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Nick doesn't want to be a hitman. The mobsters holding his younger sister hostage have other plans. With the threat of her death looming, Nick's only option is to follow orders. Repeatedly.
Getting mugged isn't on Scarlet's agenda when her janky car breaks down, and she opts to walk home rather than pony up for a cab. But being rescued by a dreamy, brooding, knight-in-shining-hoodie almost makes up for it.
Nick's decision to step out of the bloody shadows and be her hero has dire consequences, shifting pieces in a sick game and setting into motion a plan that's decades in the making.
With their smoldering chemistry impossible to fight, Nick's midnight murder trail is at risk of exposure. And wanting what he shouldn’t have could put his heart as the next target, or his loved ones in the crosshairs of a mad-man.
*****
Held is a romance filled novel set in a fictional town with dirty streets and dirtier cops. Run by two mob families with an uneasy truce, Twin Bay is constantly in flux. The anti-heroes and heroines struggle, curse, bleed, and die for the love they so desperately want. Each of these novels has dark themes, intense action, meaningful intimacy, rewarding love, & guaranteed happy endings.
Take a walk on the mob side.
*CONTENT ADVISORY*
This book contains acts of violence, strong language, and situations that some readers might find triggering.
Getting mugged isn't on Scarlet's agenda when her janky car breaks down, and she opts to walk home rather than pony up for a cab. But being rescued by a dreamy, brooding, knight-in-shining-hoodie almost makes up for it.
Nick's decision to step out of the bloody shadows and be her hero has dire consequences, shifting pieces in a sick game and setting into motion a plan that's decades in the making.
With their smoldering chemistry impossible to fight, Nick's midnight murder trail is at risk of exposure. And wanting what he shouldn’t have could put his heart as the next target, or his loved ones in the crosshairs of a mad-man.
*****
Held is a romance filled novel set in a fictional town with dirty streets and dirtier cops. Run by two mob families with an uneasy truce, Twin Bay is constantly in flux. The anti-heroes and heroines struggle, curse, bleed, and die for the love they so desperately want. Each of these novels has dark themes, intense action, meaningful intimacy, rewarding love, & guaranteed happy endings.
Take a walk on the mob side.
*CONTENT ADVISORY*
This book contains acts of violence, strong language, and situations that some readers might find triggering.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2019
6 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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October 10, 2019
"The best thing would be for Scarlet Price and her strong, fearless spirit to forget all about him."
It's the cover that did it for me. Something about the darkness paired with that handsome face and the bold font....I didn't need to know who wrote it or the details in the blurb to know I needed to read this book. I'm new to T.K. Barber, so I had no expectations going in. But after reading that blurb? I just had a feeling it was going to either be a 5 star read or a dud.... there was no in between. Would I love it? Or would it give me little yet take up so much of my time? What awaited me within these pages wasn't simply a read, it was an experience - one not quite like anything I've been through before. There are so many moving parts, all interconnected in both subtle and glaringly obvious ways, that its a puzzle you are desperate to figure out....it takes center stage while the romance part is almost a backstory of such. I thought I would hate it, and at times it took a lot of self-persuasion to continue on..... but in the end it was worth every emotion, both positive and negative.
"Or that the way she stared, like he was some kind of savior, stirred feelings that didn’t belong in someone like him. ‘Cause he knew good and damn well, he was nobody’s hero."
Book Facts:
Told in multi POV, this is book 1 in the Twin Bay Saga, a collection of interconnected standalones that are all told in multi-POV and fantastically mix romance and suspense. Set in Twin Bay, where the streets are ran by two mob families with an uneasy truce. This is the love story of a man forced to be a hitman to save his sister and the woman he becomes a savior to. Little do they know that their chance meeting sets in motion a dangerous game with dire consequences. One that will reveal secrets that weren't supposed to come to light and put them both in the crossfire of very dangerous people. Will it all be worth it? Or will the cost of their love be far too high of a price to pay? Held features dark themes so may be triggering for some readers. There is a guarenteed HEA.
"Her lungs were stuck, and her heart ran wild from the raw passion in his eyes. Raw pain. Raw anger. Raw fear. An entire tortured movie played through them and she was completely transfixed."
Accurate Timeline of Feelings:
starting: I'm so excited yet a little worried....
when have I been this worked up over a
new book/author?
15%: he can't be serious....WTH is wrong w you Nick?
25%: Who is this Thomas and what's his angle? Is he being geniune bc if so he's going on my favs list.
40%: OMG come on Nick..... you know you care for her.
50%: Could it be? Finally some real progress.... this is a puzzle of interconnected people I NEED to solve. Icing on top....Nick, finally dude!
60%: I have a bad feeling. I swear to God if something happens to Thomas I am SO DONE.
75%: oh my GOD!!! seriously the most shocking moment of any book in my entire life!!! holy crap, my stomach is totally in knots. Whyyyy????
85%: alright gangster mama. I knew there was a reason I hadn't put her on my hate list.
95%: omg this is all just too much for my little heart to handle. if I knew this was all waiting for me I would have gotten through the first 50% a lot faster!
finished: what a freaking ride but I need more now! I don't accept Anna's bad luck, I will NEVER forgive Barber.
after reading teaser for Hidden (book 2): I KNEW IT!
5 Favs from Held: Nick & Annalise bond/love & devotion to one another, Katelyn, Annalise & Thomas = GOALS, (Thomas is my fav character but them together is awe), the "Casket" scene (only because it was the most gut-wrenching shock of my literary "life"), Gangster Mrs. Price
Honorable Mentions: Zombie Team, the Boxing Scene
5 Things I Hated: Nick's hot/cold actions, Steven (god I hate him), the "Mirror Shard" scene (it was too heartbreaking---I ugly cried), Charlie, and the fact I have to wait for Hidden (book 2)
Characters (only the two "mains"):
"How far was he going to take this? How far was he going to let her in? How much eventual pain was he willing to take, just to have a few moments of connection? How much longer could he pretend he didn't want to be near her?"
Scarlet Price:
The Facts: 28 year old customer support manager living in Twin Bay. Has overbearing mother, estranged from father. She is a spitfire, very fiesty. She is incredibly brave and strong, she hates asking for help or accepting it. She's funny & sarcastic, very spunky and doesn't hold her tongue. She goes after what she wants. She keeps getting hit with blow after blow yet never gives up, despite her bad luck she remains positive. Her family has secrets she isn't even aware of.
Connection to Nick: He saves her not once but twice, making her see him as a savior/hero. She is instantly attracted to him and desperately wants him to feel the same. She refuses to let him keep himself away from her. She finds herself only feeling truly safe with him. What she doesn't know is that her connection with him goes far deeper and much more heartbreaking than neither of them could imagine.
How I felt about her: She is the example of what a truly strong "perfect" heroine is. I absolutely adored her from my first glimpse of her until the very end.
5 Favs about her: strong fearless spirit, her fiesty attitude and remarks, her "Screw You Nick" speech, she doesn't give up, her selflessness
Fav Quote: “Screw you, Nick!”She interrupted, her nostrils flaring in anger. His head shot up, eyes wide and searching. “W—”“Shut-up! You listen to me. You know I want you, and I know you want me. Quit pushing me away. Literally and figuratively!”She slapped his hands off her hips, and he straightened. She stomped the space between them, grabbed his collar, and jerked his head back down to eye level with her. “Fuck me. Now.”
Nick Lange:
The Facts: 28 year old Mediterranean God who is forced to be a hitman by an unknown (but powerful) person just to keep his baby sister Annalise alive (she was kidnapped and is being held captive). He has a conscience and absolutely hates killing, despite it being "bad" men. He blames himself for his sister's situation since he was at work and not there to protect her. He is a manager of a large hardware store (by day). He is gruff and intense, also broody af. He thinks he doesnt deserve to be happy and refuses to have a relationship with anyone while having to hide being a killer. He tries to do the right thing and is insanely selfless. Gained the nickname The Executioner.
Connection to Scarlet: He saves Scarlet twice and is instantly attracted
to her and feels the strong urge to protect her. Unlike her, he tries so hard to stay far away from her. He believes he will only bring more danger into her life. But he discovers that he has a connection to her that is heart-shattering.
How I felt about him: Its insane just how much he is willing to sacrifice for those he cares for. Its actually heartbreaking to see him deny himself happiness all because he is being forced to do something. I have to admit that there are times in this book he made me want to scream....omg he was infuriating. BUT his reasoning makes sense and he redeemed himself.
5 Favs about him: his relationship with Eliza (Ms. Holbrook), his devotion & love for his little sister, how protective he is of Scarlet, his "I'll murder the world" face (as Scarlet describes it), what a badass he is.
Fav Quote: “Sick . . . fuck . . . you . . . know . . .that?!” Nick shrugged. “Maybe. But I'm not 'rape a woman on the sidewalk' sick. It's all about perspective. Now. Use it in a sentence.”
Favorite Quotes/Highlights from Held:
“No thanks. I get the feeling your kind of fun would only end with me at Doctor Mera’s office getting some unpronounceable cream.” - Scarlet
She whispered excitedly. “Was it awesome? Did he kick his ass? I bet he did. I don't know why I'm whispering, but we're going to go with it.” - Katelyn
But right now, he'd set this whole damn place on fire with everyone in it and hold her hand while they watched them burn, surrounded by their screams.
- Thomas
“You know, if you'd just give me your number, we could avoid this whole 'saving me from the clutches of evil’ thing we've apparently got going.”
- Scarlet
“If you ever . . . EVER touch her again, I’ll hunt you down like the dog you are. And I won't be as nice next time. You'll beg me to kill you, but I won't. I'll just hurt you over and over. I'll only stop when I get tired. Then I'll take a nap. And then I'll hurt your sorry ass some more.” - Nick
Final Thoughts:
Me Currently:
Although I gave this 5 stars that doesn't mean I loved (or even liked) this book from start to finish. In fact, some portions of the first 50% had me questioning if I had made a mistake in how pumped I was to read this. Other times, I would be so convinced I knew who was who and what was REALLY going on to only get frustrated when I realized I wasn't entirely right. Then you bring in the multi POV aspect (5 different characters) and things got confusing a few times. But with that being said, every single decision Barber made was specifically planned to pull off the masterful last 30% or so. The multi POV did take away slightly from the "main" romance, but it also was necessary to create the connections you need in order to feel how you feel in the end (and to WANT Hidden) as well as give key details only those character's POV could give. The slow build of the first half is slightly miserable (romance wise), but make no mistake it's crucial to the plot and 100% worth it.
"The universe was sadistic. That was the only explanation that made sense. It showed him what happy would look like. What it would feel like. What it would taste like. Smell like. Sound like. Then it snatched it away and knocked him straight over the edge he'd walked for so long."
And I am going to say this again, this book is a puzzle....there are so many interconnected pieces, storylines, and characters that everything you are given is valuable information. Even the most subtle or seemingly meaningless information is useful. If you come across a scene that feels unneccessary or extra OR information that seems like rambling or not useful, store it away.......because Barber is a genius at dropping hints that keep you guessing. I was shocked so many times (none like the casket scene), it blew me away..... especially for someone (like me) who is used to figuring out the main twist (or shocker) long before it is revealed. This is one of the rare times that the focus wasn't 90% on the romance side of things and yet for a romance it still worked! It in incredible, truly. Oh and did I mention there is a playlist? Trust me, its an underappreciated extra that I love seeing because it truly sets the tone for the story even more than just dialogue can do.
Overall, I don't just recommend this book, but beg readers to give this a shot. It's going to make you mad, sad, "over it", utterly devastated, and extremely excited (among other emotions)....but I promise no matter how many times your emotions change while reading it in the end, you will be just as thankful that you did. Now bring on Hidden!
"Because even in the darkest of shadows, light can still shine."
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's the cover that did it for me. Something about the darkness paired with that handsome face and the bold font....I didn't need to know who wrote it or the details in the blurb to know I needed to read this book. I'm new to T.K. Barber, so I had no expectations going in. But after reading that blurb? I just had a feeling it was going to either be a 5 star read or a dud.... there was no in between. Would I love it? Or would it give me little yet take up so much of my time? What awaited me within these pages wasn't simply a read, it was an experience - one not quite like anything I've been through before. There are so many moving parts, all interconnected in both subtle and glaringly obvious ways, that its a puzzle you are desperate to figure out....it takes center stage while the romance part is almost a backstory of such. I thought I would hate it, and at times it took a lot of self-persuasion to continue on..... but in the end it was worth every emotion, both positive and negative.
"Or that the way she stared, like he was some kind of savior, stirred feelings that didn’t belong in someone like him. ‘Cause he knew good and damn well, he was nobody’s hero."
Book Facts:
Told in multi POV, this is book 1 in the Twin Bay Saga, a collection of interconnected standalones that are all told in multi-POV and fantastically mix romance and suspense. Set in Twin Bay, where the streets are ran by two mob families with an uneasy truce. This is the love story of a man forced to be a hitman to save his sister and the woman he becomes a savior to. Little do they know that their chance meeting sets in motion a dangerous game with dire consequences. One that will reveal secrets that weren't supposed to come to light and put them both in the crossfire of very dangerous people. Will it all be worth it? Or will the cost of their love be far too high of a price to pay? Held features dark themes so may be triggering for some readers. There is a guarenteed HEA.
"Her lungs were stuck, and her heart ran wild from the raw passion in his eyes. Raw pain. Raw anger. Raw fear. An entire tortured movie played through them and she was completely transfixed."
Accurate Timeline of Feelings:
starting: I'm so excited yet a little worried....
when have I been this worked up over a
new book/author?
15%: he can't be serious....WTH is wrong w you Nick?
25%: Who is this Thomas and what's his angle? Is he being geniune bc if so he's going on my favs list.
40%: OMG come on Nick..... you know you care for her.
50%: Could it be? Finally some real progress.... this is a puzzle of interconnected people I NEED to solve. Icing on top....Nick, finally dude!
60%: I have a bad feeling. I swear to God if something happens to Thomas I am SO DONE.
75%: oh my GOD!!! seriously the most shocking moment of any book in my entire life!!! holy crap, my stomach is totally in knots. Whyyyy????
85%: alright gangster mama. I knew there was a reason I hadn't put her on my hate list.
95%: omg this is all just too much for my little heart to handle. if I knew this was all waiting for me I would have gotten through the first 50% a lot faster!
finished: what a freaking ride but I need more now! I don't accept Anna's bad luck, I will NEVER forgive Barber.
after reading teaser for Hidden (book 2): I KNEW IT!
5 Favs from Held: Nick & Annalise bond/love & devotion to one another, Katelyn, Annalise & Thomas = GOALS, (Thomas is my fav character but them together is awe), the "Casket" scene (only because it was the most gut-wrenching shock of my literary "life"), Gangster Mrs. Price
Honorable Mentions: Zombie Team, the Boxing Scene
5 Things I Hated: Nick's hot/cold actions, Steven (god I hate him), the "Mirror Shard" scene (it was too heartbreaking---I ugly cried), Charlie, and the fact I have to wait for Hidden (book 2)
Characters (only the two "mains"):
"How far was he going to take this? How far was he going to let her in? How much eventual pain was he willing to take, just to have a few moments of connection? How much longer could he pretend he didn't want to be near her?"
Scarlet Price:
The Facts: 28 year old customer support manager living in Twin Bay. Has overbearing mother, estranged from father. She is a spitfire, very fiesty. She is incredibly brave and strong, she hates asking for help or accepting it. She's funny & sarcastic, very spunky and doesn't hold her tongue. She goes after what she wants. She keeps getting hit with blow after blow yet never gives up, despite her bad luck she remains positive. Her family has secrets she isn't even aware of.
Connection to Nick: He saves her not once but twice, making her see him as a savior/hero. She is instantly attracted to him and desperately wants him to feel the same. She refuses to let him keep himself away from her. She finds herself only feeling truly safe with him. What she doesn't know is that her connection with him goes far deeper and much more heartbreaking than neither of them could imagine.
How I felt about her: She is the example of what a truly strong "perfect" heroine is. I absolutely adored her from my first glimpse of her until the very end.
5 Favs about her: strong fearless spirit, her fiesty attitude and remarks, her "Screw You Nick" speech, she doesn't give up, her selflessness
Fav Quote: “Screw you, Nick!”She interrupted, her nostrils flaring in anger. His head shot up, eyes wide and searching. “W—”“Shut-up! You listen to me. You know I want you, and I know you want me. Quit pushing me away. Literally and figuratively!”She slapped his hands off her hips, and he straightened. She stomped the space between them, grabbed his collar, and jerked his head back down to eye level with her. “Fuck me. Now.”
Nick Lange:
The Facts: 28 year old Mediterranean God who is forced to be a hitman by an unknown (but powerful) person just to keep his baby sister Annalise alive (she was kidnapped and is being held captive). He has a conscience and absolutely hates killing, despite it being "bad" men. He blames himself for his sister's situation since he was at work and not there to protect her. He is a manager of a large hardware store (by day). He is gruff and intense, also broody af. He thinks he doesnt deserve to be happy and refuses to have a relationship with anyone while having to hide being a killer. He tries to do the right thing and is insanely selfless. Gained the nickname The Executioner.
Connection to Scarlet: He saves Scarlet twice and is instantly attracted
to her and feels the strong urge to protect her. Unlike her, he tries so hard to stay far away from her. He believes he will only bring more danger into her life. But he discovers that he has a connection to her that is heart-shattering.
How I felt about him: Its insane just how much he is willing to sacrifice for those he cares for. Its actually heartbreaking to see him deny himself happiness all because he is being forced to do something. I have to admit that there are times in this book he made me want to scream....omg he was infuriating. BUT his reasoning makes sense and he redeemed himself.
5 Favs about him: his relationship with Eliza (Ms. Holbrook), his devotion & love for his little sister, how protective he is of Scarlet, his "I'll murder the world" face (as Scarlet describes it), what a badass he is.
Fav Quote: “Sick . . . fuck . . . you . . . know . . .that?!” Nick shrugged. “Maybe. But I'm not 'rape a woman on the sidewalk' sick. It's all about perspective. Now. Use it in a sentence.”
Favorite Quotes/Highlights from Held:
“No thanks. I get the feeling your kind of fun would only end with me at Doctor Mera’s office getting some unpronounceable cream.” - Scarlet
She whispered excitedly. “Was it awesome? Did he kick his ass? I bet he did. I don't know why I'm whispering, but we're going to go with it.” - Katelyn
But right now, he'd set this whole damn place on fire with everyone in it and hold her hand while they watched them burn, surrounded by their screams.
- Thomas
“You know, if you'd just give me your number, we could avoid this whole 'saving me from the clutches of evil’ thing we've apparently got going.”
- Scarlet
“If you ever . . . EVER touch her again, I’ll hunt you down like the dog you are. And I won't be as nice next time. You'll beg me to kill you, but I won't. I'll just hurt you over and over. I'll only stop when I get tired. Then I'll take a nap. And then I'll hurt your sorry ass some more.” - Nick
Final Thoughts:
Me Currently:
Although I gave this 5 stars that doesn't mean I loved (or even liked) this book from start to finish. In fact, some portions of the first 50% had me questioning if I had made a mistake in how pumped I was to read this. Other times, I would be so convinced I knew who was who and what was REALLY going on to only get frustrated when I realized I wasn't entirely right. Then you bring in the multi POV aspect (5 different characters) and things got confusing a few times. But with that being said, every single decision Barber made was specifically planned to pull off the masterful last 30% or so. The multi POV did take away slightly from the "main" romance, but it also was necessary to create the connections you need in order to feel how you feel in the end (and to WANT Hidden) as well as give key details only those character's POV could give. The slow build of the first half is slightly miserable (romance wise), but make no mistake it's crucial to the plot and 100% worth it.
"The universe was sadistic. That was the only explanation that made sense. It showed him what happy would look like. What it would feel like. What it would taste like. Smell like. Sound like. Then it snatched it away and knocked him straight over the edge he'd walked for so long."
And I am going to say this again, this book is a puzzle....there are so many interconnected pieces, storylines, and characters that everything you are given is valuable information. Even the most subtle or seemingly meaningless information is useful. If you come across a scene that feels unneccessary or extra OR information that seems like rambling or not useful, store it away.......because Barber is a genius at dropping hints that keep you guessing. I was shocked so many times (none like the casket scene), it blew me away..... especially for someone (like me) who is used to figuring out the main twist (or shocker) long before it is revealed. This is one of the rare times that the focus wasn't 90% on the romance side of things and yet for a romance it still worked! It in incredible, truly. Oh and did I mention there is a playlist? Trust me, its an underappreciated extra that I love seeing because it truly sets the tone for the story even more than just dialogue can do.
Overall, I don't just recommend this book, but beg readers to give this a shot. It's going to make you mad, sad, "over it", utterly devastated, and extremely excited (among other emotions)....but I promise no matter how many times your emotions change while reading it in the end, you will be just as thankful that you did. Now bring on Hidden!
"Because even in the darkest of shadows, light can still shine."
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2019
HELD is the first in the Twin Bay Saga series that focuses on a mob run town that is occupied by not one, but two rival families. And when I say rival I mean this is a long, deep, and twisted battle between the two that takes NO prisoners. No one is safe from the corruption and devious minds of those in charge.
Unfortunately for Scarlet, she finds this out first hand when she gets mugged one night. Fortunately this turn of events brings a sexy hero to her rescue. The mysterious stranger saves her from a potentially horrible fate and entices her in a way she never expected.
But Scarlet's hero is a rather tortured soul and even though he is completely attracted to his damsel in distress, he knows the complications and dirty reality of his life are far too much for her to be burdened with. So he pushes her away.
Fate, in the form of a rather sinister villain, steps in and not only throws Scarlet and Nick on the path to each other over and over with each interaction steadily growing as the threat surrounding them intensified. Even though the only other woman in Nick's life, his baby sister Anna, is in the grip of a madman and even though he worries the same will happen to Scarlet, the two are helpless to fight the palpable chemistry between them.
Held is the definition of a page turner with a story that grips you by the throat and refuses to let go until the final page.
The good news: This is only book one in a thrilling upcoming series.
The bad news: You've gotta wait a few more weeks for book two!
What you need to do: Run out today and grab a copy of Held then smash the preorder for Hidden because you'll need to find out how Anna's story ends... and it certainly isn't on the last page of Held!
Unfortunately for Scarlet, she finds this out first hand when she gets mugged one night. Fortunately this turn of events brings a sexy hero to her rescue. The mysterious stranger saves her from a potentially horrible fate and entices her in a way she never expected.
But Scarlet's hero is a rather tortured soul and even though he is completely attracted to his damsel in distress, he knows the complications and dirty reality of his life are far too much for her to be burdened with. So he pushes her away.
Fate, in the form of a rather sinister villain, steps in and not only throws Scarlet and Nick on the path to each other over and over with each interaction steadily growing as the threat surrounding them intensified. Even though the only other woman in Nick's life, his baby sister Anna, is in the grip of a madman and even though he worries the same will happen to Scarlet, the two are helpless to fight the palpable chemistry between them.
Held is the definition of a page turner with a story that grips you by the throat and refuses to let go until the final page.
The good news: This is only book one in a thrilling upcoming series.
The bad news: You've gotta wait a few more weeks for book two!
What you need to do: Run out today and grab a copy of Held then smash the preorder for Hidden because you'll need to find out how Anna's story ends... and it certainly isn't on the last page of Held!
October 16, 2019
What would you do to keep a loved one safe?
Held is the first book I have read by T.K. Barber. I was not sure what to expect but the book description looked very interesting plus I always like to discover a new author that I like. So I picked up this book in hopes that I would be right on both things..............and I was!!!
This is a dark and really suspenseful romance story between Nick and Scarlet. Nick is just your normal guy with a heart of gold. He has been raising his little sister and working at a hardware store. That is until it all blows up when his sister is kidnapped and he is forced into a no win moral decision. In order to keep her safe and hopefully get her back he must follow the texts he receives and kill people. This is over and over again as she is held for weeks. After each successful kill he is able to talk with his sister.
One night after one of his late night jobs he sees Scarlet and she needs some rescuing. There is an immediate attraction and fireworks between them but he cannot risk becoming involved with anyone while his life is in chaos. However, they keep encountering each other over and over until finally some things breaks wide open.
Held is a very interesting story-line that held my attention and kept it. I enjoyed reading my first book by T.K. Barber and look forward to reading the next in this series when it is published.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Held is the first book I have read by T.K. Barber. I was not sure what to expect but the book description looked very interesting plus I always like to discover a new author that I like. So I picked up this book in hopes that I would be right on both things..............and I was!!!
This is a dark and really suspenseful romance story between Nick and Scarlet. Nick is just your normal guy with a heart of gold. He has been raising his little sister and working at a hardware store. That is until it all blows up when his sister is kidnapped and he is forced into a no win moral decision. In order to keep her safe and hopefully get her back he must follow the texts he receives and kill people. This is over and over again as she is held for weeks. After each successful kill he is able to talk with his sister.
One night after one of his late night jobs he sees Scarlet and she needs some rescuing. There is an immediate attraction and fireworks between them but he cannot risk becoming involved with anyone while his life is in chaos. However, they keep encountering each other over and over until finally some things breaks wide open.
Held is a very interesting story-line that held my attention and kept it. I enjoyed reading my first book by T.K. Barber and look forward to reading the next in this series when it is published.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
October 12, 2019
Where to begin? This mob suspense STORY will stick with you for days, weeks, and months all the while having you checking the calendar for the release day of book 2. YES! This is a series. And when I saw who the main character was on the cover of book 2, I ugly cried some more. Seriously. All the waterproof mascara, people. Back to this book. So. This book will leave you raw. In the best way. Your feelings are taken on an amazing journey through a story crafted by a master. Really. I felt like I was in that apartment sitting down next to that wicker placemat. Nope. I’m not gonna spoil anymore. This author knows how to tell a story. The characters each have their own story to tell and I am super happy this is not the last we will see of them. It better not be…is it?!?!?!? Great, now I am crying again. Okay, deep breath. I love dark stories where the main charterers walk the line of good and bad so I was HOOKED at the first paragraph. This story will have you screaming and crying and sighing. Nick and Scarlet=HOT. A leading lady who is not afraid to speak her mind. A leading man who wars with his. <3 I cannot wait for book 2.
October 1, 2019
I don’t normally read romance. Having said that, Held is so much more than just a romance novel. There are elements of mystery, suspense, thriller and crime all wrapped up in the love story of Nick and Scarlet. These characters have depth and believability. The plot is quick paced and keeps you wondering what’s around the next corner, a love interest or a gun!
Twin Bay is a seedy, dirty town where law abiding citizens find themselves on the endangered list. I was caught up in the intrigues between the families running this town. Mobsters with hearts and without clash in an escalating cycle of violence and passion that can only end one way. And that way is ... you’ll have to read the book to find out. And it’s just the first book told in this setting.
Held is a stunning novel from an exciting new voice in multi-genre romance. I look forward to TK Barber’s next novel. Five stars all the way!
Twin Bay is a seedy, dirty town where law abiding citizens find themselves on the endangered list. I was caught up in the intrigues between the families running this town. Mobsters with hearts and without clash in an escalating cycle of violence and passion that can only end one way. And that way is ... you’ll have to read the book to find out. And it’s just the first book told in this setting.
Held is a stunning novel from an exciting new voice in multi-genre romance. I look forward to TK Barber’s next novel. Five stars all the way!
October 1, 2019
Wow! First time reading from this author and what a dark treat it was!
If dark Mobster romances are your thing, this is a must read for you.
I loved the multiple POVs and the simultaneous storylines that intersected with one another.
Scarlet and Nick, Tommy and Annalise, and even a few other relationships that are cleverly hinted at.
Extremely violent and gritty environment where true passion and love developed during desperate times.
Well written tale woven to create a deeper storyline that was fast paced, exciting and edgy.
Not all of the answers are given in this book, but no cliffy and a truly satisfying HEA for the main couple Nick and Scarlet.
This was a genuine find!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If dark Mobster romances are your thing, this is a must read for you.
I loved the multiple POVs and the simultaneous storylines that intersected with one another.
Scarlet and Nick, Tommy and Annalise, and even a few other relationships that are cleverly hinted at.
Extremely violent and gritty environment where true passion and love developed during desperate times.
Well written tale woven to create a deeper storyline that was fast paced, exciting and edgy.
Not all of the answers are given in this book, but no cliffy and a truly satisfying HEA for the main couple Nick and Scarlet.
This was a genuine find!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2019
Tk Barber does an amazing job of pulling you into the lives of Nick, Scarlet, Annalise and Thomas. I fell in love with the four of them from the very beginning, but especially Thomas. You feel their pain and heartache as you read Held. Nick and Scarlet are perfect for each other but Thomas and Annalise stole my heart, they are absolutely adorable together. I couldn’t put this book down, I had to know what was going to happen next. TK did a great job at keeping me guessing throughout the book. I never would have anticipated the ending or my broken heart.
October 21, 2019
I am not sure that I even know where to begin writing a review for this because it is truly an awesome experience.
The author did such a great job developing the characters, that I feel like I really know them, and not just the major two characters, but the minor ones too.
I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing, and the ability that the author had to tell me a story that had me wanting this book to go on and on.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
The author did such a great job developing the characters, that I feel like I really know them, and not just the major two characters, but the minor ones too.
I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing, and the ability that the author had to tell me a story that had me wanting this book to go on and on.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
December 23, 2019
This is a fabulous dark, twisty, heart-pounding romance between a forced mob hitman and a woman he rescued. There are secrets, danger, and HOT chemistry. Scarlett and Nick are both extremely likable. You root for them and watching them each kick butt in their own ways and really grow into their roles into this terrifying city Barber built is AMAZING. This is a fast, page-turner that will keep you up at night reading because you have to know what happens. So fun!
September 4, 2019
Her words will leave you spinning, her characters with your heart aching yet somehow full of hope. Nic is a beautifully broken male lead with a complex layer of motivations and triggers, quite literally. Take a deep breath, have the comfort vices ready, and jump into this breathless ride of a T.K. Barber read.
October 2, 2019
Wow a guessing game the whole time, wrong place wrong time, or a hitman with someone else pulling the strings. How Nick, Scarlett, Steven, and Annalise play a part in this story will have you begging for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2019
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. This book was a bit different but still good, I enjoyed the action the twist and the chemistry between Nick and Scarlet.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2020
Held is the start of the Twin Bay Dark Mafia series. And wow what a ride. You will meet some sick and twisted characters and you will meet some characters who really want a different lot in life. Just enough tension and steam to temper a romance readers expectations without crossing over into gregarious sex.
October 9, 2019
A captivating, dark suspenseful romance story. Intriguing well-developed characters. The well-written book kept my attention throughout, enjoyed reading. I have voluntarily chosen to read and review this book.
November 4, 2019
I loved Scarlet & Nick's story. Good characters. Wonderful mafia suspense. This was a new author for me & hope to read many more. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this mafia romantic suspense. The characters are well written and I found myself pulling a bad guy that is really a good guy. I'll definitely be reading more of TK Barber's books.
October 17, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait for more from this book. They have a good page turning relationship. This is my voluntarily review from booksprout.
March 13, 2020
I would call this a DARK romance. A steamy Romance. Down right sexy. The tension that arises from Scarlet and Nick's initial run in...he saves her life....escalates into the many characters lives intersecting in dark places. There are triggers of sexual assaults , Stockholm syndrome, murder, blackmail, manipulation. All sounds not very romantic at all but it is steamy, hot and primal. Nick doesn't have time to keep saving Scarlet from her sadistic co-worker, he needs to save his sister. He can only save her by earning her freedom in the most damning way. I don't want to give too much away on the way the three different couples all need one another to get through. In Nick's own words: "The Universe was Sadistic." On the bright side, chapter 24 will knock your socks off.
October 4, 2019
While I definitely enjoyed parts of this story, the writing itself didn’t have an overly polished feel. I’m not sure exactly how to describe it, but the style made it difficult to truly immerse myself into the story and get lost in the book. That being said, it’s a unique premise with a hero who would be an absolutely great guy... if not for the terrible things he’s been forced to do. I can honestly say that I’ve never read a book quite like this one, and it was quite the ride.
The story follows Nick, a hardware store employee who has spent the last ten years practically raising his little sister. She means the world to him, and when she is held hostage, he would do anything to get her back - and that is most definitely put to the test. Night after night, he’s been getting texts with hits to complete. If he kills the target, he gets a phone call with his sister. The marks started out with guys who are obviously up to no good, but as time wears on Nick starts to question his actions more and more. Just after completing one of the hits, he sees a woman in danger and comes to her rescue. There are instant sparks between them, but Nick would never willingly let a woman into the chaos that is his life at the moment, so as they continue to run into each other he feels he has no choice but to push her away.
Our hero is definitely put into a no-win situation; choosing not to complete the hits means his sister will almost certainly be killed, but continuing to kill others for the sake of one woman is also not an ideal solution. Based on the description of the book, I knew Nick would be put in this position, but seeing it all play out felt pretty dark. His sister has been held hostage for WEEKS, so we’re not talking about one or two murders here; he’s starting to rack up the kills. I’m not sure how a man can justify that, but it’s clear that his sister means everything to him. I think it’s these nuances that really showed the lack of polish in the writing - there’s not a sufficient heaviness to him after he completes the kills; he literally kills a guy and then starts lusting after the heroine 5 minutes later. And when there’s a big reveal later in the book... it all got glossed over very quickly. So while I definitely see potential in the author’s work, I also think there’s some room for improvement.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story follows Nick, a hardware store employee who has spent the last ten years practically raising his little sister. She means the world to him, and when she is held hostage, he would do anything to get her back - and that is most definitely put to the test. Night after night, he’s been getting texts with hits to complete. If he kills the target, he gets a phone call with his sister. The marks started out with guys who are obviously up to no good, but as time wears on Nick starts to question his actions more and more. Just after completing one of the hits, he sees a woman in danger and comes to her rescue. There are instant sparks between them, but Nick would never willingly let a woman into the chaos that is his life at the moment, so as they continue to run into each other he feels he has no choice but to push her away.
Our hero is definitely put into a no-win situation; choosing not to complete the hits means his sister will almost certainly be killed, but continuing to kill others for the sake of one woman is also not an ideal solution. Based on the description of the book, I knew Nick would be put in this position, but seeing it all play out felt pretty dark. His sister has been held hostage for WEEKS, so we’re not talking about one or two murders here; he’s starting to rack up the kills. I’m not sure how a man can justify that, but it’s clear that his sister means everything to him. I think it’s these nuances that really showed the lack of polish in the writing - there’s not a sufficient heaviness to him after he completes the kills; he literally kills a guy and then starts lusting after the heroine 5 minutes later. And when there’s a big reveal later in the book... it all got glossed over very quickly. So while I definitely see potential in the author’s work, I also think there’s some room for improvement.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2020
This sexy, gritty look at the gray areas people possess totally blew me away. The contemporary story is concise and visual, which makes it a gripping read. A hitman with a heart of gold paired with a woman looking for love made for some serious chemistry. Other well-developed characters and the backdrop of a city thick with organized crime set the series up nicely.
Romantic suspense and mob stories are not typically what I'd choose to read, but I am SO happy I took a chance on HELD.
Romantic suspense and mob stories are not typically what I'd choose to read, but I am SO happy I took a chance on HELD.
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