ONE NIGHT WAS ALL HE WANTED ... Synek ‘Syn’ Jøsson has never been anything more than a jaded, broken man trying not to lose himself in his darker urges, but sometimes, the need to do something reckless proves too strong. ONE NIGHT WAS ALL SHE NEEDED ... Every job brings Iris Adler one step closer to the vengeance she swore against the men that murdered her father, so when she‘s tasked with finding a man that’s as terrifying as he is tempting, she refuses to back down. ONE NIGHT WAS MORE THAN THEY BARGAINED FOR ... Two broken people searching for a way out of the darkness.One impossible relationship they never saw coming.Nothing proves more complicated than love in all the wrong places.
With a degree in Creative Writing, London Miller has turned pen to paper, creating riveting fictional worlds where the bad guys are sometimes the good guys. Her debut novel, In the Beginning, is the first in the Volkov Bratva Series.
She currently resides in southern Georgia where she drinks far too much coffee, and spends her nights writing.
To learn more about London Miller and her novels, please visit her through her social media:
I have been waiting for this book for what feels like forever. Syn snagged my attention when I read about him in Shadows & Silence book two of THE WILD BUNCH series. So when this baby finally landed on my Kindle I was all over it like a bad rash. Luckily, unlike a bad rash, this didn't make me itchy and twitchy what it made me is super excited to get my hands on book two of the duet ASAP. This book was SO good. Almost perfect really.
The writing in this one was fantastic. Every book I have read by this author so far (which much to my regret has only been two) have been superbly written. She has an effortless style to her writing that sucks you into the story from page one and before you realize it you are reading the last word and you haven't moved an inch. The pace was perfect, and I never felt the need to skim. This was surprising because the main characters spend only a few minutes in each other's presence until 55% into the story. That said, the plot was just so frigging engaging that I was never bothered by the lack of couple time. This has a bit of jumping back and forth from past to present which I am not usually a fan of but the author used a light hand and the flashbacks provided both background and insight into Syn. I can also say that this book could technically be read as a standalone (well in conjunction with the second book due out in February). I have read none of the other Den of Mercenaries books (yet). I most definitely plan to but time hasn't been on my side. Saying that it would be MY recommendation you at least read Shadows & Silence before this one as we see Syn in that book in relation to his and Willow's history.
I didn't find this one particularly angsty and there was some drama caused by an OW but it wasn't OW drama per se (lol). That makes no sense I know, but it wasn't what "I" consider OW drama. There was no OM drama. Like I mentioned above this couple spend little time together until 55% into the book so it's late before we get out first sex scene (77%ish). But when they finally get to do the deed, it was suitably hot. I'm hoping we get a bit dirtier Syn in book two. There was a fabulous cast of secondary characters. A lot of characters from both The Wild Bunch and Den of Mercenaries get some page time. My spidey senses are also telling me that we may get a series featuring the Wraiths. Or maybe that is just my wishful thinking (lol). Both the main characters were extremely likable. I was a little unsure about Iris at the beginning. I wanted to smack her and say; B!tch, how could you?? She redeemed herself fairly quickly though, and I loved how she wasn't in the least bit afraid of Syn. Syn (Synek) I adored. I was already a fan of him from the previous book I read that he was in and he kicked it up a notch for me in this book. I'm all for a man with an accent (I am married to one) and I could hear Syn's in my head every time he spoke. Like I said above I am hoping we will get to see a dirtier talking Syn in the next book. Last, it was wrapped up in a very exciting ending that looked to be setting up an epic showdown between two very mysterious characters. I CANNOT wait!
Not much left to say, really. I LOVED it. You should READ it. And yours truly is giving it two HUGE thumbs up.
I moved right on from Skorpion yesterday to just go right ahead and read Syn. This was kind of what I was binge reading for to get to this point, and be ready for Iris.
Did. Not. Disappoint.
Did not.
A testament to LM's writing might be the fact that by halfway through the book, the main couple have only been in each other's sights/presence for a handful of moments. Or that by three quarters of the way through the book you realize they still haven't had an intimate moment but you're okay with that because the writing is good and engaging and you haven't even noticed.
I went into Syn invested in him a wee bit. By the end of him, I was way to invested, and now I just need Iris like I can't even explain.
Syn is broken and beautiful and a little crazy. His accent makes me grin, and you can't help but love the crazy ones.
A good read. Still I wish we could just get to the point of Belldonna and Kingmaker. There plot doesn’t advance and I think I am as ticked off as the members of the Den for it to rev up and get to the point.
I liked Syn from the other stories and really wanted his story. Complex in so many ways suffering way too much. I really am not sure how he forgave Iris, didn’t seem like his MO. He was also suckered too easily. He is sexy as hell! Great to hear from Red I always liked him. Wild bunch is my favorite. Think Willow was over the top and she annoyed me knowing she found her love but from her actions she wanted Syn to just stay in misery and never get over her. She also has a great deal of nerve expecting Syn to just be ok with Tacut.
To tell the truth I didn't think I'd like Syn's story very much. Red and Celt are my fave mercs, and it'll stay that way. But Syn surprised me, I found myself really liking him and Iris. I practically devoured the damn book. The icing on the cake was that Red and Celt make an appearance too! Which makes me want to go back and re-read their books. But first I'm on to Iris's book.
Totally unputdownable. I might have made that last word up but it perfectly describes this book. If you've read any of the Den, or related, books you probably know who Syn is. If you've read them all then, like me, Syn's story has been one you have been desperately waiting for. AND IT DIDN'T DISAPPOINT!!!!!! Oh and if you haven't read any, why not? These books are amazing.
Syn is one of the most violent, crazy and messed-up of heroes, but at the same time you just can't resist him. I totally bought into his character and loved him. I felt the background on how Iris had become a bounty hunter was a little vague, but I still really liked her, she was a strong, independent and no-nonsense woman. Syn and Iris worked so well as a couple. They had enough in common to understand each other, whilst being different enough that together they formed a perfect whole.
The pace is excellent, I was reading and flipping pages as fast as I could I was so caught up in the story. There are plot twists galore and plenty of visits from The Wild Bunch, Winter and Red. I love catching up with these other characters.
The writing is so good, it draws you into the world, has you on tenterhooks and makes you wish these were people you could meet. Eek - even if they are dangerous mercenaries! Whilst I can't wait for the second part of this duet (Iris) I'm also a little sad that it will bring this magnificent series to an end. I have no doubt that the author will dream up another wonderful series of books and another whole cast of characters for us to fall in love with.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Since I discovered this author with her series The Volkov Bratva I got caught up in her writing. This Den of Mercenaries series has become, if not my favorite, at least one of them. I have followed the story from the first book and I love how its author has developed strong characters but with a special personality that makes you want to know more about them as the story progresses in the books. Syner was one of the characters that I really wanted to read, his relationship with Winter always surprised me, did not know what to think, he liked, loved or just felt obliged to her by the way she lost her father?. Winter made his feelings clear in her book but I want to know his version. In this book we will delve into Syn's past and we will understand his character better, all those nightmares and rage that torment him will be revealed in this book, we will see a kind and sensitive side that at no time I doubted he had, only that it has to met the right person to get him out of it, in this case it was Iris, and I can not be happier with this couple. She brings her own demons and they will be a fundamental part to match and form that alliance not only to bring and make the in common enemy pay, but to bring them closer emotionally and sexually. One thing I like about LM books is that it does not fill them with sexual scenes like many other authors, their books tell a story and of course there is sex in them but most of them are developed almost at half or to almost the end of the book. She was creating so much tension in the characters that when they finally get together is like taking a weight off and you can relax, but you're still stuck in the story and wanting to know how the conflict around them will end. I was anxious to read this first part of the Duet and it did not disappoint me, if it has left me eager to read its conclusion and I want it to be February !! It is definitely a book that I recommend reading. Actually the whole series and the rest of her others books, you will not regret.
I absolutely love this author!! I happened to find this series as Syn released and the cover caught my eye, but obviously I couldn’t start at the end of the series so I was about to start with Red.. Luckily I happened to come across Lauren and Mishcas story and started with the Volkov Bratva otherwise I would’ve seriously missed out!
I have devoured every book from the Volkov Bratva, Den of Mercenaries and the Wild Bunch and I’ve been hooked on every book since! The story weaving is brilliant, the series interwoven and whilst thoroughly enjoying each one, I’m actually dying to know what the story between the Kingmaker and Belladonna is! Intrigued and impatient doesn’t even cover it!
And now I’m sulking because I’ve been spoilt with binge reading book after book and now I have to wait! It’s a cruel world haha!!
This was exactly what I’ve been waiting for. Dark shit. Intense battle. This was some badass combat war going on between the factions and I loved it. Out of all the books so far this was the grittiest. Syn was a broken mess and every turn since birth was a lesson being taught to him violently. His only response was violence and anger. But somehow he is level headed when it came to Iris?!? Iris was a great pawn to follow and someone who Syn needed to break his mold. More to the story unfold and it’s every man for himself. This is a very forgiving bunch of mercenaries. I seriously don’t understand why everyone is so forgiving. Belladonna once again is the queen bitch you want on your team. How she keeps pulling all the strings is just astonishing. On to the next to see how the whole series wraps up.
I'm not ashamed to say that I'm a huge London Miller fan. Her books are paced well, with sigh producing anti-heroes and strong women.
Syn is no different. However, I want to say- I wasn't totally on the Syn bandwagon before starting. The only crazy mo-fo in my heart was the Albanian Luka, from the Volkov series; I wasn't ready to adore another fictional mess. This book though, it changed my mind. It was light, not the heavy beast Hidden Monsters was, but still intense to the point that I couldn't put it down.
I'm anxiously awaiting book two, Iris. Thank you, London for the fun ride. :)
Words will never describe the amazing world that London has brought us. I always know anything she writes will be phenomenal but she has completely outdone herself with Syn and Iris. I could feel their instant chemistry during their first meeting, as if I was standing in the room with them. Everything flowed beautifully and the climax was perfect. The only downside to this entire experience is I will have to wait until February for part two. Until then, as usual, I will be on the edge until London can give me my next fix.
*I was gifted an ARC of this book but I will be purchasing as well.*
Syn is a mysterious, elusive character. I was ecstatic when my heart skipped a beat at the thought of him finding his significant other. The glimpse into what Syn’s story held left it clear to readers his journey to happiness was marred from the start. My thoughts: where’s the thrill in a smooth ride?
The introduction depicts a harrowing scene I found tough to push through. These guys don’t do easy so I wasn’t surprised but gee, this guy deserved a break! I shouldn’t have stressed of course, he has demonstrated his resilience and strength on numerous occasions prior and he didn’t lose his endurance when he was faced with accepting the harsh card fate had dealt him.
Revenge drives the drama from several angles in the first part of Syn’s story. The mystery feeds into the suspense as does the complicated romance evolving between Syn and Iris. Syn exudes pheromones I am sure surfaced continuously. The minimal scenes where he used his charm on Iris were limited but there was never any doubt on their attraction to each other.
Iris came across as softer than I expected. She was every bit as strong as I imagined she would be and she faced the confrontations that came her way in stride. I thought the combination of warmth and determination in her admirable and as such I was right behind her being with Syn. The impression I picked up from other character’s reactions to Syn being with her echoed my surprise, adding to the credibility of the plot. I blame my misconceptions on the rather eye catching way she caught Syn’s attention when he first met her.
The ending was not a cliffhanger, rather a time to inhale and consider the chessboard and contemplate the next move. After all, a gauntlet has been thrown down and he was determined his victory was his to take. I can feel the pieces of this puzzle locking into place, the final picture of what we will see still a mystery. Syn’s story was worth the wait, exceeding my expectations and delivered the book buzz I anticipated.
London MFing Miller!!! How I love thee let me count the ways!!!
I received an ARC in exchange for my review... How effing awesome is that? I just would have bought it and reviewed it away but this works too 😀.
I can't say exactly how much I love London Miller as I've read everything I can get my hands on by her and as I have read everything I can get my hands on I can tell this is book is like a hug before an ass whooping lol.
Something Wicked This Way Comes ...
So more about the story...right? Ok!
I love Syn so to get more of his back story plus see the telling of his love story or murder story or love murder story?
Whatever, POtato...poTAto!
Iris is strong, smart and not afraid of the Boogeyman. she has her own goals and ambitions that pulled her into a mess much bigger than she thought it was going to be. I think she fits in well with the other ladies/ heroines but can hold her own in the lineup.
The story was awesome in a way that it didn't leave you with that cliffy dread at the end but you KNOW what happens next is going to blow your mind! Most of the gang was there and there was subtle references to the other books which I love! What more can I say without spoilers? It's a typical London Miller Story which means it was F*cking Awesome as usual. I can't wait for the part 2! And last but not least is it just me or do you catch a whiff of biker book spin-off in the future?
Vengeance, bikers and mercenaries. Finally a novel in this series that doesn't focus primarily on the Kingmaker and Belladonna. Just the characters of the present. Still, London Miller has somehow found a way to give these two memorable moments but not enough time.
Thanks to Winter's novel, we already knew how her and Synek met and became this odd family/lovers of sort, unfortunately, there wasn't much more that was told. We got to see the result of this fall out and meet the crazy in her head and love Rosalie. Unfortunately, she paled when put to the test. She hardly got page time in what could have been an epic stalker/obsessed ex novel.
As for Synek and Iris, I could see them growing into a couple but this fast? Nope. That could have been saved for book two. While they began building a semi-stable foundation, they need more work and I don't think they are at the point that they ended this novel on. I won't even discuss her not knowing Kit but knowing Calavera without ever meeting her. The rush on this series is ridiculous! I at times feel as if London Miller needs to just write that series to get it over with then revisit The Den.
It took me a while (a week) to get into this one but when I did, I devoured a chunk of it in no time. One it snagged my attention, there was no going back. Once again, the unintentional harem of women would have made for good reading but clearly Winter is fully over him and Rosalie wasn't worth the time it would take to introduce and allow her or the other Wraiths to have an impact on this story or Synek.
Speaking of Syn, I honestly believed that he would have been sick in his head and just going off if someone looked in his direction too long but it turns out that he's pretty average and did not live up to the hype of all we heard about him from Red to Syn. Where Iris is concerned, I know she had a vendetta but I ended this story the same as I came in, not too clear of her background and how she can avenge or try to free a father she has never visited once in this novel.
I have not been overwhelmed by a novel in this series since Nix and while I eventually got engaged and stayed, I had hoped for more from Synek but what we got wasn't bad either. Now on to the next step in Belladonna and the Kingmaker's love tale.
AHHHH!! Syn's book was amazinggggg. I could not stop reading it! I loved his connection to Iris and how they were so deeply drawn to one another. His past was heartbreaking but the man he turned into was absolutely perfect.
I would have liked a little more development in their relationship especially clarification over Iris' feelings about Winter but I'm hoping we get that aspect in Iris' book. Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
“One night was all he wanted.” “One night was all she needed.” This is part one of Syn and Iris’ story and it was perfect. It ended at a pivotal point in the point, as the Kingmaker and his “army” is about to go to war,but at the same time, nothing is left unsaid in this book. I loved this book! The writing was suspenseful and the chemistry between Syn and Iris was off the charts steamy!! Both Iris and Syn are broken in their own way, the past making them guard their hearts. Iris works for the Wraiths and is tricked into setting a trap to deliver Syn to them. Too late, she realizes she has made a huge mistake and everything is not as it seems. In trying to fix it and save Syn, she risks everything. I loved Iris, she was such a strong, no-nonsense woman who just want easily intimidated. She was perfect for Syn. She saw the man behind the monstrous acts he committed and his messed up intensity. She held her ground and didn’t fear or pity him. Syn. - I have been waiting for SO LONG for his story... and it didn’t disappoint! To say he had a hard life was and understatement. He is such a dark and intense character. It was amazing to see how his love for Iris made him open up to her and show her who he really was. Winter also has several POVs in this book so it was interesting to read about her perspective, as she is such a big part of Syn’s past. This book was fabulous and totally worth the half sleepless night I spent on it :) I cannot wait for the rest of their story!!
** ARC generously provided by the author. But let’s face it, I’ve been waiting for this book for months!!!
Firstly this book was worth the wait. The build up to Syn's book has been frustrating as a reader but the anticipation is half of my enjoyment of a character. This book begins Syn and Iris's story and I truly cannot wait for the second part of their duet. I know it will be epically chaotic dark romance of a book. Might be a cliché to say but the best description I have for the feelings London's writing evokes is a rollercoaster of them. She brings fantasies off the page and drags you into the darkest recesses of her characters Psyche's but it is 100% worth it. I feel so involved in these books as though its real and that's a testament to her skills as a writer. The Kingmaker and Belladonna scene at the end had me holding my breath. Holy shit their story is going to be EPIC!! Thank you London 💜
Loved this book and if i wasn't a fan of Syn before I definitely am now. Already started Iris and the love lives on. The description of the characters just make you love them more. Also love how powerful they are.
so much good stuff in this book that I can't even pinpoint my favorite part!
Only little nit picky thing was having a hard time following the timing. Iris said she was 28 in one spot but that she had to go to the Wraiths when she was 14 or 15 when her dad went to jail but he was in jail for 8 years. so maybe the 28 was supposed to be 23... not sure. Also he went from wearing gray sweat pants to jeans while moving her from the hallway to the living room to get it on LOL. Didn't take away from my love for the book. just little things i noticed. Won't stop me from devouring every book London Miller writes.
3.5* Though I haven't read the previous books in the Den of Mercenaries series, I still enjoyed reading this book. I was intrigued to read more about Syn after first learning about him in the Shadows and Silence book from the Wild Bunch series. While the plot was captivating, I didn't feel as though there was a great focus on the depth of Syn as a multi-dimensional character, as there was on the action and suspenseful events surrounding the plot. But I suppose this isn’t as much of a flaw as it is a note to set your expectations. LM’s writing while relies mainly on 3rd person narration is still captivating with its focus on building the suspense and the connection between the main characters, despite the rush towards the end of this book in establishing the relationship between Syn and Iris. I’m excited to finish Iris’ book and then start with Nix’s and Calavera's books.
Syn is book 1 of 2 in Syn & Iris's book and I simply can't wait til Iris is released! The chess peices keep falling into place and I'm literally sitting here trying to guess what's happening, whats the end game? Belladonna ? Uilleam? What's going to happen???
Ok enough of that, this is a book about Syn and Iris, Syn reflects the perfect amount of story, romance and action with appearances from all of our lovely mercs and the wild Bunch. You also still get the chess game/ foreplay thingamajig going on between belladonna and Uilleam which I always enjoy! Squeee! Waiting on twitchy feet until the next release!
***Arc kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ***
Argh!!!!! I loved this book! Syn is Syn-tastic! He’s crude, sexy and got a sense of humor. Did I mention an accent? Yummy! This book is taking it back to early Den vibes. It was an exciting page turner and gets us steps closer to the Kingmaker saga. The mystery of Syn is revealed and you see the person instead of the myth. Iris is a great heroine, she’s determined and brass. Mixing these two together is an excellent combination! And the best is yet to come. So excited for the next one! London, you knocked it out of the park with this one girl!
I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy for my honest review.
I think this author broke me. For the first time, I am no longer trying to figure things out in a book. I realized it was pointless. Every time I did she upped the game and sent me on a goose chase. Instead, I'm just reading and letting her steer the course. I loved Syn and Iris together. Iris balanced him. Their steamy times was hotter than Hades.
I really need to go read about the Wild Bunch. I'm assuming their stories are told on the same timeline. I need to see how they fall in line with this game. I am hoping that the King doesn't lose and die to the Queen but knowing how Chess is played, I'm not counting my breath.
The wait for Syn was soooo worth it! In this amazing story we really got to know Syn and boy did we ever. Syn was perfect. He was mysterious, dark, and haunted by his past. Then we get to meet Iris. The one who tricked him but ultimately ends up saving him. London has a way with her words to make her books amazing. And thank you so much for having Red make a few appearances. I think Red and Syn are very much alike. I can not recommend this book enough. I promise you will not be disappointed.
During his formative years, Synek was physically and verbally abused by both his mom and brothers. That he became a killer who got off on pain was the truth. Syn was taken in by The Wraith, a former MC, groomed to become a killer and then mentally abused by the leader's daughter, Rosalie. Luckly the Kingmaker and his Den of Mercenaries, along with the Wild Bunch, were there to pick up the pieces and help Syn bring down all of his enemies.
Mi mercenario favorito!!Decir que Syn está tocado de la cabeza es quedarse corto. Habiendo sufrido malos tratos por parte de su familia de pequeño y luego unirse a los Wraths.... Hasta que le ofrecen un trabajo que no puede aceptar y huye de ellos y se va a trabajar con el Kingmaker. A iris le encargan capturar a Syn y aunque lo logra, acaba arrepintiéndose y ayuda a liberarlo y juntos van contra los Wraths. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I loved this! Part 1 was when she helped get him kidnapped and then how much they both hated each other. I love that Iris isn’t a follower and made the best choices. And then the second part they had such sweet moments. When he went to find her and whenever they talked on her bed. Sigh. They were so sweet!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
10 stars! Amazing addition to the series. Now we have to wait for the ending but it’s totally worth it!! Syn and Iris are hot and the storyline was amazing. As per usual the story ends with the Kingmaker and I’m still in the edge the of my seat waiting to see what happens. I love this series!!!
Oh how i love London Miller. She never disappoints! Honestly after Syn lost Winter, i wasn’t sure how his story would be. But i get it he needed someone more badass, more broken to handle his broken. I loved Iris and her story and how it all came together with Syn.
yet an other great book in the series. I can't wait for the story to continue. The whole plot of the series is just so good, after every book i think oke one more and than it has to be done but London keeps finding ways to prolong the story in an amazing way.