Vertical

Gilded Love #3

by Kilby Blades

From USA Today bestselling author Kilby Blades, the next installment in the Gilded Love series...

Jasmine isn't supposed to be in Pahrump. She’s not supposed to be posing as an exotic dancer. And she’s sure as hell not supposed to be solo on an undercover job. She’d have paid any price to avoid the emergency call to her ex-fiancé, Avi. But she’s in so far over her head, it’s come to that.

The last place Avi saw Jasmine was at the altar six months ago, right before she walked out of his life. Well…almost. They still work on opposite ends of the same vigilante crime-fighting organization. She’s the last person he expects to hear from while half a world away on a pleasure trip to Sydney. Can he get to Nevada in time to save her from a human trafficking bust gone wrong?

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Second Chance

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2019

About the author

Kilby Blades is a USA Today Bestselling author of Romance and Women's Fiction. Her debut novel, "Snapdragon", was a HOLT Medallion finalist, a Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist, and an IPPY Award medalist. Kilby was honored with an RSJ Emma Award for Best Debut Author in 2018, and has been lauded by critics for "easing feminism and equality into her novels" (IndieReader) and "writing characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal" (Publisher's Weekly).

Follow Kilby's awesome newsletter at http://www.kilbyblades.com/subscribe

Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazon / Apple Books: coming soon / Nook / Kobo / Google Play

Michael's friend (ahem *fixer*) Avi gets his own short story in Vertical. The woman he's always loved has just sent him a text with a codeword that lets him know she needs his help. Of course he'll help her, even if it means his heart will be even more worse for wear after seeing the woman who jilted him at the altar. Yep...



I admit to not liking Jasmine too much in this. I admired her passion and what she had passion for - taking down traffickers like the ones who did the same to her, but she was, self admittedly, a hot mess, and hurt Avi unnecessarily. I just couldn't connect with her. I did like the story, and can't wait for a more complete story for them.



ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.

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[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star Review Vertical (Gilded Love #3) by Kilby Blades

AUDIO REVIEW:

This may have been a short listen but Kilby Blades certainly packed a lot into it. Although the third book in the series, our hero and and heroine are not from the first two books. This is Avi and Jasmine’s story and one I quickly became invested in.
The narration by Jacob Morgan and Nicole Small was good. Their voices were easy to listen to and they brought the characters to life for me. Avi and Jasmine have history and the last time he saw her was when she left him at the altar six months ago.
Now after an undercover operation has gone wrong, she turns to Avi the one man she trusts to help her. The question is will he be able to arrive and save her in time?
Jasmine is such a feisty and sassy heroine that you cannot help but admire her. There was plenty of suspense and intrigue which made for a good listen.

[meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vertical is a novella from The Gilded Love series that follows Avi and his past love Jasmine.

I want to preface this by saying that I don’t think this was fully a romance book. I know that Blades makes it clear that this is only a small introduction to their relationship which will be expanded in the future. SO, that being said…

JASMINE IS THE HOTTEST AND MOST BADASS CHARACTER EVER. After becoming a victim of sex trafficking, she becomes a hacker who devotes her life to taking down sex traffic circles. She puts her life on the line to save the lives of young girls who are being abused.

Jasmine does not take shit from ANYONE. I loved her character soo much and I cannot wait to see more from her.

Avi is Michael’s friend from the prior books. I loved seeing him again. His loyalty to Jasmine is UNMATCHED. I mean he literally flies from Australia to Nevada just because she texted him their secret code word for trouble.

This novella was soo cute and just over 100 pages. It could easily be read in a few hours!

[T. Rosado · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Vertical is a quick novella that reads like a prequel to The Hexagon Series. It's loosely connected to the author's book, Snapdragon and its sequel. Snapdragon was one of my favorite reads from last year and I've been excited about this new "Hexagon Universe" since the author first mentioned it. At the end of Vertical, the author informs that this is the beginning of Avi and Jasmine's story. Therefore, this novella ends with a HFN. I'm excited to see how Blades expands their story and this new series. I'm not usually one for novellas, but as a prequel, I loved how these characters were introduced. There were a couple confusing elements to this first story, but I'm anticipating answers will come eventually come.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have been a better story if it was not so short. I know it was not meant to be a full-length novel, but it was cut off so abruptly I was taken by surprise. I honestly believed there was more to come as Jasmine and Avi were reunited. Then it just ... ended. Even short stories have a beginning, middle and end. This was more being dropped into a book already in progress that ended in mid-paragraph.

If there is a novel coming with these characters that will tell a complete story, I will be more than willing to read it.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the other books in this series.
I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it was better than I could have imagined.
Jasmine is hella strong, I don't know anyone that could do what she does to help even after what she went through.
Avi I must tilt my hat to for not giving up on Jasmine after what she put him through.

It really was an intensely fascinating story and I wanted it to be longer.
The narration was perfect for this book they brought these characters voices to life made me invested.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nail-biting suspense!

I want to start by saying that after listening to Vertical and immediately listening to the next one, Loaded, I think that Amazon and Goodreads have these two listed out of order. At the end of Loaded the epilogue refers to things that will happen in Vertical. Also, the publication dates shown on Amazon would indicate that Loaded was published before Vertical. It didn't really mess things up for me, listening to them the way that I did but I know a lot of readers prefer to read series in the correct order.

So now for the story, this one was so different from the first two books. That's not a bad thing but it did take me by surprise a bit. The undercover op that Jasmine has taken on, without telling anyone, goes sideways and she reaches out to her ex, Avi for help. Avi still loves Jasmine and he doesn't hesitate to respond but once again things go wrong.

I was holding my breath during many parts of this exciting story. Even though I was certain that things would work out OK, I was still surprised when it all played out.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Vertical" is book 3 in the "Gilded Love" series by Kilby Blades. Jasmine is undercover to try and bring down a human trafficking sting. Avi is away for his longtime friend, Michael's "wedding that isn't a wedding." Jasmine and Avi work for the same company and have been avoiding each other because of something that happened months before. Jasmine finds herself in a pickle and needs help and knows she can count on Avi. I enjoyed reading this story, and having new people brought in and hearing Michael and Darby's name mentioned made me smile. This was a quick read for me, and I will definitely move on to the next in the "Gilded Love" series.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vertical
Gilded Love, Book 3
By: Kilby Blades
Narrated by: Jacob Morgan, Nicole Small

Kilby Blades keeps the excitement coming with Vertical, a novella that kept me on the edge. This story is packed with suspense! Jasmine is posing as an exotic dancer as she works to take down a human trafficking ring. When she finds herself in trouble, she sends a message to her ex, Avi. The question is will he come to her rescue after she left him at the alter? A truly thrilling ride as Avi and Jasmine work through saving each other, getting the girls out safely and finding their way back to each other. This may be a slow burn, but the underlying passion these two have for each other resonates through the entire story right through the danger. I loved this romantic suspense story, and even got a chance to visit with Michael and Darby from the first two books in the series. Always fun to see characters we know.

Narration by Jacob Morgan and Nicole Small is fabulous. Morgan brings the alpha male with his broken heart, and he is amazing. He lets us feel everything Avi does. Small is new to me and I loved her voice. Rich, confident and bringing out all of the emotions Jasmine has, we are treated to a wonderful perception of her. The two meld together well and made for a fun afternoon.

[Dana McKee NOLA504NERDS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short but sweet novella, but it’s packed with suspense. There is a romance element but it’s very clean. I adore Avi. I think he’s sweet, caring, and loyal. I must admit, I didn’t care for Jasmine as much because of how she jilted Avi. Being a novella, I’m sure I’ll hear more about her in another audiobook where she can redeem herself. That being said, her character is definitely a bad-a! She’s a strong, confident woman, who puts her life on the line to rescue women being trafficked. Honestly, I think this story could’ve been a lot better if it wasn’t so short. I did enjoy it, of course. The writing is superb. I just think this storyline was so exciting that it could’ve been expanded on.
 
Jacob Morgan and Nicole Small were cast perfectly for their roles. They did a fantastic job and kept you captivated. Their timing, pitch, pace, tone, and vocal characterizations were flawless. You could tell they enjoyed the story they were delivering. Jacob Morgan is one of my favorite male narrators. His voice is music to my ears.
 
4 short-but-sweet Stars!
NOLA504NERDS BLOG

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vertical is a novella about Jasmine and Avi, and it is only a small part of their story, but it is enough to lure you in and leave you wanting more!

Jasmine was once the victim of human trafficking and now she's made it her mission to save other girls from the same fate. Vertical is the story of one of her undercover ops. Posing as a high end exotic dancer in a billionaire's den of debauchery comes with its own dangers in and of itself, add in the fact that Jasmine has hacked into their system to execute her operation and the risk is far greater.

Enter Avi, Jasmine's ex and partner, who Jasmine reaches out to when she believes she's been made. Avi will do anything to keep Jasmine safe, no matter what. Will they save the girls? Will they escape? Will the pedophiles be brought down? You'll want to read this and the upcoming books featuring Jasmine and Avi, as well as their partners, to find out.

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently caught a Facebook Live recording a week old and took time to listen to this fave author of mine. When she mentioned this book, I realized I had not read it. Searched for it on my iPhone and there it was unread! I started it and I must say that this was more thriller than romance, unlike her other books. The heroine had to put out an SOS-type message "hemlock" only he would recognize to Ari, the ex-fiance she left at the altar months ago. He responds immediately all the way from Sydney back to the US, locating her, hacking into the elaborate setup by an English company in a town with legal prostitution to auction sex trafficked girls, getting them both caught and handcuffed to chairs. I would not call 'cliffhanger' but the love between the two did not come to a happy ever after ending but with a promise of a future book. I won't hold my breath but I will hope for an ARC. Blade's writing never disappoints!

[Kat W · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was my introduction to Kilby’s writing and I really enjoyed it. This story is low on the steam, there’s some suggestion and a smidgey bit but it’s more about the plot and the characters. It’s a short listen, only a few hours long and I enjoyed the change of pace from my usual audiobooks.

Jasmine is working as a pole dancer and as one myself I appreciated that Kilby did her homework and the references to what we wear, use and how demanding it is on your body are authentic. It’s a plot driven story, with lots of secrets. She’s undercover but has to call her ex-fiance Avi to come get her out of the mess she’s gotten herself into.

I enjoyed the pace of the story, it was quick but didn’t feel rushed. This is the third book in the Gilded Love Series and as always I’m listening out of turn. I haven’t listened to the first 2 in the series but this is a standalone so it didn’t matter.

Grab this story for a quick, action packed story that will hold your attention for sure.

[LA Loves RomComs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Kilby Blades. Each of her books is so different, but they are all fast-paced, full of character development, and feature characters that are so interesting that you don't want to stop listening.

Vertical may be short, clocking in at just over 3 hours, but there is so much action and intrigue in this book that really packs a punch. Jasmine finds herself in trouble when she goes undercover on her own, and the one person that she turns to save her is her ex-fiance, Avi. Avi leaps into action, but the two of them soon find themselves in some pretty hot water. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their love for each other is still there, despite parting awkwardly when Jasmine left Avi at the altar.

This was such a fun listen. Humor, action and heat all in a great mix. Narration by Jacob Morgan and Nicole Small was perfect for this book. Nicole had all the sass and determination that you expect in a character like Jasmine.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Due to her past Jasmine is determined to help vulnerable women who are being taken advantage of so she has decided to go undercover as an exotic dancer with no backup. When her plan goes sideways, she contacts the one person she trusts who also happens to be her ex-fiance.

Avi and Jasmine were partners on the job, and he wanted them to be partners in life until she ended her engagement with no explanation but when she reaches out he knows the situation must be dire and he isn’t about to let any harm come to the woman he still loves.

As soon as Jasmine and Avi reunite you realize that there is a lot more to their past than we know as their feelings and need to protect each other are stronger than ever as they take us on a suspenseful ride. The narrators did a great job with enhancing the personalities of the characters and the situation they found themselves in.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time introduction of Kilby Blades’s audiobooks and this a short listen, a novella, 3rd book of Glided series. It was quite fulfilling to me. I haven’t listen to book 1 or 2 but I truly enjoyed it considering it was well-packed of adventure and thrills. I truly love the undercover operation plot- Avi and Jasmine’s story. Jacob Morgan and Nicole Small’s narrating performance brought it truly to life. They truly made me believe the characters’s journey having a history together and the chemistry they have with one another. What I love about this story is Jasmine is very clever, sassy, & a badazz kind of heroine and that keeps me wanting to keep listening, what will happen next. It’s more suspenseful moments than romance, FYI. Overall, yes, it’s only a few hours of pure bliss but it’s that good!

[Anelise | 2kidsandagoodbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a quick listen but has lots of detail for the length. It is an action packed story of Avi who we briefly met in Snapdragon and Chrysalis and his former fiancé who left him at the alter, Jasmine. Jasmine is all about taking down human trafficking rings and returning the girls back to where they came from. Avi being the BA hacker he is is able to receive a SOS from Jasmine to come rescue her.

I really liked the premise of the story and how everything went down but I do wish it had been longer and we got more of Avi and Jasmine together especially for the amount of details that were included. Overall it was good but different than the previous stories in the book and I had hoped for more of a story with Avi rather than this one situation and how he saves Jasmine.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Vertical" is a novella set in the Gilded Love world. It's different set up from the first two and I loved it. It was more on the suspenseful side and I could not stop listening to find out what happened.

I loved how passionate Jasmine was about her job. She was giving everything she had to save the girls that were endangered. And even calling in her ex, Avi, to help when things went sideways. The tension and attraction they felt was super hot. This was a great story and I hope we get more from them in her future books.

Jacob Morgan was amazing, per the norm. He was great as Avi. Nicole Small was the perfect choice for Jasmine. She brought Jasmine's personality and determination to life.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed reading. This is book is part of a series that I look forward to going back to read the previous books. The author's writing style and attention to details made the story easy to read. This is a story about Jasmine and Avi. She left him at the alter only to call him from across the world with a human trafficking problem that has gone very wrong. I enjoyed their chemistry throughout which made the story engaging and hard to put down. They are connectable characters that brought the story to life. I enjoyed watching their growth and what they added to the story. This is a great story that I truly enjoyed and I highly recommend. You don't want to miss what happens with these two.

[Claudia Pinillos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so short but so good!!

I listened to this audiobook while running errands today and was able to read it from start to finish before I ever made it home, which I absolutely loved. I loved Avi and Jasmine and almost wish we had more of them. For what it was and for the story it was telling, it was perfect, but I certainly wouldn't complain if we got to go on a couple more adventures with these two.

I was soo hooked on the story right away. Jasmine is super focused on her mission and she's a little bit reckless, but she's determined to make a change and you can't fault her for that. While this book is the third book in this series, it can certainly be read as a standalone novella.

[BabyGotBooks22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much is on the line in Vertical. Loosely picking up where books one and two leave off in the Gilded Love Series, this novella follows Avi and Jasmine, the woman who broke his heart.

This story was about far more than jilted love. Its focus was on the fierce heroine who was determined to stop a human trafficking ring.

I enjoyed Blades’ previous works in this series, but I felt like this book could have been made even better had it been longer. If some sections were expanded it would have been dynamite!

Morgan and Small's narration did not disappoint. If you are looking for a quick, enjoyable listen or read, look no further.

As Always, Happy Reading!

“4/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super quick undercover romantic drama
A second chance romance with a little bit of undercover drama as Jasmine goes solo to try and unravel a human trafficking ring. When she finds herself in a sticky situation as she poses as an exotic dancer, she calls on her ex, Avi, to come and save the day (or not). Narration by Jacob Morgan (swoon), and Nicole Small, who work beautifully in sync with each other as they try to escape the luxury mansion they’ve infiltrated. Quick thinking and some stealthy moves in this super quick, super enjoyable novella. Works well on audio thanks to some excellent narration.

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action packed addition to this series. This is Avi and Jasmines story. Finally! Avi is still broken hearted when he receive a code word from Jasmine. He is drawn into action to find and rescue her and her mission of taking down a human trafficking ring and saving the women involved. He is hoping she doesn’t further destroy what is left of his heart while saving her and those around her. He jumps into action. It’s filled with suspense, is somewhat of a thriller with some romance thrown in. Short great listen that ended too soon. Await the next in the series.

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance Novella
I listened to the audio version of this book.
This isn't a continuation of the first two books in this series because this book doesn't have the same characters in it but Michael from the first two books & his situation is mentioned. Jasmine wants to take down a human trafficking group but gets in over her head. She calla the only person she thinks might help her, her ex-fiance, Avi, who she left at the alter. Will Avi come to rescue her? Will they get a second chance for their love? Jacob Morgan and Nicole Small really bring Avi and Jasmine to life.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance with action and adventure.
Standalone with no Cliffhangers.
Jasmine is a solo girl, she tried a relationship but she wasn't good enough for him, she's damaged goods. She will just stay alone, to bad she still works with her ex. She had gotten herself into trouble and needs Avi, but will he come?
Avi loved Jasmine more than anything, but she walked away from their wedding. Now she needs his help, will he make it in time?
This book involves trafficking girls, just a heads up if that's a trigger.
I listened to this on Audible.

[Brenda Gibbons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good novella - Audiobook Review 🎧
I really loved the first 2 books in this series, but I didn't love this one as much. Given it's a novella, there is still enough time to make it a compelling story, but I just felt like there was something missing here. I love that Jasmine is a strong woman that has overcome a lot and wants to help women. I am glad that she called Avi for help and he stepped in for the assist, considering their past. The story did get better towards the end and I give the it 3-1/2 ⭐. Narration was great!

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book review
Book 3 in the series. It’s a short listen but a fantastic one Kirby the author Wrote a story that will grab your attention. It’s very well detailed that you think your part of the story.
Heroine is Jasmine. Hero is Avi

Jasmine needs Avi help with an issue. Last time Avi saw Jasmine was right before her wedding. Did she get married. Jasmine Is an undercover agent. To make it real she has no choice but to call on Avi . Grab it and see what her assignment is.


Jacob Morgan, and Nicole Small performance is great . You were able to tell who was who by the tone

[Secret Romance Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob and Nicole do a fantastic job narrating the characters for Avi and Jasmine in this fast paced adventure full of twists and the sweet mending of a broken heart. I was left with lots of questions regarding Avi’s lost love and what his future held from Gilded Love books 1 and 2, this dangerous quick story filled that gap and I was not disappointed. Jasmine’s heart is in the right place when she engages to take down a human trafficking ring but she is reckless in her execution. With one word, Avi drops everything to go rescue the girl that ran away but can he protect his heart?

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, liked the characters, but too short. Jasmine is undercover trying to infiltrate a human trafficking ring when everything goes haywire. She manages to send an SOS to Avi, her ex-fiance. So much to this story is left unexplained. There is a happy ending but I would have liked much more substance. Jasmine is a great character, but oh so stubborn. Avi is in love and determined to save her. Like I said, good book but could have been twice as long.

[Team Starlite · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself is good, but I would have prefered to get to know Avi and Jasmine better. There was little about Jasmine, but nothing about Avi.
We heard a bit of them in book 1 and 2 (especially Avi), but still nothing from the past.

I liked that Jasmine is working against the cruelty she survived in her past - and that she doesn't give up.

Book 3 is a nice extension to the first two books.