Falling for him was never the plan. I knew better. But the heart wants what it wants. Loyalties will crumble… Secrets will come to light… One destined to fall forever. The clock is ticking, and as Daddy always says… Time is of the essence. Will love prevail?
Dee Garcia is a voracious fan of romance novels and a long time lover of the written word. Her mission is to craft unique, compelling stories that will give her readers a place to briefly escape the trials and tribulations of everyday reality. With headstrong heroine's who don't need a man to stand on their own two feet, Dee hopes to leave her mark in the Indie world, one plot twist at a time.
What an action-packed book! This was my first Dee Garcia book and after reading this one, I am chewing my nails waiting for book 2 to be released!
Eden Scarsi is a trained killer, going by the name of The Silent Reaper. She is given the packet on all that have made it to the list and one by one she eliminates them.
Xander Royce has had nothing but bad luck in his life. Trying to take care of his mother who is ill and running a car repair business that is failing, he has borrowed his last dime from the Scarsi family.
In the end, you have to wonder… will they succeed at going from the hunter…To the hunted…
Drenched with a mafia motif, this story contains a tremendous amount of drama, action, and intrigue.
This is not your customary mob read. Usually it is the male role that leaves a trail of bloodshed and carnage. It seems as though the roles are reversed in X-394. Eden, is a trained hitman for her father. She formidable, confident, and has a great prowess as a killer. Xander, the male in this story, is a mechanic “mama’s boy”. He takes care of his ailing mom and possesses the sensitivity of a woman.
As this story is a great one and is well written, it was not one that is of my taste. While I don’t mind the strong female character, I prefer my males to be potently alpha, with the strength and virility of a lion, and not the characteristics of a lamb.
Stories rarely surprise me but I must say X-394 certainly surprised me without a doubt. The story is action filled, suspenseful, and has lots of drama!
The heroine is definitely alpha in this story. I don’t have a lot of respect for the hero as the roles are definitely reversed in this story. Although the story is well written, it’s not a story for me. Therefore I choose not to offer a rating for this story.
This review is my personal opinion and should have ZERO influence regarding your experience reading this story. Your experience reading this story should be just that.....your experience.
I loved this book! X-394 is full of all my favorite things- a totally kickass and lethal heroine, a sexy and sweet hero, loads of action and suspense, and a whole lotta bloodshed. Who could ask for more? Well, me, actually. I can't wait for more Xander and Eden!!
I have waited a while to read this book, and let me tell you the wait was worth it! You will all see what I mean when x-394 hits Amazon on June 29!! Have say one more thing. I love how Dee makes her girl characters bas ass, and love how her books are action packed!
Wow. Where do I start? The first chapter has you curious, intrigued and mouth agape. Eden is just..badass doesn't even do her justice. I don't blame Xander for falling in love with her because I did too. Beside the page turning plot, the characters were well written and DIFFERENT. I love how Eden has the dark past and badass attitude. Xander is just your normal guy and he is relatable. I highly recommend this book. Dee Garcia is, with no doubt, going to blow my mind with book two. I seriously can't wait!!! <3
Intense and action-packed! X-394 kept me on the edge of my seat. Such a great start to the Scarsi Family series. From the very beginning I loved Eden's kickass character. She's fierce, fearless, and very talented in what she does. She takes no crap from no one, even her own family. Xander's character is so swoon worthy. He's selfless, caring, protective and hot to boot. Both of them together had great chemistry and balanced eachother out.
Reading the blurb and it being pretty vague, I didn't know what to expect from this story. This being my first book from Dee Garcia, I can honestly say I wasn't disappointed at all. So glad to be introduced to these amazing characters especially one as badass as Eden who doesn't care what she needs to do to get her point across. Even when shes at her most vulnerable showing us her softer side. Really enjoyed reading about all the Scarsi Family and their ruthlessness. I really hope we get to hear from some of the other brothers' POV in the future. Like the scary yet tempting Alessio Scarsi. (wink, wink)
Dee did a great job with Eden and Xander's story. I loved them, and left me wanting for more! I can't wait for book 2 and see what all of them are up to next!
I enjoyed this book!! The plot was more complex and dark than what I'm used to reading, but it was very entertaining and suspenseful and kept me guessing throughout the book. The romance is believable and sweet despite all the murdering. And the cliffhanger is making me want more already!! I enjoyed it and recommend if you like dark, mafia style books.
Also, that cover is ahhhhmazing. Love it. Excellent work!
I should have known that I was going to fall in love with this book when I realized it was a Mafia book. The fact that it was written by one of my favorite authors (one I recently discovered and LOVE) made it that much better. Add in the fact that the main character/antihero was a woman and I was SOLD. The Trifecta was hit and I am a happy happy girl.
I love to read. All sorts of genres. Mafia Romance is my favorite. ESPECIALLY if they have a dark edge to them. And this one did! Holy hell. I am picky as hell about Mafia. It is such a fine line to be able to write about something pretty grisly like mafia hits and not gross the reader out. Dee did this so well. If I didn't stalk (err I mean observe closely) her across all sorts of social media and know that she is a mom and wife then I would be concerned how she managed to set a scene so realistically. Scarily so. Although that is stereotyping her and she just proved that a woman can be an assassin and therein is the dichotomy I adore so much in her books. I was engrossed in trying to figure out the inner workings of her mind. Of her characters minds. All while trying to figure out what direction the book was going.
Eden. Usually symbolic for Paradise. Yet, in this case I think Paradise lost is more appropriate. She is far from innocent. She is everything that embodies women; beautiful, loving, free spirited, and full of emotion. Yet, she is also a warrior, a killer, and loyal. She is WOMAN personified and because of that she does not just fall into one category. In my opinion, Eden is is sublime.
Xander. A deviation from the Latin name Alexander which means defender. (Sorry it is the Literature Degree coming out in me- I dissect everything.) I found it interesting that he turned out to be the person that defends Eden--even to Eden herself. He never allows her to be the person that she and so many others see. He doesn't give up on her. He loves her despite her darkness. To him, she is still his angel. Unlike to the others who tend to see her as the Angel of Darkness. I also love his devotion to his Mom (and not in the creepy Norman Bates way). I have a son, and I hope that he feels a smidgen of what Xander feels for his mom (Most days he does...I think).
Together, they are so hot that I am not sure how my kindle did not combust. I loved Eden and her connection with her family. I loved her brothers. I hope that eventually they will all get their own book. Normally, I try not to read books if there is a cliffhanger. I made the exception because this is Dee (and like I mentioned above she is one of my new favorite authors). I can only hope that she takes pity on me and starts on the next book ASAP. I need it yesterday. Please?!?!
If you haven't discovered this author then I implore you to take the chance on her. She is truly amazing. You won't be sorry. I truly believe with all my heart that this woman is going to become a force in romance fiction. When It happens, I can honestly say that I will be doing the "told you so" dance.
I've not heard of this author before so I was very interested when I saw this cover. I knew I had to read it & I wasn't disappointed.
Eden Scarsi, The Silent Reaper, kills and loves it. She's a badass chick. Xander is so hot. Both have their own problems and are so good together.
I did think it started off slowly but I'm so glad I pushed through as I enjoyed this story. If your looking for an action packed story then I highly recommend you 1-click. I'm looking forward to more of the Scarsi Family.
X-394 by Dee Garcia was hot, sexy, and deliciously dark! It was truly addictive, that completely blew me away. Eden Scarsi is a woman you don't want to mess with. Known as the Silent Reaper, from the day she was born she was forced to become a deadly weapon. What she least expects is to fall for tall, dark, and handsome Xander Royce.
X-394 was such an action packed steamy novel, I couldn't put it down! This would be my first book by Dee Garcia and I can't wait to read more from her.
New to Dee Garcia's writing. Was gifted an ARC for an honest review. Wasn't really sure what I was in for but Dee took the old saying a woman scorned is your worst nightmare to heart with this one. Dee can conjure up your worst terror and add a twist just for shits & giggles! Looking forward to reading the next installment!
Dee, I don't know what to say but thank for the read. I love every minute of it. I was consumed from the one minute. I never wanted to be part of a family more. When I mean family, I meant Scarsi family. Each one and their own personality which made you love them or love to hate them. Head of the Scarsi family ran everything like a tight run ship. He take crap from no one. Hell... The whole family didn't take crap from each other. At the beginning point of the book, my favorite quote had to be highlighted. It stated: Redemption simply didn't exist for people like me. I knew where I was going when I died. I had a first class ticket and a front row seat. Was I afraid? No Satan, however, would be mindful to cower behind his fiery throne upon my return home. Eden knew she wasn't a good person. She wasnt going to sugar coat it. Like some of her family, she was dettached emotionally. The woman felt absolutely nothing. She lived for the kill. Well, Eden lived for until she met Xander. Xander made Eden feel. Yes, they had a sexual chemistry, which could cut through butter but what they had really was fate. The men in the book held a little bit of my heart. Some held it more than others. Geo is the one I want to hang out with and talk with. Matteo is the one you would get down with but never be serious with.Alessio is the one you want to give all the control to. Well maybe at least in the bedroom. Xander is the man. He is the book boyfriend. He is selfless, good looking, and has mad skills in the sack. Okay. Let's take a step away from the men for moment and discuss the middle portion of the book. When I say this were starting to turn south, I meant they were turning South. Eden had to finally fess up to who she really is. Xander was okay with her being a killer but not being part of the family who was set out to kill him. Everything is the dirty details. I felt for Eden. She finally becoming more than a woman intent on killing. It took a while for Xander to stop being so hateful and full anger. When he took a step back, his heart still beat for one woman. Yes, she was killer. Yes she was the daughter of the Scarsi. Yet it all went away when he felt her skin on his and the connection they shared. By the end of the book, the reader knows something is about to pop off. You feel that impending just like Eden and Xander. Alessio, who I believe was his on type of monster, made me anger, petrified, and sad. When he brought Eden and Xander back to the compound worse for wear, he had ever intention of killing Xander. It didn't matter how much it hurt his sister. I mean damn... He even hurt his sister. From of this book, I wanted to be a part of this ruthless family. Now not so much. I just to be a part of the Eden and Xander party. Okay... I want to include Gio and Mrs. Royce. Those two have been through enough. The ending left me with more questions than answers. Dee, I know you have other projects but girl... You need on this. I want to see where Xander and Eden end up. Oh I forgot to mention the Frenchman... Ugh... Please tell me he makes a not so smooth exit to hell?! Some of these crazy events wouldn't have happened if he didn't show up. Anyone who want the meet the ruthless family known as Scarsi and the crazy love of Eden and Xander enter out your own risk. You won't be disappointed.
So I just finished this gem and WOW! What a ride! This book is action packed, suspenseful and sinful-- all of which I LOVE. This was the first book by Dee I've read and I didn't hesitate to purchase her other book! I loved her writing style! It was fresh and the attention to detail was so amazing that I felt like I was there, next to Eden and Xander.
"suddenly, I felt him. Felt the charge that electrified every bone in my body, the one that surged only between us, the very one I'd never experienced with anyone else."
Speaking of Eden and Xander, I LOVE THEM. Everything about them. I love how fierce Eden is. She takes no shit from anyone! I want to be her! And XANDER! I want to take a minute to talk about him. It was SO REFRESHING to read about a character that showed some emotion. I feel like "emotionless" and "hard" male characters are so common now, and it can get really repetitive. But Dee delivered Xander flawlessly. He cared about things, like a normal human would! And his love for his mother honestly warmed my heart. But do not be fooled, when Xander baby is angry.. mmmmmm :)
I loved all of the secondary characters and I hope *FINGERS CROSSED* that we get to see more of them!
All in all I really loved this book. I became SO attached to these characters and found myself threatening people if they hurt my babies! This book started with a bang and it takes you for a ride until the very last page! I can't wait to read more by Dee Garcia!
As my first book by Dee Garcia, I was completely blown away by this riveting and suspenseful read. I had been anxiously awaiting to read this story for a long time after seeing snippets and teasers of this book on social media. This author didn't disappoint! Eden and Xander's story had me captivated from beginning to end. X-394 is unlike any suspenseful romance that I've read before. Eden Scarsi isn't your usual female lead that you typically see in romances. She's not perfect and has her own demons that she continues to battle with. It was so refreshing to see such a badass female lead that is strong, confident and dangerous. As an assassin, Eden completely encompasses the role of a trained killer that would mostly be played by male characters. This type of female character is so compelling that I feel that there should be more characters like Eden. Her story had everything that I loved about suspenseful romances and more. There were so many highly entertaining and suspenseful moments that I couldn't get enough of this story. It's was such a compelling and action packed romance that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Be prepared for this emotional roller coaster that will hook you from the first page to the last. I'm really looking forward to the next installment of Eden and Xander's love story. I cannot recommend this book enough! It's a definite must read that shouldn't be missed!
I have no idea what I'd just read... It's not a total disaster, hence the 2.5 stars I'd give this book, but it's just... too much. The blurb doesn't give much except that it's forbidden love - it sure is, between the girl 'assassin' and her should-have-been next prey. Now, those are bare bones of the story; add to it a loan shark father, brothers that are even worse than ruthless Eden, Xander's crumbling business and sick mother battling cancer, an enemy's blackmail, lust, sex, and falling desperately in love with the one that's the definition of your forbidden fruit... It's either a recipe for a disaster or a masterpiece. Unfortunately, it fell closer to the disaster this time. The concept is fairly new and different but the execution was bad. The flow of the story was choppy and felt too fast at times; the characters' were not well developed so their actions seemed like the actions of a bipolar person (Xander even compares Eden to a bipolar person at one point; fair assumption); some parts of the book were there it seemed just to fulfill the word count. And there's a mild cliffhanger - this is just beginning of Eden and Xander's story - or more like the Scarsi family's story since it's definitely not a simple romance book. I own the second book, so I'll probably read it (I'm a curious one, heh) at one point. If you like something different... you can give it a try, maybe it's just me, but fair warning: don't expect fireworks. Here's hope that book #2 is better.
"You were my light when everything around me was shrouded in darkness."
Wow!! Dee does not disappoint X-394 is full of romance and action that will keep you swiping your kindle screen to find out what will happen next.
Eden Scarsi is a bad ass chick with deadly skills. What type of skills you might ask? She was bred to be a assassin. They callerd her The Silent Reaper. She kills and enjoys the rush of the hunt. This was who she was and she had no remorse. She was raised to defend her family just like her other three brothers, and their was no turning back from what she had become. When people don't meet Vincent Scarsi deadlines, after borrowing a large amount of money. Mr. Scarsi sends Eden to take care of these loaner thief's. The Scarsi's are a well organized family business, and no one escapes Eden's blade after landing on her list. Until... She set eyes on Xander Royce. A tall, dark and devastatingly handsome man. Mr. Royce made the mistake of borrowing money from Mr. Scarsi and his deadline was past due. He was next on Eden's list.
The plan was suppose to be easy seduce the target get him alone and scratch him off the list. But things did not turn out as planned. After getting a glimpse of Xander, Eden could not shake off the attraction she felt for him.
"I wanted Xander in a way I'd never wanted any man before, and I was going to fucking have him"
The chemistry between Eden and Xander was extremely hot!! and could not be held. X-394 is a must read If you enjoy a strong heroine, and a attractive man in motorcycle, plus an action packed plot. Well then you should definitely read X-394. Their journey is complicated with twist and turns but, thrilling and I can't wait for what's ahead for this two.
What a ride!!!!!! Damn did Eden have the best heroine role ever. She was non stop thrilling, bad ass and actually- good! Starting this book I didn’t think she could hold that role but it’s obvious her heart was in it.
Wow ~ I love when I find books this good.
Xander played a delicious little role that I don’t normally lean toward. He is the “good guy” and I am normally more drawn to some sort of savage (no judging🤗). Xander did it for me though. He has enough raw about him that makes him appealing. From his upbringing to understanding hardship and a strong work ethic, it was just painted perfectly. Family is his thing and that was the biggest part of my love for him.
I kept waiting for this book to die down in spots or have a lull in the flow of it- WELL..... that never happened! I literally loved every bit of it..... cover to cover!
The only disturbing part I’m experiencing is- it published in June of 2017. So that leads me to believe we may have to wait a long time for part two (so many sad years). I’m sorry for the stalking that is about to happen Dee.
Your words were golden and I’m stoked to see where you take us next!
I received an ARC of this book and this review has been left voluntarily and is my honest opinion. After seeing the cover and the blurb of this book I was very much intrigued and with a title of X-394 who would not be drawn in to know more. This book did start a little slow but do not let that put you off as once this book gets running you will not want to put it down. The life that Eden has been exposed to based on her family and what her job is, does not really allow for love but then along comes Xander a man she should definitely not have any feelings for. Their story will captivate you and have you hanging on to every word as lies are told, secrets are exposed and hearts become entangled. The chemistry that Eden and Xander have draws you into their complicated tale and the road blocks that are thrown at them at every turn. Loyalties to family will push Eden to the extreme and your heart will break as she is torn between the man that is the air that she breathes and the family and the life she has always known and loved. This book is a must read for all those that love suspense, drama and a love that develops from a situation that you would never expect.
Oooooh the suspense! Eden and Xander are a super hot couple. She was sent to kill him after he didnt pay back her father the money they he owed. But once she was with him she realized that she just couldn't take his life. They then started to have a relationship. When she gets a call to leave town to deal with some other business she has to take him with her because she told her father that she had killed him. So they went on a road trip. He spent a good part of it being angry at her for the lies that she told him, but eventually came around. But then her family finds out that she did not kill him and that they are off together. There was a ton of suspense and a cliffhanger ending.... now I am waiting for the next installment.
At the beginning there was a part that was quite detailed in the explanation of what she does to the person she has to get rid of. I was a bit nervous that I was not going to be able to handle the rest, but I stuck it out and really that was the worst of the graphic explanations.
Dee Garcia!!! Whew!! This is the first book I've read by this author-and I'm blown away. It's been a while since I've fallen in love with a book that had so much action. This book continuously kept me on the edge of my seat, and I can totally see this being a motion picture. The plot was truly so well thought out, that I felt myself seeing this story as a movie inside my head. I loved the characters the author created. Xander was sweet-but oh so hot at the same time. Eden is a badass, and I can only hope for authors to strive to create a heroine quite like Eden. Though she has her issues-and though Xander has his own, they fit together like puzzle pieces. I especially loved how the female was the lead badass trained killer-and took on a role that is so predominantly played by males.
I can't say enough great things about this book-you need to one click now! I can't wait for part two! And I'm hooked on this series for ever! I need the rest of Edens brothers to have a story too!
"You were my light when everything around me was shrouded in darkness.”
A super fun ride with the only female in the Scarsi family, Eden.
As a super fan of Mafia romance, I was surprised by Eden's job, as most Mafia women aren't exposed to that side of Mafia life. I was also surprised that the senior Scarsi, Eden's father had waited so long between Xander failing to pay his debts and Mr. Scarsi putting out the order to have him taken care of.
A lot of X-394 is obviously fanciful, and the only part I was slightly disappointed in with was Eden suddenly having a 'crisis of conciousness' when she goes to take care of Xander and suddenly can't do it. I'd like to see a female in the world of Mafia romance taking pleasure in the things she has to do.
All in all a very fun, sexy book based on the Scarsi family's daughter and sister, Petal, and Xander Royce, the man who stole over $100k from Mr. Scarsi.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm so glad I chose to read this book. I read a lot of romance and this is the first I've read in a while where the plot was different from all the other similar plots. You don't read many or at least I haven't read many romances where the girl is a bad ass hit woman and actually the "Villain" in the plot. Usually it's the male so I love the twist. I don't want to give too much away but this story will have you hooked and wanting to see how this wicked love story will play out. And like any other romance novel you want those love scenes to make you tingle in all the right places and this one does not disappoint. Like you will want to grab your man and go play out those fantasies. ;) Yes this book is a cliffhanger so I can't wait to find out what happens!
Wow!!! What an edge of your seat thrill ride that Dee takes you on in this book!!! I love how she writes strong a** lead females but still gives them that air of vulnerability that's very hard to do. And the ending oh lord that ending has just wrecked me!!! I'm so not patiently waiting for the next book now....lol This is kind of a difficult review to write because this book is just so exceptional but I don't want to give any of it away. You need to read it and take in every single bit on your own. And feel all the feelings and emotions that this book will pull out of you from the depths of your soul. So I definitely recommend this book!!!
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2017 and it definitely lived up to my expectations. Steamy, action-packed, suspenseful romance in the most unusual setting and with a rocky start that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. A strong, independent woman who strips the hard shell to expose the emotional inner side in front of an equally strong, kind-hearted, drop dead gorgeous man. Their family background and upbringing are so strikingly different that their relationship is literally a collision of worlds, but instead of resulting in chaos, it blooms into their own kind of harmony. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for these two.
Wow!!! What an edge of your seat thrill ride that Dee takes you on in this book!!! I love how she writes strong a** lead females but still gives them that air of vulnerability that's very hard to do. And the ending oh lord that ending has just wrecked me!!! I'm so not patiently waiting for the next book now....lol This is kind of a difficult review to write because this book is just so exceptional but I don't want to give any of it away. You need to read it and take in every single bit on your own. And feel all the feelings and emotions that this book will pull out of you from the depths of your soul. So I definitely recommend this book!!! - By Tina
HOT, is the first word that comes to mind. WOW is the second.
I loved this femme fatale romance. The writing is flawless, and the engaging plot kept me turning the pages all night. If you’re not a fan of slower beginnings, be warned that this one is a slow burn, but stick with it because it’s worth it. The chemistry between Eden and Xander is off the charts hot, and the suspense sucks you in from page one. It does end in a cliffhanger, but not the kind that leaves you ranting and raving, just the “I want more ASAP” kind.
Amazing book, and I can’t wait for more from this author. She’s definitely a "one-click” in my book!
If you love some action, love, angst, and don't mind a little blood then i suggest you drop whatever you are doing and start reading this. I loved the story line, the characters were amazing, and that ending just had me gasping and wanting to know what else was going to happen. Eden is lethal in the this story line, in her words she's death personified. what happens when you fall in love with your mark? I loved Eden, she's all female power and loved how her character is brought to life. She's the silent reaper and never misses mark! Xander owes Eden's father the money he was loaned and well let's just the book title fits perfectly with this scene. Eden and Xander give me all the #Feels!
YES!!!! What do you get when you have a tough as nails assassin that is super hot and a really hot guy with a mark on his back? Well you get an amazing story with lots of drama, suspense, sexy hot moments and some swoon worthy ones too! And lets not forget the super hot brothers and dad!!! The Scarsi Family is seriously good looking and all love each other very much. Don't mess with one or you will have to deal with the other. But when one betrays one of their own? Things are going to get messy. Very messy. This is a story you NEED to read!! I LOVE this authors words!!! I couldn't read this book fast enough! This is a must read!!!!