What do you think?
Rate this book
Cold Justice #7
Cold Secrets
An FBI agent risks her heart and closely guarded secrets in this pulse-pounding Romantic Thriller from New York Times bestselling author Toni Anderson.
Computer expert Ashley Chen joined the FBI to fight against evil in the world—evil she experienced firsthand. She has mad skills and deadly secrets, and once she starts working with straight-shooting FBI agent, Lucas Randall, she also has big trouble. After years of pushing people away, she's finally falling for someone. The feeling is entirely mutual, but as Ashley intensifies her online pursuit of an international trafficking ring, her traumatic past collides with her present and suddenly Lucas can't tell which side she's on. As the case escalates into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, it turns out Ashley isn't the only one with something to hide.
If neither can trust the other with their secrets, how can they trust each other with their hearts?
2018 finalist in the Book Buyer’s Best contest for “Romantic Suspense and Mystery with Romantic Elements."
This edition features a brand-new cover.
Computer expert Ashley Chen joined the FBI to fight against evil in the world—evil she experienced firsthand. She has mad skills and deadly secrets, and once she starts working with straight-shooting FBI agent, Lucas Randall, she also has big trouble. After years of pushing people away, she's finally falling for someone. The feeling is entirely mutual, but as Ashley intensifies her online pursuit of an international trafficking ring, her traumatic past collides with her present and suddenly Lucas can't tell which side she's on. As the case escalates into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, it turns out Ashley isn't the only one with something to hide.
If neither can trust the other with their secrets, how can they trust each other with their hearts?
2018 finalist in the Book Buyer’s Best contest for “Romantic Suspense and Mystery with Romantic Elements."
This edition features a brand-new cover.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2017
1417 people are currently reading
1607 people want to read
About the author
Toni Anderson
88 books3,260 followersNext Release: COLD HEAT
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
BUY LINKS:
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Toni Anderson® writes gritty, sexy, FBI Romantic Thrillers, and is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Readers' Choice, Aspen Gold, Book Buyers' Best, Golden Quill, and National Excellence in Romance Fiction awards. She’s been a finalist in The Vivian Contest and the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, and also in the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Thrillers.
Her books have been downloaded more than three million times.
Best known for her Cold Justice® books perhaps it’s not surprising to discover Toni lives in one of the most extreme climates on earth--Manitoba, Canada. Formerly a Marine Biologist, she still misses the ocean.
In January 2016, she visited FBI Headquarters in Washington DC, including a tour of the Strategic Information and Operations Center.
For more information about Toni:
Website: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com
Store: https://toniandersonshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonianderson...
TikTok: tiktok.com/@toni_anderson_author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toni_anders...
Newsletter: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Start reading Toni's award-winning, bestselling Cold Justice® series with A COLD DARK PLACE.
If you want to know when Toni's next book will be out, visit her website https://www.toniandersonauthor.com or sign up for her newsletter https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
BUY LINKS:
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Toni Anderson® writes gritty, sexy, FBI Romantic Thrillers, and is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Readers' Choice, Aspen Gold, Book Buyers' Best, Golden Quill, and National Excellence in Romance Fiction awards. She’s been a finalist in The Vivian Contest and the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, and also in the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Thrillers.
Her books have been downloaded more than three million times.
Best known for her Cold Justice® books perhaps it’s not surprising to discover Toni lives in one of the most extreme climates on earth--Manitoba, Canada. Formerly a Marine Biologist, she still misses the ocean.
In January 2016, she visited FBI Headquarters in Washington DC, including a tour of the Strategic Information and Operations Center.
For more information about Toni:
Website: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com
Store: https://toniandersonshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonianderson...
TikTok: tiktok.com/@toni_anderson_author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toni_anders...
Newsletter: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Start reading Toni's award-winning, bestselling Cold Justice® series with A COLD DARK PLACE.
If you want to know when Toni's next book will be out, visit her website https://www.toniandersonauthor.com or sign up for her newsletter https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
November 30, 2018
4 Secret Family Shame Stars
May Have Mild Spoilers
Wow did Cold Secrets take me on a dark ride or what??? This book jumped straight into dark no wine and dine. However I wouldn't call this book a dark read per se, just dealt with a dark theme. The opener has Lucas, an undercover FBI Agent, entering a sex slave house asking for a young girl. Toni Anderson must have done her research, the sex trafficking plot was very detailed and felt realistic. To know this kind of stuff happens in the real world gave the book an extra spine chilling factor. It was like watching Law and Order SVU, but sexier. Cold Secret had very hard to read moments, as it dealt with child sex slavery, sex trafficking, and gruesome murders. On a side note, I didn't read any other book in this series and had no problem following this book, so it can be read as a stand alone.
Lucas Randall was all that was yummy. Brave, honorable, sexy, and caring he was a true hero. I love how close he was to the girls he saved. Lucas was playful, sweet and really wanted to save the world. I fell hard for Lucas. Ashley Chen was harder to connect to. She was hiding something and it made it hard to get a clear picture of who she really was. I could tell she wanted to prove herself and make a different in the world. However she was also cold, and closed off at times. Ashley would push Lucas away, and I didn't know why for the longest time. Which bothered me, I didn't like Lucas getting hurt even a little. Once Ashley's secret was out I totally got why she lied and hid her past and I could forgive her coldness towards Lucas.
Lucas and Ashley had tons of sexual tension. Their connection was fast and hard, but it didn't feel rushed like a insta-love, mainly because Ashley fought it for so long. When they did finally get together omg it was hot. Lucas was a beast! I loved the secondary character Alex Parker. I checked and he is the hero from book 1, which I plan to go back and read as soon as I can. Alex didn't play a huge role in this book but there was something about him that got me intrigued. The plot was really, really good. On the darker side but really entertaining. The bad guys were evil and creepy, even more so because there are really people like them out in the world. The only reason this book wasn't a 5 star read for me was Ashley took a while to warm up too. The plot and Lucas were spot on and I really enjoyed this read.
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
May Have Mild Spoilers
Wow did Cold Secrets take me on a dark ride or what??? This book jumped straight into dark no wine and dine. However I wouldn't call this book a dark read per se, just dealt with a dark theme. The opener has Lucas, an undercover FBI Agent, entering a sex slave house asking for a young girl. Toni Anderson must have done her research, the sex trafficking plot was very detailed and felt realistic. To know this kind of stuff happens in the real world gave the book an extra spine chilling factor. It was like watching Law and Order SVU, but sexier. Cold Secret had very hard to read moments, as it dealt with child sex slavery, sex trafficking, and gruesome murders. On a side note, I didn't read any other book in this series and had no problem following this book, so it can be read as a stand alone.
Lucas Randall was all that was yummy. Brave, honorable, sexy, and caring he was a true hero. I love how close he was to the girls he saved. Lucas was playful, sweet and really wanted to save the world. I fell hard for Lucas. Ashley Chen was harder to connect to. She was hiding something and it made it hard to get a clear picture of who she really was. I could tell she wanted to prove herself and make a different in the world. However she was also cold, and closed off at times. Ashley would push Lucas away, and I didn't know why for the longest time. Which bothered me, I didn't like Lucas getting hurt even a little. Once Ashley's secret was out I totally got why she lied and hid her past and I could forgive her coldness towards Lucas.
Lucas and Ashley had tons of sexual tension. Their connection was fast and hard, but it didn't feel rushed like a insta-love, mainly because Ashley fought it for so long. When they did finally get together omg it was hot. Lucas was a beast! I loved the secondary character Alex Parker. I checked and he is the hero from book 1, which I plan to go back and read as soon as I can. Alex didn't play a huge role in this book but there was something about him that got me intrigued. The plot was really, really good. On the darker side but really entertaining. The bad guys were evil and creepy, even more so because there are really people like them out in the world. The only reason this book wasn't a 5 star read for me was Ashley took a while to warm up too. The plot and Lucas were spot on and I really enjoyed this read.
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
February 10, 2017
This book definitely started off with a bang! No lead up, no playing around. The author dumps us right into the middle of the plot and doesn't hold back any punches.
COLD SECRETS was an intense, suspenseful romantic story. Lucas and Ashley were FBI agents on a task force to take down a human trafficking ring in Boston. In the midst of their investigation, they can't fight the undeniable attraction that sparks between them.
I enjoyed the many elements that were explored to detail everything about the investigation. I even liked the fact that Ashley was so blunt when it came to racism, prejudice and racial profiling (she was half-American and half-Chinese). I'm not sure if everything that happened would be entirely accurate, but it was definitely entertaining. There was never a dull moment and this book read like a true TV crime drama, which was awesome because that is my favorite genre to watch!
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
POV: Multiple - 3rd person
Steam: 2 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone - Book 7 of the Cold Justice series
COLD SECRETS was an intense, suspenseful romantic story. Lucas and Ashley were FBI agents on a task force to take down a human trafficking ring in Boston. In the midst of their investigation, they can't fight the undeniable attraction that sparks between them.
I enjoyed the many elements that were explored to detail everything about the investigation. I even liked the fact that Ashley was so blunt when it came to racism, prejudice and racial profiling (she was half-American and half-Chinese). I'm not sure if everything that happened would be entirely accurate, but it was definitely entertaining. There was never a dull moment and this book read like a true TV crime drama, which was awesome because that is my favorite genre to watch!
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
POV: Multiple - 3rd person
Steam: 2 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone - Book 7 of the Cold Justice series
March 11, 2020
Cold Secrets by Toni Anderson is book 7 in the Cold Justice series this is a great series but you always find one book in there your not that bothered about and this is the one ,I flew through it wanting to get to the end and glad I did because we see some of the older characters we know.
It's still a great Romantic thriller but it was a little repetitive in some place but also still edge of your seat fun.
I'm definitely enjoying this series and can't wait for the next one,it's also a series worth recommending
It's still a great Romantic thriller but it was a little repetitive in some place but also still edge of your seat fun.
I'm definitely enjoying this series and can't wait for the next one,it's also a series worth recommending
February 5, 2017
ARC Review
FBI Agent Ashley Chen has a secret and it’s a big one. This secret is why she leads a solitary life and keeps her colleagues at arms-length. Her latest assignment takes her to Boston to assist in the investigation of a sex slavery/human trafficking ring. This puts everything Ashley is protecting on the line. Further complicating the matter is this hard-to-resist agent, Lucas Randall. Lucas is a straight arrow who has to make some tough decisions during the course of this case that makes him uncomfortable. One of his biggest puzzles is Agent Chen. He knows she is hiding something, but at the same time, he cannot help his attraction. Is she a part of the problem or a part of the solution?
If there ever was a knight in shining armor, it would be Lucas Randall. You may remember him from A Cold Dark Place. He is an FBI agent out of North Carolina. He is the quintessential agent. Handsome, well-built with an All-American quality, he attracts women, but he is no player. He is in Boston following up on a lead for his case when he is roped into an undercover operation. He is part of a sting to take down a sex slavery ring. Things get ugly pretty quickly and he saves one of the captives, but other law enforcement lives are lost. He is determined to find not only the perpetrators, but the leaders of this illegal international trade.
The chemistry between the two main characters is sizzling. The author always manages to take two seemingly incompatible personalities and make them combust. Although the attraction is immediate, true feelings do not come easily to Ashley’s heavily guarded heart:
Both Lucas and Ashley have to fight for this relationship. Ashley’s secrets threatened to derail whatever is developing between the two of them and her reasons for keeping distance are valid. But this is a romance, so, of course, we have a happy ending!
One of the things I like most about this series is the struggle the protagonists go through to do the right thing. Situations getting a little murky, especially when they are chasing evil villains. Nothing is ever fully cut and dry and sometimes compromises are made. Even Lucas, who has the best of intentions, does not escape unscathed. Like in real life, answers are not always easy, and it the struggle to reconcile competing values is what makes the characters truly human.
I also give kudos to the author for diversifying her leading characters in the last two books. The hero in her last book, Darsh Singh, is an Indian from Great Britain and Ashley is an inter-racial American born of part Chinese descent. Toni Anderson acknowledges the challenges faced by an Asian American woman in law enforcement. There are small, subtle details included that highlight her unique experiences. For example, it is not always clear what part of a person’s culture and experiences influence a decision: That ingrained need for parental approval never left no matter how old she got. She didn’t know if it was because she was an Asian-American female or because she was an insecure orphan. Whatever it was, it sucked. It adds an additional layer that is relevant and wholly appreciated.
This romantic suspense rolls out in a very clever manner. The plot is as twisty and turny as San Francisco’s Lombard Street. There is plenty of tension and excitement. Even though it is early in the year, I already know that Cold Secrets is on my top books for the year. Yes, it is that good.
Originally posted at Scandalicious Book Reviews.
FBI Agent Ashley Chen has a secret and it’s a big one. This secret is why she leads a solitary life and keeps her colleagues at arms-length. Her latest assignment takes her to Boston to assist in the investigation of a sex slavery/human trafficking ring. This puts everything Ashley is protecting on the line. Further complicating the matter is this hard-to-resist agent, Lucas Randall. Lucas is a straight arrow who has to make some tough decisions during the course of this case that makes him uncomfortable. One of his biggest puzzles is Agent Chen. He knows she is hiding something, but at the same time, he cannot help his attraction. Is she a part of the problem or a part of the solution?
If there ever was a knight in shining armor, it would be Lucas Randall. You may remember him from A Cold Dark Place. He is an FBI agent out of North Carolina. He is the quintessential agent. Handsome, well-built with an All-American quality, he attracts women, but he is no player. He is in Boston following up on a lead for his case when he is roped into an undercover operation. He is part of a sting to take down a sex slavery ring. Things get ugly pretty quickly and he saves one of the captives, but other law enforcement lives are lost. He is determined to find not only the perpetrators, but the leaders of this illegal international trade.
The chemistry between the two main characters is sizzling. The author always manages to take two seemingly incompatible personalities and make them combust. Although the attraction is immediate, true feelings do not come easily to Ashley’s heavily guarded heart:
The kiss had been a rare act of whimsy on her part, a way of satisfying her curiosity. A way of exorcising her interest in the man and putting out the flames that had started to burn between them. Reality never lived up to fantasy. Disappointment was comforting in its familiarity.
Both Lucas and Ashley have to fight for this relationship. Ashley’s secrets threatened to derail whatever is developing between the two of them and her reasons for keeping distance are valid. But this is a romance, so, of course, we have a happy ending!
One of the things I like most about this series is the struggle the protagonists go through to do the right thing. Situations getting a little murky, especially when they are chasing evil villains. Nothing is ever fully cut and dry and sometimes compromises are made. Even Lucas, who has the best of intentions, does not escape unscathed. Like in real life, answers are not always easy, and it the struggle to reconcile competing values is what makes the characters truly human.
I also give kudos to the author for diversifying her leading characters in the last two books. The hero in her last book, Darsh Singh, is an Indian from Great Britain and Ashley is an inter-racial American born of part Chinese descent. Toni Anderson acknowledges the challenges faced by an Asian American woman in law enforcement. There are small, subtle details included that highlight her unique experiences. For example, it is not always clear what part of a person’s culture and experiences influence a decision: That ingrained need for parental approval never left no matter how old she got. She didn’t know if it was because she was an Asian-American female or because she was an insecure orphan. Whatever it was, it sucked. It adds an additional layer that is relevant and wholly appreciated.
This romantic suspense rolls out in a very clever manner. The plot is as twisty and turny as San Francisco’s Lombard Street. There is plenty of tension and excitement. Even though it is early in the year, I already know that Cold Secrets is on my top books for the year. Yes, it is that good.
Originally posted at Scandalicious Book Reviews.
November 24, 2023
Not Her Best
Prch Amz Aug. 21, 2019
3.5 Stars
Definitely not her best book in this series.
The main problem was the repetitive internal thoughts of both MC's. It slows the pace down to a crawl.
This is dark and deals with human trafficking. So be aware if you have problems reading about that.
I forgot how serious her stories are. There is no humor to lighten the story at all.
The heat for me was spot on. I very much enjoyed the intimate scenes between the MC's. There was a lot I liked.
BUT
The repetitive parts needed to be deleted out. That would have made the intensity of the story stand out better and the reading smoother. It would have kept my attention better.
I'm actually eager to read the next book. I read the preview of the 1st chapter at the end of this book and it had chills going down my spine.
Prch Amz Aug. 21, 2019
3.5 Stars
Definitely not her best book in this series.
The main problem was the repetitive internal thoughts of both MC's. It slows the pace down to a crawl.
This is dark and deals with human trafficking. So be aware if you have problems reading about that.
I forgot how serious her stories are. There is no humor to lighten the story at all.
The heat for me was spot on. I very much enjoyed the intimate scenes between the MC's. There was a lot I liked.
BUT
The repetitive parts needed to be deleted out. That would have made the intensity of the story stand out better and the reading smoother. It would have kept my attention better.
I'm actually eager to read the next book. I read the preview of the 1st chapter at the end of this book and it had chills going down my spine.
August 21, 2019
Currently free at Amazon...a good time to try this author...
This is one of the best RS series I read. The books are consistently entertaining and well written. I wasn't too crazy about the instalust and we-can't-be-together-because-we-work-together trope in the beginning; but that fortunately passed quickly and we got into the meat of the story. The child sex trade plotline was definitely unpleasant, but well done. Ashley also had a pretty painful secret past that added also added tension to the plot.
Great FBI romantic suspense series.
This is one of the best RS series I read. The books are consistently entertaining and well written. I wasn't too crazy about the instalust and we-can't-be-together-because-we-work-together trope in the beginning; but that fortunately passed quickly and we got into the meat of the story. The child sex trade plotline was definitely unpleasant, but well done. Ashley also had a pretty painful secret past that added also added tension to the plot.
Great FBI romantic suspense series.
May 11, 2018
I am not a fan of books with human trafficking and sexual slavery. I don't like them - not al all. I go out of my way to avoid them. So, why did I not only read this book but spend my hard earned money? I really love Toni Anderson. She writes a well researched, intelligent Romantic-Suspense with smart, hot characters and this one does not disappoint. This is a great book, but is was tough to like Ashley in the beginning.
Lucas Randall is an FBI Agent in Boston following a lead for a case when he is sent undercover to rescue an 8 year old from a sex trafficking ring. He had no idea what a disaster that op would become. This isn't your ordinary ring that would fold its' tent and sneak off to reopen in another location. These baddies firmly believe in the "scorched earth" method and plan to leave no loose thread alive. Finding these monsters is high priority for Lucas and the FBI.
When computer expert Ashley Chen is sent to Boston to assist in the investigation of the trafficking ring, she views this as a way to make an impact and further her career. She has unbelievable cyber skills and knows there is no where the Baddies can hid on the web where she can't find them. When she meets Lucas the attraction is instant, hot and mutual. No problem, right? Wrong. Ashley carries around some big secrets that, if they come to light, will be the end of her FBI career and maybe her life too.
Lucas Randall is an FBI Agent in Boston following a lead for a case when he is sent undercover to rescue an 8 year old from a sex trafficking ring. He had no idea what a disaster that op would become. This isn't your ordinary ring that would fold its' tent and sneak off to reopen in another location. These baddies firmly believe in the "scorched earth" method and plan to leave no loose thread alive. Finding these monsters is high priority for Lucas and the FBI.
When computer expert Ashley Chen is sent to Boston to assist in the investigation of the trafficking ring, she views this as a way to make an impact and further her career. She has unbelievable cyber skills and knows there is no where the Baddies can hid on the web where she can't find them. When she meets Lucas the attraction is instant, hot and mutual. No problem, right? Wrong. Ashley carries around some big secrets that, if they come to light, will be the end of her FBI career and maybe her life too.
November 27, 2019
3,5 stars
not my favorite in the series
it is also a bit harder to read at least for me
not my favorite in the series
it is also a bit harder to read at least for me
May 26, 2017
3 stars is the best I can to. Good and bad storyline..
I loved the beginning of this book. It was thoroughly exciting from Lucas entering the brothel to the explosion that killed so many. Though I didn’t feel the least bit sorry that the madam was killed, but I was glad he saved the two young girls.
Also, I just finished a book about two pedophiles just before this one then opened this to see it was the same kind of story, only a little worse. This one is about human trafficking involving kids AND about the bad guy, Yu Chang who’s 73, who was so excited because the niece who had faked her own death is still alive and he wants to screw her so badly. YUCK! And the computer nerd who works for the bad guy was repeatedly raping the 13 year old girl who had been held in captivity for 2 years, after her mother gave her to them to pay off a gambling debt. Again, YUCK! This was working on being good story for a while but I was beginning to think it was a little too much for me. I just wanted to get off the kids and screwing the niece and onto something else.
When I finished this book I was so glad it was over, and even though I’ve read 12 or 14 of Ms. Anderson’s books this would not be one of my favorites of hers. It was just too, too much about child rape, child sex slaves, child abuse; you were beat over the head with it constantly.
Plus, at 92% Lucas was sooo in love with Ashley but he was still arguing with himself about whether or not he really trusted her. Really?
And there was soooo much prejudice going on around Ashley it was utterly ridiculous. Jeez, how long have American men been marrying Asian women without any problem whatsoever? You’d have thought Ashley had just came over from China and been flagged as a spy instead of her being an FBI agent for the past several years. The remarks about and to Ashley made the book less enjoyable.
The bad guys, Yu Chang, Andrew, Brandon and Rabbit were some of the most evil men I’ve ever read about so Ms. Anderson did do a good job with the evil-doers. Who all got what they deserved at the end.
There were a couple of explicit sex scenes in this and the F-bomb was used 64 times.
As to the narration: Eric Dove is awesome! With voices and emotions.
I loved the beginning of this book. It was thoroughly exciting from Lucas entering the brothel to the explosion that killed so many. Though I didn’t feel the least bit sorry that the madam was killed, but I was glad he saved the two young girls.
Also, I just finished a book about two pedophiles just before this one then opened this to see it was the same kind of story, only a little worse. This one is about human trafficking involving kids AND about the bad guy, Yu Chang who’s 73, who was so excited because the niece who had faked her own death is still alive and he wants to screw her so badly. YUCK! And the computer nerd who works for the bad guy was repeatedly raping the 13 year old girl who had been held in captivity for 2 years, after her mother gave her to them to pay off a gambling debt. Again, YUCK! This was working on being good story for a while but I was beginning to think it was a little too much for me. I just wanted to get off the kids and screwing the niece and onto something else.
When I finished this book I was so glad it was over, and even though I’ve read 12 or 14 of Ms. Anderson’s books this would not be one of my favorites of hers. It was just too, too much about child rape, child sex slaves, child abuse; you were beat over the head with it constantly.
Plus, at 92% Lucas was sooo in love with Ashley but he was still arguing with himself about whether or not he really trusted her. Really?
And there was soooo much prejudice going on around Ashley it was utterly ridiculous. Jeez, how long have American men been marrying Asian women without any problem whatsoever? You’d have thought Ashley had just came over from China and been flagged as a spy instead of her being an FBI agent for the past several years. The remarks about and to Ashley made the book less enjoyable.
The bad guys, Yu Chang, Andrew, Brandon and Rabbit were some of the most evil men I’ve ever read about so Ms. Anderson did do a good job with the evil-doers. Who all got what they deserved at the end.
There were a couple of explicit sex scenes in this and the F-bomb was used 64 times.
As to the narration: Eric Dove is awesome! With voices and emotions.
September 28, 2017
The seventh book in the Cold Secrets series by Toni Anderson. FBI Agent Lucas Randall goes undercover to find an eight year old kidnapped girl that leads him to a brothel, only to have everything go wrong, costing the lives of many when a bomb explodes and barely escapes with his own. Ashley Chen is a computer expert for the FBI but many distrust her due to her Asian blood. (Asians were involved in the sex trafficking). Ashley does have secrets, though.
Another great read by Ms. Anderson. Due to an injury I cannot write a long review.
Another great read by Ms. Anderson. Due to an injury I cannot write a long review.
February 7, 2017
It has been a while since the last Cold Justice book, but I’m glad this one came just as the year began.
It’s best to say right out that I’ve always admired Toni Anderson’s writing. Her stories are always credible, well-plotted, well-written and so realistic as they deal with issues that we face today—thrown in with a very hot dose of romance and steamy times. I’ve more or less liked her protagonists as well (some of them clearly more than others) in the Cold Justice series, but ‘Cold Secrets’ is special because I’ve wait so long for Lucas Randall’s book and this good guy didn’t disappoint. I loved his compassion, his need to always do the right thing even as he struggled with his growing feelings for Ashley Chen and her deception and most of all, just how forthright and directly about what he really wanted. Ashley however, was a little harder to like, even though there is a lot to admire about her: strong, determined, headstrong yet these very qualities did eventually lead to unforeseen consequences where others were affected negatively because of her actions.
Yet the biggest surprise I’ve had so far, is the consistent (but never unwelcome) involvement of Alex Parker, the shadowy figure who really spearheaded this series. He remains one of the most standout romantic heroes that I’ve ever read, and I can only say that I’ve more than enjoyed how he keeps popping up even though he’s on the periphery of all the FBI action.
Anderson’s deft handling of gangs and cultural knowledge of the Asian community definitely came through here and I was fascinated to not just go through the twists and turns of the suspense, but also her nuanced representation of this group of people which didn’t fall into any stereotypical depictions at all. Even her villains are as memorable as her heroes/heroines, multifaceted and smart enough to present a challenge.
Overall, ‘Cold Secrets’ is a very satisfying read, but that’s probably because I loved every moment with Lucas and Alex in it.
It’s best to say right out that I’ve always admired Toni Anderson’s writing. Her stories are always credible, well-plotted, well-written and so realistic as they deal with issues that we face today—thrown in with a very hot dose of romance and steamy times. I’ve more or less liked her protagonists as well (some of them clearly more than others) in the Cold Justice series, but ‘Cold Secrets’ is special because I’ve wait so long for Lucas Randall’s book and this good guy didn’t disappoint. I loved his compassion, his need to always do the right thing even as he struggled with his growing feelings for Ashley Chen and her deception and most of all, just how forthright and directly about what he really wanted. Ashley however, was a little harder to like, even though there is a lot to admire about her: strong, determined, headstrong yet these very qualities did eventually lead to unforeseen consequences where others were affected negatively because of her actions.
Yet the biggest surprise I’ve had so far, is the consistent (but never unwelcome) involvement of Alex Parker, the shadowy figure who really spearheaded this series. He remains one of the most standout romantic heroes that I’ve ever read, and I can only say that I’ve more than enjoyed how he keeps popping up even though he’s on the periphery of all the FBI action.
Anderson’s deft handling of gangs and cultural knowledge of the Asian community definitely came through here and I was fascinated to not just go through the twists and turns of the suspense, but also her nuanced representation of this group of people which didn’t fall into any stereotypical depictions at all. Even her villains are as memorable as her heroes/heroines, multifaceted and smart enough to present a challenge.
Overall, ‘Cold Secrets’ is a very satisfying read, but that’s probably because I loved every moment with Lucas and Alex in it.
July 1, 2022
One of the things I LOVE (and believe me there are so many) about Toni Anderson with the Cold Justice series, is the fact that we get to meet the couple before they get their story as the supporting cast in previous books. I was intrigued by Lucas after meeting him in the first book (A Cold Dark Place) so I was super excited to get his story. Ashley Chen (our heroine), a newer FBI agent in the BAU, was already painted with a suspicious brush by Lucas' friend, Alex Parker (hero of A Cold Dark Place) so I didn't didn't know how things were going to shake out with her. She & Lucas are drawn to each other as they work on a human trafficking case that popped off with many law enforcement people being killed at the jump, which is why she's sent in to help. However, while the twists are coming in hot during this story of course, Ashley has big secrets that definitely won't make friends when they come out, and you already know secrets always come out at some point. As Lucas & Ashley try to deny the attraction towards each other, the human trafficking ring is killing off anyone who would give them away no matter how small the information is so my heart rate was high while reading. And OH MY EVER LOVIN' HELL! Ashley's secrets blew my mind completely & then I got mad with the fallout from that for real. I love how each book in the series is different from the others with different issues that real life deals with so I'm telling y'all, buckle the hell up and get these books IMMEDIATELY! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
November 7, 2021
My second read, and still a hot 5 stars!
If you want to be knee deep in intrigue, suspense, romance, smoking hot FBI agents and international sex traffickers, you will not be disappointed with this book. This is a meaty, gutsy, grizzly read, get me? There could be triggers for some people, there are kids involved in the trafficking ring.
Toni has done it again and delivered an action packed, intense story that just makes you want to keep reading way after bedtime! There is conflict between the leads in this story & it's not just an argument, if you're gonna go, might as well go big, right!
FBI Agents Lucas Randall and Ashley Chen are investigating a trafficking ring but the waters become muddy, Agent Chen's past starts catching up with the present and Lucas Randall becomes uncertain about which side Ashley is playing for.
Go read the whole series, at the time of this review, the first book A Cold Dark Place is free on Amazon. The audio is awesome too.
If you want to be knee deep in intrigue, suspense, romance, smoking hot FBI agents and international sex traffickers, you will not be disappointed with this book. This is a meaty, gutsy, grizzly read, get me? There could be triggers for some people, there are kids involved in the trafficking ring.
Toni has done it again and delivered an action packed, intense story that just makes you want to keep reading way after bedtime! There is conflict between the leads in this story & it's not just an argument, if you're gonna go, might as well go big, right!
FBI Agents Lucas Randall and Ashley Chen are investigating a trafficking ring but the waters become muddy, Agent Chen's past starts catching up with the present and Lucas Randall becomes uncertain about which side Ashley is playing for.
Go read the whole series, at the time of this review, the first book A Cold Dark Place is free on Amazon. The audio is awesome too.
June 16, 2021
Wow! This one is complicated! Great plot with lots of twists. Loved it!
September 15, 2018
Loved this 7th book in Toni Anderson's "Cold Justice" series!
December 11, 2016
Anytime Toni Anderson comes out with a new book, my anticipation hits the stratosphere. Her books are so engaging, so provocative and clever, they are a delight for readers who like to have not only their emotions, but their intellect challenged. Cold Secrets meets all those criteria.
Toni is exceptionally thorough with her plot planning and research. Her almost casual introduction of the various law enforcement branches, their area of responsibility, and the different methods of operation, is amazingly subtle and yet informative, without giving you the feeling of reading a textbook. She ensures you have all the information required to tie up the case, along with the heroes of the story.
In Cold Secrets, I would suggest the suspense plot far outmeasures the romantic plot, although the two are intricately entwined. The tension building in both plots greatly enhance the other’s arc, making the conclusion more satisfying.
The romance between Lucas and Ashley is of an almost insta-love variety, but is made quite believable by the almost instant high octane of suspense.
I would have loved to have seen a little more of the people behind the professionals in the case of the two heroes, for my own personal curiosity. The cultural differences, the interracial perceptions and the contrasting upbringing adds an interesting flavor to their relationship.
There is so much background, such important context that makes each of these heroes who they are in and to the story, it’s almost enough to fill a book just with that.
This clearly isn’t a story you can casually flip through, it is one where you need to keep your wits about you, because each turn of the page holds pertinent information and new intriguing twists and turns.
Cold Secrets is tight, potent and stirring fiction, in which Ms Anderson highlights a very real and current issue.
Toni is exceptionally thorough with her plot planning and research. Her almost casual introduction of the various law enforcement branches, their area of responsibility, and the different methods of operation, is amazingly subtle and yet informative, without giving you the feeling of reading a textbook. She ensures you have all the information required to tie up the case, along with the heroes of the story.
In Cold Secrets, I would suggest the suspense plot far outmeasures the romantic plot, although the two are intricately entwined. The tension building in both plots greatly enhance the other’s arc, making the conclusion more satisfying.
The romance between Lucas and Ashley is of an almost insta-love variety, but is made quite believable by the almost instant high octane of suspense.
I would have loved to have seen a little more of the people behind the professionals in the case of the two heroes, for my own personal curiosity. The cultural differences, the interracial perceptions and the contrasting upbringing adds an interesting flavor to their relationship.
There is so much background, such important context that makes each of these heroes who they are in and to the story, it’s almost enough to fill a book just with that.
This clearly isn’t a story you can casually flip through, it is one where you need to keep your wits about you, because each turn of the page holds pertinent information and new intriguing twists and turns.
Cold Secrets is tight, potent and stirring fiction, in which Ms Anderson highlights a very real and current issue.
February 10, 2017
I found out who the mole was in Cold Secrets by Toni Anderson shortly before midnight one night. There was no way I was going to be able to put the book down then! I got it finished and then it took another hour for me to calm down enough to get to sleep.
I spent most of yesterday trying to figure out how to write this review and decided that was a pretty good recommendation.
Lucas is working on little sleep and beating himself up about all of the people who were killed in the bomb, but he and two girls got out alive. He's a loner, but this time he will work with just about anyone but a traitor to bring down the human trafficking.
Agents Ashley Chen and Mallory Rooney are not field agents, but they too will do whatever it takes to bring down the gang. Unfortunately, every time they get a lead, the witness, lead, snitch is destroyed or killed. Mallory and her finance Alex have been in another Cold Justice book, so we already know them. Ashley Chen is new. She hasn't been with the FBI long and is on her last rotation until she can finally work in cyber tech. She also has a secret. A secret that could get her kicked out of the FBI and maybe in prison. She was born Jenny Britton, niece of one of the worse gangs in the world.
I'm not even going to try to describe what happens in this book. It is full of action, plot twists, people devoided of any redeeming qualities, and dedicated agents. There's steamy romance, redemption, and betrayal. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and up past your bedtime!
Make this the next book that you read!
I spent most of yesterday trying to figure out how to write this review and decided that was a pretty good recommendation.
Lucas is working on little sleep and beating himself up about all of the people who were killed in the bomb, but he and two girls got out alive. He's a loner, but this time he will work with just about anyone but a traitor to bring down the human trafficking.
Agents Ashley Chen and Mallory Rooney are not field agents, but they too will do whatever it takes to bring down the gang. Unfortunately, every time they get a lead, the witness, lead, snitch is destroyed or killed. Mallory and her finance Alex have been in another Cold Justice book, so we already know them. Ashley Chen is new. She hasn't been with the FBI long and is on her last rotation until she can finally work in cyber tech. She also has a secret. A secret that could get her kicked out of the FBI and maybe in prison. She was born Jenny Britton, niece of one of the worse gangs in the world.
I'm not even going to try to describe what happens in this book. It is full of action, plot twists, people devoided of any redeeming qualities, and dedicated agents. There's steamy romance, redemption, and betrayal. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and up past your bedtime!
Make this the next book that you read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2016
Cold Secrets brings us back to the dark side of justice and how sometimes lines have to be crossed to make sure the evil is put where it belongs.
The evil this time around is sex traffickers of children. The author opens the story with quite a bang with undercover FBI Agent Lucas Randall going into a brothel to rescue a 8 year old who had recently been kidnapped. This group of traffickers are ruthless and dont care who they kill to keep from being caught. I am still cringing at the ages of the girls that were being used.
The most interesting character though was Ashley Chen who works on the ciber part of crimes for the FBI. Her partner for this case is Mallory from the first book in the series. Ashley has such a strong sense of wanting justice for victims. Its not until the story unfolds that we see why she wants that and that she has been hiding some pretty big secrets.
The story moved along at a pretty fast pace and didnt hold back on the sick and twisted moments. Edge of your seat thriller from beginning to end.
The evil this time around is sex traffickers of children. The author opens the story with quite a bang with undercover FBI Agent Lucas Randall going into a brothel to rescue a 8 year old who had recently been kidnapped. This group of traffickers are ruthless and dont care who they kill to keep from being caught. I am still cringing at the ages of the girls that were being used.
The most interesting character though was Ashley Chen who works on the ciber part of crimes for the FBI. Her partner for this case is Mallory from the first book in the series. Ashley has such a strong sense of wanting justice for victims. Its not until the story unfolds that we see why she wants that and that she has been hiding some pretty big secrets.
The story moved along at a pretty fast pace and didnt hold back on the sick and twisted moments. Edge of your seat thriller from beginning to end.
September 5, 2018
A gripping book with intriguing characters and a surprising plot twist or two I didn't see coming.
Highly Recommend!
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5 stars
Highly Recommend!
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5 stars
March 23, 2022
A really well written crime suspense with a handful of steamy romance scenes. Ashley and Lucas are FBI agents and are investigating a world wide ring of human and drug traffickers - set in Boston and Thailand.
The romance is slow burn and takes a backseat to the main story, but our couple are together a lot of the time, though there are small points of view from a several other characters that make the story move forward. Everything re the criminals seem to be well researched and this author is very good at what she does. There are a lot of secrets involving Ashley's past and they unfold gradually, although we don't really find out much about Lucas's private life at all.
A quite long and interesting book to get your teeth into if you like this genre and there are a few uncomfortable scenes involving a brothel, murders and torture. A couple from a previous book make an appearance - except there might be spoilers from Alex and Mallory's story - eg (they're together - LOL). This book can easily be read as a standalone, although I've been reading in order from the beginning of the series. 4.5 stars.
The romance is slow burn and takes a backseat to the main story, but our couple are together a lot of the time, though there are small points of view from a several other characters that make the story move forward. Everything re the criminals seem to be well researched and this author is very good at what she does. There are a lot of secrets involving Ashley's past and they unfold gradually, although we don't really find out much about Lucas's private life at all.
A quite long and interesting book to get your teeth into if you like this genre and there are a few uncomfortable scenes involving a brothel, murders and torture. A couple from a previous book make an appearance - except there might be spoilers from Alex and Mallory's story - eg (they're together - LOL). This book can easily be read as a standalone, although I've been reading in order from the beginning of the series. 4.5 stars.
February 2, 2017
The 7th book in the Cold Justice series brings to readers a story that drives home the point that Toni Anderson is an author who delivers on all fronts where the romantic suspense genre is concerned. Every single book in this delectable series has been a hit for me, the subject matter that Ms. Anderson takes on in each of the stories being ones that are often difficult to write about with a measure of objectivity and impartiality. In Cold Secrets, Ms. Anderson delves into the world of sex trafficking, especially that of children who gets the short end of the stick where the fastest growing industry in the criminal world is concerned.
It all begins with the hunt for a little girl, where FBI Agent Lucas Randall finds himself going undercover as a john, the girl who is believed to have been kidnapped by an international ring of sex traffickers. The operation goes horribly wrong, with Lucas barely managing save his own life. Thus begins the hunt for a group of people who always seem to be one step ahead of the team of FBI agents allocated for the task, which is how computer expert and FBI agent Ashley Chen finds herself crossing paths with Lucas.
From the moment these two meet, there is an awareness that is almost palpable in the air. Ashley is someone who holds herself aloof and centers her life around work. She believes that the mistakes that she has made owing to wanting “normalcy” has cost her too much in her life and therefore has no intention of saying yes to the answering heat that flares to life deep inside of herself where Lucas is concerned. At first, Lucas is a bit skeptical of the talent and determination that drives Ashley. While Ashley herself is determined that this would be the case that would prove her worth to the establishment, she finds herself drawn deeper into a case that could hit far too close to the lies that has practically defined her past to a point.
Cold Secrets brings forth a multi-layered story, where as each layer is revealed makes the reader go a-ha!, just like that. I believe that that is part of the ingenuity that makes Ms. Anderson the master she is in weaving stories of the kind. The issue of sex trafficking as well as that of pedophilia is handled, both with the kind of sensitivity that won my wholehearted approval. Neither of these issues are easy to talk about, probe into, dissect and discuss. But I believe that in Cold Secrets, Ms. Anderson has definitely done a praiseworthy job of including the pertinent details without getting bogged down in the unnecessary when it comes to the story.
Being the geek I am, I especially loved the tidbits about the technological aspects that Ms. Anderson included in the story. Well researched is how I would conclude all the facets explored in the novel. Considering the fact that Ashley is someone who works on computers and has dreams of becoming part of the cyber-crime security expert team, there is a bit of jargon that needs to be handled in a way that does not bore the less tech savvy members of the readers community. I loved it all. The statistics, the intricate working mechanisms behind the DarkNet, and the role the Tor browser plays in all of it; all of that were intellectually stimulating to this brain of mine.
Another aspect that is part of the Cold Justice series is the way it delves into issues that relates to how the lines between liberty and privacy and the grey areas that agents often have to work around in order to nab criminals whose nefarious tendencies are protected by the letter of the law that they manipulate by using an army of highly paid lawyers. The fact that this requires painstaking work on the part of law enforcement officials, requiring them to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s is one that is at times frustrating, but then again, that is what the justice system is all about. I love how these stories sheds light onto all these aspects without getting procedural about the whole thing. That is one of the many reasons that I would always keep coming back for more where Toni Anderson is concerned.
Another facet of the story that I adored were Lucas and Ashley, both of whom I loved. Lucas is just so darn sexy and admirable in the way that he knows how to “handle” someone as prickly and difficult as Ashley, and I mean that in the best way possible. Lucas is light where Ashley is darkness in comparison. Lucas is open and frank in his interest when it comes to Ashley, but with her, it is a fact that she is constantly warring with herself to not make the same sort of mistake that could be costly as her past had taught her. Even with all that, the sizzling attraction that at times you could cut through with a knife makes it impossible to turn away from and that is exactly what happens to Ashley when it comes to Lucas. The sexual tension was done perfectly well, the scenes of passion just as much! The ending when it came, I could not have asked for anything better.
A job well done, Ms. Anderson!
Rating = 4.25/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
It all begins with the hunt for a little girl, where FBI Agent Lucas Randall finds himself going undercover as a john, the girl who is believed to have been kidnapped by an international ring of sex traffickers. The operation goes horribly wrong, with Lucas barely managing save his own life. Thus begins the hunt for a group of people who always seem to be one step ahead of the team of FBI agents allocated for the task, which is how computer expert and FBI agent Ashley Chen finds herself crossing paths with Lucas.
From the moment these two meet, there is an awareness that is almost palpable in the air. Ashley is someone who holds herself aloof and centers her life around work. She believes that the mistakes that she has made owing to wanting “normalcy” has cost her too much in her life and therefore has no intention of saying yes to the answering heat that flares to life deep inside of herself where Lucas is concerned. At first, Lucas is a bit skeptical of the talent and determination that drives Ashley. While Ashley herself is determined that this would be the case that would prove her worth to the establishment, she finds herself drawn deeper into a case that could hit far too close to the lies that has practically defined her past to a point.
Cold Secrets brings forth a multi-layered story, where as each layer is revealed makes the reader go a-ha!, just like that. I believe that that is part of the ingenuity that makes Ms. Anderson the master she is in weaving stories of the kind. The issue of sex trafficking as well as that of pedophilia is handled, both with the kind of sensitivity that won my wholehearted approval. Neither of these issues are easy to talk about, probe into, dissect and discuss. But I believe that in Cold Secrets, Ms. Anderson has definitely done a praiseworthy job of including the pertinent details without getting bogged down in the unnecessary when it comes to the story.
Being the geek I am, I especially loved the tidbits about the technological aspects that Ms. Anderson included in the story. Well researched is how I would conclude all the facets explored in the novel. Considering the fact that Ashley is someone who works on computers and has dreams of becoming part of the cyber-crime security expert team, there is a bit of jargon that needs to be handled in a way that does not bore the less tech savvy members of the readers community. I loved it all. The statistics, the intricate working mechanisms behind the DarkNet, and the role the Tor browser plays in all of it; all of that were intellectually stimulating to this brain of mine.
Another aspect that is part of the Cold Justice series is the way it delves into issues that relates to how the lines between liberty and privacy and the grey areas that agents often have to work around in order to nab criminals whose nefarious tendencies are protected by the letter of the law that they manipulate by using an army of highly paid lawyers. The fact that this requires painstaking work on the part of law enforcement officials, requiring them to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s is one that is at times frustrating, but then again, that is what the justice system is all about. I love how these stories sheds light onto all these aspects without getting procedural about the whole thing. That is one of the many reasons that I would always keep coming back for more where Toni Anderson is concerned.
Another facet of the story that I adored were Lucas and Ashley, both of whom I loved. Lucas is just so darn sexy and admirable in the way that he knows how to “handle” someone as prickly and difficult as Ashley, and I mean that in the best way possible. Lucas is light where Ashley is darkness in comparison. Lucas is open and frank in his interest when it comes to Ashley, but with her, it is a fact that she is constantly warring with herself to not make the same sort of mistake that could be costly as her past had taught her. Even with all that, the sizzling attraction that at times you could cut through with a knife makes it impossible to turn away from and that is exactly what happens to Ashley when it comes to Lucas. The sexual tension was done perfectly well, the scenes of passion just as much! The ending when it came, I could not have asked for anything better.
A job well done, Ms. Anderson!
Rating = 4.25/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
June 9, 2019
While the subject matter was difficult to read about (and a real ongoing horrific situation), the mystery and characters were really great.
February 19, 2017
Cold Secrets is the 7th book in the Cold Justice series and while it can easily be read as a stand alone it does have reoccurring characters from the previous books. This entire series is fabulous so if you haven't read it - START NOW!
This book has a very dark premise and isn't for the faint of heart but it's written extremely well. The book opens with an edge of your seat, intense scene where undercover FBI agent Lucas Randall is going into rescue an 8 year old girl who has been kidnapped by human sex traffickers. This particular group is ruthless, well organized and willing to do anything to keep their business running. When things go horribly wrong Lucas is assigned to part of a large task force to track down and stop the traffickers.
Part of the task force is Ashley Chen who specializes in cyber investigations. Her partner is Mallory (from the 1st book). Ashley doesn't get close to many people and she's hiding a big secret. Mallory's husband Alex doesn't trust Ashley and he asks Lucas to keep an eye on her.
Ashley and Lucas have an instant attraction and Lucas if very open about the fact that he wants Ashley. Where Lucas is open and upfront, Ashley is reserved and believes her past precludes her being involved with someone else, especially another FBI agent.
It is obvious that the author has done a lot of research and planning for her books and the information about both cyber crimes/investigations and the various branches of law enforcement are realistic and informative without being boring.
I really enjoyed both Lucas and Ashley and while their relationship was a bit insta I still found it believable. I loved that the two characters were raised in a completely different manner and their backgrounds and cultural differences added to their interactions and relationship.
The suspense plot was intense and kept me turning page after page to see where the story would lead. I was intrigued and the twists and turns kept me up late reading because I couldn't find a spot where I was willing to put this book down.
The suspense outshines the romance in this one but the romance is integral to parts of the book and both are intriguing and enhance each other. Overall an intense, edge of your seat fast paced and intriguing book you won't want to miss!
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
This book has a very dark premise and isn't for the faint of heart but it's written extremely well. The book opens with an edge of your seat, intense scene where undercover FBI agent Lucas Randall is going into rescue an 8 year old girl who has been kidnapped by human sex traffickers. This particular group is ruthless, well organized and willing to do anything to keep their business running. When things go horribly wrong Lucas is assigned to part of a large task force to track down and stop the traffickers.
Part of the task force is Ashley Chen who specializes in cyber investigations. Her partner is Mallory (from the 1st book). Ashley doesn't get close to many people and she's hiding a big secret. Mallory's husband Alex doesn't trust Ashley and he asks Lucas to keep an eye on her.
Ashley and Lucas have an instant attraction and Lucas if very open about the fact that he wants Ashley. Where Lucas is open and upfront, Ashley is reserved and believes her past precludes her being involved with someone else, especially another FBI agent.
It is obvious that the author has done a lot of research and planning for her books and the information about both cyber crimes/investigations and the various branches of law enforcement are realistic and informative without being boring.
I really enjoyed both Lucas and Ashley and while their relationship was a bit insta I still found it believable. I loved that the two characters were raised in a completely different manner and their backgrounds and cultural differences added to their interactions and relationship.
The suspense plot was intense and kept me turning page after page to see where the story would lead. I was intrigued and the twists and turns kept me up late reading because I couldn't find a spot where I was willing to put this book down.
The suspense outshines the romance in this one but the romance is integral to parts of the book and both are intriguing and enhance each other. Overall an intense, edge of your seat fast paced and intriguing book you won't want to miss!
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
February 1, 2017
Cold Secrets is my new favorite. The author, Toni Anderson has really outdone this story. From the sex trade to the Chinese tong connection, FBI Special Agent Ashley Chen, a computer expert has joined the FBI to fight the world evils and at the same time tried to stay one step ahead of keeping her past at bay and from her colleagues from finding her secret past.
FBI Special Agent Lucas Randall went undercover tracing an international sex traffickers to find a kidnapped eight-year old girl. Although he was able to rescue the eight-year old girl, he also saved another victim, a teenager from a sex trade. The teenager was his key to tracking down the sex traffickers and he has to keep her alive.
Lucas was warned by Alex Parker not to trust Ashley Chen since Alex has checked Ashley's background and nothing has added up. Ashley also know that Lucas is also hiding something. The question is that if they could trust each other with their secrets and to bring the sex trafficking ring down.
I love that the author, Toni Anderson has written the Cold Justice series with interracial romance element laced with suspense and intrigue. Although reading about the sex trafficking is difficult and at time I do feel anger that it does exist, the author has really researched and written this topic very well. I feel what the characters feel. I even cheered Lucas and Alex to trust Ashley and to save her.
I was given this ARC copy of the ebook by the author and has volunteered to write a review for this book. I was not compensated or influenced by the author in writing this unbiased review.
FBI Special Agent Lucas Randall went undercover tracing an international sex traffickers to find a kidnapped eight-year old girl. Although he was able to rescue the eight-year old girl, he also saved another victim, a teenager from a sex trade. The teenager was his key to tracking down the sex traffickers and he has to keep her alive.
Lucas was warned by Alex Parker not to trust Ashley Chen since Alex has checked Ashley's background and nothing has added up. Ashley also know that Lucas is also hiding something. The question is that if they could trust each other with their secrets and to bring the sex trafficking ring down.
I love that the author, Toni Anderson has written the Cold Justice series with interracial romance element laced with suspense and intrigue. Although reading about the sex trafficking is difficult and at time I do feel anger that it does exist, the author has really researched and written this topic very well. I feel what the characters feel. I even cheered Lucas and Alex to trust Ashley and to save her.
I was given this ARC copy of the ebook by the author and has volunteered to write a review for this book. I was not compensated or influenced by the author in writing this unbiased review.
February 8, 2017
Really good read, fast paced, and thrilling!
Ms. Anderson has certainly done her research on human trafficking and pedophilia (as sick as that seems/is). Well written and hard to put down. No spoilers here, read the book, for that matter read the series!
5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
Ms. Anderson has certainly done her research on human trafficking and pedophilia (as sick as that seems/is). Well written and hard to put down. No spoilers here, read the book, for that matter read the series!
5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
December 7, 2016
For the first third I thought it was slow paced but then what a blast.
I like Lucas very much. It's a 4,5 stars for me.
I like Lucas very much. It's a 4,5 stars for me.
November 2, 2025
3.5 Stars ⭐️
This book started off good, we got dropped right into the story and it immediately gave me goosebumps and I was sucked in. I liked seeing and hearing about all the characters from earlier books, and getting to know our two main characters from this book Ashley and Lucas. Now the plot of this book was good, very disturbing but good nonetheless. My problem was that I felt that the story was dragging a bit too long, at 50% there still hadn’t been a big twist or anything. It took until 65% to finally get to know more about Ashley Chen, and even that happened in a very disturbing way. I liked Lucas for the first half of the book after that he started acting superior to Ashley and acting like he needed to kidnap her to get to the truth. My biggest problem with him was that even after Ashley told them the truth he still didn’t fully trust him, it took until the last chapter for him to fully trust her. For me that doesn’t set a very good standard for a relationship.
Another thing that truly annoyed me was the racism in this book, saying all Asians look the same, acting like anyone with Chinese/Asian features are in Chinese gangs. Alex not trusting Ashley because she was Asian.
I did truly enjoy the end of the book tho, I was hoping that Lucas was going to adopt Becca and the fact that he and Ashley adopted Becca together was so sweet. Excited to hear more about these two in the upcoming books.
A Cold Dark Place | 4.25 Stars ⭐️
Cold Pursuit | 3 Stars ⭐️
Cold Light of Day | 3.25 Stars ⭐️
Cold Fear | 5 Stars ⭐️
Cold In The Shadows | Stars ⭐️
Cold Hearted | 4 Stars ⭐️
Cold Secrets | 3.5 Stars ⭐️
Cold Malice |
A Cold Dark Promise |
Cold Blooded |
This book started off good, we got dropped right into the story and it immediately gave me goosebumps and I was sucked in. I liked seeing and hearing about all the characters from earlier books, and getting to know our two main characters from this book Ashley and Lucas. Now the plot of this book was good, very disturbing but good nonetheless. My problem was that I felt that the story was dragging a bit too long, at 50% there still hadn’t been a big twist or anything. It took until 65% to finally get to know more about Ashley Chen, and even that happened in a very disturbing way. I liked Lucas for the first half of the book after that he started acting superior to Ashley and acting like he needed to kidnap her to get to the truth. My biggest problem with him was that even after Ashley told them the truth he still didn’t fully trust him, it took until the last chapter for him to fully trust her. For me that doesn’t set a very good standard for a relationship.
Another thing that truly annoyed me was the racism in this book, saying all Asians look the same, acting like anyone with Chinese/Asian features are in Chinese gangs. Alex not trusting Ashley because she was Asian.
I did truly enjoy the end of the book tho, I was hoping that Lucas was going to adopt Becca and the fact that he and Ashley adopted Becca together was so sweet. Excited to hear more about these two in the upcoming books.
A Cold Dark Place | 4.25 Stars ⭐️
Cold Pursuit | 3 Stars ⭐️
Cold Light of Day | 3.25 Stars ⭐️
Cold Fear | 5 Stars ⭐️
Cold In The Shadows | Stars ⭐️
Cold Hearted | 4 Stars ⭐️
Cold Secrets | 3.5 Stars ⭐️
Cold Malice |
A Cold Dark Promise |
Cold Blooded |
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2018
Sex trafficking was something I would avoid to read at all times but after reading several reviews, I got the book and despite some gruesome details, I enjoyed the book and happy the perpetrators got their hellfire ever after. There's nothing much to say about the hero, Lucas. He was a great guy from page one to the last but the heroine, Ashley... Wow, just wow. The author did a fantastic job writing her, from the blurb itself you'll guessed that she was hiding something but when the truths were finally revealed... I was a bit dumbstruck. The romance aspect was not much,that was totally okay with me as the thriller/investigation aspects were engaging.
September 11, 2019
AUDIOBOOK edition
I loved being back in Ms. Anderson's Cold Justice world. Suspense, fast paced action, mystery and the twists makes this a story that will make it impossible to stop listening to. There are also a few heart breaking moments when finding out how the young girls were abused, it makes you think how some people are so rotten to the core. Definitely not for the faint of heart. The chemistry is off the charts between the H and h, results in a few hawt scenes. Ashley and Lucas get their HEA, so it ends well... not so much for the bad guys though, they get what is coming to them. - 5 stars
Mr. Dove is masterful with the manipulation of his voice, giving each character its own. Always a delight to listen. - 5 stars
I loved being back in Ms. Anderson's Cold Justice world. Suspense, fast paced action, mystery and the twists makes this a story that will make it impossible to stop listening to. There are also a few heart breaking moments when finding out how the young girls were abused, it makes you think how some people are so rotten to the core. Definitely not for the faint of heart. The chemistry is off the charts between the H and h, results in a few hawt scenes. Ashley and Lucas get their HEA, so it ends well... not so much for the bad guys though, they get what is coming to them. - 5 stars
Mr. Dove is masterful with the manipulation of his voice, giving each character its own. Always a delight to listen. - 5 stars
May 11, 2019
Stories about harm to women, children, animals and child trafficking are horrifically, disgustingly, strong NO's for me. And there was just way too much NO here for me. Too much sicko gritty detail that I just didn't care to read. Wasn't a fan of the romantic relationship either. Won't give away anything else but just didn't find it believable. Skimmed a lot of this one.
I'm sure this is lightweight as far as most readers are concerned. Just not my thing.
I'm sure this is lightweight as far as most readers are concerned. Just not my thing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews