FBI agent Kennedy Carver knows he's found his perfect submissive when he meets feisty investigative reporter Carina O'Connor. But when he discovers that she is planning an exposé on his alternative lifestyle, he is determined to leave her firmly in his past.
Even her betrayal can't keep them apart, and when the woman who has haunted his dreams for years shows up at his favorite deviant club, he can't resist her allure.
As they rediscover their burning attraction, an enemy lurks in the shadows, hunting Carina. Can Kennedy save her life and his own heart? Or will the loss of both destroy him forever?
Julia 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.
Loved how the author developed Kennedy and Carina's relationship slowly, building up trust before they ventured into steamy hot sex. I loved that the main character Carina was sassy but not whiny. It was endearing to see her vulnerability play out in regards to her sexual desires. Watching them learn each other was intriguing; all the while she was learning more about herself.
Kennedy was a great alpha male, who was tough, yet so caring and gentle when Carina needed him to be. There were plenty erotic scenes and they were all pretty hot! I just wish there was more to the story, it moved fast, and it was a bit predictable. Nice erotic romance with a little bit of kink! This is an easy, hot, captivating, enjoyable read.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Centurion is the eleventh book in the Impossible series by Julia Sykes and it’s another addictive read. I’ll be honest and say I wasn’t completely sucked into this one at first, but in the end I came to love it.
I think a part of the reason it took me a while to get into this one is because I’ve never been crazy about the lead character in this one. I’ve been curious about him, but I was never overly invested in him. Thus, it took a while for him to win me over.
Once he won me over and the story got going, I came to really enjoy this one. In fact, the second half of the book – when we move to the present point in the timeline – had me hooked. It was one of those cases where I needed to put the book down, but it was impossible. Thus, I devoured this one in a single sitting and was wearing a crazy smile throughout because I was hooked.
Sure, the action at the end was over with a bit too quick for my liking, but that did not lessen my enjoyment of this one. I was hooked, I could not get enough, and it’s left me eager for the next book in the Impossible series.
I really enjoyed watching Kennedy get his happy ending. You never really got much from him in the other books. Always so reserved and shut off. Even though he made a team full of Doms, I always felt he never practiced or got into it as much as the other guys. And after reading this I can see why I felt that. I like Carina...I did, but the one thing I didn't like about her is she didn't have any fight in her. When she was originally going to write about Kennedy but not use his name, he found out and was so hurt that she was using him to further her career. She realized that even though leaving his name out, knowing they were BF/GF people would know who she was referring to and it could ruin his career in the FBI. When she realized that but never said anything to him right away, I understood that. He was too angry and couldn't be talked to. But once he sent her the information for her other article (to make her career) she should have fought for Kennedy and let him know what she would have decided to do...and if he would have still been pissed then that's how it would be, but she didn't even try to fight for him....and that made me not respect her. When they met up again 16yrs later and they worked out their issues...yes...she did force him to really come to terms with what happened and sort of did fight for him...hmmm maybe not fight, but she pushed for him to be honest. She got a little respect back....but only a little. Anyway....that was my only fault I found within the book....but otherwise I really did like Kennedy....the men in this series just make me insane...they r what I want my future boyfriend/husband/plaything to be like!!!
Centurion is a love story 16 years in the making. This is Kennedy and Carina’s story about misunderstandings and long held grudges. What I enjoyed most was the feelings the story evoked, one minute I was angry with the heroine and the next my heart ached for her. Kennedy drove me crazy, he knew what he found but he let fears and pride get the best of him for 16 years.
Carina comes into Kennedy’s life because she put herself in danger. Kennedy felt an intense connection with Carina. He needed to protect her and make her his. When he discovers that Carina has been writing an article regarding his lifestyle, Kennedy ends their tryst in a flash. It’s 16 years of loneliness and stubbornness till they meet again. Their initial meeting is intense and gut churning but it’s not until Kennedy discovers that Carina is once again in danger that he pursues his need to protect her. But is it too late?
My heart hurt for Kennedy, his stubborn pride ruined his life for 16 years. It’s a long time to be lonely. When Carina first met Kennedy she was naïve and felt she was losing herself. As years went by Carina matured as a person and a writer. She was ready to tackle the misconceptions of the alternative lifestyle. Her love life never flourished because it was Kennedy who held her heart. The story is beautifully powerful. Julia Sykes once again tugged on my emotions. I’m ready for a Kennedy and Carina novella. 4 Stars!
This is another amazing book in the impossible series. Kennedy and Carina met in the most terrifying way. Things didn't work out for them, but 16 years later they meet again. Will their love survive? I definitely recommend this book.
Loved it!!! This story pulled me in from the beginning and kept me till the end. Kennedy was that alpha male, FBI agent who knew what he wanted and took it. Karina didn't know she needed some one in her life to dominate her and take care of her. They had some obstacles to overcome but their love was always there. The sex was intense and the BDSM play even better. Love this author.
Wanted to give it a five as it's a good book and I love Julia Sykes writing. However...why is it every single really dominant man is totally incapable of saying they are sorry? They have no problem caning or whipping and publically humiliating their subs until the sub apologizes for something the sub didn't do or for the the dom not understanding the sub and yet not one single author seems to make the dominant apologize in public for humiliating their sub in error. Getting pretty tiresome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was glad Kennedy finally got his book and can say it was pretty good. I couldn't believe how many years these two had missed out on, but I'm glad they were finally able to get their HEA.
As with the previous books in this series I really enjoyed reading this just as much as the previous. I highly recommend that you read them as r. Onto the next book.
Al di là che personalmente io la trovo noiosa da morire, il BDSM è proprio un’altra roba. Non è tossicità. Mai letto di un protagonista più disfunzionale di questo.
Loved the book, until they meet back up. My only issue was the parts where Kennedy just took over again. I felt he took advantage of her submissive side. He took control and didn't ask her if she was ok with it before he just demanded her submission. Overall, I loved it. I would read this author again any time.
WARNING: DO NOT READ THE TABLE OF CONTENTS TO FULLY ENJOY THIS STORY!!
Carina O’Connor, is a journalist looking for a break. We’re talking no cable and ramen noodles big break. It comes in the form of an expose covering the notorious Pagans Motorcycle Club known for dealing drugs. Immediately, you think MC Romance story right? I’m not so sure. I finished the book and I am still digesting the world of Carina and Kennedy. With the help of an undercover informant, Smith, Carina finds herself under the protection of FBI Agent Kennedy Carver. Immediately Carina observes he is bossy. When he notices how guilty and ashamed she feels about her irresponsible idea, he offers his help. His answer: He needs to spank her to absolve her of guilt. Her answer: “Wait, what do you mean?” Which turns into – “Explain this to me again?” And ends with – “Ok, let’s do it” The interesting aspect of this story, it takes place in year 2000, long before we knew about Fifty Shades of Grey and the world of KINK. So, If I am reading this book for the first time in 2000, I would be oblivious and fascinated in the subject matter likewise. That’s why I like the story. Too bad its 2016 ~ post Fifty Shades because the subject matter still yanks you immediately as if you have been living under a rock in the last six years. The story is captivating. Kennedy has been in the World of KINK for years and he has found his perfect submissive. He introduces her into his world and trains her in spanking, discipline, crops, floggers, rope, etc. You know, “the standard” While I read many BDSM romances, this one is a first for me. It’s a twist between “Boy Meet Girl” and “Second Chance” I like this because the story is naturally introducing and educating BDSM to a newbie with awesome dirty talk and great sex. By the end of the story, I am crying. Like me, your heart will be soaring with excitement for the two of them to establish a relationship. Immediately, you can’t wait to read their happily ever after. Oh no, the flogger doesn’t stop here! As characters, Kennedy and Carina will leave you shattering. The story is a standard BDSM romance, but at the end it imprisons you with moments of overwhelming shock. It leaves you with emotions of anguish, anticipation, frustration and exasperation. So you are left, waiting and waiting and waiting, oh and waiting. The story will take you on an emotional binge ride. Emotions that may leave you agonizing in pain. Get ready for an ugly cry. I know I didn’t expect it. I am in the airport waiting for a flight and I am trying my best to wipe the tears falling. That’s a 5 KINK review in my opinion.
Carina was a struggling freelance journalist who went undercover under the nose of a criminal gang for a story. She didn't know the dangers that lay ahead , until the FBI intervened and saved her from being raped or worse, killed. She also didn't expect to be under the protection and control of FBI agent Kennedy Carver. She loved his dominance, and as the mutual attraction flourished, he introduced her to his world of BDSM.
Kennedy knew from the start that Carina was the perfect submissive. He taught her to be open about her sexuality and to learn to trust him. But when he discovered that she planned to expose his lifestyle (which was then frowned upon) through an article she was writing , he felt betrayed and trust was broken. He let her go.
Fixteen years , later , he is an accomplished FBI Director , and she is a successful writer , but her articles on BDSM garnered negative reactions and threats from a fundamentalist sect. Carina never asked for it, but Kennedy came back to her life in the guise of providing her protection. Just like before. But Kennedy knew that this time around , he wasn't letting her go.
This book was both enjoyable and frustrating at the same time. I enjoyed it because the plot came full circle , it's sexy , and the characters got their much deserved happy ending. But I personally found the timeline progression frustrating, specifically those brief narrations of what happened after "the betrayal" from six hours later to fifteen years later. I don't think it was necessary to identify these timelines specifically, especially if they appeared to be rushed.
Also, I know that Kennedy is a law enforcement officer but I find title Centurion a bit medieval, and the cover didn't justify the title. It seemed like a mismatch. I think the title would have been more understandable if the word appeared in the book itself at least once.
Be that as it may , it's my first time to read an erotic romance with BDSM theme wherein the main characters are already in their early forties and late fifties when the plot thickened. And in fairness, they were still hot ! So overall , this was an interesting read.
A copy was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review .
Designation: Standalone, but part of a larger series.
This is my first book in the series, and I don’t feel like I missed much from the others, but there were a few references to events in other books.
So when I started this book, I wasn’t sure where it was going and it seemed to make a few unexpected turns as we moved along. So we are introduced to Smith James who is a troubled 18 year old who is part of a MC dealing Meth and after the death of his father he works with the FBI to bring them to justice. We meet Kennedy who is Smith’s handler. One day Carina O’Connor walks into the garage to try to get information on the MC club as an undercover investigative reporter. As soon as she walks in, she is over her head and Brent Stevenson tries to force himself on her. Luckily, Smith is there to ‘rescue’ her and he takes her back to HQ where she meets Kennedy. Once Kennedy hears her reason for going to the garage he wants to put her over his knee for a proper punishment.
I tried to get lost in this story, but even though I enjoyed it, parts of it felt forced and the dialogue and situations were awkward. The plot is odd….12 chapters…..11 hops in time…..13 chapters. I think the 15 year gap in time was so hard for me. Part of me wanted them to get back together, but at the same time I could not forgive Kennedy for his overreaction. And the way Kennedy introduces Smith to BDSM seemed so odd….guess I’ve never had my boss say to me, hey look up BDSM on the internet and if it’s not for you, pretend we never had this conversation.
Don’t get me wrong the BDSM scenes were so hot, but I am still ticked at the way Kennedy was so stubborn that he didn’t even hear Carina’s side of the story.
This book is absolutely hot. Before I talk more about the book, I just wanted to add this is the first book from Julia Skyes I have read and it certainly won’t be the last.
Centurion is the eleventh book in the Impossible series featuring Kennedy and Carina and I don’t feel I missed out on anything from not reading the previous books. But, I will say, I will be reading the previous books to get a better understanding of some of the characters.
This book will melt whatever you are wearing. I was hooked from the first chapter to the very last when I put the book down with a smile on my face and thought damn that was good.
“Taking a deep breath, I gathered my courage. This was my first big job, my chance to prove myself.”
Carina is trying to get her big break in journalism and she thinks that the motorcycle/drug club (Pagans) is her chance, but she didn’t know the dangers she puts herself in. She is recused by an FBI informant (Smith) and taken to FBI headquarters. This is where she meets FBI agent Kennedy Caver. She is angered by his dominance, but loves it too. This is where the attraction starts and he introduces her to his world of BDSM.
“Obedient, a hungry part of me noted. Obedient and sassy. Perfect”.
Kennedy knows Carina will be perfect for him as his submissive. After a misunderstanding about her writing, he feels betrayed and he lets her go. 15 years later, their story continues.
To found out what happens with Kennedy and Carina, you will need to read the book.
This book had all my emotions going. I have certainly found another author to ad to my favourites. Now I am going to read another book by Julia and I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. **Book provided for honest review**
Review of Centurion (Impossible #11) by Julia Sykes
Review done for Hooked on Books
4 out of 5 stars
Carina is a struggling journalist hoping for a big story to kick start her career. She believes she has found it when she decides to write a story about the ruthless MC club the Pagans.
When she shows up at a garage pretending to score some drugs, she ends up putting her life in jeopardy. The slime ball she meets decides he want her body for payment. Thankfully one of the other guys comes to her rescue and gets her out of there before she gets hurt.
Her savior just happens to be an informant for the FBI and when she meets his boss she is in for even more shock. There is something that sparks to life inside her when she meets Kennedy. The gorgeous alpha just seems to know what to do to soothe her.
Kennedy is a tough ass FBI agent. He is also a Dom in his private life. When Carina ends up in his office after her info getting stunt turned bad, Kennedy is shocked by the feelings Carina invokes in him. He has never felt so strongly about a woman before and is positive that Carina is the perfect sub; she just doesn’t know it yet.
Their relationship blossoms and Carina is enjoying this new world she has discovered. A major misunderstanding happens and Kennedy breaks off the relationship.
Fourteen years later they run into each other in a club and realize that they are the only ones for each other. After all the pain they have suffered, trust is going to be a major hurdle for them as well as the danger Carina is in again.
I really enjoyed this book. The author did a wonderful job portraying the BDsM lifestyle. The book was full of hot, steamy sex scenes as well as lots of angst and suspense.
Centurion is Book 11 in the Impossible Series and can be read as standalone. However, if this is your first time enjoying this series, I’m pretty sure you’ll be coming back for more of Julia Syke’s amazing writing style!
Kennedy’s and Carina story was so beautifully well-written and elaborated, and with a great plot. The devotion and affection shown to her at the beginning and all throughout the story by this fantastic guy was just fantastic. They did had great chemistry from the start!
A perfect mix of drama, angst, action, suspense, amazing hot sizzling passionate scenes, twists and turns, and much more. All the characters were likeable and believable, and just leave you asking for more of them.
I absolutely loved Centurion, and I can’t wait for more of this fabulous series!
Merged review:
Another Brilliant Story!
Centurion is Book 11 in the Impossible Series and can be read as standalone. However, if this is your first time enjoying this series, I’m pretty sure you’ll be coming back for more of Julia Syke’s amazing writing style!
Kennedy’s and Carina story was so beautifully well-written and elaborated, and with a great plot. The devotion and affection shown to her at the beginning and all throughout the story by this fantastic guy was just fantastic. They did had great chemistry from the start!
A perfect mix of drama, angst, action, suspense, amazing hot sizzling passionate scenes, twists and turns, and much more. All the characters were likeable and believable, and just leave you asking for more of them.
I absolutely loved Centurion, and I can’t wait for more of this fabulous series!
I've been hooked on the Impossible series since last year when I picked up the first book of series for free. Prior to reading this one, Savior and Knight were my favorites of the series. Now, Centurion has become to my favorite of this series. In all the prior books, there have been allusions to the details behind Kennedy's and Smith's friendship. This book satisfies that curiosity, but if you didn't read Knight prior to this, you'll want to simply to know Smith's full romance. Even more so after you hear his heart breaking story that had me in tears and needing a five minute breather before continuing. Kennedy throughout the Impossible series has been this sexy bachelor and mentor to a team of bad ass FBI Doms. I've wanted his story for soooo long--seriously, a long time. But I'm happy it came now, at this point in the whole FBI gang's story. Mind you, you do not have to read the prior books to appreciate or follow this one, but you'll love it more if you do because of the build up to getting Kennedy's story. This book broke my heart repeatedly. At one point, I was flying through it because I had to know whether or not these characters got their HEA. The story sucks you in within the first few pages and is incredibly hard to put down when you have to start adulting.
Side note to superfans: I can't wait for the next story in this series. I already have plans of internet stalking Miss Sykes to beg for Sam's story because she pops up so much <3
Centurion by Julia Sykes is book 11 in her Impossible series. If you enjoy erotic BDSM romances then you'll love Centurion.
The story is about Kennedy Carver and Carina O'Connor. They first meet by happenstance when Carina, an aspiring reporter, tries to go undercover to get a story about the Pagans Motorcycle Club but it all goes south. Luckily, she's saved by Kennedy's inside man Smith James and brought to FBI Unit Headquarters where she meets the dominant, Kennedy Carver. There is an immediate attraction between the two and Kennedy notices the submissive in Carina. Introducing her to the lifestyle, they begin to start a relationship and fall in love. However, because of a misunderstanding, the couple break up. Not seeing each other for sixteen years.
When they reunite is when the story picks up, as Kennedy and Carina see each again at a BDSM club. Kennedy is now FBI Director while Carina has become a successful writer. However, her articles on BDSM has brought about some negative attention and put her in harms way, bringing out Kennedy's protective side as he comes back into her life to protect her. With these two characters back in close proximity, can they get over past hurts? Or their anger? Will they be able to find love again or has it been too long?
Centurion is a well-written novel that is filled with drama, emotion, angst, action, and hot sexiness that I very much enjoyed. I would recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more by Julia Sykes.
Centurion is Kennedy's story. FINALLY!!!! Kennedy is the New York unit director of the FBI. He's known for hiring doms for his unit. So it is really exciting to get to read his story.
Centurion begins in 2000 when Kennedy and Carina meet. Carina is a journalist who decides, without much forethought, to go into the garage of a well known gang and try to get some information. She's handled very roughly by one of the gang member until Smith James claims Carina as his woman.
**We've met Smith in previous Impossible series books. He's even had his own: Knight.**
There's a BIG misunderstanding/miscommunication between Carina and Kennedy. Kennedy kicks her out of his apartment.
Julia gives us glimpes of the two throughout the years after this. We get to see them advance in life but still live in the pain. It was sad and beautiful.
Eventually we work out way to present day. Kennedy is talking to a blonde sub at Decadence when he feels someone staring at him. He then pinpoints Carina and the fun really begins. Carina runs, Kennedy follows.
Centurion is full of discovering ones self. What one truly wants/desires/needs. It also has a lot of heartbreak.
I really enjoyed finally getting to see Kennedy's side of life. Centurion is a new favorite of mine in this series.
The story starts early, when Carina is 4yrs out of college and Kennedy is 34 yrs. and spans over 16 yrs. Carina hopes to be an investigative reporter. She wants to write an expose on the Pagan gang who deals meth. Kennedy is an agent for the FBI. He has an informant working in a small biker gang that works out of Slim's Garage. They deal meth for the Pagans. After an assault against Carina, she ends up tied up, gagged, put in the trunk of a car and taken to the FBI headquarters, to Kennedy. He takes her out of the trunk and into an office to debrief her. After he takes her to dinner he takes her home. He stays until he's satisfied she's going to be ok. Kennedy is into BDSM and when Carina starts blaming herself for what happened to her, he tells her that she is not to blame for what happened and that he can help her accept it. When she asks how Kennedy tells her he's going to spank her. At that point she tells him to leave. She researches spanking and BDSM. A misunderstanding and not letting the other person explain, causes a breakup. Throwing out the other person. If you are into reading Dominant/Alpha males and submissive females, this is the book for you. The story is amazingly well written and the character discriptions are right on.
I loved this book! I'll be honest I never really connected to Kennedy. He's been in all the books as the head of the FBI but we never get a real idea of what he's like or what his story is. After reading the story i'm totally in love with Kennedy, he was a real idiot but that's because he loved Carina so much. The story broke my heart I couldn't understand why these two awesome characters had to go through such horrible things to get their HEA. But they do get their HEA, Carina finds the strength to forgive Kennedy and he in turns finds the strength to admit he was wrong. They both had an amazing journey to be together and that is an everlasting love. When you find the person that's meant for you those two souls will always find a way to be with each other. After 11 books you'd think the stories in this series would become repetitive but that's not the case each story has something new and this story was by far one of my favorites especially because it make me care for Kennedy who in previous books left me very neutral towards him and now I feel like I "get" him. I truly love books that make me react strongly. A great story and wonderful addition to the series.
I haven't read anything else by this author, but I fell in love with her while reading this book. You feel so many different things while reading, and once you start reading you don't want to put it down! Carina does something foolish in order to try to help her career as a journalist. During this, she ends up meeting Kennedy, an FBI agent. She immediately feels comfortable and safe when she's near him. Kennedy is an FBI agent living a secret life as a Dom. As soon as he meets Carina, he knows that he wants her. Kennedy knows that no one can find out about his lifestyle or he'll lose his job. However, he wants to introduce her to his lifestyle. While Kennedy and Carina are together, he finds out something and thinks that she's betrayed him. So, he kicks her out and they spend years apart. But, once again Carina finds herself in trouble and Kennedy can't help but try to make sure she's safe and nothing happens to her. Centurion is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. If you haven't read anything else by Julia Sykes, you won't regret reading this book. I highly recommend it!
This was an okay read, I’m giving it 3.5 stars. The beginning was good but the middle was almost painful and I did a ton of skimming, the ending picked back up to good though.
This is the only book I’ve read in the series and it was fine as a standalone.
Carina is a journalist and she’s looking for the story that’s going to make her career. She gets the brilliant idea to infiltrate an MC as her story but realizes as soon as she steps through the door she’s in over her head. Luckily one of the members is an informant for the FBI and saves her. Taking her to the FBI headquarters where she meets Kennedy. Kennedy is an agent and also a Dom. Carina submits to Kennedy pretty quickly and things heat up, until Kennedy realizes what Carina has started writing about. He leaves her without a backward glance and then we fast forward through the years… this is the part where I began to skim. If it had been like a year or maybe 2 I think it would have been a lot better but one chapter was like 7 years forward then on to 16 years later.
I will say this book definitely has a heat level of 5! It’s super steamy and the writing is really good.
This was an okay read, I’m giving it 3.5 stars. The beginning was good but the middle was almost painful and I did a ton of skimming, the ending picked back up to good though.
This is the only book I’ve read in the series and it was fine as a standalone.
Carina is a journalist and she’s looking for the story that’s going to make her career. She gets the brilliant idea to infiltrate an MC as her story but realizes as soon as she steps through the door she’s in over her head. Luckily one of the members is an informant for the FBI and saves her. Taking her to the FBI headquarters where she meets Kennedy. Kennedy is an agent and also a Dom. Carina submits to Kennedy pretty quickly and things heat up, until Kennedy realizes what Carina has started writing about. He leaves her without a backward glance and then we fast forward through the years… this is the part where I began to skim. If it had been like a year or maybe 2 I think it would have been a lot better but one chapter was like 7 years forward then on to 16 years later.
I will say this book definitely has a heat level of 5! It’s super steamy and the writing is really good.
Centurion by Julia Sykes is book number 11 in the Impossible Series. The story follows Kennedy and his happy ever after with Carina.
Carina O'Conner is a reporter, who goes undercover to get her big break. While trying to get her story on the Pegans, things start to go wrong. Lucky for her, Smith is there to save her and is brought to the FBI headquarters where she meets a dominant named Agent Kennedy Carver. There is immediate attraction between them, and when Kennedy notices Carina submissive side, he decides to introduce her to BDSM. Their relationship is going well and they are even falling in love, until a misunstanding happens and they break up.
16 years later, Carina is a writer and Kennedy is director of the FBI. They are reunited at a BDSM club in New York, and old feeling come out to play. Can they get over all the anger and betrayal of the past? Will they find a way to reconnect the love the had for each other?
The story was well written and had some sexier then sin parts. However this was not my favorite novel. I didn't connect with Carina as much as I did Julia's other female leads. I would still recommend everyone read this. The Series as a whole is amazing.