Poison Kisses Part 1

Poison Kisses #1

by Lisa Renee Jones

Amanda Skye made me want her. She made me trust her. She made me love her. Then she betrayed me. And now, a madman brings us together again and before our battle with him is over, I will make sure that she never forgets my name: Seth Cage. The Fixer for The Brandon Family Empire, but to a covert CIA operation, I will always be The Assassin. And to Amanda, I will be the man who made her moan, sigh, and beg. And I will make her beg.

***Note -- Poison Kisses is part 1 of a 3 part serial: All three parts are super sexy with an alpha man who has met his match in a kickass female. There will be naked moments that may or may not include a gun, which may or may not be his gun. ****

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Thriller

86 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2018

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.

In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |



SOUNDS LIKE A KICK-ASS HEROINE!

3-part novella series released one week apart.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
Blurb:
Amanda Larke made me want her. She made me trust her. She made me love her. Then she betrayed me. And now, a madman brings us together again and before our battle with him is over, I will make sure that she never forgets my name: Seth Cage. The Fixer for The Brandon Family Empire, but to a covert CIA operation, I will always be The Assassin. And to Amanda, I will be the man who made her moan, sigh, and beg. And I will make her beg.

Books in series should be read in order:
Part 1: Poison Kisses I
Part 2: Poison Kisses II
Part 3: Poison Kisses III

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC-Review
Release Date-6/2/18
Poison Kisses is a novella length edition book, the first part of a trilogy By Lisa Renee Jones.
So we have Amanda Skye AKA The Scientist and Seth Cage The assassin.
After a mission gone wrong which leaves a friend of Seth's dead and Amanda the woman he thought loved him gone.
Seth wanted out of the game but he is called back in for one last mission when the CIA gets a heads up on Amanda whereabouts and he's definitely the man for this job.
Each thinking the other has betrayed them the two lock heads from the get-go.
Poison kisses may be short but it does pack a punch.
It is told in a series of flashbacks which works but I would have preferred to have seen more now time rather than then.
I struggled to feel a connection between Amanda and Seth at times,maybe because this was so short.
I'm not really sure why if I'm honest I just wasn't feeling the love here.
I also wasn't overly fond of the opening scene which Shows Seth getting down and dirty with some random woman.
I didn't feel it added anything and was just there for added shock value and to say look at me I'm a douchebag player, love them and leave them thats me readers.
I felt this could have been portrayed in a much better way, just my opinion know.
So I don't really know if I'm invested enough to read part two.
We’ll see, a bonus is it's not long to wait really, so that good news.
Overall this was an ok read for me that passed a pleasant hour.
It was short, but certainly was action paced throughout.
So that’s about it from me.
I was provided with an ARC of "Poison Kisses: Part 1 " By Netgalley of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poison Kisses Part 1 is an intense, thrilling, sexy, and electric introduction to a side of Seth Cage that I can’t help but find irresistible! I loved him in the Dirty Money series, but I am so grateful to see him get a story of his own. This series gives us the chance to see just how lethal this man really is and I am loving every minute of it!

Three years ago, while working a covert operation for the CIA, Seth and Amanda fell in love. They were also this close to nailing a man who was a danger to national security. Until things went horribly wrong, an agent was dead, and both Seth and Amanda suffered insurmountable feelings of betrayal. Amanda went ghost and Seth has spent the last three years trying to find her, to have her answer for her sins. Now there’s another threat to the nation and Seth has been tasked with not only locating Amanda, but working with her once again. How will these two rely on each other when they’ve harbored three years of distrust? Well, that’s just one part of the fun!

Seth and Amanda were so incredibly amazing! I loved them so much. He was characteristically alpha and assertive, but she wasn’t a wallflower. She gave as good as she got. And these two together were EXPLOSIVE!! Trying to weed out the truth from fiction was just as much fun as watching them try not to fall under each other’s spell again. There was not a dull moment to be found and amidst the drama of the plot, I’m on tenterhooks to find out how this couple fares as the story develops. I’ll definitely be staying tuned for part two!

