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Tainted
And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. - Mark 7:20-23
The streets of Boston are running red with blood.
It isn’t the first time, either.
Forget the history of this city; it’s what happened nearly nine-years-ago that continues to haunt us all.
Especially me.
They say obsessions can destroy you.
Well, I’m here to tell you that’s a fact.
A serial killer played games with us once, leaving our heads spinning.
I chased them down, threw my whole life into chaos. From the very first kill, I was there.
Watching.
Analyzing.
Losing myself.
My career nearly ended before it ever began.
Then, suddenly, the killer vanished. Gone into the shadows. Never to be heard from again.
Until now.
They’re back, fiercer and bolder than ever. An obsession reawakened that threatens my sanity and leads me towards a collision with a new fixation.
One more dangerous.
One much more vile.
She’s everything my religion warns man to stay away from—the quintessential temptress sent to ruin our lives.
I thought the case would be what ended me.
Turns out, I’d sell my soul for just another taste of her.
Disclaimer: The St. Cecilia Slayings series a series of 6 short novelettes, roughly 25,000 words each, that are being released one month apart.
The streets of Boston are running red with blood.
It isn’t the first time, either.
Forget the history of this city; it’s what happened nearly nine-years-ago that continues to haunt us all.
Especially me.
They say obsessions can destroy you.
Well, I’m here to tell you that’s a fact.
A serial killer played games with us once, leaving our heads spinning.
I chased them down, threw my whole life into chaos. From the very first kill, I was there.
Watching.
Analyzing.
Losing myself.
My career nearly ended before it ever began.
Then, suddenly, the killer vanished. Gone into the shadows. Never to be heard from again.
Until now.
They’re back, fiercer and bolder than ever. An obsession reawakened that threatens my sanity and leads me towards a collision with a new fixation.
One more dangerous.
One much more vile.
She’s everything my religion warns man to stay away from—the quintessential temptress sent to ruin our lives.
I thought the case would be what ended me.
Turns out, I’d sell my soul for just another taste of her.
Disclaimer: The St. Cecilia Slayings series a series of 6 short novelettes, roughly 25,000 words each, that are being released one month apart.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
26 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
N. Isabelle Blanco
68 books1,763 followersN. Isabelle Blanco is the Amazon Bestselling Author of the Allure Series, the Need Series with K.I.Lynn, and many others. At the age of three, due to an odd fascination with studying her mother’s handwriting, she began to read and write. By the time she’d reached kindergarten, she had an extensive vocabulary and her obsession with words began to bleed into every aspect of her life.
That is, until coffee came a long and took over everything else.
Nowadays, N. spends most of her days surviving the crazy New York rush and arguing with her characters every ten minutes or so, all in the hopes of one day getting them under control.
Sign up for the newsletter at http://bit.ly/NIBnewsletter to be the first to know how all these arguments turn out :)
Facebook: facebook.com/nisabelleblanco
Instagram: @nisabelleblanco
Twitter: @nyddi
That is, until coffee came a long and took over everything else.
Nowadays, N. spends most of her days surviving the crazy New York rush and arguing with her characters every ten minutes or so, all in the hopes of one day getting them under control.
Sign up for the newsletter at http://bit.ly/NIBnewsletter to be the first to know how all these arguments turn out :)
Facebook: facebook.com/nisabelleblanco
Instagram: @nisabelleblanco
Twitter: @nyddi
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 20, 2019
Here's the thing...
When I see that N. Isabelle Blanco is coming out with something new, it automatically gets added to my TBR.
I don't need to know the title or see the blurb.
And it doesn't just sit there.
Nope, I've got to read it as soon as it drops because that's not only how I roll when it comes to her books, but I know I'm in for one heck of a ride when I read it.
No two stories are alike, even when it's an interconnected series.
No two characters are alike, meaning there's a ton of hot, alpha men to drool all over myself for.
And...
And...
Yes, they're all the same man. He's graced many a book cover and I'm so in love with his look. I need to find me a man from Turkey!!
Okay, back to the stories, nothing is as I expect and I am never the same when I get to the end.
When I saw that Blanco was teaming up with Dee Garcia, the woman who made me want a female boxer for a best friend, I couldn't add it up fast enough.
A whole series, dripping in blood, and the excitement these ladies had for their work were just a couple of the reasons why I KNEW I had to start this.
And then I read it.
Maverick was super intense, obsessed with what he could see was a serial murder case, very religious, and alpha to the max. He was a homicide detective on a mission... to finally catch the killer that not only made him chase a tail, but has eluded some of the best detectives on the force. Along the way, he comes across Keira, a wealthy socialite he can't stop thinking about. And a killer, who makes him question his morals and beliefs.
Tainted was a really quick glimpse of what I'm sure will be a kinky and scary story that no one who loves erotic thrillers will be able to resist. Luckily I won't have to wait long for the next part of the series. I'm so freaking excited!!
When I see that N. Isabelle Blanco is coming out with something new, it automatically gets added to my TBR.
I don't need to know the title or see the blurb.
And it doesn't just sit there.
Nope, I've got to read it as soon as it drops because that's not only how I roll when it comes to her books, but I know I'm in for one heck of a ride when I read it.
No two stories are alike, even when it's an interconnected series.
No two characters are alike, meaning there's a ton of hot, alpha men to drool all over myself for.
And...
And...
Yes, they're all the same man. He's graced many a book cover and I'm so in love with his look. I need to find me a man from Turkey!!
Okay, back to the stories, nothing is as I expect and I am never the same when I get to the end.
When I saw that Blanco was teaming up with Dee Garcia, the woman who made me want a female boxer for a best friend, I couldn't add it up fast enough.
A whole series, dripping in blood, and the excitement these ladies had for their work were just a couple of the reasons why I KNEW I had to start this.
And then I read it.
Maverick was super intense, obsessed with what he could see was a serial murder case, very religious, and alpha to the max. He was a homicide detective on a mission... to finally catch the killer that not only made him chase a tail, but has eluded some of the best detectives on the force. Along the way, he comes across Keira, a wealthy socialite he can't stop thinking about. And a killer, who makes him question his morals and beliefs.
Tainted was a really quick glimpse of what I'm sure will be a kinky and scary story that no one who loves erotic thrillers will be able to resist. Luckily I won't have to wait long for the next part of the series. I'm so freaking excited!!
March 26, 2019
Dark, disturbing and oh so hot! Blanco and Garcia have such a thrilling way of telling a story. I can't believe that this is the first book they write as a duo because they were definitely born to write together.
Tainted is a book filled with layers of mystery, bloody plot twists, and sins.
From page one I was hooked and could not for the life of me tear myself away until the end, and what a motherfucking end.
It might be a short book, but is definitely a thrill ride of great writing and fascinating reading! Be prepared for heart-pounding suspense and a gritty as hell storyline. I can't wait for the rest of the books in the series.
You can find me here: INSTAGRAM
March 26, 2019
3.5 fucking intense stars.
This story is intense. It’s bloody. It’s sexy. It’s obsession in more than one way.
The prologue of this story is essentially a jump to what I assume for now will be the end. Our hero is catching a killer that he’s been looking for for years. We don’t know who the killer is, but we know they know the hero intimately.
After that we start in I suppose where the entire story begins. Where the hero starts his obsession with the killer. Then finally jumping to present tense-ish.
I don’t want to say much more than that, because Tainted is such a quick read, I think this is one you just need to read yourself. Just know it’s suspenseful. It’s mysterious. It’s erotic. Its bloody. It’s... just a wild ride. I think there is so much potential for this to be SUCH a great dark romantic suspense. So many ways this could go that I don’t even think we have a clue of yet.
Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
*ARC provided by Booksprout!*
This story is intense. It’s bloody. It’s sexy. It’s obsession in more than one way.
The prologue of this story is essentially a jump to what I assume for now will be the end. Our hero is catching a killer that he’s been looking for for years. We don’t know who the killer is, but we know they know the hero intimately.
After that we start in I suppose where the entire story begins. Where the hero starts his obsession with the killer. Then finally jumping to present tense-ish.
I don’t want to say much more than that, because Tainted is such a quick read, I think this is one you just need to read yourself. Just know it’s suspenseful. It’s mysterious. It’s erotic. Its bloody. It’s... just a wild ride. I think there is so much potential for this to be SUCH a great dark romantic suspense. So many ways this could go that I don’t even think we have a clue of yet.
Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
*ARC provided by Booksprout!*
July 4, 2022
I'm now big into the trope of female serial killer and the FBI agent/cop/detective on her tail. Please recommend any books with these MCs if you know of any!
I am still thinking about the wonderful journey that S.T. Abby took me through in The Mindf*ck Series, and I stumbled upon N. Isabelle Blanco's Tainted, excited to get into this novella series.
All told through the hero's POV, this is good if you want erotic obsession. Not too compelling in terms of everything else i.e. the romance or the murder mystery.
The highlights of this story were in the hero's obsession with Kiera Dubois. The man has a one-track mind, but he is also a guilty Catholic and an ex-alcoholic from Boston. When he was a rookie on his first day out in the field, he comes across a murder, and he becomes obsessed with the murder, linking it to other unsolved cases. A few years afterwards, he is a more seasoned detective, he's gotten sober, put the past behind him when he is pulled into a case that is very similar to the one that he became unhealthily fixated on as a young rookie cop...
The hero is obsessive and he has a POV where he is, sometimes, unsure about his grasp on reality. Did he see it happen? Was he so obsessed that he thought he saw that? That was intriguing.
But the actual going into the field, asking questions, figuring out why the murder happened wasn't quite as intriguing. The hero, if you can't tell, likes to glom onto things, and finds his newest obsession with Kiera Dubois, the socialite daughter of a rich man who hosted the party where the murder victim was last seen at. He meets her at a function where he and his partner are there to ask questions, but he ends up having wild sex with her.
The hero slowly loses the thread. The Catholic guilt wasn't gripping for me, personally. I find that he is rude to his female partner to the point of verbally abusive to her. Yes, she is trying to get into his pants, but she's not mean-spirited, just persistent.
Although she has been said to try to get her claws into all the other partners on the team, when we actually see her, she's not dumb or vapid. I believe it is in the second book where the hero thinks she's shallow for looking at her nails, but honestly that's a very normal thing to do that also has nothing to do with her intelligence. I feel for his partner more than I do for him!
I think I will continue to read this series, it's short, and the obsession is entertaining, although there are some things that I don't particularly like about the hero's POV ex. judgmental and Catholic guilt.
I am still thinking about the wonderful journey that S.T. Abby took me through in The Mindf*ck Series, and I stumbled upon N. Isabelle Blanco's Tainted, excited to get into this novella series.
All told through the hero's POV, this is good if you want erotic obsession. Not too compelling in terms of everything else i.e. the romance or the murder mystery.
The highlights of this story were in the hero's obsession with Kiera Dubois. The man has a one-track mind, but he is also a guilty Catholic and an ex-alcoholic from Boston. When he was a rookie on his first day out in the field, he comes across a murder, and he becomes obsessed with the murder, linking it to other unsolved cases. A few years afterwards, he is a more seasoned detective, he's gotten sober, put the past behind him when he is pulled into a case that is very similar to the one that he became unhealthily fixated on as a young rookie cop...
The hero is obsessive and he has a POV where he is, sometimes, unsure about his grasp on reality. Did he see it happen? Was he so obsessed that he thought he saw that? That was intriguing.
But the actual going into the field, asking questions, figuring out why the murder happened wasn't quite as intriguing. The hero, if you can't tell, likes to glom onto things, and finds his newest obsession with Kiera Dubois, the socialite daughter of a rich man who hosted the party where the murder victim was last seen at. He meets her at a function where he and his partner are there to ask questions, but he ends up having wild sex with her.
The hero slowly loses the thread. The Catholic guilt wasn't gripping for me, personally. I find that he is rude to his female partner to the point of verbally abusive to her. Yes, she is trying to get into his pants, but she's not mean-spirited, just persistent.
Although she has been said to try to get her claws into all the other partners on the team, when we actually see her, she's not dumb or vapid. I believe it is in the second book where the hero thinks she's shallow for looking at her nails, but honestly that's a very normal thing to do that also has nothing to do with her intelligence. I feel for his partner more than I do for him!
I think I will continue to read this series, it's short, and the obsession is entertaining, although there are some things that I don't particularly like about the hero's POV ex. judgmental and Catholic guilt.
March 10, 2019
***4.5 TAINTED LOVE Stars***
"She's heaven. She's hell. The ultimate test of my morality."
You send me right to heaven
Sweet serial killer
(I guess I'll see him over)
Do it for the thrill of it all
Love you just a little too much, much
Dee Garcia & N. Isabelle Blanco are a force to be reckoned with. This book has it all, it's dark, gritty, and packs a mean punch. We have a murder. . . a cold case that Maverick our hero is hell bent on finding the killer. With the ongoing investigation he meets Keira and they both feel an instant pull and attraction but their is a forbidden aspect in this affair.
Everything is not as it seems, and as the story unravels you are left on the edge of you're seat! An erotic suspense, a who done it novella that sets up a world filled with blood, death, and steamy sex. There is a cliff-hanger ending that will have you second guess everything! So buckle up and enjoy the ride. Not all your burning questions will be answered. . . but just watch the mystery unfold.
Highly Recommend.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” -Matthew 6:13
"She's heaven. She's hell. The ultimate test of my morality."
You send me right to heaven
Sweet serial killer
(I guess I'll see him over)
Do it for the thrill of it all
Love you just a little too much, much
Dee Garcia & N. Isabelle Blanco are a force to be reckoned with. This book has it all, it's dark, gritty, and packs a mean punch. We have a murder. . . a cold case that Maverick our hero is hell bent on finding the killer. With the ongoing investigation he meets Keira and they both feel an instant pull and attraction but their is a forbidden aspect in this affair.
Everything is not as it seems, and as the story unravels you are left on the edge of you're seat! An erotic suspense, a who done it novella that sets up a world filled with blood, death, and steamy sex. There is a cliff-hanger ending that will have you second guess everything! So buckle up and enjoy the ride. Not all your burning questions will be answered. . . but just watch the mystery unfold.
Highly Recommend.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” -Matthew 6:13
January 21, 2021
WTH WAS THIS? 😂
Come inizio di una serie di ben 5 libri non promette per niente bene, se il protagonista è un idiota patentato e super arrapato come Maverick Quinn. Non sapevo se ridere o piangere, perchè è bastato un incontro di dieci secondi per fargli completamente saltare la testa e impazzire per questa tizia. Ahimè, che scene ho dovuto leggere ragazzi, che scene!
L'idea di fondo mi piace un sacco, ed è questo che mi farà andare avanti, almeno fino al secondo libro. La storia del serial killer e di questo idiota di detective che ci ha perso la testa dietro per anni mi affascina, ma spero venga gestita meglio del resto della storia che è davvero, ma davvero tanto imbarazzante.
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
Come inizio di una serie di ben 5 libri non promette per niente bene, se il protagonista è un idiota patentato e super arrapato come Maverick Quinn. Non sapevo se ridere o piangere, perchè è bastato un incontro di dieci secondi per fargli completamente saltare la testa e impazzire per questa tizia. Ahimè, che scene ho dovuto leggere ragazzi, che scene!
L'idea di fondo mi piace un sacco, ed è questo che mi farà andare avanti, almeno fino al secondo libro. La storia del serial killer e di questo idiota di detective che ci ha perso la testa dietro per anni mi affascina, ma spero venga gestita meglio del resto della storia che è davvero, ma davvero tanto imbarazzante.
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
June 24, 2019
This book is fucking DELICIOUS! It’s dark and gory and sexy and just... crazy. I loved it! What a crazy ride. Tainted definitely had my heart pounding! I am DYING to know what happens next!
May 9, 2019
✨ DREAMY’S REVIEW ✨
MIND. FREAKING. BLOWN.
WHO THE HELL DONE IT?!
My first book by both authors Dee Garcia and N. Isabelle Blanco and all I can say is that THEY SLAYED ME.
Tainted is a fast paced, page turner of a book that keeps you searching for clues, thinking like a mad person, and becoming obsessed! It has a storyline that will reel you in so quick... IT’S ADDICTIVE.
It’s dark and twisty, full of guesses and turns, mystery, erotic suspense, blood splatter, steamy af, and sins.
A whole lot of bloody sins.
After every chapter, you’ll be left wanting MORE. The mystery will have you at the edge of your seat, holding your breath THINKING WTF!
*****
Maverick is super intense. Religious beyond belief. Super hot alpha male.
A homicide detective who is obsessed with a serial murder case. A case that hasn’t been solved yet. A case he wants to solve.
While there’s killer is on the loose. That only fuels his obsession further. . .
“Most of my life, I’ve been a stable person. Able to control myself. Only the Boston Slasher case, the very one I’m pursing, ever brought out this sick, obsessive spiral, where common sense failed me beyond repair.”
His obsession is intriguing and drives him absolutely mad, but then he meets Kiera DuBois, a wealthy socialite.
After one night with her, let’s just say. . . It’s an addition to his obsession.
An addiction. A fixation.
Both things he can’t quit, even if he tried.
”I’m trapped in yet another fixation, one just as odd as the case that ruined my life. I can’t get over her.”
*****
If you love a cliffhanger like I do, you will definitely want to pick up this book!
Tainted gives a glimpse of what lies in the cards for the rest of this series!! It’s everything you want in an erotic thriller! I’m definitely enjoying the set up for this series, there’s that underlying darkness and mystery that really intrigued me as a reader!
Five tainted love dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
MIND. FREAKING. BLOWN.
WHO THE HELL DONE IT?!
My first book by both authors Dee Garcia and N. Isabelle Blanco and all I can say is that THEY SLAYED ME.
Tainted is a fast paced, page turner of a book that keeps you searching for clues, thinking like a mad person, and becoming obsessed! It has a storyline that will reel you in so quick... IT’S ADDICTIVE.
It’s dark and twisty, full of guesses and turns, mystery, erotic suspense, blood splatter, steamy af, and sins.
A whole lot of bloody sins.
After every chapter, you’ll be left wanting MORE. The mystery will have you at the edge of your seat, holding your breath THINKING WTF!
*****
Maverick is super intense. Religious beyond belief. Super hot alpha male.
A homicide detective who is obsessed with a serial murder case. A case that hasn’t been solved yet. A case he wants to solve.
While there’s killer is on the loose. That only fuels his obsession further. . .
“Most of my life, I’ve been a stable person. Able to control myself. Only the Boston Slasher case, the very one I’m pursing, ever brought out this sick, obsessive spiral, where common sense failed me beyond repair.”
His obsession is intriguing and drives him absolutely mad, but then he meets Kiera DuBois, a wealthy socialite.
After one night with her, let’s just say. . . It’s an addition to his obsession.
An addiction. A fixation.
Both things he can’t quit, even if he tried.
”I’m trapped in yet another fixation, one just as odd as the case that ruined my life. I can’t get over her.”
*****
If you love a cliffhanger like I do, you will definitely want to pick up this book!
Tainted gives a glimpse of what lies in the cards for the rest of this series!! It’s everything you want in an erotic thriller! I’m definitely enjoying the set up for this series, there’s that underlying darkness and mystery that really intrigued me as a reader!
Five tainted love dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
October 19, 2020
Rating: 4.5 ✰
Wow! such an intense for book one it really build a strong foundation of the storyline. Adding to the fact that the narrative was coming from our Hero Detective Maverick Quinn, how he navigates and become obsessed in solving the killing spree at the same time obsessing over the mysterious and beautiful Kiera. This book not only was intense it was also steamy AF. As I mentioned the series starts with a bang, the story flows naturally. I know this is just book one and there will 5 more in the series but I kinda have a hunch who might be the killer... Hmm but then again I haven't even read the rest, and I know for sure there's gonna be some twist and turns as the plotline progresses.
Wow! such an intense for book one it really build a strong foundation of the storyline. Adding to the fact that the narrative was coming from our Hero Detective Maverick Quinn, how he navigates and become obsessed in solving the killing spree at the same time obsessing over the mysterious and beautiful Kiera. This book not only was intense it was also steamy AF. As I mentioned the series starts with a bang, the story flows naturally. I know this is just book one and there will 5 more in the series but I kinda have a hunch who might be the killer... Hmm but then again I haven't even read the rest, and I know for sure there's gonna be some twist and turns as the plotline progresses.
March 6, 2019
I never thought I would have a moment where I would relish the idea of reading about anything having to do with the Catholic church again. When I left the church almost 30 years ago after years of Catholic school I told myself NEVER again would it suck me back in. I could have been the poster child for Catholic School Gone Bad. #TrueStory. Leave it to these two authors to drag me back in and actually have me look forward to it. I am not sure if they are God's helpers or Satan's mistresses but if I had to choose between the two then I am going with the latter in this case.
This collaboration has been one of my most anticipated of 2019. I adore both of these authors independently but adding them together and it's "game over, man" (and Yes I am saying that in Bill Paxton's voice from Aliens). Seriously, #fangirldown. I knew these two would play well with each other because they each have a distinct cadence to their writing style. However, I had no idea they would meld this well together. NONE. I knew after reading the prologue of this story that the game had changed. This was so much better than I had anticipated. They pushed themselves to be better. How? No idea, but somehow they did and I, as the reader, am reaping the rewards.
Not only did I not anticipate this story being what it was but I also wasn't anticipating ever reading scripture again. I loved that they incorporated small snippets from The Bible before the actual chapter started. It added a sense of foreboding of what was to come. I took great pleasure in this little twist because I have always had some serious issues with calling it the "Good Book" because it always had a sense of doom and gloom to me after YEARS and countless hours in CCD classes and weekday masses left a bitter taste in my mouth. It is no wonder I am the way that I am now and steer my black soul to being drawn to the dark and delicious. These little passages only cemented the fact that I am not alone in feeling this way. Each chapter was filled with more and more mystery, intrigue, and suspense. It was dirty, raw, dark, and most important titillating. To say that my interest was piqued would be an understatement. I won't get into the gist of this story because I don't want to spoil it. Just know that these authors like dark and twisty so proceed with caution. I will say to have a fan or plan for a cold shower because the steam in this one could be likened to what a sidewalk would feel like in Hades.
I have no idea what is going to happen in this story or why things are happening in the story. This is largely because the authors intend to keep their audience guessing and guessing I am. Even when I thought I had an idea of what was going to transpire after the prologue I was wrong. So my suggestion? Go in blind knowing that you won't get the answers but that is okay because this is like watching an episode of a Dateline murder mystery and this book is only the first hour of the two-part episode.
Waiting to discover what happens next feels like I am in Hell but that is okay because I know these two women are busy writing it. Until then I would suggest buckle up because these two women are driving the bus straight to Hell cackling all the way at their audiences pain. #DamnSadists #ButILoveThemSomethingFierce #SeriouslyFanGirlDown
This collaboration has been one of my most anticipated of 2019. I adore both of these authors independently but adding them together and it's "game over, man" (and Yes I am saying that in Bill Paxton's voice from Aliens). Seriously, #fangirldown. I knew these two would play well with each other because they each have a distinct cadence to their writing style. However, I had no idea they would meld this well together. NONE. I knew after reading the prologue of this story that the game had changed. This was so much better than I had anticipated. They pushed themselves to be better. How? No idea, but somehow they did and I, as the reader, am reaping the rewards.
Not only did I not anticipate this story being what it was but I also wasn't anticipating ever reading scripture again. I loved that they incorporated small snippets from The Bible before the actual chapter started. It added a sense of foreboding of what was to come. I took great pleasure in this little twist because I have always had some serious issues with calling it the "Good Book" because it always had a sense of doom and gloom to me after YEARS and countless hours in CCD classes and weekday masses left a bitter taste in my mouth. It is no wonder I am the way that I am now and steer my black soul to being drawn to the dark and delicious. These little passages only cemented the fact that I am not alone in feeling this way. Each chapter was filled with more and more mystery, intrigue, and suspense. It was dirty, raw, dark, and most important titillating. To say that my interest was piqued would be an understatement. I won't get into the gist of this story because I don't want to spoil it. Just know that these authors like dark and twisty so proceed with caution. I will say to have a fan or plan for a cold shower because the steam in this one could be likened to what a sidewalk would feel like in Hades.
I have no idea what is going to happen in this story or why things are happening in the story. This is largely because the authors intend to keep their audience guessing and guessing I am. Even when I thought I had an idea of what was going to transpire after the prologue I was wrong. So my suggestion? Go in blind knowing that you won't get the answers but that is okay because this is like watching an episode of a Dateline murder mystery and this book is only the first hour of the two-part episode.
Waiting to discover what happens next feels like I am in Hell but that is okay because I know these two women are busy writing it. Until then I would suggest buckle up because these two women are driving the bus straight to Hell cackling all the way at their audiences pain. #DamnSadists #ButILoveThemSomethingFierce #SeriouslyFanGirlDown
March 24, 2019
“Tainted" is a fast paced, sexy short read that is the first in a six part series. Readers will be given a glimpse into what's to come for this dark alluring, sinful read while bordering on the thin line of what’s right and wrong.
A determined Detective...
A killer on the loose…
One jaw dropping showdown..
Maverick has been dealing with his own demons for the past eight years and finding the serial killer who has put the city of Boston on edge, has been his number one goal. But it’s been years and with no suspect, catching this killer is starting to look like an impossible task. When he comes close to the killer, hunting is going to be the least of his worries. After all, good people have a habit of wanting to do bad things right?
I really liked the set up for this story and I think that this has the potential to be so much more. The characters have this underlying darkness that I found sexy and down right seductive and I wanted more of that. The issue that I had was that even though everyone oozed sex appeal, I had a hard time connecting with them and something was just missing for me. I felt like a major part was not solved and I kind of walked away with the feeling of being disappointed but with that being said, I’m curious to see what's going to happen next. What secrets will be uncovered?
March 18, 2019
Tainted è il primo, dei cinque libri, della serie Saint Cecilia Slayings ed introduce la storia di Maverick Quinn.
Detective del PD di Boston, Maverick è conosciuto per la sua compulsiva ossessione per il Boston Slasher, un killer che ha lasciato dietro di sé una scia di una decina di vittime; tutte uccise con lo stesso modus operandi e abbandonandole nei vicoli della città. Dopo otto anni di silenzio, il killer sembra essere ritornato con una tecnica migliorata e come target vittime più privilegiate.
Le indagini e la cattura di tale killer hanno completamente incasinato Maverick e ora potrebbe essere l’occasione giusta per potersi riscattare.
A distogliere l’attenzione del detective dal caso c’è Kiera, la donna dagli occhi grigi, così penetranti, così particolari che Maverick riesce a leggere in essi mille emozioni nell’arco di pochi secondi.
Tra i due nasce subito una forte attrazione e il loro focoso incontro non tarda ad arrivare se non dopo pochi minuti dalla conoscenza.
Il libro è davvero breve e non succedono molte cose anzi è possibile riassumerle in tre momenti cruciali. I personaggi non mi hanno particolarmente colpito, soprattutto Maverick, mi aspettavo un detective più astuto e che non perdesse la testa in così poco tempo. Alcune scelte e scene non avevano proprio senso ma nonostante ciò sono molto curiosa di scoprire di più perchè tutto sembra molto scontato e mi aspetto delle grandi sorprese.
- ARC provided in exchange for an honest review -
Detective del PD di Boston, Maverick è conosciuto per la sua compulsiva ossessione per il Boston Slasher, un killer che ha lasciato dietro di sé una scia di una decina di vittime; tutte uccise con lo stesso modus operandi e abbandonandole nei vicoli della città. Dopo otto anni di silenzio, il killer sembra essere ritornato con una tecnica migliorata e come target vittime più privilegiate.
Le indagini e la cattura di tale killer hanno completamente incasinato Maverick e ora potrebbe essere l’occasione giusta per potersi riscattare.
A distogliere l’attenzione del detective dal caso c’è Kiera, la donna dagli occhi grigi, così penetranti, così particolari che Maverick riesce a leggere in essi mille emozioni nell’arco di pochi secondi.
Tra i due nasce subito una forte attrazione e il loro focoso incontro non tarda ad arrivare se non dopo pochi minuti dalla conoscenza.
Il libro è davvero breve e non succedono molte cose anzi è possibile riassumerle in tre momenti cruciali. I personaggi non mi hanno particolarmente colpito, soprattutto Maverick, mi aspettavo un detective più astuto e che non perdesse la testa in così poco tempo. Alcune scelte e scene non avevano proprio senso ma nonostante ciò sono molto curiosa di scoprire di più perchè tutto sembra molto scontato e mi aspetto delle grandi sorprese.
- ARC provided in exchange for an honest review -
March 27, 2019
The story was gripping and interesting but my issue is that this part was too short to really form an opinion about it, so I'm waiting to read the others parts.
But what I can say is that this book like all the books involving Isabelle Blanco was very intense, the attraction, lust at the first sight between Maverick and the heroine was off the chart, I love the fact that the heoine was so self assured, a woman owning her sexuality.
I'm curious to read the next novelette.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But what I can say is that this book like all the books involving Isabelle Blanco was very intense, the attraction, lust at the first sight between Maverick and the heroine was off the chart, I love the fact that the heoine was so self assured, a woman owning her sexuality.
I'm curious to read the next novelette.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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July 8, 2019couldn't finish...
March 29, 2019
Anytime you see something written by these two authors, whether together or individually, pick it up. You won’t be disappointed.
This prequel to a new series is no exception in their combined endeavors. Good lord but it’s a fun read. I started it and finished it in one sitting; it’s not a long book.
This book is a mystery thriller. Men are being murdered and the police have been unable to catch the killer for eight years. Maverick, one of the detectives on the case, has been connected to it since the first murder. When a symbol of his family’s faith is found at a murder scene, he knows the connection is deeper than he previously thought. The ending of book one leads into the next, so we have to wait for more to be revealed.
This was a really good story (so not surprised from these two authors), and I highly recommend it.
This prequel to a new series is no exception in their combined endeavors. Good lord but it’s a fun read. I started it and finished it in one sitting; it’s not a long book.
This book is a mystery thriller. Men are being murdered and the police have been unable to catch the killer for eight years. Maverick, one of the detectives on the case, has been connected to it since the first murder. When a symbol of his family’s faith is found at a murder scene, he knows the connection is deeper than he previously thought. The ending of book one leads into the next, so we have to wait for more to be revealed.
This was a really good story (so not surprised from these two authors), and I highly recommend it.
March 26, 2019
What strikes me immediately from the first few pages of this story is that it's meticulously planned out. These two authors created this world where religion and crime collide, and it's mesmerizing. You think you know who the killer is from the first few pages...but do you? There are quotes from The Bible at the top of each chapter, and they are extremely important. Between the world building and the quotes, you just get the feeling that these two authors stay for hours planning each chapter, each event, each characters ' dialogue...perhaps laughing diabolically while they did so.
You learn that there are murders and they are somehow linked to the Detective in charge of The case. Det. Quinn is just seeped in religious guilt, regret and darkness. When he meets a possible suspect, his careful facade starts to unravel. As this world unfolds, you realize what a mindf&%£ you're probably reading. The story is so well out together that you never see the "edges" -where one author begins and one ends. The end of this book has a cliffhanger...one that will blow your mind and keep you invested.
You learn that there are murders and they are somehow linked to the Detective in charge of The case. Det. Quinn is just seeped in religious guilt, regret and darkness. When he meets a possible suspect, his careful facade starts to unravel. As this world unfolds, you realize what a mindf&%£ you're probably reading. The story is so well out together that you never see the "edges" -where one author begins and one ends. The end of this book has a cliffhanger...one that will blow your mind and keep you invested.
March 7, 2019
Wow weeee...this prequel was short and to the point and fanfkntastic!!! Tainted gave me all the Basic Instinct feels and I need more. Thank you to Dee Garcia and N. Isabelle Blanco for generously providing the ARC...I look forward to more of this series.
March 26, 2019
Holy Crap on a Cracker! This book was Hot as Hell! ...and Deliciously Twisty! I absolutely love Blanco! Everything she writes is golden! I was so excited when this book was in the works because I knew it would be another addictive read but I was so not prepared for Tainted! Blanco and Garcia have completely obliterated my mind! They bring us a whole new meaning to Dark and twisted! I most definitely need to go to confession this week! Lord pray for me because my greedy little heart is full on lusting after Mav! This book had my whole body on the verge of a seizure from the thrilling suspense! So much is happening, so many questions and suspicions! One, let me say I want to get stabby with patner every time she comes on to him! Two, I have a full on lady boner for Kira. She seduced me right along Mav! Temptation is such a strong desire, and has brought many men to their knees! This book will consume you in the most delicious way! I can’t stop thinking about it! I have to know what will happen next, if my assumptions are correct and what is the connection! Blanco and Garcia are dangerous together! Book two can’t come soon enough! I received a review copy in exchange for a honest review.
March 27, 2019
A book about obssesion created one in me
I absolutely recommend this story!
However I must warn it touches on religion, each chapter has a bible verse, if you find this offensive that please don't go in.
This is a 6 book series and personally the small part we are invited on book 1 was not enough, here we meet our hero and the object of his obssesion and yet there was so much more. Secrets, and plot twist are brewing, off course as a reader these are just opinions because this book sucked ne in these authors did an amazing job.
as I questioned even in my dreams what secrets does out hero hold, will his obsession's brother have a larger reason for existence?
Will the possible plot twist be just a bliblophiles wish? Yes you'll have more questions than answers and yet, I personally have no regret on jumping in despite having to wait for the next part to this magnificent book series.
**Review by Gizel Alvarez**
I absolutely recommend this story!
However I must warn it touches on religion, each chapter has a bible verse, if you find this offensive that please don't go in.
This is a 6 book series and personally the small part we are invited on book 1 was not enough, here we meet our hero and the object of his obssesion and yet there was so much more. Secrets, and plot twist are brewing, off course as a reader these are just opinions because this book sucked ne in these authors did an amazing job.
as I questioned even in my dreams what secrets does out hero hold, will his obsession's brother have a larger reason for existence?
Will the possible plot twist be just a bliblophiles wish? Yes you'll have more questions than answers and yet, I personally have no regret on jumping in despite having to wait for the next part to this magnificent book series.
**Review by Gizel Alvarez**
March 19, 2019
Tainted combines 2 of my favorite loves, murder mystery and romance, into one heart racing, edge of my seat, what’s going to happen next books.
Maverick Quinn is our flawed hero in need of redemption. He’s out to prove himself after nearly destroying his career and himself with his obsession. Quinn is the character you find yourself rooting for, hoping he can redeem himself but also disappointed in when he slips up. He’s perfectly flawed.
.
I was held prisoner from the epilogue to the very last word. I just couldn’t put it down and had to devour it all right then and there. The rest of the world be damned.
This was the first time I’ve read anything by either author but you can bet money I’ll be checking out their other books!!! It brought me out of a month long book funk
And that cliffhanger!!! I must have the next book NOW!!! I’m desperate to know how this ends!!
Maverick Quinn is our flawed hero in need of redemption. He’s out to prove himself after nearly destroying his career and himself with his obsession. Quinn is the character you find yourself rooting for, hoping he can redeem himself but also disappointed in when he slips up. He’s perfectly flawed.
.
I was held prisoner from the epilogue to the very last word. I just couldn’t put it down and had to devour it all right then and there. The rest of the world be damned.
This was the first time I’ve read anything by either author but you can bet money I’ll be checking out their other books!!! It brought me out of a month long book funk
And that cliffhanger!!! I must have the next book NOW!!! I’m desperate to know how this ends!!
March 25, 2019
Tainted by N. Isabelle Blanco & Dee Garcia is the first book in the St. Cecilia Slayings Series. This starts the story of Maverick Quinn and Kiera Dubois.
Maverick is a detective that is looking for a serial killer that has been terrorizing his town. Maverick is almost borderline obsessed with find the killer. Then Kiera enter the picture, a beautiful socialite that is very distracting for him.
I can't wait for the next installment to see what is happening next with them and the killer.
Maverick is a detective that is looking for a serial killer that has been terrorizing his town. Maverick is almost borderline obsessed with find the killer. Then Kiera enter the picture, a beautiful socialite that is very distracting for him.
I can't wait for the next installment to see what is happening next with them and the killer.
March 27, 2019
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is a deliciously dark book with so many twists and turn that you have no idea what is coming next.
We have Maverick, our detective who has a darkness in his soul and is consumed with a cold case that has just opened up again, taking him down the rabbit hole and into a place he has struggled with before.
Then we have our female masked killer who teases him and takes him further down the rabbit hole taunting him and teasing him.
The prologue gives us a little of the ending, however we then have to take the journey as to how the two characters have gotten that far.
Certainly not for the faint of heart, but a delicious read that i cannot wait to continue in the next books.
This is a deliciously dark book with so many twists and turn that you have no idea what is coming next.
We have Maverick, our detective who has a darkness in his soul and is consumed with a cold case that has just opened up again, taking him down the rabbit hole and into a place he has struggled with before.
Then we have our female masked killer who teases him and takes him further down the rabbit hole taunting him and teasing him.
The prologue gives us a little of the ending, however we then have to take the journey as to how the two characters have gotten that far.
Certainly not for the faint of heart, but a delicious read that i cannot wait to continue in the next books.
August 13, 2019
* I am not big on the whole God stuff, but I get it
** I am also not big on novella series books
So I wanted something different, and I jumped into this book Tainted having only read the blurb. The first chapter threw me, so I was all in. This first book was all over the place for me, and the characters are twisted and deprived, but you have no real idea on what the heck is going on. So it makes you want to continue to read.
I enjoyed the twists and turns that went on in this book. So I jumped right into book 2.
March 25, 2019
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. I am rating this book 4.5 stars. These two ladies writing together have come up with a great story, that can't wait for part two now. I also believe I figured out who the killer is, but I'll keep that to myself.
March 27, 2019
I love Niddy and after reading most of her books, I know I am going to love whatever she writes..and by God, she is one twisted lady..and that's why I love her!
Maverick and Keira set the stage for what shapes up to be an amazing series of novellas..
It's going to be dark and brutal and a mind f...and I can barely wait!!!! So excited for what's to come!
Maverick and Keira set the stage for what shapes up to be an amazing series of novellas..
It's going to be dark and brutal and a mind f...and I can barely wait!!!! So excited for what's to come!
March 26, 2019
Maverick is investigating a cold case involving a serial killer. He meets Kiera while investigating and the two have an intense chemistry that is taboo. This is more like a short prequel in the start of a new series.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
March 29, 2019
Loving this new series.Omg had me on Edge ready for book 2 loved this.Mav and Kiera yes plz.
April 23, 2019
Steamy read.
March 26, 2019
A fabulous book that you will love to read. An amazing book. I just couldn't put it down. A must read xx
March 27, 2019
Page turner from the start.....
Tainted by N. Isabelle Blanco and Dee Garcia is full of twists and turns. From the very page to the end the story keeps you in suspense.
You have Maverick the detective on the scene. You have Kiera Dubois a popular socialite.
Maverick is searching for a serial killer that's been haunting his town for years, drowning in it because it's a cold case and hes determined to find the killer. He meets Kiera throughout the investigation. They have an instant connection, question: Is it a healthy or unhealthy connection .... hmm
But oh my the sexual chemistry is off the charts and oh so hot!!!
Beware ends on a cliffy.... can't wait to read more about the killer, what happens to Maverick and Kiera.
Tainted by N. Isabelle Blanco and Dee Garcia is full of twists and turns. From the very page to the end the story keeps you in suspense.
You have Maverick the detective on the scene. You have Kiera Dubois a popular socialite.
Maverick is searching for a serial killer that's been haunting his town for years, drowning in it because it's a cold case and hes determined to find the killer. He meets Kiera throughout the investigation. They have an instant connection, question: Is it a healthy or unhealthy connection .... hmm
But oh my the sexual chemistry is off the charts and oh so hot!!!
Beware ends on a cliffy.... can't wait to read more about the killer, what happens to Maverick and Kiera.
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