Human traffickers call me The Viper. And I know their world like the back of my hand. I should—I’m a former sex slave. In truth, my name is Lily Williams. #1 Agent for Interpol’s Human Trafficking Taskforce. My team hunts and infiltrates human trafficking rings. I kill the sick son-of-a-bitches that run those rings. For ten years, that’s all I’ve known. It’s all I care about. Saving slaves and working my way through the underground trafficking network until I find the ring that owned me as a child—and killing every last person associated with them. At least, that was my goal until my unit was assigned to protect Blake Mason, Baltimore Businessman and the East Coast’s Most Eligible Bachelor. Falling in love with him was the last thing on my mind, but it happened. After finding out that the human traffickers hunting him are the same ones that once owned me—I’m torn into pieces. I don’t know if I can give up the revenge I’ve waited a lifetime for in order to have a future loving a man that I don’t deserve…especially when loving me could be the one thing that actually gets him killed.
Courtney grew up in Baltimore and is pretty sure she threw her ability to give a f**k into the Inner Harbor long before high school. Like almost every writer on the planet, she started writing at a very young age. Her “way with words” led to her being the go-to person for writing funeral speeches for a long time.
For fourteen years she worked full-time as a paranormal investigator and demonologist until retiring in 2014. During that time, she had three children, earned a degree in Psychology, and eventually got back to writing.
Today she lives in Middle Tennessee with her children and boyfriend, and spends the majority of her time writing things that make people smile while cutting their emotions deep, running her own professional editing company, and enjoying life . Repped by Ena Burnette at SBR Media.
2.5 The premisse of the book had everything to work but it was so badly delivered! At some point it just became unreal and unbelievable!
*She can infiltrates a auction in hours but the team can't take the bad guys down before dozens of girls are taken around the world (!?) if i got it right, she is sold and team sits around waiting that she's with a new master and kill him... but and all the others in the auction?! *For some one with so much issues and 10 years without physical contact, she get's over it very fast after meeting the H! *The story drags, going in circles!!! *The Mason sister is even quicker at getting her things going after 5 years of sexual abuse! *All the tactical and fight scenes show a lack of knowledge.
Had a hard time finishing this book and honestly skimmed the last 20% just to know the ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a new author to me and I can’t believe I have waited this long to read her. This book has multiple triggers, as in sex trafficking and sexual abuse, but there is also a romance aspect to it that just tied it all together for me. Agent Lily (Viper) was auctioned off at the tender age of 8 and abused daily until escape she now has joined up with Interpol to takedown these scumbags and seek her own revenge. She is assigned to guard Blake and she gets the feels for him but has a hard time trying to balance her attraction to Blake and her assignment. Blake doesn’t think that Lily and her team are needed until they are. So many twists and turns in this book it kept my head spinning. I can’t wait for the action to continue, if the second book of the series is just as brilliant as the first one- look out!!
I sure didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I started reading this story. I know without a doubt this is gonna be one of my favourite reads this year.
Viper wow she sure blew my mind. This girl has been through so much and is still barely dealing with what has happened to her. Yet she is one of the strongest characters I’ve read about. Her strength flows through the pages. I could go on about her but I’m trying not to.
The storyline is off the charts good. The author threw some twists at me I didn’t see coming that had me shouting at my kindle
There are so many brilliant characters in this story. I’m so glad there are gonna be more books as I need more ASAP.
I went back and forth on rating this book from 3 to 4 stars. I really like the story, the characters, and the suspense is nail-biting. There are a lot of dark elements with the human trafficking plot, but it isn't over the top.
I do question the speed at which Lily fell for Blake. For ten years, she keeps all relationships at arm's length (even with her team) due to her personal experiences as a sex slave then within a few days, her walls fall. There is chemistry between Lily and Blake. I like the couple, but it seems more like Stockholm Syndrome than love at first.
My other concern is the cliffhanger. I'm not against cliffhangers if I expect them. Since Courtney Lynn Rose is a new author, I don't have a clue how quickly she writes. It is difficult to recommend a series without a hint to the number of books in the series or when the anticipated release dates will be. Honestly, I expected a series of books featuring the various members of Lily's team or their many missions. I did not expect this mission to continue through multiple books.
That said, this story is captivating and worth your reading time. You need to decide if you are ready to start now or wait for all the books to release.
What a nail biter! My goodness! I was recommended this book written by Courtney Lynn Rose and I’m so excited that I picked it up! From the very first few pages of reading, I was hooked! Rapidly turning the pages , I found myself so engrossed! I think it was the unknown that captivated me! Exciting, gripping and mesmerizing! Meanwhile during all the chaos and excitement, a love is born! My anxiety was through the roof! Gahhh! On to the next installment! Incredible story!
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO HARD!!! Books with action and romance are my favorite, and this one was one of the best! I cannot believe that this is Courtney's debut book!
I loved every single thing about Lily and Blake, especially how they came from such different places. Yet, they seemed to fit so perfectly together! Lily was so broken down when we met her, her past was something that was haunting, so to see her truly transformed during her time with Blake was so epic! Lily was one bad-a$$ chick and I loved how seeing just how beastly she was. This girl could take down anyone and I think that Blake truly respected and admire that. Then we have Blake who is almost the opposite. He has gone through a lot, but nothing like Lily. He is such a true alpha male in this, which makes your heart pitter patter so much for Lily!!! There is so much chemistry between these two that the sparks could be seen for miles!!!
My favorite part of a good book are the secondary characters, and the secondary characters rock so much in this book! They bring sooo much to the table. Lily's team is absolutely hysterical, and they know her pretty well. It's a crazy roller coaster of emotions from this team when it comes to Lily. Between Lily's past, the present they are trying to combat and everything in the middle, there is the perfect amount of drama too. Courtney takes us on the best roller coaster with this book. from emotions, to drama and to romantics. It's just so perfectly done. I CANNOT wait to get more from her
Lily "Viper" Williams is an Interpol Agent who specializes in finding and destroying human trafficking rings. She is the best in her specialty—killing. "Vipers are the most venomous families of snakes known worldwide." She works with a close-knit, highly trained team. Her need for revenge drives Lily due to her years as a slave. Her goal is to find and infiltrate the Taurus, a deadly ring. Suddenly her boss changes her focus from human trafficking to protecting Blake Mason and his family.
Blake is a wealthy businessman. It doesn't take long for Blake to win Lily over when she learns that he helps women rescued from traffickers. Blake has an immediate connection to Lily. Lily, on the other hand, fights his pull. She is confused and doesn't trust men. Men with money aggravate her even more.
What I love about this story:
This book is Lily's story told primarily through her eyes. I expect a story built on human trafficking to be dark; Lily's personal experiences are heinous. While the subject isn't unique, the twists and turns are unexpected and build the suspense. Nothing is as it seems. There is more than one, "I can't believe it" moment that took me by surprise with the betrayal and deceit. There is a nice balance between suspense and romance.
Blake is a perfect hero. He has the strength and personality to comfort Lily in a way that no one ever did in the past. Ms. Rose shows his shortcomings as well as his strong points, which makes him more realistic and relatable. Blake is more than a typical wealthy businessman. The two main characters are multi-dimensional with secrets and flaws.
The ancillary characters, especially Lily's team, add depth to the story. They love Lily in their way. They have her back and give her guidance when needed. Blake's family and friends are an impressive group. I go back and forth, wondering if there is a sinister aspect to some of them. I like that Ms. Rose adds to the suspense by developing characters that sendoff negative vibes.
The Baltimore D.C. setting allows me to travel the streets, bars, restaurants, and locations that I know well.
What I like a little less:
While I like the Lily-Blake connection, I'm not convinced that a relationship would develop so quickly. I don't have a problem with insta-love; however, Lily is damaged emotionally; I can't see Blake knocking down her concrete walls so quickly. That said, once the relationship is established, I'm on-board and love the chemistry and support they give each other.
Reading the blurb, I didn't expect a cliffhanger. I don't have a problem with serials. I thought this was going to be a series focusing on the members of the team. I don't have a clue if the series is a duet or longer. I don't know the anticipated release dates. Is the wait between books a short one or a long one? The Auction Block is my first Courtney Lynn Rose book. It appears she is a relatively new author. I can't tell if she is a prolific writer or not. It doesn't matter when reading ARCs, but it does impact readers buying the book.
I enjoy good romantic suspense. It is hard to put down The Auction Block once started. I hope that the next installment isn't too far in the future.
Wow! Speechless!! Mindblowing!! A story you cannot put down!
Agent Lily aka Viper has been rescuing sex slaves for the past ten years. She works for the Human Trafficking Taskforce. None of her team members are aware of her past. She is tough, strong and has a smart mouth. The things she had to endure throughout the story ripped my heart out. At times it left me gasping.
The Interpol requested security for the billionaire, Blake Mason, since he has been receiving death threats from the cartel who are deeply into human trafficking. Blake felt that Lily and her team wasn't needed.
When the cartel attacked Lily, her team and Blake's family the author threw in a little humour even though there were bits and pieces throughout the story.
"She's got a boyfriend," Rhett hisses as the assailant charges.
I could actually visualize the attack. So detailed.
Loved the housekeeper!!
When the traitor was revealed it through me for a loop. Guess that's another story.
Auction Block will touch your heart and soul. The author spins an intricate web of mystery, suspense, murder, deceit and romance with a sprinkle of humour in this action packed drama.
Auction Block is a fabulous introduction to a new series. I'm definitely hooked! This story would make a great movie. Definitely a must read series!
This book is amazing and I mean effing amazing! I have to say that it does have some triggers as for rape and abuse and human trafficking with that said I am going to try and do this review without giving away to much because this is one of those books that you need to read in order to enjoy it. Yes it has all those triggers but it is also has romance in it.
Lily AKA Viper is a special agent who busts into sex rings and saves the girls from being auctioned off. She kills the bastards that take these girls and sells them to these sick men who want little girls to have as their sex slave. See Lily is a survivor of a sex ring where she was sold and abused sexually and physically so she knows what these girls are going through.
She loves her job so when she gets her next assignment she is not happy because she is told she will have to watch over this billionaire because he is being threatened by the Traffickers. She is not to happy but she does her job and when she meets Blake she doesn't expect to have feelings for him but they are there and all she can think about is keeping him safe.
Will she and Blake be safe enough to be together or will who she is kill them both?
So this started out like gangbusters. Then it wavered in and out. It took me a long time to read this because I just couldn't really get into it. It's based on darker principles, but I didn't think the book itself was overly dark. There are a lot of characters and I can see the story continuing. I love cliffhangers so the end didn't bother me at all...matter of fact, it was a saving point. I like that the story didn't stop with Lily and Blake. What I didn't like so much was that Lily and her team were supposed to be Blakes bodyguards, yet there was never really a threat there. It's like the author kinda forgot to take advantage of the fact that she had a ready made plot started. It went more Cinderella-ish with the love story between Blake and Lily than Bodyguard. My second lesser rating point was that I was expecting it to be darker so I was a tad disappointed when it wasn't. Probs my own fault for building it into such an important aspect based on the blurb and how the book started. Overall, it was okay. Will I read the others? Yes, because I HATE to start a series and not finish.
I want to be careful with not to give anything away. There are IMO some seriously "OH Heck you didn't moments!" that I did not see coming and some others that I was able to piece together.
Lily is ... brash, defensive, intelligent, bad arse ~ wounded. Saved from the world of sex trafficking she is given the chance to join Interpol, a chance to make a difference. She takes it she has her own agenda as well. * Note* There are some flashbacks and little snippets that may be triggers for some, but nothing that would make this overly graphic. Again that is my opinion.
The way the author crafted the various team members, each had a uniquely different but strong persona that made this cast five stars. They were just, IDK, they called to me as a reader on a very personal level. I hope we get stories for each of them.
The storyline itself was easy to follow. There are bits of memory flash here and there but they are written well and flow seamlessly within the story.
I liked how Blake slowly introduced 'himself' to Lily. It made sense and for me and worked in his favor. I also think Lily was a bit quick to jump on the "spoiled rich boy" bandwagon, but she eventually worked that issue out... I loved the rose scene.
This contained all the things that make an engaging thriller/action/romance. ✔️ Tense scenes that will have you on edge ✔️ Moments of angst that may produce those quiet tears (you know the ones that make sight a bit blurry) ✔️ Strong friendships ✔️ Humor ✔️ Personal sacrifice ✔️ Love oh and possibly a bit of betrayal
The tidbit that tells you what the story is caught my attention with not really having read this author before. I was also excited I caught it in the beginning if this belonged to a more than one book thingy. This author I soon realize is dangerous because she takes no time at all to capture you with the character Lily. There are some other great characters in here but she is the one that owned me through the entire book. She pulls at you heart but you also will be amazed at her. She will have you chuckling more than once with her cockiness. Her trials she thinks owns her but someone will come into her world that will reshape her. The torment that some of these girls experience will be a soul taker. The enemy will be death if not handled right with hope being the driving force that is needed to even keep them alive. Nothing is predictable which is another reason that you stay glued. In no time once I entered into this world I was at the last page wondering what did just happen with it being a long time the passion of a book consumed me so.
I have never read anything like this before. Lily aka Viper has been through so much as a child and when she got older she joined a human trafficking taskforce with Interpol. The rest of the team are like family to Lily however they do not know about her past. She doesn't do relationships and can't stand to be touched....Until they are hired to be Blake's security. He is a billionaire who also has a shelter for rescued girls and the traffickers have put a target on his back.
Lily and blake have a connection and after a little while Lily is able to accept his touch without shaking. This story had so many twists and turns and was action packed and I loved it. The only dissapointment was I didn't realise the story continued into Book 2 and the ending was heartbreaking. If this was a stand alone with an ending I would've given it 5 stars but for me 4 stars is still good, I just need to see how this story ends so I'll have to wait for book 2 to be released again so I can finish Lily & Blake's story.
I beta read Auction Block and I cannot wait to physically own a paperback copy! It has been a long while since I read a book that kept me captivated. Be prepared for Lily and Blake's love story to slowly sink its claws into you. You will not be able to put it down. It's gripping. It's compelling. It's steaming hot. And it definitely has it's scary moments. I have a bookshelf where I place the books that I know I will never forget, this one has the honor of being on that shelf and will most likely read again.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It does cover a difficult aspect that our world deals with . . . human trafficking. For readers who may have issues with triggers involving sexual abuse, you've been warned.
With that said, I highly recommend this book. Be prepared to snuggle up on your sofa with a glass of wine or hot chocolate. You're going to need it because you will not want to put this one down until the very end!!
I don't even know where to start. This book is amazing. It's a story you still feel, even after you've read the last page. It's completely raw and full of emotion. The suspense is palpable. Just when you think you know where it's going, there's a twist that takes you in another direction. The character development is on point. We get to know each and every one of the players inside and out. The relationship between the team is fleshed out and you can see each personality, which just so happens to be tied to their call signs, and where they fit. That's not to say there isn't conflict occasionally, some more detrimental than others but when it counts, they have each other's backs. Going up against this foe, they're going to need it. This is like no other that they've come across. If the rest of the books in the series even come close to this one, it's going to be one of those series that you just can't get your hands on soon enough.
I was pulled into this book right from the beginning, thats where I stayed until I had finished the last word written. All the time I was reading I had my mini movie playing along in my head. There are twists, turns and surprises throughout. Some of the surprises are small, while others are large. Some you may see coming while others you won't. But each and everyone is equally important and plays there own part in making this story a fantastic read. Emotions that the characters go throw can be felt, I went through the emotions with the characters, I think I cried more than any of the characters. Courtney Lynn Rose has penned one heck of a book, to say this is her first book, she has hit a home run. I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book and the author, I personally don't think you will regret it.
Agents of Interpol Book 1 is the first book by Courtney Lynn Rose that I have read. This was a thrilling exciting story that was full of suspense, drama, action and steamy romance as you follow Lilly aka Viper and her taskforce hunt and take out human trafficking rings This has been Lily's mission for ten years until she finds the ring that held her as a sex slave when she was a child. When she has to protect billionaire Blake Mason from the human traffickers who are after him, she soon discovers they are the same ones that imprisoned her. Now Lily finds herself falling in love with him, but is she good enough for him and can she give up this deep seated revenge that has driven her all these years? This book will hold your interest from beginning to end and I can't wait for the next book in this series. I voluntairly reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Edit
Wow what an AMAZING book!!! This author created a story that just pulls the reader in and makes you lose track of time. In this book Lily who is an Interpol human trafficking officer and her team are assigned to watch Blake after he receives death threats from a trafficking ring. Blake works with police to try and help girls rescued after his sister went missing. It is his work that put a price on his head. Lily and her team have to work hard in order to keep him and his family safe. I don’t want to put to much detail in this review and spoil the book so I will just say that there is a ton of action while different characters find love. Although the story mainly centers around Lily and Blake there is a lot of story line that allows the reader to see a ton of depth in the supporting characters as well. This book is a must read!!
This is a wonderful read from the very beginning. I was captivated by this book and continuously found myself drawn to the characters. Nice plots and easy to follow. The characters had such chemistry that you could feel the sparks. In true Courtney Lynn Rose form the characters and their personalities are unique with qualities and traits that balance out perfectly. The chemistry between the main characters is sizzling. I loved they way they came together so smoothly. The scenes are so graphic and vivid it's easy to picture each scenario as it plays off one another beautifully. Courtney Lynn Rose did an excellent job bringing these stories to life flawlessly.
I voluntarily submitted an ARC review for this book.
Wow! This book had me from the first chapter! I love a strong woman and Lilly fits this to a tee even if at times she doesn't remember that or feels like she is. She does not back down from a job! This story is well written and flows smoothly and the characters are dynamic and capture your heart. When Lily meets Blake, she is less than thrilled to be his" keeper ". They butt heads but can not deny the pull of attraction. The storyline is packed with action, deception, secrets, lust,some twists and turns that I didn't see coming and knocked me on my backside. The book had me on the edge of my seat. I had to know what happens next. This was a fantastic book! It is a one click for me! I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
While dealing with dark issues, Courtney wrote a fantastic story!! Lilly is one strong woman. As a child, she was auctioned as a sex slave and abused. As an adult, her life’s goal is breakup/shutdown the sex auctions and rescue those who were treated as she was. A new assignment (with Interpol) brings Blake into her life. Blake has also been working to stop human trafficking and now has a major threat against him. Can these two navigate their obstacles and have an actual relationship? Courtney develops strong characters that are believable and that you can’t help but want to root for them. If you are looking for a well-written steamy story that is full of action and suspense; you don’t want to miss this one! I need the next installment.
The auction block is the first book of Courtney's I have read and boy i was not disappointed lily was auctioned of at the age of 8 by her parents after been beating and raped on a Daily basis can leave you angry and bitter. Jax could lily and offered her something she need Revenge on the traffickers that sold hershel joined interpol to take down these traffickers who's selling girls of to the highest bidder little did she know on mission she could find someone who would love her broken pieces and help mend her broken angry heart. This book was very dark I literally never cried so much it was heartfelt what this poor girl went through I loved reading this story cant wait for more
Draws the feels out in this romantic suspense read
Lily, an Interpol agent, is tasked with being the lead security agent for Blake, billionaire CEO and MMA fighter, after death threats come in to his office from human trafficking gangs. As the story progresses her expertise is quickly showcased, boundaries are pushed, and the lies between them could permanently tear them apart. Courtney Lynn Rose draws the feels out in this romantic suspense read that focuses on agents attempting to break up human trafficking rings. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out. This book does end in a cliffhanger and also contains subject matter that is dark and/or possibly triggering.
The Auction Block by Courtney Lynn Rose was one of the best books I have read this year. This is the first book in the Agents of Interpol series and the debut book for this author and it was amazing. This book had me laughing, crying, angry, wanting to hurt someone, rooting for the good guys and jeering the bad guys. I had all the feels. This book has action, suspense, human trafficking, romance. The book is well written and has very likeable characters. I did not want to put the book down. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.
Amazing start to a series.. This book will have you on the edge of your seat
Lily has been assigned to protect Blake.. He gets on her last nerve but damn is he attractive. While Lily fights her feelings more to protect herself, Blake gets under her skin more and more. AS the danger lurks in protecting Blake she doesn't know how to love him and protect him. Lily has never been in this position before and when it comes down to her happiness or Blake's life will she be able to do what needs to be done? This does end in a cliff hanger
First thing, Lily is a bad horse's behind... The things she went through and the reason she can be the person she is can be attributed to her character. She is fierce. I loved the fact that she was unforgiving. I'm glad she finally had a man like Blake in her corner.
My reason for taking a star off was because of how fast things happened. It didn't seem plausible with regards to the baggage she had. Still, suspense, intrigue, and the need to see what happens next kept me turning the pages.
First, this book has triggers. Abuse, kidnapping, child trafficking are just a few I needed to mention. If none of that is a major trigger for you, then I highly recommend you read this book. Lily is such a badass. You will love seeing her learn to open up to her team and Blake. Blake is a true book boyfriend. He’s trying to save as many trafficked humans as possible. There is so much I want to say about this book, but it would give away all the OMG moments. I will say, this book ends in a cliffhanger that will leave you begging for book 2.
This story was an action packed emotional roller coaster. Lily only knows the need for revenge. Her horrific past has shaped her into the person she is today. A strong determined woman that keeps everyone she comes into contact with at arms length because of her fear that they’ll see the secrets she keeps hidden. This story brought me to tears more than once. I felt a strong connection to Lily. All of her struggles and pain could be felt throughout the story. The cliffhanger ending left me wanting so much more.
This is my first read from this author. I loved the non stop action and suspense, I kept trying to guess who the enemy was and bigger bombshells are dropped. There was good character development on Lily and the horrific past she has endured, and still partly continues to endure as part of her job a Interpol. The scenes of her abuse and what she goes through at the slave auctions are descriptive and explains why Lily has so many triggers.