Release: Feb. 6, 2018 | Genre: Romantic Suspense | POV: Male - 1st person | Heat: 3.5 out of 5 | Part 1 of the Poison Kisses Trilogy | Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

It's LIVE!! Check out the Blog Tour: http://bit.ly/2FSCRc0

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I am going to hold my full review until I finish all three parts of this series. I will say that this first part was OK for me. I am used to this author having very little to no OW drama in her books so to be smacked in the face right at the beginning with a sex scene between the hero, and another woman put a damper on my experience right from the start. Add in the going back and forth from past to present, which I am also not a fan of, and the continuous animosity and angst, and this one was just OK.

That said, I am intrigued enough to continue...so on I go to part two.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ack... this one comes in 3 parts. 4.5 Stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kicking off this 3 part story of intrigue and betrayal is Poison Kisses #1. We meet Amanda and Seth and begin to unravel and intense story of passion, love, secrets, and betrayal.

Jones leads us down the garden path in the beginning and leaves us craving more at the end of this novella length portion of the story. I have a love-hate relationship with stories written in this fashion. But, thankfully, we don’t have to wait long for installment number two.

Keep your eye on this space for more from Lisa Renée Jones. She is my one click wonder for amazing stories with over-the-top heat, passion, and intrigue that leaves you begging for more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hard to rate but a great beginning ... Cannot wait to see what is to come!

* copy received for review consideration
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/poison-kisses...

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seth!

We already loved him in the Dirty Money series and now he gets his own story(ies!).
Don't worry - you don't need to have read the other 4 books to understand his story.

Seth used to be CIA before he started working for himself. But you never really leave the Agency. And now he's asked to shadow and maybe kill an ex agent. His ex lover. The only woman he ever loved.

Amanda is one of only 4 scientists who know about the dangerous poison this crazy killer is trying to kill lots of people with. The other 3 scientists are already dead, that's why the CIA thinks she's working with the killer. But of course she's not. Someone is setting her up. Just like both she and Seth were set up three years ago. Both thinking the other was the bad guy.

Amanda and Seth met for the first time working a case in Rome three years ago. Both didn't see themselves with a happily ever after for their future years, but they thought about it as soon as they met. They fell in love. They would've been an amazing unit. But bad people were conspiring against them left and right. Then and now!

What will happen?
Can they ever trust each other again?
Will they find out who the bad guys are?
Will they stop the crazy killer from killing?

Find out in this book and the next two - don't worry - we don't have to wait too long - book #2 will be out next week! Plus, Lisa always puts a little summary in the 2nd and 3rd book!

POISON KISSES #1 was a very exciting & mysterious & sexy start to this 3-part-suspense series... Run to your nearest amazon for your own Seth - this one is MINE!!!

♡ ♡
♡ ♡

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essa série mistura tudo que gosto em um livro: suspense, espionagem, romance, diálogos inteligentes. ADOREI.
Aguardando ansiosa a continuação!!!!!!!

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

Well, here we go. Poison Kisses Part 1 … I am not sure where Lisa Renee Jones is bringing this story but, the first book was highly suspenseful. Seth and Amanda … what happened to make them hate each other the way they do? Knowing this author, maybe we'll find out before the series is over or maybe not.

There is a thin line between love and hate and I have a feeling that Seth and Amanda are doing a tight-rope walk on it. I'm not sure who will attack who first. Both are alpha, formidable people who each have their own skill sets. They will do or say whatever it takes to get under the other's skin. Threats and promises made on each side … promises are made to be broken … threats need to be taken seriously. And, I seriously think Seth is not making promises but threats that will, eventually have Amanda begging.

Poison Kisses Part 1 read like a prologue to a story that is going to be exciting and, predictably, extremely erotic. I cannot wait to see where Lisa Renee Jones brings these two ex-CIA operatives and how Seth makes Amanda pay for her betrayal. I'm interested in seeing where this is all going and just what she did to him. I'm also looking forward to the impeccable story telling abilities of Lisa Renee Jones. She actually wrote to characters that I didn't like but totally intrigued me. Kudos to an author who could do that.

[Kayla · Rating 1 out of 5]

For years now, I've heard incredible things about Lisa Renee Jones' books. She's on my list of authors that I want to be able to read eventually. In fact, she has been for quite a long time. I recently had the opportunity to read one of her books, Poison Kisses Part 1. Unfortunately, I DNF'd it halfway through.

