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Black's Bandits #1
Black List
Jace Kaiser is a man without a country, without connection. His only loyalty is to the group who saved him, and the man who leads them.
Until her...
The assignment should have been easy: capture a deadly assassin and take her to HQ. But flawed intel leads to disaster, and Jace abducts a beautiful art appraiser instead. Intrigued by her courage, he's drawn to her in ways he can't explain. Dr. Madeline Cole stood up to him, fought for her identity, and never backed down. She's the kind of woman he could fall for if it wasn't so dangerous, for her.
Then Maddy is targeted for elimination because she's the sole person who can identify the mysterious female assassin, and the only thing standing between her and certain death is the sexy mercenary who swears he'll die before he lets anything happen to her. As the passion between them ignites, it seems clear that keeping Maddy safe has become the most important assignment of Jace's life.
Even then, protecting her might not be enough, because Jace has secrets that could destroy them both.
And someone is determined to unmask them all.
Until her...
The assignment should have been easy: capture a deadly assassin and take her to HQ. But flawed intel leads to disaster, and Jace abducts a beautiful art appraiser instead. Intrigued by her courage, he's drawn to her in ways he can't explain. Dr. Madeline Cole stood up to him, fought for her identity, and never backed down. She's the kind of woman he could fall for if it wasn't so dangerous, for her.
Then Maddy is targeted for elimination because she's the sole person who can identify the mysterious female assassin, and the only thing standing between her and certain death is the sexy mercenary who swears he'll die before he lets anything happen to her. As the passion between them ignites, it seems clear that keeping Maddy safe has become the most important assignment of Jace's life.
Even then, protecting her might not be enough, because Jace has secrets that could destroy them both.
And someone is determined to unmask them all.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2019
915 people are currently reading
1240 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Raye Harris
349 books2,961 followersLynn Raye Harris is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sizzling military romantic suspense novels and contemporary romance novels. She lives in Alabama with her husband (former military), her cat, and her American Saddlebred horse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
November 20, 2020
I tbought this book is about that romance spy. Thriller. Well... after listening to the audiobook, the story is a promising spy romance onlyabout 10%. After that it turned into sappy romance.
You know the romance where a bad ass hero turned into hopeless romantic and a damsel in distress heroine who needs saving but playing hard to get.
It's kinda of boring. I read this type of romance too many times.
3 stars
You know the romance where a bad ass hero turned into hopeless romantic and a damsel in distress heroine who needs saving but playing hard to get.
It's kinda of boring. I read this type of romance too many times.
3 stars
April 22, 2019
4 STARS
Well hot diggity damn! Looks like I've got myself another smokin' hot spinoff to obsess over. See what I did there? HOT series? HOT Spinoff? Ha! I crack myself up sometimes. Quit judging me! It was funny in my head. But I digress.
If you've been a devoted Ian Black addict like me, you'll be practically wetting yourself with excitement over this brand new series. Because we finally get a series for those covert mercenaries that we've seen make appearances in so many HOT books. And let me tell you, friends, they're even hotter than I thought!
The first book brings us the story of the mysterious Jace Kaiser. The man is clouded in mystery like his boss. And if the prologue was anything to go by, you knew you were in for one hell of a ride with his story. A case of mistaken identity when hunting down a dangerous and lethal target, leads Jace down a path he never expected. I mean, it's not everyday that you essentially kidnap a woman that you think is a lethal assassin only to discover she's exactly who she says she is. And who she is tempts you like no other. Maddy was a bit too sweet for my tastes at times, but she balanced Jace's edges nicely. Admittedly, I had a little bit of a hard time connecting to her because I like my heroines with a bit more of an edge, but this is totally a personal bias. Ultimately I loved her and Jace together.
But what REALLY stole the show for me here was the intro to one secondary character that I knew right away would be my catnip. And at the end of the book, I discovered I was not wrong. Holy hot damn! If they end up with who I think they end up with, I'm already salivating for that book. And if you were craving more Ian Black, not only do you get him here, but you even get a peek into his head with a few chapters in his POV. Suffice it to say, this reader was on book cloud 9! I can't wait for more in this series!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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I’m not safe,” he told her. Growled at her, really. “Don’t you know what this is, Maddy?”
She licked her lips. Shook her pretty head. Her eyes were wide. Not scared, but slightly shocked. She didn’t speak.
“It’s a seduction,” he told her. “I want you beneath me. On top of me. Surrounding me. I’ve never even kissed you, and I want you so badly my knees are weak with it.”
Well hot diggity damn! Looks like I've got myself another smokin' hot spinoff to obsess over. See what I did there? HOT series? HOT Spinoff? Ha! I crack myself up sometimes. Quit judging me! It was funny in my head. But I digress.
If you've been a devoted Ian Black addict like me, you'll be practically wetting yourself with excitement over this brand new series. Because we finally get a series for those covert mercenaries that we've seen make appearances in so many HOT books. And let me tell you, friends, they're even hotter than I thought!
The first book brings us the story of the mysterious Jace Kaiser. The man is clouded in mystery like his boss. And if the prologue was anything to go by, you knew you were in for one hell of a ride with his story. A case of mistaken identity when hunting down a dangerous and lethal target, leads Jace down a path he never expected. I mean, it's not everyday that you essentially kidnap a woman that you think is a lethal assassin only to discover she's exactly who she says she is. And who she is tempts you like no other. Maddy was a bit too sweet for my tastes at times, but she balanced Jace's edges nicely. Admittedly, I had a little bit of a hard time connecting to her because I like my heroines with a bit more of an edge, but this is totally a personal bias. Ultimately I loved her and Jace together.
But what REALLY stole the show for me here was the intro to one secondary character that I knew right away would be my catnip. And at the end of the book, I discovered I was not wrong. Holy hot damn! If they end up with who I think they end up with, I'm already salivating for that book. And if you were craving more Ian Black, not only do you get him here, but you even get a peek into his head with a few chapters in his POV. Suffice it to say, this reader was on book cloud 9! I can't wait for more in this series!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
April 19, 2019
ARC received from author
I loved it. This is going to be another great series. This is a full length novel no matter what GoodReads or Amazon say.
A case of mistaken identity brings Jace and Maddy together, plus a pair of handcuffs. Jace has his reasons for hiding who he really is, but Maddy doesn't care she falls for him anyway. Bad guy, excuse me girl, to be taken care of. Lots of drama, some angst, and hot bedroom times.
Nice to met the other members of Ian's team that we have only gotten brief glimpses of in the HOT books. Can we please have some cross over in future books with the HOT guys and gals? I love Ian, but I sure we are going to have to wait awhile for him to get his HEA.
I loved it. This is going to be another great series. This is a full length novel no matter what GoodReads or Amazon say.
A case of mistaken identity brings Jace and Maddy together, plus a pair of handcuffs. Jace has his reasons for hiding who he really is, but Maddy doesn't care she falls for him anyway. Bad guy, excuse me girl, to be taken care of. Lots of drama, some angst, and hot bedroom times.
Nice to met the other members of Ian's team that we have only gotten brief glimpses of in the HOT books. Can we please have some cross over in future books with the HOT guys and gals? I love Ian, but I sure we are going to have to wait awhile for him to get his HEA.
May 7, 2019
3.5 stars
A spin off from this authors HOT series ...
H and h meet through a case of mistaken identity and once the misunderstanding is cleared, they remain in touch ..
While this book is about spies and secrecy, I liked the H and h's relationship more than that side ..
The H who is supposed to remain hidden approaches the h when he sees her upset; h is smart but rather sweet .... they share great chemisry and fall in love rather beautifully ... I found this to be more of a spy's love story kind of thing ....
A spin off from this authors HOT series ...
H and h meet through a case of mistaken identity and once the misunderstanding is cleared, they remain in touch ..
While this book is about spies and secrecy, I liked the H and h's relationship more than that side ..
The H who is supposed to remain hidden approaches the h when he sees her upset; h is smart but rather sweet .... they share great chemisry and fall in love rather beautifully ... I found this to be more of a spy's love story kind of thing ....
November 25, 2020
I always struggle with book 1 from a series. Usually because there is a lot of world and character building and the storyline can get a little lost. But I have to say I didn’t with this book at all.
The characters were sharp and the world building easy to get right into. I really enjoyed getting to know the men and the women. I was on the edge of my seat for parts of it.
Jace is intriguing I like that he wasn’t the leader. I think that made me like him a little more. Ian just seems like the right fit for the leader role.
Maddy is fierce! I love when the heroine is just as witty and strong as the men maybe even more so. She doesn’t break and she has ample opportunity to but she is a strong one.
The chemistry was perfect. The love story being told along with the suspense I just thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The narration was perfection I am a huge fan of Joe Arden. But I think who stole the show was Emma Wilder she gave such depth to her voice it was awesome to listen to.
The characters were sharp and the world building easy to get right into. I really enjoyed getting to know the men and the women. I was on the edge of my seat for parts of it.
Jace is intriguing I like that he wasn’t the leader. I think that made me like him a little more. Ian just seems like the right fit for the leader role.
Maddy is fierce! I love when the heroine is just as witty and strong as the men maybe even more so. She doesn’t break and she has ample opportunity to but she is a strong one.
The chemistry was perfect. The love story being told along with the suspense I just thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The narration was perfection I am a huge fan of Joe Arden. But I think who stole the show was Emma Wilder she gave such depth to her voice it was awesome to listen to.
May 20, 2023
(audiobook+ebook) It wasn’t half bad, really. The world built–with this paramilitary organization called BDI–was interesting. The characters’ background too. Actually, the whole suspense/action/spy plot was convincing, if not original. It was simple and efficient, with a good twist and some remaining mysteries for the rest of the series.
What wasn’t convincing was the romance, in my opinion. Between Maddy and Jace, there’s first mistrust, then Jace plays the protector, and finally he’s trying to save Maddy from their common enemy. There’s constant pressure or danger. While I can understand some form of attraction, how does it take precedence over all other thoughts at various moments? As if, at the moment of dying a horrible death, all they could think about were the dirty things they wanted to do with each other. Sorry, I don’t buy it.
Also, the imbalance between them bothered me quite a bit. Jace knows things about Maddy’s past that she ignores, and he doesn’t share them, even while they shape his relationship with her. I still enjoyed the few moments they spend together, when they share personal details. They clearly connect on some level.
There was some good passionate sexy times. But also some action and violence, with a good pacing.
Narrators are both talented, but I felt their reading pace didn’t match the tension and energy from the book. They did great with the characters though–all of them. Maddy’s naivety and Jace’s determination are rendered perfectly.
Quickie
- Series: Black’s bandits #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #mistaken identity #enemies to lovers #ex-military
- Triggers: violence and death
- Main couples: Madeline Cole & Jace Kaiser
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + though I had guessed the plot twist quite early, it was still nicely done
- – I doubt they’d really have sexy times on their mind when they are in such dire situations…
What wasn’t convincing was the romance, in my opinion. Between Maddy and Jace, there’s first mistrust, then Jace plays the protector, and finally he’s trying to save Maddy from their common enemy. There’s constant pressure or danger. While I can understand some form of attraction, how does it take precedence over all other thoughts at various moments? As if, at the moment of dying a horrible death, all they could think about were the dirty things they wanted to do with each other. Sorry, I don’t buy it.
Also, the imbalance between them bothered me quite a bit. Jace knows things about Maddy’s past that she ignores, and he doesn’t share them, even while they shape his relationship with her. I still enjoyed the few moments they spend together, when they share personal details. They clearly connect on some level.
There was some good passionate sexy times. But also some action and violence, with a good pacing.
Narrators are both talented, but I felt their reading pace didn’t match the tension and energy from the book. They did great with the characters though–all of them. Maddy’s naivety and Jace’s determination are rendered perfectly.
Quickie
- Series: Black’s bandits #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #mistaken identity #enemies to lovers #ex-military
- Triggers: violence and death
- Main couples: Madeline Cole & Jace Kaiser
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + though I had guessed the plot twist quite early, it was still nicely done
- – I doubt they’d really have sexy times on their mind when they are in such dire situations…
May 28, 2019
Ian Black has always been an enigmatic character in Lynn Raye Harris’s canon of H.O.T. men and the call for his book that has instead led to a whole new series—hopefully leading up to Black’s own story—that actually has me intrigued. The tone’s slightly different here, along with a lot more tight-lipped head nodding, the telling of lies and covert operations, just as the suspense and action are toned down a little more.
But the ‘Black List’, however, despite it revolving around Black’s shenanigans, his pivotal and black-op dabbling in international affairs and his merry group of men, was just a little more than lukewarm for me, despite the initial, exciting premise of mistaken identity, spies and double agents.
It was made clear that Jace Kaiser had a fractured history, but I think I would have liked a greater insight into his past than just the short retelling of what happened to him and his sister—a story that did in the end, turn out central to the entire plot. The focus however, on surveilling Madeline Cole and Jace’s very brazen attempt to seduce her instead, made the middle of the book flat for me, and pulled the story towards more instant lust than love. Or at least the journey from the former to the latter seemed to typically involve a streak of protective behaviour first that somehow translated into love after a very short period of time.
A main issue I’ve struggled with here, especially with a classic Lynn Raye Harris male protagonist is the sudden impetus to put roots down after a sudden, intense burst of action and adrenaline. How had Maddy’s blowjob ranked differently from the rest of the other women for Jace, despite the fact that he’d been given many blowjobs by women (which has got to be one of the most distasteful things I’ve ever read)? Had he simply fallen for her because he’d had a bit more time with her and had developed a need to protect her (keeping in mind that he’d had another one night stand just before meeting her)?
In any case, Maddy/Jace’s romance didn’t feel the most convincing of the lot that Harris had done so far—unbelievability played a huge part of it for me, at least like they hadn’t gone through enough together to be a rock-solid pairing I could get behind. The cloak and dagger business of Ian Black’s activities was also something I wanted more of but didn’t really get so it’s something I can only hope to see more in the next few books.
But the ‘Black List’, however, despite it revolving around Black’s shenanigans, his pivotal and black-op dabbling in international affairs and his merry group of men, was just a little more than lukewarm for me, despite the initial, exciting premise of mistaken identity, spies and double agents.
It was made clear that Jace Kaiser had a fractured history, but I think I would have liked a greater insight into his past than just the short retelling of what happened to him and his sister—a story that did in the end, turn out central to the entire plot. The focus however, on surveilling Madeline Cole and Jace’s very brazen attempt to seduce her instead, made the middle of the book flat for me, and pulled the story towards more instant lust than love. Or at least the journey from the former to the latter seemed to typically involve a streak of protective behaviour first that somehow translated into love after a very short period of time.
A main issue I’ve struggled with here, especially with a classic Lynn Raye Harris male protagonist is the sudden impetus to put roots down after a sudden, intense burst of action and adrenaline. How had Maddy’s blowjob ranked differently from the rest of the other women for Jace, despite the fact that he’d been given many blowjobs by women (which has got to be one of the most distasteful things I’ve ever read)? Had he simply fallen for her because he’d had a bit more time with her and had developed a need to protect her (keeping in mind that he’d had another one night stand just before meeting her)?
In any case, Maddy/Jace’s romance didn’t feel the most convincing of the lot that Harris had done so far—unbelievability played a huge part of it for me, at least like they hadn’t gone through enough together to be a rock-solid pairing I could get behind. The cloak and dagger business of Ian Black’s activities was also something I wanted more of but didn’t really get so it’s something I can only hope to see more in the next few books.
April 29, 2019
Review posted at Red Hot Books (http://redhotbooks.com/2019/04/review...)
Black List, book 1 of Lynne Raye Harris’ Black’s Bandits series begins as Jace Kaiser, former Russian fugitive and now premier spy and mercenary for Black Defense International(BDI), joins the hunt for international assassin Calypso. After tracking her down at a Russian oligarch’s birthday party, Jace captures Calypso and ferries her away to BDI’s American headquarters. Unfortunately for Jace, the woman he brings back to the States isn’t Calypso, but American and Russian art appraiser, Dr. Madeline Cole. Oops!
Dr. Madeline Cole is a self professed nobody. Alone in the world except for her Grandmother who suffers from dementia, her best friend Angie and her long suffering cat, Kitty, Dr. Cole’s existence until her time in Russia has been pretty low key. Now, because of her similar appearance to Calypso, she’s jet setting all over the globe and being interrogated by handsome mercenaries. As much as she wants to be furious with Jace, she’s also sad to see him go once she’s released. It could’ve been the whole traumatic experience, but Maddy felt there might have been a spark of something between her and Jace.
Jace knows that Calypso likely isn’t done with Maddy and is determined to protect her even if it means going against all of his training or even sacrificing his life to keep the woman who’s stolen his heart safe. While Maddy, will have to decide if being with a man who’s past, secrets and even his real name are classified is something she can handle all while under the threat of constant danger.
I really enjoyed the beginning of Black List. I thought the premise of mistaken identity in the high stakes world of mercenaries, assassins and spies was a really cool concept and I was really interested in learning more about the main characters, Jace and Dr. Cole. I love the kind of alpha male and the nerdy, but sassy, female character pairing, but as soon as the action of the Black List’s beginning was over these two both went through a severe personality change. Jace quickly became more of a jerk than an alpha male. He flew off the handle more than once at Maddy, exhibited some pretty extreme anger, and ran really hot and cold when it came to getting intimate in a way that was less about nerves or wanting to take things slow, and more of a demeaning, “I know what’s best for you” kind of way. He also really infantilized Dr. Cole, constantly calling her sweet and innocent, making pretty huge decisions for her, and getting weirdly turned on by her using the word “fuck”. Jace’s character, to me, went from super, cool spy with a tragic backstory to angry, overbearing, creepy douche.
On the other hand, Dr. Cole’s character went from a smart, talented, well-travelled woman with a cool job to an obtuse doormat. After Jace and Maddy return back to the US and the romance portion of the book really kicks into gear, Maddy constantly refers to herself negatively. She calls herself “dull”, “nothing special” and she simply cannot understand why Jace is with her. Maddy is also really slow on the uptake on what dating a spy/mercenary while being under the threat of violence from another spy/assassin is going to be like. She is completely hung up on the fact that Jace won’t reveal his real name to her and brings it up several times. Maddy’s also put out that she’s not given all the information on her situation and is probably the worst person to guard because she does things that are in direct opposition to the goal of keeping her safe. Maddy goes from Dr. Cole, a character I want to see more of, to a whiny, self-deprecating, moron who can’t figure out why a spy might not give you his real name.
Another issue that killed Black List for me was the timeline of Jace’s backstory. I found that accounts of Jace’s past conflicted and didn’t seem to add up. I couldn’t pin down his age at all and he was either a really accomplished and skilled young man or someone a bit too old and battle scarred for Maddy. I don’t like math and the last thing I want to be doing while I’m reading a book is trying to sort out how old a character is.
The concept of Black List and the characters introduced in the book’s first several chapters were excellent, but as Black List progressed the story became less focused, the plot predictable, and the characters more and more unlikeable. Black List just wasn’t for me.
Rating – D
*ARC provided for honest review.
Black List, book 1 of Lynne Raye Harris’ Black’s Bandits series begins as Jace Kaiser, former Russian fugitive and now premier spy and mercenary for Black Defense International(BDI), joins the hunt for international assassin Calypso. After tracking her down at a Russian oligarch’s birthday party, Jace captures Calypso and ferries her away to BDI’s American headquarters. Unfortunately for Jace, the woman he brings back to the States isn’t Calypso, but American and Russian art appraiser, Dr. Madeline Cole. Oops!
Dr. Madeline Cole is a self professed nobody. Alone in the world except for her Grandmother who suffers from dementia, her best friend Angie and her long suffering cat, Kitty, Dr. Cole’s existence until her time in Russia has been pretty low key. Now, because of her similar appearance to Calypso, she’s jet setting all over the globe and being interrogated by handsome mercenaries. As much as she wants to be furious with Jace, she’s also sad to see him go once she’s released. It could’ve been the whole traumatic experience, but Maddy felt there might have been a spark of something between her and Jace.
Jace knows that Calypso likely isn’t done with Maddy and is determined to protect her even if it means going against all of his training or even sacrificing his life to keep the woman who’s stolen his heart safe. While Maddy, will have to decide if being with a man who’s past, secrets and even his real name are classified is something she can handle all while under the threat of constant danger.
I really enjoyed the beginning of Black List. I thought the premise of mistaken identity in the high stakes world of mercenaries, assassins and spies was a really cool concept and I was really interested in learning more about the main characters, Jace and Dr. Cole. I love the kind of alpha male and the nerdy, but sassy, female character pairing, but as soon as the action of the Black List’s beginning was over these two both went through a severe personality change. Jace quickly became more of a jerk than an alpha male. He flew off the handle more than once at Maddy, exhibited some pretty extreme anger, and ran really hot and cold when it came to getting intimate in a way that was less about nerves or wanting to take things slow, and more of a demeaning, “I know what’s best for you” kind of way. He also really infantilized Dr. Cole, constantly calling her sweet and innocent, making pretty huge decisions for her, and getting weirdly turned on by her using the word “fuck”. Jace’s character, to me, went from super, cool spy with a tragic backstory to angry, overbearing, creepy douche.
On the other hand, Dr. Cole’s character went from a smart, talented, well-travelled woman with a cool job to an obtuse doormat. After Jace and Maddy return back to the US and the romance portion of the book really kicks into gear, Maddy constantly refers to herself negatively. She calls herself “dull”, “nothing special” and she simply cannot understand why Jace is with her. Maddy is also really slow on the uptake on what dating a spy/mercenary while being under the threat of violence from another spy/assassin is going to be like. She is completely hung up on the fact that Jace won’t reveal his real name to her and brings it up several times. Maddy’s also put out that she’s not given all the information on her situation and is probably the worst person to guard because she does things that are in direct opposition to the goal of keeping her safe. Maddy goes from Dr. Cole, a character I want to see more of, to a whiny, self-deprecating, moron who can’t figure out why a spy might not give you his real name.
Another issue that killed Black List for me was the timeline of Jace’s backstory. I found that accounts of Jace’s past conflicted and didn’t seem to add up. I couldn’t pin down his age at all and he was either a really accomplished and skilled young man or someone a bit too old and battle scarred for Maddy. I don’t like math and the last thing I want to be doing while I’m reading a book is trying to sort out how old a character is.
The concept of Black List and the characters introduced in the book’s first several chapters were excellent, but as Black List progressed the story became less focused, the plot predictable, and the characters more and more unlikeable. Black List just wasn’t for me.
Rating – D
*ARC provided for honest review.
April 18, 2021
Commandos🔥🔥
Finally we now have the Black Bandit's series. I was really happy that we get to meet some of them😍. Ian is getting more and more intriguing, can't wait to read his story🙆🏻♀️)
As for Jace, Maddy & Calypso wow 😲 they kept me guessing at first. I really loved the suspense🤩
Definitely looking forward to this new series.🥰🥰
👍🏻👍🏻 👍🏻👍🏻for Black List and Lynn 😊
Finally we now have the Black Bandit's series. I was really happy that we get to meet some of them😍. Ian is getting more and more intriguing, can't wait to read his story🙆🏻♀️)
As for Jace, Maddy & Calypso wow 😲 they kept me guessing at first. I really loved the suspense🤩
Definitely looking forward to this new series.🥰🥰
👍🏻👍🏻 👍🏻👍🏻for Black List and Lynn 😊
January 25, 2022
Where the HOT series has a definite feel of a military team mission, Ian’s world is all about spies and covert ops (think James Bond or Mission Impossible).
Although I never took to the heroine Maddy, for me the highlight was the relationship between Jace and Ian. It revealed a lot about Ian and established a team with a lot of camaraderie.
Given the dark world they operate in, there’s a lighter feel to Ian and his team than I expected. We’ve gradually seen more of Ian’s personality over the HOT series. At times he’s come across as ruthless by letting a mission go a step too far. He’s also used his humor to poke at Mendez and the guys. We’re getting more insight to his depths, how he treats his team, and the actual work he’s doing. He’s a good guy who has to be bad, but what are his boundaries?
I’m looking forward to reading more from this spin-off series and hopefully appearances of these guys in the teams books and likewise.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
3.5
Although I never took to the heroine Maddy, for me the highlight was the relationship between Jace and Ian. It revealed a lot about Ian and established a team with a lot of camaraderie.
Given the dark world they operate in, there’s a lighter feel to Ian and his team than I expected. We’ve gradually seen more of Ian’s personality over the HOT series. At times he’s come across as ruthless by letting a mission go a step too far. He’s also used his humor to poke at Mendez and the guys. We’re getting more insight to his depths, how he treats his team, and the actual work he’s doing. He’s a good guy who has to be bad, but what are his boundaries?
I’m looking forward to reading more from this spin-off series and hopefully appearances of these guys in the teams books and likewise.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
3.5
April 24, 2019
Jace’s only loyalty is to his boss Ian Black, and his team so when he is asked to go to Russia to capture Calypso, an assassin, and bring her back to the US he doesn’t hesitate. When he receives intel about her location, he is successful in capturing Calypso however a case of mistaken identity becomes the best mistake he ever made.
Maddy is appraising artwork for her employer when she finds herself in a sexy man’s custody as he refuses to believe her when she denies that she isn’t the woman he is looking for. Once her identity is confirmed she goes from prisoner to witness and Jace will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe and that means finding Calypso before Calypso finds her.
Hot chemistry, intrigue and suspense all add up to a story you won’t be able to put down. This is the beginning of a new series and I look forward to more stories about this team.
Maddy is appraising artwork for her employer when she finds herself in a sexy man’s custody as he refuses to believe her when she denies that she isn’t the woman he is looking for. Once her identity is confirmed she goes from prisoner to witness and Jace will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe and that means finding Calypso before Calypso finds her.
Hot chemistry, intrigue and suspense all add up to a story you won’t be able to put down. This is the beginning of a new series and I look forward to more stories about this team.
May 22, 2019
I had a feeling at the beginning of chapter one I wasn't going to love this, and I was right.
I don't like having to"see" the H getting out of bed with his ons. Even if it's before he meets the h. What purpose did this hold? To prove that he only has ons? Don't want to see it.
I didn't believe that he wanted to be with h, he wanted to protect her, and finally realized that to do that he would have to leave her for good. I hate that type of thing.
I liked the h then she turned into a tstl h.
I really wanted the H to work to get the h back, prove he'll never push her away again. But didn't get it.
The story and writing wasn't bad, just don't of my personal buttons were pushed.
I don't like having to"see" the H getting out of bed with his ons. Even if it's before he meets the h. What purpose did this hold? To prove that he only has ons? Don't want to see it.
I didn't believe that he wanted to be with h, he wanted to protect her, and finally realized that to do that he would have to leave her for good. I hate that type of thing.
I liked the h then she turned into a tstl h.
I really wanted the H to work to get the h back, prove he'll never push her away again. But didn't get it.
The story and writing wasn't bad, just don't of my personal buttons were pushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
3.5 stars
Very instant love, love at fist sight trope
Idk don’t like the trope and there wasn’t enough sexual tension or tension at all, cuz they liked each other from almost moment one. It definitely got better and I do like the book, and I’m very excited to read the next book and I love the foreshadowing of the next couples.
LOVE THE GUYS like Ian and Colt 🚂 ofc also Jace but rahhhhh Colt and Ian
Very instant love, love at fist sight trope
Idk don’t like the trope and there wasn’t enough sexual tension or tension at all, cuz they liked each other from almost moment one. It definitely got better and I do like the book, and I’m very excited to read the next book and I love the foreshadowing of the next couples.
LOVE THE GUYS like Ian and Colt 🚂 ofc also Jace but rahhhhh Colt and Ian
April 21, 2019
I always love diving into a book by Lynn Raye Harris because I know I'm going to love it, and Black List is no different. This is the first in a new series surrounding the elusive Ian Black, and it was nice to see more of him in this book.
Our hero is Jace Kaiser, who has a dark, chequered history. Ian rescued him in more ways than one, and Jace is loyal to the man who saved his life and gvve him a new one. Jace is Ian's best operative and can speak Russian, which is why Ian sends him to Russia to capture a mysterious assassin known as Calypso. She's evaded capture for years and they have good intel she's going to try and take down a Russian oligarch, so Jace is there to stop it happening and get her.
Unfortunately for Dr Madeline Cole, known as Maddy, she also happens to be at the oligarch's home. Her job is to appraise his extensive art collection for the insurance company she works for. When the intel proves good and Maddy is caught in the crossfire of the attempted assassination, she has no idea what to do or where to hide. She finds herself whisked away from Russia by a mysterious man who gives her a false name and appears to believe she is this mysterious Calypso the man has been looking for.
Once Maddy's identity has been verified back in the US, she should be incredibly angry with the man who kidnapped her... but she's not. She's attracted to him. And he's not going anywhere, because it seems Calypso has now set her sights on Maddy as she's the only person who can perhaps identify her.
Jace feels drawn to Maddy in a way he's never experienced before, and he comes determined to protect her at all costs. She becomes precious to him in a very short amount of time, and he'll risk everything - his job, his friendships, his life - to keep her safe. Which means he has to get to Calypso before she gets to Maddy. But there's a reason Calypso has evaded capture until now...
This was a fast-paced, well-written story. I adored both Jace and Maddy, and wanted them to get their happily ever after. It was good to see more of the mysterious Ian Black and meet some of the other team members, who will no doubt get their own books. I did manage to guess the identity of Calypso before everyone else did, but it was very nicely done. Lynn is one of my go-to authors with good reason.
Our hero is Jace Kaiser, who has a dark, chequered history. Ian rescued him in more ways than one, and Jace is loyal to the man who saved his life and gvve him a new one. Jace is Ian's best operative and can speak Russian, which is why Ian sends him to Russia to capture a mysterious assassin known as Calypso. She's evaded capture for years and they have good intel she's going to try and take down a Russian oligarch, so Jace is there to stop it happening and get her.
Unfortunately for Dr Madeline Cole, known as Maddy, she also happens to be at the oligarch's home. Her job is to appraise his extensive art collection for the insurance company she works for. When the intel proves good and Maddy is caught in the crossfire of the attempted assassination, she has no idea what to do or where to hide. She finds herself whisked away from Russia by a mysterious man who gives her a false name and appears to believe she is this mysterious Calypso the man has been looking for.
Once Maddy's identity has been verified back in the US, she should be incredibly angry with the man who kidnapped her... but she's not. She's attracted to him. And he's not going anywhere, because it seems Calypso has now set her sights on Maddy as she's the only person who can perhaps identify her.
Jace feels drawn to Maddy in a way he's never experienced before, and he comes determined to protect her at all costs. She becomes precious to him in a very short amount of time, and he'll risk everything - his job, his friendships, his life - to keep her safe. Which means he has to get to Calypso before she gets to Maddy. But there's a reason Calypso has evaded capture until now...
This was a fast-paced, well-written story. I adored both Jace and Maddy, and wanted them to get their happily ever after. It was good to see more of the mysterious Ian Black and meet some of the other team members, who will no doubt get their own books. I did manage to guess the identity of Calypso before everyone else did, but it was very nicely done. Lynn is one of my go-to authors with good reason.
September 6, 2021
This was the first book of the black bandits and I loved it! It’s definitely different from the HOT boys, yet very similar as well. Also I believe this book is meant to be read before Ryan and Chloe’s book.
So Jace Kaiser, good ol’ Jace Kaiser. What a man. What a sweet, caring, intimidating, handsome tatted up man. Jace is American and Russian (not by his own choice tho) and he is every bit as deadly and dangerous as you would think.
So one day, or night technically, Jace is in Russia on a mission trying to capture this deadly assassin woman named Calypso. During said mission Jace finds said woman, tackles her and captures her. Mission over, end of story. Right? Ha…wrong.
Jace indeed captures a woman, but it’s not calypso. In fact it is miss Maddy Cole, an art historian whose in Russia to verify some art pieces. Too bad Jace won’t listen to her when she tries to tell him this. No, instead he puts her on a plane, handcuffs her to the seat and whisks her back to DC. Let’s just say she’s not a happy camper.
Of course they figure this out yet and let miss Maddy go, except not really because they continue to watch over her. And during this time Jace can’t get her out of his head, and I’d say it’s a mutual feeling.
Well the usual badA stuff happens and suddenly Jace is staying with Maddy and protecting her…or romancing her? Yeah, Jace has it bad for Maddy.
Honestly their story is super cute and Jace is super romantic and kind and caring and just comforting.
We also got a little bit of intel on Ian, and I’m pretty sure I know who his woman is gonna be ;)
I cannot wait for Colt and Angie’s story, but that’s book three, so for now I’ll jump into Brett’s story!
So Jace Kaiser, good ol’ Jace Kaiser. What a man. What a sweet, caring, intimidating, handsome tatted up man. Jace is American and Russian (not by his own choice tho) and he is every bit as deadly and dangerous as you would think.
So one day, or night technically, Jace is in Russia on a mission trying to capture this deadly assassin woman named Calypso. During said mission Jace finds said woman, tackles her and captures her. Mission over, end of story. Right? Ha…wrong.
Jace indeed captures a woman, but it’s not calypso. In fact it is miss Maddy Cole, an art historian whose in Russia to verify some art pieces. Too bad Jace won’t listen to her when she tries to tell him this. No, instead he puts her on a plane, handcuffs her to the seat and whisks her back to DC. Let’s just say she’s not a happy camper.
Of course they figure this out yet and let miss Maddy go, except not really because they continue to watch over her. And during this time Jace can’t get her out of his head, and I’d say it’s a mutual feeling.
Well the usual badA stuff happens and suddenly Jace is staying with Maddy and protecting her…or romancing her? Yeah, Jace has it bad for Maddy.
Honestly their story is super cute and Jace is super romantic and kind and caring and just comforting.
We also got a little bit of intel on Ian, and I’m pretty sure I know who his woman is gonna be ;)
I cannot wait for Colt and Angie’s story, but that’s book three, so for now I’ll jump into Brett’s story!
April 23, 2019
Lynn Raye Harris is a new to me author, and Black List was the perfect read to be introduced to her for real! Jace Kaiser is a man without a country to call his own, and there's a back story to it that I won't get into because of spoilers, but now he's kind of a ghost who works for Black's Bandits as a mercenary. His newest assignment it to capture a bad a** female assassin at a party, but things take a complicated turn, and he ends up with Dr. Madeline 'Maddy' Cole instead. She tries to tell him that she's not the person he's after, but yeah, it's not working. So when they get back to the states, they learn that she is indeed who she says she is, and now they kind of have to protect her on the sly, as she actually saw that crazy assassin. Yeah, this story had some serious action & excitement throughout. And obviously the twists were INSANE! Like so insane that I got to drop my favorite f-bombs like they were hot, all the way up to the end, and frankly, I have some suspicion that it's not quite over, and I can't say more than that. Anyway, Jace & Maddy have some chemistry, and with all the suspense swirling about, those sparks do ignite, so they spend one hell of a hot night that lights the sheets on fire before he decides to make those big bad martyr decisions. So you know, drama & angst come out to play. Now, if you want to know how it all pans out, you know what you have to do, one click this baby! You won't be disappointed as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 22, 2019
Back List is the 1st book in the Black’s Bandits series, a great spin off following the very successful HOT series.
Jace owes his boss everything, a man without a blood family; he is skilled in everything that revolves around off the books back op missions. Jace never getting close to anyone in fear that they will be hurt his eye is on the prize every time; it just so happens that this time it’s a gorgeous female that has turned from number 1 enemy to his priority. Maddy is doing everything she can to support the 1 person left in her family, her grandmother that means everything to her. When she is accused of murder, she has no other option but to trust Ian Black and his team to keep her safe from the reality of what could happen.
When Jace’s past comes back to haunt them, they are all put in danger. Can the Ian Black team keep them all safe?
Harris has the ability to pull you into her stories and get lost in the characters; When I picked up Black List I couldn’t wait to find out more about Ian Black’s team; the elusive man that would swoop in and fix all the problems.
Black List did not disappoint; Jace and Maddy were the best characters to start this series. I cannot wait to see who is next in store only having met several other team members; it could be any of them and I will not hesitate to get lost in this new series.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
Jace owes his boss everything, a man without a blood family; he is skilled in everything that revolves around off the books back op missions. Jace never getting close to anyone in fear that they will be hurt his eye is on the prize every time; it just so happens that this time it’s a gorgeous female that has turned from number 1 enemy to his priority. Maddy is doing everything she can to support the 1 person left in her family, her grandmother that means everything to her. When she is accused of murder, she has no other option but to trust Ian Black and his team to keep her safe from the reality of what could happen.
When Jace’s past comes back to haunt them, they are all put in danger. Can the Ian Black team keep them all safe?
Harris has the ability to pull you into her stories and get lost in the characters; When I picked up Black List I couldn’t wait to find out more about Ian Black’s team; the elusive man that would swoop in and fix all the problems.
Black List did not disappoint; Jace and Maddy were the best characters to start this series. I cannot wait to see who is next in store only having met several other team members; it could be any of them and I will not hesitate to get lost in this new series.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
April 22, 2019
Woohoo, finally the Ian Black Group are getting their own series. Black List (Black's Bandits - Book 1) by Lynn Raye Harris is everything that I expected from the series except it is not Ian’s story. Of course, his story would not be first but still I had hoped. Still Ian Black is around plus Jace Kaiser more than made up for that one dashed hope.
Flawed intel leads to a case of mistaken identity which leads to more problems. Impossible not to pull for a man who is trying to make up for his mistakes even when he might should have listened. While Dr. Madeline Cole is not the danger she becomes one in danger so Jace’s role changes in the story. Kept me reading when this happened especially when I saw Maddy as a strong confident woman. Along with this serous danger there are revealed secrets which could affect the sizzling desire from becoming something more between Jace and Maddy. Intrigue on top of the suspense, so it’s a page-turner.
Awesome read just like the SEAL Team books so this spinoff series is a hit with me. Military suspense romance readers have no fear, Black’s Bandits have arrived.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Flawed intel leads to a case of mistaken identity which leads to more problems. Impossible not to pull for a man who is trying to make up for his mistakes even when he might should have listened. While Dr. Madeline Cole is not the danger she becomes one in danger so Jace’s role changes in the story. Kept me reading when this happened especially when I saw Maddy as a strong confident woman. Along with this serous danger there are revealed secrets which could affect the sizzling desire from becoming something more between Jace and Maddy. Intrigue on top of the suspense, so it’s a page-turner.
Awesome read just like the SEAL Team books so this spinoff series is a hit with me. Military suspense romance readers have no fear, Black’s Bandits have arrived.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2019
Who doesn’t love a good fast-paced mercenary romance? The book begins with Jace setting out on a mission to take down a deadly assassin and Maddy minding her own business appraising an art collection when a case of mistaken identity causes their lives to collide in a big way. Sparks between the two start to fly immediately and the buildup gets better and better from there.
Jace has too many secrets to be able to build any kind of relationship with Maddy without putting her and himself at risk. Secrets that kept me guessing the whole book.
While there’s a lot going on and quite a few side characters, who’s stories I need ASAP, the romance is the front and center focus here. There’s sweet times and the sexual tension are nicely built up to the smoking hot sexy times. The feels will keep you turning pages just as much as the rest of the plot. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and the fact that she has a ton of other series out there makes me so happy. Need to start reading them ASAP while I wait (not so) patiently for Ians book.
Jace has too many secrets to be able to build any kind of relationship with Maddy without putting her and himself at risk. Secrets that kept me guessing the whole book.
While there’s a lot going on and quite a few side characters, who’s stories I need ASAP, the romance is the front and center focus here. There’s sweet times and the sexual tension are nicely built up to the smoking hot sexy times. The feels will keep you turning pages just as much as the rest of the plot. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and the fact that she has a ton of other series out there makes me so happy. Need to start reading them ASAP while I wait (not so) patiently for Ians book.
March 1, 2022
Phenomenal Series Starter!
Truth is - I read a more recent book in this series, and circled back around to read the entire thing. Yes, it’s that good. Jace Kaiser, an operative with BDI - is tracking the assassin Calypso. He is on-site when a shooting takes place, and he nabs his quarry.
Dr. Madeline Cole is an art appraiser, specializing in Russian artifacts. Returning to her room while working for a Russian art collector, she is tackled, zip-tied and flown back to the US. Maddy is a bit scared, but also feisty and affronted. Too bad her captor is drop-dead gorgeous. This can’t end soon enough.
Except she saw the woman who really may be Calypso, so she needs protection. You can feel Mddy’s frustration and spunk. Jace is drawn to this intelligent and beautiful woman. This is everything I look for in a Romantic suspense - and that much more! Pure entertainment.
Truth is - I read a more recent book in this series, and circled back around to read the entire thing. Yes, it’s that good. Jace Kaiser, an operative with BDI - is tracking the assassin Calypso. He is on-site when a shooting takes place, and he nabs his quarry.
Dr. Madeline Cole is an art appraiser, specializing in Russian artifacts. Returning to her room while working for a Russian art collector, she is tackled, zip-tied and flown back to the US. Maddy is a bit scared, but also feisty and affronted. Too bad her captor is drop-dead gorgeous. This can’t end soon enough.
Except she saw the woman who really may be Calypso, so she needs protection. You can feel Mddy’s frustration and spunk. Jace is drawn to this intelligent and beautiful woman. This is everything I look for in a Romantic suspense - and that much more! Pure entertainment.
April 24, 2019
Title: Black List
Author: Lynn Raye Harris
Format: Ebook
Genre: Romantic Suspense - Black Ops, Bodyguard
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Yes Book 1 of Black's Bandits, HOT Heros for Hire: Mercenaries
POV: Mostly Jace and Maddy
Steam Level: Slow Burn to toasty
5/5
If you've read other Lynn Raye Harris books in the HOT SEAL series then you've met Ian Black. In this book, we get to see more of him and his Bandits. There are a few scenes in Ian's POV and it just makes the reader even more curious about him.
Once I started Black List I was enthralled with the characters and mystery. While I guessed who Calypso was prior to the big reveal, I enjoyed the escalating intensity of the mystery and Maddy and Jace's relationship. Lynn Raye Harris did a great job in teasing us with (possible) stories to come (I hope). This is definitely a series I'll continue to enjoy.
Author: Lynn Raye Harris
Format: Ebook
Genre: Romantic Suspense - Black Ops, Bodyguard
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Yes Book 1 of Black's Bandits, HOT Heros for Hire: Mercenaries
POV: Mostly Jace and Maddy
Steam Level: Slow Burn to toasty
5/5
If you've read other Lynn Raye Harris books in the HOT SEAL series then you've met Ian Black. In this book, we get to see more of him and his Bandits. There are a few scenes in Ian's POV and it just makes the reader even more curious about him.
Once I started Black List I was enthralled with the characters and mystery. While I guessed who Calypso was prior to the big reveal, I enjoyed the escalating intensity of the mystery and Maddy and Jace's relationship. Lynn Raye Harris did a great job in teasing us with (possible) stories to come (I hope). This is definitely a series I'll continue to enjoy.
April 21, 2019
Black List by Lynn Raye Harris is book One in the Black's Bandits Series. This is the story of Jace Kaiser and Madeline 'Maddy' Cole.
Jace is a mercenary who works with the Black's Bandits, his assignment is to take a women assassin to HQ. But who he ends up kidnapping is Maddy. Maddy is a art appraiser on a job to appraise some art for a Russian businessman when she is taken. The attraction between the two is pretty instant and once her name is clear, Jace is left with feelings he knows he shouldn't have. Maddy isn't to upset after her eyes and heart sparks for Jace but can these two making through the drama coming their way?
Great start to a series and hope to read more from this author.
Jace is a mercenary who works with the Black's Bandits, his assignment is to take a women assassin to HQ. But who he ends up kidnapping is Maddy. Maddy is a art appraiser on a job to appraise some art for a Russian businessman when she is taken. The attraction between the two is pretty instant and once her name is clear, Jace is left with feelings he knows he shouldn't have. Maddy isn't to upset after her eyes and heart sparks for Jace but can these two making through the drama coming their way?
Great start to a series and hope to read more from this author.
June 13, 2019
IAN BLACK FINALLY HAS HIS OWN SERIES!!!
I love the HOT guys but have always loved the mysterious, dangerous and enigmatic being that is Ian Black and wasn’t disappointed.
This isn’t his story — it’s his world.
Jace Kaiser gets the show on the road and as my Godess of Security always gives... its full of action, suspense, the correct type of drama,males giving hot loving to there females, protecting them and the targeting the bad guys.
We get glimpses of the Bandits to come and more teasers of Ian Black.
READ IT. LOVE IT. DEVOUR IT
I love the HOT guys but have always loved the mysterious, dangerous and enigmatic being that is Ian Black and wasn’t disappointed.
This isn’t his story — it’s his world.
Jace Kaiser gets the show on the road and as my Godess of Security always gives... its full of action, suspense, the correct type of drama,males giving hot loving to there females, protecting them and the targeting the bad guys.
We get glimpses of the Bandits to come and more teasers of Ian Black.
READ IT. LOVE IT. DEVOUR IT
January 31, 2023
While I overall enjoyed this book (finishing it is a big indicator that it wasn’t that bad because I’ll DNF a book over 1 sentence these days lol), I’m struggling to decide on an accurate and fair rating! I personally feel it’s a 3 because it was just average, but by my own rating system, it would be a 4. So, I guess we’ll settle on a 3.5.
This read started off so strong for me. I literally started reading at like 11 pm and forced myself to stop around 5 pm. I was locked in. However, where this book fell apart was the plot and the romance.
The characters: Overall, I initially liked them. I loved Ian Black in his appearances in the previous series, so I was excited to learn more about him and his team. Jace was mysterious yet still funny, caring, honest to a fault, and sexy. Where he lost me was how he kept ignoring logic. He’s been with Ian for quite some time, he’s met plenty of the couples from the previous series so he knows that having a happy, long term relationship with someone despite his field of work is possible, yet he kept pushing Maddy away. If he wanted to, he would. Maddy was fine, just not overly memorable or interesting. She seemed like a good friend & granddaughter, and a great cat mom. She wasn’t TSTL by any means, but she definitely grew annoying by the end of the book. She became so wishy washy and almost willfully ignorant. The things that upset her so much in the first half of the book suddenly didn’t matter to her in the last half. It felt like the author was trying to show she matured or that the relationship between Jace & Maddy became deeper, but that wasn’t the case nor did the logic behind her issues change so it made no sense.
The Romance: Their relationship just didn’t feel convincing or special to me in any way. It had the bones to be a great read, but it fell short in terms of chemistry, realism, and pace. Can you have sexual tension and yet no chemistry at the same time? I don’t know, but that’s the best way I can describe it. You could definitely feel the sexual tension early on, but once they did the do, it fizzled out. I was being told it was love while still feeling like a one night stand. They hadn’t gone through enough and didn’t know enough about each other as people to completely sell me on them as a couple. When a character says something that they like about another character, I mentally go back and think what scene or piece of information led him to that conclusion. Jace was always calling Maddy so sweet and innocent, but there wasn’t really anything she said or did to back that up. She was the definition of average. Everything was too rushed and some of the main relationship building (dates, conversations, and other intimacies) that would’ve helped solidify that bond for the readers were largely glossed over. Classic case of being told not shown.
The Plot: For a romantic suspense novel about mercenaries and assassins, there was almost no action. With as high stakes as they made everything out to be, I wanted to feel like the walls were closing in, like they were being attacked from all sides and I just didn’t. There was like no suspense in this romantic suspense lol. I knew who the villain was from like 15% in nor was she as formidable a foe as they claimed she was. There were numerous plot holes and things that either irritated me or simply made no sense.
This should’ve been a very solid start to this series. It fell flat to me, but it did its job in terms of making me want to read about the other members of the team, because the synopsis’s don’t quite intrigue me. Don’t worry if you’ve never read or completed the other series, because it’s easy to get into this world and all its characters. The next book is about Brett Wheeler who I haven’t seen or heard much from, at least in this book, so that seemed like a momentum killer. I’d rather move onto Colt and Angie’s book. Ian’s story has been teased in like 3 separate series but you get into his head a little in this book which was fun to see. I hope his book lives up to all the hype.
This read started off so strong for me. I literally started reading at like 11 pm and forced myself to stop around 5 pm. I was locked in. However, where this book fell apart was the plot and the romance.
The characters: Overall, I initially liked them. I loved Ian Black in his appearances in the previous series, so I was excited to learn more about him and his team. Jace was mysterious yet still funny, caring, honest to a fault, and sexy. Where he lost me was how he kept ignoring logic. He’s been with Ian for quite some time, he’s met plenty of the couples from the previous series so he knows that having a happy, long term relationship with someone despite his field of work is possible, yet he kept pushing Maddy away. If he wanted to, he would. Maddy was fine, just not overly memorable or interesting. She seemed like a good friend & granddaughter, and a great cat mom. She wasn’t TSTL by any means, but she definitely grew annoying by the end of the book. She became so wishy washy and almost willfully ignorant. The things that upset her so much in the first half of the book suddenly didn’t matter to her in the last half. It felt like the author was trying to show she matured or that the relationship between Jace & Maddy became deeper, but that wasn’t the case nor did the logic behind her issues change so it made no sense.
The Romance: Their relationship just didn’t feel convincing or special to me in any way. It had the bones to be a great read, but it fell short in terms of chemistry, realism, and pace. Can you have sexual tension and yet no chemistry at the same time? I don’t know, but that’s the best way I can describe it. You could definitely feel the sexual tension early on, but once they did the do, it fizzled out. I was being told it was love while still feeling like a one night stand. They hadn’t gone through enough and didn’t know enough about each other as people to completely sell me on them as a couple. When a character says something that they like about another character, I mentally go back and think what scene or piece of information led him to that conclusion. Jace was always calling Maddy so sweet and innocent, but there wasn’t really anything she said or did to back that up. She was the definition of average. Everything was too rushed and some of the main relationship building (dates, conversations, and other intimacies) that would’ve helped solidify that bond for the readers were largely glossed over. Classic case of being told not shown.
The Plot: For a romantic suspense novel about mercenaries and assassins, there was almost no action. With as high stakes as they made everything out to be, I wanted to feel like the walls were closing in, like they were being attacked from all sides and I just didn’t. There was like no suspense in this romantic suspense lol. I knew who the villain was from like 15% in nor was she as formidable a foe as they claimed she was. There were numerous plot holes and things that either irritated me or simply made no sense.
This should’ve been a very solid start to this series. It fell flat to me, but it did its job in terms of making me want to read about the other members of the team, because the synopsis’s don’t quite intrigue me. Don’t worry if you’ve never read or completed the other series, because it’s easy to get into this world and all its characters. The next book is about Brett Wheeler who I haven’t seen or heard much from, at least in this book, so that seemed like a momentum killer. I’d rather move onto Colt and Angie’s book. Ian’s story has been teased in like 3 separate series but you get into his head a little in this book which was fun to see. I hope his book lives up to all the hype.
Want to read
December 28, 2021🎁 FREE on Apple iBooks today (12/28/2021)! 🎁
January 27, 2023
2.5-3 stars.
Instalove alert. Okay but not great.
Instalove alert. Okay but not great.
March 8, 2023
Great start to a new series!
December 6, 2025
random audiobook. FMC is mistaken for a assassin. Spy protects her when the real assassin comes after her.
April 27, 2019
What an exciting start to a new series!! I am a huge fan of Lynn Raye Harris's HOT books and Black List is the first of the greatly anticipated Black Bandits, following Ian Black (a HOT regular and reader favourite) and his team.
This is Jase and Maddy's story and I loved it. Although their relationship doesn't get off to the best of starts, thanks to a case of mistaken identity. Soon the two of them are getting closer and sexy, alpha Jase is in full protective mode. Not that Maddy is a retiring wallflower, she has plenty of spirit and is not afraid of speaking her mind, even to the formidable Mr Black himself!!
Full of action, romance and suspense, Maddy and Jase's story definitely did not disappoint. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of Black's Bandits, and I can never have too much Ian Black in my life. This is another hit series from the author!
This is Jase and Maddy's story and I loved it. Although their relationship doesn't get off to the best of starts, thanks to a case of mistaken identity. Soon the two of them are getting closer and sexy, alpha Jase is in full protective mode. Not that Maddy is a retiring wallflower, she has plenty of spirit and is not afraid of speaking her mind, even to the formidable Mr Black himself!!
Full of action, romance and suspense, Maddy and Jase's story definitely did not disappoint. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of Black's Bandits, and I can never have too much Ian Black in my life. This is another hit series from the author!
April 23, 2019
5 Stars
Heart pounding, edge of your seat action combined with humor and a sexy hero and heroine...exactly what you get in the first book of Ms. Harris’s newest series! Fans have waited so long to get the story of Ian Black and his Bandits and it has finally arrived! You will not be disappointed by Jace and Maddy’s story and the hints of what is to come in future books has this girl begging for more sooner rather than later!
Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Heart pounding, edge of your seat action combined with humor and a sexy hero and heroine...exactly what you get in the first book of Ms. Harris’s newest series! Fans have waited so long to get the story of Ian Black and his Bandits and it has finally arrived! You will not be disappointed by Jace and Maddy’s story and the hints of what is to come in future books has this girl begging for more sooner rather than later!
Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
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