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Impossible #9
Crusader
I need redemption. I need vengeance. Dimitri Abramovich has to pay for what he did to me.
I've tracked the head of the Russian mafia to London, and I'm close to taking him out. If he doesn't take me first. We're engaged in a game of cat and mouse. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure I'm the mouse.
When my quest for revenge causes me to cross paths with sexy MI5 agent Hugh Sullivan, I have no choice but to seduce him to keep him blind to my mission. But I can't keep my operation secret forever, and he won't stand for my reckless vigilante methods. If I want to stay on the case, he demands my complete honesty... and my obedience.
I've tracked the head of the Russian mafia to London, and I'm close to taking him out. If he doesn't take me first. We're engaged in a game of cat and mouse. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure I'm the mouse.
When my quest for revenge causes me to cross paths with sexy MI5 agent Hugh Sullivan, I have no choice but to seduce him to keep him blind to my mission. But I can't keep my operation secret forever, and he won't stand for my reckless vigilante methods. If I want to stay on the case, he demands my complete honesty... and my obedience.
Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2015
114 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Julia Sykes
138 books2,022 followersJulia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 16, 2018
Crusader is the ninth book in the Impossible series, and it is a fabulous addition to the series. In fact, I think this one many well be my favourite of the series. I know our male lead, Big Ben (I mean Hugh), is my favourite of the Impossible men – something I had not anticipated considering my love for some of the other male leads in this series.
Although Crusader works perfectly fine as a standalone novel, you get the best impact if you’ve read the other books in the series. Aspects surrounding our female lead in this one build upon what happened in a prior book, and events in relation to certain characters bring to an end storylines that have been building throughout the series. It can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone novel, but I promise it packs an even more powerful punch if you’ve read the other books in the series.
With this one, we have a change of scenery, introducing us to new characters. As I’ve already stated, Hugh has become my favourite of the Impossible men, but we also get a nice introduction to our leading male of book ten. Not to mention, we get to dig deeper into characters we have come to know. I can honestly say, I’m super eager for Dex’s book now. I was curious already, but after seeing him in this I’m even more so.
With all the hotness of any Julia Sykes book and all the suspense of the Impossible series, Crusader is a powerful addition to the series. If you have read the other books in the series you have to give this one a read – I promise, you will not be disappointed. If you have yet to start the series, it’s certainly worth diving into.
Now, onto book ten.
Although Crusader works perfectly fine as a standalone novel, you get the best impact if you’ve read the other books in the series. Aspects surrounding our female lead in this one build upon what happened in a prior book, and events in relation to certain characters bring to an end storylines that have been building throughout the series. It can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone novel, but I promise it packs an even more powerful punch if you’ve read the other books in the series.
With this one, we have a change of scenery, introducing us to new characters. As I’ve already stated, Hugh has become my favourite of the Impossible men, but we also get a nice introduction to our leading male of book ten. Not to mention, we get to dig deeper into characters we have come to know. I can honestly say, I’m super eager for Dex’s book now. I was curious already, but after seeing him in this I’m even more so.
With all the hotness of any Julia Sykes book and all the suspense of the Impossible series, Crusader is a powerful addition to the series. If you have read the other books in the series you have to give this one a read – I promise, you will not be disappointed. If you have yet to start the series, it’s certainly worth diving into.
Now, onto book ten.
June 1, 2015
Reviewed for TPE BAR read2review at the BDSM group.
I'm certain I've found a new favorite author! I absolutely loved Crusader, and I cannot WAIT to read the rest of the books in the series. Everything about Crusader just worked for me, and I was drawn in, captivated until I finished the last page.
Crusader is a book in the middle of the series, yet I was able to completely understand everything. Props to Julia Sykes for writing a series where the books can truly serve as stand alones as well. Of course, now I just want to read the rest of the series.
I quite liked all the characters in this book. Hugh had a bit of mystery about him, Cara was stubborn (but I warmed up to her), and the others were all super dynamic.
Even more than the characters, I totally dug the plot. It was such a great setup! It was intense and action packed, but also had a fair share of steamy scenes and BDSM.
I cannot wait to go read more by Julia Sykes after this one! It was an all around win for me, and I'm excited to see what I think of her other books.
I'm certain I've found a new favorite author! I absolutely loved Crusader, and I cannot WAIT to read the rest of the books in the series. Everything about Crusader just worked for me, and I was drawn in, captivated until I finished the last page.
Crusader is a book in the middle of the series, yet I was able to completely understand everything. Props to Julia Sykes for writing a series where the books can truly serve as stand alones as well. Of course, now I just want to read the rest of the series.