I feel bad for DNF'ing Poison Kisses Part 1 halfway through. It's such a short book that Goodreads has it listed at 86 pages. Usually I don't do that with short books, but it just wasn't holding my interest at all. To me, it felt like the book was all sex, no plot. Don't get me wrong, I love smutty books. I read quite a few of them. However, I like them to have a story line that makes sense too, whether it be serious, or funny. It still needs to be about something if you were to remove those scenes.

Unfortunately, I didn't like Poison Kisses Part 1. In fact, I didn't like it so much that I ended up DNF'ing it, which is unusual for me. I really do want to give Lisa Renee Jones' books another chance because I believe opinions of an author's writing shouldn't be based on one bad experience that someone has with one of their books. I have a feeling that I might enjoy one of her series, The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I own those books, so I think I'm going to try that next.

[i fall in love book blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poison Kisses Part 1 is the book that I thought Falling Under was when I first started reading it. Seth has been this undeniable presence in the Dirty Money series. He's intriguing, but we know nothing about him except that he's loyal and exceptional good at his job. This is his story and it pulls you in instantly with its intensity.

The only thing I don't understand is why this was broken up into three parts. I haven't read the 2nd and 3rd part yet, but I would assume it reads like a normal novel so I'm not sure what benefit comes from breaking the book up like this.

Seth is known as The Assassin. Amanda is The Scientist, but Seth prefers to call her The Poison Princess. Their working relationship turned into a romantic one while they were undercover as a married couple for several months. Then Amanda went on the run without her partner and he's been chasing her down ever since. The chemistry between these two is on point, and there is a definite push-pull to their relationship. There are obviously feelings there, but they are both fighting them with everything they have. I loved it, and can't wait to read Parts 2 & 3.

I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.

[Ayekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seth Cage......sigh...... What a freaking insanely good book. Lisa pulled out all the stops on this one. I love the story line and Amanda was exceptional as well. These two have history going back 3 years.
Seth allows himself that one time to feel something and feels like he got it shoved back up his backside. He believes the worst about Amanda and blames her for everything that has gone wrong and is wrong with not only his life but everything else. No longer with the agency, taking special cases he's given an assignment. She's it. Grab her, protect her and get what they want out of her, then kill her. Pretty cut and dry.
Amanda hates Seth. She loved him, then finds herself betrayed by him. A child of the agency, her parents both scientists and she grew up in that setting. It was her life, until it became apparent that her life was in danger and the surprise was by who and she's been in hiding for 3 years. No one could find her. Until she decided to hit the radar.
Seth the Assassin and The Poison Queen. What a combo and I can't wait for book two. This story unfolds over three books. One hell of a story.
Absolute must read.

**arc from NetGalley and publisher is exchange for an honest review**

*late edit* this is part one to a 3 part novella, each about 80 pages. You decide whether to spend the $$ for 80 pages that could have been wrapped up in one short book.** Therefore, I didn't read the 2nd and 3rd books. I think 9.00 for 200 pages just blows**

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poison Kisses is Seth Cage's story. We first learned about Seth from the Bad Deeds series and I was excited that were are getting more from one of my favorite series.

I'll admit I was surprised by Seth in the first installment. He's pretty cold and ruthless. I mean he was in Bad Deeds knowing he was former CIA but I think reading his thoughts brought it home to just how cold he can be.

Amanda is another surprising character. I don't remember getting any information on her in the previous series but I wasn't really expecting a rogue agent to be soft.

This first installment brings Seth back into Amanda's world after 3 years of no contact and 3 years of being out of the CIA. They each believe the other has betrayed each other and now they are forced to work together once again except Seth has been ordered to kill Amanda when their mission is done.

This is a very short installment so we just get a glimpse into their start of the mission. It does end on a cliffhanger. ARC provided by NetGalley.

[julia ☆ [owls reads] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

*

“I wonder if I missed the taste of poison on your lips, or did I just choose to ignore it?”

Poison Kisses: Part 1 is a good introduction to a super steamy and action-filled 3 part serial. The romance between Seth and Amanda is complicated, dangerous, and the main point of conflict in the story. There are gunfights, secret identities, and a murderous scientist, and all those elements come together in a fun and tense novella.

Lisa Renee Jones sets up an intriguing and engaging story. The writing is good and easy to follow, and the fast pace works really well with the overall plot arc. There isn’t a lot of character development, but the shift in timeline between the past and the present adds tension and helps develop Seth and Amanda’s relationship. The action and world-building are totally over the top, but in the best of ways.

There is absolutely nothing realistic about the portrayal of CIA agents in this novella, and that is amazing. As most of the plot if heavily tied to secret government agencies, this gives a dangerous atmosphere to the story, making it feel a lot like a Hollywood action movie. It’s overdone to the max, but it works so so so well with Jones’ writing style and is one of the highlights for me.

Seth, the narrator, is the typical alpha hero. The romance between him and Amanda is very much a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers kind of deal, so there is a lot of tension between them during the story. As in, sexual tension, which leads the way to so many steamy scenes between the two of them, oh my god. We also get glimpses of what happened between them through very well-written flashbacks that flow smoothly with the course of the plot.

There is a lot of drama regarding Seth and Amanda that seems like it could have been solved, or at least addressed, by them just talking to each other, so that does frustrate me a little. That’s where most of the conflicts come from - their relationship -, although Jones does bring an outside source of Evil/Bad Guy to raise the stakes. That part kind of falls to the background a little, despite being the reason why they’ve reunited. And because of the huge cliffhanger ending, neither of those things get resolved in this installment.

In the end, Poison Kisses: Part 1 is the perfect novella for anyone who is looking for a quick and action-filled Romance read. There is a lot of sex, so be warned, but just as many fights and dangerous situations. The cliffhanger ending does leave you wanting more, so I’m excited about what’s to come next.

*

Series: #1 Poison Kisses series.
POV: Told from Seth’s POV.
Content Warnings: None.
Instalove: A bit.
Steam: Suuuper steamy.
Love Triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
Cliffhanger: Yes.
HEA: Not yet.
Up Next: Poison Kisses: Part 2.

*

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Babel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addictive, fast-paced, clever and stimulating.

What happens when you mix the brilliant style of this author with the atmosphere of Kiefer Sutherland's TV series 24? Pure dynamite.

This former couple that mean to kill each other and met as agents on a mission years back, now have to forcibly work together again to stop a massive threat of security. They hate each other with a passion that can only be surpassed by the criminal secrets they share and the sheer vigour of their bond. Wow, what a heady cocktail!

Seth and Amanda get physical both in deadly and amorous ways pretty quickly in the story, which made my heart beat really fast. They are lethal weapons in and onto themselves, they act and speak accordingly. Sharp, smart, challenging. And oh the fierce chemistry between them! Enhanced by danger and mistrust, it jumps out of the page as a live wire. I loved how they work together, how synchronized their talents and skills. Despite the hatred for seemingly unforgivable acts on both parts, they are trained agents who ooze precision and efficiency. A killer and a scientist. Reminded me a bit of The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer and I adored that.

My only complaint is the opening scene which shows the hero in a very unflattering light.
I'm eager to find out if they can behave in their present mission without killing each other first. Or if desire will melt their brains :-D What is it that broke their love? Only one way to find out. The second part is coming!

[Kenya Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super fun ride that ends too damn fast for me, which is why I'm jumping right into the next book like an addict.

I do prefer the past story verses the present day parts of the couple, but this is awesome writing.

[Dirty Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Poison Princess Stars
This is a 3 part story of suspense, accusations and a real who dun it!
This story focuses on the Poison Princess and the Assassin as they try to make sense of who they were, what is happening and what their next move.
the couple was brought together to do a mission as Mr. and Mrs. Smith and somewhere along the way they fell in love.
when suddenly betrayal happened and the couple spent 3 years a part

will the sins of their past, present and future destroy them or will they destroy the barriers that stand in their way!?

[Paganalexandria]

Seth Cage is a cold CIA operative, whose next assignment forces him to confront his betrayer, and ex lover. Amanda Skye has been hiding in plain sight from her employers that want her dead...after she helps stop a madman. If her coworker can hold off that long.

This is my first time reading this writer, and it feels like I'm missing something. Though it is supposed to be book one of this series, it feels like a continuation of something else. I can't connect to the writing style. The hero comes off unappealing. Maybe reading the author's other books first would provide a much needed bridge to caring about these people?

*received ARC from Netgalley

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for an honest review -

Seth! Woohoo it's Seth!

I wanted more of his story the whole time I was reading the Dirty Money series, and here he is!

We are taken on another sexy, mysterious rollercoaster of a ride with Seth and Amanda, a blast from his past - but is she a good blast?

They are fighting their way either to be together, or to kill each other, and as this first installment ends, we are still not sure which way things are going to go. They are both so stubborn and sure of what the know - but from what I have read so far, I feel someone has played them both - but I will have to read the next part to find out!

This is an adrenaline packed, suspenseful short, and we only have a week between each installment to find out what happens next Bring it on!

[April Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

POISON KISSES by Lisa Renee Jones is the First book in the series called "Poison Kisses". This is the story of Amanda Skye and Seth Cage. Their story plays out over three parts which translates to 3 books. Seth was a part of the previous series 'Dirty Money" and now we are getting his story. You don’t have to have read the previous series to get into Seth’s story. Seth used to be CIA before he started working for himself but you know, you never really leave the agency. And now he's being asked to shadow and possibly kill an ex agent. The ex lover—HIS Ex Lover. The only woman he ever truly loved.
Amanda is one of only 4 scientists who know about the dangerous poison this crazy killer is trying to kill lots of people with. The other 3 scientists that she was working with are dead already which is why the CIA thinks she is the killer or is working with the killer. But they have it all wrong. Amanda doesn’t know who is setting her up for a murder rap…she isn’t involved in anyway. Just like both she and Seth were set up 3 years before -- Both thinking the other was baddie.
They each believe the other has betrayed each other and now they are forced to work together once again yet there is the added complication that Seth has been told to kill Amanda when they complete the mission. There is a lot of angst, suspense, intrigue, drama, romance, tension-- between them during the story. We get flashbacks that shows the readers what happened previously between Seth and Amanda in the past and it was done so smoothly that it didn’t feel put upon in the story but more of an added necessity to the story. This is a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers troupe type story. Poison Kisses: Part 1 is the perfect novella for anyone who is looking for a quick and action-filled Romance read. I look forward to book 2 and seeing what Lisa Renee Jones has set up next for Seth and Amanda.


My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok...I think. The first scene that shows us H with OW I could've lived without. Otherwise, it wasn't bad. The story is about two CIA agents that believe they were betrayed by one another while maintaining a secret, but very serious, relationship. She is in hiding, he is out there to get her, and no one will hesitate to kill. There is some action there as well as memories of the past here and there. And there is still a suspense about what really happened three years ago and who was responsible. The book gives me Mr and Mrs Smith vibe.

Mild spoilers below about safety

No OW drama (the first scene is all abour H's manwhorish ways other than anything else) and I suspect there won't be any in the future, 'cause for him she was the only one from the day one. Still it didn't stop him from being with OWs during their separation (of course he wasn't cheating or anything and it was kind of justified, not that I expected him to be celibate for three years. My problem was that she was celibate for this period of time). And, obviously, he was a typical alpha male. But it must have been a giving considering his choice of profession.

She was a badass, but had a soft spot for him. I don't know what she thinks about his attempts to forget her, because she has other things on her mind right now. But I don't see her giving him a hard time for that. Jury is still out on that one.

The story is short and ends with cliffhanger, which is not a problem 'cause all the books in the series are out already (exactly the reason why I was waiting to start reading). I'm intrigued and will definitely continue.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley***

Lisa Renee Jones is the absolute queen of 3 things:

1. Cliffhangers
2. Hot, Sexy Alpha Heroes who are a little dangerous
3. Books that are impossible to review without spoilers

And, this book meets all 3 of those criteria perfectly. You find out, quickly (in the blurb actually) that Amanda and Seth have a history. A passionate, twisty, complicated and interesting history. Through flashbacks, you get a glimpse of this history, enough to be able to feel the connection between Seth and Amanda that both are trying to pretend isn't there...except when they are giving in to their mutual passion.

As always, the book moves quickly without boring the reader or making them feel that there are things they should have been told but weren't.

Seth just might be my favorite of all of Ms. Jones' heroes, and that is saying a lot. I love his intensity, his passion, how conflicted and determined he is...all of it goes together to create one heck of a steamy first book in the 3-part series. I was engaged from the beginning to the cliffhanger end.

I am looking forward to the next title and I recommend this one!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotionally thrilling, smoking hot sexy, action packed second chance romantic adventure filled with passion, danger, intrigue and betrayal. This is a quick read with a cliff at the end, but it is there for a reason since this is only part one of three.

Amanda Skye is sweet, proper, smart and known as the Scientist. She is a CIA operative that was raised to be one and on the run after the man she fell in love with betrayed her. (or so she believes) Seth Cage is sexy, strong, smart and known as The Fixer for The Brandon Family Empire. It has been three years since the only woman he ever loved betrayed him and now he is assigned to retrieve her. Loved this highly entertaining adventure and look forward to part 2.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . POISON KISSES, PART 1 . . .This was a short, sexy, thrilling, cliffhanger read that gave as good as it got. Seth the assassin, pulled back in to do one more job. Amanda the scientist, put in his path to make the game that much more entertaining. Their history together drew them back together. Their history together blurs the lines drawn. Their attraction to one another unmistakable. This was like the prologue to a waited tell. It left you wanting the next installment.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read the Dirty Money series and have wondered about Seth, well here's your chance to discover his story. Author Lisa Renee Jones have become one of the author's I go to in the romance genre when I want a great story, a fast paced plot, characters with depth and chemistry with some mystery and suspense thrown in the mix. Once again she delivers. This is a great first part to Seth and Amanda's story and I can't wait to find out what happens next. This story has plenty of suspense, intrigue, passion, chemistry and heat.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the author.

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of a new spy mini series that will have you hooked.


From the start you are drawn into a fast paced story that pits two agents Seth and Amanda in a game of wits against each other.

There is a romantic undercurrent to the story they have a history and the chemistry hasn’t gone away. Twists and turns will leave you wondering who to trust.




reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa Renée Jones has captured my attention with "Poison Kisses 1 ", the intrigue, the secrets and the betrayal drawing me in just as surely as former CIA agent Seth cage and Amanda Skye are as equally captured . Captured by what they each believe to be true; captured by a shared nemesis and captured by the past, a past filled with secrets, passion and love and betrayal.
However Seth's motto is "Fuck or be fucked" and to spite what he may have felt for Amanda in the past he can not allow his feelings to interfere with his mission; He is after all , the Assassin.
Ms Jones has set the stage for a wild ride with this novella and I am waiting with baited breathe for part two and three!
Arc graciously provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review .

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update 10/11/18: trying this 3 parter on audio. Upped it to 4 stars. The audio is a better format and I'm glad I have all 3 parts available.

So I didn't read the dirty money series even though I have all the books and still plan to. You don't need to read those in order to read this series.

I like how this is a Mr and Mrs Smith type of story. However what doesn't work for me is the constant jumping back and forth to the past and present. I think the way how this novella is laid out thrown me off of what I'm trying to get a feel for Amanda and Seth. The one "hot" scene on the plane made it feel like it was a filler for where it was placed in the book, and I ended up skimming some of that.

Im assuming the rest of the 2 parters are going to have the same format of the past and present. I just feel like a good core of the story is missing even though this is a 3 part event book. Maybe the general timeline was going too fast for me to stay in the moment with the characters. I don't know. I'll have to figure out if it's worth wanting to read the rest of the series or not.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading books from this author. As in, REALLY enjoy reading anything by this author. However, she has one writing flaw. She writes cliffhangers. When you get that vested with her characters, it shows her caliber as an author. Unfortunately, that's when she ends it till next time and your BP just skyrockets LOL.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kathleen R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all know how much i love books written by Lisa Renee Jones. There's just something about the way that she brings her stories to life that completely captivates me. This has been how it's been since i picked up my first book by this author almost 2 years ago, and haven't forgotten how each book makes me feel - a little bit edgy, a little bit thrilled, a bit turn on and a whole lot entertained.

This book - Poison Kisses Pt. 1, is the first of three instalments in this series, so there was a lot of background to make in such short a book. I managed to go through it within 2 hours, and that's also taking into consideration that i had a few other things to do as well while i read. So while i was trying to figure out if i had read about Seth and Amanda beforehand (which we have in parts), i was taken through their entire relationship in a nutshell. It was fast, it was quick and it was the best quickie i've had in quite some time because it left me both satisfied and starving for more.

To say that you have to read the second part after this one is an understatement - it leaves you with that feeling of needing to get more of this couple because there is so much unfinished business it's unreal. And the same can be said on whether or not you should read this part before the second; that's a resounding yes. This is one series that i can't wait to see what will be done with as we keep going through it.

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

 

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[Donna ~ The Romance Cover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poison Kisses (Complete Series) by Lisa Renee Jones
3.5 stars!!!!

“I don’t like unknowns. Ever. Unknowns mean trouble. And trouble gets you killed.”

Poison Kisses is a three-part series, each book released a week apart and the concluding part released this week. This was one of those series where I had to read each instalment as soon as it hit my kindle and for the hour or so they take to read my eyes never left the pages. CIA/FBI, espionage, assassins in all guises makes this entertaining reading and certainly leaves the reader trying to read between the lines, distinguish the trusted from the untrustworthy and try and gauge if the good guys really can win.

“Without trust, there are just enemies.”

If you have read the Dirty Money series, you will have heard of Seth, as he was Shane’s right hand man and ex-CIA, and now Lisa Renee Jones has graced us with his own book. In the Dirty Money series, he was a bit of an enigma, extremely professional, well connected and seemed detached and impassive. It is only after reading this first instalment I truly appreciated just how cold he was, the CIA changes you, but being burnt and betrayed by your partner and your lover will do that to you too.

“I don’t remember ever living in a perfect world for even one day of my life. There are just façades of perfection.”

They say that you are never ex-CIA, even if you are and while Shane is on his honeymoon, Seth is recalled into the fold to follow, assist and maybe kill another ex-agent, who just so happens to be his ex-partner, his ex-lover, the woman that destroyed him for all others, an agent dubbed the Scientist or the Poison Princess…so it is only right they call upon the agent once named the Assassin.

“You might be the Assassin, but I’m the Scientist. And if you think I’m not your match, think again.”

When these two are re-united, both are well aware of the others objectives, neither trusts the other and yet the explosive chemistry that these two once shared is still prevalent in spades. But, they hate each other, but we all know there is a fine line between love and hate.

“Amanda, for now, we’re on our way to save lives. And then we’re going to try to take each other’s. But I’m pretty damn sure we’re going to fuck a time or ten before we get there. Because that’s what you do to your enemies. You fuck them.”

This series is action packed, fast paced and I feel skirts the realms of plausibility as far as FBI/CIA agents are concerned, but it makes for entertaining reading. I adore this authors writing style, but for me, this series could have done with being a little longer, certain parts explored greater in depth and the ending for me felt convenient and rushed. Over the previous two, and half of this instalment we had a fantastic build up and then it was all over while I blinked. Overall though, this series has been an entertaining read for people like me who love crime, mysteries and thrillers it certainly scratches the itch, but this was one of those itches that kept moving and the book series didn’t catch up.

“I was always the Poison Princess to you, wasn’t I?”
“You were my kind of poison.”

However, as ever with a Lisa Renee Jones read the chemistry was palpable, the action between the sheets was incredibly hot and the dialogue was on point. The heart wants who the heart wants and despite a three year break the chemistry that these had is as prevalent as ever. While the sexual chemistry is reignited straight away it takes a while for the trust element to reignite, but these two work well together and I was glad that these two didn’t just pick up from where they left off. They re-build, but as I said above I felt a little more depth here would have gone a long way. Overall though a very thrilling read.

“Don’t do that to us…Don’t do that to me.”

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