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Shelby Nichols #7.5
Devil in a Black Suit
From the bestselling Shelby Nichols Adventure Series comes the long-awaited story about Alejandro Ramos. Don't miss this thrilling mystery adventure about our favorite hit-man.More than sparks fly when a hit-man and a spy join forces.
Ramos's job as the right-hand man to a mobster takes a turn when a government agent from his past shows up wanting a favor.
This leads him into a dangerous alliance where helping an agent takes him to Cuba and his troubled past.
Wanting to find out what happened to his father pulls him into the job, but the cost just might be his life.
Will this be the place he dies?
Read it now and find out.
This book is a stand-alone novel from Ramos's point of view and is based on the characters from the Shelby Nichols Series. For readers of the series, this book takes place between book seven, Crossing Danger, and book eight, Devious Minds.
USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Colleen Helme offers a clever mix of mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, and thrilling adventure in the highly acclaimed Shelby Nichols Adventure Series.
*****
Did this book about Ramos live up to my expectations? Yes 100 times! Another win for Colleen and the Shelby World! Cannot wait for more! ~Berls at Because Reading
This is a true stand-alone story, and a thrilling roller coaster ride for Ramos and Agent Sloan.~Amazon Reviewer
Devil in a Black Suit is a Shelby spin-off, and she's not in it a ton. However to me, that makes each mention of her even sweeter. It was a fun journey to take off the beaten path of the Shelby universe, and I loved every step of it! A great, refreshing Ramos-centered mystery thriller! I hope Colleen Helme writes more stories about my favorite hit-man!!~Amazon Reviewer
Perfect for fans of Leslie Wolfe, Russell Blake, Camilla Chafer, and Jana DeLeon.
Ramos's job as the right-hand man to a mobster takes a turn when a government agent from his past shows up wanting a favor.
This leads him into a dangerous alliance where helping an agent takes him to Cuba and his troubled past.
Wanting to find out what happened to his father pulls him into the job, but the cost just might be his life.
Will this be the place he dies?
Read it now and find out.
This book is a stand-alone novel from Ramos's point of view and is based on the characters from the Shelby Nichols Series. For readers of the series, this book takes place between book seven, Crossing Danger, and book eight, Devious Minds.
USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Colleen Helme offers a clever mix of mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, and thrilling adventure in the highly acclaimed Shelby Nichols Adventure Series.
*****
Did this book about Ramos live up to my expectations? Yes 100 times! Another win for Colleen and the Shelby World! Cannot wait for more! ~Berls at Because Reading
This is a true stand-alone story, and a thrilling roller coaster ride for Ramos and Agent Sloan.~Amazon Reviewer
Devil in a Black Suit is a Shelby spin-off, and she's not in it a ton. However to me, that makes each mention of her even sweeter. It was a fun journey to take off the beaten path of the Shelby universe, and I loved every step of it! A great, refreshing Ramos-centered mystery thriller! I hope Colleen Helme writes more stories about my favorite hit-man!!~Amazon Reviewer
Perfect for fans of Leslie Wolfe, Russell Blake, Camilla Chafer, and Jana DeLeon.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2018
529 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Helme
43 books735 followersSolving crimes with sass, suspense, and a splash of the supernatural.
Colleen Helme is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, best known for her fast-paced, laugh-out-loud Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, where cozy mystery meets a dash of the paranormal. With over 19 books in the series and several more in her Sand and Shadow and the Love, Loyalty and Larceny series, she’s built a world in which readers love to escape.
Colleen Helme is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, best known for her fast-paced, laugh-out-loud Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, where cozy mystery meets a dash of the paranormal. With over 19 books in the series and several more in her Sand and Shadow and the Love, Loyalty and Larceny series, she’s built a world in which readers love to escape.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
September 23, 2019
Incompetence takes center stage
Review of Kindle edition
Devil in a Black Suit
Publication date: February 27, 2018
Publisher: Manetto Books
Language: English
ASIN: B078YGWCTF
257 pages
Part one is incompetence piled on top of incompetence. Examples: (1) Carlos the criminal weapons buyer made no arrangements to transport the weapons after purchase. (2) Ramos' grand backup/emergency plan is a remotely detonated bomb hidden among the weapons? A fine plan to keep Stinger antiaircraft weapons away from drug cartels and terrorists but not much of a self defense plan. Protecting the weapons is Sloan's responsibility not Ramos'. How about Ramos having some of his and Manetto's men, including a sniper or two, hidden in the wings for contingencies including rescue ops. He knows that Carlos wants to kill him. I guess thinking of something along those lines would be too much of a strain for Ramos and Manetto. (3) Despite shoulder fired antiaircraft missiles being among the weapons, Sloan brings an inadequate team to protect them. Not enough bodies or tech to protect something that important. No drones. No surveillance or chase aircraft. No remote kill switch on the truck to prevent the criminals from driving away with the weapons. Not even a nearly empty gas tank. No wires to keep offsite surveillance, backup and chase teams informed about what is happening. In fact no surveillance, backup or chase teams at all. (4) Why did Ramos and Sloan chase the truck alone? It would have taken no time at all for one or two of Sloan's team to join them. There is plenty more but this is a review, not a book report.
After part I, I had little enthusiasm for the rest of the book. What little I had disappeared when I read this near the beginning of part 2: "Maybe someday she’d realize that, of all the mob-bosses, Manetto was probably one of the better ones to work for. At least Manetto wasn’t as ruthless as most. And he didn’t kill a lot of people." That Manetto is a saint isn't he? Along with Saint Ramos the hitman this was just too much for me. Sleazy, incompetent organized crime bosses and criminals are not sympathetic protagonists for me.
Review of Kindle edition
Devil in a Black Suit
Publication date: February 27, 2018
Publisher: Manetto Books
Language: English
ASIN: B078YGWCTF
257 pages
Part one is incompetence piled on top of incompetence. Examples: (1) Carlos the criminal weapons buyer made no arrangements to transport the weapons after purchase. (2) Ramos' grand backup/emergency plan is a remotely detonated bomb hidden among the weapons? A fine plan to keep Stinger antiaircraft weapons away from drug cartels and terrorists but not much of a self defense plan. Protecting the weapons is Sloan's responsibility not Ramos'. How about Ramos having some of his and Manetto's men, including a sniper or two, hidden in the wings for contingencies including rescue ops. He knows that Carlos wants to kill him. I guess thinking of something along those lines would be too much of a strain for Ramos and Manetto. (3) Despite shoulder fired antiaircraft missiles being among the weapons, Sloan brings an inadequate team to protect them. Not enough bodies or tech to protect something that important. No drones. No surveillance or chase aircraft. No remote kill switch on the truck to prevent the criminals from driving away with the weapons. Not even a nearly empty gas tank. No wires to keep offsite surveillance, backup and chase teams informed about what is happening. In fact no surveillance, backup or chase teams at all. (4) Why did Ramos and Sloan chase the truck alone? It would have taken no time at all for one or two of Sloan's team to join them. There is plenty more but this is a review, not a book report.
After part I, I had little enthusiasm for the rest of the book. What little I had disappeared when I read this near the beginning of part 2: "Maybe someday she’d realize that, of all the mob-bosses, Manetto was probably one of the better ones to work for. At least Manetto wasn’t as ruthless as most. And he didn’t kill a lot of people." That Manetto is a saint isn't he? Along with Saint Ramos the hitman this was just too much for me. Sleazy, incompetent organized crime bosses and criminals are not sympathetic protagonists for me.
February 7, 2019
Disappointed 😒
Told from Ramos's POV. Incl. his recent ex, apparently a badass spy. Madonna mia, Sloan was weak and pathetically drooled over him. None of the badass operations described in this book went well. Every single one failed. And she drooled. And he played cool. And she tried to chase him. And he played cool 🙄
Still can't get what was a purpose of this story.
Told from Ramos's POV. Incl. his recent ex, apparently a badass spy. Madonna mia, Sloan was weak and pathetically drooled over him. None of the badass operations described in this book went well. Every single one failed. And she drooled. And he played cool. And she tried to chase him. And he played cool 🙄
Still can't get what was a purpose of this story.
February 28, 2018
Loved it!
I have read (and re-read) all of the Shelby Nichols books and this was a great treat (to view things from Ramos's side of things). As we already knew, he is quite the "softy" at heart but this showed that side of Ramos even more. It definitely shows that Ramos can get into enough trouble on his own without Shelby running into her constant troubles! So the two of them are really double trouble! The suspense was great and this book definitely kept me on my toes. I was not expecting things to play out how they did!
I loved getting insight on Ramos's background and it just made me love his character even more!
I definitely did not like the Sloan/Ramos thing. Yes I know Shelby and Ramos are not together but I kind of wish they were (I know, that's bad but, we will just blame those thoughts on Colleen for making Ramos be so AWESOME)!!!!
And I kind of can't help but love that Ramos is always thinking about Shelby and how he loves being her hero!
I cannot wait for the next book....time to re-read to catch up again!
I have read (and re-read) all of the Shelby Nichols books and this was a great treat (to view things from Ramos's side of things). As we already knew, he is quite the "softy" at heart but this showed that side of Ramos even more. It definitely shows that Ramos can get into enough trouble on his own without Shelby running into her constant troubles! So the two of them are really double trouble! The suspense was great and this book definitely kept me on my toes. I was not expecting things to play out how they did!
I loved getting insight on Ramos's background and it just made me love his character even more!
I definitely did not like the Sloan/Ramos thing. Yes I know Shelby and Ramos are not together but I kind of wish they were (I know, that's bad but, we will just blame those thoughts on Colleen for making Ramos be so AWESOME)!!!!
And I kind of can't help but love that Ramos is always thinking about Shelby and how he loves being her hero!
I cannot wait for the next book....time to re-read to catch up again!
March 8, 2018
When you love a series there are always supporting characters you would like to know more about. Well, in the Shelby Nichols series Ramos is a character that has many fans wanting to know more. "Devil in a Black Suit" is his story.
In this novella, Ramos, is contacted by the government in an effort to get Uncle Joey to take down a Mexican arms dealer. The contact is none other than Mia Sloan, the Agent who helped Manetti and Ramos get out of Mexico alive. Manetti doesn't want to be associated with guns but grants Ramos permission to assist Sloan if he so chooses. Ramos can't help but remember the passionate time he spent with Ramos In Mexico but he also knows not to fully trust her.
While meeting with Carlos, the arms buyer, Ramos enlists Shelby's assistance in scoping out his true intentions. She also checks out Sloan's motivations and neither are good. Ramos is nobody's fool and has set things into place that will ensure he gets out of the viper pit alive. Good thing too because there is a disaster just waiting to happen.
In the aftermath of the chaos, Sloan is apologetic but leaves Ramos with a parting gift, information that his father just may be alive. Now, he is determined to go to Cuba to discover for himself whether or not his father is alive and if he has any family still remaining there. Of course, much to his surprise, Sloan just happens to be in Cuba as well and she needs his help once again.
This read is chocked full of suspense and action packed moments. Ramos is as hot as always and takes no prisoner. We are able to finally get a glance at his past and what makes him the man he is today and in the end these details make you love him all the more.
In this novella, Ramos, is contacted by the government in an effort to get Uncle Joey to take down a Mexican arms dealer. The contact is none other than Mia Sloan, the Agent who helped Manetti and Ramos get out of Mexico alive. Manetti doesn't want to be associated with guns but grants Ramos permission to assist Sloan if he so chooses. Ramos can't help but remember the passionate time he spent with Ramos In Mexico but he also knows not to fully trust her.
While meeting with Carlos, the arms buyer, Ramos enlists Shelby's assistance in scoping out his true intentions. She also checks out Sloan's motivations and neither are good. Ramos is nobody's fool and has set things into place that will ensure he gets out of the viper pit alive. Good thing too because there is a disaster just waiting to happen.
In the aftermath of the chaos, Sloan is apologetic but leaves Ramos with a parting gift, information that his father just may be alive. Now, he is determined to go to Cuba to discover for himself whether or not his father is alive and if he has any family still remaining there. Of course, much to his surprise, Sloan just happens to be in Cuba as well and she needs his help once again.
This read is chocked full of suspense and action packed moments. Ramos is as hot as always and takes no prisoner. We are able to finally get a glance at his past and what makes him the man he is today and in the end these details make you love him all the more.
March 2, 2022
Any book about Ramos would be great, but Devil in a Black Suit is much more than just any book! An awesome and terrifying adventure to help an old love ends up sending Ramos to Cuba to learn what really happened to his father. He isn't surprised to discover that the hard to resist beauty and trouble travel hand-in-hand. Filled with heart, suspense, and action, Devil in a Black Suit gives us a wonderful peek into not only Ramos's parents' past but shows us once again who he is today.
This book falls between Crossing Danger and Devious Minds but it does not need to be read in sequence with the Shelby Nichols series. I do believe a familiarity with that series will make the book more enjoyable.
This book falls between Crossing Danger and Devious Minds but it does not need to be read in sequence with the Shelby Nichols series. I do believe a familiarity with that series will make the book more enjoyable.
