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The Cardinal #5
Cardinal Rose
Callie finally found a home. It's everything she's ever dreamed of - friendship, family, and a healthy dose of romance, which Dr. Harper repeatedly reminds her is a good thing since it will help her deal with her most recent loss. So, why can't she be happy? That reason comes in the form of one Russian mob boss named Nikolai Ivanov. He's closer than ever, and Callie knows that if he ever found out how much she cared for her new-found family, she knows that it would be signing their death-warrants. So, what will she do?
...because something's got to give.
...because something's got to give.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2020
268 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Mia Smantz
20 books278 followersA little about me. I love to read, write, travel, and drink tea. I especially love it when I can do more than one of those at a time. I have too many different series started, but all of them are definitely reverse-harem. It took me years to finish my first book, and now I have started to publish them.
My style leans towards paranormal, mystery, thriller themes when I write and read. If I'm trying to write, and I don't have time to read until I get inspired, I like to listen to music. That'll usually get me out of a block and back to writing!!
My style leans towards paranormal, mystery, thriller themes when I write and read. If I'm trying to write, and I don't have time to read until I get inspired, I like to listen to music. That'll usually get me out of a block and back to writing!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 5, 2021
Boring
Because it's two books too long. How many times a person can get kidnapped when be guarded by the CIA. It's not believable anymore. Now we get to wait for another
long drawn out story.
Because it's two books too long. How many times a person can get kidnapped when be guarded by the CIA. It's not believable anymore. Now we get to wait for another
long drawn out story.
December 30, 2020
Getting old
When I started this series I loved them and yet after 5 books still so little resolution. Furthermore Callie seems to be getting weaker, less competent more distressed damsel. In need of saving on ALL fronts, emotional, physical, psychological...she has transformed from badass bitch to a baby bottom cherub. Surely now that she has better resources at least some of the big baddies would be eliminated. Unfortunately they all get away. Truthfully it seems being part of a team has made things worse. Callie is a lot less effective and the team's she is associated with are not only useless but stupid. Since being part of DELTA the poor girl has been kidnapped every other week. When she was with the bad guys she was, at least in one perspective, safer and more valued. I can only hope that in the next book she can at the very least eliminate the meat grinder and Petrova. I can only hope to God that the whole series doesn't get wrapped up in one book. i.e. by chapter 3 Petrov is dead by 15 meat grinder goes by 22 Director Rollins and end of book The big dad Ivanov. With a happy ever after in epilogue. Honestly the last 2books have been meh. Book 4 needed to have a focus on at least 1 bid dad same as this one. But all you get is a passing comment - Andrea-oh yeah Grimly is dead I killed him. To be fair I will give this series 1 last chance BUT IF THERE IS NO RESOLUTION I WILL GO GACK TO THE BEGINING AND LET EVERYONE KNOW BOOKS 4 AND 5 ARE FILLERS AND NOT WORTH THE TIME.
When I started this series I loved them and yet after 5 books still so little resolution. Furthermore Callie seems to be getting weaker, less competent more distressed damsel. In need of saving on ALL fronts, emotional, physical, psychological...she has transformed from badass bitch to a baby bottom cherub. Surely now that she has better resources at least some of the big baddies would be eliminated. Unfortunately they all get away. Truthfully it seems being part of a team has made things worse. Callie is a lot less effective and the team's she is associated with are not only useless but stupid. Since being part of DELTA the poor girl has been kidnapped every other week. When she was with the bad guys she was, at least in one perspective, safer and more valued. I can only hope that in the next book she can at the very least eliminate the meat grinder and Petrova. I can only hope to God that the whole series doesn't get wrapped up in one book. i.e. by chapter 3 Petrov is dead by 15 meat grinder goes by 22 Director Rollins and end of book The big dad Ivanov. With a happy ever after in epilogue. Honestly the last 2books have been meh. Book 4 needed to have a focus on at least 1 bid dad same as this one. But all you get is a passing comment - Andrea-oh yeah Grimly is dead I killed him. To be fair I will give this series 1 last chance BUT IF THERE IS NO RESOLUTION I WILL GO GACK TO THE BEGINING AND LET EVERYONE KNOW BOOKS 4 AND 5 ARE FILLERS AND NOT WORTH THE TIME.
January 3, 2021
I was so looking forward to this book!
The first 3/4 of the book dragged on a bit, but once it hit a certain point, the plot got really intense and I couldn’t put it down.
I would, however, like to bemoan the fact that after FIVE books, Callie finally lost her virginity and it was a fade-to-black scene?? I feel SO cheated.
The first 3/4 of the book dragged on a bit, but once it hit a certain point, the plot got really intense and I couldn’t put it down.
I would, however, like to bemoan the fact that after FIVE books, Callie finally lost her virginity and it was a fade-to-black scene?? I feel SO cheated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2021
I have a lot of thoughts about this book or the whole series actually, but I think it's best if I let the it all sink in before I write a review. I wanted to go with one star at first but this book did finally have a story, things actually happened so 2 stars.
January 1, 2021
I’ve loved the series up to this point.
Ok so I’ve really enjoyed this series until this book. It truly feels like the author is dragging things out to get another book and another book off of the same story line. There was little furtherance to the relationships of the main character with her loves and not much is gained in regards to the main villain. The first half of the book dragged on and on about the events in the previous book just filling up space. Then there’s a short bout of action that was cliched and followed by foreshadowing trying to get you to read the next book, promising action and resolution. This whole book could’ve been skipped aside from two things that I won’t say since I hate people that spill spoilers. This book left me with little desire to see the story to the end whereas as the others had me eagerly awaiting the next.
Ok so I’ve really enjoyed this series until this book. It truly feels like the author is dragging things out to get another book and another book off of the same story line. There was little furtherance to the relationships of the main character with her loves and not much is gained in regards to the main villain. The first half of the book dragged on and on about the events in the previous book just filling up space. Then there’s a short bout of action that was cliched and followed by foreshadowing trying to get you to read the next book, promising action and resolution. This whole book could’ve been skipped aside from two things that I won’t say since I hate people that spill spoilers. This book left me with little desire to see the story to the end whereas as the others had me eagerly awaiting the next.
January 5, 2021
OMG! Kidnap-Callie when will it end? I am anxiously waiting on the Callie-Aleks hook up. So much happened in this book and so much didn't (yet it really really could have). Callie is so fragile, I hate that for her since she is constantly put under duress and the Emerson - Tate now Jensen team will never let her go. Cardinals will always have her back but Rollins seems to want to destroy her. So much intrigue and people from her past come to light in this book 5.
Callie come home safe, there are a lot of people waiting for you.
Callie come home safe, there are a lot of people waiting for you.
February 9, 2021
Was really hoping everyone would make it out alive. They could have just injured them and Callie going rogue still would've made sense.
Also the fade to black for her first sex scene and subsequent vague sexual interactions was really annoying. Not much a reverse harem if all they do is light pecks.
Also the fade to black for her first sex scene and subsequent vague sexual interactions was really annoying. Not much a reverse harem if all they do is light pecks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
Cardinal Rose was really good, but I was also really disappointed in Callie's choices. She was so beyond frustrating in this one, it was annoying. Other than that, I loved how the guys reacted to her, and I enjoyed the relationships as well. The ending was pretty sad though.
January 27, 2021
This is my least favourite in the series. I was bored throughout and I did not like the plotline.
December 13, 2020
It does not disappoint! The romance kicked up a notch, action packed and Aleks never disappoints! Lol I will say...be prepared. Lots of moments to prepare for! Such a great series and cannot wait for the last book!
May 4, 2022
A little bit a filler book, having read book 5 and 6 in 2 days, I honestly struggle to say what was part of which book..
January 23, 2021
Finally some Ivanov! We definitely waited too long.
I didn’t like the fact that it’s a book no. 5 and we only see Callie with Corbin. Loved them together but seriously? The author open that box and and won’t give us all of the guys with Callie? Cause there’s no way that she will include all that in the last book.
I didn’t like the fact that it’s a book no. 5 and we only see Callie with Corbin. Loved them together but seriously? The author open that box and and won’t give us all of the guys with Callie? Cause there’s no way that she will include all that in the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2021
Issues
Once again, there were continuity issues. Things done or said for the "first" time that were done or said in previous books, messing up times or ages, etc. Most glaring was the handling of Callie's mother's death. I mean, really? It's a pretty pivotal moment and the timing was completely wrong, so either the author forgot her own work or there reality is someone ghostwriting. I'm not going to read any further in this series since I can't trust the author(s) to produce something of quality.
Once again, there were continuity issues. Things done or said for the "first" time that were done or said in previous books, messing up times or ages, etc. Most glaring was the handling of Callie's mother's death. I mean, really? It's a pretty pivotal moment and the timing was completely wrong, so either the author forgot her own work or there reality is someone ghostwriting. I'm not going to read any further in this series since I can't trust the author(s) to produce something of quality.
Read
January 6, 2021I thought this was the last book.
But apparently there is one more which is disappointing. Still, great book but still have a ton of unanswered questions, a heap of heartbreak and enough pent up angst to last another 6 books. The mystery and chase is the story here not the relationships - while things have progressed slightly it’s still pretty tame compared to the gore and death portrayed in the story.
But apparently there is one more which is disappointing. Still, great book but still have a ton of unanswered questions, a heap of heartbreak and enough pent up angst to last another 6 books. The mystery and chase is the story here not the relationships - while things have progressed slightly it’s still pretty tame compared to the gore and death portrayed in the story.
August 3, 2021
The whole book I kept thinking, "She's so stupid," which, as you can imagine, is not a good sign. I really hate when a main character has a Big Secret and does not want to tell the others. You know it's going to come out anyway, and the longer they keep the secret, the worse the fallout will be when it's finally revealed -- plus, usually it ends up being exposed in the worst way.
While I understand she doesn't want to put her men in danger, she's aware that they have training, skills, and access to various resources which puts them in a unique position to not only help her, but also to bring down Ivanov... yet she keeps thinking about doing it herself? How logical is it to think she could do it herself, just one person against this bad guy? Especially when she's so terrified of him that she can barely even speak to him when she faces him?
He puts a gun in her hand and tells her to shoot someone. It doesn't occur to her to shoot him instead? Granted, she's a lousy shot, but he has to be standing quite close to her, and it's hard to miss at close range. Really she is so so stupid. Also, it's impossible that she shot Drew, her stepfather, as Ivanov ordered. Cos if she could shoot 150 rounds of ammo and not hit her target even once (book 2) then it's impossible that she could have taken a kill shot with just one press of the trigger.
At least she finally does actually tell her men the Big Secret before things can go pie-shaped. But she keeps so many secrets in this book that I really hated the fact she doesn't confide in her team and will not rely on them for backup. She is irrational and her actions keep putting her in danger, which her men then have to rescue her from! That's the worst kind of 'heroine'! She knows she's struggling to get over her experiences at Chernobyl in the previous book -- she avoids elevators and takes the stairs whenever she can, for example -- but she tries to hide it from her team. Doesn't she realise that this could endanger all of them? What if they're in a tight spot during a mission and need to rely on her but she can't do her part? It was stupid and selfish and short-sighted.
At the end of the last book, the two teams, Tate team and Emerson team, had decided to merge so that she can join both of them instead of being torn in two. She does choose them (of course) and now they are the Jensen team, named after Callie, and they live in the former Emerson team's huge mansion. With all the opportunity for hanging out with her men, she finally loses her virginity but the author doesn't give much detail, which is a huge disappointment. I really did not like how the men don't respect her space or give her privacy. While she and her Chosen One are still in bed, all the others appear at her doorway to oogle them, and Aleks, in his blunt and tactless way, actually asks her whether sex is now on the table for her and the rest of them. Like I said before: the men are immature and mostly focused on what they want of her, instead of what she wants or needs.
Two key people die in this book, which I don't like (good guys should never die! At least not in fiction!), Andrea reappears, the director of the CIA behaves weirdly... like Grinley, the ex-CIA agent, the director has her own agenda and behaves like a thug in threatening Callie, plus she deliberately separates Callie from the team and tells her not to call on them for backup. Why? That's so suspicious.
We've got one more book to go. I like the author's style of writing, but I just don't like how Callie's personality is evolving. Callie is so self-sacrificial it makes me gag, but at the same time I also feel that half the time, she's putting herself in danger and she's not worth all the effort that the men have to put into to constantly rescue her.
While I understand she doesn't want to put her men in danger, she's aware that they have training, skills, and access to various resources which puts them in a unique position to not only help her, but also to bring down Ivanov... yet she keeps thinking about doing it herself? How logical is it to think she could do it herself, just one person against this bad guy? Especially when she's so terrified of him that she can barely even speak to him when she faces him?
He puts a gun in her hand and tells her to shoot someone. It doesn't occur to her to shoot him instead? Granted, she's a lousy shot, but he has to be standing quite close to her, and it's hard to miss at close range. Really she is so so stupid. Also, it's impossible that she shot Drew, her stepfather, as Ivanov ordered. Cos if she could shoot 150 rounds of ammo and not hit her target even once (book 2) then it's impossible that she could have taken a kill shot with just one press of the trigger.
At least she finally does actually tell her men the Big Secret before things can go pie-shaped. But she keeps so many secrets in this book that I really hated the fact she doesn't confide in her team and will not rely on them for backup. She is irrational and her actions keep putting her in danger, which her men then have to rescue her from! That's the worst kind of 'heroine'! She knows she's struggling to get over her experiences at Chernobyl in the previous book -- she avoids elevators and takes the stairs whenever she can, for example -- but she tries to hide it from her team. Doesn't she realise that this could endanger all of them? What if they're in a tight spot during a mission and need to rely on her but she can't do her part? It was stupid and selfish and short-sighted.
At the end of the last book, the two teams, Tate team and Emerson team, had decided to merge so that she can join both of them instead of being torn in two. She does choose them (of course) and now they are the Jensen team, named after Callie, and they live in the former Emerson team's huge mansion. With all the opportunity for hanging out with her men, she finally loses her virginity but the author doesn't give much detail, which is a huge disappointment. I really did not like how the men don't respect her space or give her privacy. While she and her Chosen One are still in bed, all the others appear at her doorway to oogle them, and Aleks, in his blunt and tactless way, actually asks her whether sex is now on the table for her and the rest of them. Like I said before: the men are immature and mostly focused on what they want of her, instead of what she wants or needs.
Two key people die in this book, which I don't like (good guys should never die! At least not in fiction!), Andrea reappears, the director of the CIA behaves weirdly... like Grinley, the ex-CIA agent, the director has her own agenda and behaves like a thug in threatening Callie, plus she deliberately separates Callie from the team and tells her not to call on them for backup. Why? That's so suspicious.
We've got one more book to go. I like the author's style of writing, but I just don't like how Callie's personality is evolving. Callie is so self-sacrificial it makes me gag, but at the same time I also feel that half the time, she's putting herself in danger and she's not worth all the effort that the men have to put into to constantly rescue her.
January 21, 2021
Little girl lost
Callie is making decisions. After realizing that she can't leave her "lost boys", she leaves the Cardinals. The guys joined their teams so they didn't lose her. Now she's an official Delta trainee, gets to choose more classes, and figure out how to work and live with the 8 guys who make up her new permanent team. But even though she's moving forward, her past refuses to leave her alone. Another lost friend turns up, 2 evil men decide to work together forcing them into hiding, and Rollins calls in Callie's contract. But while Rollins has an extensive web, she's not the most dangerous spider. Ivanov does not leave loose ends and Callie's thread has been taunting him for far too long.
Spoilers ahead.
Oh, have the tissues ready for this one. Callie is growing, but she's still stunted. She knows how to work with a team, but fear is a powerful motivator. The more ties she has, the more ways she can be hurt. And with the 5 Cardinals and 8 loves that comprise her team, that's a lot of targets to keep safe. Let alone the friend from the past. This part is going to get really spoilery, because I have some questions about things that didn't make sense:
*How? How did they get taken? When the team was locked down, knowing Petrova was lurking and being baited by Ivanov, why weren't they locked down, too? Known targets, one due to her dad, the other because they were close to Callie, it makes no sense.
*Rollins...sure a spy head isn't going to be squeaky clean, but there are still rules, procedures. And with cells and social media, crazed driving, shots being fired, bombs going off, and news that gets updated by the minute, certain things aren't going to escape notice. No matter what cover story you try to spin.
*There's a story with Dell. We're being taunted with it. He gets away with too much, too lenient with Callie.
*Tarasovich leaves tracks. Him being used by Petrova and Ivanov, and others should have had him on a watch list years ago. He's too messy. Him being in 1 place too long would leave a path to follow. Plus, he's recently cheesed off an entire branch of a government spy agency for killing 2 agents and wounding another. Keeping such a destructive pet that close wouldn't be good business, no matter how much revenge Ivanov needs.
*While things are being wrapped up in the next book, even more questions are popping up. Since this is more story driven than romantically driven, I'm curious how all, all, all, of these threads are going to be wrapped up. Usually, in such cases, romance covers for the dangling ends. But this is very much a slow burn, so I'm very curious how so much can be resolved with only 1 left.
I have enjoyed this series. The focus keeps changing, but it's remained thought provoking and interesting. Humor, terror, sadness, bonding, intelligent conversations, no miraculous solutions, it's grounded. It's a gem in a genre that tends to swing far into fantasy.
Callie is making decisions. After realizing that she can't leave her "lost boys", she leaves the Cardinals. The guys joined their teams so they didn't lose her. Now she's an official Delta trainee, gets to choose more classes, and figure out how to work and live with the 8 guys who make up her new permanent team. But even though she's moving forward, her past refuses to leave her alone. Another lost friend turns up, 2 evil men decide to work together forcing them into hiding, and Rollins calls in Callie's contract. But while Rollins has an extensive web, she's not the most dangerous spider. Ivanov does not leave loose ends and Callie's thread has been taunting him for far too long.
Spoilers ahead.
Oh, have the tissues ready for this one. Callie is growing, but she's still stunted. She knows how to work with a team, but fear is a powerful motivator. The more ties she has, the more ways she can be hurt. And with the 5 Cardinals and 8 loves that comprise her team, that's a lot of targets to keep safe. Let alone the friend from the past. This part is going to get really spoilery, because I have some questions about things that didn't make sense:
*How? How did they get taken? When the team was locked down, knowing Petrova was lurking and being baited by Ivanov, why weren't they locked down, too? Known targets, one due to her dad, the other because they were close to Callie, it makes no sense.
*Rollins...sure a spy head isn't going to be squeaky clean, but there are still rules, procedures. And with cells and social media, crazed driving, shots being fired, bombs going off, and news that gets updated by the minute, certain things aren't going to escape notice. No matter what cover story you try to spin.
*There's a story with Dell. We're being taunted with it. He gets away with too much, too lenient with Callie.
*Tarasovich leaves tracks. Him being used by Petrova and Ivanov, and others should have had him on a watch list years ago. He's too messy. Him being in 1 place too long would leave a path to follow. Plus, he's recently cheesed off an entire branch of a government spy agency for killing 2 agents and wounding another. Keeping such a destructive pet that close wouldn't be good business, no matter how much revenge Ivanov needs.
*While things are being wrapped up in the next book, even more questions are popping up. Since this is more story driven than romantically driven, I'm curious how all, all, all, of these threads are going to be wrapped up. Usually, in such cases, romance covers for the dangling ends. But this is very much a slow burn, so I'm very curious how so much can be resolved with only 1 left.
I have enjoyed this series. The focus keeps changing, but it's remained thought provoking and interesting. Humor, terror, sadness, bonding, intelligent conversations, no miraculous solutions, it's grounded. It's a gem in a genre that tends to swing far into fantasy.
March 21, 2021
This book was much better than the last. Granted, sometimes I wanna shake Callie for her actions but regardless, this book was an improvement plot wise compared to the last. Especially in terms on continuity (except one major thing, but I’ll let it pass lol).
Callie is reeling from the events in Chernobyl. She’s getting the help she needs but is still experiencing the after effects. However, she now is part of the newly formed team compromised of the Emerson and Tate teams. She finally feels at home, but Ivanov still looms at large. The doom and gloom has yet to be vanquished and it’s only a matter of time before everything falls apart and someone gets hurt.
Callie is dealing with a lot of shit in this book. From grieving, to keeping secrets, trying to get the one up on Ivanov, and juggling the CIA... the girls being put through her paces. It eventually all crumbles apart in the last chapters of the book but we do see Callie has a plan and will stop at nothing until Ivanov is completely destroyed.
Besides the whole drama of it all with the CIA and Ivanov, we got some major progress in the relationships between Callie and her guys. Some of it was awkward and others were sweet. I can’t believe the nerve of having a fade-to-black scene for Callie’s first time... like what even. Although, happy to see that everyone is finalllly on the same page in terms of their relationships.
Now, for my issues. The continuity is better, don’t get me wrong, but when things crop up like Jace never having kissed Callie in the middle, but in the beginning they had all by gotten to second/third base? That stuff irks me. It’s just not careful writing. The plot flowed better here but the misunderstandings and secrets??? Not my fav, especially the misunderstandings. One of my least favorite. And the fact that it’s gonna be the last book, but we’ve only seen her have sex with one out of EIGHT of her guys? I don’t know what’s gonna be happening with that lol.
Hoping for this last book to be a banger. Callie deserves to have some peace after all the traumatic shit she’s been through. It’ll be interesting to see how everything turns out.
Callie is reeling from the events in Chernobyl. She’s getting the help she needs but is still experiencing the after effects. However, she now is part of the newly formed team compromised of the Emerson and Tate teams. She finally feels at home, but Ivanov still looms at large. The doom and gloom has yet to be vanquished and it’s only a matter of time before everything falls apart and someone gets hurt.
Callie is dealing with a lot of shit in this book. From grieving, to keeping secrets, trying to get the one up on Ivanov, and juggling the CIA... the girls being put through her paces. It eventually all crumbles apart in the last chapters of the book but we do see Callie has a plan and will stop at nothing until Ivanov is completely destroyed.
Besides the whole drama of it all with the CIA and Ivanov, we got some major progress in the relationships between Callie and her guys. Some of it was awkward and others were sweet. I can’t believe the nerve of having a fade-to-black scene for Callie’s first time... like what even. Although, happy to see that everyone is finalllly on the same page in terms of their relationships.
Now, for my issues. The continuity is better, don’t get me wrong, but when things crop up like Jace never having kissed Callie in the middle, but in the beginning they had all by gotten to second/third base? That stuff irks me. It’s just not careful writing. The plot flowed better here but the misunderstandings and secrets??? Not my fav, especially the misunderstandings. One of my least favorite. And the fact that it’s gonna be the last book, but we’ve only seen her have sex with one out of EIGHT of her guys? I don’t know what’s gonna be happening with that lol.
Hoping for this last book to be a banger. Callie deserves to have some peace after all the traumatic shit she’s been through. It’ll be interesting to see how everything turns out.
March 29, 2024
TITLE - Cardinal Rose
AUTHOR - Mia Smantz
TYPE - Series, #5 of 6 in "The Cardinal"
POV - 1st Person - Callie
GENRE - Dark Romance, Reverse Harem, Thriller
READ DATES - 3/25/2024 to 3/29/2024
RATINGS
Overall: 3.5/5⭐️
Characters: 3.5/5👀
Plot: 3/5🧩
Romance: 2/5💘
Spice: 1/5🌶️
Pacing: 5/5⌛️
Editing/Consistency: 3.5/5🔍
MAIN CHARACTERS - Callie, Brock, Aleks, Jace, CJ, Bryce, Duane, Emerson, Corbin
INITIAL REACTION -
Full review at: Cardinal Rose.
AUTHOR - Mia Smantz
TYPE - Series, #5 of 6 in "The Cardinal"
POV - 1st Person - Callie
GENRE - Dark Romance, Reverse Harem, Thriller
READ DATES - 3/25/2024 to 3/29/2024
RATINGS
Overall: 3.5/5⭐️
Characters: 3.5/5👀
Plot: 3/5🧩
Romance: 2/5💘
Spice: 1/5🌶️
Pacing: 5/5⌛️
Editing/Consistency: 3.5/5🔍
MAIN CHARACTERS - Callie, Brock, Aleks, Jace, CJ, Bryce, Duane, Emerson, Corbin
INITIAL REACTION -
Full review at: Cardinal Rose.
May 16, 2021
**SPOILERS**
I'm disappointed with this one. This was one of my favorite series, but there are some glaring content issues in this book.
-There was a time when I think the author got the characters mixed up in dialogue (in the underground Delta building with Jace and CJ)
-The story wasn't straight with Callie's past when she came face to face with her stepdad. It was really confusing because "bombshells" that were dropped were things we've already learned in earlier books. It made the scene so much less impactful and pulled me from the story.
-There were other small hiccups with experiences that seemed twisted or left out or changed.
We finally get to see Ivanov in this book, but it felt off. He's spent 41/2 books trying to track Callie down, but when he finally has her, he just leaves her... doesn't kill her or take her with him... I'm so confused. All that build-up to have something that doesn't make any sense.
It was jarring after the explosion at the warehouse that kills Natasia and Karl for the story to jump ahead a week or two (I can't remember). The ending seemed so rushed, it felt like missed opportunities.
Lastly, Callie earlier in the series stood her ground with privacy (had a whole eruptive spiel about it), but seems to have lost her backbone for it in this book. For something that was so important to her, she really seemed to stop caring about it in this book.
At this point, I'm not sure if I want to read the last book. There are a handful of bad guys and their storylines that need to get wrapped up along with relationship progression that needs to happen... I don't know how the author is going to fit it all in without feeling like it's all dumped on the pages.
I'm disappointed with this one. This was one of my favorite series, but there are some glaring content issues in this book.
-There was a time when I think the author got the characters mixed up in dialogue (in the underground Delta building with Jace and CJ)
-The story wasn't straight with Callie's past when she came face to face with her stepdad. It was really confusing because "bombshells" that were dropped were things we've already learned in earlier books. It made the scene so much less impactful and pulled me from the story.
-There were other small hiccups with experiences that seemed twisted or left out or changed.
We finally get to see Ivanov in this book, but it felt off. He's spent 41/2 books trying to track Callie down, but when he finally has her, he just leaves her... doesn't kill her or take her with him... I'm so confused. All that build-up to have something that doesn't make any sense.
It was jarring after the explosion at the warehouse that kills Natasia and Karl for the story to jump ahead a week or two (I can't remember). The ending seemed so rushed, it felt like missed opportunities.
Lastly, Callie earlier in the series stood her ground with privacy (had a whole eruptive spiel about it), but seems to have lost her backbone for it in this book. For something that was so important to her, she really seemed to stop caring about it in this book.
At this point, I'm not sure if I want to read the last book. There are a handful of bad guys and their storylines that need to get wrapped up along with relationship progression that needs to happen... I don't know how the author is going to fit it all in without feeling like it's all dumped on the pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2021
4.6 stars.
Ok. So.
We finally get a little sex in this book. It’s not explicit and smutty. But it’s also not totally fade to black for All of it, thank god. After all the teasing and tension, my filthy little heart couldn’t handle that.
On the other hand. It’s only with One of the guys, and nothing further has happened with any of the others. Which is super disappointing.
Then the plot is back on a slow but steady incline. I’m left with more questions than answers after the last 20% of the book, so this last book better be long and detailed.
There was a minor continuity issue that threw me for a bit. I don’t want to go into too much detail, but information was presented to Callie as if it was new, when we’d already read her say the same thing in a previous book. And Callie reacted as if it was news to her, the new info that she had previously stated happened years ago now being told to us that it had happened just a few months before. Not sure whats going on with that, but it wasn’t too big of a deal. Just making me confused for a second before moving on.
But, through all of that, I’m still just as invested in the story and characters as I was at the very beginning.
Which is quite the feat with a six book series. I haven’t wanted to take a break to read a different book even once.
And that holds till the end. Because now I’m going to immediately pick up the finale and hopefully get all the answers I’m looking for, plus fingers crossed that we get way more sex in the last book.
Ok. So.
We finally get a little sex in this book. It’s not explicit and smutty. But it’s also not totally fade to black for All of it, thank god. After all the teasing and tension, my filthy little heart couldn’t handle that.
On the other hand. It’s only with One of the guys, and nothing further has happened with any of the others. Which is super disappointing.
Then the plot is back on a slow but steady incline. I’m left with more questions than answers after the last 20% of the book, so this last book better be long and detailed.
There was a minor continuity issue that threw me for a bit. I don’t want to go into too much detail, but information was presented to Callie as if it was new, when we’d already read her say the same thing in a previous book. And Callie reacted as if it was news to her, the new info that she had previously stated happened years ago now being told to us that it had happened just a few months before. Not sure whats going on with that, but it wasn’t too big of a deal. Just making me confused for a second before moving on.
But, through all of that, I’m still just as invested in the story and characters as I was at the very beginning.
Which is quite the feat with a six book series. I haven’t wanted to take a break to read a different book even once.
And that holds till the end. Because now I’m going to immediately pick up the finale and hopefully get all the answers I’m looking for, plus fingers crossed that we get way more sex in the last book.
June 11, 2021
*Spoilers* Continuity Issues
I was invested enough in the story to read through now the fifth book in this six book series but continuity issues pulled me right out of the climax to this book. Two books ago, Callie told her men that she looked up her mother and found out she overdosed shortly after she was taken (which would have been 8 years ago). In this book, Callie finds out her mother overdosed recently and her funeral just happened and she’s acting shocked like she didn’t know this. In the same climactic scene, Callie lifts her gun and then on the next page (in the ebook) she lifts her gun. I saw other reviewers mention they were annoyed by the slow burn and the fact that Callie lost her vcard in a fade to black. My issue is that the person she lost it to has had nil chemistry and I was uncomfortably squirming getting through that part. It makes no sense for the bad guy to run away at the end of this book, and it makes no sense for the 80th time that Callie goes it alone. Redeeming is the hacking aspects which I appreciate in the story, and most of the humor between the guys. I also appreciate that all the constant blushing has slowed down. I think this series could truly be top ten with better editing.
I was invested enough in the story to read through now the fifth book in this six book series but continuity issues pulled me right out of the climax to this book. Two books ago, Callie told her men that she looked up her mother and found out she overdosed shortly after she was taken (which would have been 8 years ago). In this book, Callie finds out her mother overdosed recently and her funeral just happened and she’s acting shocked like she didn’t know this. In the same climactic scene, Callie lifts her gun and then on the next page (in the ebook) she lifts her gun. I saw other reviewers mention they were annoyed by the slow burn and the fact that Callie lost her vcard in a fade to black. My issue is that the person she lost it to has had nil chemistry and I was uncomfortably squirming getting through that part. It makes no sense for the bad guy to run away at the end of this book, and it makes no sense for the 80th time that Callie goes it alone. Redeeming is the hacking aspects which I appreciate in the story, and most of the humor between the guys. I also appreciate that all the constant blushing has slowed down. I think this series could truly be top ten with better editing.
March 24, 2023
What the fuck was that ending... I'm so done with Callie being a bloody idiot. She had a weapon in her hands, and literally could have ended everything, but she didn't.. I'm too irate, especially with what happened after. And I wish she'd quit lying to the team when there's literally no reason for it.
Secondly, the author got confused with the men in this book. I guess that's the risk with so many men but she kept bringing up the fact that Jace and Corbin hadn't kissed Callie yet, when literally Corbin kissed her in an elevator the chapter before (the same day.. like they had a whole conversation about him feeling friend zoned because they hadn't kissed yet...) and Jace made out with her and got caught by the Cardinals a few chapters before that... I've noticed slip ups like this throughout the whole series, and it just irks me.
I started off loving this series, but it's getting more frustrating with each book. I can't handle any more scenes with the men we've been screaming for for 4 books only to have it fade to black, then we get a recap of some of the details later, it's killing me.
Secondly, the author got confused with the men in this book. I guess that's the risk with so many men but she kept bringing up the fact that Jace and Corbin hadn't kissed Callie yet, when literally Corbin kissed her in an elevator the chapter before (the same day.. like they had a whole conversation about him feeling friend zoned because they hadn't kissed yet...) and Jace made out with her and got caught by the Cardinals a few chapters before that... I've noticed slip ups like this throughout the whole series, and it just irks me.
I started off loving this series, but it's getting more frustrating with each book. I can't handle any more scenes with the men we've been screaming for for 4 books only to have it fade to black, then we get a recap of some of the details later, it's killing me.
January 1, 2021
I like the action. One of the things I hate about huge harems is the book devolves into porn. But the author does a great job of not making the entire book about sex and having characters and conversation. I did start cringing when Duane started hinting towards spankings...hasnt this woman been through enough controlling dickheads?..ill have to skip that part of the next one. Callie girl you should be spanking these idiots. You need more Yolo lessons. Why dont the other guys in the harem ever say anything about that? Just once I want the overprotective dude to be like...um she was beaten almost everyday for years keep your hands to yourself. Step up Brock...make me proud. I never understand how an authors mind goes there. Trauma doesn't go away with arousal. Ok rant done.
January 11, 2021
I do really love the characters in this series and this book does have a great mix of action and romance. I just can’t believe we had another Kidnap-Callie situation or two and another (possibly two) twisted CIA people. I had hoped by this book, the constant threat of Callie getting locked in a dungeon somewhere would have been resolved. With only one of her relationships moving to the next level (fade-to-black scene was utterly disappointing), it seems there are lots of loose ends that will have to get tied up with the next and final installment. I can’t wait to read the next one and hope Callie gets a HEA, because goodness she and her Lost Boys deserve it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2021
I almost rated this 3 stars. For a bit it felt boring and like nothing was happening. Not even relationships were progressing. Finally things start to move and things progress with 1 member of the team. I was unhappy that it was fade to black but then the next scene (with the same guy) wasn't so I understand. Callie is frustrating because she puts herself in these situations at this point. Its not so much that she is kidnapped again..its the lying and secret keeping that leads to this point. By now she should know better and there should be more repercussions for her behavior. Next book is the last? How?!
March 13, 2021
NOOOO i don't want to wait a month (or possibly more) for the final book to come out! I'm glad that she finally took her relationship to the next level, but I feel like instead of asking the guys for help, she is pushing them away, like she feels like she doesn't deserve them. I never trusted the head of the CIA and after that epilogue... I can only imagine that things are going to be bumpy. I hope she is able to clear her way out while keeping herself in tack. AT least she as at least 1 of her guys with her. I'm not 100% that I believe Versili is dead. I am wondering if the meat grinder has him hid away somewhere.
June 6, 2021
Finally out of the trenches, but the battlefield is still a bloody war zone
I have to say.... FINALLY!
The characters are developing beautiful as a unit, we finally got into some intimate scenes that have been building for 4 books now.
The moment I feel I have something figured out, new information, action, and details are unleashed to make the puzzle even more complex and frustrating to solve.
Off to the final book I go.
Warning: this series is addictive, the romance scenes are not on the smut side, but a lights went out, the next morning kind. Does have a lot violence, death, and scenarios of kidnapping, mention of rap, and bloody deaths that can be triggering
I have to say.... FINALLY!
The characters are developing beautiful as a unit, we finally got into some intimate scenes that have been building for 4 books now.
The moment I feel I have something figured out, new information, action, and details are unleashed to make the puzzle even more complex and frustrating to solve.
Off to the final book I go.
Warning: this series is addictive, the romance scenes are not on the smut side, but a lights went out, the next morning kind. Does have a lot violence, death, and scenarios of kidnapping, mention of rap, and bloody deaths that can be triggering
April 1, 2025
Trainwreck
Honestly, I'm struggling not to DNF. The book is okay, but she is honestly becoming too stupid to live. She makes the poorest choices and then seems surprised by the outcomes. By now, there are 8 men in the harem, and she has only engaged in intimacy with one. With only one other book, it seems unlikely that all 7 men will get screen time that way, but more than that, this girl can't catch any breaks. If she is kidnapped one more time or makes another stupid choice in the goal of the greater good, I will throw the phone across the room.
Honestly, I'm struggling not to DNF. The book is okay, but she is honestly becoming too stupid to live. She makes the poorest choices and then seems surprised by the outcomes. By now, there are 8 men in the harem, and she has only engaged in intimacy with one. With only one other book, it seems unlikely that all 7 men will get screen time that way, but more than that, this girl can't catch any breaks. If she is kidnapped one more time or makes another stupid choice in the goal of the greater good, I will throw the phone across the room.
January 9, 2021
Whatttttttttttt!
What the actual hell, way to leave my chin on the floor and my heart broken. Who the frick are the swedes, they need to leave callie the hell alone. I love this series, I love the guys, I love badass callie. It's totally epic lots of drama and a few unexpected turns. I'm genuinely in a bit of shock and slightly speechless. I can tell you Mia is a talented author, this series has an amazing plot and you'll love each and everyone of the characters.
What the actual hell, way to leave my chin on the floor and my heart broken. Who the frick are the swedes, they need to leave callie the hell alone. I love this series, I love the guys, I love badass callie. It's totally epic lots of drama and a few unexpected turns. I'm genuinely in a bit of shock and slightly speechless. I can tell you Mia is a talented author, this series has an amazing plot and you'll love each and everyone of the characters.
April 4, 2021
Things are heating up between Callie and the guys. She moves to the combined team they created in order to have Callie. However the threats of Ivanov and other sources aren't gone yet. There's another attempt to kidnap Callie which is saved just in time. Callie starts to trust the guys and things get spicy. Can they keep Callie save? Save the world of evil people that want her so bad they'll do anything? Read and find out.
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