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August
August Reiss
Seven years ago, the love of my life and my parents died in a robbery that went wrong.
Do you know what that can do to a professionally trained hitman?
Now I work for a government organization. My next assignment is to infiltrate the Marchand’s crew.
The information given is vague.
But what rouses my interest is that the family “business” of crooks I’m to investigate includes a Bajan little sister whose lips are the definition of sex and trouble.
And yet Natalia’s soft curves are off limits—and not because her brothers will bash my head in.
No. It’s because she is capable of killing me herself.
Natalia Marchand
Anything a man can do, I can do it better.
I’ve lived by that credo my entire life, and with my dangerous ‘job’ it’s always been true.
I’m a rich man’s kryptonite. I can pretend to desire you and then execute a plan to take everything you own.
My brothers and I live dangerous lives.
Then in walks muscles, murky green eyes, and a cocky smile. August needs a place to stay, and he’s saved my kid brother’s life.
Now, he’s a god to all my brothers—but can he really be trusted?
My guts say no.
I'll put a bullet to his head if my intuition is right.
Seven years ago, the love of my life and my parents died in a robbery that went wrong.
Do you know what that can do to a professionally trained hitman?
Now I work for a government organization. My next assignment is to infiltrate the Marchand’s crew.
The information given is vague.
But what rouses my interest is that the family “business” of crooks I’m to investigate includes a Bajan little sister whose lips are the definition of sex and trouble.
And yet Natalia’s soft curves are off limits—and not because her brothers will bash my head in.
No. It’s because she is capable of killing me herself.
Natalia Marchand
Anything a man can do, I can do it better.
I’ve lived by that credo my entire life, and with my dangerous ‘job’ it’s always been true.
I’m a rich man’s kryptonite. I can pretend to desire you and then execute a plan to take everything you own.
My brothers and I live dangerous lives.
Then in walks muscles, murky green eyes, and a cocky smile. August needs a place to stay, and he’s saved my kid brother’s life.
Now, he’s a god to all my brothers—but can he really be trusted?
My guts say no.
I'll put a bullet to his head if my intuition is right.
298 pages, ebook
First published October 19, 2018
637 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Amarie Avant
59 books659 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Amarie Avant focuses on writing romantic suspense, contemporary romance, dark romance with the occasional redeemable anti-hero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
January 20, 2023
I so need a second or third epilogue with these two. This story was intense, passionate, hot asf and sexy. What happens when two bad asses fall for each other? August is a hit man out with a vendetta to avenge the murder of his parents and fiancé. Fast forward 7 years later he gets a certain assignment and is drawn to the heroine involved in it all. A gorgeous, bad ass Black woman that knows her guns—yes please. This book got me. Made me emotional in some parts even. This is action packed and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve had it on my kindle since 2018 so I decided to listen to the audiobook and I wasn’t disappointed. Love August & Natalia.
October 25, 2018
Sexy, exciting action filled and romantic. August is the scary hit-man with a soft heart but has been torn down by his past. A loner with no one close to him. Natalia is the total opposite of him, baddass and loyal sister and daughter. She's a bubbly character filled with life and that really came across in the story. The story was fast paced and I kept flicking the pages to see what would happen. I hated having to put it down. In the end everything comes together perfectly. I would have liked a second epilogue though, just a few more pages to nicely tie up the story. Otherwise "August" was fantastic.
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October 20, 2018
Title: August
Author: Amarie Avant
Publisher: A.A.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"August" by Amarie Avant
My Thoughts.....
For August Reiss life had changed quite a bit since the death of his parents and girlfriend. Now we find him working for 'a government organization and his next assignment was getting in with the Marchand's crew as a Hitman.' Now, this will take some work but August was able to get in at the right time and is now working with this crew and getting greatly involved with Natalia Marchand. With all that had happened with August he wasn't really wanting to do this job but he really had no other choice but to get in on another 'dangerous job' as he had been assigned to get close with 'Natalia Marchand.'
Natalia Marchand wasn't a nice person to get to know as August will soon find out. I am a little surprise that she was able to get away with a lot of her antics with her brothers and now August who was now living with them after saving her brother's life due to him being shot.
What will happen as these two August and Natalia are thrown together? Will August start to have feelings for Natalia? Why and who was this person that Natalia didn't want August asking her about? Well, it looks like on the trip as these two are taking money to be delivered a lot will go on between these two, but we will have to wait and see who this uncle is that Natalia is supposed to be meeting up with. For August, will only be left wishing it's not the person that had shot his former fiancé. Yes, we will be left in a cliffhanger having to wait and see how this next part of this story will go.
October 23, 2018
If you’re into action, violence (the kind that has you on the edge of your seat and talking to the book) and romance well August has all of these elements and more. This is the story of August and Natalia. August/Auggie is a hitman but has grieved for the last seven years for the loved ones that he couldn’t save which left his heart closed off. Natalia or Miss Talia as she is known, has also suffered a traumatic incident in her past and she can’t really move on from the guilt and shame of it. When these two come together it’s like oil and water but somehow the magic that runs between them smooths the way for a relationship born out of violence but ends in Love. This is a fast paced book and you get to see the inner workings of the H and h. It’s just the right length to keep you intrigued and wishing that you had more. The secondary characters are awesome also, even though I would like to have heard more from Christian. Did I mention that Grammy (who is off the chain) and Georgia (cutie pie with way more knowledge than she should have) are characters that you need more in books! Amarie Avant I loved August, I thought he was very sweet in a “mess with me or my woman and I kill you kind of way”. I just absolutely LOVED Miss Talia she was the kind of crazy that really wasn’t that crazy but because of the circumstances that she found herself in made her seem crazy. You did an awesome job in bring this couple together and letting them find their way in this crazy thing called love!! This is a book worth reading so please 1-click.
October 24, 2018
Great Read! I received this book as an ARC for my honest opinion. I loved the two main characters and understood the hurt they both went through which led them to be the kind of persons, they were. The storyline was suspenseful and I loved his lil cousin and his grandmother.
November 18, 2018
Amarie Fan
I've loved everything I've read by Amarie, but "August" fell short with me. While I sympathized with Natalia and her traumatic experience, I did not take to this story as with her other novels. I liked the characters, especially Georgia and Grammy. I will be patiently waiting for the next Amarie romance masterpiece!
I've loved everything I've read by Amarie, but "August" fell short with me. While I sympathized with Natalia and her traumatic experience, I did not take to this story as with her other novels. I liked the characters, especially Georgia and Grammy. I will be patiently waiting for the next Amarie romance masterpiece!
November 27, 2018
Why do have to pay for the sins of others?
Why do we have to pay for the sins of others is what I asked myself while reading about why Natalia did what she did. I must say thank God for August because he was that breathe of fresh air she didn’t think she needed, and poor August I really felt it for him when he lost his parents and fiancée. Nevertheless, I am happy that both him and Natalia found each other. Ugh let me not forget about that scum that act as if he loved her. Yes act, because no matter what if you love someone you would not set them up like that knowing the circumstances. Lol i can’t forget his grammy lol she’s full of sauce and little Ms Georgia is right behind. All in all I really enjoyed another one of Ms Avant’s books and I’m on to the extended epilogue.
Why do we have to pay for the sins of others is what I asked myself while reading about why Natalia did what she did. I must say thank God for August because he was that breathe of fresh air she didn’t think she needed, and poor August I really felt it for him when he lost his parents and fiancée. Nevertheless, I am happy that both him and Natalia found each other. Ugh let me not forget about that scum that act as if he loved her. Yes act, because no matter what if you love someone you would not set them up like that knowing the circumstances. Lol i can’t forget his grammy lol she’s full of sauce and little Ms Georgia is right behind. All in all I really enjoyed another one of Ms Avant’s books and I’m on to the extended epilogue.
November 21, 2018
August
My training? Professional.
My job? Hitman for a government organization.
And my next assignment? Infiltrate Marchand's crew.
Vague information, but a solid job. Why do I care?
Because this family "business" of crooks I'm investigating includes a Bajan little sister....
And she's the definition of sex on legs.
She's trouble, and I don't know if I can stay away.
Natalia
I lead a dangerous life, and so do my brothers. But when my kid sibling is saved by sexy, muscular August Reiss wearing that signature cocky smile, my gut tells me not to trust him. He's good to my brothers... but should I believe everything he says?
One thing's for sure. If my intuition is right, I'm going to put a bullet right between those gorgeous murky green eyes.
When I started this book I was excited and it started out so good but then it kind of fell off and from there it lost me. It was a good story line but needed more action for me. My suggestion also would be to have 2 narrators or for Gregory to use a more womanly voice to help to distinguish between Natalia and August. I encourage everyone to try it for yourself and make your own decision.
My training? Professional.
My job? Hitman for a government organization.
And my next assignment? Infiltrate Marchand's crew.
Vague information, but a solid job. Why do I care?
Because this family "business" of crooks I'm investigating includes a Bajan little sister....
And she's the definition of sex on legs.
She's trouble, and I don't know if I can stay away.
Natalia
I lead a dangerous life, and so do my brothers. But when my kid sibling is saved by sexy, muscular August Reiss wearing that signature cocky smile, my gut tells me not to trust him. He's good to my brothers... but should I believe everything he says?
One thing's for sure. If my intuition is right, I'm going to put a bullet right between those gorgeous murky green eyes.
When I started this book I was excited and it started out so good but then it kind of fell off and from there it lost me. It was a good story line but needed more action for me. My suggestion also would be to have 2 narrators or for Gregory to use a more womanly voice to help to distinguish between Natalia and August. I encourage everyone to try it for yourself and make your own decision.
June 24, 2021
Awesome IR Romance- Perfect Blend of ❤️🔥& Action😍
Sexy, green eyed, lethal hitman August & his Bajan Maserati driving Queen, Natalia are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥This book by Amarie Avant has it all for lovers of IR romance . It is a perfect blend of heat, violence , ❤️and humor from a no - filter grandma😍. Get your summer reading 📚on with Auggie & Ms Talia🤗
Sexy, green eyed, lethal hitman August & his Bajan Maserati driving Queen, Natalia are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥This book by Amarie Avant has it all for lovers of IR romance . It is a perfect blend of heat, violence , ❤️and humor from a no - filter grandma😍. Get your summer reading 📚on with Auggie & Ms Talia🤗
November 19, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Wow! Riveting, action-packed and suspenseful from the very beginning! This is a definite MUST READ! The momentum of the story keeps you wanting to read more. It is suspenseful with gruesome details; murder, mystery, secrets, lies, intrigue, suspense, and passion continue to keep you glued to the pages of this fascinating story. You will love this suspenseful romance where two people find happiness in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Natalia Marchand is from Barbados, beautiful, sassy, can hold her own with any gun. August Reiss is tall, arrogant, but sexy as hell. Although he is handsome, he had a nefarious side to him. When August (Auggie) meets Natalia, he likes the feisty, sassy, and obstinate beautiful woman. The chemistry between Natalia and August grows more potent the more time they spend together—the sex is off-the-chart hot! Because of one incredible moment where August’s secret is revealed and there is an unbelievable tension between August and Natalia. What was the secret August concealed? This book was everything I hoped it would be—emotional, angsty, and beguiling from the beginning until the end. There are several surprises and plot twists and turns within the story that makes it interesting with deep and troubled characters. This suspenseful, steamy read with secrets, lies, murder, and suspense—some you see coming, some you don’t…. It will be hard to put this down once you get started!
Wow! Riveting, action-packed and suspenseful from the very beginning! This is a definite MUST READ! The momentum of the story keeps you wanting to read more. It is suspenseful with gruesome details; murder, mystery, secrets, lies, intrigue, suspense, and passion continue to keep you glued to the pages of this fascinating story. You will love this suspenseful romance where two people find happiness in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Natalia Marchand is from Barbados, beautiful, sassy, can hold her own with any gun. August Reiss is tall, arrogant, but sexy as hell. Although he is handsome, he had a nefarious side to him. When August (Auggie) meets Natalia, he likes the feisty, sassy, and obstinate beautiful woman. The chemistry between Natalia and August grows more potent the more time they spend together—the sex is off-the-chart hot! Because of one incredible moment where August’s secret is revealed and there is an unbelievable tension between August and Natalia. What was the secret August concealed? This book was everything I hoped it would be—emotional, angsty, and beguiling from the beginning until the end. There are several surprises and plot twists and turns within the story that makes it interesting with deep and troubled characters. This suspenseful, steamy read with secrets, lies, murder, and suspense—some you see coming, some you don’t…. It will be hard to put this down once you get started!
November 14, 2018
Robbing Peter to pay Paul
That is what Natalia Marchand/ Sealy did to pay to keep her family safe at home. There were two crazy powerful men that wanted Talia but she wanted nothing to do with either. You can lead a horse to water but all of the plotting and blackmailing conjured can't make that horse love you. But when August Reiss entered the picture, all of Natalia hesitancy about love ceased to exist because of him. He was her first love. Because of what happened the last time he told someone he loved her, he lost her and his parents. That was why he joined the Vitality group and became a hitman for hire. He had a death wish because without his Addy and his parents he had no reason to live. He loved Talia but was afraid to tell her because of that until she walked out of his life and went back home. Twenty two days was enough of being without her. He needed to hear her voice, see her smile and see how much brighter the stars shown from her home.
This story was full of only revealing tidbits a little at a time. Talia did not know she had another person working against her demise until the end. August was going to make sure neither got to harm his love. His Gram tickled me. She was funny as all get out with her reality talk. I just loved her. I will be looking for that extended epilogue. It should have been included in the book, but I understand Amarie wanting her readers to sign up for her emails. I enjoyed reading this story.
That is what Natalia Marchand/ Sealy did to pay to keep her family safe at home. There were two crazy powerful men that wanted Talia but she wanted nothing to do with either. You can lead a horse to water but all of the plotting and blackmailing conjured can't make that horse love you. But when August Reiss entered the picture, all of Natalia hesitancy about love ceased to exist because of him. He was her first love. Because of what happened the last time he told someone he loved her, he lost her and his parents. That was why he joined the Vitality group and became a hitman for hire. He had a death wish because without his Addy and his parents he had no reason to live. He loved Talia but was afraid to tell her because of that until she walked out of his life and went back home. Twenty two days was enough of being without her. He needed to hear her voice, see her smile and see how much brighter the stars shown from her home.
This story was full of only revealing tidbits a little at a time. Talia did not know she had another person working against her demise until the end. August was going to make sure neither got to harm his love. His Gram tickled me. She was funny as all get out with her reality talk. I just loved her. I will be looking for that extended epilogue. It should have been included in the book, but I understand Amarie wanting her readers to sign up for her emails. I enjoyed reading this story.
November 6, 2018
For real.
The story really didn't click with me. He had major issues and she did too. I guess it was love in their dysfunction.
The story really didn't click with me. He had major issues and she did too. I guess it was love in their dysfunction.
November 20, 2018
4.5!one of the best from ms avant.
November 8, 2018
Beautiful story
I have fallen for your BWWM stories. I believe its because you dont place emphasis on their race it's all about the love between the two and race doesn't matter!! Beautiful story told about Natalia and Aygust and would love to read more about them
I have fallen for your BWWM stories. I believe its because you dont place emphasis on their race it's all about the love between the two and race doesn't matter!! Beautiful story told about Natalia and Aygust and would love to read more about them
October 21, 2018
Received a ARC!! So, thankful for the opportunity because I was literally counting down to this book's release in my calendar. I loved the book like usual. Their relationship dynamic was so cute, at some parts I was like: this is leaving some holes or just like who would actually do this but then it turned into realistic events. I love how their families can get along and love the different characters in each of their families. The reason for their meeting was...ok (I thought it could have been more...idk...just like something more diabolical/dangerous) but then again it is a valid reason. I love how they are not afraid to be themselves and say what they want even if they will be hurt (mostly Natalia but also August (with most things)). Overall I feel like there could have been more "oomf", but I still love the results and can't wait for the epilogue and hopefully a sequel or spin-off with Georgia, lol!!! I didn't want to put it down, but also put it down because I didn't want to finish the awesome story (cuz then I'd have to look for another book to feed my book addiction). This is definitely one of my favorite books from Ms. Avant and I can't wait for more
November 1, 2018
4.5 stars. Ooh I love me some Auggie! I also love Natalia and no, I’m no being partial to this character simply because she’s Bajan, like me...ok, maybe a little bit. All this talk of cou-cou with flying fish has my tummy grumbling but I forgive you, Ms. Avant lol She delivers another great story with complex yet sympathetic lead characters and you really root for these two throughout the book. Per usual to Ms. Avant’s style, we are gifted with some very hot love scenes and there’s even a bonus epilogue to this story you can download on her site. Good stuff!
October 23, 2018
August is lit af!!! August and Natalia are the new Bonnie and Clyde. Natalia is just enough badass and vunerability with innocence combined. August is an alpha who is a tortured soul dealing with his own demons. Grammy is lit. Georgia is a hilarious little girl. Christian, Izaiah, Luis, and Natalia have a special bond. I love each characters relationship with their families. The sex is very descriptive and hot af! It will make you fan yourself or blow up your kindle. This is one of my favorites from Amarie. It's told in different Povs, no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a hea. I highly recommend this book. Please one click this badass book from Amarie. You won't be disappointed.
October 30, 2018
Phenomenal 📖
5 stars wasn't enough to rate this book. Very entertaining from beginning to the end. Love this story and the character's ❤❤❤ I truly enjoy Amarie writing. Talia was a strong female.
5 stars wasn't enough to rate this book. Very entertaining from beginning to the end. Love this story and the character's ❤❤❤ I truly enjoy Amarie writing. Talia was a strong female.
October 27, 2018
Looove this!
Amarie did not disappoint! I really hate it ended and it kind of did abruptly, but don’t fret she has an extended epilogue for you! August. August August August... this man is the ultimate Alpha with a capital A and the sexiest hit man besides Jagger lol. Natalie I absolutely love her spirit and attitude. She’s the perfect compliment for August. I would definitely recommend this book!
Amarie did not disappoint! I really hate it ended and it kind of did abruptly, but don’t fret she has an extended epilogue for you! August. August August August... this man is the ultimate Alpha with a capital A and the sexiest hit man besides Jagger lol. Natalie I absolutely love her spirit and attitude. She’s the perfect compliment for August. I would definitely recommend this book!
July 27, 2022
This book started off really exciting but then for me it started to go downhill from there. August is a hit man and his parents and girlfriend get killed when a job goes bad. Then later he's assigned to hit another woman who he ends up falling in love with.
I think it's always hard to get readers interested in the love story between the main guy and someone new when it starts off with that same guy in love with someone different. I kept hoping that maybe Addy (the first girlfriend) wasn't really dead. August described Natalia as being very different from Addy so I didn't get how the same guy could have such different tastes and fall for two completely different women.
I think I was supposed to think Natalia (the new girlfriend/the main female character) was really awesome but I found her irritatingly full of herself. Then the plotline takes some detours into some really unbelievable premises and events to explain everything and tie it all together... I wasn't really buying a lot of it and there were some parts of it I didn't think made sense but maybe I wasn't listening very well because some parts weren't as interesting as others.
And by the end the only question dragged out over too long of the remaining plot, IMHO, is "Will he or won't he say he loves her?" (Not ACT like he loves her, which he certainly does, but SAY it back to her during the many many many many times she keeps saying it to him.) Ugh. I started hating them both for this- her for continuing to harp on it and him for being too much of a wimp to just say what he felt! I didn't blame her for leaving but I did blame her for continually trying to make him say it when he clearly didn't want to, instead of just leaving once she knew he couldn't give her what she wanted/needed. (And I really didn't understand why it was that important to her that he say it but it clearly was and so I didn't think she should settle.)
The most maddening thing was that first she tells him to take his time and not say it back to her just because she said it to him but then she keeps pushing him to say it, gets mad at him for not saying it, and even goes back to Bermuda because he hasn't said it back to her. Ugh ugh. Therefore SHE wasn't being genuine with what she was saying to him in the beginning yet she was mad at him for being genuine in not saying what he wasn't ready to say to her.
Okay, I'm just ughing right out of that whole part of the plot because I was sick of hearing about it and am sick of talking about it!
I felt like there was a lot of promise here but it was somewhat of a disappointment. I've heard that other books by this author were better and I'd like to check them out. But this one was on sale on Chirp Audiobook so I tried it first and I would probably only give another book by this author a chance if it was equally cheap or free, and then try more from there if I end up liking it better than this one.
Speaking of the audiobook, a man reads both parts even though at least half the parts are from the woman's point of view and both are told in first person. So, it's hard to keep track of who is telling the story and I kept getting confused. I wish a woman would have read the woman's parts to avoid that confusion.
Also the dialogue of the woman is done with a Caribbean accent (as are her family members' dialogue, all of which sound like the same person talking IMO) but when she's just narrating the story, there's no accent even though it's in the first person, so that was a jarring switch for me to continually get used to. That being said, the male narrator was good for the male point of view portions of the books and for the non-accented dialogue parts.
Other than the fact that the heroine is a native of Bermuda and is undocumented in the US (it's set in Long Beach, I think) and the hitman/male love interest happens to be white, there's not much of an interracial romance aspect to this book; race doesn't really play into their romance storyline. I did like that the heroine's heritage played a role in her own storyline and I enjoyed hearing about her family and the reason she had to escape from the island and why she and her family had to become thieves to get by.
There are parts where she brags about using her looks to seduce men for money or steal from men. She didn't make for a very sympathetic character without knowing her background and even then it was kind of uncomfortable to read about such a self-proclaimed "bad girl" and for him, such a self-proclaimed bad hitman who didn't value human lives. (
I'm still not sure why he became a hit man to begin with although I understand why having his parents and girlfriend get killed caused him to become even more of one. At least with Natalie, there was a big explanation about how and why she had become the way she was but with him... all we get is a weird part where he says his mom is a sex-positive therapist who helps people enjoy sex and I think his dad is a professor, so why is he a hitman??) But I think it must be something about this genre, romantic suspense or something, that I don't usually read and those were some of the most interesting parts so I tried not to hate the characters just for being "bad."
I love me some smutty romance but in this book the suspense and action were way better than the sex. The sex scenes weren't very good IMO; they were kind of cringe-worthy and seemed to come out of nowhere or be inserted into parts of the plot where people normally wouldn't be thinking about or having sex. And honestly I didn't like August because he was too rough and rapey with Natalia for my tastes. I felt parts of the books were sexist because he treated her like something he could use, while also being possessive and being mad that other men might be using his toy, and this was supposed to pass for love. I thought that if she truly loved him it was only her trauma that was making her feel that way and that this isn't what a healthy relationship should be like.
The banter between them could be funny and I liked her feisty attitude but I didn't really believe there was a lot of chemistry between them in parts and I didn't understand why she fell for him so quickly or why the family let him into their lives or even insisted he stay in their lives when they were these bad criminals on the run always distrusting people. So I guess the characterization and the way the plot unfolded made it hard for me to completely believe everything that happened.
Still, it was entertaining in parts and I think if some more time was spent fleshing out the storyline in a way that made more sense and building up the characters to explain their motivations better, it would have been movie-worthy! It seemed rather rushed or hastily thrown together to me.
It was definitely one of the more exciting romance books I've read though, especially in the beginning, and I think it's an indie author so I'm rounding up my 2.5 star rating to 3 because the only reason it lost that half star anyway was for the horrible "SAY YOU LOVE ME OR I'M GOING BACK HOME TO MY ISLAND" plot line that took up way too much of the end. I hope to be able to try this author again and enjoy her next book even more. Fingers crossed!
I think it's always hard to get readers interested in the love story between the main guy and someone new when it starts off with that same guy in love with someone different. I kept hoping that maybe Addy (the first girlfriend) wasn't really dead. August described Natalia as being very different from Addy so I didn't get how the same guy could have such different tastes and fall for two completely different women.
I think I was supposed to think Natalia (the new girlfriend/the main female character) was really awesome but I found her irritatingly full of herself. Then the plotline takes some detours into some really unbelievable premises and events to explain everything and tie it all together... I wasn't really buying a lot of it and there were some parts of it I didn't think made sense but maybe I wasn't listening very well because some parts weren't as interesting as others.
And by the end the only question dragged out over too long of the remaining plot, IMHO, is "Will he or won't he say he loves her?" (Not ACT like he loves her, which he certainly does, but SAY it back to her during the many many many many times she keeps saying it to him.) Ugh. I started hating them both for this- her for continuing to harp on it and him for being too much of a wimp to just say what he felt! I didn't blame her for leaving but I did blame her for continually trying to make him say it when he clearly didn't want to, instead of just leaving once she knew he couldn't give her what she wanted/needed. (And I really didn't understand why it was that important to her that he say it but it clearly was and so I didn't think she should settle.)
The most maddening thing was that first she tells him to take his time and not say it back to her just because she said it to him but then she keeps pushing him to say it, gets mad at him for not saying it, and even goes back to Bermuda because he hasn't said it back to her. Ugh ugh. Therefore SHE wasn't being genuine with what she was saying to him in the beginning yet she was mad at him for being genuine in not saying what he wasn't ready to say to her.
Okay, I'm just ughing right out of that whole part of the plot because I was sick of hearing about it and am sick of talking about it!
I felt like there was a lot of promise here but it was somewhat of a disappointment. I've heard that other books by this author were better and I'd like to check them out. But this one was on sale on Chirp Audiobook so I tried it first and I would probably only give another book by this author a chance if it was equally cheap or free, and then try more from there if I end up liking it better than this one.
Speaking of the audiobook, a man reads both parts even though at least half the parts are from the woman's point of view and both are told in first person. So, it's hard to keep track of who is telling the story and I kept getting confused. I wish a woman would have read the woman's parts to avoid that confusion.
Also the dialogue of the woman is done with a Caribbean accent (as are her family members' dialogue, all of which sound like the same person talking IMO) but when she's just narrating the story, there's no accent even though it's in the first person, so that was a jarring switch for me to continually get used to. That being said, the male narrator was good for the male point of view portions of the books and for the non-accented dialogue parts.
Other than the fact that the heroine is a native of Bermuda and is undocumented in the US (it's set in Long Beach, I think) and the hitman/male love interest happens to be white, there's not much of an interracial romance aspect to this book; race doesn't really play into their romance storyline. I did like that the heroine's heritage played a role in her own storyline and I enjoyed hearing about her family and the reason she had to escape from the island and why she and her family had to become thieves to get by.
There are parts where she brags about using her looks to seduce men for money or steal from men. She didn't make for a very sympathetic character without knowing her background and even then it was kind of uncomfortable to read about such a self-proclaimed "bad girl" and for him, such a self-proclaimed bad hitman who didn't value human lives. (
I'm still not sure why he became a hit man to begin with although I understand why having his parents and girlfriend get killed caused him to become even more of one. At least with Natalie, there was a big explanation about how and why she had become the way she was but with him... all we get is a weird part where he says his mom is a sex-positive therapist who helps people enjoy sex and I think his dad is a professor, so why is he a hitman??) But I think it must be something about this genre, romantic suspense or something, that I don't usually read and those were some of the most interesting parts so I tried not to hate the characters just for being "bad."
I love me some smutty romance but in this book the suspense and action were way better than the sex. The sex scenes weren't very good IMO; they were kind of cringe-worthy and seemed to come out of nowhere or be inserted into parts of the plot where people normally wouldn't be thinking about or having sex. And honestly I didn't like August because he was too rough and rapey with Natalia for my tastes. I felt parts of the books were sexist because he treated her like something he could use, while also being possessive and being mad that other men might be using his toy, and this was supposed to pass for love. I thought that if she truly loved him it was only her trauma that was making her feel that way and that this isn't what a healthy relationship should be like.
The banter between them could be funny and I liked her feisty attitude but I didn't really believe there was a lot of chemistry between them in parts and I didn't understand why she fell for him so quickly or why the family let him into their lives or even insisted he stay in their lives when they were these bad criminals on the run always distrusting people. So I guess the characterization and the way the plot unfolded made it hard for me to completely believe everything that happened.
Still, it was entertaining in parts and I think if some more time was spent fleshing out the storyline in a way that made more sense and building up the characters to explain their motivations better, it would have been movie-worthy! It seemed rather rushed or hastily thrown together to me.
It was definitely one of the more exciting romance books I've read though, especially in the beginning, and I think it's an indie author so I'm rounding up my 2.5 star rating to 3 because the only reason it lost that half star anyway was for the horrible "SAY YOU LOVE ME OR I'M GOING BACK HOME TO MY ISLAND" plot line that took up way too much of the end. I hope to be able to try this author again and enjoy her next book even more. Fingers crossed!
November 3, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Good characters, good amount of action to keep you going. Great narration. Well done guys.
December 6, 2025
This 4 star read could have been real life!
This story came together in a way that you could literally happen today. I wasn’t expecting the realness of it but was happily surprised by it.
August and Natalia were definitely a match made in heaven? Hëll? To be honest, I wasn’t sure how these two would be able to come together as one. It took me a while to believe their romance, because I didn’t feel the connection, the heat normally written into a book. This turned out to be a slow burn in essence, as the story was more about Family, honor, and dealing with trauma. There wasn’t only romance and that’s what made the story so real.
My heart broke for August in the beginning, where we learned why he acts the way he acts, why he is the way he is. He yet through all of that, he still managed to come out on the other side, maybe not hole, but still here. Then we have Natalia, her own brand of horror that she lived was nothing to sneeze at either! These two had experienced such trauma on their own, that they were either going to connect, or they were going to combust. Finding out which way they were going to go was so enjoyable that I really loved it.
during the portions where I listened, George Salinas did an amazing job of both voices. Sometimes I get caught up when it’s just a man or just a woman reading a story and it takes me out of it to listen to them. That was not the case with George Salinas! He did a fabulous job of both characters, male and female.
All in all, I truly enjoyed this story. Amarie Avant is one of my go to authors and I’m shocked. I haven’t read one of her stories in a while. What a treat it was to get back to it, to her.
This story came together in a way that you could literally happen today. I wasn’t expecting the realness of it but was happily surprised by it.
August and Natalia were definitely a match made in heaven? Hëll? To be honest, I wasn’t sure how these two would be able to come together as one. It took me a while to believe their romance, because I didn’t feel the connection, the heat normally written into a book. This turned out to be a slow burn in essence, as the story was more about Family, honor, and dealing with trauma. There wasn’t only romance and that’s what made the story so real.
My heart broke for August in the beginning, where we learned why he acts the way he acts, why he is the way he is. He yet through all of that, he still managed to come out on the other side, maybe not hole, but still here. Then we have Natalia, her own brand of horror that she lived was nothing to sneeze at either! These two had experienced such trauma on their own, that they were either going to connect, or they were going to combust. Finding out which way they were going to go was so enjoyable that I really loved it.
during the portions where I listened, George Salinas did an amazing job of both voices. Sometimes I get caught up when it’s just a man or just a woman reading a story and it takes me out of it to listen to them. That was not the case with George Salinas! He did a fabulous job of both characters, male and female.
All in all, I truly enjoyed this story. Amarie Avant is one of my go to authors and I’m shocked. I haven’t read one of her stories in a while. What a treat it was to get back to it, to her.
October 27, 2018
Ok, so I finished reading August a few days ago but I really wanted to wait and simmer on my review. First off this book was so so good! Sometimes it’s hard to express how much I like and enjoyed a book because I don’t want to seem like I'm just saying it for the sake of saying it.
I don’t even review books I don’t like unless I may have been offended and I feel people should be cautioned of something.
I love when an author proves the romance genre is so much more the old stereotypes.
Love and romance happen while we go throughout our lives and with August and Natalia, that's the case.
While August deals with his past and feeling the effects on his life presently, I feel his pain and anger. While he is also numb to anything good that could possibly make him repeat old experiences. It’s like he’s living on Pause and Play at the same time.
Natalia is like so many women, she is on the defense. Not able to just live life based on her own choices and mistakes but rather others. Feeling compelled to continually make lemonade from the constant lemons people keep throwing at her, While feeling guilty there even getting tossed her way in the first place.
Neither appear how they are feeling at any given time. Both feeling too much to function as if their lives are normal or could ever be normal. Their love of family is what stood out to me. What they do or would have done for loved ones. Stretched and Stressed they both need someone make them the number one priority.
It didn’t hurt that August is my birth month!
I don’t even review books I don’t like unless I may have been offended and I feel people should be cautioned of something.
I love when an author proves the romance genre is so much more the old stereotypes.
Love and romance happen while we go throughout our lives and with August and Natalia, that's the case.
While August deals with his past and feeling the effects on his life presently, I feel his pain and anger. While he is also numb to anything good that could possibly make him repeat old experiences. It’s like he’s living on Pause and Play at the same time.
Natalia is like so many women, she is on the defense. Not able to just live life based on her own choices and mistakes but rather others. Feeling compelled to continually make lemonade from the constant lemons people keep throwing at her, While feeling guilty there even getting tossed her way in the first place.
Neither appear how they are feeling at any given time. Both feeling too much to function as if their lives are normal or could ever be normal. Their love of family is what stood out to me. What they do or would have done for loved ones. Stretched and Stressed they both need someone make them the number one priority.
It didn’t hurt that August is my birth month!
November 20, 2018
A good hitman story, Amarie Avant has filled us with passion and suspense! I enjoyed August's story. The opening scene left me heartbroken and wanting to know where August would end up. When he is given the mission to stay with Natalia and find out what she is up to, his whole life turns upside down. Not only is he attracted to her, he has no idea what he is looking for. His instinct is to protect and love her. Natalia is a strong woman, loves her family fiercely and will do anything to keep them safe. Will August find what he is looking for? And do the two keep her family protected? There is a lot in this story. August has a great back story, one that will make you look at this dark and dangerous man with a little softness. Natalia has many layers, brought on by the life that she never intends to be a part of. The story is a little dark, very suspenseful and extremely passionate.
With the voice of Gregory Salinas, we get that deep,dark, alpha male in August . He is a wonderfully talented artist and is able to give August's voice just enough tension to make him seem a little aloof, yet when he is with Natalia, that voice is able to change. Salinas is also able to give Natalia a fire in her tone, you know not to mess with her. Yet he can give her the vulnerability she really has underneath. Add in a family of characters using both island and creole accents, and the narration is amazing.
With the voice of Gregory Salinas, we get that deep,dark, alpha male in August . He is a wonderfully talented artist and is able to give August's voice just enough tension to make him seem a little aloof, yet when he is with Natalia, that voice is able to change. Salinas is also able to give Natalia a fire in her tone, you know not to mess with her. Yet he can give her the vulnerability she really has underneath. Add in a family of characters using both island and creole accents, and the narration is amazing.
December 30, 2018
All over the place.
The author had all the ingredients to write a good book; however, it all fell apart. First there was the needless angst about the h character. There is nothing angsy about molestation and if not willing to take the time to go there; then leave the subject alone. So instead of understanding her beginnings and all the way molestation manifests itself, we have a very vain, pretentious and unlikable character, who uses her beauty and sexuality to be totally moronic and a grifter, which might have been better explained as a consequence of her molestation. The author need to spend the time to build the character/beginnings before showing the consequences of molestation. . And then the whole story became was so convoluted and unbelievable. I certainly did not buy her "I love you" and she was equally tiresome in demanding that he should tell her he loved her even though he proved he cared for her. The author even failed to provide an adequate information about the h abhorrence to the use of fingers during the a sexual act; why introduce something if not willing to explain the reasoning? Intellectually, I understand; however, it should be part of the story; not assumptions. Very unlikable and certainly would not recommend this book because it is time that will not be well spent.
The author had all the ingredients to write a good book; however, it all fell apart. First there was the needless angst about the h character. There is nothing angsy about molestation and if not willing to take the time to go there; then leave the subject alone. So instead of understanding her beginnings and all the way molestation manifests itself, we have a very vain, pretentious and unlikable character, who uses her beauty and sexuality to be totally moronic and a grifter, which might have been better explained as a consequence of her molestation. The author need to spend the time to build the character/beginnings before showing the consequences of molestation. . And then the whole story became was so convoluted and unbelievable. I certainly did not buy her "I love you" and she was equally tiresome in demanding that he should tell her he loved her even though he proved he cared for her. The author even failed to provide an adequate information about the h abhorrence to the use of fingers during the a sexual act; why introduce something if not willing to explain the reasoning? Intellectually, I understand; however, it should be part of the story; not assumptions. Very unlikable and certainly would not recommend this book because it is time that will not be well spent.
October 27, 2018
Man grab your copy because whatever month you are in, you are going to love being in AUGUST!!!🙈🙌
This was so MS. Avent that I couldn't wait for this book to be out. This is talent at its best. I don't think this book had as much depth as all of the other works of MS. Aren't, but it was as riveting, and a page turner as the others.
August, man oh man, can I get one? And I do not want a July or September, but an August or Auggie, I will be living in that month only. He is alpha to the super power with a lot of badass, and muscle with a pinch of softness to him. Look at the two most hilarious people, Georgia and Grammy🤗 hilarious.....
Nathalia was the perfect balance for him. At one point she was getting on my nerves with all of her badass, but it was so sweet and shocking to see that all in all she was a good bajan girl but life happens. I love each of the bajans characters from Izahac, to Luis, to Christian, to Rahim... Beautiful, just beautiful, the unity that they had was just something else.
This story touched on a little bit of everything and as expected, MS. Avent was able to twist everything and give us the HEA that we always look for. Grab your copy, you will not be disappointed!!!
This was so MS. Avent that I couldn't wait for this book to be out. This is talent at its best. I don't think this book had as much depth as all of the other works of MS. Aren't, but it was as riveting, and a page turner as the others.
August, man oh man, can I get one? And I do not want a July or September, but an August or Auggie, I will be living in that month only. He is alpha to the super power with a lot of badass, and muscle with a pinch of softness to him. Look at the two most hilarious people, Georgia and Grammy🤗 hilarious.....
Nathalia was the perfect balance for him. At one point she was getting on my nerves with all of her badass, but it was so sweet and shocking to see that all in all she was a good bajan girl but life happens. I love each of the bajans characters from Izahac, to Luis, to Christian, to Rahim... Beautiful, just beautiful, the unity that they had was just something else.
This story touched on a little bit of everything and as expected, MS. Avent was able to twist everything and give us the HEA that we always look for. Grab your copy, you will not be disappointed!!!
October 29, 2018
The Tale Of Two Intriguing Hearts!!!
In this book we come across August and Natalie and her Bajan brood/family. We get a glimpse early on as to what happened to August and how it lead down the path of revenge that leads him to Natalia. Nothing prepares August to be knocked right off his feet by the loud mouth, scathing looks thrown his way, threatening Natalia. She makes it known to him from the start she's happy to shoot him anytime. While August is trying to figure out why exactly he was assigned to Natalia, he stumbles across other issues that are bothering her and her family. This book is filled with tons of interesting events that unfold, it'll have you reading till the end. We also get a very comedic happenings anytime August's Grammy comes in the scene not to mention the cute little Georgia. We also get more insight into Alexander Castle. To find out if August avoids being shot by Natalia, and more antics by his Grammy, see if Natalie finds a solution to her family issues you definitely want to read this book. Highly recommended you will not be disappointed!!!
In this book we come across August and Natalie and her Bajan brood/family. We get a glimpse early on as to what happened to August and how it lead down the path of revenge that leads him to Natalia. Nothing prepares August to be knocked right off his feet by the loud mouth, scathing looks thrown his way, threatening Natalia. She makes it known to him from the start she's happy to shoot him anytime. While August is trying to figure out why exactly he was assigned to Natalia, he stumbles across other issues that are bothering her and her family. This book is filled with tons of interesting events that unfold, it'll have you reading till the end. We also get a very comedic happenings anytime August's Grammy comes in the scene not to mention the cute little Georgia. We also get more insight into Alexander Castle. To find out if August avoids being shot by Natalia, and more antics by his Grammy, see if Natalie finds a solution to her family issues you definitely want to read this book. Highly recommended you will not be disappointed!!!
January 10, 2019
3.00 stars. Audiobook with narration by Gregory Salinas. (BWWM) I didn't like this book, I've read it off and since 12/06/2018 and today, 01/09/2019, I forced myself to listen to it at 1.75 in order to finish. August Reiss is a hitman and 11 years after his parents and fiancee were killed during a robbery, August accepted an assignment from a government organization to infiltrate the Marchand crime family and bring its leader, Natalia Marchand to justice. August is a stealthy deadly alpha male in pain, still grieving the loose of his love ones. Natalia Marchand and her brothers are in America to rob banks and send the money back to their family in Caribbean Island of Barbados. Natalia is an alpha female but she is loud and boastful about her willingness to kill. Natalia was molested but her virginity was not taken, she gives it to August when they become involved. I couldn't detect any romantic or loving chemistry between August and Natalia; but, the reader is told they are in love and witness their unnecessary drama. HEA.
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