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Cold Justice: The Negotiators #3
Cold Wicked Lies
In an effort to halt an armed standoff, FBI negotiator Charlotte Blood tries to unravel the mystery of a young woman’s death on a remote mountainside. Pity she has to fight her stubborn, sexy, Hostage Rescue Team counterpart every step of the way.
As a highly skilled operative, HRT leader Payne Novak doesn’t have time to play detective or make nice with killers who flout the law. His focus is getting inside the compound and ending the siege as quickly as possible.
Forced to work together, the battle-hardened HRT team leader and the quietly determined negotiator figure out they might have more in common than they anticipated. As the clock ticks, Charlotte discovers there are some dangers she can’t talk her way out of, and the race to unearth long-buried lies becomes a matter of survival for everyone on the mountain.
As a highly skilled operative, HRT leader Payne Novak doesn’t have time to play detective or make nice with killers who flout the law. His focus is getting inside the compound and ending the siege as quickly as possible.
Forced to work together, the battle-hardened HRT team leader and the quietly determined negotiator figure out they might have more in common than they anticipated. As the clock ticks, Charlotte discovers there are some dangers she can’t talk her way out of, and the race to unearth long-buried lies becomes a matter of survival for everyone on the mountain.
404 pages, ebook
First published June 8, 2020
928 people are currently reading
1387 people want to read
About the author
Toni Anderson
92 books3,274 followersNext Release: COLD HEAT
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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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
April 9, 2024
I've given this a B+ for narration and an A- for content at AudioGals - 4.5 stars
Cold Wicked Lies is book three in Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice: Crossfire series, (ETA: this series has been renamed "The Negotiators" since I wrote this review.) which is a spin-off from her long-running Cold Justice series. I recently listened to book one of the Crossfire books, Cold & Deadly and thoroughly enjoyed it; I’ve leapfrogged over book two (which I intend to listen to very soon), but even though characters from other books do appear in others, all the books in both series work as standalones, so I had absolutely no trouble diving straight into this one.
The Crossfire series features characters who work as negotiators in the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Unit, agents who are deployed to manage crisis situations and hopefully bring them to a peaceful resolution through negotiation and co-operation. In Cold Wicked Lies, the CNU is called to a remote mountainside location in Washington State to try to prevent an armed standoff between law enforcement and the inhabitants of a local survivalist compound. When TJ Harrison – son of the group’s leader – stumbles across the dead body of a young woman in the nearby woods, he is discovered by a Federal Wildlife Officer who clearly assumes he had something to do with her death. Scared, TJ runs back home followed by the FWO, who is shot and wounded by someone inside the compound. A gun battle between those on the inside and local Sheriffs and other FWOs ensued, and now the compound is locked down tight – and the last thing the FBI wants is another Waco or Ruby Ridge.
Supervisory Special Agent Charlotte Blood of the CNU is Negotiations Commander for this case, and when she arrives in Washington, she finds her opposite number – the Tactical Commander – has already arrived. She hasn’t worked with HRT Gold team leader Payne Novak before, but the frowns and flat stares he’s sending her way would tend to indicate he doesn’t approve of her. But Charlotte doesn’t care. She’s there to do a job and save lives, not pander to territorial macho bullshit, and if Novak has a problem working with a woman at the same level, then tough.
Payne Novak doesn’t have a problem working with a woman, but the impression he’s got from Charlotte Blood the few times he’s seen her is of someone more likely to bake cupcakes, hold hands and kiss booboos than to play hardball with killers. She clearly doesn’t like him, but they’re in command of this shitshow and they’ll have to work together somehow. After all, it’s not as if their objectives are different; they’re here to end the siege, save lives and protect the innocent. It’s just that they have very different ideas as to go about achieving that.
Their thinly veiled hostility is evident from the start when Novak isn’t pleased at Charlotte’s insistence that they go to view where the body of the young woman was found rather than going straight to the nearby ranch where their command centre has been set up. Her general bonhomie just reinforces his first impression of her as a people-pleaser; Novak’s unexpected and off-the-wall (if you can call stripping naked in the freezing cold to prove you’re unarmed off-the-wall!) actions to retrieve the injured Wildlife Officer cements Charlotte’s initial impression of him as reckless and intent on sidelining her. Her disapproval of his actions doesn’t prevent her from appreciating his toned and muscled naked body though ;)
When Charlotte later expresses her concern about Novak’s handling of that situation to their boss – Incident Commander Steve Mackenzie – he makes it clear that he expects them to learn to work together, or they’ll be pulled off the case. Neither of them wants that, so they’re given an ultimatum. They have to spend the next seventy-two hours shadowing each other – “joined at the hip” as Mackenzie terms it – and at the end of that time, they have to convince him they can work as a team. They have to eat together, sleep in the same room and basically do everything together, something neither of them is happy about as it means they have to ‘take turns’ as to what they do each day when both of them would much rather be spending it with their own teams, analysing, briefing, setting up equipment and drawing up plans.
As it turns out, the ‘shadowing’ idea starts to prove itself surprisingly effective, as it enables Charlotte and Novak to gain an insight as to how the other operates. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story and the way they both learned from each other and found themselves gaining a new respect and admiration for one another. The plot is compelling, with some of the chapters told from TJ’s PoV so we get to see what’s happening inside the compound and realise that there’s something more going on than a group of survivalists determined to face off against government opposition, and there’s a twist near the end I absolutely didn’t see coming.
When it comes to the romance, while the dislike Charlotte and Novak feel for one another at the start is palpable, it’s not long before they realise that there’s attraction there, too, although they both try hard to bury it, because the other is absolutely NOT the sort of person they had ever envisaged themselves falling for. There’s not much time for getting it on in this story, but that felt completely right – I hate books where the leads are in danger but decide it’s okay to stop for a bit of nookie! In any case, the author creates such cracking sexual tension between them that I didn’t feel the book was lacking in sexiness at all. The events of the story take place over just a few days, but there’s such a lot going on and the sense of connection and trust Ms. Anderson creates between the pair is so strong that it feels like the relationship evolves over a much longer period of time.
Eric G. Dove is an extremely experienced narrator with almost 400 titles listed at Audible, but I hadn’t listened to him before I listened to Cold & Deadly a couple of weeks back. He narrates all the Cold Justice books as well as those in this current series, and I enjoyed his performances in both books sufficiently enough to want to listen to more of his work. He has the kind of ‘gritty’ voice that’s perfect for romantic suspense; easy to listen to but with an edge of sorts that works to portray a gruff alpha hero and to convey heightened tension where needed. (I have no idea what it is about that ‘voice-type’ that screams RS to me – it just does!) His pacing and character differentiation are good too; there are quite a few secondary characters in the story – most of them male – and they’re all distinct from one another. If there were any that sounded similar, they didn’t appear in the same scenes, and the main male roles – Novak, Mackenzie and TJ – are all easy to tell apart, with TJ sounding appropriately youthful. Mr. Dove voices female characters convincingly as well, capturing Charlotte’s no-nonsense attitude well, but also conveying the vulnerability and loneliness she keeps hidden.
The siege/hostage rescue plotline is something a bit different to most of the other romantic suspense titles I’ve read or listened to, and I really enjoyed it. Combining a clever, fast-paced plot with an opposites-attract romance dripping with sexual tension, Cold Wicked Lies is a gripping listen and one I recommend wholeheartedly.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
Cold Wicked Lies is book three in Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice: Crossfire series, (ETA: this series has been renamed "The Negotiators" since I wrote this review.) which is a spin-off from her long-running Cold Justice series. I recently listened to book one of the Crossfire books, Cold & Deadly and thoroughly enjoyed it; I’ve leapfrogged over book two (which I intend to listen to very soon), but even though characters from other books do appear in others, all the books in both series work as standalones, so I had absolutely no trouble diving straight into this one.
The Crossfire series features characters who work as negotiators in the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Unit, agents who are deployed to manage crisis situations and hopefully bring them to a peaceful resolution through negotiation and co-operation. In Cold Wicked Lies, the CNU is called to a remote mountainside location in Washington State to try to prevent an armed standoff between law enforcement and the inhabitants of a local survivalist compound. When TJ Harrison – son of the group’s leader – stumbles across the dead body of a young woman in the nearby woods, he is discovered by a Federal Wildlife Officer who clearly assumes he had something to do with her death. Scared, TJ runs back home followed by the FWO, who is shot and wounded by someone inside the compound. A gun battle between those on the inside and local Sheriffs and other FWOs ensued, and now the compound is locked down tight – and the last thing the FBI wants is another Waco or Ruby Ridge.
Supervisory Special Agent Charlotte Blood of the CNU is Negotiations Commander for this case, and when she arrives in Washington, she finds her opposite number – the Tactical Commander – has already arrived. She hasn’t worked with HRT Gold team leader Payne Novak before, but the frowns and flat stares he’s sending her way would tend to indicate he doesn’t approve of her. But Charlotte doesn’t care. She’s there to do a job and save lives, not pander to territorial macho bullshit, and if Novak has a problem working with a woman at the same level, then tough.
Payne Novak doesn’t have a problem working with a woman, but the impression he’s got from Charlotte Blood the few times he’s seen her is of someone more likely to bake cupcakes, hold hands and kiss booboos than to play hardball with killers. She clearly doesn’t like him, but they’re in command of this shitshow and they’ll have to work together somehow. After all, it’s not as if their objectives are different; they’re here to end the siege, save lives and protect the innocent. It’s just that they have very different ideas as to go about achieving that.
Their thinly veiled hostility is evident from the start when Novak isn’t pleased at Charlotte’s insistence that they go to view where the body of the young woman was found rather than going straight to the nearby ranch where their command centre has been set up. Her general bonhomie just reinforces his first impression of her as a people-pleaser; Novak’s unexpected and off-the-wall (if you can call stripping naked in the freezing cold to prove you’re unarmed off-the-wall!) actions to retrieve the injured Wildlife Officer cements Charlotte’s initial impression of him as reckless and intent on sidelining her. Her disapproval of his actions doesn’t prevent her from appreciating his toned and muscled naked body though ;)
When Charlotte later expresses her concern about Novak’s handling of that situation to their boss – Incident Commander Steve Mackenzie – he makes it clear that he expects them to learn to work together, or they’ll be pulled off the case. Neither of them wants that, so they’re given an ultimatum. They have to spend the next seventy-two hours shadowing each other – “joined at the hip” as Mackenzie terms it – and at the end of that time, they have to convince him they can work as a team. They have to eat together, sleep in the same room and basically do everything together, something neither of them is happy about as it means they have to ‘take turns’ as to what they do each day when both of them would much rather be spending it with their own teams, analysing, briefing, setting up equipment and drawing up plans.
As it turns out, the ‘shadowing’ idea starts to prove itself surprisingly effective, as it enables Charlotte and Novak to gain an insight as to how the other operates. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story and the way they both learned from each other and found themselves gaining a new respect and admiration for one another. The plot is compelling, with some of the chapters told from TJ’s PoV so we get to see what’s happening inside the compound and realise that there’s something more going on than a group of survivalists determined to face off against government opposition, and there’s a twist near the end I absolutely didn’t see coming.
When it comes to the romance, while the dislike Charlotte and Novak feel for one another at the start is palpable, it’s not long before they realise that there’s attraction there, too, although they both try hard to bury it, because the other is absolutely NOT the sort of person they had ever envisaged themselves falling for. There’s not much time for getting it on in this story, but that felt completely right – I hate books where the leads are in danger but decide it’s okay to stop for a bit of nookie! In any case, the author creates such cracking sexual tension between them that I didn’t feel the book was lacking in sexiness at all. The events of the story take place over just a few days, but there’s such a lot going on and the sense of connection and trust Ms. Anderson creates between the pair is so strong that it feels like the relationship evolves over a much longer period of time.
Eric G. Dove is an extremely experienced narrator with almost 400 titles listed at Audible, but I hadn’t listened to him before I listened to Cold & Deadly a couple of weeks back. He narrates all the Cold Justice books as well as those in this current series, and I enjoyed his performances in both books sufficiently enough to want to listen to more of his work. He has the kind of ‘gritty’ voice that’s perfect for romantic suspense; easy to listen to but with an edge of sorts that works to portray a gruff alpha hero and to convey heightened tension where needed. (I have no idea what it is about that ‘voice-type’ that screams RS to me – it just does!) His pacing and character differentiation are good too; there are quite a few secondary characters in the story – most of them male – and they’re all distinct from one another. If there were any that sounded similar, they didn’t appear in the same scenes, and the main male roles – Novak, Mackenzie and TJ – are all easy to tell apart, with TJ sounding appropriately youthful. Mr. Dove voices female characters convincingly as well, capturing Charlotte’s no-nonsense attitude well, but also conveying the vulnerability and loneliness she keeps hidden.
The siege/hostage rescue plotline is something a bit different to most of the other romantic suspense titles I’ve read or listened to, and I really enjoyed it. Combining a clever, fast-paced plot with an opposites-attract romance dripping with sexual tension, Cold Wicked Lies is a gripping listen and one I recommend wholeheartedly.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
May 31, 2020
I actually do think there's little that Toni Anderson can't do, especially as she continues to churn out high-quality reads with her FBI Cold Justice juggernaut of a series that doesn't seem to run out of steam.
With 'Cold Wicked Lies’, SSA Payne Novak and Charlotte Blood (cue the bad puns here) run out of road early on—the HRT operator and the negotiator walk opposing paths to conflict resolution. Tough action versus peaceful negotiation forms the basis of their conflict, so much so that their superior forces them to do everything together for 3 days like sullen schoolchildren forced to play nice with each other. I had a little snigger with that, but after this, the case itself takes off as Anderson goes into a believable web of nitty-gritties that makes the police procedural flawlessly absorbing.
The romance between Novak and Charlotte sort of has an instalove feel, considering it’s simply all compressed into a whole 72 hours, forced as they are from the start to be stuck at the hip in an 'enemies-to-lovers' trope. But time is drawn out here with so much happening within this short period of time that you'd think days or weeks have gone by instead; their connection is more stronger instead because of the intense action, their emotions magnified and their mutual-infatuation fast-burning but inevitable.
I loved Charlotte’s ability to tread the line between doing her job and standing up for what she wanted; that Anderson makes Novak the emotionally but somewhat evolved cowardly one (it’s something he readily acknowledges) is just icing on the cake given that there’s already a believable yet likeable female lead that has got to be the book’s highlight.
*ARC by the author
With 'Cold Wicked Lies’, SSA Payne Novak and Charlotte Blood (cue the bad puns here) run out of road early on—the HRT operator and the negotiator walk opposing paths to conflict resolution. Tough action versus peaceful negotiation forms the basis of their conflict, so much so that their superior forces them to do everything together for 3 days like sullen schoolchildren forced to play nice with each other. I had a little snigger with that, but after this, the case itself takes off as Anderson goes into a believable web of nitty-gritties that makes the police procedural flawlessly absorbing.
The romance between Novak and Charlotte sort of has an instalove feel, considering it’s simply all compressed into a whole 72 hours, forced as they are from the start to be stuck at the hip in an 'enemies-to-lovers' trope. But time is drawn out here with so much happening within this short period of time that you'd think days or weeks have gone by instead; their connection is more stronger instead because of the intense action, their emotions magnified and their mutual-infatuation fast-burning but inevitable.
I loved Charlotte’s ability to tread the line between doing her job and standing up for what she wanted; that Anderson makes Novak the emotionally but somewhat evolved cowardly one (it’s something he readily acknowledges) is just icing on the cake given that there’s already a believable yet likeable female lead that has got to be the book’s highlight.
*ARC by the author
March 6, 2023
I'm a reliable fan of Toni Anderson's Cold Justice series. The first spin-off series, Cold Justice: The Negotiators, shifts focus from the FBI's behavioral analyst unit to its hostage negotiation and rescue unit. As far as romantic suspense - which used to be my favorite subgenre but is not always palatable in 2023 America - these series do a lot right.
Like what? Well, the books deliver smart writing, twisty plots and engaging suspense. Even the slower or more obvious mysteries thrill during their climaxes. The characters feel real; the female leads are particularly badass, and there is racial and ethnic diversity. Most importantly, Anderson confronts the fact that law enforcement has villains working alongside heroes. And while there are the done-to-death Russian spies, there are also white supremacist terror cells. It feels relevant.
Alas, my main series-related complaints were unfortunately relevant to this book. Charlotte, lead hostage negotiator, and Payne, lead hostage rescue specialist, go from frosty to friendly as they monitor a mountain compound filled with anti-government survivalists and white supremacists. The feelings weren't too "insta," and they thankfully didn't hop into bed at an absurd time; I hate when competent professionals are overcome by lust during inappropriate situations. Yet I was disappointed when they devolved into angsty teens regarding the romance. Charlotte thought about dating waaay too often - like, when approaching a crime scene?! - and Payne was a grump but not the lovable kind. Moreover, I didn't perceive a strong connection between them. The PDA in front of their boss and co-workers after the big finale just irked me. Professionalism? What's that?
The first book in The Negotiators spin-off was, for me, A+ romantic suspense. Alas, the second and third installments didn't work as well. However, I didn't love every book in the original series, either, so I'll definitely continue this. The fifth book revisits a couple who greatly intrigued me, and that alone will be worth it.
Like what? Well, the books deliver smart writing, twisty plots and engaging suspense. Even the slower or more obvious mysteries thrill during their climaxes. The characters feel real; the female leads are particularly badass, and there is racial and ethnic diversity. Most importantly, Anderson confronts the fact that law enforcement has villains working alongside heroes. And while there are the done-to-death Russian spies, there are also white supremacist terror cells. It feels relevant.
Alas, my main series-related complaints were unfortunately relevant to this book. Charlotte, lead hostage negotiator, and Payne, lead hostage rescue specialist, go from frosty to friendly as they monitor a mountain compound filled with anti-government survivalists and white supremacists. The feelings weren't too "insta," and they thankfully didn't hop into bed at an absurd time; I hate when competent professionals are overcome by lust during inappropriate situations. Yet I was disappointed when they devolved into angsty teens regarding the romance. Charlotte thought about dating waaay too often - like, when approaching a crime scene?! - and Payne was a grump but not the lovable kind. Moreover, I didn't perceive a strong connection between them. The PDA in front of their boss and co-workers after the big finale just irked me. Professionalism? What's that?
The first book in The Negotiators spin-off was, for me, A+ romantic suspense. Alas, the second and third installments didn't work as well. However, I didn't love every book in the original series, either, so I'll definitely continue this. The fifth book revisits a couple who greatly intrigued me, and that alone will be worth it.
June 9, 2020
Cold Wicked Lies is a propulsive thriller wrapped in a searing hot romance. Anderson keeps the twists coming right up to the last page in this story. FBI negotiator, Charlotte Blood is called to a scene in Washington state where conflict has broken out between a compound filled with doomsday preppers and the local authorities after a young girl's mysterious death. Right off the bat, SSA Blood finds herself at odds with the hostage rescue expert, agent Payne Novak. Their boss decides they must find a way to work together or they're both off the case. Both are dedicated to their jobs and neither wants to be pulled off the case, so they agree to work together even if it means being attached at the hip for the duration of the case. As they begin to unravel the mystery behind the girl's death, sparks fly. I'm not a big romance reader but this book has it all: lots of mystery, intrigue, action, police work, conflict, and raw heat between the two main characters. I absolutely loved this! It was a fun, refreshing read with lots of exciting surprises and characters I instantly loved!
June 7, 2020
I was complaining to my man this morning that I hardly got any sleep last night because of reading this early copy I got of this book, and he's like, STOP READING IT! Don't read it tonight! And I'm all NO WAY I have to finish!! It's just madly compelling and page-turny is all! It's sexy and so fascinating and yummy! I love this hostage negotiation stuff, and the hero is so vulnerable yet alpha at the same time. Also, Toni Anderson always delivers on a smart heroine in a big way, which I deeply love.
March 5, 2024
reread because i remember loving this book especially because of our main couple.. they were one of my favorites written by this author ....
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4,5 ⭐
the first two books weren't working for me I'm so glad I continued reading this series because I had so much fun reading this book..loved both the mystery/suspense part and the romance...
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4,5 ⭐
the first two books weren't working for me I'm so glad I continued reading this series because I had so much fun reading this book..loved both the mystery/suspense part and the romance...
August 28, 2020
I have loved everything Toni Anderson has written from her first book on, giving all 4 and 5 Star ratings. This one just didn't live up to that for me. It would have been a solid 4-Star, but I deducted 1/2 a Star and I'll tell you why. Throughout the book both the hero and heroine were all up in their heads over each other. I wouldn't call is angst exactly, but it got darn annoying and broke the flow of the story big time. It's an enemies to lovers trope romance and the plot was great overall.
Charlotte Blood is an FBI negotiator who is called upon to head the team for an armed standoff in remote Washington State and winter is fast closing in. The cause of this standoff is the murder of a young woman and the shooting of a Federal Wildlife Officer and a deputy. It will take all of Charlotte's expertise to be sure that this doesn't end with the FBI Hostage Rescue Team making an armed assault on a fortified compound. She just has to control her counterpart on the HRT and be sure he sees things her way, which could be a problem as these two have never gotten along.
Payne Novak has worked hard to be in this position and he is not going to cede authority for this mission to a negotiator. He knows when send his team in and won't hesitate to do so. Charlotte will just have to deal with it, even if she thinks the only resolution is a peaceful, negotiated one.
When their conflict erupts in front of the man in charge, he orders them to shadow each other for the first 72 hours of this operation. What Charlotte and Novak discover is that each is smart and really good at their respective jobs and that they each have a crucial role to play in the resolution of this conflict, and that sometimes the sparks of anger can ignite a consuming passion.
3 1/2-Stars
Charlotte Blood is an FBI negotiator who is called upon to head the team for an armed standoff in remote Washington State and winter is fast closing in. The cause of this standoff is the murder of a young woman and the shooting of a Federal Wildlife Officer and a deputy. It will take all of Charlotte's expertise to be sure that this doesn't end with the FBI Hostage Rescue Team making an armed assault on a fortified compound. She just has to control her counterpart on the HRT and be sure he sees things her way, which could be a problem as these two have never gotten along.
Payne Novak has worked hard to be in this position and he is not going to cede authority for this mission to a negotiator. He knows when send his team in and won't hesitate to do so. Charlotte will just have to deal with it, even if she thinks the only resolution is a peaceful, negotiated one.
When their conflict erupts in front of the man in charge, he orders them to shadow each other for the first 72 hours of this operation. What Charlotte and Novak discover is that each is smart and really good at their respective jobs and that they each have a crucial role to play in the resolution of this conflict, and that sometimes the sparks of anger can ignite a consuming passion.
3 1/2-Stars
Read
May 27, 2020In an effort to halt an armed standoff, FBI negotiator Charlotte Blood tries to unravel the mystery of a young woman’s death on a remote mountainside. Pity she has to fight her stubborn, sexy, Hostage Rescue Team counterpart every step of the way.
As a highly skilled operative, HRT leader Payne Novak doesn’t have time to play detective or make nice with killers who flout the law. His focus is getting inside the compound and ending the siege as quickly as possible.
Forced to work together, the battle-hardened HRT team leader and the quietly determined negotiator figure out they might have more in common than they anticipated. As the clock ticks, Charlotte discovers there are some dangers she can’t talk her way out of, and the race to unearth long-buried lies becomes a matter of survival for everyone on the mountain.
As a highly skilled operative, HRT leader Payne Novak doesn’t have time to play detective or make nice with killers who flout the law. His focus is getting inside the compound and ending the siege as quickly as possible.
Forced to work together, the battle-hardened HRT team leader and the quietly determined negotiator figure out they might have more in common than they anticipated. As the clock ticks, Charlotte discovers there are some dangers she can’t talk her way out of, and the race to unearth long-buried lies becomes a matter of survival for everyone on the mountain.
June 30, 2020
Toni Anderson has to be one of my favourite romantic suspense authors and she didn't disappoint with Cold Wicked Lies.
I'm looking forward to the next book in her Cold Justice: Crossfire series.
I'm looking forward to the next book in her Cold Justice: Crossfire series.
January 24, 2026
I don't know how she does it but, every book Toni writes gets better and better! I love every single thing she has written and this book is no different. Charlotte and Payne are thrown together but, not by choice. They can't get along so they are forced together so they can prove they can actually work as a team. Their banter and heat sizzle and I loved the journey of their relationship. The story was highly entertaining and as per usual Toni fashion, had me glued to the pages and guessing what could happen right up to the very end. A woman is murdered, people have been living in a bunker for years and they think one of them killed the woman. Nothing is what it seems. Another amazing, suspenseful and thrilling romance. I love seeing old faces from the Cold Justice series and getting to see what could be next. I can't wait for more from this outstanding series!
November 5, 2021
Cold Wicked Lies
4 Stars
Hostage negotiator Charlotte Blood and HRT operative Payne Novak must put aside their personal animosity if they are to uncover the truth surrounding a young woman's death and end a potentially deadly standoff.
The setup involving the murder of an environmental activist leading to an armed standoff between law enforcement and a group of Doomsday Preppers living in a fortified bunker is intense and exciting. The portrayal of the relationships within and between the various parties is accurate and realistic.
The murder mystery is engaging and it is fun following along as Charlotte and Novak uncover clues and reveal suspects and motives. Some of the twists are obvious while others are surprising. Kudos to Andersen for keeping me guessing.
Charlotte and Novak's love/hate relationship is entertaining. They get off on the wrong foot immediately as they allow their prejudices to overcome their common sense. Nevertheless, they manage to maintain some level of professionalism as they snipe at each other. Once they give in to their attraction, their chemistry is tangible although their communication skills leave much to be desired. For a skilled negotiator, Charlotte really needs to work on using her words :)
Overall, this installment hits all the buttons that the previous book missed, and I look forward to the next book focusing on the sexy former British SAS officer.
4 Stars
Hostage negotiator Charlotte Blood and HRT operative Payne Novak must put aside their personal animosity if they are to uncover the truth surrounding a young woman's death and end a potentially deadly standoff.
The setup involving the murder of an environmental activist leading to an armed standoff between law enforcement and a group of Doomsday Preppers living in a fortified bunker is intense and exciting. The portrayal of the relationships within and between the various parties is accurate and realistic.
The murder mystery is engaging and it is fun following along as Charlotte and Novak uncover clues and reveal suspects and motives. Some of the twists are obvious while others are surprising. Kudos to Andersen for keeping me guessing.
Charlotte and Novak's love/hate relationship is entertaining. They get off on the wrong foot immediately as they allow their prejudices to overcome their common sense. Nevertheless, they manage to maintain some level of professionalism as they snipe at each other. Once they give in to their attraction, their chemistry is tangible although their communication skills leave much to be desired. For a skilled negotiator, Charlotte really needs to work on using her words :)
Overall, this installment hits all the buttons that the previous book missed, and I look forward to the next book focusing on the sexy former British SAS officer.
June 9, 2020
The only thing I hate about Toni Anderson's books is the fact that I can't put them down. This book was no exception. She does so well developing the characters. The stories are powerful and suspenseful. I finally finished at 2am! Can't wait for the next book. Thanks for another wonderful book that I couldn't put down.
June 25, 2021
Another Toni Anderson book, happy sigh. I don't remember now who it was that first introduced me to her books, or maybe I stumbled over them, but her books are amazing. Solid, gripping and relevant stories, empathetic and realistic characters, lots of fast-paced action and steamy romance, and a dash or two of humor. "Cold Wicked Lies" lived up to those standards.
This scene had me open-mouthed at first and then cackling. I won't give you the lead up; you really need to read it in context, but enjoy this snippet:
Charlotte hurried after her fellow SSA, no longer distracted by the sight of ripped abs or thick thigh muscles or tight butt. Nor by his penis which was a piece of anatomy she didn't usually encounter when it came to her coworkers--nor anywhere else nowadays.
The only thing I didn't like were the names of the main characters, Blood and Payne. Seriously? Gag. I get that Payne could be a family name that the parents decided to use as a first name, but then you give him a heroine whose surname is Blood? SMH. Honestly, I thought better of the author. Oh well, different tastes, and romance characters often have...creative names.
That issue aside, I really enjoyed "Cold Wicked Lies". It grabbed me from the first few pages and if not for a painful injury and the need for sleep, I would have finished it in one sitting. I thought I knew how the murder investigation and subsequent events would play out but I was only partially right. Anderson always leaves me guessing; I don't think I've ever been completely right, lol. And Charlotte and Payne's romance was a treat to watch. They went from antagonistic co-workers to respectful co-workers to burn up the sheets lovers in just a few days. The suspense ratcheted up towards the end and Anderson upped the stakes. I kind of felt bad for one of the villain but I just to remind myself of what he'd done and then I was out of sympathy for him.
Anderson is one of the best romantic suspense writers today and I'm looking forward to many more stories from her.
This scene had me open-mouthed at first and then cackling. I won't give you the lead up; you really need to read it in context, but enjoy this snippet:
Charlotte hurried after her fellow SSA, no longer distracted by the sight of ripped abs or thick thigh muscles or tight butt. Nor by his penis which was a piece of anatomy she didn't usually encounter when it came to her coworkers--nor anywhere else nowadays.
The only thing I didn't like were the names of the main characters, Blood and Payne. Seriously? Gag. I get that Payne could be a family name that the parents decided to use as a first name, but then you give him a heroine whose surname is Blood? SMH. Honestly, I thought better of the author. Oh well, different tastes, and romance characters often have...creative names.
That issue aside, I really enjoyed "Cold Wicked Lies". It grabbed me from the first few pages and if not for a painful injury and the need for sleep, I would have finished it in one sitting. I thought I knew how the murder investigation and subsequent events would play out but I was only partially right. Anderson always leaves me guessing; I don't think I've ever been completely right, lol. And Charlotte and Payne's romance was a treat to watch. They went from antagonistic co-workers to respectful co-workers to burn up the sheets lovers in just a few days. The suspense ratcheted up towards the end and Anderson upped the stakes. I kind of felt bad for one of the villain but I just to remind myself of what he'd done and then I was out of sympathy for him.
Anderson is one of the best romantic suspense writers today and I'm looking forward to many more stories from her.
September 2, 2020
4.5 Stars. The plot of this book intrigued me and I was hopeful that the book would live up to the description and it certainly did. I like opposites attract and a little bit of enemies to lovers and this book did both of those really well. Throw in a great suspense plot, plenty of action, some twists and turns and it makes for a great romantic suspense! I love Toni Anderson's heroines - they are strong, tough and yet don't go to far - they are still feminine. I didn't always agree with Charlotte but I always understood where she was coming from. I also loved Payne - he was an awesome alpha male and yet he still had an open mind and was willing to listen to Charlotte. Payne and Charlotte had great chemistry and I loved the way they were forced to spend time together and see each other's point of view.
This book takes place over a very short time frame and yet I found the romance believable. It's a great mix of romance and suspense and it's definitely an edge of your seat, page turning book.
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 takes place over a very short time frame and yet I found the romance believable. It's a great mix of romance and suspense and it's definitely an edge of your seat, page turning book.
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.
August 11, 2020
Competently written, with a strong female MC.
Couple of reservations. And way too much plot is left till the last 20% of the book, leaving the middle rather slow. It's not helped by the changing PoVs.
Not awful, but I don't think I'll re-read.
Couple of reservations. And way too much plot is left till the last 20% of the book, leaving the middle rather slow. It's not helped by the changing PoVs.
Not awful, but I don't think I'll re-read.
January 19, 2021
Not the best in this series, not so sure I will continue it. So much duplication in descriptions, angst, etc. It was not an enjoyable read for me. Others opinions will differ for sure, but this just didn't make the cut.
2 stars
2 stars
June 12, 2020
Far less sexy than the first two installments, but equally as tense,
Cold Wicked Lies
brings two FBI agents from different teams together on a dangerous case. Charlotte Blood is a Supervisory Special Agent and negotiator and Payne Novak is a Hostage Rescue Leader. The pair are facing a very dangerous situation when they are called to a mountainside. The drama begins when Payne comes upon the body of a young woman's body. Gathering clues is imperative. Not only might there be others in danger, but the weather conditions are very bad.
Charlotte's and Novak's exceptional skills might be polar opposite but they both are very dedicated to their jobs. Working along with their current superior certainly is no easy task, but the trio must do what they can to solve a murder that leads to a militia group led by an apparently unstable leader is most definitely a challenge. The drama is extended when it comes to the leader and a secret that is only revealed during a shocking and thrilling conclusion.
All the while, Charlotte and Novak dance around the fact that they are drawn to one another. Danger only appears to make their attraction that much more intense. Will they manage to survive the dangers facing them - and the weather - long enough to explore what is happening?
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, there wasn't a lot of time for hanky panky as was in the first two books in the series. However, the sexual tension was off the charts. That tension is only increased because they didn't like each other at the outset, so it was nice to see the transition in their feelings.
This was another terrific book in a very promising crossover series. It really makes me want to go back and read the Crossfire series in full, as I only had the opportunity to read the first one, A Cold Dark Place.
Many thanks to Toni Anderson, InkSlinger PR and Kobo for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Charlotte's and Novak's exceptional skills might be polar opposite but they both are very dedicated to their jobs. Working along with their current superior certainly is no easy task, but the trio must do what they can to solve a murder that leads to a militia group led by an apparently unstable leader is most definitely a challenge. The drama is extended when it comes to the leader and a secret that is only revealed during a shocking and thrilling conclusion.
All the while, Charlotte and Novak dance around the fact that they are drawn to one another. Danger only appears to make their attraction that much more intense. Will they manage to survive the dangers facing them - and the weather - long enough to explore what is happening?
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, there wasn't a lot of time for hanky panky as was in the first two books in the series. However, the sexual tension was off the charts. That tension is only increased because they didn't like each other at the outset, so it was nice to see the transition in their feelings.
This was another terrific book in a very promising crossover series. It really makes me want to go back and read the Crossfire series in full, as I only had the opportunity to read the first one, A Cold Dark Place.
Many thanks to Toni Anderson, InkSlinger PR and Kobo for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 9, 2020
Blindsided!!!
FBI Negotiator Charlotte Blood was put in charge of the investigation of the murder of a young woman (Brenna) who was found murdered on a secluded mountainside. She found herself locking horns with the sexy, handsome and stubborn Hostage Rescue Team member, Payne Novak.
Payne Novak, leader of the HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) didn't had for any distractions. He just wanted to do his job as quietly as possible. A secret group was blamed for what happened to Brennaa. The sheriff department jumped to conclusions when they saw a man ftom the secret group near the dead body.
But as Charlotte and Payne worked closely to uncover the truth, she realized that she'd been lied to by those who'd sworn to protect and serve. Turned out that there was more to the story than anyone ever imagined.
When the relation between them changed, not everyone was happy. Eban was being very protective by avoiding his own love life, I loved Charlotte calling him out on his actions. She found herself in danger, and that put things in perspective for both her and the man she was falling in love with.
They got their culprit(s) and learned some very interesting things along the way. I enjoyed the love syory that was blooming between main characters as well as two scond characters ;). All the ups and downs both couples went were worth cause their all got their HEAs.
COLD WICKED LIES is the third installment in Toni Anderson's COLD JUSTICE: CROSSFIRE series. Loved all the intriguing twists and turns in this amazing story. Toni Anderson did a marvelous job! 5++++
FBI Negotiator Charlotte Blood was put in charge of the investigation of the murder of a young woman (Brenna) who was found murdered on a secluded mountainside. She found herself locking horns with the sexy, handsome and stubborn Hostage Rescue Team member, Payne Novak.
Payne Novak, leader of the HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) didn't had for any distractions. He just wanted to do his job as quietly as possible. A secret group was blamed for what happened to Brennaa. The sheriff department jumped to conclusions when they saw a man ftom the secret group near the dead body.
But as Charlotte and Payne worked closely to uncover the truth, she realized that she'd been lied to by those who'd sworn to protect and serve. Turned out that there was more to the story than anyone ever imagined.
When the relation between them changed, not everyone was happy. Eban was being very protective by avoiding his own love life, I loved Charlotte calling him out on his actions. She found herself in danger, and that put things in perspective for both her and the man she was falling in love with.
They got their culprit(s) and learned some very interesting things along the way. I enjoyed the love syory that was blooming between main characters as well as two scond characters ;). All the ups and downs both couples went were worth cause their all got their HEAs.
COLD WICKED LIES is the third installment in Toni Anderson's COLD JUSTICE: CROSSFIRE series. Loved all the intriguing twists and turns in this amazing story. Toni Anderson did a marvelous job! 5++++
June 14, 2020
I really enjoy Toni Anderson's rom suspense her Cold Justice series has always drawn me in. This one had a slow build up and a couple if twists. The bickering between SSA agents Charlotte Blood and Payne Novak was fiery. So much tension that lead to mutual attraction as the case went on. One thing I disliked was a secondary character that threw a wrench in well laid plans. A bit of stupidity without some thought.
As things are revealed and slowly coming to a close the action ramps up. This didn't have the usual suspense since it involved semi hostage situation and doomsday group of sorts. But the usual elements that make Toni so engrossing are there. Charlotte and Novak had this intense insta feel as they are thrown together in this situation. Feels long but it's a couple of days. They felt inevitable no matter how much they didn't get on at first.
I liked the characters, Charlotte does her job well and balances it all with doing things her way. Her style and Novak's are different. But they both evolved in a way after. They had some cute and steamy moments in between. This was more focused on the other subplots than the main mystery in a way for me the. But still this Cold Justice series is always a good read and look forward to more.
As things are revealed and slowly coming to a close the action ramps up. This didn't have the usual suspense since it involved semi hostage situation and doomsday group of sorts. But the usual elements that make Toni so engrossing are there. Charlotte and Novak had this intense insta feel as they are thrown together in this situation. Feels long but it's a couple of days. They felt inevitable no matter how much they didn't get on at first.
I liked the characters, Charlotte does her job well and balances it all with doing things her way. Her style and Novak's are different. But they both evolved in a way after. They had some cute and steamy moments in between. This was more focused on the other subplots than the main mystery in a way for me the. But still this Cold Justice series is always a good read and look forward to more.
June 10, 2020
Sizzling, slow-burn romance n jaw-dropping suspense.. Toni Anderson has mastered this genre n has perfected it to the hilt..
First off, Charlotte Blood n Payne Novak were damn good agents.. Smart, focused, making good calls n decisions n we're great leaders.. They made a hell of a team.. Stoking chemistry ripples off them, their back n forth banter was too good..
M always happy to see the presence of Cold Justice Agents like Steve Mackenzie.. The HRT team n the negotiators made for solid presences.. In these books, the secondary characters also feel like primary characters with meaty roles..
I loved the epilogue n also liked TJ n he radiates so much emotion which was a bitter-sweet journey.. The best thing about these books is how the author goes into nuanced detail about the FBI n its procedures n the workings of each team n also provides a glossary at the end of each book.. Love that..
This series is the Top-Ranked for me.. The books just keep getting better n better; each out ranking the other in different ways but its so hard to pick a favorite.. Love, love, love all the way.. Can't wait for the next... 💃👏👌5⃣⭐🆒📚💚💜💙💛💕💟💞❤💖💗💓💝
First off, Charlotte Blood n Payne Novak were damn good agents.. Smart, focused, making good calls n decisions n we're great leaders.. They made a hell of a team.. Stoking chemistry ripples off them, their back n forth banter was too good..
M always happy to see the presence of Cold Justice Agents like Steve Mackenzie.. The HRT team n the negotiators made for solid presences.. In these books, the secondary characters also feel like primary characters with meaty roles..
I loved the epilogue n also liked TJ n he radiates so much emotion which was a bitter-sweet journey.. The best thing about these books is how the author goes into nuanced detail about the FBI n its procedures n the workings of each team n also provides a glossary at the end of each book.. Love that..
This series is the Top-Ranked for me.. The books just keep getting better n better; each out ranking the other in different ways but its so hard to pick a favorite.. Love, love, love all the way.. Can't wait for the next... 💃👏👌5⃣⭐🆒📚💚💜💙💛💕💟💞❤💖💗💓💝
June 11, 2020
Cold Wicked Lies is the third book in the Cold Justice: Crossfire series. It's the second one that I have read from this series. I have gone back and begun to read the series that this is a spin off from. This one is Charlotte and Payne's story. Romance wise, I loved this couple. I loved how they had to be joined at the hip essentially in order to figure out how to get along. Their banter was a lot of fun.
The suspense part was equally enjoyable. I liked the combination of the FBI trying to solve a murder during a pending blizzard all while trying to deal with a militia group locked in a compound. Sounds crazy, right? It was suspenseful and kept me guessing. I highly recommend this one. I can't wait to read more from this author.
The suspense part was equally enjoyable. I liked the combination of the FBI trying to solve a murder during a pending blizzard all while trying to deal with a militia group locked in a compound. Sounds crazy, right? It was suspenseful and kept me guessing. I highly recommend this one. I can't wait to read more from this author.
May 29, 2020
An incredible read! Suspense, steamy romance and a rollercoaster of a ride. Opposites might just attract in this gripping page turner. Are Charlotte and Payne the perfect team?
May 28, 2020
Another edge of the seat thriller I have come to love with a Toni Anderson novel. This is no different. I loved the back-and-forth of the main characters, both tough-as-nails and seemingly unyielding of their positions. But all that starts to change once they are forced to stay together, and they learn they can give in and meet in the middle without compromising what they believe the correct course of action.
June 13, 2020
Cold Wicked Lies is the third stand-alone book in the Cold Justice: Crossfire by Toni Anderson. The main characters are HRT leader Payne Novak and FBI negotiator Charlotte Blood. Our two main characters join forces to find the killer of woman who was found dead in the forest.
In my humble opinion, this book is another winner. I don't think I have ever read a book by Toni Anderson that I didn't like. The story was captivating and I kept on reading because I needed to find all the answers to my questions. A third point of view made me wonder what the author was planning to do with that character and how everything was going to play out. I got invested in the story of this secondary character but that didn't steal any of the thunder of the main story. The characters and the suspense behind the murderer were very interesting.
We got the insta-love trope and I know that it bothers some, but the pace of the book was also fast so I didn't pay it any mind. Our characters didn't have the best beginning, but the chemistry was always there and there is no doubt about that. So, if you don't mind that instant-connection, then this book is for you. It was everything a suspense novel should have.
In my humble opinion, this book is another winner. I don't think I have ever read a book by Toni Anderson that I didn't like. The story was captivating and I kept on reading because I needed to find all the answers to my questions. A third point of view made me wonder what the author was planning to do with that character and how everything was going to play out. I got invested in the story of this secondary character but that didn't steal any of the thunder of the main story. The characters and the suspense behind the murderer were very interesting.
We got the insta-love trope and I know that it bothers some, but the pace of the book was also fast so I didn't pay it any mind. Our characters didn't have the best beginning, but the chemistry was always there and there is no doubt about that. So, if you don't mind that instant-connection, then this book is for you. It was everything a suspense novel should have.
June 12, 2020
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 6/12/2020.
OMG, I freaking loved this book!
Cold Wicked Lies is the third book in Toni Anderson's Cold Justice: Crossfire series, a spin-off of her Cold Justice series, but if you've never read anything at all from any of them, it's not a problem--this one could work just fine as a standalone. It's always fun to encounter favorite series characters again, of course, but you don't have to know anyone in the universe before you start this one.
Maybe because even if you do know everyone in Ms Anderson's books so far? Novak and Charlotte might make you forget them even exist...
Yeah, they're that good :D
Seriously, this book is managing to single-handedly get me through one of the crappiest weeks I've had in quite a while. Being able to escape into Blood (her last name) and Payne (his first)'s world made me forget all the BS that was happening in mine, if even for a little while. Focusing on their relationship problems (and boy, did they have problems! This is one time the non-communication thing actually worked, and wasn't dragged out needlessly) distracted me from mine. And the danger that they inevitably got into put everything else out of my head, at least until they were safely out of it.
Heck, this book makes me want to go grocery shopping again. And that's saying something. Maybe not right now, mind you, but someday.
In short, Cold Wicked Lies made me remember why it is that every time a Toni Anderson book crosses my path, I pounce on it like a lion on a gazelle. They're made to be devoured, and I can only hope it did it justice (pun maybe intended?) this time!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
OMG, I freaking loved this book!
Cold Wicked Lies is the third book in Toni Anderson's Cold Justice: Crossfire series, a spin-off of her Cold Justice series, but if you've never read anything at all from any of them, it's not a problem--this one could work just fine as a standalone. It's always fun to encounter favorite series characters again, of course, but you don't have to know anyone in the universe before you start this one.
Maybe because even if you do know everyone in Ms Anderson's books so far? Novak and Charlotte might make you forget them even exist...
Yeah, they're that good :D
Seriously, this book is managing to single-handedly get me through one of the crappiest weeks I've had in quite a while. Being able to escape into Blood (her last name) and Payne (his first)'s world made me forget all the BS that was happening in mine, if even for a little while. Focusing on their relationship problems (and boy, did they have problems! This is one time the non-communication thing actually worked, and wasn't dragged out needlessly) distracted me from mine. And the danger that they inevitably got into put everything else out of my head, at least until they were safely out of it.
Heck, this book makes me want to go grocery shopping again. And that's saying something. Maybe not right now, mind you, but someday.
In short, Cold Wicked Lies made me remember why it is that every time a Toni Anderson book crosses my path, I pounce on it like a lion on a gazelle. They're made to be devoured, and I can only hope it did it justice (pun maybe intended?) this time!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 9, 2020
Along with great main characters the author also does such a great job of combining different groups together with large cast of characters that just adds to the greatness of the book.
This time its FBI negotiators and HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) that team up when a murder happens not far from compound on a remote mountainside and the compound shoots a Federal Wildlife Officer and goes on lock down.
HRT Tactical Commander Payne Novak and FBI Negotiation Commander Charlotte Blood and their teams are called in to try and both solve the murder and and to get the group in the compound with surrender peacefully. First problem is Charlotte and Payne do not get along and have completely different views about how to handle a situation. The Incident Commander (Steve McKenzie) decides to make them be attached at the hip to get along and to make sure that both sides (tactical and negotiations) are given equal time.
These two butt heads left and right and think they cant stand the other and its almost comical when the “aha” moment hit and they realize its really attraction,
This wasn't a face paced thriller like some past but it was very intriguing and kept your attention along with a few surprises and twist at the end. Looking forward to may more in the series.
This time its FBI negotiators and HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) that team up when a murder happens not far from compound on a remote mountainside and the compound shoots a Federal Wildlife Officer and goes on lock down.
HRT Tactical Commander Payne Novak and FBI Negotiation Commander Charlotte Blood and their teams are called in to try and both solve the murder and and to get the group in the compound with surrender peacefully. First problem is Charlotte and Payne do not get along and have completely different views about how to handle a situation. The Incident Commander (Steve McKenzie) decides to make them be attached at the hip to get along and to make sure that both sides (tactical and negotiations) are given equal time.
These two butt heads left and right and think they cant stand the other and its almost comical when the “aha” moment hit and they realize its really attraction,
This wasn't a face paced thriller like some past but it was very intriguing and kept your attention along with a few surprises and twist at the end. Looking forward to may more in the series.
June 8, 2020
I started reading Toni Anderson years ago when I found her book series Her! I found this author has the ability to pull reader into her world that is dark and gritty with Hero and Heroins that will have readers cheer for. The story start off with a face pace and keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The romance slow burn until it will have reader blushing.
Toni Anderson has the ability to give romantic suspense readers what they are looking for. Action pack mystery with just the right amount of steamy romance.
Thank you to author for the advance copy Cold Wicked Lies in exchange for a honest review.
The romance slow burn until it will have reader blushing.
Toni Anderson has the ability to give romantic suspense readers what they are looking for. Action pack mystery with just the right amount of steamy romance.
Thank you to author for the advance copy Cold Wicked Lies in exchange for a honest review.
December 9, 2020
Cold Wicked Lies is the third book in the Cold Justice: Crossfire series by Toni Anderson. Ms. Anderson is one of my go-to authors for romantic suspense because, for the most part, she always strikes the right balance when it comes to juggling romance and suspense, delivering emotive and intelligent reads that speaks to the heart.
In Cold Wicked Lies, highly skilled operative and HRT leader Payne Novak finds himself forced to work with FBI negotiator Charlotte Blood in trying to end a standoff between law enforcement and a sealed off compound that is an implosion waiting to happen. While Charlotte tries to defuse the situation by doing what she does best, Payne who finds it difficult to not take charge in any given situation is forced to take a step back and watch Charlotte work her magic.
Not being a believer in the soft tactics, Payne is in for a surprise where he finds himself filled with admiration for Charlotte and all that she stands for, not to mention the slow simmering attraction that flares to life between them, which needs very little to ignite into undeniable passion.
While the danger inside the compound mounts, it is up to Charlotte and Payne to sift through the seemingly straightforward picture that emerges at first from the ground, with one wrong move having the potential to tip the scales in the wrong direction.
I loved Cold Wicked Lies for many reasons. I found both Charlotte and Novak to be refreshing in a way that was endearing. While the antagonism between the two is tangible at the beginning of the story, it is evident as the story progresses that they are both skilled professionals, able to put their personal feelings aside and work for the best outcome possible when it comes to their jobs. That won points from me for both of them.
On the other hand, I loved how Toni brought to light the reverse “sexism” that can exist in society. Whereby we women can judge men based on their looks, the way they carry themselves etc. when we as a gender cry foul at them for doing the same thing to us. Perhaps it is true what they say, we do become what we hate if we are not careful about where our personal prejudices take us.
I definitely love how Toni can create such strong and independent heroines without sounding preachy about it. She manages to drive home well intended messaging across to her readers without us wanting to turn our e-readers off. Because lets face it, we are bombarded enough as it is on social media and all available platforms about what we should be thinking, how we should be thinking, and where that thinking should lead us to. Freedom of conscience, anyone?
I also loved the angst and the surprising twists and turns that the story took, along with the heart thumping variety of mind blowing scenes of passion in the mix. A few well placed words here and there, with deft touches in terms of characterization, and Toni manages to do what most erotic novels fail to bring out in readers; the ability to feel for their characters and be the moment right alongside with them as the tension mounts, the heat builds, and the explosions happen.
While I would have loved to read a bit more on the pasts of Charlotte and Novak, nevertheless, I enjoyed Cold Wicked Lies for what it delivered in spades, leaving me with the urge to read the next one in the series, right after.
Final Verdict: Cold Wicked Lies is Ms. Anderson just as I love her books; informative and intriguing, featuring relatable and earthy characters, while delivering a well paced and sensually charged read!
Rating = 4.5/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
In Cold Wicked Lies, highly skilled operative and HRT leader Payne Novak finds himself forced to work with FBI negotiator Charlotte Blood in trying to end a standoff between law enforcement and a sealed off compound that is an implosion waiting to happen. While Charlotte tries to defuse the situation by doing what she does best, Payne who finds it difficult to not take charge in any given situation is forced to take a step back and watch Charlotte work her magic.
Not being a believer in the soft tactics, Payne is in for a surprise where he finds himself filled with admiration for Charlotte and all that she stands for, not to mention the slow simmering attraction that flares to life between them, which needs very little to ignite into undeniable passion.
While the danger inside the compound mounts, it is up to Charlotte and Payne to sift through the seemingly straightforward picture that emerges at first from the ground, with one wrong move having the potential to tip the scales in the wrong direction.
I loved Cold Wicked Lies for many reasons. I found both Charlotte and Novak to be refreshing in a way that was endearing. While the antagonism between the two is tangible at the beginning of the story, it is evident as the story progresses that they are both skilled professionals, able to put their personal feelings aside and work for the best outcome possible when it comes to their jobs. That won points from me for both of them.
On the other hand, I loved how Toni brought to light the reverse “sexism” that can exist in society. Whereby we women can judge men based on their looks, the way they carry themselves etc. when we as a gender cry foul at them for doing the same thing to us. Perhaps it is true what they say, we do become what we hate if we are not careful about where our personal prejudices take us.
I definitely love how Toni can create such strong and independent heroines without sounding preachy about it. She manages to drive home well intended messaging across to her readers without us wanting to turn our e-readers off. Because lets face it, we are bombarded enough as it is on social media and all available platforms about what we should be thinking, how we should be thinking, and where that thinking should lead us to. Freedom of conscience, anyone?
I also loved the angst and the surprising twists and turns that the story took, along with the heart thumping variety of mind blowing scenes of passion in the mix. A few well placed words here and there, with deft touches in terms of characterization, and Toni manages to do what most erotic novels fail to bring out in readers; the ability to feel for their characters and be the moment right alongside with them as the tension mounts, the heat builds, and the explosions happen.
While I would have loved to read a bit more on the pasts of Charlotte and Novak, nevertheless, I enjoyed Cold Wicked Lies for what it delivered in spades, leaving me with the urge to read the next one in the series, right after.
Final Verdict: Cold Wicked Lies is Ms. Anderson just as I love her books; informative and intriguing, featuring relatable and earthy characters, while delivering a well paced and sensually charged read!
Rating = 4.5/5
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June 8, 2020
Charlotte and Payne are two agents trying to defuse a volatile situation where a dangerous group people who are held up in a bunker. She is the negotiator and he is head of the rescue team. They start off butting heads and are not happy when ordered to work together to straighten out their differences. They both have strong personalities so things do not start out well but the more they work together that friction turns to attraction. It was entertaining to see how they each handled the chemistry and admiration they started to feel for one another.
This story has several twist and turns that kept you guessing on what will happen next. There is always at least one person in a story that you love to hate. And what can I say about TJ and Kayla-TJ's was caught up in a difficult position and it was heart wrenching. The epilogue was fantastic and a great ending to this story. Toni has a way with suspenseful romantic adventures and you can never go wrong with reading one of her books. I look forward to see what the next adventure will be.
I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This story has several twist and turns that kept you guessing on what will happen next. There is always at least one person in a story that you love to hate. And what can I say about TJ and Kayla-TJ's was caught up in a difficult position and it was heart wrenching. The epilogue was fantastic and a great ending to this story. Toni has a way with suspenseful romantic adventures and you can never go wrong with reading one of her books. I look forward to see what the next adventure will be.
I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 27, 2020
I love the kind of story where the last person you thought you’d be attracted to draws you in until you know you can’t let go. Throw in plenty of drama, suspenseful action, intrigue, and some pretty good surprises and you have the perfect romantic suspense. Charlotte and Payne may not be able to work together when it appears it’s only going to cause conflict. But based on the sparks they strike off each other there’s certainly chemistry there. When they’re forced to work and live side by side those sparks are only going to cause an inevitable combustion that will either blow them apart or fuse them together.
This is an exciting, edge of your seat page turner that will keep you involved from start to finish. The characters are so well-drawn and engaging that you form an immediate attachment to them. The storyline is a fast-paced and extremely entertaining one that you’ll find hard to put down. It’s a wonderful addition to this highly enjoyable romantic suspense series.
This is an exciting, edge of your seat page turner that will keep you involved from start to finish. The characters are so well-drawn and engaging that you form an immediate attachment to them. The storyline is a fast-paced and extremely entertaining one that you’ll find hard to put down. It’s a wonderful addition to this highly enjoyable romantic suspense series.
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