fled his home town to New York to team up with his friend Van at his Private Investigation Agency. Zeke takes the worst cases. He wants to put himself in danger. He feels it’s his punishment for what happened. His debt to pay. But it’s hard to keep going every day when his buddies didn’t. And just when he was ready to give up, she walked in and sat beside him.
“I needed a pair of shades just to look at her, she was so bright. Like a light shone from within. Walking, talking sunshine.”
Sunny knew men saw her as beautiful on the outside. But on the inside, she never felt like she was good enough. Her now deceased father barely noticed her. Her step mother and step sister hated her. And when she was told she couldn’t have children, her ex told her she wasn’t enough for him. So she has accepted her life alone. When she went into the bar that night, though, she saw him sitting there and for some reason, she felt pulled to sit beside him. To talk to him.
“Everything about him pure, raw male. Like a warrior, or a knight from some story book.”
Zeke had no idea why this beautiful woman was even sharing her space with him. But he couldn’t let her walk away. He could give her one night. He had nothing more to offer. But he would share her light for just one night. But then he couldn’t get her out of his mind. Every day, all day, she was there, in his head. He couldn’t stay away from her. He knew he was a broken man, that she deserved so much more, but night after night, he found himself back at her door.
As Zeke gets to know Sunny, he realizes that she is the same as he is in that she keeps part of herself locked away. That she doesn’t expect anything from him, accepts whatever he gives her without believing that she deserves more.
“Sunny didn’t deserve what she’d been through, to feel like she didn’t matter, to go it alone. Well, that was over now. I’d make sure of it.”
When someone breaks into Sunny’s house and she is severely injured, Zeke’s agency gets involved when the police aren’t making any progress finding the culprit. Sunny finds herself falling more and more for this mysterious man but can he ever return her feelings? Dare she get her hopes up? Or is it like everyone else in her past, that she just isn’t enough?
This book! From the first page I was glued to this story. I woke up each morning counting the minutes until I could pick it back up again. These two had my heart from the beginning and didn’t let go. I have loved this series from the start but you can read this as a stand alone. The previous characters from the first two books are there but it wouldn’t detract from this story if you hadn’t met them. But, the whole series is amazing. As is everything else she has written.
“Thank God you found me.”
“We found each other.”/i>
Zeke Stanton is an ex Navy Seal Sniper, the best of the best. But he came home from his deployment a changed man. He suffered from severe PTSD. He felt responsible for the deaths of two of his team. Then when he found his fiancé with another man, he fled his home town to New York to team up with his friend Van at his Private Investigation Agency. Zeke takes the worst cases. He wants to put himself in danger. He feels it’s his punishment for what happened. His debt to pay. But it’s hard to keep going every day when his buddies didn’t. And just when he was ready to give up, she walked in and sat beside him.
“I needed a pair of shades just to look at her, she was so bright. Like a light shone from within. Walking, talking sunshine.”
Sunny knew men saw her as beautiful on the outside. But on the inside, she never felt like she was good enough. Her now deceased father barely noticed her. Her step mother and step sister hated her. And when she was told she couldn’t have children, her ex told her she wasn’t enough for him. So she has accepted her life alone. When she went into the bar that night, though, she saw him sitting there and for some reason, she felt pulled to sit beside him. To talk to him.
“Everything about him pure, raw male. Like a warrior, or a knight from some story book.”
Zeke had no idea why this beautiful woman was even sharing her space with him. But he couldn’t let her walk away. He could give her one night. He had nothing more to offer. But he would share her light for just one night. But then he couldn’t get her out of his mind. Every day, all day, she was there, in his head. He couldn’t stay away from her. He knew he was a broken man, that she deserved so much more, but night after night, he found himself back at her door.
As Zeke gets to know Sunny, he realizes that she is the same as he is in that she keeps part of herself locked away. That she doesn’t expect anything from him, accepts whatever he gives her without believing that she deserves more.
“Sunny didn’t deserve what she’d been through, to feel like she didn’t matter, to go it alone. Well, that was over now. I’d make sure of it.”
When someone breaks into Sunny’s house and she is severely injured, Zeke’s agency gets involved when the police aren’t making any progress finding the culprit. Sunny finds herself falling more and more for this mysterious man but can he ever return her feelings? Dare she get her hopes up? Or is it like everyone else in her past, that she just isn’t enough?
This book! From the first page I was glued to this story. I woke up each morning counting the minutes until I could pick it back up again. These two had my heart from the beginning and didn’t let go. I have loved this series from the start but you can read this as a stand alone. The previous characters from the first two books are there but it wouldn’t detract from this story if you hadn’t met them. But, the whole series is amazing. As is everything else she has written.
“Thank God you found me.”
“We found each other.”/i>
July 7, 2020
2.75 stars
January 9, 2018
Oh my gawd!! I absolutely, unequivocally loved this book! This by far is the best yet of this series! Okay, so I’m pretty sure I’ve said this about each book, don’t judge me!
Zeke was so incredibly broken. Broken beyond all repair and seeking a way out of that pain. He was living with guilt and shame in a place of darkness that shackled him to the very thought of finding a way out of his desolation. When things reach a pinnacle he is suddenly confronted with the very image of sunshine and beauty. And then miraculously he is losing himself in her light…for one night.
Sunny has known only loneliness her whole life. She hides behind a blank look, a false smile and words meant to free those around her before they chose to leave of their own free will. One night with Zeke allows her to show him everything that is within. There are no expectations of tomorrow. But suddenly there is a tomorrow and another and another. Until their time abruptly comes to an end and she is once more discarded.
When Sunny becomes the victim of a home invasion she comes face to face with Zeke again. It’s been two months since they’ve seen each other but the fierce chemistry between them still flares hot and bright. Each holds a bit of themselves apart from the other – Zeke because of the guilt, and Sunny to protect herself from the eventual final goodbye. But as the story progresses there is so much more bringing this couple together rather than pulling them apart.
Zeke stole my heart and I’m positive there will never be another book boyfriend that can take it from him. Sherilee Gray has the ability to know exactly what I want in not only my heroes but my romance as well. Beautiful Killer fits neatly into each little box I have created in my mind for the perfect book. I loved every single thing about this story.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Swerve
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Possible trigger
Zeke was so incredibly broken. Broken beyond all repair and seeking a way out of that pain. He was living with guilt and shame in a place of darkness that shackled him to the very thought of finding a way out of his desolation. When things reach a pinnacle he is suddenly confronted with the very image of sunshine and beauty. And then miraculously he is losing himself in her light…for one night.
Sunny has known only loneliness her whole life. She hides behind a blank look, a false smile and words meant to free those around her before they chose to leave of their own free will. One night with Zeke allows her to show him everything that is within. There are no expectations of tomorrow. But suddenly there is a tomorrow and another and another. Until their time abruptly comes to an end and she is once more discarded.
When Sunny becomes the victim of a home invasion she comes face to face with Zeke again. It’s been two months since they’ve seen each other but the fierce chemistry between them still flares hot and bright. Each holds a bit of themselves apart from the other – Zeke because of the guilt, and Sunny to protect herself from the eventual final goodbye. But as the story progresses there is so much more bringing this couple together rather than pulling them apart.
Zeke stole my heart and I’m positive there will never be another book boyfriend that can take it from him. Sherilee Gray has the ability to know exactly what I want in not only my heroes but my romance as well. Beautiful Killer fits neatly into each little box I have created in my mind for the perfect book. I loved every single thing about this story.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Swerve
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Possible trigger
January 8, 2018
4 - "When I'm with you... I know I'm in safe hands." Stars!
The third book in Sherilee Gray’s Lawless Kings series gives us the reader, silent but deadly Zeke’s book.
A shooting star through my endlessly starless night. A flash of brilliant light in the darkness…
And Beautiful Killer on the whole is a pretty decent addition to the series, the author definitely kept the steam quotient high in this one and I really liked Zeke and Sunny as characters themselves, one very dark the other light.
I didn’t know where he lived, how old he was, where he came from, what he did for a job. Nothing… but I felt this connection to him I couldn’t describe.
The story line for me was extremely well written if somewhat predictable, insomuch as you could tell who the villain was from the get go, and although I liked the way the author tied Sunny to Zeke through certain things their story and connection lacked a little of the character depth that has been in abundance with the previous two books.
"I care what happens to you… I don’t get out of bed in the morning and forget you exist. I need you to goddamn get that."
Sex was definitely the mainstay of this book, but their relationship started out as a ONS so it’s not a huge surprise. And that’s not a bad thing as it was what I was in the mood for, but it just felt the background development as well as the connection deepening between them suffered a little because of it.
I was wanted. Something I hadn’t felt in a very long time…
Still a really enjoyable read. I have been with this author since the beginning, and one thing is for sure, she just keeps getting better and better.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The third book in Sherilee Gray’s Lawless Kings series gives us the reader, silent but deadly Zeke’s book.
A shooting star through my endlessly starless night. A flash of brilliant light in the darkness…
And Beautiful Killer on the whole is a pretty decent addition to the series, the author definitely kept the steam quotient high in this one and I really liked Zeke and Sunny as characters themselves, one very dark the other light.
I didn’t know where he lived, how old he was, where he came from, what he did for a job. Nothing… but I felt this connection to him I couldn’t describe.
The story line for me was extremely well written if somewhat predictable, insomuch as you could tell who the villain was from the get go, and although I liked the way the author tied Sunny to Zeke through certain things their story and connection lacked a little of the character depth that has been in abundance with the previous two books.
"I care what happens to you… I don’t get out of bed in the morning and forget you exist. I need you to goddamn get that."
Sex was definitely the mainstay of this book, but their relationship started out as a ONS so it’s not a huge surprise. And that’s not a bad thing as it was what I was in the mood for, but it just felt the background development as well as the connection deepening between them suffered a little because of it.
I was wanted. Something I hadn’t felt in a very long time…
Still a really enjoyable read. I have been with this author since the beginning, and one thing is for sure, she just keeps getting better and better.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
January 4, 2018
Wow! The Lawless Kings just get better and better. Sherilee Gray has the magic touch when it comes to the big, bad, broody Hero's.
After reading about Zeke in the previous two books of the series, I really had no idea just how much I was going to love him. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't perfect and I wanted to slap some sense into him a few times but oh man, I couldn't get enough of him. If you got a thing for tortured Hero's, Zeke's your man.
Our heroine, Sunny was just as awesome. This is going to sound crazy but I loved how careful and guarded she was. I'm just not a fan of reading about women chasing men. I want to see the opposite. When the woman is standoffish, it makes the man stop and take notice. It's such a rare find that I tend to enjoy these types of couples more.
The story itself had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Sunny is in danger. Zeke goes into over-protection mode. Something is fishy with her step-sister. All of this together meant that I just couldn't read this book fast enough.
I'm not sure how the author is going to top this one. Loved it! ARC provided by Netgalley.
After reading about Zeke in the previous two books of the series, I really had no idea just how much I was going to love him. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't perfect and I wanted to slap some sense into him a few times but oh man, I couldn't get enough of him. If you got a thing for tortured Hero's, Zeke's your man.
Our heroine, Sunny was just as awesome. This is going to sound crazy but I loved how careful and guarded she was. I'm just not a fan of reading about women chasing men. I want to see the opposite. When the woman is standoffish, it makes the man stop and take notice. It's such a rare find that I tend to enjoy these types of couples more.
The story itself had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Sunny is in danger. Zeke goes into over-protection mode. Something is fishy with her step-sister. All of this together meant that I just couldn't read this book fast enough.
I'm not sure how the author is going to top this one. Loved it! ARC provided by Netgalley.
January 1, 2018
I am in the minority here so there is no real need to read the drivel that I have written. If you decide then read on but you have been warned.
When you’ve read your first book of the year you want it to start off with a bang this unfortunately was a poof. Maybe even a tendril of smoke.
2.5 I should know better stars.
It just didn’t work for me.
I had high hopes for this book. I thought I would get the tortured Hero alas I got an ar$ehole. Throughout all of the book he was an idiot. Yeah he had PTSD yes he was suffering but throughout all of this he had a death wish. Until Sunshine walked into a bar. Even then he was a git.
The heroine has been alone all her life and OMG was she a broken record. The repetitiveness of her situation got to be too much. She was alright with the scraps she got from the Hero right to the very end. What shouldn’t have happened, oh colour me surprised when it did happen. NOT.
I really do not know how the heroine could fall in love with him. I just didn’t see it. On top of that he didn’t really talk so the only thing they had for me was sexual chemistry.
The book could have easily been 20-30 pages shorter. There was so much push/pull that I had to skim. They were at an impasse yet they still went at it like rabbits. Cue eye roll right here.
At 29% of the book he could have manned up. HE didn’t though. HE left her hanging. He didn’t man up until the very end and that for me was too little too late. The ending felt rushed. The Epilogue was really sweet so that helped.
They had no contact for two months and then suddenly she realises she loves him at 44% when they meet again. They’ve hardly spoken to one another when they were banging. Puh-lease utter bollocks. The plot was also somewhat predictable.
When the author got into the swing of them talking and emotions entering the picture it picked up and could have been 4 stars for me. I was really enjoying it but then it went back to the inner monologue of these two and my interest slumped.
All in all 2.5 Stars for when it picked up, the concept of the story was okay and that I liked Sunny. Plus there was no other woman drama so that also helped. But it is either o/w drama, manwhores (also not the case here) or utter bastards. I’ve so had enough of it all.
This is just not an author for me.
So note to self-DO DO NOT request any more books.
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January 11, 2018
This book greatly reminded me of Kristen Ashley’s Mystery Man in that the H/h meet at a bar and sleep together right afterwards. Then they start a purely sexual relationship where the H visits the h nightly with no casual talk even. At least in this book, the heroine knows the Hero’s first name, Zeke, but they don’t know anything else about each other. The Hero has an ex-fiance who aborted their baby and he has PTSD from his time with the military.
Then the heroine got robbed and hurt and hires a PI/Security firm and turns out Zeke is one of the investigators.
There’s constant denial of feelings and stuff happening.
I like Sherilee Gray’s writing style and the book kept me interested to find out what happens next and finish it. I like that the Hero went to therapy for his issues.
Then the heroine got robbed and hurt and hires a PI/Security firm and turns out Zeke is one of the investigators.
There’s constant denial of feelings and stuff happening.
I like Sherilee Gray’s writing style and the book kept me interested to find out what happens next and finish it. I like that the Hero went to therapy for his issues.
March 1, 2018
4.5 Stars!
December 24, 2017
Holy hell what a book this is. WOW! Just one huge WOW! This is my favorite in the series thus far and will likely remain that.
This is Zeke's story starting from when he returns from his last deployment and after a quick trip home, takes Van up on his offer to come and work for them at the King Agency. Zeke was a master sharp shooter and during his last deployment two men on his team were killed. He blames himself and walks around with a sort of death wish. Damn good at his job, he keeps to himself and doesn't deal not dealing with his past. After a stressful night he hits a bar where he spots a woman who he keeps an eye on, a woman hasn't turned his head since....? He looks at her and she's all sunshine and light and of course the negative self talk is chattering away in his head. He's been there a while and suddenly someone sits down next to him and it's her. Her name is Sunny. I loved her right from the beginning. Her story is so real and so like so many people.
They go home together, he makes clear it's a one shot deal and she's good with that. It's all she can handle. After all, she always gets left. Better this way. She's got a nasty ass step sister who siphons money from her for her crappy husband. The girl has piddled away her inheritance and now hits up Sunny, using every manipulative trick she knows to get her to fork it over. Sunny who feels part guilty and lots of angry gives her the money, until the next time. She was a piece of work the step sister Julia. Ugh.
So the one off with Zeke turns into more than once and they have few words between them, it's all just sex and Sunny is okay with that. She knows he doesn't talk and she lets that rest. Slowly they get more involved. Let me rephrase, he starts making more late night visits to her bed, he never stays and when he tries to stay away he turns into his old self actually. Sunny is good for him, he knows it too. The guys notice it. No one says a word. When something happens to Sunny in her home, the guys get involved Ruby and Lulu are frequent visitors to Sunny's jewelry store. When they see her bruised and bandaged Ruby offers a card. She decides to go, not knowing that Zeke works there.
The guys have a new mission and that's to find out who did this. Zeke tends to overprotect and overbear. Sunny goes on the defensive at times. This story is woven so well. The emotions so close to the surface. I could feel myself frown at times. I never do that.
There are a few surprises tossed in and a wicked twist and again a huge wow!
It's a must read and each of these can stand alone although you'll want to read them all, this one just tops my list.
Must read this one!
**arc from NetGalley and publisher***
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. The above is my honest review and all opinions are my own**
This is Zeke's story starting from when he returns from his last deployment and after a quick trip home, takes Van up on his offer to come and work for them at the King Agency. Zeke was a master sharp shooter and during his last deployment two men on his team were killed. He blames himself and walks around with a sort of death wish. Damn good at his job, he keeps to himself and doesn't deal not dealing with his past. After a stressful night he hits a bar where he spots a woman who he keeps an eye on, a woman hasn't turned his head since....? He looks at her and she's all sunshine and light and of course the negative self talk is chattering away in his head. He's been there a while and suddenly someone sits down next to him and it's her. Her name is Sunny. I loved her right from the beginning. Her story is so real and so like so many people.
They go home together, he makes clear it's a one shot deal and she's good with that. It's all she can handle. After all, she always gets left. Better this way. She's got a nasty ass step sister who siphons money from her for her crappy husband. The girl has piddled away her inheritance and now hits up Sunny, using every manipulative trick she knows to get her to fork it over. Sunny who feels part guilty and lots of angry gives her the money, until the next time. She was a piece of work the step sister Julia. Ugh.
So the one off with Zeke turns into more than once and they have few words between them, it's all just sex and Sunny is okay with that. She knows he doesn't talk and she lets that rest. Slowly they get more involved. Let me rephrase, he starts making more late night visits to her bed, he never stays and when he tries to stay away he turns into his old self actually. Sunny is good for him, he knows it too. The guys notice it. No one says a word. When something happens to Sunny in her home, the guys get involved Ruby and Lulu are frequent visitors to Sunny's jewelry store. When they see her bruised and bandaged Ruby offers a card. She decides to go, not knowing that Zeke works there.
The guys have a new mission and that's to find out who did this. Zeke tends to overprotect and overbear. Sunny goes on the defensive at times. This story is woven so well. The emotions so close to the surface. I could feel myself frown at times. I never do that.
There are a few surprises tossed in and a wicked twist and again a huge wow!
It's a must read and each of these can stand alone although you'll want to read them all, this one just tops my list.
Must read this one!
**arc from NetGalley and publisher***
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. The above is my honest review and all opinions are my own**
January 13, 2018
Beautiful Killer
Lawless Kings #3
Sherilee Gray
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can’t get enough of these alpha males in this series. Super sexy, strong ass main characters gets me every time. And of course they are super protective and loving of their women and families.
This was Zeke’s story. Very emotional and heart wrenching at times. He survived a horrible experience on his last deployment that gave him PTSD and some depression. He met Sunny at the perfect moment which saved his life.
This was another great story in this series and can’t wait for more. These all can be read as standalones also.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Lawless Kings #3
Sherilee Gray
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can’t get enough of these alpha males in this series. Super sexy, strong ass main characters gets me every time. And of course they are super protective and loving of their women and families.
This was Zeke’s story. Very emotional and heart wrenching at times. He survived a horrible experience on his last deployment that gave him PTSD and some depression. He met Sunny at the perfect moment which saved his life.
This was another great story in this series and can’t wait for more. These all can be read as standalones also.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 9, 2018
I have been having hard time finding anything original to enjoy as of late. The last few books I read were DNF and I found myself rereading my favorite parts of books I love. That's how desperate i've been while freezing my female balls off here in Canada. That being said, I was not too enthusiastic about taking a journey with this one.
However I was delighted to find the third book of this series to be a sweet lovely story with well rounded main characters. A heroine who had enough self preservation to not let herself by trampled on. And a hero who was thoughtful and protective, yet damaged enough to not want to suffer the heroine with his darkness. It was annoyingly predictable storyline but the need to see it through got the better of me.
Aside from perhaps lacking in a bit of real life content and a dire need to hire a new editor (Sherilee Gray's first thanks is to her editor. But there were many spelling issues which her editor should not have overlooked), this was a decent read with an A-typical HEA.
However I was delighted to find the third book of this series to be a sweet lovely story with well rounded main characters. A heroine who had enough self preservation to not let herself by trampled on. And a hero who was thoughtful and protective, yet damaged enough to not want to suffer the heroine with his darkness. It was annoyingly predictable storyline but the need to see it through got the better of me.
Aside from perhaps lacking in a bit of real life content and a dire need to hire a new editor (Sherilee Gray's first thanks is to her editor. But there were many spelling issues which her editor should not have overlooked), this was a decent read with an A-typical HEA.
January 12, 2018
The mysterious and intense ex-Navy SEAL sniper, Zeke Stanton, has intrigued and fascinated since the first book in the first in this series. His quiet intensity and haunted look just makes you want to know more. And all answers are answered in this book. He is dealing with what happened while he was deployed and is just going through the motions. Some would say he was on a path of self-destruction. And one night his world is irrevocably changed with Sunny. She lives up to her name even if life has thrown her one hurdle after another. Both of them were broken. it was heart wrenching to see both of them accepting of what was given to them and not wanting more. What was supposed to be a one-night stand turns into another night, then another and another. Back and forth they go until one night someone breaks into Sunny's life and all of Zeke protective and possessive traits come to the forefront.
This book was a journey about two people figuring out that they deserved more. It was great to see Sunny turn into a strong and willful person. Despite the few grammar and spelling errors, this book was griping and everything one expects from Sherilee Gray.
Here's hoping Van's story is next...
This book was a journey about two people figuring out that they deserved more. It was great to see Sunny turn into a strong and willful person. Despite the few grammar and spelling errors, this book was griping and everything one expects from Sherilee Gray.
Here's hoping Van's story is next...
January 20, 2018
3.5 stars
So this would have been so much better if the hero had gotten his head on straight long before the very end of the book. It was still a good read that I enjoyed. But Zeke kept her at an emotional arms length almost the entire book. In denial that he deserved anything good in his life.
And she was so insecure she felt she would never have anyone want to be with her so she put up with it. Even when she tries to stand up for herself, she folded. They were both likable but just a bit too weak for me. I like my MCs to commit before the very end.
The good thing is they are actually together the entire book. Just not committed or even speaking. They are not even FwB. He shows up, they screw and he leaves. Sometimes never even talking. He then decides to end it because he finds himself thinking of her too often. After two months of no contact, if something bad had not happened to her that he subsequently finds out about by accident, I am not convinced they would be together at all. That takes away from my enjoyment as well.
I know I sound negative. I really did enjoy it. But the elements I did not like, really bothered me.
Between the MCs it is totally safe.
So this would have been so much better if the hero had gotten his head on straight long before the very end of the book. It was still a good read that I enjoyed. But Zeke kept her at an emotional arms length almost the entire book. In denial that he deserved anything good in his life.
And she was so insecure she felt she would never have anyone want to be with her so she put up with it. Even when she tries to stand up for herself, she folded. They were both likable but just a bit too weak for me. I like my MCs to commit before the very end.
The good thing is they are actually together the entire book. Just not committed or even speaking. They are not even FwB. He shows up, they screw and he leaves. Sometimes never even talking. He then decides to end it because he finds himself thinking of her too often. After two months of no contact, if something bad had not happened to her that he subsequently finds out about by accident, I am not convinced they would be together at all. That takes away from my enjoyment as well.
I know I sound negative. I really did enjoy it. But the elements I did not like, really bothered me.
Between the MCs it is totally safe.
December 12, 2017
Sherilee Gray has quickly become an auto-buy for me. The last two in the series were amazing, and this one also hooked me right from the beginning.
Beautiful Killer didn’t have the same intensity as the other books in the series, but that worked for me. I really liked the love story between Sunny and Zeke; Zeke is exactly the type of hero I like: quiet, until he has something important to say, and completely alpha. I love my alphas!
Definitely check out this series, and Gray’s other books as well. I love her writing!
Merged review:
Sherilee Gray has quickly become an auto-buy for me. The last two in the series were amazing, and this one also hooked me right from the beginning.
Beautiful Killer didn’t have the same intensity as the other books in the series, but that worked for me. I really liked the love story between Sunny and Zeke; Zeke is exactly the type of hero I like: quiet, until he has something important to say, and completely alpha. I love my alphas!
Definitely check out this series, and Gray’s other books as well. I love her writing!
Beautiful Killer didn’t have the same intensity as the other books in the series, but that worked for me. I really liked the love story between Sunny and Zeke; Zeke is exactly the type of hero I like: quiet, until he has something important to say, and completely alpha. I love my alphas!
Definitely check out this series, and Gray’s other books as well. I love her writing!
Merged review:
Sherilee Gray has quickly become an auto-buy for me. The last two in the series were amazing, and this one also hooked me right from the beginning.
Beautiful Killer didn’t have the same intensity as the other books in the series, but that worked for me. I really liked the love story between Sunny and Zeke; Zeke is exactly the type of hero I like: quiet, until he has something important to say, and completely alpha. I love my alphas!
Definitely check out this series, and Gray’s other books as well. I love her writing!
July 29, 2018
Beautiful Killer took my poor heart by sneak attack! I was not prepared for the feels!! Sunny has such a heartbreaking story; except on its face, it doesn't seem that heartbreaking. Reading her day to day life though made my heart hurt for her. You never realize how sad being alone can be. I mean, she literally has NO ONE. And frankly, she hasn't had anyone most of her life. At first, I was like "Meh that sucks, but not a tragedy". Sunny's experiences, even the mundane, made me realize what a tragedy being truly alone could be!
At first, the story reminded me a LOT of Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley. Except, I liked this story more. In Mystery Man I did NOT like Hawk. He was kind of douche-y. Zeke on the other hand, is sympathetic as a hero. Dealing with an ex-fiance who cheated on him and aborted their baby along with survivor's guilt from his time in the army, Zeke is an incredibly complex character. He certainly isn't looking for female companionship, but Sunny approaches him and he simply can't say no.
Sunny had been a shooting star through my endlessly starless night. A flash of brilliant light in the darkness. Perfect, but fleeting.
See what I mean?! Zeke is a damaged hero, but still evokes sympathy! Since Sunny is just happy to have whatever broken pieces of himself Zeke is willing to give, they never share any info about their lives. He shows up at night then leaves once they are done. Sunny, lonely as she is, accepts this arrangement, telling herself that she will just enjoy this small bit of happiness while it lasts. She doesn't push Zeke for more and she doesn't beg when he leaves. I think that makes it so much sadder! Seriously, I cried so many times for Sunny!
Later that night, as I got into my car and headed for home, knowing that Sunny would be there when I walked in the door, that emotion came over me again, the one I hadn't felt in a fucking long time. Happiness. I hated myself for it.
Gah-Zeke...I mean, talk about guilt!! Its heartbreaking!
There is also danger. Someone attacks Sunny; the cops have no leads. This danger adds a lot of suspense to the story and totally kept me wondering what would happen (I will admit I thought it was PRETTY obvious who was behind it all, but it didn't dull that mystery of WHAT would happen, you know?)
Beautiful Killer is book 3 in the series but I have not read the previous books and it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. However, you better believe I am grabbing those 2 books right away! Beautiful Killer was an emotional and authentic read that made me cry and hope for Sunny and Zeke!
But one thing I was sure of: I was utterly, desperately, hopelessly in love with him.
So am I, Sunny. So I am.
POV: dual 1st
Tears: yes!
Trope: security/PI, ex-military
Triggers: none
Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley, The Until Series by Aurora Rose Reynolds, The Raven Riders series by Laura Kaye...then you will probably like Beautiful Killer!
Beautiful Killer
See full review on The Book Disciple
December 31, 2017
***ARC provided by the author for an honest review***
Beautiful Killer by Sherilee Gray is book three in the Lawless Kings series and can be read as a standalone. An ex-Navy SEAL returns home, wishing he hadn’t and finds a woman who wants affection.
Sunny is an amazing character who comes off shy when really she has closed herself off. She longs for love and a family. Zeke is a guilt ridden ex-Navy SEAL that suffers from PTSD. Zeke has also closed himself off to family, friends, love, and relationships.
Sunny comes from a family that shows no affection. Zeke comes from a family that shows affection. Sunny wants to be loved. Zeke wants to be left alone. When these two cross paths it is on. The chemistry between them is amazing! It does not matter if they are in the bed –the sex? OMG! HOT! — in public, or just in anyone’s presence.
What happens when love enters the picture? What happens when Sunny is in danger? Will Zeke be there? Will everything come tumbling down? Will they save each other?
There were times when I wanted to just reach in the book and hit Zeke upside the head for being plain stupid. There were also times I wanted to do it to Sunny. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to throw my iPad. This book has everything that I look for when I am searching for a new read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Five stars.
Beautiful Killer by Sherilee Gray is book three in the Lawless Kings series and can be read as a standalone. An ex-Navy SEAL returns home, wishing he hadn’t and finds a woman who wants affection.
Sunny is an amazing character who comes off shy when really she has closed herself off. She longs for love and a family. Zeke is a guilt ridden ex-Navy SEAL that suffers from PTSD. Zeke has also closed himself off to family, friends, love, and relationships.
Sunny comes from a family that shows no affection. Zeke comes from a family that shows affection. Sunny wants to be loved. Zeke wants to be left alone. When these two cross paths it is on. The chemistry between them is amazing! It does not matter if they are in the bed –the sex? OMG! HOT! — in public, or just in anyone’s presence.
What happens when love enters the picture? What happens when Sunny is in danger? Will Zeke be there? Will everything come tumbling down? Will they save each other?
There were times when I wanted to just reach in the book and hit Zeke upside the head for being plain stupid. There were also times I wanted to do it to Sunny. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to throw my iPad. This book has everything that I look for when I am searching for a new read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Five stars.
December 15, 2017
I absolutely love the Lawless Kings series by Sherilee Gray. The previous novels in this series have been so so sexy and I honestly could not get enough of them. Beautiful Killer was just as fantastic but with the added punch of all the emotional feels dealing with Zeke's PTSD and guilt. I honestly loved them together and their HOT and STEAMY sexual atraction and the connection they both shared.
I loved Hunter and Neco's books. But there was something a little bit more special (to me) about Zeke's book. It was more emotional and raw and very honest. I felt his pain and residual guilt and the way he fought his demons. Grey also did a fantastic job highlighting Sunny's feelings of inadequacy and her.abandonment issues and married both these compmex characters so beautifully. I REALLLY hope we get Van and Jude's books as I'm not ready to let these characters go. They are perfectly sexy and sweet and love their women with all they have. I absolutely FLOVE them!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the SMP Romance team for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
I loved Hunter and Neco's books. But there was something a little bit more special (to me) about Zeke's book. It was more emotional and raw and very honest. I felt his pain and residual guilt and the way he fought his demons. Grey also did a fantastic job highlighting Sunny's feelings of inadequacy and her.abandonment issues and married both these compmex characters so beautifully. I REALLLY hope we get Van and Jude's books as I'm not ready to let these characters go. They are perfectly sexy and sweet and love their women with all they have. I absolutely FLOVE them!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the SMP Romance team for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
December 27, 2017
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. The opinions here are my own.
I love this series...Ms. Gray makes me feel for these characters. They are flawed and imperfect and trapped in their own personal issues and they are messy. THANK YOU! I love that they have issues and are obtainable, instead of perfect and un-relatable. (feeling poetic today)
This book is about Zeke, a renowned sniper who carries a butt load of grief over a decision made in Afghanistan. He is stuck in a self destructive cycle looking for a permanent way out when he meets Sunny. Sunny is a sweet spot of sunshine who unfortunately gives more than receives.
When Sunny becomes a victim of a crime and goes to Kings looking for help, she doesn't expect to run into Zeke. They find themselves becoming deeper involved and Zeke begins to feel lost in guilt over his happiness. Can Sunny help him see that moving past his barriers is not equivalent to forgetting those he left behind? Who truly wants Sunny out of the picture?
I loved Zeke and Sunny. I really enjoyed that Zeke enabled Sunny to grow and love herself enough to require give and take not just give. I liked that they acknowledged their barriers and while they had some obstacles, they kept chiseling them down. They burn hot in this book but as intense as Zeke is he still sees so much of Sunny's heart and protects her even from what he thinks is his downfall.
The plot was fast moving and there were second chances and forgiveness as well as redemption of several characters. I liked that there was layer to the story and while Zeke and Sunny was the focus I liked seeing the story between Julia and Sunny unfold as well as being introduced to Kade as well. I cant wait to continue this series.
I love this series...Ms. Gray makes me feel for these characters. They are flawed and imperfect and trapped in their own personal issues and they are messy. THANK YOU! I love that they have issues and are obtainable, instead of perfect and un-relatable. (feeling poetic today)
This book is about Zeke, a renowned sniper who carries a butt load of grief over a decision made in Afghanistan. He is stuck in a self destructive cycle looking for a permanent way out when he meets Sunny. Sunny is a sweet spot of sunshine who unfortunately gives more than receives.
When Sunny becomes a victim of a crime and goes to Kings looking for help, she doesn't expect to run into Zeke. They find themselves becoming deeper involved and Zeke begins to feel lost in guilt over his happiness. Can Sunny help him see that moving past his barriers is not equivalent to forgetting those he left behind? Who truly wants Sunny out of the picture?
I loved Zeke and Sunny. I really enjoyed that Zeke enabled Sunny to grow and love herself enough to require give and take not just give. I liked that they acknowledged their barriers and while they had some obstacles, they kept chiseling them down. They burn hot in this book but as intense as Zeke is he still sees so much of Sunny's heart and protects her even from what he thinks is his downfall.
The plot was fast moving and there were second chances and forgiveness as well as redemption of several characters. I liked that there was layer to the story and while Zeke and Sunny was the focus I liked seeing the story between Julia and Sunny unfold as well as being introduced to Kade as well. I cant wait to continue this series.
January 10, 2018
4 stars—
About the book: Release Date January 9, 2018
She’s wanted a big family ever since her distant father and cold stepfamily isolated her from affection. He’s an ex-SEAL sniper with PTSD.
Too bad she’s been told she can never have children, never have a family of her own.
Too bad he’s shut off his heart from love.
What do you do when one secret could bring you ultimate happiness…or destroy everything you hold close?
••••••••••••
REVIEW: BEAUTIFUL KILLER is the third instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult LAWLESS KINGS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for King Agency doing personal protection and security, private investigation (corporate and domestic) and high-risk fugitive recovery, missing persons and kidnapping investigations. This is King Security PI, sniper and ex Navy SEAL Zeke Stanton, and jewelry designer Sunny’s story line. BEAUTIFUL KILLER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Sunny and Zeke) BEAUTIFUL KILLER follows the unconventional relationship between PI and sniper Zeke Stanton, and jewelry designer Sunny. When her blind date was a no-show Sunny propositioned the stranger at the bar, a man so intense and dark, she couldn’t help but be attracted like a moth to a flame. Enter Zeke Stanton, broken and embattled ex-Navy SEAL whose demons continue to ride him hard. What ensues is the sex only arrangement between our leading couple that grows into something following an attack on our heroine by an unknown assailant. Left alone, and with no where to turn Sunny approaches the security specialists at King Agency only to come face to face with the man with whom she was falling in love.
Zeke Stanton is a broken man, an ex-Navy SEAL who suffers nightmares, PTSD and survivors remorse following the last mission that went all to h*ll. Working for high school friend and fellow Navy SEAL Van King, Zeke continues to place himself in dangerous situations while on assignment, with the possibility of never coming home alive. Meeting the beautiful and talented Sunny begins to melt the ice around our hero’s heart but Zeke wants nothing to do with family or relationships forcing a stricken Sunny to move forward, alone.
The relationship between Sunny and Zeke begins as a one-night stand that turns into something more. Zeke wants nothing to do with a forever kind of love but he finds himself unable to walk away from the woman that calls to his heart. Days, weeks and months of emotionless $ex begin to push at our story line couple until news of a different sort finds Sunny at a crossroads towards the future. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters including Hunter King and Lulu Frost (Shattered King #1), and Neco Malik and Ruby Styles (Broken Rebel #2), and co-owner of the King Agency Van King. We are introduced to Sunny’s step-sister Julia and her husband Bobby Grant, as well as Zeke’s parents Ron and Jane Stanton.
BEAUTIFUL KILLER is an emotional story line of one man who is unable to move on from the past, and one woman whose history of rejection continues to push her forward-alone. The premise is heart breaking and impassioned; the characters are charismatic but damaged; the romance is seductive and fierce.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
About the book: Release Date January 9, 2018
She’s wanted a big family ever since her distant father and cold stepfamily isolated her from affection. He’s an ex-SEAL sniper with PTSD.
Too bad she’s been told she can never have children, never have a family of her own.
Too bad he’s shut off his heart from love.
What do you do when one secret could bring you ultimate happiness…or destroy everything you hold close?
••••••••••••
REVIEW: BEAUTIFUL KILLER is the third instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult LAWLESS KINGS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for King Agency doing personal protection and security, private investigation (corporate and domestic) and high-risk fugitive recovery, missing persons and kidnapping investigations. This is King Security PI, sniper and ex Navy SEAL Zeke Stanton, and jewelry designer Sunny’s story line. BEAUTIFUL KILLER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Sunny and Zeke) BEAUTIFUL KILLER follows the unconventional relationship between PI and sniper Zeke Stanton, and jewelry designer Sunny. When her blind date was a no-show Sunny propositioned the stranger at the bar, a man so intense and dark, she couldn’t help but be attracted like a moth to a flame. Enter Zeke Stanton, broken and embattled ex-Navy SEAL whose demons continue to ride him hard. What ensues is the sex only arrangement between our leading couple that grows into something following an attack on our heroine by an unknown assailant. Left alone, and with no where to turn Sunny approaches the security specialists at King Agency only to come face to face with the man with whom she was falling in love.
Zeke Stanton is a broken man, an ex-Navy SEAL who suffers nightmares, PTSD and survivors remorse following the last mission that went all to h*ll. Working for high school friend and fellow Navy SEAL Van King, Zeke continues to place himself in dangerous situations while on assignment, with the possibility of never coming home alive. Meeting the beautiful and talented Sunny begins to melt the ice around our hero’s heart but Zeke wants nothing to do with family or relationships forcing a stricken Sunny to move forward, alone.
The relationship between Sunny and Zeke begins as a one-night stand that turns into something more. Zeke wants nothing to do with a forever kind of love but he finds himself unable to walk away from the woman that calls to his heart. Days, weeks and months of emotionless $ex begin to push at our story line couple until news of a different sort finds Sunny at a crossroads towards the future. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters including Hunter King and Lulu Frost (Shattered King #1), and Neco Malik and Ruby Styles (Broken Rebel #2), and co-owner of the King Agency Van King. We are introduced to Sunny’s step-sister Julia and her husband Bobby Grant, as well as Zeke’s parents Ron and Jane Stanton.
BEAUTIFUL KILLER is an emotional story line of one man who is unable to move on from the past, and one woman whose history of rejection continues to push her forward-alone. The premise is heart breaking and impassioned; the characters are charismatic but damaged; the romance is seductive and fierce.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
April 30, 2018
I'm surprised we're not getting Van's story yet, but Zeke is interesting enough. He's still suffering from PTSD and some serious survivor's guilt and is at the edge, ready to walk into some situation and get himself killed. In walks Sunshine, who is like his own personal sun putting life back into his life. They want each other. But Zeke is in on a mission to destroy bad guys and atone for his guilt, and there's no room for commitment to a woman. But Sunny agrees that no-strings is fine, since she's used to people leaving her and she expects Zeke to do it too. And she's right, he does. But someone is trying to kill Sunny and she ends up back under Zeke's protection and right back into their no-strings situation. But Sunny learns something that causes her to re-evaluate, to stand up and finally say what she wants from Zeke, the man he's come to love.
I'm quickly picking up two patterns in this series. First, that the hero's background and tortured soul give him free license to be an asshole, but also still make him loveable. It's crazy because Zeke is using Sunny for sex and to forget (the first of two like this I've read today) and yet, he's a good guy. I still liked him. And on the bright side, he was entirely faithful and not a manwhore. But in this story it was very difficult to believe that he loved the heroine - obsessed yes, love no. When Sunny comes back, Zeke is still putting himself in deadly situations hoping to die, not thinking about Sunny or her love at all. But when he learns that that changes right quick. He claims it gives him the excuse to stay alive...in case his dead buddies wanted him dead or something. And that has me thinking that Sunny wasn't enough by herself.
The second pattern I'm seeing is that the heroines are all doormats...to a point. Throughout the book Sunny lets herself be used. She doesn't have enough self-esteem to tell herself that she deserves more. She lets Zeke come to her every night and leave when he's done and believes this is as much as she deserves. Even when he's back in her life after 2 months of no contact, she lets him pick up where he left off. She doesn't care that she was hurt when he left, and she puts herself right back in the position to be hurt again. It's only when she learns that she finally stands up and says that enough is enough. She deserves love. I appreciate and love the fact that in each case the heroine is able to find her spine. That at least makes the doormat behavior in the beginning worth while and shows character growth, but it's so tough to watch it in the beginning.
This appears to be a dependably solid series which I'll probably stick with. Plenty of angstiness going on and some sexy scenes with some good HEA make these enjoyable reads, even if they are sometimes frustrating. This book though more than the others, had a lot of typos and editing mistakes...."thought" instead of "through" some incorrect prepositions and occasional missing words.
I'm quickly picking up two patterns in this series. First, that the hero's background and tortured soul give him free license to be an asshole, but also still make him loveable. It's crazy because Zeke is using Sunny for sex and to forget (the first of two like this I've read today) and yet, he's a good guy. I still liked him. And on the bright side, he was entirely faithful and not a manwhore. But in this story it was very difficult to believe that he loved the heroine - obsessed yes, love no. When Sunny comes back, Zeke is still putting himself in deadly situations hoping to die, not thinking about Sunny or her love at all. But when he learns that that changes right quick. He claims it gives him the excuse to stay alive...in case his dead buddies wanted him dead or something. And that has me thinking that Sunny wasn't enough by herself.
The second pattern I'm seeing is that the heroines are all doormats...to a point. Throughout the book Sunny lets herself be used. She doesn't have enough self-esteem to tell herself that she deserves more. She lets Zeke come to her every night and leave when he's done and believes this is as much as she deserves. Even when he's back in her life after 2 months of no contact, she lets him pick up where he left off. She doesn't care that she was hurt when he left, and she puts herself right back in the position to be hurt again. It's only when she learns that she finally stands up and says that enough is enough. She deserves love. I appreciate and love the fact that in each case the heroine is able to find her spine. That at least makes the doormat behavior in the beginning worth while and shows character growth, but it's so tough to watch it in the beginning.
This appears to be a dependably solid series which I'll probably stick with. Plenty of angstiness going on and some sexy scenes with some good HEA make these enjoyable reads, even if they are sometimes frustrating. This book though more than the others, had a lot of typos and editing mistakes...."thought" instead of "through" some incorrect prepositions and occasional missing words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2018
I was hesitant about ‘Beautiful killer’ because of my not-too-great experiences with Sherilee Gray’s last couple of books that actually left me reeling, but I’m glad that I picked up this one. ‘Beautiful Killer’ leans towards suspense-erotica (if there’s even such a term) rather than contemporary romance, like the rest of the other books in the series, though I did like Gray’s tortured, intense hero (I can’t begin to count how many times he actually growled and felt more animal than man) and a woman who’d always felt left behind.
It isn’t an unpredictable read, and there’s some slight suspense involved, which also proves to be the catalyst for Zeke and Sunny getting together, though their combined issues were certainly drawn out long enough in a push-pull vibe that stretched up to the end. Ultimately, both did seem somewhat self-absorbed in the beginning: Zeke in his own world of pain, regret and self-recrimination to see beyond how he isn’t good enough for anyone, and Sunny’s solitary state that’s self-pitying in her defeatist attitude of seeing everyone leaving her.
Still, I felt sorry for them somehow (developing a soft spot for the tortured arse hero too) and did think that they could be good together…if only they could stop the dance that circled around the word ‘love’ but never quite hitting the mark. With Zeke hardly speaking—his growly ways almost felt like a substitute for speech—and Sunny constantly retreating with Zeke’s inability to confront his past, I was left wondering how he and Sunny could actually communicate beyond scorching the sheets.
That said, ‘Beautiful Killer’ might be angsty, but it was for me, a nice change from the rest of the series that I didn’t really like. There might have been some frustration involved as it seemed as though something catastrophic needed to happen before they both got their acts together, but I can’t deny I felt more for the characters here than I have in a long time with Gray’s other books.
It isn’t an unpredictable read, and there’s some slight suspense involved, which also proves to be the catalyst for Zeke and Sunny getting together, though their combined issues were certainly drawn out long enough in a push-pull vibe that stretched up to the end. Ultimately, both did seem somewhat self-absorbed in the beginning: Zeke in his own world of pain, regret and self-recrimination to see beyond how he isn’t good enough for anyone, and Sunny’s solitary state that’s self-pitying in her defeatist attitude of seeing everyone leaving her.
Still, I felt sorry for them somehow (developing a soft spot for the tortured arse hero too) and did think that they could be good together…if only they could stop the dance that circled around the word ‘love’ but never quite hitting the mark. With Zeke hardly speaking—his growly ways almost felt like a substitute for speech—and Sunny constantly retreating with Zeke’s inability to confront his past, I was left wondering how he and Sunny could actually communicate beyond scorching the sheets.
That said, ‘Beautiful Killer’ might be angsty, but it was for me, a nice change from the rest of the series that I didn’t really like. There might have been some frustration involved as it seemed as though something catastrophic needed to happen before they both got their acts together, but I can’t deny I felt more for the characters here than I have in a long time with Gray’s other books.
January 4, 2018
Beautiful Killer by Sherilee Gray
Lawless Kings #3
Zeke, returns from war a changed man. He is filled with guilt, has PTSD and his fiancé did a number on him. Desperate and feeling there is little to live for he runs into Sunny at a bar…and for some reason she approaches him. Her smile, her giving, her warmth and everything about her begins to slowly thaw Zeke although he still feels he is not relationship material. Sunny has been on her own a long time. She knows that it is casual with Zeke but over time she starts caring for him and wonders if they could have more. The two have more than the non-relationship filled with sizzling moments to deal with when Sunny is robbed, harmed and fears what may happen next. Zeke feels strong responsibility for Sunny but can’t seem to move beyond responsibility to love and that drags for a bit with the push-pull and his unwillingness to sort out his problems. There is eventually a HEA for the two but there are many things that happen before the two get there.
I enjoyed the story and would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Swerve for the ARC – this is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Lawless Kings #3
Zeke, returns from war a changed man. He is filled with guilt, has PTSD and his fiancé did a number on him. Desperate and feeling there is little to live for he runs into Sunny at a bar…and for some reason she approaches him. Her smile, her giving, her warmth and everything about her begins to slowly thaw Zeke although he still feels he is not relationship material. Sunny has been on her own a long time. She knows that it is casual with Zeke but over time she starts caring for him and wonders if they could have more. The two have more than the non-relationship filled with sizzling moments to deal with when Sunny is robbed, harmed and fears what may happen next. Zeke feels strong responsibility for Sunny but can’t seem to move beyond responsibility to love and that drags for a bit with the push-pull and his unwillingness to sort out his problems. There is eventually a HEA for the two but there are many things that happen before the two get there.
I enjoyed the story and would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Swerve for the ARC – this is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
October 16, 2020
There are some books that are just so simple that there is nothing profound about them but yet you end up giving them a good rating because you were so engrossed in the writing that you couldn't put it down. This was one of those books. I loved how Sunny finally learnt to stand up for herself and put herself first towards the end. I would definitely say that her character had one of the biggest growth arcs I have ever read. And Zeke was your typical alpha male who was a softie on the inside but too stuck up in his head. So nothing special there. But I really liked the story.
