Originally published by Black Opal Books - April 2012.
Alexa Martinez was raised to believe that murder, deceit, and lies were a part of life. A trained killer, she follows in her father’s footsteps, specializing in political assassinations for Martinez Security—contracted through the CIA. She thrives on the power, money, respect, and—most of all—the adrenaline rush. Despite the danger associated with her profession, Alexa strives to give her children a normal life.
But when her past catches up with her, they become pawns in a deadly game of revenge. Operating from a secret base five levels below ground, Alexa struggles to unravel the puzzle, uncovering secrets that will alter their lives forever. Now she must make a choice—is she willing to die to give her children a life outside the bullet proof glass?
Alexa Richardson-Martinez is a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and a trained killer. While she’s put her work aside to concentrate on raising her family, things turn in an instant when she realizes that they are all in danger. Unfortunately, with such a vast resume, Alexa and her family are unable to pinpoint where the threat is coming from. As the story switches from past to present day, we’re privy to a teenage Alexa; her brother Lei; close friends, Chase, Kendrick and Dro, and how they grew up. You learn that as children they were already destined to live a certain way. As they fell into their destinies, they also determined to make things better. Now that someone is out to get them, will they be able to identify and remove the threat before it’s too late?
What I enjoyed was the intensity of the story. BASEMENT LEVEL 5: NEVER SCARED is on some serious Bond-ish. What I didn’t like about the story is that you don’t right away meet the entire cast. You almost want to ask if there was a BASEMENT LEVEL 1 that you didn’t know about. So as the story goes, you feel as if you’re behind the curtain. As the story goes into past mode, Alexa’s the lone female and her safety is each of the guy’s main concern. However, it doesn’t seem probable. As teens, it’s a little difficult seeing them as this sophisticated hit team with more power than the law. Also, it would be best if the author used a Spanish translation for Spanish words versus telling us what so and so spoke, in Spanish.
While I liked BASEMENT LEVEL 5: NEVER SCARED by L. R. Wright, there were issues in editing that definitely need to be addressed. I also did not care for the nice and tidy ending.
Basement Level 5: Never Scared was amazing. I was captivated from the first page and I kept wondering why the heck I hadn’t read it sooner.
I love a strong female heroine, and you can’t get any stronger than kick ass Alexa. This woman took power, control and strength to another level. The fight scenes increased my heart rate as I read them because they were so awesomely written.
I don’t do spoilers, so I’ll just say that if I wasn’t so afraid of Alexa, I would totally want to steal the hero away from her. He was just so sexy, loving, intelligent, and alpha that I wanted him to be real. The relationship between Alexa, the hero, and the supporting characters was amazing. Each person had their own story, but it blended into one wonderful novel.
Ms. Wright surprised me so much with the twists and turns that I stopped trying to anticipate what was going to happen and let her take me on the wild ride that was her novel.
The one thing I had difficulty with was liking known killers so much. It placed me in the gray area. I kept thinking that I should condemn her somehow, but Alexa and the crew were so likable and justified in so many ways that I couldn't judge their past. Instead I rooted for their future.
If you want a smooth, well written, action packed novel with some sweet steamy romance, then this book is for you. I highly recommend it.
Basement Level 5 Never Scared is one of the better goodreads that I have won, and most of them are very good. I enjoyed the fact that the Alpha female in the book was on an equal setting as her male counterparts without loosing her femininity. She was tough and hard in her role as an assassin but very feminine with her children and protective of them in a crisis. I was drawn in from the very 1st page until the last page. When she finally gets her family out of the fallout from the past. Ms Wright you are giving Lee Child a run for his money. Great Job. Looking forward to more form you. Keep up the good work. Cheers
A story of family, loyalty and undying love! This book had me on edge but in a great way. My emotions got the best of me during several moments in this amazing story. By the end of the book I was in love with all the characters and wanting more. L.R. Wright did an outstanding job developing great characters, a well-written plot with many twists and turns. I cannot wait to read what she writes next! Great job! I will be recommending this book to my friends.
Alright, soooo, this was actually very good. It was a bit confusing at first given all of the characters and no idea who was who nor how they were all related. Some of the grammatical errors were also distracting. However, with that said, this was still a very interesting story. Unlike others, I actually found the jumps back in time helpful to explain what was going on and the history behind the actions and reactions of the characters. And there are A LOT of characters.
To start, we have Alexa who is the main character. Not that some of the others were not significant, such as Dro, but she was the main focus with the others supporting her. Alexa is married to Dro, but that isn't obvious at first because there was Chase and Nicholas. Then there was Kendrick and Lei, who we later learn are her best friend and brother, respectively, and are themselves married. There were also a passel of kids, and several other family members...sisters, sister in laws, parents, etc. All of them are either related by blood, or by circumstances. They all worked for the Martinez Organization in some way, shape, or form. Talk about confusing. There were different aspects of the "family" business too, and getting my head around that took awhile. Due to Alexa's past and her involvement in the family business, she was being targeted by someone or a group of people, and they were not concerned with endangering her whole family to get to her. The family business wasn't always legal, and her role as a hired killer did not make for an easy life once she settled down and started a family. Her family made enemies over the years, and someone was not looking to settle a few scores.
It was very fast paced, but surprisingly moved at a rate that wasn't overwhelming. If you got around the grammar issues, and once you got to know the characters, reading to understand the WHY and the WHO was intriguing. The family drama was also interesting. I honestly don't know how Dro stood her relationship with Kendrick, nor even Chase. Not that she did anything wrong, but that had to be hard. Especially for a Latin man. I can say that I do agree with one other reviewer. The Spanish parts would have worked better if the author had just written those parts of the story in Spanish, with a translation as needed (for the more uncommon words). However, "Te Amo" is something many people can probably figure out so writing "I love you" in Spanish just seemed a bit redundant. Now, that did only happen up until about midway through the book, but it was weird. The other part that was a little stiff for me was the sex scene at the start between Dro and Alexa. It didn't flow as smoothly as the rest of the book did. Aside from that, if you like a good mystery / suspense, then this book should be up your alley.
As the only daughter of a special ops assassin and trained killer herself, Alexa was reared in a family where death and deceit were considered commonplace. A member of the family business, Alexa is tasked to complete the top-secret jobs that the CIA trusts no one else with. Amid a series of methodical plots to eliminate her, Alex struggles to figure out who is threatening her and why. As she also struggles to maintain her mental stability, Alexa ponders all of the wrongdoing that her family has committed over the years and how it will affect her children. She becomes weary of the dangerous life they have been so accustomed to and longs to relocate to start a much safer and happier life. Once her father reveals some information that sheds light on the attacks against her, fears are heightened and they begin to realize how deep their family issues actually run and the high costs they may have no choice but pay.
Basement Level 5: Never Scared by L.R. Wright was an extremely action-packed read. From the first chapter, you are immediately pulled into the high-octane chase that has become Alexa’s life. As she attempts to make sense of all that is happening, the reader is forced to take the journey with her. Not knowing what is going to occur around each corner, along with other unexpected twists and turns, added to the successful use of suspense techniques in this story. In addition, I loved how the author portrayed real life lessons. Even among family, loyalties can be challenged. The multiple points of view sealed the deal for me as you get to learn the tension experienced by other characters as they all fought for one common goal – protecting their family at any cost. I would strongly recommend this title for those who are action lovers. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Wright.
This was excellent in details, story lines and a great mystery? The fact that Alexa Martinez was born into a legacy of men who worked in a violent world seems surreal. It comes to mind that the Gotti or other crime families living in a fish bowl world,always prepared for unwarranted danger or revenge. While reading this novel I saw the tender love story between the married folks and the love of family, by any means necessary. The story development ran excellent in a suspenseful way leaving you wanting more. I rated this book a 6.0 because of the excellent details of living the life of a organized family caught up in specializing in political assassinations. The fact that our heroine is a female is an added plus. The plot of the story keeps you guessing until the last page. I loved the fact that race never became an issue most organized families we read or hear on the headlines are people of a Caucasian mix. This story could have taken place in Columbia or Mexico between fighting drug lords. Refreshing to know that people of color fight until the end as well.
I would recommend this book for those that love a great mystery. Go sit out on a nearby beach and enjoy Alexa Martinez and the crew as they clean the wreckage of their past. Enjoy the twists and the turns as you figure out who was eliciting criminals to get at the Martinez families.
Basement Level 5: Never Scared was a great read from start to finish. L.R. Wright took a family of assassins, made them likable, vulnerable and human, which is a hard thing to do. Kudos to Ms. Wright for doing such a great job getting inside the complex minds of the Martinez family.
The action was fast paced and the love story between the hero, Dro and Heroine, Alexa was told perfectly in flashbacks, giving us a vivid picture of how the decisions they've made in the past, put them in their current situation. It's a tale of twists and turns that will hold your interest until the unexpected ending.
A small warning. It's a bit violent at times. Nothing over the top, but what goes hand in hand in organized crime.
Having said that, pick up a copy, sit on the beach and enjoy a great summer read!
Want a fast-paced, page-turning suspenseful book, then you have to read this book.
Alexa is one helluva kick-ass heroine as a member of a family of assassin who will do just about anything to protect her family. This story certainly brings a new perspective to the term 'protecting your family' where security is the family business.
I don't want o give away the plot of the story but you can expect heart-thumping action from the very first page to the last. Alexa has to be the stand-out and most-developed character in this book, although there is a big cast of characters. You quickly understand that they are all linked up and wonder who is the 'mole' in their midst. And you learn how wonderful having a network of people you trust can be.
The anticipation level is high as you turn the pages and you won't want to stop until the end.
Basement Level Five: Never Scared is a fantastic book! It was fast paced and kept my interest with plot twists and turns at every page. Ms. Wright did a great job building characters that I cared for. The relationship between Alexa and her husband was well done with great flashbacks that led up to their romance. Alexa's relationship with her partner was believable and relatable. I love the fact that even though this woman is an assassin, Ms. Wright was able to portray her as vulnerable when it came to her family. It's a quick read and well worth the time spent enjoying it. I highly recommend picking up this book!
I liked it a lot. I’m thinking of adding a BL5 under my house—you know with the forthcoming zombie apocalypse and all—unless L. R. Wright could convince The Martinez family to let me in their safe house.
I thought the story was pulled together great. I enjoyed how Wright intertwined the past and present so well. I’ve read other stories that attempted this and failed. I’ve never read anything under “Women’s fiction” before, though I felt NEVER SCARED was a straight up action thriller. Don’t be afraid. Give this book a read.
There were many aspects of this story I enjoyed - the speed of the story, the non-girly female lead and of course the ending - however I felt this book was lacking in detail. The first half I was a bit miffed - there was little in way of character description and I felt I couldn't attach myself to any of them. The second half I started to enjoy it a bit more.
All in all, a decent book but next time I would like a little more detail with characters, backgrounds and surroundings.
I loved the YA Fearless series by Francine Pascal. This book seemed like the adult version, if Gaia got married and had children, trying to have a normal life. Both books have fathers that trained their daughters to be killers, and the consequences of those actions. Basement Level 5: Never Scared is told in present day with corresponding flashbacks. There are twists and turns as the danger closes in on the large extended family. This is a well-written, dangerous mob tale.
In this spy thriller Alexa Martinez is a Boss, and along with her husband Dro their story makes for a sitting on the edge of your seat night of intrigue.
The two of them along with an interesting and colorful family got some things to figure out to make sure they remain ahead of danger and deception. It’s a puzzle that twist and turns until it’s surprising end.
With the supporting cast having their own issues going on, a series could easily be birthed from this story and I hope that becomes a thing.
I thought I had read most, if not all of Elle Wright’s books. I don’t know how I missed this jewel! Alexa and Dro went through a lot before they actually became a couple. They both were from very powerful families. Alexa was one “kick ass” woman! She never backed down from a fight! I must admit, this book gave me all the feels! It also kept me on the edge of my seat! Great job Mrs. Wright!! ❤️🔥
Recently, I had the opportunity to read a body of work from author Elle Wright that is a little different from what we have become accustomed to. She has re-introduced us to a darker side of her pen...
If you are now having an imaginary pearl clutching moment, you can relax. This is still a well-written story with memorable characters you've come to expect from this author. In fact, I could see a path for more of these characters. While it has a love story in its midst, I caution you to try to place it on a romance shelf.
Alexa Martinez was raised to believe that murder, deceit, and lies were a part of life. As a trained assassin and not only enjoys her work but very good at it. Now motherhood and wanting a better life for her family have caused a shift in her thinking about her chosen profession.
Will motherhood be enough for her to get a clean getaway or will the pass pull her back into her secret life?
I recommend this page-turner for your reading pleasure. You will enjoy this suspenseful adventure and once you start, it will be hard to put down with the anticipation of wanting to know what's next.
This was an okay kind of thriller that certainly kept things moving throughout and never slowed its pace but which was hampered, in my honest opinion, by a cast of all too easily forgettable characters. I found Alexa and her fellow family members to be slightly lacking in personality and for me, this made this book something of a struggle to complete. The constant flash-backs quickly became very annoying and often provided an unwelcome distraction from the main plot, this despite proving to be somewhat necessary to help explain the motives behind why everything was happening. For me though, despite their necessity, the flashbacks often just served to break up the flow and quickly became an intrusion that I would have preferred to circumvent.
I enjoyed this read.. it took a bit for me to get all the characters down and remember who was who. I thought the story was interesting. I like the flash backs it helped to fill in some of the blanks.
Alexa is the main. Even though I though dro should have been. LOL
I will that there if I go it to all the people in this book and how they are all related to each other it will just get confusing. There are many different aspects of the family business to that can confuse you also.
But keep reading It doesn’t get better and you do figure it all out. Just takes a bit of time. To wrap your head around it all. If you like suspense and action this book is for you.
Basement Level 5: Never Scared LR Wright 3 stars Appropriate for teens +
I was frustrated with this book. There is a good plot, it is technically well written, but I did not enjoy it. My problem with the book is that every other chapter is a flashback. Flashbacks can be used, but in my opinion, if they are used this much, the book should have been started at an earlier time in the main character's life and then brought into the present. Unfortunately, I could not enjoy the book as written, even though it tells an interesting story. I do not want to give it less than three stars, though, because this is a pet peeve of mine, not a problem with LR Wright's writing.
Unlike anything I've ever read....Basement Level 5: Never Scared is an action packed, Mafia love story that tells an interesting tale of FAMILY LOYALTY. I most appreciated the frequent flashbacks and undying love between Dro and Alexa. However, I thought there were a few too many characters, confusing relationships and unanswered questions.
As LR Wright most def has a knack for keeping her reader's on edge, I look forward to EyeCU Reading & Social Network's February Q & A with the author!
Basement Level 5 by L.R. Wright was a fast-paced, action-packed ride. It took me a couple chapters to catch on to all the characters in this story but then it was game on. The plot twists and turns kept me guessing right until the very end.
This here story is everything you wouldn’t expect coming but can’t help but to enjoy. This action packed story held me captive until the very last line. I couldn’t help but love Alexa and her whole crew. Wright did her thing with this.
This here story is everything you wouldn’t expect coming but can’t help but to enjoy. This action packed story held me captive until the very last line. I couldn’t help but love Alexa and her whole crew. Wright did her thing with this.
Good entertaining story from the beginning through the end. Loved the characters, especially Alexa and Dro, and how the author told their story from childhood to adulthood. Some secrets, lies, murder and romance and more. A page turner.