I quite liked all the characters in this book. Hugh had a bit of mystery about him, Cara was stubborn (but I warmed up to her), and the others were all super dynamic.
Even more than the characters, I totally dug the plot. It was such a great setup! It was intense and action packed, but also had a fair share of steamy scenes and BDSM.
I cannot wait to go read more by Julia Sykes after this one! It was an all around win for me, and I'm excited to see what I think of her other books.
Want to read
January 22, 2015When soon!???? I just finished czar i need my fix!!
December 8, 2018
5 star read but...
As always, Sykes' books are five star reads but I don't get the BDSM side. I keep trying to understand as I read one book after the other because Sykes brings the drama and romance and I've fallen in love with her characters' normal (for me) sides often but how do people just allow someone to hurt them and then fall in love with that person? Too often, the characters (99% women) don't get to say no to their masters so doesn't that mean that it's outright abuse instead of consensual? Somebody help me here because I've read so many of these books but I'm still out of my depth.
As always, Sykes' books are five star reads but I don't get the BDSM side. I keep trying to understand as I read one book after the other because Sykes brings the drama and romance and I've fallen in love with her characters' normal (for me) sides often but how do people just allow someone to hurt them and then fall in love with that person? Too often, the characters (99% women) don't get to say no to their masters so doesn't that mean that it's outright abuse instead of consensual? Somebody help me here because I've read so many of these books but I'm still out of my depth.
August 22, 2019
This was probably my least favorite of the books so far. I really do think it's just because I'm getting burnt out with all the characters and intricacies of the plot details. It's still entertaining and I still will complete the series, but the wow effect is minimizing. I wasn't really invested in the characters this time around and am afraid I'll feel similarly with the next book in the series. Hopefully I'm wrong!
December 19, 2023
Personal ops for Clara
Clara has taken an extended leave from NYPD, it was granted because of personal PTSD caused by the last case they were working on with her FBI friends. Kennedy, FBI boss sent another agent to bring her back home as she is on a suicidal mission. It has a lot of BDSM Involvement.
Clara has taken an extended leave from NYPD, it was granted because of personal PTSD caused by the last case they were working on with her FBI friends. Kennedy, FBI boss sent another agent to bring her back home as she is on a suicidal mission. It has a lot of BDSM Involvement.
June 25, 2017
Good story!
Good story with a few intriguing twists and turns.
I'll look forward to reading Dexter's and Finley's books. Who can resist such dominate, sexy men? Not me!
Good story with a few intriguing twists and turns.
I'll look forward to reading Dexter's and Finley's books. Who can resist such dominate, sexy men? Not me!
January 27, 2022
One more thing...personally I think a dom who can't apologize to a sub in public after punishing wrongly in public isn't a very good dom OR person!!
April 25, 2023
Crusader
Loved reading this book just as much as the previous ones in this series and looking forward to reading the next one. Highly recommend reading.
Loved reading this book just as much as the previous ones in this series and looking forward to reading the next one. Highly recommend reading.
March 16, 2017
Nice
I enjoy series reading and trying to keep track of all the characters that evolve in stand alone books written.
I enjoy series reading and trying to keep track of all the characters that evolve in stand alone books written.
April 10, 2015
I have read most of the books in The Impossible series. This one, like the others, is a nice combination of crime drama, romance and kink. Clara Peterson is on leave from the NYPD seeking revenge on Dimitri Abramovich , lead man in the Russian mafia. She follows him to London, where he is attempting to traffic drugs through various BDSM clubs. Dexter Scott is an FBI agent/dominant sent to London to rescue Clara. Hugh and Finlay, also Doms, are MI5 and are working to keep drugs out of the local BDSM scene. Together they team up to try to bring down the Russian Maffia, while Hugh tries to help Clara get over her issues from the past.
Overall I enjoyed the book. The crime story I felt like had some issues. Clara repeatedly found herself in Dimitri Abramovich’s possession, yet no harm came to her. I think it is a case where you have to add some darker elements to the story for it to be believable. The developing relationship between Hugh and Clara was well written enough to overshadow some of the issues with the crime story. The two characters worked well together and there was enough kink to keep it interesting.
Crusader is not my favorite book in the series, but it was good enough to keep me interested in the series. It can be read as a standalone, but really to fully understand it, it would be better to read the series in order.