December 27, 2017
ARC from NetGalley for Honest Review
I Give this Book a 4 star Rating
This was a really good book, characters all very likable and both are heavily emotionally scarred which draws them together. Drama is well placed, I look forward to reading more from this author and the 2 books before this one. This is a HEA.
I Give this Book a 4 star Rating
This was a really good book, characters all very likable and both are heavily emotionally scarred which draws them together. Drama is well placed, I look forward to reading more from this author and the 2 books before this one. This is a HEA.
January 30, 2018
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW
An absolutely amazing read that will pull at your heartstrings. Zeke....your heart will break for him. Not only for what he went through but for what he is going through now because of what he went through before. I loved his protective nature over Sunny.
Sunny was strong, but broken. Years of feeling like no one wanted her has decreased her self esteem until it's nearly non existent. She didn't feel like she deserved to be treated right.
The only thing holding back this book from being a 5 star was that I felt the "who did it" was fairly obvious. I'm not sure why no one thought to look at this person before.
An absolutely amazing read that will pull at your heartstrings. Zeke....your heart will break for him. Not only for what he went through but for what he is going through now because of what he went through before. I loved his protective nature over Sunny.
Sunny was strong, but broken. Years of feeling like no one wanted her has decreased her self esteem until it's nearly non existent. She didn't feel like she deserved to be treated right.
The only thing holding back this book from being a 5 star was that I felt the "who did it" was fairly obvious. I'm not sure why no one thought to look at this person before.
February 16, 2018
My god I loved this one. Loved loved loved it very hard. Start to finish, I was hooked! Zeke and Sunny ❤️❤️
September 25, 2018
5 stars
I m so glad i found this series because those characters are addictive. I loved Beautiful killer, it's such a great book, with a possessive alpha hero and independent and strong heroine, amazing writing and with fast-paced story plot. Zeke is a great alpha hero, after his return from the war he is changed man, daily living with quilty about his men died in the war. Sunny is a great heroine all her life she is put aside from her father then her step-family so when she saw Zeke in the bar that night she just wanted a one-night stand. But the chemistry between them is explosive and Zeke knows that one night is not enough for him. The epilogue is great, Another plus from me.
All in all amazing book and series
Highly recommended
I m so glad i found this series because those characters are addictive. I loved Beautiful killer, it's such a great book, with a possessive alpha hero and independent and strong heroine, amazing writing and with fast-paced story plot. Zeke is a great alpha hero, after his return from the war he is changed man, daily living with quilty about his men died in the war. Sunny is a great heroine all her life she is put aside from her father then her step-family so when she saw Zeke in the bar that night she just wanted a one-night stand. But the chemistry between them is explosive and Zeke knows that one night is not enough for him. The epilogue is great, Another plus from me.
All in all amazing book and series
Highly recommended
December 13, 2017
Before I start I would like to say that I'm very lucky that I had the opportunity to read Beautiful Killer one month before release day, thanks to Netgalley and Mrs Gray.
So...another perfect book from Sherilee Gray! I can easily say that she's one of my favorite authors and it doesn't matter what she writes, one-click is a sure thing.
Every time I read one of her books, my mind travels with the words and creates an image......this time, with Beautiful Killer, I had to put the air-condition on...cold air... because... Oh My God!!!! What a book!!! It was hot hot hot and I couldn't put it down until the last page!
Anyway, the 5 stars were easily given because
It was steamy
Written in 2POV
You can easily keep up to the story flow and
Happy ending after our hero "woke up" from the self-pity he was in.
For me this book is simple perfection like the first two books of the Lawless Kings series.
100% recommended if you like your steam in your books.♥♥♥
So...another perfect book from Sherilee Gray! I can easily say that she's one of my favorite authors and it doesn't matter what she writes, one-click is a sure thing.
Every time I read one of her books, my mind travels with the words and creates an image......this time, with Beautiful Killer, I had to put the air-condition on...cold air... because... Oh My God!!!! What a book!!! It was hot hot hot and I couldn't put it down until the last page!
Anyway, the 5 stars were easily given because
It was steamy
Written in 2POV
You can easily keep up to the story flow and
Happy ending after our hero "woke up" from the self-pity he was in.
For me this book is simple perfection like the first two books of the Lawless Kings series.
100% recommended if you like your steam in your books.♥♥♥
January 7, 2018
Sherilee Gray has a way with her characterizations ensuring that the happiness of the characters in question becomes your number one priority. Her characters are flawed, realistic and endearing, prepare to have your heartstrings tugged.
Beautiful Killer centers around two strangers who take refuge in each other for one night but fate has other plans for them when Sunny needs help from the King Agency. Both have a lot of emotional damage and barriers from their life experiences preventing them from connecting on a deeper level.
Zeke is ex-military, a sniper who has seen and done things no-one should have to deal with. Following his discharge and subsequent personal revelations, Zeke has disassociated himself from his family, his hometown and even those he worked with on a daily basis. Struggling to cope mentally and emotionally Zeke is on the edge (literally and metaphorically).
Sunny has her own problems coping with abandonment/attachment issues stemming from the loss of her mother at a very young age and them the ostracization she endured from her father's new wife and daughter. She grew up very lonely and tends to isolate herself as a result. Training herself to never hope for more, she accepts Zeke as is without a promise of more in the future.
There are thriller elements within the plot adding tension to the story and providing the basis to weave plot threads together in a unique fashion.
Ultimately, it is the characters that shine within Beautiful Killer, the events forcing them to confront aspects of themselves that are preventing them from achieving happiness in their future. It also shows that everything happens for a reason ♥
Beautiful Killer centers around two strangers who take refuge in each other for one night but fate has other plans for them when Sunny needs help from the King Agency. Both have a lot of emotional damage and barriers from their life experiences preventing them from connecting on a deeper level.
Zeke is ex-military, a sniper who has seen and done things no-one should have to deal with. Following his discharge and subsequent personal revelations, Zeke has disassociated himself from his family, his hometown and even those he worked with on a daily basis. Struggling to cope mentally and emotionally Zeke is on the edge (literally and metaphorically).
Sunny has her own problems coping with abandonment/attachment issues stemming from the loss of her mother at a very young age and them the ostracization she endured from her father's new wife and daughter. She grew up very lonely and tends to isolate herself as a result. Training herself to never hope for more, she accepts Zeke as is without a promise of more in the future.
There are thriller elements within the plot adding tension to the story and providing the basis to weave plot threads together in a unique fashion.
Ultimately, it is the characters that shine within Beautiful Killer, the events forcing them to confront aspects of themselves that are preventing them from achieving happiness in their future. It also shows that everything happens for a reason ♥
July 16, 2019
My heart strings!!
Ohhhh how I love Zeke soo!!! Effortless storyline and couple development!! So glad there hasn’t been major life changes for the other characters too, some series like to have babies and weddings and couples coming out of the woodwork like rain in a storm!
Ohhhh how I love Zeke soo!!! Effortless storyline and couple development!! So glad there hasn’t been major life changes for the other characters too, some series like to have babies and weddings and couples coming out of the woodwork like rain in a storm!
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