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Strong Reflection: Book 2 of the Dark Series trilogy
“This is one of the best romance suspense thriller I have read in a very long time. The story flowed and kept me guessing. The end for Book two left me stunned. I then went back to read Book one. It was outstanding. I can't wait for Book three. Ms. Mckoy you are a great writer. Keep it up!" --Amazon Reviewer
“HANG ON” are the words to describe their road trip, relationship, and love!
Healing from her injuries after helping to take down the Newburgh Slasher, FBI Agent Ashley "Mack" Mackenzie decides to vacation with her former partner and friend, Catlyn Lyte before participating in her wedding. She needed to get her mind off her nightmares of the night her family was slain in a violent home invasion and the hot sexy dreams of her boss Director Kyle Strong. Fun in the sun is just what the doctor ordered. That is until Kyle decides to accept Jack Gard's invitation to also vacation with them. How can she forget her inappropriate dreams about her sexy boss if he was underfoot? And she could do without his habitual reprimands while on vacation.
Kyle didn't understand his agent's constant failure to follow his orders or policies and her reckless acts to get the job done, catching killers, rapists and the like. Nor did he understand his intense attraction and emotions regarding his agent. Almost losing Ashley to the Newburgh Slasher makes Kyle realize he wants a deeper relationship with her. Taking care of loose ends by breaking things off permanently with his on-again-off-again girlfriend, he joins Ashley on vacation to see if he can solve the mystery that she represented and to see where his attraction for her may lead. From minute one their vacation is a high action, thrilling, emotional ride with sexual chemistry off the charts.
“HANG ON” are the words to describe their road trip, relationship, and love!
Healing from her injuries after helping to take down the Newburgh Slasher, FBI Agent Ashley "Mack" Mackenzie decides to vacation with her former partner and friend, Catlyn Lyte before participating in her wedding. She needed to get her mind off her nightmares of the night her family was slain in a violent home invasion and the hot sexy dreams of her boss Director Kyle Strong. Fun in the sun is just what the doctor ordered. That is until Kyle decides to accept Jack Gard's invitation to also vacation with them. How can she forget her inappropriate dreams about her sexy boss if he was underfoot? And she could do without his habitual reprimands while on vacation.
Kyle didn't understand his agent's constant failure to follow his orders or policies and her reckless acts to get the job done, catching killers, rapists and the like. Nor did he understand his intense attraction and emotions regarding his agent. Almost losing Ashley to the Newburgh Slasher makes Kyle realize he wants a deeper relationship with her. Taking care of loose ends by breaking things off permanently with his on-again-off-again girlfriend, he joins Ashley on vacation to see if he can solve the mystery that she represented and to see where his attraction for her may lead. From minute one their vacation is a high action, thrilling, emotional ride with sexual chemistry off the charts.
- GenresContemporary Romance
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2014
123 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 10, 2017
A sequel focused on a love like no other, between two well-trained military officials. The relationship between Kyle Strong and Ashley McKenzie is portrayed as a strong and quirky friendship at first but soon develops into a loving relationship, fuelled by passion and humor.
Their personalities compliment each other perfectly, with Ashley's past making for a surprising read. Although the start included a large chunk of back story, the novel as a whole was intense and swept me up in its fast paced action.
Erotic in parts, I would recommend this book to those over the age of eighteen that are interested in romance, crime, and to some extent psychology. Family and racism are key themes, with strong views making for a thrilling crime story.
The erotic scenes were well-written up to a point when the language became rather vulgar. I think this was a shame as many modern sex scenes now seem to rely heavily on crude language that only works to make people cringe and cross their legs.
Overall, the plot had me hooked and had me unable to put this book down. I loved the characters and feel that this novel is a credit to its author.
Their personalities compliment each other perfectly, with Ashley's past making for a surprising read. Although the start included a large chunk of back story, the novel as a whole was intense and swept me up in its fast paced action.
Erotic in parts, I would recommend this book to those over the age of eighteen that are interested in romance, crime, and to some extent psychology. Family and racism are key themes, with strong views making for a thrilling crime story.
The erotic scenes were well-written up to a point when the language became rather vulgar. I think this was a shame as many modern sex scenes now seem to rely heavily on crude language that only works to make people cringe and cross their legs.
Overall, the plot had me hooked and had me unable to put this book down. I loved the characters and feel that this novel is a credit to its author.
June 24, 2018
This book started off as a playful romance shared by an interracial couple, Ashley, a black agent and Kyle, her white boss-turned-lover. I enjoy fiction that has some political significance or social relevance and I was glad the author hit the mark.
Given that the story unfolds in the arena of law enforcement, I thought it gave the author a platform to discuss the latent racism upon which our system of mass incarceration fundamentally rests. Indeed, Cate McKoy uses the opportunity to have Ashley challenge Kyle observing that "racists screw blacks all the time. Back in the day the masters always used theirs slaves to fulfill their dirty little deviant sex fantasies.” The significance was that the discourse took place after an arrest and, while I would have liked to have seen it developed a little, it was important that the subject was at least acknowledged.
Beyond that, it was refreshing to read about raw sexual passion written from a woman's perspective. Sexuality in media -- all media -- is dominated by a man's view of what is pleasing. It is empowering to have an author create a graphic image of what satisfies a woman. Maybe men should read this book for that reason alone.
Their romance has many moving parts, including jilted lovers, family secrets, remnants of the KKK, and a genuine love and respect with which the couple negotiates everything. There is some action that works without being gratuitous and, once it begins, the twists and turns are unforeseen. The closing of this book was shocking and actually elicited goosebumps. The reader will enjoy a ride that definitely ends in a climactic moment.
My only real disappointment in reading this was that there were substantial typos and other issues such as sentence/paragraph breaks that were distracting. This was really a good effort by the author and I don't think the proofing of the final manuscript was worthy of the author's talent.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, entertaining, and relevant book that I would highly recommend.
Given that the story unfolds in the arena of law enforcement, I thought it gave the author a platform to discuss the latent racism upon which our system of mass incarceration fundamentally rests. Indeed, Cate McKoy uses the opportunity to have Ashley challenge Kyle observing that "racists screw blacks all the time. Back in the day the masters always used theirs slaves to fulfill their dirty little deviant sex fantasies.” The significance was that the discourse took place after an arrest and, while I would have liked to have seen it developed a little, it was important that the subject was at least acknowledged.
Beyond that, it was refreshing to read about raw sexual passion written from a woman's perspective. Sexuality in media -- all media -- is dominated by a man's view of what is pleasing. It is empowering to have an author create a graphic image of what satisfies a woman. Maybe men should read this book for that reason alone.
Their romance has many moving parts, including jilted lovers, family secrets, remnants of the KKK, and a genuine love and respect with which the couple negotiates everything. There is some action that works without being gratuitous and, once it begins, the twists and turns are unforeseen. The closing of this book was shocking and actually elicited goosebumps. The reader will enjoy a ride that definitely ends in a climactic moment.
My only real disappointment in reading this was that there were substantial typos and other issues such as sentence/paragraph breaks that were distracting. This was really a good effort by the author and I don't think the proofing of the final manuscript was worthy of the author's talent.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, entertaining, and relevant book that I would highly recommend.
March 19, 2017
I hadn't read book one in this series, but that's my bad, not the author's. I found this book very enjoyable and easy to follow despite not having read part one.
To describe it, I would have to say it was a mixture of romance with a little bit of suspense in the mix. The writing was smooth and engaging. it was honest and sexually explicit in places, as many romance books are nowadays...that didn't worry me.
I won't go too deep into the story, suffice to say that it was what I would call, a nice journey that took me away for a while. It had a few good twists, which kept me on my toes. The mark of a good book for me is to be able to engross myself in it. This book did that.
FBI Agent, Ashley "Mack" Mackenzie takes time out to go on holiday with her friend who will soon get married, and, her boss tags along. As a character, she was a little paradoxical. I admit, I had trouble trying to wrap my head around her at times, but again, that's probably because I hadn't read book one.
This is a worthwhile book, and I would have liked it to be a bit longer.
To describe it, I would have to say it was a mixture of romance with a little bit of suspense in the mix. The writing was smooth and engaging. it was honest and sexually explicit in places, as many romance books are nowadays...that didn't worry me.
I won't go too deep into the story, suffice to say that it was what I would call, a nice journey that took me away for a while. It had a few good twists, which kept me on my toes. The mark of a good book for me is to be able to engross myself in it. This book did that.
FBI Agent, Ashley "Mack" Mackenzie takes time out to go on holiday with her friend who will soon get married, and, her boss tags along. As a character, she was a little paradoxical. I admit, I had trouble trying to wrap my head around her at times, but again, that's probably because I hadn't read book one.
This is a worthwhile book, and I would have liked it to be a bit longer.
June 12, 2019
Kyle and Mackenzie
Oooh Chile, this couple right here! I loved both, even though Mack drove me crazy at times, she is such a loving sweetheart, and you know she loves, loves, loves that Kyle. Kyle and Bunny just aren't doing it for me. She strikes me as a covert racist. I also wonder about Jason Dark and what is really going on with him. He seems too interested in Catlyn, and I don't think that is going to go over well with Jack.
Again, it was interesting to find out more about Mack's background and that explains her dare devil attitude.
I don't want to spoil the book, but I truly hope there is a twist on a subsequent book. Definitely worth the read.
Oooh Chile, this couple right here! I loved both, even though Mack drove me crazy at times, she is such a loving sweetheart, and you know she loves, loves, loves that Kyle. Kyle and Bunny just aren't doing it for me. She strikes me as a covert racist. I also wonder about Jason Dark and what is really going on with him. He seems too interested in Catlyn, and I don't think that is going to go over well with Jack.
Again, it was interesting to find out more about Mack's background and that explains her dare devil attitude.
I don't want to spoil the book, but I truly hope there is a twist on a subsequent book. Definitely worth the read.
August 9, 2017
Cate McKoy has written a highly charged, very sexy romantic thriller. I call it a thriller because there’s a lot of physical fighting in the story, mainly by the heroine, Agent Ashley. If you’re looking for a good read with fighting, steamy sex ,and love between two strong-willed characters, then this book is for you. Great read.
My only beef is the fact that Ashley’s irrational behavior where she was constantly jumping into physical altercations is not fully explained and Kyle's terms of endearment to Ashley, rubbed me the wrong way. But that's just me!
My only beef is the fact that Ashley’s irrational behavior where she was constantly jumping into physical altercations is not fully explained and Kyle's terms of endearment to Ashley, rubbed me the wrong way. But that's just me!
January 13, 2019
Mack Strong
Ashley suffered so much heartache and pain...from age 11 until 31....and when she finally finds true happiness in the form of Director Kyle Strong....everything comes to a screeching halt....suspended in mysterious circumstances....dangerous stalkers...covert operations....all culminating into more suspense and questions...# 3 is shaping up to be even more heart stopping...2 B Continued
Ashley suffered so much heartache and pain...from age 11 until 31....and when she finally finds true happiness in the form of Director Kyle Strong....everything comes to a screeching halt....suspended in mysterious circumstances....dangerous stalkers...covert operations....all culminating into more suspense and questions...# 3 is shaping up to be even more heart stopping...2 B Continued
January 13, 2019
Weird
Weird four books about one series and they all came out ass backward. I don't know what to say. One three series trilogy McKenzie song with a no longer available third out of print. Then this part two books which should have been in print first. All you did was repeat the same thing mostly in these two books. And now you want a third one with this series . You need to let it rest if it gonna be a repeat Don't waste your time .
Weird four books about one series and they all came out ass backward. I don't know what to say. One three series trilogy McKenzie song with a no longer available third out of print. Then this part two books which should have been in print first. All you did was repeat the same thing mostly in these two books. And now you want a third one with this series . You need to let it rest if it gonna be a repeat Don't waste your time .
February 26, 2019
Magnificent
Outstanding,I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing flowed easily and effortless. Love,love the characters,they are compelling, strong, brave, vulnerable,and sexy and dangerous. The story line is riveting suspense and edge-of-your seat tension. Looking forward to the evil guys getting taken out. Overall an outstanding book and you will not be disappointed by selecting this book. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Outstanding,I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing flowed easily and effortless. Love,love the characters,they are compelling, strong, brave, vulnerable,and sexy and dangerous. The story line is riveting suspense and edge-of-your seat tension. Looking forward to the evil guys getting taken out. Overall an outstanding book and you will not be disappointed by selecting this book. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 8, 2019
Edge of my Seat
Omg, I think that I may have had a bit of a heart attack from all the twists and turns in part two of the Dark series. This is some wickedly fun stuff to read and I can only hope for the best in part three! Thank you so much Ms. Cate for this wild adventure that you have taken us bookworms on!!!
Omg, I think that I may have had a bit of a heart attack from all the twists and turns in part two of the Dark series. This is some wickedly fun stuff to read and I can only hope for the best in part three! Thank you so much Ms. Cate for this wild adventure that you have taken us bookworms on!!!
January 15, 2019
wow!!
Great series!!!
can’t get enough of this series, just incredible...
since i read Mackenzie’s song, i already know what’s going to happen. 😂
This series is full of drama, intrigues, twists and turns that will keep you captivated. And camaraderie among the families and friends... !!
REALLY GREAT 👍
Great series!!!
can’t get enough of this series, just incredible...
since i read Mackenzie’s song, i already know what’s going to happen. 😂
This series is full of drama, intrigues, twists and turns that will keep you captivated. And camaraderie among the families and friends... !!
REALLY GREAT 👍
February 3, 2019
What happened?
This book started off with so much potential to be an interesting and likeable read. However, it turned into a hot mess at the conclusion and left this reader without any desire to continue this series. The author has so many plot points woven in that the story became confusing and made no sense.
This book started off with so much potential to be an interesting and likeable read. However, it turned into a hot mess at the conclusion and left this reader without any desire to continue this series. The author has so many plot points woven in that the story became confusing and made no sense.
February 13, 2019
EXPLOSIVE!
Wow, no make that double Wow WOW!!!!! I am speechless as to how all this played out. Who ARE the Mackenzie's? I'm sad and happy for Ariel/Ashley. Looking forward to the spin-off's. Do Catlyn and Jack ever get married? Maybe in book three which I am highly looking forward. If book 2 ended like this I can't wait to see how the finale ends.
Wow, no make that double Wow WOW!!!!! I am speechless as to how all this played out. Who ARE the Mackenzie's? I'm sad and happy for Ariel/Ashley. Looking forward to the spin-off's. Do Catlyn and Jack ever get married? Maybe in book three which I am highly looking forward. If book 2 ended like this I can't wait to see how the finale ends.
February 16, 2019
Strong Reflection
I'm sobbing. No!!!!!! What an roller coaster. I loved Kyle and Ashley's unbelievable love story. He worshipped the ground she walked on. The ending stunned me. I don't want to give out any spoilers. My heart hurts. I would have given this 5 stars but there were too many gramnar/editing formatting errors.
I'm sobbing. No!!!!!! What an roller coaster. I loved Kyle and Ashley's unbelievable love story. He worshipped the ground she walked on. The ending stunned me. I don't want to give out any spoilers. My heart hurts. I would have given this 5 stars but there were too many gramnar/editing formatting errors.
September 12, 2019
Get ready for a strong hold
Girl you are killing me with this series! I needed this in my life! Sorry to say I hate to even take time to write a review because I want to start on book 3 NOW! Your books do not let me down none! The suspense, the chasing, the couples and the sex OMG all are of the chain for me!
Girl you are killing me with this series! I needed this in my life! Sorry to say I hate to even take time to write a review because I want to start on book 3 NOW! Your books do not let me down none! The suspense, the chasing, the couples and the sex OMG all are of the chain for me!
May 9, 2022
Liked it!
I liked this couple's love story, but did not care for Ashley's stunts. I understand she was an agent, but when you have a superior right next to you, you don't alert him to what's going on? Some of the things she did was just plain crazy, and she should not have been in such an important position! Overall, though I really enjoyed this book!
I liked this couple's love story, but did not care for Ashley's stunts. I understand she was an agent, but when you have a superior right next to you, you don't alert him to what's going on? Some of the things she did was just plain crazy, and she should not have been in such an important position! Overall, though I really enjoyed this book!
January 10, 2019
Wow
I was perplexed when I read Mackenzie's song about the background of her and Kyle's story really glad to get the whole story. Wow!!! She has been through a lot. Waiting anxiously for finale and their HEA. Great job.
I was perplexed when I read Mackenzie's song about the background of her and Kyle's story really glad to get the whole story. Wow!!! She has been through a lot. Waiting anxiously for finale and their HEA. Great job.
January 13, 2019
I’m hopeful
Man I love these characters. Kyle and Mack are great together. I am praying that it’s Kyle on the bed that they’re watching over. I wonder if Mack is pregnant..I can’t wait for the next part of this series
Man I love these characters. Kyle and Mack are great together. I am praying that it’s Kyle on the bed that they’re watching over. I wonder if Mack is pregnant..I can’t wait for the next part of this series
January 15, 2019
😎😎😎
Wow! Surprise ending!!! Leaves a whole lot of loose ends just kinda flipping in the wind.
Yet, still,, the original Villain is still at large! Excellent crimes story the next book has to be a big one because, this series can not end with a short story...
Great read.
Wow! Surprise ending!!! Leaves a whole lot of loose ends just kinda flipping in the wind.
Yet, still,, the original Villain is still at large! Excellent crimes story the next book has to be a big one because, this series can not end with a short story...
Great read.
January 15, 2019
sad
why did kyle have to die I mean really that was below the belt the hero never dies.... I'm scared to read book three when it comes available. I can't take this sadness I like happy endings
why did kyle have to die I mean really that was below the belt the hero never dies.... I'm scared to read book three when it comes available. I can't take this sadness I like happy endings
January 30, 2019
Whyyyyyyyyy
How could you bring me laughter and joy then cause me anger, tears and pain? I don't give away details of books that I read, but dammit! 😞😞😞😞😭😭😭😭😭 Whyyyyyyyyy????? Whyyyyyyyyy??????
How could you bring me laughter and joy then cause me anger, tears and pain? I don't give away details of books that I read, but dammit! 😞😞😞😞😭😭😭😭😭 Whyyyyyyyyy????? Whyyyyyyyyy??????
May 16, 2019
Oh no a cliffhanger!
Despite me loathing cliffhangers
, I really enjoyed this book. Mack and Kyle are super hot together and I liked catching up with Jack and Catelyn. Lots of plot twists in this one too! Very enjoyable and can’t wait to read book 3 of this trilogy.
Despite me loathing cliffhangers
, I really enjoyed this book. Mack and Kyle are super hot together and I liked catching up with Jack and Catelyn. Lots of plot twists in this one too! Very enjoyable and can’t wait to read book 3 of this trilogy.
November 22, 2019
Cliffhanger.
This book started out well. Then the story became a car wreck. The author drew the story out, then got lost in all the plots and subplots, had editing issues and a dozy for ending and a cliffhanger. What a waste.
This book started out well. Then the story became a car wreck. The author drew the story out, then got lost in all the plots and subplots, had editing issues and a dozy for ending and a cliffhanger. What a waste.
May 24, 2020
An absorbing read
A great continuation of this series. Secrets come to light as Kyle and Ashley's relationship develops. So i don't give anything away, read this if you enjoyed the first one, you won't be disappointed. Roll on book 3!
A great continuation of this series. Secrets come to light as Kyle and Ashley's relationship develops. So i don't give anything away, read this if you enjoyed the first one, you won't be disappointed. Roll on book 3!
June 3, 2021
Good
Oh no, what can I say except an exceptional well written story, excellent storytelling. This author gives you so much more than just one genre with her writing. It had me laughing, crying, cheering and scratching my head in equal measure. I recommend, don't get much better.
Oh no, what can I say except an exceptional well written story, excellent storytelling. This author gives you so much more than just one genre with her writing. It had me laughing, crying, cheering and scratching my head in equal measure. I recommend, don't get much better.
January 8, 2019
I liked it!
Kyle and Mac's story is one of mystery and intrigue with a twist. You become invested in the characters and story.
Kyle and Mac's story is one of mystery and intrigue with a twist. You become invested in the characters and story.
January 10, 2019
Good read
I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next installment. I really hope there is a positive turn around for the couple in the next installment.
I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next installment. I really hope there is a positive turn around for the couple in the next installment.
January 11, 2019
Interesting!!!!
It keeps your attention from beginning to end! ! ! ! Not as good as the first book, but good 👍!
It keeps your attention from beginning to end! ! ! ! Not as good as the first book, but good 👍!
January 11, 2019
Waittttt
I’m a lol confused by the end. Due he die or not? The pain I felt is the same pain I know Ashley felt. Geez
I’m a lol confused by the end. Due he die or not? The pain I felt is the same pain I know Ashley felt. Geez
January 18, 2019
Wow
I love this series. Kyle and Mack were made for each other. I can wait for the next installment of this series.
I love this series. Kyle and Mack were made for each other. I can wait for the next installment of this series.
January 18, 2019
Better
Mackenzie had been through a lot in her life. She was so strong but vulnerable at the same time. It took Kyle so long to realize his feelings.
Mackenzie had been through a lot in her life. She was so strong but vulnerable at the same time. It took Kyle so long to realize his feelings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews