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Liar, Liar Pants on Fire
Storm is a former CIA agent. Lying, cheating, and stealing was part of his job description. The moral quandaries never bothered him, until he was asked to turn Lucy into an asset. Despite his reservations, Storm followed orders, and she was forced to help the CIA. Or take a one-way trip to GITMO.

The Walking Wounded
Lucy is a former CIA operative and now works as a bounty hunter. She's on a personal mission to avenge her best friend's death when she runs into her ex, Storm, the man who double-crossed her. Lucy can't forgive Storm, but she can't forget him either.
Together, they'll solve a serial killer case. But what happens when buried feelings rise to the surface?
And the killer finds his next victim? Lucy.
The Black Star Security boys are here to please in this fast-paced, action-packed suspenseful military romance. This full-length standalone novel is intended for mature audiences only due to explicit language and violence.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2018

109 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Rayne

58 books837 followers
Cynthia Rayne is a USA TODAY bestselling author of the Black Star Security, Kinky Security, Lone Star Mobster, and the Four Horsemen MC Series. While Cynthia was born and raised a damn Yankee in Ohio, her parents hail from Dixie, and she grew up on homemade buttermilk biscuits and southern wisdom. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, reading way too many romance novels, and drinking a truly obscene amount of coffee.


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5 stars
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25 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,001 reviews45 followers
July 31, 2018
3 1/2 to 4 Stars.

It was a read that I couldn’t put down. I read every spare moment I could get. The sexual tension between the two was hot. Their back and forth got dragged out, but it made it more realistic with everything that happened between them. I find it hard to believe that he never checked up on her, but I don’t know the CIA. The serial killer plot was interesting and kept the plot rolling. It was kind of unrealistic how it just summed up so quickly. I liked seeing all the guys! Good addition to the series. I can’t wait for Mack’s story!

I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amelia.
794 reviews20 followers
July 27, 2018
While the main male character in this story usually does his best work on a computer, dangerous threats become all too real when he teams up with a woman from his past. Their relationship is extremely challenging, and though neither have forgotten the good times they shared, the bad episodes are the ones which influence them to this day. I have been intrigued with the man nicknamed Storm since the first book in the Black Star Security series, and secrets associated with his past are slowly revealed and let me come to know him better. Numerous situations in BLACK LIST are gripping because of peril, while other circumstances are very emotional with sincere feelings.

Although Travis “Storm” Reynolds had good results while working as a CIA agent, there were times when the methods to complete an assignment went against his principles. Now he uses his talent as a computer hacker to help solve cases for Black Star Security, but it is hard to forget all the people whom he wronged. One is his biggest regrets is related to Lucy Scott and how he coerced her to work with the agency. When Storm pursues a case on his own, he is stunned to learn that the murder victim is Lucy’s good friend. Both have a reason to see justice carried out, and they know emotions have no place in the investigation.

This time around, the clues Storm seeks are to bring him peace. He feels some of his actions while a CIA agent hurt the innocent, and he now wants to help people to make up for his transgressions. I always wondered what this mysterious man was hiding in past stories, as many of his answers to probing inquiries were very unclear. Lucy was someone whom he has wondered about since their last meeting, and coming in contact with her again exposes quite a few surprising details about his life. I always thought of Storm as a stickler for eating well, and he could perform magic when it comes to computers. Yet there are also many truths which he has kept locked inside. When he was with Lucy, I could almost see the sparks flying, as words were heated and their desire for one another just kept mounting.

The uncertainties connected to the murder are interesting, and the way Cynthia Rayne handled these aspects in the story is certainly creative. I enjoyed watching Lucy and Storm collect evidence, as their clever minds thought up several inventive ways to gather what they needed. It was great when other Black Star Security members or their partners made an appearance, because I really like all these compelling individuals. The next book in the series is a story that I am highly eager to read.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
Profile Image for Darlene.
190 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2018
Your sole purpose in life is to rectify the sins of your past. Even though Storm was working for his country… it was one mission that stood out that gave him pause. Despite a feeling of wrongness he goes ahead, forever changing a young woman’s life - Lucy, the lady he is starting to fall for.

Both characters have their strengths and weaknesses, yet it is their past that forever shadows their present. Working together again brings heartache, anger and turbulence for Lucy. She can’t forgive or forget the deceptions Storm put into place that forever changed her life.

Good character development in the continuation of the Black Star Security series. On the surface it may not matter what you’ve done, the deceptions you’ve told; sometimes there is better and you want more than a life based in lies, especially if you want that second chance. Hurt, sadness, anger, strength, grittiness, resolve, you even question whats the point of forgiving! Together, working on a personal case will take them out of the dark emotions and start to forge a second chance to redeem their past - creating a perfect melding between two souls. Storm will need that patience and perseverance when dealing with Lucy!

Intrigue and dramatic suspense run rampant as this investigation unfurls to catch a serial killer who has made this personal.

Cynthia Rayne weaves another wonderfully, creative story with BLACK LIST. While I really enjoyed the story plot… I kept thinking back to their past history and the work that Storm was now doing in his spare time with Black Star… that could have been developed and made this a completely different story that would make for a richer and darker plot. Just some random thoughts!

Cynthia Rayne will tease you with some hints of stories to come and eagerly waiting to see how this series is wrapped up. I highly recommend for those that love that military/security environment, a mesh of emotions, romance and danger all into one.

If you haven’t already started this series… this is a perfect opportunity. Great, easy and perfect weekend reading material Each story can be read as a stand alone book… You will want to immerse yourself in Black Star Security from the beginning for a better reading experience and understanding.
Profile Image for Shelly Reynolds.
702 reviews18 followers
July 28, 2018
"He had to have Lucy in every sense of the word. All of her. He didn't want any more lies or walls between them."

Here we meet Storm. Travis "Storm" Reynolds (no relation to me). We've known he's lived a life of lies and deception from his position at the CIA. What we find out in this one, is the truth about his broken heart and the one that got away.

Travis "Storm" Reynolds was in love once. And he lost it committing the ultimate betrayal. He knew that day would be the last day he ever saw her again. For years he's lived with the guilt and the pain of what he did to her. Now, working with Black Star Security, he's got a side project of tracking a potential serial killer. Never did he think that the woman who still held his heart would be connected and needing his help. Could this be his chance to redeem himself with her? Could he dare think she'd give him a second chance? She may not forgive the past, but he'll do what he has to do to make her see their future. But, if they don't catch this killer, they may not have a future at all.

Lucy Scott is a wanted woman. After escaping her handler, she now catches the bad guys for a price. Now, she's on the hunt for the man who killed someone close to her. But, someone else is on the hunt too, and she'd have never thought it would be HIM. The one man she would have been just fine never seeing again. Except, now that she has, she can't fight the attraction. She should hate him. He ruined her life - changed her irrevocably. But, beneath all that hatred and resentment, the love she had for him is fighting its way to the surface. When this case is over, should she just walk away, or give in to her desires? Can they catch this killer before its too late?

This is such a great series. It's got humor, love, action, suspense, and of course these Black Star nen bring the steam!! I'm so sad that there's only one more book left in the series, but I think Mack's story is going to be quite interesting!
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
July 23, 2018
Aww, Storm just stole my heart with this book!

Storm has never forgotten Lucy, the woman he fell in love with while he was recruiting her as an asset for the Agency. He never knew what happened to her, but when her best friend is murdered and he recognizes it as the third by the same serial killer, they quickly catch up on all the hate, betrayal, and simmering attraction between them as they work together to catch the murderer.

There's nothing simple about this storyline - the murder case is complex and surprising, the side stories - especially the scene with Finn and the ongoing mystery of Mack and her John Doe - were thoroughly engrossing, and the love/hate relationship between Storm and his Lucky Lucy was smart, scintillating, and heartbreaking all at once.

Lucy is one tough cookie, and she's determined not to fall victim to Storm's lies ever again. But Storm is done with that life, and he's going to use every tool he has to convince her of his sincerity. We get to see a side of Storm that we've only seen hints of before in this series, and wow, is it hot!

It's a good thing the location of their HQ somewhere in Kentucky is top-secret, otherwise I might just have to hunt these guys down! This series is so much fun to read, and this one is a worthy addition to the set. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,558 reviews54 followers
July 31, 2018
Storm is not your average computer Geek. He is tall, strong, Alpha to the core and harbouring so many secrets...especially of the CIA variety.

When he was asked to go against his moral compass yet again by the CIA, he quit and now enjoys his work with Black Star. He knows what he does makes a difference and doesn't hide in the shadows. His soul is slowly being scrubbed. But his little side project lands him square in the cross hairs of Lucy. Lucy who he knowingly subjugated to CIA recruitment tactics and then left hanging in the wind.

Lucy's friend was killed by a serial killer that Storm has been chasing. Seeing him again has brought up a lot of mixed feelings, all of them strong and not the least of which is the urge to kill him! But she'll use him the way he used her to get to the truth of who killed her friend and why.

The fire burns brightly between these two, the line between love and hate is a fine line indeed.
Lucy and Storm have some novel ways of getting information! I loved seeing all the guys and their partners again. I really hope that there are more stories to come and soon!!!
2,185 reviews15 followers
July 31, 2018
THIS BOOK by far is MY FAVORITE of this AMAZING Series!!! That's saying something because each book is AWESOME and YOU think that the next book won't be as GOOD and then bam the next book blows your mind!!! Storm has been an enigma from the start and you could see that he had regrets but he never speaks about his past except when he hinted to Nox that he had loved and lost. Then along comes Lucy in the middle of his redemption project and sparks fly!! Lucy hates Storm and doesn't even know his real name for his part Travis Storm Reynolds never knew what really happened to Lucy and he regretted his choice to let her go but he thought he was doing it for the greater good. When he finds out the truth he's sick to his stomach and doesn't think that Lucy will ever forgive him and give him a second chance. You have to read this AMAZING BOOK as the journey we go on with Storm and Lucy is well worth it!! The emotions and subject matter in this book are heavy but Ms. Rayne handles it beautifully!!! I CAN'T WAIT for John Doe's BOOK!!! THIS BOOK and Series are a MUST READ!!! I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
3,071 reviews17 followers
July 27, 2018
Second Chance, Serial Killer Thriller!!

Team member Storm used to be a CIA agent. One of his last assignments was to convince Lucy to work for the CIA. What he didn’t know was the blackmail they used against her, and the job she was forced into. Needless to say Lucy hates Storm’s lying, cheating guts.

Storm is watching the black web, and trying to track down a serial killer. When that killer strikes down Lucy’s roommate, these two must work together to stop him before he can kill again. Storm knows he will not get another chance with Lucy, but he really does care for her. When that starts to get through to Lucy, will she be able to put their past behind them and work toward a future?

Once again this team has each other’s backs; HQ serves not only as a “home base” but a family home. A bad guy needs to be taken down. Intrigue, danger, and unresolved feelings create a must-read story in this terrific series!!

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
August 4, 2018
Storm used to work for the CIA however when he could no longer live with what they expected him to do he left and has joined Black Star Security. His departure was too late to save his relationship with Lucy, the only woman he ever loved and ended up betraying.

After being used and abused by the CIA Lucy has forged herself a new career as a bounty hunter. When her friend is killed the last person she expected to resurface in her life was the one man who betrayed her.

They need to work together to ensure justice is served and Storm wants a second chance, but Lucy is not so certain she is ready to forgive and trust him again. When she becomes the next target will Storm be able to keep her safe?

Their adventure is filled with heat, suspense and action. It is about forgiving the past and is a great addition to the series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Stacy J..
1,345 reviews12 followers
July 29, 2018
I loved this couple. They both struggled to be around each other because of their shared past but unfortunately the present is requiring them to work together.

Storm and Lucy dated. Lucy hoped that it was going somewhere however unbeknownst to her, Storm was using her for the greater good. While he truly thought he was doing the right thing, he never would have guessed what was in store for her.

These two are brought together on a case that hold personal meaning for Lucy and Storm is determined to not let her down again.

Reading about these two who both have scars but realize that the chemistry is still there was fun to read. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Ramona.
856 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2018
Read For Author:
Cynthia Rayne does a remarkable job creating Honorable, Serve Your Country Heros...with Black List. Black Star Security has Hot Men and Travis "Storm" Reynolds is no exception. He has struggled with his past life being a CIA operative and hurting the one person he cared so much about.
Lucy is a Bounty Hunter on the run when something horrible happens to her best friend will some she can't stand - Travis Reynolds, except she knows him as Will be able to help her, will they be able to mend fences and have a life together? The chemistry is there but so is the guilt that Storm carries with him.
This book is a suspense-filled page-turner you will love it.
824 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2018
What a excellent series this is and this one won't disappoint you.
Lucy and Storm have a past and Storm has loved her for years, Lucy was falling in love with him to but he sold her out.
Lucy had been staying at her friends Christy's house as she didn't want put up red flags on her. She came home after she had done a job to find her friend dead.
Storm has been searching the dark web for clues to find Lucy but came across a uploading of a dead Christy. Lucy was there when Storm came in and he couldn't believe his eyes that he had found Lucy.
I highly recommend this series to read.
I recieved a free book for a review.
482 reviews
July 21, 2018
Once again Cynthia Rayne has written a exciting and highly entertaining story featuring the men and women of Black Star Security. This book features resident tech genius and health food nut, Storm, and, Jane, the woman he loved and left years before. After accidentally reacquainting at a murder scene and then reluctantly agreeing to work together old feelings are bound to crop back up. This book had a healthy dose of suspense, intrigue, sex and Ms. Rayne’s hilarious humor. Totally recommend this book and series, it’s amazing!
66 reviews
July 22, 2018
Again I love this series. You do not have to read each series in order to enjoy each book. It helps to understand the characters and enjoy when each character gets their own story. This one is one I have been waiting for. I love Storm from the beginning because he is not a southern boy. He is such an interesting character and I love Lucky aka Lucy. The story line is interesting and keeps the readers attention. Again some small editing misses but again I was so into the story it really does not faze me. I feel this is a great story to read.
Profile Image for Rachael Bromley.
1,664 reviews16 followers
July 31, 2018
A fantastic read that had me enthralled right from the beginning. Storm had me a little flummoxed with his mysterious ways and his hacker abilities because during the other books you didn’t really know who or what he was. As I got into the story I went from liking him to really hating him for what he put Lucy through. Storm and Lucy were an item years ago and Lucy did love him, but Storm was holding a big secret………he was setting Lucy up to be an asset for the CIA even though she said no to them before. Years later Storm gets to meet Lucy again as she sets about trying to find the person who murdered her best friend. As they work side by side, Lucy gets to finally reveal what she went through when the CIA picked her up and the fact she didn’t become an asset but became an operative. With tensions high and Lucy now in the sights of the killer, can Storm rescue her before she is killed? Will she forgive him? And will they get their HEA? Or will the CIA drag her back and impose sanctions on her?
Profile Image for Mel Allen.
1,200 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2018
Black List the next book in Black Star Security Series where we learn more about the computer wiz Storm, Storm is secretive about himself and what he used to do but when he bumps into Lucy his life what be the same again. Storm did wrong by Lucy years ago and she can’t forgive him but Storm did know what the agency had in store for Lucy. Can Storm and Lucy work together to find a serial killer before it’s to late ? Can Lucy forgive Storm ? Will Storm and Lucy get here HEA when they love each other so much but have never said the words to each other.
168 reviews
July 30, 2018
Lucy has been let down by so many people that now when one comes seeking forgiveness she doesn't trust him. Storm knows he's guilty of almost destroying the life of the lady he grew to love while undercover for the CIA. But now that Lucy's friend has been murdered by a serial killer, she will need Storm to track this killer down and get her revenge. I was worried that this work by Ms. Cynthia was going to be too much like the others, but I was SO very wrong. Black List should not be black-listed so it's very much worth your time. And you'll get to meet some old friends.
Profile Image for Lisa Hill.
530 reviews13 followers
July 31, 2018
Another great book in the Black Star Security series.

This tale features Travis ‘Storm’ Reynolds, former CIA operative and Lucy Scott, who was brought into the CIA fold by Storm, with unfortunate results.

This is a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story, and this is probably my favourite couple yet. Lucy is battling demons but is feisty and independent. Storm is brooding and intelligent, and desperate to right the wrongs he feels he’s done in the past.

A really enjoyable book and a great way to spend a day reading it.
Profile Image for Gayle Conway.
34 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2018
I received an ARC for an honest review.This is the fifth book in the series and it was a little bit better than a couple of the previous books in the series. The story revolves around Storm, a former VIA operative and Lucy a female he recruited for the CIA. let's just say ; they didn't part ways nicely... They are brought together by a serial killer.

I wished there had been a little more backstory on Lucy after she was "forced" to work for the CI A and a little more involvement of Black Star Security,; these two went a little to rogue....

The ending also felt rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Debs.
1,189 reviews13 followers
September 5, 2018
As a bounty hunter, Lucy's latest bounty is now personal, but when she meets up with Storm again, a lover from her time as a CIA asset, are the sparks still there? Can they work together to find a serial killer, or will their past get in the way? Cynthia Rayne writes a beautiful story of rebuilding trust and finding love again in "Black List", a second chance romantic suspense story. Storm and Lucy's romance was a struggle, but it was worth every page I turned to read of their HEA. I would like to thank the author for gifting me "Black List". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 4.25 Stars!
Profile Image for Karen.
68 reviews
July 24, 2018
Another great Black Star Security story from Cynthia Rayne. This is Storm and Lucy’s tale. Storm is Black Star’s IT, hacker, healthfood nut, and ex CIA agent. We had the opportunity to start to get to know him in the previous books in this series. His story didn’t disappoint and there were just enough teasers to leave me anxiously waiting for Mack’s turn. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Jojo Reeves.
1,136 reviews21 followers
July 28, 2018
I really felt for storm in this story, I’m used to him being the tech support not the one in the field so that was a nice change, he is fighting the guilt of what he did to Lucy and his love for her. Lucy has been through some disturbing times curtesy of the CIA and storm . Now working as a bounty hunter Lucy finds herself in the middle of a murder scene and the one person who can help is the one that betrayed her, that she is still in love with but can she trust him and forgive him
739 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2018
Storm is a former CIA agent. Lucy is a former CIA operative. Their paths crossed years ago when Lucy thought Storm betrayed her. Story and Lucy are together again to find out who killed Lucy’s best friend. Sparks definitely fly when these two are together. This story is one of the Black Start Security Series. These are nail biting, with some action, hot and sexy. Another great read for this author.
Profile Image for Terri.
143 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2018
Storm and Lucy have a past. That past has made Lucy curse the day she met Storm. So. when they are thrown together again in a case, watch out; it's going to get explosive. I loved this emotional and very intense read. This book is full of intrigue, major suspense and mystery along with steamy passion and maybe some sexual tension? To me that makes this book a spectacular read. Black List: Black Star Security, is suspenseful from beginning to end. Loved it
1,532 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2018
Second chance romance. Loved the story, well written. Once you start reading, you can't put it down. Storm former CIA agent, Lucy former CIA operative have a past. Both still have feelings for each other but past regrets are holding them back. Together they must solve a serial killer case.
Sexy romance, action and a killer on the loose. No cliffhanger, hea. This series just gets better and better.
I voluntarily received this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews49 followers
August 1, 2018
Storm and Lucy used to be an item until he double-crossed her, even though she can’t forget him, she can’t get him out of her mind either. They both end up working together to find the man who killed her friend. Can they both let the past go? This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama and emotion. I liked the characters as well as the story. The chemistry is great and the story has plenty of twists and turns. A good read.
Profile Image for M L.
525 reviews16 followers
August 3, 2018
I loved Storm and Lucy’s story! This series is becoming one of my favorites! Can love withstand betrayal and time? Storm had no idea what happened to Lucy when he betrayed her and he never thought he would see her again. What Lucy went through was traumatic and she had no reason to ever forgive Storm for what he did. But fate stepped in and old feelings came back with such a rush. Can time and the truth set them both free? Loved this story!!
Profile Image for Lisa.
175 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2018
I did like the love story about Lucy and Storm, but what I had issues with was the way the CIA is portrayed. I felt like they were disrespected. I tried to overlook that portion of the book and just focus on the story two people finding forgiveness and tracking down the serial killer. Over all I feel if you can look past the back story and focus on the serial killer's hunt then the book was a good read.
Profile Image for Cay Scheumack.
563 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2018
Entertaining, informative, fast-moving read. Another great Black Star Security book. What I like is that the company is made up of ex-somethings with a past that's intriguing in itself. Each story gets told. Storm's second chance with Lucy is a long shot, but he tackles it like he does everything. Head-on with plenty of action, intrigue and cyber activity(his specialty).
2 reviews
July 30, 2018
Best Book Yet!

In my opinion this the best book written so far by Cynthia Rayne. Storm's story was different, he had so much he had to hide. He also had a past with Lucy, that was not in the previous books. When the two reunited they had a shared past that was difficult, and they had to get past it to move on.
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