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The Safe House
Packed with “high suspense” and “memorable choices and consequences” (Booklist) Kiki Swinson’s novels sizzle with a uniquely gritty portrait of Southern life. Now she breaks all the rules with a story of a young woman with two targets on her back who tries to keep those she loves—and herself—alive . . . Run for cover It was supposed to be easy money. One big payoff and then life would be better than ever, with bills all paid and money in her pocket. But the plan fell apart and now she’s made an enemy. He’s a drug cartel leader out to destroy any competition—and get payback by any means necessary . . . Play for time Under federal protection, she’s only steps ahead as the cartel leader starts killing off her family and friends. When he kidnaps a relative and demands her in exchange, she and a desperate DEA agent work a bold switch to nail him. But the fallout is disastrous—and deadly . . . Do anything to survive Now the local police are closing in on her as the prime suspect in her abusive boyfriend’s disappearance. She’s got no choice but to ditch the feds and take down her merciless pursuer on her own. But with no options, no help, and the clock running down, this not-so-innocent victim’s only shot may be the one risk that takes her out for good . . .“Pitch-perfect dialogue, juicy sexual trysts, cold-blooded betrayal, and ruthless violence mark this suspenseful fast-moving tale that is topped off by a shocking epilogue.”—Library Journal (Starred Review) on The Score
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2019
78 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Kiki Swinson
83 books928 followersKiki Swinson was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She discovered her flair for writing after completing her first novel, Mad Shambles, while serving a five-year sentence at a federal prison.
After being released in December 1996, Kiki later went on to self-publish Mad Shambles. Her passion for writing didn't stop there. Writing feverishly into the wee hours of the night, she completed her second novel, Wifey, which was published by Melodrama Publishing. After the success of Wifey, Kiki penned the sequels I'm Still Wifey and Life After Wifey, as well as The Candy Shop and A Sticky Situation.
After being released in December 1996, Kiki later went on to self-publish Mad Shambles. Her passion for writing didn't stop there. Writing feverishly into the wee hours of the night, she completed her second novel, Wifey, which was published by Melodrama Publishing. After the success of Wifey, Kiki penned the sequels I'm Still Wifey and Life After Wifey, as well as The Candy Shop and A Sticky Situation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 9, 2020
I didn't review this book, but I did jot down notes.
*Not cohesive
*Plausible situations and outcomes
*This was an arc, but it read like a first or second draft.
-details provided in story were soon ignored or dropped
-some events made no sense and weren’t realistic
*It seems, from the excerpt at the back of the book, that the next installment will explain why this fiasco happened in the first place.
This isn't my first book by Kiki and I usually rate her books as good(three stars), but this one just didn't cut the mustard. I wanted and expected more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
*Not cohesive
*Plausible situations and outcomes
*This was an arc, but it read like a first or second draft.
-details provided in story were soon ignored or dropped
-some events made no sense and weren’t realistic
*It seems, from the excerpt at the back of the book, that the next installment will explain why this fiasco happened in the first place.
This isn't my first book by Kiki and I usually rate her books as good(three stars), but this one just didn't cut the mustard. I wanted and expected more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 20, 2019
This Urban Fiction was pretty good. The book is filled with a lot of suspense. Some of the scenes were rushed. It would have been nice for more detail at times to give the readers more of a "being right there" effect. Despite the before mentioned issues, the book is a good read.
Misty is a gritty, no-nonsense protagonist with a hard exterior. The hard exterior doesn't always match up with her interior self. Misty is who she is because of decisions made in the past and the hands dealt to her based on said decisions. She portrays to be a tough person, but she often alludes to the hurt that she has had to endure from her past decisions. The decisions in men, the influence of boyfriends and a cousin, and the fact that people she loves are getting murdered has her emotions all over the place. She seems to attract negativity in her life. She can’t catch a break and she ultimately have to answer for the decisions that she made in life. The ending was surprising, but yet satisfying. You get an understanding that there is not always that fairy tale ending.
If you like Urban Fiction, I recommend reading this book and so you can form your own opinion. Overall, in my opinion as mentioned before, this was a good read.
Misty is a gritty, no-nonsense protagonist with a hard exterior. The hard exterior doesn't always match up with her interior self. Misty is who she is because of decisions made in the past and the hands dealt to her based on said decisions. She portrays to be a tough person, but she often alludes to the hurt that she has had to endure from her past decisions. The decisions in men, the influence of boyfriends and a cousin, and the fact that people she loves are getting murdered has her emotions all over the place. She seems to attract negativity in her life. She can’t catch a break and she ultimately have to answer for the decisions that she made in life. The ending was surprising, but yet satisfying. You get an understanding that there is not always that fairy tale ending.
If you like Urban Fiction, I recommend reading this book and so you can form your own opinion. Overall, in my opinion as mentioned before, this was a good read.
June 28, 2019
I wanted to really like this book. Kiki Swinson has been on my list of authors to read for years. When I saw Safe House on NetGalley, I thought, here's my chance. I could only manage reading to the end of chapter 11. The book was ridiculous and the writing style was very elementary.
I was confused because the book seems like a sequel to another book. I tried to find it on Goodreads but I didn't care enough to want to read that book either. We meet Misty after she attempts suicide after the death of her grandmother and cousin. Misty speaks with her grandmother in the afterlife and she tells her that she still has work to do on Earth. It was laughable when her grandmother tells her she has to confess to killing her boyfriend. She will probably go to jail but its the right thing to do and she has to help the DEA agents.
The book just goes from bad to worse. Misty is the stupidest character I have had the misfortune of ever reading. I was too through when Ms. Mabel, her neighbor allows her to stay in her home as a fugitive and she is calling the woman a bitch in her head. Plus I think Ms. Mabel was a lot smarter than Misty was giving her credit for but I will not be finishing this book to get the outcome. What a disappointment.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was confused because the book seems like a sequel to another book. I tried to find it on Goodreads but I didn't care enough to want to read that book either. We meet Misty after she attempts suicide after the death of her grandmother and cousin. Misty speaks with her grandmother in the afterlife and she tells her that she still has work to do on Earth. It was laughable when her grandmother tells her she has to confess to killing her boyfriend. She will probably go to jail but its the right thing to do and she has to help the DEA agents.
The book just goes from bad to worse. Misty is the stupidest character I have had the misfortune of ever reading. I was too through when Ms. Mabel, her neighbor allows her to stay in her home as a fugitive and she is calling the woman a bitch in her head. Plus I think Ms. Mabel was a lot smarter than Misty was giving her credit for but I will not be finishing this book to get the outcome. What a disappointment.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 14, 2019
The Safe House
Kiki Swinson
The Safe House is a gritty urban fiction novel from author, Kiki Swinson. This is book two in her Black Market series and picks up the story where book one, The Black Market, left off.
Misty Heiress has made a mess of her life. Thinking she can “get rich quick” has brought some serious consequences for her and her family. Now she’s stuck between a drug cartel, the FBI and local gangsters. She’s literally put herself in a life-or-death situation. Misty is trying to think fast but continues to act before she’s thought through the consequences.
Misty’s character is better developed in this second book of the series, but she’s still totally irrational. The premise is sound and fully executed. The story holds the reader’s interest from beginning to end. I give this second installment of the series 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers of urban fiction.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Kiki Swinson
The Safe House is a gritty urban fiction novel from author, Kiki Swinson. This is book two in her Black Market series and picks up the story where book one, The Black Market, left off.
Misty Heiress has made a mess of her life. Thinking she can “get rich quick” has brought some serious consequences for her and her family. Now she’s stuck between a drug cartel, the FBI and local gangsters. She’s literally put herself in a life-or-death situation. Misty is trying to think fast but continues to act before she’s thought through the consequences.
Misty’s character is better developed in this second book of the series, but she’s still totally irrational. The premise is sound and fully executed. The story holds the reader’s interest from beginning to end. I give this second installment of the series 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers of urban fiction.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
May 24, 2019
It's been a while since I've picked up an Urban book. I remember inhaling these books as a teenager to my early 20's. I sort of fell off the wagon from reading them, and I lost contact with some of the authors I followed. But, I'm back and ready to read some of the O.G. writers like Kiki Swinson.
From the get I despised Misty. She was all about herself and didn't care about anyone else. Honestly, once I hate you as a character, I don't care what happens to you because you were a douche to begin with. Misty fit this criteria. We begin the story with Misty trying to commit suicide, walking to the "white light" and talking to her deceased grandmother (Misty's fault). Misty and her grandmother had a heart to heart so to speak. Telling her it wasn't her time and that she needed to go back and make things right.
Misty had a bright future ahead of her. She was pursuing a career as a Pharmaceutical tech, and even though she already had her foot in the door and already working at a Pharmacy, she began to spiral out of control when she started stealing pills for her pill popping addict of a cousin. Let's not forget Misty's horrible bf Terrell, and what she did to him out of "self-defense". Misty was working for the wolf and she didn't even see it until tragedy hits in more ways than one.
After Misty is awaken from her her suicide attempt, she notices agents outside of her room and coming in and out of it as well. Obviously Misty gets all wired up when they start asking questions especially about having an involvement in her bf's disappearance. She throws them out multiple times and Misty tries to think of ways to escape the hospital she's in without medical staff or law enforcement seeing her. However, Misty receives a chilling "gift" while she's in the hospital and it sends her and the detectives into a panicked frenzy. One where they have to escort her discreetly out of the hospital; Misty decides to help the detectives by being an informant. Once she leaves the hospital Misty runs into her sweet elderly neighbor Mrs. Mabel who took her into her care until Misty decided what she was going to do, and also to escape being caught buy the feds or Ahmad's family (you'll read about them in the book and how they played into the story). Mrs. Mabel provides a home for Misty, but as she stays at her house a chain of events happens that forces Misty to fight for her life as well as her mother's.
The Safe House is full of action, lies, deceit, murder, violence and everything else you can think of. I would definitely recommend it if it's up your alley; a pretty quick read.
Huge thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From the get I despised Misty. She was all about herself and didn't care about anyone else. Honestly, once I hate you as a character, I don't care what happens to you because you were a douche to begin with. Misty fit this criteria. We begin the story with Misty trying to commit suicide, walking to the "white light" and talking to her deceased grandmother (Misty's fault). Misty and her grandmother had a heart to heart so to speak. Telling her it wasn't her time and that she needed to go back and make things right.
Misty had a bright future ahead of her. She was pursuing a career as a Pharmaceutical tech, and even though she already had her foot in the door and already working at a Pharmacy, she began to spiral out of control when she started stealing pills for her pill popping addict of a cousin. Let's not forget Misty's horrible bf Terrell, and what she did to him out of "self-defense". Misty was working for the wolf and she didn't even see it until tragedy hits in more ways than one.
After Misty is awaken from her her suicide attempt, she notices agents outside of her room and coming in and out of it as well. Obviously Misty gets all wired up when they start asking questions especially about having an involvement in her bf's disappearance. She throws them out multiple times and Misty tries to think of ways to escape the hospital she's in without medical staff or law enforcement seeing her. However, Misty receives a chilling "gift" while she's in the hospital and it sends her and the detectives into a panicked frenzy. One where they have to escort her discreetly out of the hospital; Misty decides to help the detectives by being an informant. Once she leaves the hospital Misty runs into her sweet elderly neighbor Mrs. Mabel who took her into her care until Misty decided what she was going to do, and also to escape being caught buy the feds or Ahmad's family (you'll read about them in the book and how they played into the story). Mrs. Mabel provides a home for Misty, but as she stays at her house a chain of events happens that forces Misty to fight for her life as well as her mother's.
The Safe House is full of action, lies, deceit, murder, violence and everything else you can think of. I would definitely recommend it if it's up your alley; a pretty quick read.
Huge thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2019
3.5 Stars
This is the second book in the Black Market series by Kiki Swinson. It is a gritty urban fiction novel. I don’t usually read books like this and so if you love this genre take this review with a grain of salt. I am certain you probably need to to start reading this series at book #1 titled Black Market to get the full picture. It would make more sense to the reader.
Misty was looking for a big payoff, easy money, but it turned out to be more complicated once all the chips started falling around her. I can’t really give too much away by way of plot since this book is number two in a series. Lots of fallout here. Lots of action and deadly consequences. This will not be a happily ever after type of book.
I wanted to root for the main character but given the genre I am not sure I wad supposed to. I like to follow the mystery, figure it out and feel like justice was served. Not really possible here.
If you love urban fiction, read this. It is thrilling in its own way. It makes a mark when you read it. It is compelling. Just not my jam. It might be yours.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the Black Market series by Kiki Swinson. It is a gritty urban fiction novel. I don’t usually read books like this and so if you love this genre take this review with a grain of salt. I am certain you probably need to to start reading this series at book #1 titled Black Market to get the full picture. It would make more sense to the reader.
Misty was looking for a big payoff, easy money, but it turned out to be more complicated once all the chips started falling around her. I can’t really give too much away by way of plot since this book is number two in a series. Lots of fallout here. Lots of action and deadly consequences. This will not be a happily ever after type of book.
I wanted to root for the main character but given the genre I am not sure I wad supposed to. I like to follow the mystery, figure it out and feel like justice was served. Not really possible here.
If you love urban fiction, read this. It is thrilling in its own way. It makes a mark when you read it. It is compelling. Just not my jam. It might be yours.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
April 22, 2019
Omg poor Misty she did all that to help the Feds and save her mother and still ended up going to jail. I swear that Misty was doomed ever since she tried to help her cousin out with a few pills because she had a addiction to prescription drugs. At least with all the killing and bull she went through at least she was able to save her mother and now they have a good relationship. Can’t wait for the next installment in this series. Now on to the next read. Great job Kiki Swinson you wrote these two books 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
June 28, 2019
The Safe House- Kiki Swinson – Review
This is I believe my first book by this author and I kept feeling like I was missing something. The story opens with Misty in the hospital after a suicide attempt. She is mourning the loss of her grandmother and cousin. That’s where things can get a bit confusing. Misty is trying to play two sides against the middle in order to survive.
This is one of those books whereas it's hard to talk about the story without giving to much away. If you are a fan of urban lit then you are familiar with how this story line goes.
I wish I would have read the first book in this series because that would have probably cleared up my questions. Beware this book ends in a cliff hanger.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
This is I believe my first book by this author and I kept feeling like I was missing something. The story opens with Misty in the hospital after a suicide attempt. She is mourning the loss of her grandmother and cousin. That’s where things can get a bit confusing. Misty is trying to play two sides against the middle in order to survive.
This is one of those books whereas it's hard to talk about the story without giving to much away. If you are a fan of urban lit then you are familiar with how this story line goes.
I wish I would have read the first book in this series because that would have probably cleared up my questions. Beware this book ends in a cliff hanger.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
May 28, 2019
Misty just wants a better life for herself. However, she allows herself to be sucked into a situation that does not bode well for her or her family. Now some of those closest to her have paid the ultimate price, and she is stuck trying to make a life and death decision that has repercussions no matter what choice she makes. Kiki Swanson had done an excellent job continuing Misty’s story in The Safe House (The Black Market Book 2). I found myself drawn in from the very beginning, dying to know just what would happen next, but not wanting to go too fast because I did not want the story to end. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this saga. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC. #NetGalley #TheSafeHouse
July 15, 2019
The Safe House is book #2 in The Black Market series. While this book can be read as a stand alone it is best that you read The Black Market first so you know what is going on and who all the characters are in the story. It took me a couple of chapters to get into my reading groove with this story but once I hit chapter 4 it was on and running like a high speed freight train. I felt like I couldnt get the pages turned fast enough to find out what in the world Misty was gonna say or do next. While there was some spots in the story that I did feel was kinda slow I think the author did that for the dramatic build up that was to come in the following pages. I cant wait to get my hands on the next book to find out what happens to Misty.
January 30, 2023
This was really a 2-2.5 star read for me. But, I rounded up.
Misty is an unlikable character and some of the situations were a little implausible. But, the premise of this series is good and I'm hoping it gets better for me.
At the point, Misty is on the run after an FBI agent turns on her. Before that, she's in the hospital mourning her grandmother and cousin Jillian and trying to figure out how to get out of the mess she's in. Not to mention, Terrell's murder is over her head and his family and the cops are closing in on her as the 31 suspect.
She's ungrateful to her neighbor Ms Mabel who opens her home to her.
She turns to people she barely knows for help, and is surprised when they also use her...
Hopefully the next one will redeem the character.
Misty is an unlikable character and some of the situations were a little implausible. But, the premise of this series is good and I'm hoping it gets better for me.
At the point, Misty is on the run after an FBI agent turns on her. Before that, she's in the hospital mourning her grandmother and cousin Jillian and trying to figure out how to get out of the mess she's in. Not to mention, Terrell's murder is over her head and his family and the cops are closing in on her as the 31 suspect.
She's ungrateful to her neighbor Ms Mabel who opens her home to her.
She turns to people she barely knows for help, and is surprised when they also use her...
Hopefully the next one will redeem the character.
August 6, 2019
This book was violent, and pretty unbelievable. Misty Heiress is set to be a pharmacist, but gets involved in a drug ring, a robbery, and a murder. She is working with the DEA, but is under suspicion for murder. She escapes from the hospital, outwits the police on multiple occasions, also outwits the drug mafia. She then gets involved with a bunch of drug pushers and robbers, and tries to use them to help her get her mother away from the mafia. It is pretty far-fetched. I didn't care for all the violence, and the abasement of women.
I doubt that I will be reading another of this author's books. It is not my genre.
#TheSafeHouse #KikiSwinson
I doubt that I will be reading another of this author's books. It is not my genre.
#TheSafeHouse #KikiSwinson
January 10, 2022
Maybe the uploaded file was not the correct ARC? It seemed choppy and hard to follow. I believe it has potential and if revised it will be a great novel.
Synopsis:
Run for cover
It was supposed to be easy money. A few exchanges for cash, one big payoff, and then life would be better than ever with bills all paid and money in her pocket. But the plan fell apart and now she’s made an enemy. He’s a drug cartel leader out to destroy any competition—and get payback by any means necessary . . .
Play for time
Under federal protection, she’s only steps ahead as the cartel leader starts killing off her family and friends.
Synopsis:
Run for cover
It was supposed to be easy money. A few exchanges for cash, one big payoff, and then life would be better than ever with bills all paid and money in her pocket. But the plan fell apart and now she’s made an enemy. He’s a drug cartel leader out to destroy any competition—and get payback by any means necessary . . .
Play for time
Under federal protection, she’s only steps ahead as the cartel leader starts killing off her family and friends.
July 24, 2019
I had no idea when I chose this one, that it was a sequel or in a series. I read the first entry in this series and was delighted to mentally return where I left off. There were some unbelievable events that occurred, with a vivid imagination it is plausible, I guess. It maintained my attention throughout. I lived in the area in which the book is written, so I could imagine some things. I am interested to see if there is another installment if so, I’m on board.
The book detailed how at the drop of a dime, your entire world can change. You are one decision away from a different life.
The book detailed how at the drop of a dime, your entire world can change. You are one decision away from a different life.
June 3, 2019
No, I did not like Misty. The main character is just stupid. Every decision she makes is stupid and it doesn't seem believable that she was on her way to be a pharmacist.
Why do Arabs run an Indian restaurant and are mafia members? Why would she think a trap house is a safe hause?
The suspense did not grip me, I was only constantly shaking my head and rolling my eyes.
Why do Arabs run an Indian restaurant and are mafia members? Why would she think a trap house is a safe hause?
The suspense did not grip me, I was only constantly shaking my head and rolling my eyes.
June 18, 2019
Misty makes a lot of bad decisions. In fact, it's hard to find a single GOOD decision in this quick read. At times over the top, it's a (like unintentional) hoot at times and tense in others. Swinson definitely knows her way around the genre and has written a tale which will keep you entertained, if occasionally deeply annoyed by Misty. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
September 27, 2019
This book was action packed! Misty really couldn't catch a break in this book. Trying to kill herself didn't work so the FBI still needed her to testify. The cartel leader was still trying to kill her. She goes through a lot trying to stay alive and free from jail, but she surrenders in the end. I really enjoyed this book.
January 5, 2021
OMG this just keeps getting crazy. Why in the Hello did Misty put herself in the mess.
Went from stealing drugs, murder, and god knows what. Karma came and got her tail.
So now she's going to jail for ole dusty Terrell.....when all she had to do was call the Police but now she called her not so smart Cousin....Lord just dumb.
So lets see how Misty do in Prison......SMH
Went from stealing drugs, murder, and god knows what. Karma came and got her tail.
So now she's going to jail for ole dusty Terrell.....when all she had to do was call the Police but now she called her not so smart Cousin....Lord just dumb.
So lets see how Misty do in Prison......SMH
October 30, 2019
Wow, Kiki shocked us with this intense, thrill seeming storyline full of interesting character development. I enjoyed and recommend this five star read. Looking forward to the next installment and reading more from this author.
November 23, 2019
The bookwas great it kept my mind going what was going to happen next on that I wish was even though she did kill her boyfriend I think she should have got a lesser sentence in 20 years because oh he was abusive.
March 7, 2020
Awesome
Really good read. I read our of order, didn't realize it was a series. Have to read the first one now before the third. Kept me on my toes the entire book. Sad about the ending but loved overall 😁. Finished in two days
Really good read. I read our of order, didn't realize it was a series. Have to read the first one now before the third. Kept me on my toes the entire book. Sad about the ending but loved overall 😁. Finished in two days
April 1, 2019
Edge of your seat action packed Misty was all out for her self loved this book
July 1, 2019
Drawn out
A little disappointed in the book. I love Kiki but feel like this book was never going to get to the point. Hopefully part 3 will be better.
A little disappointed in the book. I love Kiki but feel like this book was never going to get to the point. Hopefully part 3 will be better.
July 11, 2019
If it was possible to give a zero star rating, that would still be a generous rating for this absolute piece of crap. Street gangstas, violence, and so much profanity. It was just awful.
August 3, 2019
Excellent book
Love, love, love this series, can't wait for series 3.
I enjoy Kiki Swinson writing. Love love love it keeps getting better
Love, love, love this series, can't wait for series 3.
I enjoy Kiki Swinson writing. Love love love it keeps getting better
September 6, 2019
This book got on my nerves.
Read
November 2, 2019loved it
March 14, 2020
Very good, I could not put it down.
July 12, 2020
The Safe House
Wasn't bad but wasn't good. Just felt like it was a stretch to complete the storyline . Definitely a fan of her prior writing but this one was sorta a pull for me.
Wasn't bad but wasn't good. Just felt like it was a stretch to complete the storyline . Definitely a fan of her prior writing but this one was sorta a pull for me.
April 24, 2021
Good book on to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews