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Sons of the Survivalist #2
Lethal Balance
His name means hunter.
Once the best assassin in black ops, Cazador is now the best at saving lives. His path has changed from seeking bloody vengeance to running a health clinic in Rescue, Alaska.
He will never again risk loving someone he can’t protect.
His mother and sister were murdered in front of him, his fiancée slaughtered in a war zone. Despite his popularity with women, he’s determined to remain unattached. His heart can bear no more loss.
Unfortunately, the universe isn’t listening.
First, his brother hires JJ, a fiery-haired, tough cop who lives on the edge of danger and has the biggest heart of anyone he knows. And then, his disreputable past returns in the shape of an adorable, foul-mouthed nine-year-old daughter. Now he has two loved ones to protect. An impossible task, because…
Life is dangerous. Especially in Alaska.
Once the best assassin in black ops, Cazador is now the best at saving lives. His path has changed from seeking bloody vengeance to running a health clinic in Rescue, Alaska.
He will never again risk loving someone he can’t protect.
His mother and sister were murdered in front of him, his fiancée slaughtered in a war zone. Despite his popularity with women, he’s determined to remain unattached. His heart can bear no more loss.
Unfortunately, the universe isn’t listening.
First, his brother hires JJ, a fiery-haired, tough cop who lives on the edge of danger and has the biggest heart of anyone he knows. And then, his disreputable past returns in the shape of an adorable, foul-mouthed nine-year-old daughter. Now he has two loved ones to protect. An impossible task, because…
Life is dangerous. Especially in Alaska.
394 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2019
638 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Cherise Sinclair
67 books8,324 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she’s renowned for writing heart-wrenching romances with laugh-out-loud dialogue, alpha males, and absolutely sizzling sex.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
September 3, 2023
Things I’ve noticed about this author on my reread of this series:
1. She loves to use the rescuing of a stray animal as a plot device.
2. She really hates or has extreme unresolved jealousy issues with pretty women. They are frequently used as villains, conflict and belittled in her books. Seek therapy and get over this, it’s internalized misogyny.
3. She loves to write a character with an accent, but always makes sure they are half white. Not sure why these characters are American born but have accents but she loves it.
4. Ow drama is always, always, always present.
5. Her covers are shit. They are badly photoshopped and the models are always weird looking with bad haircuts. Also, why are this guy’s lips so shiny? And his eyebrows are very contoured, he probably threads them.
6. She uses the words ‘simply’, ‘nibble’ and ‘testicles’ too often. Testicles was only used twice but that’s two times too many imo.
Sometimes you can like an author but wind up reading too much from them and then all the rinse and repeat plotting becomes annoying. I’m leaving this at four star because I only really skim-read this but it’s honestly just a three star read. But the research was really well done and the writing flows well. She has talent honestly, but I need her to stop with the copy paste, formula shit. This book and book three are so very similar they almost both don’t need to exist. Therefore I’m cutting and pasting this review for number three as well. Just taking a page out of your book Cherise (pun intended).
1. She loves to use the rescuing of a stray animal as a plot device.
2. She really hates or has extreme unresolved jealousy issues with pretty women. They are frequently used as villains, conflict and belittled in her books. Seek therapy and get over this, it’s internalized misogyny.
3. She loves to write a character with an accent, but always makes sure they are half white. Not sure why these characters are American born but have accents but she loves it.
4. Ow drama is always, always, always present.
5. Her covers are shit. They are badly photoshopped and the models are always weird looking with bad haircuts. Also, why are this guy’s lips so shiny? And his eyebrows are very contoured, he probably threads them.
6. She uses the words ‘simply’, ‘nibble’ and ‘testicles’ too often. Testicles was only used twice but that’s two times too many imo.
Sometimes you can like an author but wind up reading too much from them and then all the rinse and repeat plotting becomes annoying. I’m leaving this at four star because I only really skim-read this but it’s honestly just a three star read. But the research was really well done and the writing flows well. She has talent honestly, but I need her to stop with the copy paste, formula shit. This book and book three are so very similar they almost both don’t need to exist. Therefore I’m cutting and pasting this review for number three as well. Just taking a page out of your book Cherise (pun intended).
July 26, 2024
Reread in 2024 for Patreon
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Another great entry to the series. It's such a strange mix of Small Town, single dad, Suspense, and survival... with a dash of emotional family drama mixed in.
4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale.
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Another great entry to the series. It's such a strange mix of Small Town, single dad, Suspense, and survival... with a dash of emotional family drama mixed in.
4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale.
November 25, 2019
4 STARS
It doesn't matter what genre it is, there's one constant when it comes to Cherise Sinclair books: the woman can WRITE. Whether it's writing tortured heroes with a heart of gold, or immeasurably strong heroines that are fully capable of fighting their own battles, Cherise just delivers each and every single time. This is a very different series from what I'm used to of hers. It's a character driven contemporary with a splash of suspense and I've been in love with it since book one.
Lethal Balance brings the story of the second most tortured foster brother; Cazador. (I'm already dying for the most tortured, Hawk, to get his book. But I digress) Cazador became an orphan when he watched his beloved mother and sister get killed in front of his eyes when he was just a young boy. Later rescued from the system by an ex military survivalist, Caz grew up hard, but not without love. His foster siblings and father became the only family he needs. He's refused to put his heart on the line for someone as vulnerable as a woman that he may not be able to protect. The lesson was further driven home when he lost his fiance in a war zone. Now he's developed a rep in their small town as the love them and leave them type, but still women flock to him.
JJ has only ever wanted one thing; to be a cop. But when chauvinism in her police unit along with the egging on from her spiteful ex leave her questioning her safety while on duty, she has no other alternative but to turn to the small town in Alaska. Being hired on the police staff by Gabe, she soon discovers that not all men in power look down at women. She begins to see a life for herself in a place she last expected to find it in along with a man that she knows she needs to stay away from in order to shield her heart.
I love the fine balance of poignant and sensual that Sinclair creates in this story. Caz's discovery of having a daughter melted my heart. I loved watching this rough and lethal man melt for his little girl and the way that he fought for her. I loved watching him fall slowly but surely for JJ. I loved the tie that binds the three of them together. And I absolutely loved watching their relationship blossom into something much more. The little girl was the perfect secondary character and I adored the parts we get in her POV. It broke and melted my heart all in one breath.
An emotional, heartwarming and sensual read that kept me glued to the pages from beginning to finish. I'm already itching for the next installment!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
She needed to remember to keep her distance from Cazador, mentally and physically and every other way.
It doesn't matter what genre it is, there's one constant when it comes to Cherise Sinclair books: the woman can WRITE. Whether it's writing tortured heroes with a heart of gold, or immeasurably strong heroines that are fully capable of fighting their own battles, Cherise just delivers each and every single time. This is a very different series from what I'm used to of hers. It's a character driven contemporary with a splash of suspense and I've been in love with it since book one.
Lethal Balance brings the story of the second most tortured foster brother; Cazador. (I'm already dying for the most tortured, Hawk, to get his book. But I digress) Cazador became an orphan when he watched his beloved mother and sister get killed in front of his eyes when he was just a young boy. Later rescued from the system by an ex military survivalist, Caz grew up hard, but not without love. His foster siblings and father became the only family he needs. He's refused to put his heart on the line for someone as vulnerable as a woman that he may not be able to protect. The lesson was further driven home when he lost his fiance in a war zone. Now he's developed a rep in their small town as the love them and leave them type, but still women flock to him.
JJ has only ever wanted one thing; to be a cop. But when chauvinism in her police unit along with the egging on from her spiteful ex leave her questioning her safety while on duty, she has no other alternative but to turn to the small town in Alaska. Being hired on the police staff by Gabe, she soon discovers that not all men in power look down at women. She begins to see a life for herself in a place she last expected to find it in along with a man that she knows she needs to stay away from in order to shield her heart.
I love the fine balance of poignant and sensual that Sinclair creates in this story. Caz's discovery of having a daughter melted my heart. I loved watching this rough and lethal man melt for his little girl and the way that he fought for her. I loved watching him fall slowly but surely for JJ. I loved the tie that binds the three of them together. And I absolutely loved watching their relationship blossom into something much more. The little girl was the perfect secondary character and I adored the parts we get in her POV. It broke and melted my heart all in one breath.
An emotional, heartwarming and sensual read that kept me glued to the pages from beginning to finish. I'm already itching for the next installment!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
April 18, 2024
Finding a new story by Cherise always makes me so happy!
And i always pre-order without a second thought.
Because i KNOW it will be another treat,another beauty.
One that nestles in my heart,right next to all her other beauties.
With or without the BDSM element,they are all so special,and worth reading over and over.
Making me love them,time and time again.
The second story of the Sons of the Survivalist is about Caz.
Like his brothers,he has his own traumas to deal with.
Feeling like he failed to save his mother and sister when he was a kid,ánd losing his girlfriend did a number on him.
So,he keeps his affairs to one-night stands,pleasing the women,but not going back for seconds.
It works perfectly......until it doesn’t.
Jayden,JJ to her very few friends,has had it with men.
Being a cop in the same precinct as her asshole ex isn’t working.
He spreads rumours,taints her reputation,and back-up is none-existant.
So,when her old sarge suggests relocation to a place in Alaska,called Rescue,she decides to give it a try.
Meeting Caz in the hotel she’s staying before the interview with Rescue’s Chief,Gabe,helps calm her nerves.
They enjoy conversation,áfter she makes it clear she isn’t interested in a one-night stand.
Not expecting to see him again,she has the interview and,to her joy,she’s got the job.
When she helps her new boss fight off 5 men straight after,she gets injured,and to her shock the medic attending her is.....Caz.
And if the spitfire that is JJ isn’t challenging enough for Caz,he also finds out he has a daughter!
Regan is nine,and he’ll be damned if he can remember sleeping with her mother.....
But the girl looks so much like him,not only in appearance,but in character too.
How the hell is he going to cope with not one,but two! girls in his life?
How the hell is he going to keep them safe?
This is a story of healing. A story of growing.
A story of allowing others to change you for the better.
And a story of standing strong,together, when trouble rises....
A story that that i LOVED!
From page one,right until the end.
And after.....because it’s settled into my heart,and will probably stay there. Forever.
And i always pre-order without a second thought.
Because i KNOW it will be another treat,another beauty.
One that nestles in my heart,right next to all her other beauties.
With or without the BDSM element,they are all so special,and worth reading over and over.
Making me love them,time and time again.
The second story of the Sons of the Survivalist is about Caz.
Like his brothers,he has his own traumas to deal with.
Feeling like he failed to save his mother and sister when he was a kid,ánd losing his girlfriend did a number on him.
So,he keeps his affairs to one-night stands,pleasing the women,but not going back for seconds.
It works perfectly......until it doesn’t.
Jayden,JJ to her very few friends,has had it with men.
Being a cop in the same precinct as her asshole ex isn’t working.
He spreads rumours,taints her reputation,and back-up is none-existant.
So,when her old sarge suggests relocation to a place in Alaska,called Rescue,she decides to give it a try.
Meeting Caz in the hotel she’s staying before the interview with Rescue’s Chief,Gabe,helps calm her nerves.
They enjoy conversation,áfter she makes it clear she isn’t interested in a one-night stand.
Not expecting to see him again,she has the interview and,to her joy,she’s got the job.
When she helps her new boss fight off 5 men straight after,she gets injured,and to her shock the medic attending her is.....Caz.
And if the spitfire that is JJ isn’t challenging enough for Caz,he also finds out he has a daughter!
Regan is nine,and he’ll be damned if he can remember sleeping with her mother.....
But the girl looks so much like him,not only in appearance,but in character too.
How the hell is he going to cope with not one,but two! girls in his life?
How the hell is he going to keep them safe?
This is a story of healing. A story of growing.
A story of allowing others to change you for the better.
And a story of standing strong,together, when trouble rises....
A story that that i LOVED!
From page one,right until the end.
And after.....because it’s settled into my heart,and will probably stay there. Forever.
November 26, 2019
Lethal Balance is another five star offering from Cherise Sinclair, with non-stop action, characters you want to meet and a well developed plot.
As usual, the author draws the reader into her world and sets up a story line that makes you want to stay in that world.
This is the second in the Sons of the Survivalist series and is a worthy followup to the first. Cazador Ramierz is the youngest and smallest of the four street kids adopted by Sergeant Mako, who took them from an abusive foster home and brought them to the wilds of Alaska to raise. Now an adult, Caz is still the youngest and smallest, but he’s also the fastest -and the one who fights with knives.
Feeling guilty for not being able to save his mother and sister from a drugged up killer, Caz refuses to love any woman for more than a night. He is upfront about it, but one time is all any woman gets with him-until Jayden Jenner, better known as Officer JJ arrives in town. JJ is fleeing from the sexism and vicious rumors of her previous police department to take a job in Rescue, Alaska.
She has vowed to avoid men since her previous lover turned on her and tried to destroy her career. Caz’s reputation as a man-whore reinforces that determination. But all the determination in the world can’t stop the feelings that these two damaged people develop for each other. Complicating the situation is the surprise arrival of Regan, Caz’s nine-year old daughter that he didn’t know existed. JJ and Regan quickly become friends, but can that relationship withstand the shocking rumors that are again swirling around JJ? And what happens when a natural disaster threatens the entire town.
JJ was a totally likeable heroine, strong, smart, hurting but generous, and nurturing. Caz was strong, protective, but aware that a woman could take care of herself, after JJ let him know that he was out of line in trying to keep her safe.
The sex is hot, the sparks between Caz and JJ would rival a fireworks display, and the secondary characters are just as likable as the main cast. While Zachary Grayson from the Shadowlands series doesn’t make a direct appearance, his influence is seen throughout the book. As usual after reading a Cherise Sinclair book, after I finished, I turned around to read it again.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
As usual, the author draws the reader into her world and sets up a story line that makes you want to stay in that world.
This is the second in the Sons of the Survivalist series and is a worthy followup to the first. Cazador Ramierz is the youngest and smallest of the four street kids adopted by Sergeant Mako, who took them from an abusive foster home and brought them to the wilds of Alaska to raise. Now an adult, Caz is still the youngest and smallest, but he’s also the fastest -and the one who fights with knives.
Feeling guilty for not being able to save his mother and sister from a drugged up killer, Caz refuses to love any woman for more than a night. He is upfront about it, but one time is all any woman gets with him-until Jayden Jenner, better known as Officer JJ arrives in town. JJ is fleeing from the sexism and vicious rumors of her previous police department to take a job in Rescue, Alaska.
She has vowed to avoid men since her previous lover turned on her and tried to destroy her career. Caz’s reputation as a man-whore reinforces that determination. But all the determination in the world can’t stop the feelings that these two damaged people develop for each other. Complicating the situation is the surprise arrival of Regan, Caz’s nine-year old daughter that he didn’t know existed. JJ and Regan quickly become friends, but can that relationship withstand the shocking rumors that are again swirling around JJ? And what happens when a natural disaster threatens the entire town.
JJ was a totally likeable heroine, strong, smart, hurting but generous, and nurturing. Caz was strong, protective, but aware that a woman could take care of herself, after JJ let him know that he was out of line in trying to keep her safe.
The sex is hot, the sparks between Caz and JJ would rival a fireworks display, and the secondary characters are just as likable as the main cast. While Zachary Grayson from the Shadowlands series doesn’t make a direct appearance, his influence is seen throughout the book. As usual after reading a Cherise Sinclair book, after I finished, I turned around to read it again.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
May 19, 2020
Quick(ish) Review
Ms. Sinclair’s latest series has been a departure in some respects, but still familiar in the ways that count.
JJ, a cop in Arizona who has been dealing with systematic harassment from her ex who’s also a cop. Her reputation is in tatters, everyone believing her ex’s lies about her, thinking that she’s basically sleeping her way through the force. When she realizes she has no backup and her life is in danger from these lies, she decides to answer the ad for a deputy in the little town of Rescue, Alaska. There, she meets Cazador, one of four men who were adopted by a grizzled war vet who sheltered them on the edge of civilization, and taught them everything there is to know about surviving off the grid. Caz and his three brothers have inherited the town of Rescue, and Caz is building a lovely little life, sleeping his way through town, but not developing any connections. No stranger to heartache, having lost loved ones when he couldn’t protect them and refuses to go through it again. He’s intrigued with JJ, but doesn’t want to hamper her fresh start, as small towns and small minds could taint her reputation before she even starts. However, Caz’s past comes back in the form of a young daughter he never knew he had, he and JJ realize their connection is deeper than rumors and yup, romance happens.
Ms. Sinclair is a comfort read for me. She knows how to give me heroes who can take charge but in that protective, not possessive way that I love and heroines who may suffer but have that inner strength that makes them survivors. Much like the first book in the series, the story takes its time to unfold. Ms. Sinclair is known for her BDSM, but this series is way more vanilla. It has shades of D/s, but otherwise pretty light in kink. The romance between JJ and Cazador builds nicely, with good dialogue and chemistry and their Firsts are very enjoyable.
There’s not alot going on with the running story involving the Patriot Zealots (a survivalist/misogynistic cult), not that I was sad about it, but it is still simmering under the surface. Caz is a Latinx hero, and I thought that it was handled well, not just a random tacked on ethnicity but integral to his character, which I appreciate. JJ’s harassment was frustrating and sadly, realistic. I do wish the resolution to that mess in Arizona wasn’t completely off-page but I get why it was handled that way. I liked that the suspense was strong, and I was genuinely engaged with the big action sequences at the end, since it was again, believable to the setting with a good amount of tension to keep the reader hoping it would all work out.
If you like romantic suspense with good character work and that fantastic Alaska setting, I think you may enjoy this. I’m eager to continue with it.
**ARC provided by author for review**
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December 2, 2019
Solid read. Second in the series. Willing to read the rest.
This book was good but not spectacular. I enjoyed the little girl. There was so much of her though that it took away from the romance. The romance was pretty low key. Not much tension between the hero and the heroine. They fell in love pretty easy and there was no real conflict between them. The climax of the book was driven by the child and not the couple.
Probably will not reread.
This book was good but not spectacular. I enjoyed the little girl. There was so much of her though that it took away from the romance. The romance was pretty low key. Not much tension between the hero and the heroine. They fell in love pretty easy and there was no real conflict between them. The climax of the book was driven by the child and not the couple.
Probably will not reread.
November 27, 2019
Cherise Sinclair is back with another book in the Sons of the Survivalist series. It features another one of the brothers. It’s Caz’s book and if you’re a fan of Spanish accents, then you’re probably going to love this book.
I really loved the heroine of this book. She was sassy and strong, which is actually what a lot of Sinclair’s heroines are, but it did take me a lot longer to warm up to Caz for some reason. I liked him, but I never really fell for him in the same way I have with some of Sinclair’s other series. Each of the heroes in this series definitely have their own demons to battle and they handle it in different ways. While I do think the romance was well done, I am looking forward to seeing how the next hero will pan out for me.
Nevertheless, I found LETHAL BALANCE to be an enjoyable book. With lots of sexual tension and steamy scenes, this book also captures a lot of family and warm moments as well. I definitely think that Cherise Sinclair has a perfect balance of both.
December 4, 2019
It was OK. I liked the trope, but the writing style wasn't my fav in this one. For starters, once the young girl Regan (aged about 9?) entered the scene, there were several scenes told through her POV, which I found a little weird and I didn't like it. I wanted the adults' POV.
There was also too much moralising/proselytising going on. Right through the book, I felt as if life lessons were being forced down my throat. They were common sense things generally I agreed with, but I didn't like the way they were presented, in what felt to me to be too much of a moralising manner. (Things like dealing with bullying, treating women with respect, the hurtful power of gossip and how to deal, etc etc).
The love story was nice: Cazador the player who was super sexy but didn't want to get attached due to bad experiences as a child. JJ the kicka$$ cop who was bullied and sexually harassed at her previous workplace. I would have liked the book better if there were more of a focus on their romance and less on the cheesy life lessons. The Alaska setting was good. Interesting.
Although I felt a bit disappointed by this book, I will still go on to read the future books which I presume will be about Caz's interesting foster brothers, Bull and Hawk.
There was also too much moralising/proselytising going on. Right through the book, I felt as if life lessons were being forced down my throat. They were common sense things generally I agreed with, but I didn't like the way they were presented, in what felt to me to be too much of a moralising manner. (Things like dealing with bullying, treating women with respect, the hurtful power of gossip and how to deal, etc etc).
The love story was nice: Cazador the player who was super sexy but didn't want to get attached due to bad experiences as a child. JJ the kicka$$ cop who was bullied and sexually harassed at her previous workplace. I would have liked the book better if there were more of a focus on their romance and less on the cheesy life lessons. The Alaska setting was good. Interesting.
Although I felt a bit disappointed by this book, I will still go on to read the future books which I presume will be about Caz's interesting foster brothers, Bull and Hawk.
January 7, 2020
What can I say more than all the excellent reviews already?
Kept me on my toes, couldn’t let it down, refused to go to sleep at 1:26am in order to finish the story...
I preferred this book 2 versus book 1... and book 1 was already great!
Anyway, I found everything I wanted in this story and more.
Cherise Sinclair is my favorite author. There. I said it. Regardless the genre she chose to deliver, it is a winner.
This story was all about family and love.
Kept me on my toes, couldn’t let it down, refused to go to sleep at 1:26am in order to finish the story...
I preferred this book 2 versus book 1... and book 1 was already great!
Anyway, I found everything I wanted in this story and more.
Cherise Sinclair is my favorite author. There. I said it. Regardless the genre she chose to deliver, it is a winner.
This story was all about family and love.
September 24, 2022
I always love Cherise Sinclair's books and this one did not disappoint. Caz is amazing and damn I wish there were guys like him (well not Caz from the start of the book but the one from the later part) in real life. JJ - she's precisely what a good role model should be. How could I not love this book???
January 6, 2021
4+ Lubię klimat Alaski, ale... książka jest b. dobra, ale jedno mnie nieznacznie raziło...
October 13, 2022
Reread 2022
Still good on the reread
I liked JJ. She's strong without being abrasive and unlikeable. She knows how to take care of herself and is proud of being able to do it at the same time. She doesn't need a man to look after her. She likes the caring side but doesn't need or want the over protective cave man either
Caz is fab, it's nice to read a male character that is able to facilitate a talk to clear the air and get to the bottom of problems with arguing, just a calm and rational conversation
Good
4 stars ⭐️
I am really enjoying this series. I love the family atmosphere. Mako may have not had any idea on how to raise 4 boys but he taught them how to take care of themselves and how to treat women. The guys are lethal and yet because of their upbringing find joy in the simplest things as well as being together as a family unit.
The women in this series are also written well. They all are able to take care of themselves and can think for themselves. They talk and work out issues before they escalate. In this one Caz was the talker and the one who pushed for open communication and it was great. The only time JJ didn’t talk to him (I understood why and agreed) it nearly broke them up. Only Caz insistence on talking it out with both JJ and Regan saved them.
This one wasn’t as action packed as the first as most of the problems came from JJ and Regan trying to find a spot in the community but it worked and kept me entertained
I love both Hawk and Bull, so I can decide whose story I want next but can’t wait for that story to come out
Still good on the reread
I liked JJ. She's strong without being abrasive and unlikeable. She knows how to take care of herself and is proud of being able to do it at the same time. She doesn't need a man to look after her. She likes the caring side but doesn't need or want the over protective cave man either
Caz is fab, it's nice to read a male character that is able to facilitate a talk to clear the air and get to the bottom of problems with arguing, just a calm and rational conversation
Good
4 stars ⭐️
I am really enjoying this series. I love the family atmosphere. Mako may have not had any idea on how to raise 4 boys but he taught them how to take care of themselves and how to treat women. The guys are lethal and yet because of their upbringing find joy in the simplest things as well as being together as a family unit.
The women in this series are also written well. They all are able to take care of themselves and can think for themselves. They talk and work out issues before they escalate. In this one Caz was the talker and the one who pushed for open communication and it was great. The only time JJ didn’t talk to him (I understood why and agreed) it nearly broke them up. Only Caz insistence on talking it out with both JJ and Regan saved them.
This one wasn’t as action packed as the first as most of the problems came from JJ and Regan trying to find a spot in the community but it worked and kept me entertained
I love both Hawk and Bull, so I can decide whose story I want next but can’t wait for that story to come out
December 11, 2019
Enjoyed reading it but I came away feeling that the book was too perfect ... H and h gainfully employed with a sense of civic responsibility, perfect brother's, perfect mindset, perfect daughter ... made me feel slightly disconnected ...
November 9, 2024
3.5 stars
I surprisingly liked this more than was expecting. It has several tropes I can’t stand. Dead ex and of course he’s the biggest man whore in Alaska. While I do hate the dead ex trope, I didn’t feel like the h was second best. He only mentioned his dead ex just a few times in the beginning of the book. I figured there would have been some ow drama in the book, but there wasn’t. A the beginning you hear a few women saying something’s at the bar. And that the end of it. It is mentioned quite a few times how big of a ho he is. I could have gone without that. Because we get it. We don’t need it shoved down our throats. 🙄
Safety
Safe /SWE. No ow/OM drama. H is a former man whore. h isn’t very experienced. 🙄 he is a single dad.
I surprisingly liked this more than was expecting. It has several tropes I can’t stand. Dead ex and of course he’s the biggest man whore in Alaska. While I do hate the dead ex trope, I didn’t feel like the h was second best. He only mentioned his dead ex just a few times in the beginning of the book. I figured there would have been some ow drama in the book, but there wasn’t. A the beginning you hear a few women saying something’s at the bar. And that the end of it. It is mentioned quite a few times how big of a ho he is. I could have gone without that. Because we get it. We don’t need it shoved down our throats. 🙄
Safety
Safe /SWE. No ow/OM drama. H is a former man whore. h isn’t very experienced. 🙄 he is a single dad.
January 18, 2021
This was absoultely fabulous and for me personally so much better than the first book but then I am a sucker for a Dad romance especially when he didn't know he had a daughter.
What this book has going for it.
- JJ, a strong, loyal heroine with a heart of gold. We get her POV
- Regan, Caz's daughter who is spitfire and just adorable. Regan has her POV as well.
- Caz, a loyal man (although a man-ho before he met JJ) then with JJ and Regan he cleaned his act up. All her Heroes are solid, respectful and know how to treat women.
- A solid plot with likeable secondary characters and a small town which has all sorts and makes it quirky and eccentric. I can't wait to get get Bull and Hawk's book.
I can really recommend this series
What this book has going for it.
- JJ, a strong, loyal heroine with a heart of gold. We get her POV
- Regan, Caz's daughter who is spitfire and just adorable. Regan has her POV as well.
- Caz, a loyal man (although a man-ho before he met JJ) then with JJ and Regan he cleaned his act up. All her Heroes are solid, respectful and know how to treat women.
- A solid plot with likeable secondary characters and a small town which has all sorts and makes it quirky and eccentric. I can't wait to get get Bull and Hawk's book.
I can really recommend this series
July 25, 2021
As much as I was happy with Not a Hero (Sons of the Survivalist Book 1), I thoroughly enjoyed this novel which delved deeper into the storyline of four foster brothers raised by a psychologically damaged veteran who raised them totally off the grid in South-Central Alaska (more inland from Seward in the Kenai Peninsula). This time, it’s Cazador’s turn to find romance and companionship.
Cazador’s definition of companionship was one-night stands and nothing more. And he’s very open and honest to his conquests of the night at the very forefront of any encounter. Definitely no repeats. Except it would make one wonder exactly how long that would last in the small mountain community of Rescue, Alaska, a community he vowed his now deceased foster father to protect and resurrect. Not that he’s killing people anymore. He’s now a nurse practitioner, sworn to heal people rather than hurt them.
And he would have been happy with just that except in walked in JJ, a newly hired law enforcement officer meant to replace Officer Baumer (see Book One) who was still smarting from a terrible job experience in Nevada, including being purposely ignored when urgent backup was requested. She inwardly agreed that no man should to be so devilishly handsome as Caz, and despite her inner voice’s warning to avoid him at all costs, the two invariably found themselves encountering each other. Gabe, the chief of police, had already warned Caz to keep away from her as he didn’t want to lose what could be a valuable asset to the police department, especially as she had been the victim of professional assassination in the recent past. And Gabe was already familiar with Caz’s reputation of “love ‘em and leave ‘em before the morn”. But nothing became routine.
Enter a daughter Caz didn’t even knew existed.
And there was no way he could convince himself she was not his daughter with just one glance.
What could a former assassin do? Especially with his history of protecting his own? That’s when life got interesting.
Length and pace: Full-length novel. Pace is balanced without feeling rushed or slowed. This book cannot be read by itself. Best to read Book One first and go from there.
Characters: Again, I appreciate Ms. Sinclair’s efforts to continue to flesh out these four foster brothers, allowing us to see further into their psyches. I also appreciate how many of the loose strings from Book One were satisfactorily answered in Book Two. Also, we still see characters introduced in Book One and get to understand them a little more, too. I really can get into all these characters, including the minor ones who only add further enrichment to the storyline. This is definitely a carefully managed juggling performance of eight balls (I’ve actually seen this done!) with maybe a chainsaw or two involved. Again, this is something I rarely see anymore because most writers, perhaps, think readers care not to read giant book arcs anymore. Pity. I thought I really liked Gabe in Book One, yet I found Caz to be a far more compelling hero in this novel. Yes, one can have been a taker of lives and now become a savior of lives. (Perhaps a radical karmic debt life cycle of sorts, but it is possible. Definitely a means to combat the damage done considering Caz’s past history of losing loved ones via violence.) I also liked how Sinclair developed JJ, a very strong heroine cut to the bone by an ex-boyfriend-on-the-force who humiliated her on social media (where nothing ever is forgotten be it true or not) as well as bullied her on and off-duty to the point that she could have died in the line of duty. Not to say that this level of sexual harassment hadn’t occurred before to other women in that police department in which JJ was the token female during her time there.
Hero/heroine interaction: I was very pleased how Ms. Sinclair addressed how a male and female alphas would interact with each other. I know how hard it can be when the two are in the same profession. (Why did everyone think that I, being a physician, would marry another physician? We would forever be bonking heads against each other!) It still comes down to the question on what kind of male would be the best for a female law enforcement officer who is used to taking care of herself and not tolerating being told to be the relenting submissive in a relationship? You have to be a very self-assured, a very confident alpha male to be a successful partner to JJ. In other words, an author’s nightmare. There were times I wondered if JJ’s shame of allowing herself to be a victim was an authentic weakness or maybe the adherence to an overused plot template.
World-creation: Again, Sinclair certainly continues to elaborate and consolidate the true character(s) of Rescue, Alaska. Gah! I could have sworn I’ve seen this region on my way to Anchorage just outside of Cooper Landing. (However, Sinclair does indicate that Rescue isn’t Cooper Landing, but I know I’ve seen that ski resort nearby…) Having lived in this area of the Kenai Peninsula, I could imagine how critical I was preparing to be, however, I found that Sinclair’s representation of Rescue was very believable. (However, I must say that there were more than a few times that my suspension of disbelief was thrown off for reasons I’m still trying to figure out. Maybe it was how some things were described or discussed that wouldn’t had been how it would really have happened in Alaska… Like diction or syntax that just wasn’t… quite… right… But I’m really splitting hairs here…) I’m assuming that in this particular world, Sterling doesn’t exist because it is a fairly decent-sized community between Cooper Landing and Soldotna. They do have a few physician friends of mine there but no hospital. I had to laugh when the novel mentioned one of my favorite outfitters — Sweeney’s — but wondered why Fred Meyer’s wasn’t when clearly they went there buying too much stuff for Regan’s bedroom and bathroom. (Freddie’s would never pass up on free advertising!) All in all, I was quite impressed.
Continuity and editing: Editing was better than I expected, but this book could have been stellar had there been a real editor present to just do a decent clean-up job, but that is my usual whine about virtually all indie books (unfortunately). As mentioned before, there was more than a few times my suspension of disbelief was tested, usually parts in which a real Alaskan would have stated something differently. I know I’m being really picky, but after living all over that state, you can really know where you are by how the local residents talk. (Just like in the Lower Forty-Eight.) Continuity was very good. The POVs did ramble around more so in this book than in most books, but the POVs did remain true to the characters’ recollections which did impress me. Continuity can definitely be shot in the foot when a writer isn’t careful in his/her wordcrafting. Personally, I doubt I could have improved on the matter as it is better to have the least number of POV changes per chapter. Good thing we, the audience, received sufficient hints to keep us from being confused. The jury is still out on Regan’s character. I know she is quite a precocious child, considering her life before and after Caz’s taking custody of her, but I think it’ll take another book for me to determine if her actions and statements is actually that of a nine-year-old. I do find having extra “uncles” around to be very appropriate as it does take a village to raise a child, especially Regan. I found Caz’s fathering skills and advice to be highly effective. (Parents: Take notes!) But in retrospect, could he actually be that ingenious in his parenting skills? I mean, other than his foster father Mako, he really didn’t have much in male role models to fashion his own sensibilities at such a logical level.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and have plans to reread both Books One and Two in the near future. I’m sure I’ll catch many more interesting tidbits that will further illuminate these complicated and varied plots and subplots. I just hope I won’t be waiting another year for the next installment.
Cazador’s definition of companionship was one-night stands and nothing more. And he’s very open and honest to his conquests of the night at the very forefront of any encounter. Definitely no repeats. Except it would make one wonder exactly how long that would last in the small mountain community of Rescue, Alaska, a community he vowed his now deceased foster father to protect and resurrect. Not that he’s killing people anymore. He’s now a nurse practitioner, sworn to heal people rather than hurt them.
And he would have been happy with just that except in walked in JJ, a newly hired law enforcement officer meant to replace Officer Baumer (see Book One) who was still smarting from a terrible job experience in Nevada, including being purposely ignored when urgent backup was requested. She inwardly agreed that no man should to be so devilishly handsome as Caz, and despite her inner voice’s warning to avoid him at all costs, the two invariably found themselves encountering each other. Gabe, the chief of police, had already warned Caz to keep away from her as he didn’t want to lose what could be a valuable asset to the police department, especially as she had been the victim of professional assassination in the recent past. And Gabe was already familiar with Caz’s reputation of “love ‘em and leave ‘em before the morn”. But nothing became routine.
Enter a daughter Caz didn’t even knew existed.
And there was no way he could convince himself she was not his daughter with just one glance.
What could a former assassin do? Especially with his history of protecting his own? That’s when life got interesting.
Length and pace: Full-length novel. Pace is balanced without feeling rushed or slowed. This book cannot be read by itself. Best to read Book One first and go from there.
Characters: Again, I appreciate Ms. Sinclair’s efforts to continue to flesh out these four foster brothers, allowing us to see further into their psyches. I also appreciate how many of the loose strings from Book One were satisfactorily answered in Book Two. Also, we still see characters introduced in Book One and get to understand them a little more, too. I really can get into all these characters, including the minor ones who only add further enrichment to the storyline. This is definitely a carefully managed juggling performance of eight balls (I’ve actually seen this done!) with maybe a chainsaw or two involved. Again, this is something I rarely see anymore because most writers, perhaps, think readers care not to read giant book arcs anymore. Pity. I thought I really liked Gabe in Book One, yet I found Caz to be a far more compelling hero in this novel. Yes, one can have been a taker of lives and now become a savior of lives. (Perhaps a radical karmic debt life cycle of sorts, but it is possible. Definitely a means to combat the damage done considering Caz’s past history of losing loved ones via violence.) I also liked how Sinclair developed JJ, a very strong heroine cut to the bone by an ex-boyfriend-on-the-force who humiliated her on social media (where nothing ever is forgotten be it true or not) as well as bullied her on and off-duty to the point that she could have died in the line of duty. Not to say that this level of sexual harassment hadn’t occurred before to other women in that police department in which JJ was the token female during her time there.
Hero/heroine interaction: I was very pleased how Ms. Sinclair addressed how a male and female alphas would interact with each other. I know how hard it can be when the two are in the same profession. (Why did everyone think that I, being a physician, would marry another physician? We would forever be bonking heads against each other!) It still comes down to the question on what kind of male would be the best for a female law enforcement officer who is used to taking care of herself and not tolerating being told to be the relenting submissive in a relationship? You have to be a very self-assured, a very confident alpha male to be a successful partner to JJ. In other words, an author’s nightmare. There were times I wondered if JJ’s shame of allowing herself to be a victim was an authentic weakness or maybe the adherence to an overused plot template.
World-creation: Again, Sinclair certainly continues to elaborate and consolidate the true character(s) of Rescue, Alaska. Gah! I could have sworn I’ve seen this region on my way to Anchorage just outside of Cooper Landing. (However, Sinclair does indicate that Rescue isn’t Cooper Landing, but I know I’ve seen that ski resort nearby…) Having lived in this area of the Kenai Peninsula, I could imagine how critical I was preparing to be, however, I found that Sinclair’s representation of Rescue was very believable. (However, I must say that there were more than a few times that my suspension of disbelief was thrown off for reasons I’m still trying to figure out. Maybe it was how some things were described or discussed that wouldn’t had been how it would really have happened in Alaska… Like diction or syntax that just wasn’t… quite… right… But I’m really splitting hairs here…) I’m assuming that in this particular world, Sterling doesn’t exist because it is a fairly decent-sized community between Cooper Landing and Soldotna. They do have a few physician friends of mine there but no hospital. I had to laugh when the novel mentioned one of my favorite outfitters — Sweeney’s — but wondered why Fred Meyer’s wasn’t when clearly they went there buying too much stuff for Regan’s bedroom and bathroom. (Freddie’s would never pass up on free advertising!) All in all, I was quite impressed.
Continuity and editing: Editing was better than I expected, but this book could have been stellar had there been a real editor present to just do a decent clean-up job, but that is my usual whine about virtually all indie books (unfortunately). As mentioned before, there was more than a few times my suspension of disbelief was tested, usually parts in which a real Alaskan would have stated something differently. I know I’m being really picky, but after living all over that state, you can really know where you are by how the local residents talk. (Just like in the Lower Forty-Eight.) Continuity was very good. The POVs did ramble around more so in this book than in most books, but the POVs did remain true to the characters’ recollections which did impress me. Continuity can definitely be shot in the foot when a writer isn’t careful in his/her wordcrafting. Personally, I doubt I could have improved on the matter as it is better to have the least number of POV changes per chapter. Good thing we, the audience, received sufficient hints to keep us from being confused. The jury is still out on Regan’s character. I know she is quite a precocious child, considering her life before and after Caz’s taking custody of her, but I think it’ll take another book for me to determine if her actions and statements is actually that of a nine-year-old. I do find having extra “uncles” around to be very appropriate as it does take a village to raise a child, especially Regan. I found Caz’s fathering skills and advice to be highly effective. (Parents: Take notes!) But in retrospect, could he actually be that ingenious in his parenting skills? I mean, other than his foster father Mako, he really didn’t have much in male role models to fashion his own sensibilities at such a logical level.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and have plans to reread both Books One and Two in the near future. I’m sure I’ll catch many more interesting tidbits that will further illuminate these complicated and varied plots and subplots. I just hope I won’t be waiting another year for the next installment.
July 4, 2020
Cazador Ramirez, the second of the Sons of the Survivalist, has a reputation as the ladies' man of Rescue, Alaska. An ex-military Nurse Practitioner who runs the town clinic, he doesn't get involved with town residents. Deputy Jayden Jenner (aka JJ) has come to Alaska to escape on-the-job sexual harassment, not hook up with the town's Casanova, but since this is a romance novel, they're thrown together through circumstances (including the arrival of Cazador's previously unknown daughter, Regan).
The first book in the Sons of the Survivalist series felt a little flat to me, like Cherise Sinclair had lost a lot of her uniqueness while writing a more mainstream romantic suspense novel, but with this one, she's back to true form. There's an in-depth exploration of the characters' feelings and relationships, and while there's not a lot of suspense, the earthquake plot provides plenty of action. The romance is great, and the sex is unique and inventive, just as we've come to expect from one of romance's masters.
The first book in the Sons of the Survivalist series felt a little flat to me, like Cherise Sinclair had lost a lot of her uniqueness while writing a more mainstream romantic suspense novel, but with this one, she's back to true form. There's an in-depth exploration of the characters' feelings and relationships, and while there's not a lot of suspense, the earthquake plot provides plenty of action. The romance is great, and the sex is unique and inventive, just as we've come to expect from one of romance's masters.
April 6, 2021
4+, historia Caza i JJ zdecydowanie ciekawsza od poprzedniej.. no i Alaska :D jeszcze mi się nie znudziła :P
June 21, 2022
Usually, I love CS's books. Really, before this series, on the 26 books of her that I read, I only gave 2 times 3 stars to her books. And once it was way more a "me" thing than the author's fault. I wanted to love this book, and I was even more disappointed when I really didn't like it.
I have a pretty good suspension of disbelief. As long as I like the characters, it takes some heavy inconsistencies for them to keep me from enjoying a book. But, sadly, here I didn't like JJ and I wasn't a fan of Cazador.
What I didn't like:
- JJ's feminism: I felt like she was inconsistent in her calling out the sexism in Cazador and other characters.
One time, Caz is reprimanding his daughter for saying a curse in school, just saying it's bad to say those words and that she can't do it (he doesn't even pronounce or allude to anything genre or sex-related), and yet, JJ interrupts the discussion because it's 'sexism'. Well, telling your child not to curse, isn't sexist, at least I don't think so...
But another time, when someone nearly forces Caz to escort her to her car 'because it's dark outside' when she's supposed to be an experienced LEO (and able to defend herself even in the dark), she says nothing about it.
- JJ and Regan: The entire relationship was told and not shown. Regan's relationship with her uncles is 100 times deeper than her relationship with JJ.
- JJ as a Police officer: All the rescue people who didn't know Gabe was Alaskan didn't like him because he was a 'city cop'. And I understand them. If I lived in a place where you have to regularly face hard weather conditions, I would want my first responders to actually have the resources to face them and be able to come help or get me if anything happened.
Well, we do know that JJ has never lived in Alaska or any place that came close, (she comes from the desert!) and that she's supposed to go to a ranger (?) formation in the winter to expand her survival habilities (she never goes in the book). Her only experiences are that she used to go camping with her father before she was 12. Well, let me tell you, she doesn't know shit about surviving in Alaska, at least, she's not supposed to.
Yet, everyone in rescue loves her, and literally no one mentions the fact that she (if we extrapolate on her background) has barely ever seen any snow in her life when she sign her contract, much less learned to survive in this hostile environment.
Yes, being a police officer would have given her a few tips, but clearly, the only other formation she has, it was a half-day 'driving on snow' lesson.
But when someone is lost in the dark, in the middle of a blizzard in a forest, who goes to search for them (and find them!)? At the same time, Gabe, who was established in the last book as the best researcher, stayed home to bring a snow car (which really didn't come very fast).
So JJ is either a super-hero who doesn't need to learn anything or a case of bad character-writing
There are also a lot of inconsistencies in the timeline and characters who say one thing and then forget about it...
Anyway, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, there are much, much better books from Cherise Sinclair. But I will read the next book since Bull and Hawk's stories seem to be better than this one (and the one before that).
I have a pretty good suspension of disbelief. As long as I like the characters, it takes some heavy inconsistencies for them to keep me from enjoying a book. But, sadly, here I didn't like JJ and I wasn't a fan of Cazador.
What I didn't like:
- JJ's feminism: I felt like she was inconsistent in her calling out the sexism in Cazador and other characters.
One time, Caz is reprimanding his daughter for saying a curse in school, just saying it's bad to say those words and that she can't do it (he doesn't even pronounce or allude to anything genre or sex-related), and yet, JJ interrupts the discussion because it's 'sexism'. Well, telling your child not to curse, isn't sexist, at least I don't think so...
But another time, when someone nearly forces Caz to escort her to her car 'because it's dark outside' when she's supposed to be an experienced LEO (and able to defend herself even in the dark), she says nothing about it.
- JJ and Regan: The entire relationship was told and not shown. Regan's relationship with her uncles is 100 times deeper than her relationship with JJ.
- JJ as a Police officer: All the rescue people who didn't know Gabe was Alaskan didn't like him because he was a 'city cop'. And I understand them. If I lived in a place where you have to regularly face hard weather conditions, I would want my first responders to actually have the resources to face them and be able to come help or get me if anything happened.
Well, we do know that JJ has never lived in Alaska or any place that came close, (she comes from the desert!) and that she's supposed to go to a ranger (?) formation in the winter to expand her survival habilities (she never goes in the book). Her only experiences are that she used to go camping with her father before she was 12. Well, let me tell you, she doesn't know shit about surviving in Alaska, at least, she's not supposed to.
Yet, everyone in rescue loves her, and literally no one mentions the fact that she (if we extrapolate on her background) has barely ever seen any snow in her life when she sign her contract, much less learned to survive in this hostile environment.
Yes, being a police officer would have given her a few tips, but clearly, the only other formation she has, it was a half-day 'driving on snow' lesson.
But when someone is lost in the dark, in the middle of a blizzard in a forest, who goes to search for them (and find them!)? At the same time, Gabe, who was established in the last book as the best researcher, stayed home to bring a snow car (which really didn't come very fast).
So JJ is either a super-hero who doesn't need to learn anything or a case of bad character-writing
There are also a lot of inconsistencies in the timeline and characters who say one thing and then forget about it...
Anyway, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, there are much, much better books from Cherise Sinclair. But I will read the next book since Bull and Hawk's stories seem to be better than this one (and the one before that).
March 30, 2024
This is a warm and charming slow burn involving one of the brash and burly men of this series. It was refreshing to have a story that didn't have a conspiracy or a psychopath or even gunfire. But there is a cute little girl. There are some real challenges, both internal and external, but then angst is low and realistic.
I'll read more of this series.
I'll read more of this series.
December 22, 2019
Lethal Balance is the second book in the Sons of Survivalist series by the amazing author Cherise Sinclair. She been a one-click author for me since I read her first book many years ago, and I continue to love her work and look forward to each novel she writes.
This series is sent in the Alaksan wilderness, and features rugged, alpha, ex-military heroes. Caz is strong, sexy and dominant, even though no BDSM play takes place. His backstory has a huge impact on his ability to develop a relationship with police officer JJ, an Alaskan newcomer, and is something that he has to work through throughout the story.
JJ is amazing. I love how Ms. Sinclair balanced her personality; she can be a tough-as-nails cop and a sensual woman, and a caring surrogate mother to Regan.
One thing that I have noticed is that the main characters in this series seem to be too .... perfect? complete? one-dimensional? There is very clearly a us versus them mentality with the H/h and bad guys which doesn't reflect the conflicted, impersonal people we all are and simplifies plot lines. In all, I think this world seems a little flat, with everything always tied up in a neat little bow, and the main characters never making mistakes.
Lethal Balance was a solid read and clearly sets up the following two (and presumably final) books in this series. While I can't put my finger on what it is, this author does seem to be struggling to find her stride in a traditional romance book. I cannot put down her erotic / BDSM series, and yet both "Sons" books I had to push myself to finish reading. I will still read the following two because I like this author and want to finish it out, but they don't draw me in.
This series is sent in the Alaksan wilderness, and features rugged, alpha, ex-military heroes. Caz is strong, sexy and dominant, even though no BDSM play takes place. His backstory has a huge impact on his ability to develop a relationship with police officer JJ, an Alaskan newcomer, and is something that he has to work through throughout the story.
JJ is amazing. I love how Ms. Sinclair balanced her personality; she can be a tough-as-nails cop and a sensual woman, and a caring surrogate mother to Regan.
One thing that I have noticed is that the main characters in this series seem to be too .... perfect? complete? one-dimensional? There is very clearly a us versus them mentality with the H/h and bad guys which doesn't reflect the conflicted, impersonal people we all are and simplifies plot lines. In all, I think this world seems a little flat, with everything always tied up in a neat little bow, and the main characters never making mistakes.
Lethal Balance was a solid read and clearly sets up the following two (and presumably final) books in this series. While I can't put my finger on what it is, this author does seem to be struggling to find her stride in a traditional romance book. I cannot put down her erotic / BDSM series, and yet both "Sons" books I had to push myself to finish reading. I will still read the following two because I like this author and want to finish it out, but they don't draw me in.
November 8, 2021
Another good story. I like the ones that are hard to put down, but my to do list surely does not!
February 24, 2021
When I read the first book in this Shadowlands same world/spin-off I wasn't sure how I'd like it. The first (Not a Hero) was a very good intro into the Alaskan town of Rescue, Mako (Zachary Grayson's friend) and his "sons". This installment brought it all together and, added benny, featured a nine-year-old who immediately stole my heart. 🥰 I'm looking forward to reading Bull's story next and I'm curious about Hawk's past, as well.
There were so many quotes I loved:
There were so many quotes I loved:
In your darkest hour, when the demons come. Call on me, brother, and we will fight them together ~ Unknown
If you’re gonna fight, fight like you’re the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s Ark…and brother, it’s starting to rain. ~ Christopher Woods
I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men, they are far superior and always have been. ~ William Golding
A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. ~ Winston Churchill
You’ve only got three choices in life: Give up, give in, or give it all you’ve got. ~ Unknown
At 70 years old, if I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to use the words ‘fuck off’ much more frequently. ~ Helen Mirren
December 13, 2019
I really like the guys of Rescue, but wasn’t too hot to read this one. I’m not a fan of the man-whore who is reformed when he meets the right woman. I liked JJ, but didn’t thought she could do better than Cazador. What won me over to root for them as a couple was Regan. I’m a sucker for the surprise kid, one who is precocious and how the new parent doesn’t have a clue how to deal with them. This fit Regan and Cazador to a t! Cazador took the right tone with Regan from the start, honest and treating her like a mini adult and sharing his not so good past, a past that showed Regan that he understood her. Right from the start JJ was there with Cazador and the guys helping Regan adjust, giving her another adult that was in her corner. It seemed like without knowing the three of them had dates all the time and grew closer.
I loved how JJ fit in the town and how embraced living in Alaska, even as the small town got to JJ. While she had a bad gut reaction her end result of confronting things was perfect!
I very much could have done without the drama at the end, hated that so many were in danger, but they all, but especially JJ, did what had to be done for the town.
I loved how JJ fit in the town and how embraced living in Alaska, even as the small town got to JJ. While she had a bad gut reaction her end result of confronting things was perfect!
I very much could have done without the drama at the end, hated that so many were in danger, but they all, but especially JJ, did what had to be done for the town.
November 17, 2022
Well written small town romance set in Alaska. Not quite as steamy as this author's other books. There are quite a few side characters and this series focuses on four foster brothers adjusting to life after the death of their military father. They are determined to rebuild the small town they made home for years. This second story is about ex military medic Caz and police woman JJ. Throw a cute nine year old daughter into the mix and the story leans into heart-warming. The book is written from several points of view - the brothers, JJ and Regan. I will say that the romance in general takes a back seat in this story. There's some action at the end, gossipy residents, PTSD and angst. I look forward to the next book. 4.5 stars.
March 31, 2021
Another amazing story to follow the first in this series! In this second book, we get to know Cazador better and meet a new officer, J.J. These two are both strong characters, which makes them work really well as a couple, but also adds challenges to their relationship...especially for Cazador who wants to protect the women in his life he cares for. Another fun layer that worked really well in this story was getting to know Regan, Cazador’s daughter that he didn’t know he had. The story is told from multiple points of view, but I love that Regan was often one of those viewpoints. I am ready for Bull’s story...as soon as it drops in audio!
November 27, 2019
Powerful emotions were brought out in Cherise Sinclair's latest book, Lethal Balance. I loved Caz and was glad to see the story of his past and how it shaped the way he is today. JJ, the heroine, is a tough, no nonsense LEO but she also has a side that she's been forced to hide. I really hurt for her before she met Caz and she's endured a lot. The drama and intrigue kept me turning the pages and when someone unexpected shows up, I was shocked! This was such a good book and i can't wait for Bull's story. Okay, I can't wait for Hawk's story either but I'm really loving this series. Doesn't hurt that Master Z is mentioned several times. ;)
November 21, 2019
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:
Cherise Sinclair swept me away on a tidal wave of heat, feels, intensity and a stunning environment that left me once again, breathless!
Lethal Balance was exactly the kind of story I can expect to get from Miss Sinclair. Powerful with deep emotions and a strong hero who oozes sexuality and dominance and who cares for those close to him as well as a heroine who is equally as tough, beautiful, sweet and has incredible smarts. The story itself is intriguing and the chemistry between Caz and JJ left me with a curling of warmth in my stomach and had me craving that desire that I could easily feel coming straight off the pages! The landscape of Alaska never ceases to stun and amaze me too. The way everything is describes, I almost feel like I am RIGHT THERE living and seeing everything the characters do. Its impressive and awe-inspiring. Caz's story is EVERYTHING and a WHOLE LOT MORE!
Lethal Balance gets a BREATHTAKING FIVE HEAT FILLED STARS!
Cherise Sinclair swept me away on a tidal wave of heat, feels, intensity and a stunning environment that left me once again, breathless!
Lethal Balance was exactly the kind of story I can expect to get from Miss Sinclair. Powerful with deep emotions and a strong hero who oozes sexuality and dominance and who cares for those close to him as well as a heroine who is equally as tough, beautiful, sweet and has incredible smarts. The story itself is intriguing and the chemistry between Caz and JJ left me with a curling of warmth in my stomach and had me craving that desire that I could easily feel coming straight off the pages! The landscape of Alaska never ceases to stun and amaze me too. The way everything is describes, I almost feel like I am RIGHT THERE living and seeing everything the characters do. Its impressive and awe-inspiring. Caz's story is EVERYTHING and a WHOLE LOT MORE!
Lethal Balance gets a BREATHTAKING FIVE HEAT FILLED STARS!
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