Against All Odds

by Kris Bryant, Maggie Cummings, M. Ullrich

Police officer Peyton Clarke and real estate agent Tory Stevens are complete strangers who experience an instant attraction during a moment of shared trying on bridesmaids’ dresses. But their flirtation comes to an abrupt end when Bradley Richter enters Angelina's Bridal Boutique determined to end every life in the store. He's deranged, heartbroken, and sure of his sharpshooting skills, but he has miscalculated. Two survive.

Peyton is determined to capture the guy who killed eleven people, but for Tory the tragedy is a wake up call to open herself up to more than professional success. She and Peyton learn that love can be found in the most hopeless of places. They escaped death once, but will they survive when Bradley's determined to make his kill rate one-hundred percent?

Genres: Crime, Audiobook, LGBT, Romance, Lesbian, Lesbian Romance, Police

242 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2018

About the author

Podcast with Tara Scott at queerlyrecommended.com

Multi-award winning author Kris Bryant was born in Tacoma, WA but has lived all over the world and now considers Kansas City her home. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri and spends a lot of her time buried in books. She enjoys hiking, photography, spending time with her family, and her dog, Molly (who gets more attention than she does on Facebook).

Her first novel, Jolt, was a Lambda Literary Finalist. Forget Me Not was selected by the American Library Association's 2018 Over the Rainbow book list and was a Golden Crown Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Breakthrough won a 2019 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Listen won a 2020 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Temptation won a 2021 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Not Guilty written under Bryant's pen name - Brit Ryder - won a 2022 Goldie for Erotica. Kris can be reached at krisbryantbooks@gmail or ww.krisbryant.net, @krisbryant14.

Jolt - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Whirlwind Romance - ebook, paperback
Just Say Yes (Novella in the wedding series) - ebook only
Taste - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forget Me Not - ebook, paperback
Shameless (written as Brit Ryder) - ebook, audiobook
Girl Next Door Anthology - "Dog Day of Summer" - ebook, paperback
Touch - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Breakthrough - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Against All Odds - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Travel Anthology (short by Brit Ryder) - ebook, paperback
Listen - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Falling - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Tinsel - ebook, audiobook
Temptation - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Lucky - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Home - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Scent - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Not Guilty writing as Brit Ryder - ebook, paperback (audiobook in the works)
Always - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forever - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Stranded Hearts (with Amanda Radley & Emily Smith) - ebook, paperback
Serendipity - ebook, paperback, audiobook

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars. This was a good read. I really enjoy when two or more authors collaborate on a book together. I can only imagine it’s not easy, but I think that hard work of trying to blend the story together seamlessly, can actually up the quality of a book. I think that was the case here. I believe all three authors were on their game because this was a well written book.

I actually thought this would be a police procedural type of book, but it’s not. This is a story about survival and finding love after the darkest of times. The two main characters are Tory a real estate agent and Peyton a police officer. I’m actually not going to go into a summary this time. I feel the book’s blurb gives a bit too much away about what actually happens. I have actually read every full length book Bryant, Cummings, and Ullrich have written. So when I saw they wrote this together, I grabbed this without really reading the summary. My point, if you have not really read the blurb yet, you might want to just skim it. I was happy not knowing too much of what was to come.

I don’t know how the writing was divided up, but the flow seemed seamless. I think the authors blended so well I couldn’t really pick up their individual writing styles. A few times I thought “this sounds like Ullrich” or “this is so Bryant”, but I honestly could not tell. It was very well done for a collaborative book.

What I enjoyed the most was the romance. I thought it felt very well written. The pace was good, not insta anything. It felt honest and absolutely believable. It just felt real. I actually found myself talking to the characters saying “you can say I love you now”. That happens rarely for me, usually the characters are faster than I find believable. I totally believed in these two as a couple. Both women are wonderful characters too.

While the heart of the story is a well written romance, there were also some pretty heart-pounding moments. I was into the book for the romance, but I liked the danger and excitement. I had to read this book in one sitting; no way was I putting it down.

I absolutely recommend this. I think any romance fans will enjoy this, but this will be a treat for people that like some excitement in their books. I’m very impressed by the collaboration and I’d love to see these ladies write together again.

An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bradley started Against All Odds, inviting me into his head space. Some said hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. What about the guys? According to one website, Hell hath no fury like a man cheated on. Bradley's engagement went south not because of the reason above, his ex had a legit reason. Unfortunately, the break up made him delusional and deadly. Romance fans, don't worry. Bradley (trying my best not to add Cooper at the back) had only a few chapters told from his POV and essential as he represented thriller.

As a die hard of Say Yes To The Dress Atlanta and Canada, I was over the moon when a Bridal Boutique was chosen by the authors as the 1st meeting point for the hs and was happily / shockingly surprised with the turns of events and the different emotions I felt from the moment Tory, Peyton and Bradley entered and exited Angelina's Bridal Boutique.

Clearly, the authors weren't planning on focusing a hundred percent on the aftermath of the event as Tory and Peyton began to connect romantically right after. I had mixed feelings about it, I enjoyed the steps of getting to know, phone calls, dates, you're always on my mind and of course, the intimate scenes. However, I would have enjoyed it even more if the elephant in the room was addressed by Peyton and Tory as the Saturday afternoon tragedy was not the usual drama llama that happened in a Bridal's boutique.

Overall - it was a good story, Bradley played his role really well and Tory + Peyton romance was gorgeously written with an epic epilogue.

[Joc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stalker/sociopath Bradley is convinced his ex is making a huge mistake, egged on by her friends, marrying someone else. He knows where to find her and how to stop her. Peyton and Tory are both trying on bridesmaid dresses for the respective weddings they’re attending at a bridal salon when all hell breaks loose.

It can’t be easy for three people to write a novel together, end up with a good read and remain friends. This is a good read and I hope they’re all still friends. I enjoy both Bryant and Ullrich’s novels but I haven’t read a book by Cumming’s yet so there was at least a 60% chance that I would enjoy read this one.

This is written in third person with points of view alternating between Bradley, Peyton and Tory. A riveting suspense is keep up through Bradley’s disturbing thoughts and behaviour. While I liked the development of Peyton and Tory’s relationship I found I felt a distance between me, the reader, and them. Their voices were also pretty similar and on a few occasions I had to flip back a page or two to see whose head I was in. The strength of the thriller aspect to the story meant that this didn’t bother me quite as much as it could have.

I also found that the narrative overshadowed the dialogue and as a fan of stories being told through dialogue, I felt a little let down.
Overall it was a great thriller and a good romance. Three and a half stars rounded up.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Survivors

This was recommended and I didn't even read the description before reading it. What a surprise!

I wasn't expecting the darkness, massacre, and suspense that followed.

This story is told in first person by three characters. I usually prefer the basic third person approach, but this style elevated the fear and thrill of what was to come.

I liked the two main characters, Tory and Peyton. A relationship formed from an unthinkable event. The unstated comparison between the real fate of their encounter vs. the percieved fate of the unstable Bradley was not lost on me.

Overall this is a good book. It struggled with pacing a little, but that would be hard to prevent with three different authors contributing.

I recommend to those who enjoy reading romance, tragedy, weddings, survival, and grumpy cats.

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Police officer Peyton Clarke and real estate agent Tory Stevens meet by chance at a bridal shop trying bridemaids' dresses, their attraction is instant but it's interrupted by a mass murderer attacking the shop customers. As the only survivals of the shooting, Tory and Peyton see their initial bond grow stronger. But with the attacker on the loose, taking their relationship for granted could be a fatal mistake.

Lately in lesfic we've seen a series of two authors joining forces to pen books together, we've even seen three authors writing as many books as part of a series. But, as far as I know, this is the first collaboration of three authors writing a single novel. As I normally read (and love) books by these three authors, for me it was a no-brainer to give it a try. I'm glad I did.

'Against all odds' is equal parts thriller and romance, the balance between action and love, fast and slow pace makes this novel a very entertaining read. The authors managed to weave the plot consistently and make it flow without issues. It is written in first person from the point of view of Tory, Peyton and mass shooter Bradley, each one a chapter at a time. However, this doesn't affect the flow as each scene is told by only one character and the book is always moving forward. My only criticism is that I found Bradley's voice very distinctive (for obvious reasons, him being the villain and the only man), but, Tory and Peyton's voices were not that easy to tell apart. They sounded pretty much the same to me and I found myself several times going to the start of the chapter to check the point of view.

Having said that, the romance part is very sweet, Tory and Peyton have great chemistry and the intimate scenes are well written. Bradley is also a very well rounded character and adds a great creepy factor to the thriller part of the story. Once the action scenes are set out, it's a page turner impossible to put down.

Overall, a very well written book by an unusual collaboration, it's entertaining, gripping and will appeal both romance and action fans. 4.5 stars.

ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Against All Odds takes on a journey of finding love in the aftermath of a disaster. A mass shooting takes place at a local bridal boutique and through that carnage, two amazing women find love in its aftermath. Bryant, Ullrich, and Cummings come together to weave a fabulous story or strength, love, and survival.

Peyton Clarke is an off-duty police officer who is finally getting her dress fitted for her sister's upcoming wedding. A bit hungover after a night out with friends Peyton is struggling with a pounding head. Another customer also in the boutique for a bridesmaid dress fitting takes pity on her and offers her water and some friendly banter. Tory Stevens, a real-estate agent is immediately taken by Peyton. She cannot help but flirt with the gorgeous stranger. Minutes away from asking each other out these two ladies encounter a worst-case scenario.

Bradley Richter is going to steal away his ex-fiancée. She left him, destroyed his life and now is planning to marry another. Bradley is going to steal her back and make everyone pay for ripping them apart. He is a nutcase in every sense of the word. Bradley arrives at the bridal boutique and opens gunfire on everyone, killing eleven and leaving Peyton fighting for her life.

The three authors take the voice of Peyton, Tory, and Bradley and weave a story full of love, survival and well, in Bradley's case disturbed. Our two leading ladies have an adorable chemistry and a sweet love story. This isn't as heavy as a story as it could have been. Which I liked. The main focus is on their romance and coming together in the aftermath of a disaster. A lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed. 3.5 stars

[Corporate Slave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly good read! Really enjoyed it :)

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t read this book when it came out, even though I wanted to, as I like all three authors and was curious about them writing together. The audiobook coming out recently gave me a second chance (thank you Maggie Cummings for the code). Because I trust all three authors and remembered my trusted reviewers had reviewed this story favourably, I didn’t read the blurb. I would still have listened (and probably enjoyed just as much) if I had read it, but I would also have known what to expect.

The funny thing with triggers is that they don’t always take the same form. And they don’t always trigger. Or not with the same consequences. Triggers are insidious and polymorphic.

One of my triggers – sometimes, not always – is mass shootings, whether linked to terrorism or disgruntled masculinist jerks.

Take Bradley Richter for example. His ex-fiancée is about to get married to another guy, and he’s made it his mission to save her from what he sees as a huge mistake, which he blames on the people around her. A dress fitting at Angelina’s Bridal Boutique is the perfect opportunity to make his point. With his gun. Peyton Clarke and Tory Stevens, two other clients of the shop, met just before Bradley walked and began shooting. In those precious minutes before all hell broke loose, the chemistry between them was palpable and they had just enough time to exchange phone numbers. As fate would have it, the two women are the only survivors of Bradley’s carnage. When Tory visits Peyton in the hospital, the connection they felt earlier is still obvious. But while Peyton, a police officer, is obsessed with catching the killer, Tory doesn’t want to give him any more of her time.

It’s taken me long enough to get to this fundamental part of the review: I loved this book. I am impressed at how well each author’s writing meshes with the others’. They each have their own voice and yet they work wonderfully together. It felt like I was getting the best of each (even though that’s not really fair to M. Ullrich), hearing each of their voices distinctly while completely forgetting there was more than one writer. They work seamlessly together. Each author wrote a character – Tory, Peyton, Bradley – and the story is told from each character’s point of view, as M. Ullrich explained in this video (each author reads from the first chapter of the character they wrote, if you’re want to know who wrote who).

The reason I mentioned triggers earlier is that what Tory and Peyton went through and the ensuing PTSD made them all the more relatable to me. I won’t compare our experiences but I know that strange feeling that something wonderful came out of an event that killed and maimed so many and traumatized even more. Not that they wouldn’t have been relatable otherwise. They’re lovely in a normal, not-Hollywood way. They have normal people flaws and qualities. Tory, for example, can be quite judgemental, especially when it comes to bridesmaids dresses. Both Peyton and Tory are endearing and they feel very approachable and caring. I loved them both, I felt their fears but also their joy and wonder at finding love in the strangest circumstances. I also liked that the authors kept the PTSD to a minimum. It’s there, everywhere, always, but it’s not the story being told and it doesn’t overshadow the romance.

My only issue is that I wish the authors hadn’t written Bradley as deranged. It wasn’t necessary (not all mass shooters are crazy) and it plays unnecessarily into mental health stereotypes. I’m also not a fan of being in the bad guy’s head but with three authors writing, it makes sense. Apart from that, I loved everything, except Bradley, of course, whom I hated. I also like Melissa Sternenberg’s narration a lot. She doesn’t have the most distinctive voices for the different characters, but honestly, I’d rather have a well-read story than bad acting and Melissa Sternenberg’s reading is perfect: the intonations, the rhythm, the breathing, the small touches of vulnerability… It serves the book impeccably.

[Agirlcandream · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read. Impressive seamless effort by three authors collaborating on one story of an active shooter event leaving two survivors to pick up the pieces of their lives. Bradley is creepy and crazy enough to ensure the reader fears for the welfare of Tory and Peyton throughout the novel. I liked the added tension to what would have been another lovely romance. I also thought the human toll, survivors guilt and post traumatic emotions rang true for both women.

Nicely done.

ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.

[Arn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. When I read the blurb I expected something deeper. Instead, the book is almost fluffy in tone after the haunting and heartbreaking beginning. The event felt almost trivial to the characters involved. PTSD? Strong women need no trauma! Just shrug it off and fall in love...

Love fixes everything, right? I don't think so... I guess my expectations were wrong? These are after all romance writers. And one of the best too. I just wanted the topic done properly but here it's just a plot device. It's used for a shock effect instead of explored deeply.

And was there any reason for bad guys POV? To grow some tension? The ending was incredibly predictable anyway. How else could it end? This trope has been played out countless times before. They could have written the book about their trauma, the emotional journey, the healing. Instead, it's a sweet love story with a generic baddie in the background.

What it boils down to is that I couldn't get into their romance when such a life-changing event barely impacted them. The incredibly overplayed generic bad guy trope didn't help either.

The book is well written though. It's just not what I expected.

[Kristy Drexel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow this book has been the most amazing thing I have read so far this year. The storyline was engaging and kept me guessing through out the whole book. The 3 authors that wrote this are hands down amazing at what they do. I don’t feel my words can do this book justice, but the words that do come to mind are brilliant, funny, sexy, heartbreaking and page turning. Every time I had to put it down I couldn’t wait to pick it back up

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Against all odds by Kris Bryant, Maggie Cummings and M. Ullrich, narrated by Melissa Sternenberg

I read this book when it was released in 2018 and I've wanted to listen to the audiobook for a while now. I've been listening to more narrations by Melissa Sternenberg so it was a good time to pick up this one.

When Police officer Peyton Clarke and real estate agent Tory Stevens meet by chance at a bridal shop trying bridemaids' dresses, their attraction is instant but it's interrupted by a mass murderer attacking the shop customers. As the only survivers of the shooting, Tory and Peyton see their initial bond grow stronger. But with the attacker on the loose, taking their relationship for granted could be a fatal mistake.

This is an unusual collaboration between three BSB authors who are each very good novelists in their own right. As a result of an M. Ullrich's mass shooting drill at her workplace, she thought it'd make an original storyline. The idea of a mass shooting intrigue mixed with romance sounds like an oxymoron but somehow the authors make it work well.

Against all odds is equal parts thriller and romance, the balance between action and love, fast and slow pace makes this novel a very entertaining read. The authors managed to weave the plot consistently and make it flow without issues. It is written in first person from the point of view of Tory, Peyton and mass shooter Bradley, each one a chapter at a time. However, this doesn't affect the flow as each scene is told by only one character and the book is always moving forward.

Bradley's character is creepy as hell and I thought it was the one better fleshed out of the three. Tory and Peyton seemed to merge into one person in my imagination, maybe because of their strong bond against the attacker, but sometimes it was hard for me to tell them apart.

Having said that, the romance is very sweet, Tory and Peyton have great chemistry and the intimate scenes are well written. But once the action scenes are set out, it's a page turner impossible to put down.

As I said before, I'm listening to more books narrated by Melissa Sternenberg. I liked her overall tone which ranges from sweet and romantic to fast and furious, her pace to read the different types of scenes was very good too. My only criticism are her male voices, especially Bradley. However, once I got used to Bradley's voice I had no problem following the story. If you are looking for a romantic thriller, this one is for you. 4.5 stars.

[Dide · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't imagine the level of coordination required to have three writers on a book. That alone deserves applause. Add the fact the book is a worthy read, it gets an extra star.
What is the chance of meeting a possible lover and then having that possibility almost erased? Twice?
This was neatly done, with each main character's pov. It was a guessing game for me to figure which main character was written by the writers. I have read at least two book by two of the writers but yet to read any by one ( I intend remedying that ASAP). So my guess will be that Peyton was written by Kris Bryant, Tory by M. Ullrich and Bradley by Maggie Cummings.

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable, excellent writing especially for the voice of creepy Bradley! It really took you into the scene and atmosphere.

[MJSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this book intrigued me, especially as it is one story told by three authors. I don’t know if they each took a POV, I’ve read a lot of Bryant’s books, but haven’t read enough of Ulrich or Cummings to be able to decide who wrote what. In all honesty I only read the Tory and Peyton POV sections and either didn’t read or just skimmed over any of “Bradley’s” scenes because, to quote a line Tory says in the book “I don’t care. I don’t care what his issues are or why he did it.”

Peyton and Tory are both great characters, the connection between them at the start of the book carries through and their entire relationship was sweet and organic. It helped that they talked to each other and there were no stupid dramas and unnecessary breakups to endure. The side characters aren’t really too fleshed out, but I didn’t care because I was more interested in the leads and their relationship anyway. I did enjoy all scenes with Peyton’s family and Jake, but felt that Tory wasn’t as well explored in who was in her life, other than her cat.

As noted before, I did not care about Bradley, and would have preferred that his POV wasn’t included at all, and the follow up subplot after the shooting was also unnecessary. Less of him would have allowed for more time with the side characters, and Peyton and Tory’s recoveries, which I’d have enjoyed more.

Still this was a lovely romance built on the premise that good things can come from terrible situations, which quite frankly, is something to cling to in the current climate. 4 stars.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh holy wow. [Before I start: this entire book is a trigger warning. It has a mass shooting, domestic violence, stalking, stabbing, sexual assault, sexual harassment (IIRC), and references to rape. If any of those put you off, you may not want to finish this review, or read this book.]

This was my 100th book this year. I wanted something other than a queer book for the 100th. Yet, Amazon steered me this direction when I was browsing, and I decided I'd purchase this book, and find another for my 100th. Once I'd read the description and reviews however, I couldn't wait, and I'm glad I didn't and that this book was my 100th!

I thought I wouldn't really enjoy having three authors for one book, too many cooks in the kitchen and all. I was wrong and apologize to all three authors for my assumption. It was incredible. There are two MCs and a bad guy, and each author (assumedly) took a voice and wrote from that character's perspective. To the author who wrote for the bad guy, you creeped me out to no end, SO GREAT JOB! Despite the story going between three voices (a voice per chapter) and three authors, it comes out better for it, and blends as a whole. I assume that's a kudos to the editor as well as the authors, and it's well deserved. Plus, I can't remember seeing a single typo or grammatical error in the book, so good job!

The story is tense at times. I may have read it a bit too soon after the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, but it definitely had me crying at one point. Or two. Maybe three? Also I was just filled with a sense of anxiety the entire time reading, and I think that's actually a compliment, and not a criticism.
I had to put the book down so that I could sleep, so I stopped for the night about 55-60% through the book. It was a nice place to stop, if you're looking for one when reading.

I really am not articulating well how good this book was, but know I've been thinking about it since I started it, and I plan on rereading it again in the next few months, then it'll probably go into my rotation of books I reread when I just know I'm guaranteed to be reading a great book.

Happy to have spent $10 on this book, and if the authors decide to collaborate again, let me know so I can pre-order it!

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book to read because I saw a lot of enthusiastic reviews but true to form, I did not read them thoroughly because I like to be surprised. After the first few paragraphs, it became evident that Against All Odds was a crime/suspense thriller which included some graphic scenes that I was not prepared for. It’s been decades since I read stories like this but I was committed to finishing.

Two women are the only survivors of a store shooting and they each tell their story in first person. The third character is the shooter and he shares his own chilling thoughts, as well. To say that I had a knot in my stomach the whole way through is not an exaggeration. You hear about slow burn romances, this book was a slow burning fuse attached to a firebomb. And somehow, in the midst of this tension filled story, these fine authors also wove in a very tender love story between Tory and Peyton, the two survivors. Very good book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I contemplated reading this book for a few weeks mainly because I knew some element of suspense would be involved and that isn't my favorite type of book to read. I get all nervous and anxious (same goes for movies). Well, I must admit that I am glad I took a chance reading this book. Taking on the subject of a mass shooting had to be very difficult to write about. Yes, this is mainly a romance, but the reason for the two characters coming together was because of what happen on one day when a crazy person decided that his ex-fiance and her family and friends had done him wrong and they had to pay the price of death. I am having a hard time putting words together for this one. Just know that the authors did a good job in this collaboration.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beginning of this. I enjoyed the unusual plot and narrative. However, something happened toward the end. The story started dragging and I honestly struggled to finish.

There were great moments. The difficult scenes were handled with GREAT care and for these reasons I gave 4 stars.


I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Det. Nidhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming Book

When I saw three authors in the book details I was like too many cooks may spoil the broth. But it seems writers are a different species and this was an deceptive but amazing read.

Deceptive because it's not as serious as the synopsis makes it out to be. Yea there is a shooting, but that's a very small part of the book. There is a miniscule element of suspense but mostly this was a feel good read.

The protagonists meet at a bridal store trying dresses when there's a shootout. Tory escapes unharmed but traumatized while Peyton gets shot albeit saved by Tory. It's cute how they bond after this, what with shy text messages and sexy dates. And mixed up into this is the shootouts aftermath, which has had psychological effects on both of them.

There are three perspectives in this book. The protagonists' and Bradley's. I am fascinated by how unhinged people think and he's close to one. His sociopathic behaviour was made so evident, and there's even an explanation as to why he is the way he is. But I did cringe a bit every time his chapter came. He was just too creepy for my taste.

This is not a hardcore thriller/crime book. It's essentially a romance with drama sprinkled in. You have to read it for the leads who are perfect. The dialogue just flows and there are loads of curl-your-toes moments throughout the book. This is certainly a book I will be reading again :)

[ᗩᑎᗪᖇᗴᗯ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Smashing Romantic Thriller!

Peyton and Tory meet in a bridal boutique. Both are there to be fitted for bridesmaid dresses (for different weddings) and they strike up a conversation moments before a gunman enters the store and opens fire on everyone. Peyton and Tory survive.

This the story of their coming to terms with what they've been through, and it is the story of the gunman who decides (as revealed in the blurb, so not a spoiler) that two survivors are two too many.

Against All Odds is a collaboration between three authors who each took on the voice of one of the three central characters. It is primarily a romance, with the gunman lurking in the shadows, plotting and inveigling his way into the lives of the survivors.

It all comes together brilliantly. Tension and swooning and feels all 'round. Very highly recommended.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive this book. All three authors individually I love, put them together and you have a winner. I find when three authors work together it's combining three different stories but in this they made one story flow together and not once did I feel lost in this book.

[MaxDisaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Nice MCs, good psycho, captivating writing a nicely flowing story, plot without holes,...
Yep, I enjoyed this

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was different from what I expected, although it was a good book. I really liked that this was told from three individual perspectives. The story was promising and I really liked the premise.

Let's just say, the plot and characters didn't quite live up to my expectations.
The romance was really smooth and there was lots of sex (which honestly I didn't really care about). I would have liked some kind of excitement or bumps in the love story, but the story's plot solely derived from the external plot with the killer. I really liked Peyton and would have liked to see more of her or her family. Tori was a bit too shallow for my liking.

I'm not usually a great fan of Melissa Sternenberg (not her fault, I realize she's I a good narrator), but she did a great job especially with the killer.

[Anna Avian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite the fact that the premise sounded interesting I found this book to be incredibly boring. A lot of things didn't sound plausible and I just wish the authors dug deeper into the two survivors' trauma, emotional state and healing.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love to read spine chilling crime novels with a romantic theme included, then 'Against All Odds' by Kris Bryant, Maggie Cummings, and M. Ullrich is the book for you. The story is about two women, off duty police officer Peyton Clarke and real estate agent Tory Stevens, who happen to meet in a bridal shop as they are being fitted for bridesmaid dresses. Unfortunately, while they are there, a deranged killer named Bradley Richter enters the shop looking for his ex fiance and kills everyone in the store except Peyton and Tory. I won't go any further in the tale, but I will mention the killer feels that his work is not finished when he later finds out there were survivors.

The book is written in the first person narrative with all three of the main characters telling us what is happening and what they are feeling throughout the novel. Each chapter is told by a different character, and the reader is told which character is speaking at the beginning of the chapter.

I'm not usually a big fan of first person narrative, but the authors did an excellent job with this format. I loved being in the minds of Peyton and Tory, seeing their feelings for each other grow. I will admit there were moments I wanted to yell at them to look out, don't go there, or watch what was happening around them; you know, kind of like yelling at the character in a horror movie to turn on the stupid light when they enter a dark room. Being in the mind of Bradley, the killer was really chilling. I actually felt icky reading those chapters. That's a good thing. It means the authors did their job and made me see him as the insane psychopathic killer he was.

The authors did a fantastic collaboration with this book. It can't be easy to write as a group and make the writing consistent throughout the story, but that is exactly what these ladies did. The flow of the plot and the voice was perfect. The building of the suspense to the climax of the story was spot on. I''m in awe of these authors' skills.

If you love a good crime story/romantic thriller, you won't find a better book than 'Against All Odds'.

I received an ARC from Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

[isa Simonet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, it was a good read. Very well written, but unable to pin down who wrote what of the three authors.

This is not a mystery as one might think at the beginning of the book. It's a story of survival and love. Tory a realtor and Peyton a police officer get acquainted in a wedding dress fitting shop, when a gunman pops up in the shop.

The book is divided into 3 voices, that of the shooter, that of Peyton and that of Tory.

I admit that when it was the killer's turn, I did not want to read it.

What I preferred was the romance, well brought, well written, with characters in communion and credible.
One point embarrassed me a lot, the FBI being in charge of the investigation how they did not go around the relatives of the victims, to easily incriminate someone. I thought we were first suspicious of loved ones.

The cover is not extraordinary, I find it bland.

In short, a good reading, and of course I recommend this book.

[Tinything · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human mind really works in a mysterious way.. in this Bradley case, sometimes it also works in a creepy way 😨

I like how this book started it off with the villain’s mind, on how he thinks and what was going on in his head. It caught my attention right at the start. So yeah, there will be 3 different POVs in this book. 2 main characters and 1 villain.

I actually expected more actions, more investigations and such. But this is more about how the 2 survivors feel connected to each other, how they deal with the aftermath and their romance. Though I also feel like their romance kind of move fast as well. it is also about what is going on in that Bradley’s head.

Still, this book still kept me on edge. I kind of kept waiting when that guy is going strike again. It made me enjoy the book in a different way. I mean all in all, i actually like this book and i do enough it all. 😊

[Amy Girard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

This book is a very impressive collaboration between three great authors. The story is told from three different points of view, making it a very easy read. It has a great flow that kept me turning the pages. One point of view is that of the actual shooter, allowing the reader a glimpse into his mind and thought process. I found this very interesting and it definitely added to the suspense. I loved the romance and intimacy between Tory and Peyton. They were without a doubt prefect for each other. This is an amazing book and I highly recommend it!

[Les Rêveur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story opens in a Bridal shop where two women, Peyton and Tory meet for the first time and indulge in some mild flirting. Neither of them knows their lives are about to change forever when a jilted and unhinged man walks through the doors and kills everyone in the store… or so he thinks. Peyton and Tory are the only survivors and as they recover from the emotional and physical trauma together, they begin to fall in love but when the murderer, Bradley finds out that both women survived, he begins to fixate on how to fix his mistake.

This book was fantastic and is currently the best book I’ve read in 2018. Fact. Due to the fact that my three favourite authors got together and wrote a book I’m sure you understand I went into reading this book with more excitement than I can explain. And let me tell you I was not let down. Each author concentrates on one character and they made an art out of telling this story from three points of view in a seamless way. A fun part of this book is working out who wrote which character… I’m eager to find out who you think wrote what protagonist.

Ok so firstly I’ve got to talk about the chills I got from reading Bradley (the sociopathic murderer) and his bizarre reality. From the outset Bradley was more than a little creepy and his warped sense of righteousness had me scared from the get go. Be prepared to feel your skin crawl… seriously! But In saying all this, I think that whoever wrote Bradley needs to be commended as Against All Odds would not be the book it is without the true profiling and research that would have gone into a character like, Bradley. Really, superbly done.

And then there was Peyton and Tory… God I loved them! The chemistry between these two emanates of the page and I fell in love a little with them both. They are both learning to be themselves again in new skin after the terror they lived through in the bridal shop. But together they help each other move on and it’s beautiful to read.

One of my favourite things in the book is the intimate moments from Tory and Peyton. For example, there is this moment where Peyton rubs Tory’s feet after a TV interview and there is something exceedingly domestic and intimate about the act, it made me love them even more. I don’t want to give too much away but there are a few moments like this that had me in tears with all the warmth and affection. They gave me the warm and fuzzies without a doubt.

Now it would not be a Bryant, Cummings and Ullrich book if the sex scenes were not off the hook so let me tell you… The sex scenes are steaming hot! Thank goodness I was not in a public place when I was reading them because… Damn. Readers beware, you will not be disappointed.

Lastly I wanted to mention that as much as the genre is a romantic intrigue, I think I valued that there was a focus on Tory and Peyton’s Romance, even though I could feel Bradley lurking around each corner. It really was a beautiful and well-written love story that had some embedded darkness.

This book is a triumph and the authors themselves must be commended for coming together and producing a stellar book that proves to be seamless in every way.

5 stars!!!!!