May 15, 2018
Even though this is a Shelby Nichols adventure, Shelby rarely makes an appearance. The star of the book is Ramos, the right hand and hitman to a mob boss. Ramos meets up with U.S. Agent Sloan, a blast from his past, he learns some information about his long lost father, gets abducted and taken to Mexico for a bounty on his head there. He leaves Mexico with a bang, and winds up in Cuba looking for more information about his father.
Of course with this being Ramos, all doesn't go according to plan there either.
I originally read this story in a combined novel for Christmas. Colleen has made many changes to the story, added more information from Ramos past, and added a boatload of new stuff making for a first class adventure story that had me looking forward to the next predicament he would be facing.
This is a true stand alone story, and a thrilling roller coaster ride for Ramos and Special Agent Sloan.
Of course with this being Ramos, all doesn't go according to plan there either.
I originally read this story in a combined novel for Christmas. Colleen has made many changes to the story, added more information from Ramos past, and added a boatload of new stuff making for a first class adventure story that had me looking forward to the next predicament he would be facing.
This is a true stand alone story, and a thrilling roller coaster ride for Ramos and Special Agent Sloan.
February 28, 2018
At last! Ramos gets his very own book! Now if only he could get his very own movie too, so I could admire him in the flesh.... Sorry, slight daydream there!
Anyway, the book! As always with this series of books, this is a well-written book and a good read. It's quite fun seeing events that have happened in other Shelby books, but this time from Ramos's POV, and with the surrounding adventures (or should I call it mischief?!) he's been up to as well. It's also nice to see the human side to him that can sometimes be missing in the other books (except when it's just him and Shelby), and to see him even want to explore his own roots too. I won't say how that turns out (spoilers!) except to say that, as usual, nothing goes quite as smoothly as it should! All in all, an excellent read for fans of Ramos (and who isn't!), and I hope we get more books like it in future.
Anyway, the book! As always with this series of books, this is a well-written book and a good read. It's quite fun seeing events that have happened in other Shelby books, but this time from Ramos's POV, and with the surrounding adventures (or should I call it mischief?!) he's been up to as well. It's also nice to see the human side to him that can sometimes be missing in the other books (except when it's just him and Shelby), and to see him even want to explore his own roots too. I won't say how that turns out (spoilers!) except to say that, as usual, nothing goes quite as smoothly as it should! All in all, an excellent read for fans of Ramos (and who isn't!), and I hope we get more books like it in future.
March 2, 2018
Another wonderful book in the “Shelby Nichols” series…although this time, the story is told from the point of view of Ramos! Shelby is able to read minds since she was shot, by a bank robber, when she stopped at the grocery store to buy carrots (if you have not done so, you need to read the first book, “Carrots”, super funny as she realizes what is happening to her). What started out as an unwilling working relationship for mob boss “Uncle” Joey Manetto, she now assists him by “reading” his business associates. Alejandro Ramos is a “fixer” or hit man for Manetto. He has been there for Shelby every time her life has been threatened and over the years he has developed feelings (that he shouldn’t have) for Shelby. Ramos gets involved with government agent, Sloan, when she asks for his assistance. From Florida to Cuba, Ramos stays one step ahead of the attempts to kill him. The action is amazing & the touch of humor makes this mystery so appealing. While in Cuba, we learn more about Ramos and his life before Manetto. Although Shelby is married with children (and it’s not that I want anything to happen to her husband), the glimpses of attraction that we see between Shelby and Ramos tugs at the heart strings. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
March 3, 2018
When I first heard that Colleen was writing a separate story about Ramos I was super excited. There’s nothing more a fan of Shelby Adventures can ask for. The day this book came out I couldn’t wait to come home from work and start reading it.
In this book Ramos travels to Cuba to learn more about his father who disappeared when Ramos was a young boy. His adventure starts with a woman from his past - Sloan. Even though I am not a big fan of Sloan I like her presence in Ramos’ life. I think she brings out a softer side of Ramos which, of course gets him in trouble. But Ramos wouldn’t be Ramos without trouble.
I really enjoyed how well Colleen transported us to Cuba. The description of Havana’s architecture and cuisine made me feel like I was there with Ramos and Sloan. Now I want to try some Cuban coffee and arroz con pollo.
Overall this was an entertaining book full of suspense and action with just a hint of romance. I kind of hope we see Sloan’s character reappear in the future so we can see how Ramos deals with the feelings he’s got for her. Could she get him in trouble again? We shall wait and see.
In this book Ramos travels to Cuba to learn more about his father who disappeared when Ramos was a young boy. His adventure starts with a woman from his past - Sloan. Even though I am not a big fan of Sloan I like her presence in Ramos’ life. I think she brings out a softer side of Ramos which, of course gets him in trouble. But Ramos wouldn’t be Ramos without trouble.
I really enjoyed how well Colleen transported us to Cuba. The description of Havana’s architecture and cuisine made me feel like I was there with Ramos and Sloan. Now I want to try some Cuban coffee and arroz con pollo.
Overall this was an entertaining book full of suspense and action with just a hint of romance. I kind of hope we see Sloan’s character reappear in the future so we can see how Ramos deals with the feelings he’s got for her. Could she get him in trouble again? We shall wait and see.
March 15, 2018
OMG!! I LOVED THIS BOOK! After 10 books, we finally get one about Ramos! I listened to the audio version, it took me a minute to adjust to Will Damron's narration since I'm used to Wendy Tremont King for the Shelby Nichols adventures! For Ramos' character, Damron did an awesome job,, and that music at the biggest/ending of the audiobook, they're sooo Ramos!
I really loved how we got more about Ramos' background and his family and all that! I hated the Ramos/Sloan parts! UGH! I so ship Ramos and Shelby... but but.. she's married and I love Chris too! I'm not sure how Colleen Helme is going to work that out... Maybe Chris would be interested in an open relationship or something lol..
I WANT MORE !
I really loved how we got more about Ramos' background and his family and all that! I hated the Ramos/Sloan parts! UGH! I so ship Ramos and Shelby... but but.. she's married and I love Chris too! I'm not sure how Colleen Helme is going to work that out... Maybe Chris would be interested in an open relationship or something lol..
I WANT MORE !
February 28, 2018
Just simply wonderful
Devil in a Black Suit fits Ramos. He sure is. This Book was wonderfully written. It kept me entertained the whole time I was reading. Lots of suspense without making the reader cringe too much. Which was great. This book gave me a great inside to the personal side of this muscular but debonair right hand man. I can see why Shelby has to be careful around Ramos. I know I would be tempted by him as well. Great Story line. Great Cities . Wonderful ending. Great job Colleen keep up the good work.
Devil in a Black Suit fits Ramos. He sure is. This Book was wonderfully written. It kept me entertained the whole time I was reading. Lots of suspense without making the reader cringe too much. Which was great. This book gave me a great inside to the personal side of this muscular but debonair right hand man. I can see why Shelby has to be careful around Ramos. I know I would be tempted by him as well. Great Story line. Great Cities . Wonderful ending. Great job Colleen keep up the good work.
Want to read
October 4, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (10/4/18)!💝
Blurb:
Ramos's job as the right-hand man to a mobster used to be easy until Shelby Nichols, a mind-reading soccer mom, joined the organization. With all the trouble she gets into, he's constantly putting his life on the line just to keep her alive.
When a government agent from his past shows up wanting a favor, she rekindles a flame they once shared. Ensnared in her scheme, Ramos discovers that there's more to her favor than he realized. Luckily for him, he has a few tricks up his sleeve that might save his skin...but what about his heart?
Blurb:
Ramos's job as the right-hand man to a mobster used to be easy until Shelby Nichols, a mind-reading soccer mom, joined the organization. With all the trouble she gets into, he's constantly putting his life on the line just to keep her alive.
When a government agent from his past shows up wanting a favor, she rekindles a flame they once shared. Ensnared in her scheme, Ramos discovers that there's more to her favor than he realized. Luckily for him, he has a few tricks up his sleeve that might save his skin...but what about his heart?
March 6, 2018
Love the Devil in a Black Suit!
The Shelby Nichols series is a pretty awesome series with all the trouble Shelby seems to find, but having a whole book dedicated to the hotter than sin Ramos? Spectacular!
We finally learn quite a bit more about Ramos' life and past, a deeper look into what made him the man he is today.
This story makes you fall a bit more in love with Ramos. Grab a copy and read it today! Haven't read any of the rest of the series? Get to it! You're missing out on a great, fun read. Start with Carrots, you won't be disappointed.
The Shelby Nichols series is a pretty awesome series with all the trouble Shelby seems to find, but having a whole book dedicated to the hotter than sin Ramos? Spectacular!
We finally learn quite a bit more about Ramos' life and past, a deeper look into what made him the man he is today.
This story makes you fall a bit more in love with Ramos. Grab a copy and read it today! Haven't read any of the rest of the series? Get to it! You're missing out on a great, fun read. Start with Carrots, you won't be disappointed.
February 2, 2024
The story from Ramos' POV
The entire series up to now has been told from Shelby's point of view. Now we finally get the story from Ramos. We get a recap of the relationship with Shelby plus what happened with Sloan. The events were only hinted at in the main series. I really enjoyed the action adventure.
The entire series up to now has been told from Shelby's point of view. Now we finally get the story from Ramos. We get a recap of the relationship with Shelby plus what happened with Sloan. The events were only hinted at in the main series. I really enjoyed the action adventure.
March 5, 2018
It was very interesting and informative to learn about Ramos's past life before meeting Shelby. At first I was disappointed that Shelby was such a small part of the story but as I read further, it made perfect sense. I have read all of Colleen Helme's books, and like all of the rest, this one was well written and thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining! I can't wait for the next one.
March 5, 2018
Whew, I LOVE this book. Normally books that offer a different persons perspective in a series are not that great to me but who doesn't love Ramos? Even with the best of intentions trouble seems to follow Ramos. Will he find out if his father is still alive? Will he even escape Cuba? You must read this book!
September 18, 2018
Wow... Ramos...
How wonderful that we have this little gem 💎
It was engaging being in Cuba with him and learning what happened to his family. Brilliant.
How wonderful that we have this little gem 💎
It was engaging being in Cuba with him and learning what happened to his family. Brilliant.
Read
March 11, 2022DNF... I don't know if it's because it wasn't Shelby's story, but I just couldn't get into this story. So I never finished. May one day. But not now.
March 3, 2018
I enjoy this series by Colleen Helme and while it is true that it is placed chronologically between books that are already available, I didn't find that to detract from my enjoyment. Getting a closer look at Ramos and his background, as well as his thought process was entertaining and adds to my delight in the overall story arch. I think anyone who is a fan of the Shelby Nichols series will thoroughly appreciate this glimpse into Ramos!
March 3, 2018
Not what you expect
Devil in a Black Suit gives insight into Ramos, the talk dark and deadly. He's still a man of mystery, but now with more heart and substance. Great book as always. I can't wait for the next adventure.
Devil in a Black Suit gives insight into Ramos, the talk dark and deadly. He's still a man of mystery, but now with more heart and substance. Great book as always. I can't wait for the next adventure.
March 2, 2018
Wow
Colleen Helme has done it again. She holds your attention all through the book and makes you want more when you have finished it. Ramos steals the story, it's brilliant to have a background for him.
Colleen Helme has done it again. She holds your attention all through the book and makes you want more when you have finished it. Ramos steals the story, it's brilliant to have a background for him.
July 5, 2018
Brilliant!
Helping out government agent and ex flame Sloane, leads Ramos into more than trouble in this thrilling read by Colleen Helme. Shelby makes an appearance together with Uncle Joey but Devil In A Black Suit is all about Ramos and I loved it. It's an exciting ride that reveals more than expected, so you won't want to miss it.
Helping out government agent and ex flame Sloane, leads Ramos into more than trouble in this thrilling read by Colleen Helme. Shelby makes an appearance together with Uncle Joey but Devil In A Black Suit is all about Ramos and I loved it. It's an exciting ride that reveals more than expected, so you won't want to miss it.
December 27, 2020
When Colleen told me she had another book in the Shelby world for me to read, I was - as always - ecstatic. And then she told me it was from Ramos's point of view and I squeed. Thankfully this was an email exchange and I didn't actually make a fool of myself! :)
Did it live up? Yes. 100 times yes! I will say this is 4 stars for me because I would have liked a bit more Shelby in the books. She has a very small role overall. However, the moments she is there are quite great. They made me laugh and it was quite nice to see their relationship from Ramos's POV, especially because it reassured me that he's not going to go there. He cares for her deeply and that means he respects her and her marriage too much to do that. So yay!
Ramos's took on Shelby's unique ability to get into trouble in Devil in a Black Suit. The difference is that he also can really get himself out of trouble for the most part! That made the action in this even more exciting. His love interest was a nice addition to the story - and the main reason why Ramos suddenly has Shelby's problem - getting into trouble! Even though it would be better for Ramos if that chapter were closed, I'd like to see more :)
The story is two parts, loosely connected. The first part really sets the stage for the second part in a lot of ways, and the second part is definitely more exciting. Ramos ends up in Cuba and that was really cool -- I loved the little details Colleen pulled in to make you really feel like you were visiting Cuba. And the twists kept coming while Ramos was there!
I flew through this -- as I do all Shelby books! -- and loved the narration! It was a new narrator - Will Damron - since the main character was no longer Shelby, but Ramos. He did a great job (and is much better at the Spanish than Wendy Tremont King. LOL, I love her narration of Shelby, but her Spanish isn't the best). What I really appreciated was that his interpretation of Shelby - although no Wendy - didn't leave me feel really aware of the narrator change. He grasped the pace and tone that Wendy has been using for her and translated it well.
So yeah, another win from Colleen and the Shelby world. Cannot wait for more... and hopefully we'll be seeing more from Ramos's point of view too!
Did it live up? Yes. 100 times yes! I will say this is 4 stars for me because I would have liked a bit more Shelby in the books. She has a very small role overall. However, the moments she is there are quite great. They made me laugh and it was quite nice to see their relationship from Ramos's POV, especially because it reassured me that he's not going to go there. He cares for her deeply and that means he respects her and her marriage too much to do that. So yay!
Ramos's took on Shelby's unique ability to get into trouble in Devil in a Black Suit. The difference is that he also can really get himself out of trouble for the most part! That made the action in this even more exciting. His love interest was a nice addition to the story - and the main reason why Ramos suddenly has Shelby's problem - getting into trouble! Even though it would be better for Ramos if that chapter were closed, I'd like to see more :)
The story is two parts, loosely connected. The first part really sets the stage for the second part in a lot of ways, and the second part is definitely more exciting. Ramos ends up in Cuba and that was really cool -- I loved the little details Colleen pulled in to make you really feel like you were visiting Cuba. And the twists kept coming while Ramos was there!
I flew through this -- as I do all Shelby books! -- and loved the narration! It was a new narrator - Will Damron - since the main character was no longer Shelby, but Ramos. He did a great job (and is much better at the Spanish than Wendy Tremont King. LOL, I love her narration of Shelby, but her Spanish isn't the best). What I really appreciated was that his interpretation of Shelby - although no Wendy - didn't leave me feel really aware of the narrator change. He grasped the pace and tone that Wendy has been using for her and translated it well.
So yeah, another win from Colleen and the Shelby world. Cannot wait for more... and hopefully we'll be seeing more from Ramos's point of view too!
July 23, 2018
The first novella in this series gives us a little insight into one of my favorite characters Ramos! He is the brooding hunk who is the right hand man to mob boss Joey "The Knife" Manneto. Since Shelby burst into all their lives with her premonitions she has made his job a lot harder. It was great getting his side of things because there are some times when I think he is about to cross a boundary I don't like when it comes to Shelby but getting his side of things and realizing he just loves teasing her I feel better about things.
In this one Ramos gets himself into a bit of trouble and doesn't want to involve anyone though he knows Shelby wants to help. An ex-girlfriend comes into play which really gets under Ramos' nerves and it was a lot of fun to read about. It was a lot of fun seeing a different side of Ramos and overall just learning more about him.
Can't wait to get to the next novel in this series called Deadly Escape! This is one of my favorite series!
In this one Ramos gets himself into a bit of trouble and doesn't want to involve anyone though he knows Shelby wants to help. An ex-girlfriend comes into play which really gets under Ramos' nerves and it was a lot of fun to read about. It was a lot of fun seeing a different side of Ramos and overall just learning more about him.
Can't wait to get to the next novel in this series called Deadly Escape! This is one of my favorite series!
June 17, 2024
Great book!! We get a chance to see what made Ramos into the man he is today. He finds family he never knew he had. Ramos realizes that Uncle Joey and Shelby are his family and that he can depend on them no matter what. Every time he gets involved with Sloan he almost gets killed.
April 6, 2018
A great Ramos story good adventure loads of action, mystery and trouble from Sloan lol that woman is way more trouble than Shelby is by far.........
I loved learning more about Ramos past, his family history and travel to both Mexico and Cuba was fun to.
Another great read can't wait for more.
I loved learning more about Ramos past, his family history and travel to both Mexico and Cuba was fun to.
Another great read can't wait for more.
June 7, 2020
I love this series!! Another great read!
March 7, 2018
This is the latest book in the Shelby Nichols adventures series. This book is about Ramos the hitman. He is contacted by an old flame Sloan, a CIA agent who lures him under false pretenses into helping her solve a case involving arms dealing. That takes Ramos to Mexico, and nearly gets him killed! Next, a few months later, we are transported to Havana, Cuba, where Ramos goes in search of a long lost missing father and family, who are presumed dead.
So what happens in Cuba? Does Ramos solve the mystery of the attacks on US Diplomatic personnel? Does he escape with his life? What does it have to do with La Revolucion? Do he and Sloan get back together? And what about Shelby?
For the answers to these and other burning questions, you're just going to have to pick up this book and find out what happens to our Harley riding sizzling hot hitman Ramos in Cuba!
This book takes place between adventures 7 and 8 in the series, and does bridge them.
As usual, Colleen Helme shows her continuing development and improvement as an author; her writing style is fantastic in this book as she transports you to Mexico and Havana, and captures in beautiful word paintings what it is like to be there. This book is loaded with hair raising and breathtaking exploits and escapes, and is a really fun exciting read that will leave you turning pages long, long past your bedtime! Don't miss it!
So what happens in Cuba? Does Ramos solve the mystery of the attacks on US Diplomatic personnel? Does he escape with his life? What does it have to do with La Revolucion? Do he and Sloan get back together? And what about Shelby?
For the answers to these and other burning questions, you're just going to have to pick up this book and find out what happens to our Harley riding sizzling hot hitman Ramos in Cuba!
This book takes place between adventures 7 and 8 in the series, and does bridge them.
As usual, Colleen Helme shows her continuing development and improvement as an author; her writing style is fantastic in this book as she transports you to Mexico and Havana, and captures in beautiful word paintings what it is like to be there. This book is loaded with hair raising and breathtaking exploits and escapes, and is a really fun exciting read that will leave you turning pages long, long past your bedtime! Don't miss it!
August 2, 2018
I was pretty excited to see the first book from Ramos’ point of view. It did drag quite a bit in the beginning, actually putting me to sleep at one point but once the Mexico part was done and he then traveled to Cuba in search of what happened to his father long ago the story really picked up for me.
What I did not like - Agent Sloan. She was tiresome. She had a past with Ramos and wasn’t above using her feminine wiles to get him to do stuff for her. And she used him and then abandoned him when he really needed someone. Hopefully she won’t be making any return appearances for a long, long time.
What I did like - Ramos got to meet some family members that he never would have known about if he didn’t go to Cuba. It was also nice that Vincente was not a bad guy after all and actually saves Ramos from an almost certain death.
Ramos also comes to realize that he really has a family, Menotto, Shelby, Jackie are his family now. They all care for him and provide the stability in his life that he needs to perform his duties at Thrasher.
All in all an excellent parallel series with Shelby Nichols. Hope to read more in the future.
What I did not like - Agent Sloan. She was tiresome. She had a past with Ramos and wasn’t above using her feminine wiles to get him to do stuff for her. And she used him and then abandoned him when he really needed someone. Hopefully she won’t be making any return appearances for a long, long time.
What I did like - Ramos got to meet some family members that he never would have known about if he didn’t go to Cuba. It was also nice that Vincente was not a bad guy after all and actually saves Ramos from an almost certain death.
Ramos also comes to realize that he really has a family, Menotto, Shelby, Jackie are his family now. They all care for him and provide the stability in his life that he needs to perform his duties at Thrasher.
All in all an excellent parallel series with Shelby Nichols. Hope to read more in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2018
A nice diversion from Shelby, herself. This is a terrific opportunity to get to know Ramos a little better. It was also interesting that Ramos has a bad-guy-doing-the-right-thing life outside of Joe Manetos organization. I wouldn't mind having a few more spin-offs, though they might should be ordered better as this one is most appropriately numbered 7.5 as it falls between books 7 and 8, not books 10 and 11.
Not as perfect a match without Wendy Tremont King narrating, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Since this is Ramos' point of view, it seems logical that a male narrator lend his voice to the book. The only detraction is that this narrator does not add accent to his voices, therefore the men sound very similar to each other and not in keeping with their nationality. Without his Italian accent to his English, Maneto didn't sound right. For Mia and Ramos and others being Cuban and Spanish-speakers, their voices also seemed off. I am thankful Ms Helme kept reminding the reader Mia is Cuban, looking and speaking the part for her assignment.
Not as perfect a match without Wendy Tremont King narrating, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Since this is Ramos' point of view, it seems logical that a male narrator lend his voice to the book. The only detraction is that this narrator does not add accent to his voices, therefore the men sound very similar to each other and not in keeping with their nationality. Without his Italian accent to his English, Maneto didn't sound right. For Mia and Ramos and others being Cuban and Spanish-speakers, their voices also seemed off. I am thankful Ms Helme kept reminding the reader Mia is Cuban, looking and speaking the part for her assignment.
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