I received this book from the author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
Overall I enjoyed the book. The crime story I felt like had some issues. Clara repeatedly found herself in Dimitri Abramovich’s possession, yet no harm came to her. I think it is a case where you have to add some darker elements to the story for it to be believable. The developing relationship between Hugh and Clara was well written enough to overshadow some of the issues with the crime story. The two characters worked well together and there was enough kink to keep it interesting.
Crusader is not my favorite book in the series, but it was good enough to keep me interested in the series. It can be read as a standalone, but really to fully understand it, it would be better to read the series in order.
I received this book from the author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
March 10, 2015
why cant men like this really exist?!?!?!?!.....and if they do, WHERE ARE THEY?..I will move there in a second. Hugh...ohhhhhh Hugh. I just loved his character. He really cared for Clara even before he knew her. He wanted to keep her safe, all the time. He wanted to heal her, to make her whole again....and I just loved that about his character. I loved Clara as well. She was a tough independent woman who was so afraid to let go, but when she did, it was amazing. I always have trouble connecting or even liking th4e heroine due to them being these pathetic women....but Julia Sykes heroines...I seem to like all of them. I'm actually really excited to see Finlay and Alicia's book....I think that one will be AMAZING....and I want Dex to get his happy ending. At first, I didn't like him because of the way he acted when Kate got her happy ending...sorry Dex, u don't wait around for someone and then since u wanted too long then bitch and complain that she fell in love with someone else...u snooze, u lose. But, he semi redeemed himself in this book and I hope to hear more about him...with Sam maybe!?!?!?!
April 2, 2016
Reviewed for TPE BAR read2review at the BDSM group.
I don't normally give half stars, however, this is a very solid three and half that would have been four if I had liked Cara.
First I'd like to say that I NEVER start a series in the middle, it's a weird hangup I have.
That being said, Ms. Sykes wrote an amazing story that was both a stand-alone read as well as being rather late in the series.
And while I adore Dex (he needs a solid switch to love), Finley, and Hugh. I simply did not like Cara. And the beautiful thing was it never detracted from the story. It's one of those situations where your friend gets a GF that you think is an idiot, but they're in love with and who loves them (dang it) so you have to let them in and learn to get along.
That is how the dynamics felt, and why I love good authors. They can make you root for someone you don't like just 'cause they're good for the hot Dom.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
I don't normally give half stars, however, this is a very solid three and half that would have been four if I had liked Cara.
First I'd like to say that I NEVER start a series in the middle, it's a weird hangup I have.
That being said, Ms. Sykes wrote an amazing story that was both a stand-alone read as well as being rather late in the series.
And while I adore Dex (he needs a solid switch to love), Finley, and Hugh. I simply did not like Cara. And the beautiful thing was it never detracted from the story. It's one of those situations where your friend gets a GF that you think is an idiot, but they're in love with and who loves them (dang it) so you have to let them in and learn to get along.
That is how the dynamics felt, and why I love good authors. They can make you root for someone you don't like just 'cause they're good for the hot Dom.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
May 1, 2015
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a solid 3.75 for me.
The characters were funny and the plot moved along at a comfortable pace. In hindsight, I might have enjoyed Crusader more if I had read the entire series first. It was a good stand alone, but I just wonder what I missed, so I am going to start with book #1 someday.
At times I felt the dialog was slightly awkward and I did not connect with the characters as much as I would have liked. Sometimes I was laughing at these characters antics and then I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be funny or not. The police work was...um....let's just say not too solid. The fact that Cara survived the 1st half of the book was amazing.
The BDSM scenes themselves were good. Hugh didn't take himself too seriously and they seemed to have fun. Hugh was my favorite character in the book and I would have liked more of his back-and-forth with Dex and Finley.
Definitely plan to read more Julia Sykes in the future.
I received this book for free from the BDSM read to review in exchange for my honest review.
The characters were funny and the plot moved along at a comfortable pace. In hindsight, I might have enjoyed Crusader more if I had read the entire series first. It was a good stand alone, but I just wonder what I missed, so I am going to start with book #1 someday.
At times I felt the dialog was slightly awkward and I did not connect with the characters as much as I would have liked. Sometimes I was laughing at these characters antics and then I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be funny or not. The police work was...um....let's just say not too solid. The fact that Cara survived the 1st half of the book was amazing.
The BDSM scenes themselves were good. Hugh didn't take himself too seriously and they seemed to have fun. Hugh was my favorite character in the book and I would have liked more of his back-and-forth with Dex and Finley.
Definitely plan to read more Julia Sykes in the future.
I received this book for free from the BDSM read to review in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2016
Crusader is book number 9 in The Impossible Series and one of my favorites.
Cara Peterson is on leave from the NYPD and decided to go rogue cop. She is obsessed with getting her revenge on Dimitri.
She follows him to a BDSM club in London where the Russian mob is selling a new drug. While trying to stay undercover, she quickly learns that Dimitri is 1 step ahead of her and get the upper hand. Good thing Dex is there to save the day.
Cara and Dex find themselves having trouble with MI5 agents Hugh and Finley, who are working undercover to stop the drugs being sold in their club. Finally the 4 of them decide to work together and try and bring the Russian mob down, while Hugh helps Cara overcome her troubled past.
Can this Domme put her revenge mission aside long enough to reconnect with the submissive side she craves?
This book is a standalone but to truly understand her need for revenge, I suggest you read Rogue and King first.
Cara Peterson is on leave from the NYPD and decided to go rogue cop. She is obsessed with getting her revenge on Dimitri.
She follows him to a BDSM club in London where the Russian mob is selling a new drug. While trying to stay undercover, she quickly learns that Dimitri is 1 step ahead of her and get the upper hand. Good thing Dex is there to save the day.
Cara and Dex find themselves having trouble with MI5 agents Hugh and Finley, who are working undercover to stop the drugs being sold in their club. Finally the 4 of them decide to work together and try and bring the Russian mob down, while Hugh helps Cara overcome her troubled past.
Can this Domme put her revenge mission aside long enough to reconnect with the submissive side she craves?
This book is a standalone but to truly understand her need for revenge, I suggest you read Rogue and King first.
March 17, 2015
Clara, the domme, we've met repeatedly in the Impossible series. She has taken a leave of absense from the NYPD after the disatrous events that take place at the end of King. She's on a mission: Hunt Dimitri. Kill Dimitri. Kennedy from the FBI has sent Agent Dexter Scott to England to bring Clara home before something bad happens. Agent Scott finds Clara, rescues Clara, and then Clara talks Dex into staying and helping her. Along the way they happen to run into a couple of MI5 agents running their own sting operation to get Dimitri. This story lets us watch as Clara rediscovers herself, "plays" with some MI5 agents and Dexter. This story is nerve wracking, sexy as sin and rolling with great BDSM scenes.
March 19, 2017
Clara is on a mission to kill Russian mob leader Dimitri. Clara and her partner Dex are in London when they meet Sexy Dom Cops Hugh and Finley. Omg I love Clara and Hugh together. He is so Sexy and Cocky and Flirty , She is just a handful. I love her so much. Clara is like Your Bad Best Friend in High School That gets you in Trouble lol..She is just too much for all 3 cops to handle. I love how Dex and Clara would sometimes misunderstand the British slang lol that was really funny. I loved the action and suspense. It really kept me on edge. Last but not least the Hot Hot Sex!!!! No one Writes BDSM like Julia Sykes. You just can't put her books down once you start. I ate this book up. I really fell in loveeeee with Clara & Hugh. This series is a must read.
May 7, 2018
Book 9 of the Impossible series is Clara's story. Introduced to us as a Dominatrix at club Decadence in book 3, Rogue, we join her in London, hunting down Dimitri and the Russian Mafia. After the events of book 7, King, Clara feels she no longer has anything to live for but is determined to take him down with her. Til her friends in the FBI send Dex to help her out. Add a couple of Doms picked up in Club Lash, and Clara has to face her past before she can accept she could ever have a future.
This book hit me in the feels WAY more than any of the other books had, despite identifying with other characters much more. I couldn't wait to see what would happen and how the storyline would pan out.
This book hit me in the feels WAY more than any of the other books had, despite identifying with other characters much more. I couldn't wait to see what would happen and how the storyline would pan out.
March 12, 2015
Clara wants revenge against Dimitri. Dex has been sent by Kennedy to attempt to get Clara back home. Hugh who is MI5, and is getting in Clara’s way by going into uber Dom mode on Clara. Does Clara get her revenge against Dimitri? Read the book to find out. What happens between Clara and Dex, Clara and Hugh? Read the book to find out. I just love the way that Julia takes her characters through a story line. She really does give the readers a plot to follow along with some hot scenes. Julia just keeps giving us great books to read with some wonderful and not so wonderful characters. I am still just as excited to read this book as far along in the series as I was to read the first book.
October 11, 2015
Crusader #9
Wow, intense, action, suspense, drama, death, kidnapping, so many intense situations in this story. Clara goes to London after Dimitri since he is kidnapping and drugging girls, she is determined to kill him, her boss from the states sends Dex to help her. Then while investigating a BDSM club they suspect a couple of Dom's are really M15 agents, who finally join together with them. There is so much action in this story, couldn't stop reading, Clara puts herself at risk so many times, you will want to read this and not stop, cause you don't know what will happen next, great read.
Wow, intense, action, suspense, drama, death, kidnapping, so many intense situations in this story. Clara goes to London after Dimitri since he is kidnapping and drugging girls, she is determined to kill him, her boss from the states sends Dex to help her. Then while investigating a BDSM club they suspect a couple of Dom's are really M15 agents, who finally join together with them. There is so much action in this story, couldn't stop reading, Clara puts herself at risk so many times, you will want to read this and not stop, cause you don't know what will happen next, great read.
March 12, 2015
Wow!
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys Some with Heart and spitfire subs!!!
I truly didn't think this series could get any better.. The first 8 & all the novellas have all been incredible and Crusader fit into my high expectations from Julia Sykes!
Clara is a sub playing Dom, playing sub. Hugh is all Dom with heart. He's the kind of alpha I enjoy reading about. He puts Clara in her place and eases her mind and heart.
I can't wait for more in this series!!!! Finlay's and Dex's stories still to come!!!!
Fabulously Awesomesauce Julia!
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys Some with Heart and spitfire subs!!!
I truly didn't think this series could get any better.. The first 8 & all the novellas have all been incredible and Crusader fit into my high expectations from Julia Sykes!
Clara is a sub playing Dom, playing sub. Hugh is all Dom with heart. He's the kind of alpha I enjoy reading about. He puts Clara in her place and eases her mind and heart.
I can't wait for more in this series!!!! Finlay's and Dex's stories still to come!!!!
Fabulously Awesomesauce Julia!
March 5, 2015
"This was how she liked it. Savage. She needed me to be harshly unbending so she could let go without shame."
I received a ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I think this is Julia's best book yet. If you loved Fifty Shades of Grey you will love Crusader. It has the same elements but a completely different story line. The characters, writing, story, everything was on point and just seemed to be perfection. I could not put this book down.
I received a ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I think this is Julia's best book yet. If you loved Fifty Shades of Grey you will love Crusader. It has the same elements but a completely different story line. The characters, writing, story, everything was on point and just seemed to be perfection. I could not put this book down.
April 22, 2016
I absolutely loved Crusader! One of the best books of the Impossible series if not the best, really. I enjoyed Clara and Hugh's story and I cannot wait for Highlander, next book in the series, to be released. Finlay hunting Alicia after she shot him in the chest? It's going to be epic. Coming soon! Bravo.
March 12, 2015
How loved every single one of the Impossible series. Crusader was no different. Clara is so set on revenge against Dimitri she has left herself vulnerable. Step in the handsome Hugh. Even from the start he wants to keep her safe. Even when she lies to him. As without exception Julia writes another brilliant novel. I still thought Dimitri was going to turn it around. A bit gutted.
March 24, 2015
I have read all but 2 and 3 and the original trilogy, Master and Mentor being my favorites...they were so dark. Im looking forward to book 10-Alicia and Finlay story. In this story I did not connect with the heroine or Hero that much, but I love the continuing story line. Now I'm going to go back and read 2 and 3 :))
April 21, 2015
Running out of amazing headliners for this ongoing series.
Not sure if this is my all-time favorite out of the Impossible series, but it definitely is up there in top. Hugh..is incredible...The way he deals with Clara and her sassy stubbornness is fun to read. The scene with Dex was a total surprise. Can't wait for the next one!
Not sure if this is my all-time favorite out of the Impossible series, but it definitely is up there in top. Hugh..is incredible...The way he deals with Clara and her sassy stubbornness is fun to read. The scene with Dex was a total surprise. Can't wait for the next one!
January 8, 2016
Clara Peterson is out for blood. Dimitri's days are numbered if Clara has anything to say about it. Problem is, a certain M15 agent has his eye on her and continuously pops up when Clara least wants him to. He is really getting under her skin and in her way of getting to her target. How she manages to resolve this problem is entertaining to read.
September 9, 2016
Ohhh wow!! I just love Clara and Hugh. Their chemistry is intense and they are very hot together. We have this extreme danger while she is trying to find Dimitri, the head of the Russian mob. Having Dex along just heats things up even more. Great characters with real personalities that I love!
November 20, 2017
Hugh is a hottie; he's a Scotland Yard Dom Clara is a feisty NYPD detective who holds her own. Of course, she switches between Dom and Sub. there's a hot M/F/M with Dex whom I'm glad gets his own book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews