What do you think?
Rate this book
Cold Justice: The Negotiators #4
Cold Cruel Kiss
When the daughter of the US Ambassador to Argentina is kidnapped in broad daylight on Christmas Eve, the FBI sends one of its best negotiators to investigate.
Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne arrives at an embassy thrown into chaos as US and local law enforcement hustle to track the young woman. Is this a simple kidnap for ransom, or part of a political agenda? Could it be something more sinister?
Lucy Aston has something to hide. Preferring to stay in the shadows, the lowly, fashion-challenged office assistant resents being assigned to help Max. But Max can’t resist a puzzle…he’s starting to suspect Lucy Aston is not what she seems.
When rumors emerge of a suspected Russian spy operating out of the embassy, Lucy’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble. As she and Max race to rescue the ambassador’s daughter, Lucy has to do whatever it takes to keep her cover from being blown—even if that means betraying the man she’s falling for.
Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne arrives at an embassy thrown into chaos as US and local law enforcement hustle to track the young woman. Is this a simple kidnap for ransom, or part of a political agenda? Could it be something more sinister?
Lucy Aston has something to hide. Preferring to stay in the shadows, the lowly, fashion-challenged office assistant resents being assigned to help Max. But Max can’t resist a puzzle…he’s starting to suspect Lucy Aston is not what she seems.
When rumors emerge of a suspected Russian spy operating out of the embassy, Lucy’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble. As she and Max race to rescue the ambassador’s daughter, Lucy has to do whatever it takes to keep her cover from being blown—even if that means betraying the man she’s falling for.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2021
551 people are currently reading
5133 people want to read
About the author
Toni Anderson
88 books3,262 followersNext Release: COLD HEAT
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
BUY LINKS:
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Toni Anderson® writes gritty, sexy, FBI Romantic Thrillers, and is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Readers' Choice, Aspen Gold, Book Buyers' Best, Golden Quill, and National Excellence in Romance Fiction awards. She’s been a finalist in The Vivian Contest and the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, and also in the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Thrillers.
Her books have been downloaded more than three million times.
Best known for her Cold Justice® books perhaps it’s not surprising to discover Toni lives in one of the most extreme climates on earth--Manitoba, Canada. Formerly a Marine Biologist, she still misses the ocean.
In January 2016, she visited FBI Headquarters in Washington DC, including a tour of the Strategic Information and Operations Center.
For more information about Toni:
Website: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com
Store: https://toniandersonshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonianderson...
TikTok: tiktok.com/@toni_anderson_author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toni_anders...
Newsletter: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Start reading Toni's award-winning, bestselling Cold Justice® series with A COLD DARK PLACE.
If you want to know when Toni's next book will be out, visit her website https://www.toniandersonauthor.com or sign up for her newsletter https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
BUY LINKS:
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Toni Anderson® writes gritty, sexy, FBI Romantic Thrillers, and is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Readers' Choice, Aspen Gold, Book Buyers' Best, Golden Quill, and National Excellence in Romance Fiction awards. She’s been a finalist in The Vivian Contest and the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, and also in the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Thrillers.
Her books have been downloaded more than three million times.
Best known for her Cold Justice® books perhaps it’s not surprising to discover Toni lives in one of the most extreme climates on earth--Manitoba, Canada. Formerly a Marine Biologist, she still misses the ocean.
In January 2016, she visited FBI Headquarters in Washington DC, including a tour of the Strategic Information and Operations Center.
For more information about Toni:
Website: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com
Store: https://toniandersonshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonianderson...
TikTok: tiktok.com/@toni_anderson_author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toni_anders...
Newsletter: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Start reading Toni's award-winning, bestselling Cold Justice® series with A COLD DARK PLACE.
If you want to know when Toni's next book will be out, visit her website https://www.toniandersonauthor.com or sign up for her newsletter https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
January 28, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Toni Anderson is an author who I have heard great things about, but never had the chance to read her work until now. I cannot believe I waited this long to read her work. Cold Cruel Kiss was hands down one of the best books I have read this year. It is the fourth book in the Cold Justice Crossfire series, however it works well as a standalone. The only issue is my having to go back and read the previous books in the series.
The story introduces Lucy Aston and FBI Special Supervisory Agent Max Hawthorne. Lucy works as an assistant to the PA of the US Ambassador to Argentina. Max, a former member of the British SAS now works as a negotiator for the FBI. The story began with the abduction of the US ambassador’s daughter on Christmas Eve while she was out shopping with friends. The FBI sent Max, one of their top negotiators, to take control of the situation and ensure the safe return of the Ambassador’s daughter.
Lucy tried not to bring attention to herself and has been doing an outstanding job until Max came on the scene. He saw what no one else did. A smart and beautiful woman. She knew she needed to avoid him, especially given her attraction to him. However, when circumstances forced them into working together, professional lines got crossed and feelings developed between them. However, Lucy harbours a secret, which if discovered could destroy her growing relationship with Max and posed a major threat to the security of the United States.
Lucy intrigued me. I wondered at every page turn what made her tick. The deeper I went into the story, the more of an enigma she became. One thing for sure, she was not the frumpy, weak and unattractive woman everyone thought her to be. I loved how well she and Max worked together, both professionally and romantically.
The story started strongly, and it never let up with the suspense. It hooked me from the start and held me captive to the end. It made me eager to know how it would all unfold and anxious I had many questions while reading. Who were the kidnappers, why did they target the ambassador’s daughter, and did it have anything to do with Lucy’s secret? The story answered all questions, some of which had a surprising outcome.
If choose to read Cold Cruel Kiss, which I strongly recommend, then prepare to be plunged into a world of kidnapping, corruption and espionage. The events tied up in a neat little bow and have me looking forward to reading more from the author.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The story introduces Lucy Aston and FBI Special Supervisory Agent Max Hawthorne. Lucy works as an assistant to the PA of the US Ambassador to Argentina. Max, a former member of the British SAS now works as a negotiator for the FBI. The story began with the abduction of the US ambassador’s daughter on Christmas Eve while she was out shopping with friends. The FBI sent Max, one of their top negotiators, to take control of the situation and ensure the safe return of the Ambassador’s daughter.
Lucy tried not to bring attention to herself and has been doing an outstanding job until Max came on the scene. He saw what no one else did. A smart and beautiful woman. She knew she needed to avoid him, especially given her attraction to him. However, when circumstances forced them into working together, professional lines got crossed and feelings developed between them. However, Lucy harbours a secret, which if discovered could destroy her growing relationship with Max and posed a major threat to the security of the United States.
Lucy intrigued me. I wondered at every page turn what made her tick. The deeper I went into the story, the more of an enigma she became. One thing for sure, she was not the frumpy, weak and unattractive woman everyone thought her to be. I loved how well she and Max worked together, both professionally and romantically.
The story started strongly, and it never let up with the suspense. It hooked me from the start and held me captive to the end. It made me eager to know how it would all unfold and anxious I had many questions while reading. Who were the kidnappers, why did they target the ambassador’s daughter, and did it have anything to do with Lucy’s secret? The story answered all questions, some of which had a surprising outcome.
If choose to read Cold Cruel Kiss, which I strongly recommend, then prepare to be plunged into a world of kidnapping, corruption and espionage. The events tied up in a neat little bow and have me looking forward to reading more from the author.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
March 5, 2021
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
Book four in Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice: Crossfire series, Cold Cruel Kiss is a nail-bitingly tense, superbly plotted romantic suspense novel set in Buenos Aires, which finds Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Unit called in after the seventeen-year-old daughter of the US Ambassador to Argentina is kidnapped whilst on a Christmas Eve shopping trip. I’ve read or listened to the other books in this series (and to some of the earlier Cold Justice series) and this is the best yet; it’s clever and perfectly paced with a few good twists and turns and a couple of engaging leads whose romance, while fairly low key, nonetheless hums with chemistry.
British transplant Max Hawthorne – a former SAS officer – is on holiday in Cartagena when he gets the call to head to the US Embassy in Buenos Aires to co-ordinate the operation to ensure the release of Kristen Dickerson and her friend, Irene Lomakin, who was abducted alongside Kristen off a busy shopping street in broad daylight. Max arrives to find chaos – and knows he’s got to perform a difficult balancing act; his priority is the safety of the two girls and getting them back, but this being an Ambassadorial family adds so many other potential problems to the mix. The political angle, the need to keep the various agencies involved co-operating – and the fact that the Legal Attaché (the FBI representative abroad) is working on some big hush-hush operation that may or may not complicate things further; the whole situation has the potential to go wrong for more than just the Ambassador and her family.
Max is immediately intrigued by one of the Embassy staff – Lucy Aston, assistant to the Ambassador’s PA – whom he senses is deliberately hiding in plain sight. He can’t help wondering exactly why, but doesn’t really have the time to do more than wonder about it, as he’s caught up in meetings and setting up an operations centre… until later that day when Lucy is assigned to drive him wherever he needs to go.
Former CIA operative Lucy Aston has turned being unnoticeable into an art form following a devastating betrayal fifteen months earlier, when the man she fell in love with turned out to be a Russian agent. Compromising photos and videos are now being used to blackmail her for information – although she’s sure nothing she’s given up so far could have anything to do with the kidnapping. But the knowledge that those images have probably been seen by many people without her permission has destroyed her confidence and left her feeling vulnerable and violated, and now she goes out of her way to make herself as inconspicuous as possible, dying her hair a mousy brown, hiding behind big glasses and wearing clothes that are as unflattering as possible. Usually she just fades into the background and nobody ever gives her a second look – until Max Hawthorne arrives and very quickly intuits that Lucy is not quite what she seems.
Lucy – who speaks fluent Spanish – ends up working with Max as he searches for information that could help them locate the girls as well as help in his negotiations, and a tentative friendship forms between them. Lucy hasn’t been attracted to a man since her disastrous liaison with Sergio Raminsky, but Max’s kindness, his innate decency and trustworthiness draw her to him every bit as much as his handsome face and gorgeous body. And Max is intrigued by the embassy ‘mouse’ who can keep up with him at a run and can drop-kick a thug like a pro, and wants to know more about the woman who hides her intelligence, competence and humour behind such a drab exterior.
The suspense plot is complex and really well-constructed, with seemingly disparate plot threads gradually drawn together until they merge into one. It’s thoroughly engrossing – once things kicked into gear, I couldn’t put the book down – but there are a lot of moving parts and I had to pause for breath once or twice just to remind myself who was who and who was working for whom!
We get several chapters from the points of view of the kidnapped girls, who, despite being terrified, manage to keep their wits about them and never once think about abandoning each other; they’re wonderfully resilient characters who are determined to fight to the end. There’s no graphic violence, but there are a couple of violent scenes – one an attempted assault – and some detail of the conditions in which they’re kept that some readers may find upsetting.
I always say I like romantic suspense to have a good balance of both elements – but there are times when I get so swept up in a book’s storyline that the imbalance doesn’t really matter, and that’s the case here. The romance takes a back-seat to the suspense plot, but it didn’t bother me; the mutual attraction between Lucy and Max is nicely realised (and thankfully without all the endless mental-lusting that is so prevalent in romance novels nowadays), and given that the story takes place over just a few days and both characters have priorities other than getting it on - priorities that really could mean life-or-death - I actually liked that they weren’t declaring their undying love at the end, but were rather deciding they wanted to give a relationship a try. It’s a strong HFN which works much better in context than a hearts-and-flowers HEA would have done.
Heart-pounding action, pulsing attraction, spooks, conspiracies, betrayal, political wrangling; Cold Cruel Kiss has it all and Toni Anderson moulds it into a terrific read and one of the best romantic suspense stories I’ve read in a while. Fans of the genre should definitely consider checking it out.
Book four in Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice: Crossfire series, Cold Cruel Kiss is a nail-bitingly tense, superbly plotted romantic suspense novel set in Buenos Aires, which finds Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Unit called in after the seventeen-year-old daughter of the US Ambassador to Argentina is kidnapped whilst on a Christmas Eve shopping trip. I’ve read or listened to the other books in this series (and to some of the earlier Cold Justice series) and this is the best yet; it’s clever and perfectly paced with a few good twists and turns and a couple of engaging leads whose romance, while fairly low key, nonetheless hums with chemistry.
British transplant Max Hawthorne – a former SAS officer – is on holiday in Cartagena when he gets the call to head to the US Embassy in Buenos Aires to co-ordinate the operation to ensure the release of Kristen Dickerson and her friend, Irene Lomakin, who was abducted alongside Kristen off a busy shopping street in broad daylight. Max arrives to find chaos – and knows he’s got to perform a difficult balancing act; his priority is the safety of the two girls and getting them back, but this being an Ambassadorial family adds so many other potential problems to the mix. The political angle, the need to keep the various agencies involved co-operating – and the fact that the Legal Attaché (the FBI representative abroad) is working on some big hush-hush operation that may or may not complicate things further; the whole situation has the potential to go wrong for more than just the Ambassador and her family.
Max is immediately intrigued by one of the Embassy staff – Lucy Aston, assistant to the Ambassador’s PA – whom he senses is deliberately hiding in plain sight. He can’t help wondering exactly why, but doesn’t really have the time to do more than wonder about it, as he’s caught up in meetings and setting up an operations centre… until later that day when Lucy is assigned to drive him wherever he needs to go.
Former CIA operative Lucy Aston has turned being unnoticeable into an art form following a devastating betrayal fifteen months earlier, when the man she fell in love with turned out to be a Russian agent. Compromising photos and videos are now being used to blackmail her for information – although she’s sure nothing she’s given up so far could have anything to do with the kidnapping. But the knowledge that those images have probably been seen by many people without her permission has destroyed her confidence and left her feeling vulnerable and violated, and now she goes out of her way to make herself as inconspicuous as possible, dying her hair a mousy brown, hiding behind big glasses and wearing clothes that are as unflattering as possible. Usually she just fades into the background and nobody ever gives her a second look – until Max Hawthorne arrives and very quickly intuits that Lucy is not quite what she seems.
Lucy – who speaks fluent Spanish – ends up working with Max as he searches for information that could help them locate the girls as well as help in his negotiations, and a tentative friendship forms between them. Lucy hasn’t been attracted to a man since her disastrous liaison with Sergio Raminsky, but Max’s kindness, his innate decency and trustworthiness draw her to him every bit as much as his handsome face and gorgeous body. And Max is intrigued by the embassy ‘mouse’ who can keep up with him at a run and can drop-kick a thug like a pro, and wants to know more about the woman who hides her intelligence, competence and humour behind such a drab exterior.
The suspense plot is complex and really well-constructed, with seemingly disparate plot threads gradually drawn together until they merge into one. It’s thoroughly engrossing – once things kicked into gear, I couldn’t put the book down – but there are a lot of moving parts and I had to pause for breath once or twice just to remind myself who was who and who was working for whom!
We get several chapters from the points of view of the kidnapped girls, who, despite being terrified, manage to keep their wits about them and never once think about abandoning each other; they’re wonderfully resilient characters who are determined to fight to the end. There’s no graphic violence, but there are a couple of violent scenes – one an attempted assault – and some detail of the conditions in which they’re kept that some readers may find upsetting.
I always say I like romantic suspense to have a good balance of both elements – but there are times when I get so swept up in a book’s storyline that the imbalance doesn’t really matter, and that’s the case here. The romance takes a back-seat to the suspense plot, but it didn’t bother me; the mutual attraction between Lucy and Max is nicely realised (and thankfully without all the endless mental-lusting that is so prevalent in romance novels nowadays), and given that the story takes place over just a few days and both characters have priorities other than getting it on - priorities that really could mean life-or-death - I actually liked that they weren’t declaring their undying love at the end, but were rather deciding they wanted to give a relationship a try. It’s a strong HFN which works much better in context than a hearts-and-flowers HEA would have done.
Heart-pounding action, pulsing attraction, spooks, conspiracies, betrayal, political wrangling; Cold Cruel Kiss has it all and Toni Anderson moulds it into a terrific read and one of the best romantic suspense stories I’ve read in a while. Fans of the genre should definitely consider checking it out.
November 15, 2021
I'm so glad I didn't give up on this series!!
because I didn't like the first two books in this spin-off series and book four was a total winner for me & I enjoyed this one too..
I loved the suspense part of the storyline much more than the romance I think I wasn't all the way with these two being in love nevertheless an enjoyable book..
4,5⭐
because I didn't like the first two books in this spin-off series and book four was a total winner for me & I enjoyed this one too..
I loved the suspense part of the storyline much more than the romance I think I wasn't all the way with these two being in love nevertheless an enjoyable book..
4,5⭐
May 22, 2021
Toni Anderson has to be one of my favourite romantic suspense authors and she didn't disappoint with Cold Cruel Kiss
I'm looking forward to the next book in her Cold Justice: Crossfire series.
I'm looking forward to the next book in her Cold Justice: Crossfire series.
Read
January 8, 2021When she looked up, Max’s expression had turned into regret. He opened his arms wide and she stepped into his embrace without even thinking. She rested her forehead against the warm cotton of his shirt. The heat of his body immediately began melting the ice that encased her heart and fresh pain began to throb along her veins.
He hugged her closer and she found her arms unlocking from her sides and going around his back, gripping him hard, this almost-stranger who’d managed to destroy all her defenses with his observant nature and compassionate manner.
She inhaled him. The remnants of some sort of citrusy cologne and healthy male pheromones. He felt even better than he looked, the sculpted muscles of his back rock hard beneath her fingers.
He hugged her closer and she found her arms unlocking from her sides and going around his back, gripping him hard, this almost-stranger who’d managed to destroy all her defenses with his observant nature and compassionate manner.
She inhaled him. The remnants of some sort of citrusy cologne and healthy male pheromones. He felt even better than he looked, the sculpted muscles of his back rock hard beneath her fingers.
January 28, 2021
Cold Cruel Kiss is FBI hostage negotiator Max and a demure assistant PA to the US ambassador to Argentina Lucy's story.
Trigger Warning:
Synopsis:
Kristen, Irene, and Gemma are out shopping. Having lived a stifled life over the years, what with being the current US Ambassador to Argentina's daughter, Kristen wants every ounce of freedom she can get. But then she's kidnapped in broad daylight along with her friend Irene who had decided to intervene.
In Buenos Aires, Lucy Aston is at the biggest Christmas Eve party, where even the Argentine president is present. From being at the top of everything, she becomes a nobody to blend in and worries whether it was due to her that the girl was abducted.
One of FBI’s top negotiators, Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne is brought in to rescue the missing girl. He needs someone to work with him, someone who speaks fluent Spanish and knows the area, and that's where Lucy comes in. But she has secrets, secrets big enough to shake the foundations of everything that Max detests. Lucy has a mission to accomplish, which nobody knows nothing about.
Review:
I have wanted to read Toni Anderson's Cold Justice series for a long time now. I even have the first three books in my Kindle. But that never seems to happen, sigh! Now, with the honour of being a member of the Cold Crew, I can't say how glad I feel to have finally read her book.
But I seem to have run out of words already before I even started with this review. I finished reading this book in a couple of days and since then it's as if I am not able to structure my thoughts into a proper review. So, here goes…
The first thing I loved about the story was the importance given to the hostages in this story. Kristen and Irene are not an afterthought, rather they are very much a part of Cold Cruel Kiss, as important as the protagonists, Max and Lucy. I have never come across a story where, in a kidnapping, the hostages are characterised the way the two girls have been characterised in this one.
Following that, what an introduction Max got. And what was funnier was him, kind of tiptoeing around Lucy as she always seemed to get the better of him. I went in blind into this book (without reading the blurb) and Lucy's character was a very pleasant surprise.
The plot of kidnapping in a story, especially when it involves women, can be frightening to read. Because there are always a variety of heinous acts that can be carried out against women.
Narrated in the third person, Cold Cruel Kiss is an intense story which constantly keeps the reader in suspense about how and when will the kidnapped girls be released. Along with that, there's Russia also, with the threat of the kidnapping being tied to something that the FBI is already covertly working on in the country.
There are hostage negotiations, chasing down leads, vulnerable moments, heartfelt emotions, deceit and betrayals, past heartaches, and so much more. Lucy is such a shocking surprise towards the end, and how I loved the way the author presented her character! It was such a twisted and exhilarating journey.
And the ending was pure beauty. A romantic relationship which starts really slow, and is respectful, then hot, and has the sweetest of conclusions.
P.S. I was watching season 3 of Jane the Virgin simultaneously, and the things revealed to us about Lucy reminded me of how the narrator in the series described writing when Jane is in the process of getting her book edited. Especially the part about giving readers something to chew on about one of the characters, about which the other character has no idea. Because of that, I loved Lucy's character so much more. Lol.
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of the book.
Trigger Warning:
Synopsis:
Kristen, Irene, and Gemma are out shopping. Having lived a stifled life over the years, what with being the current US Ambassador to Argentina's daughter, Kristen wants every ounce of freedom she can get. But then she's kidnapped in broad daylight along with her friend Irene who had decided to intervene.
In Buenos Aires, Lucy Aston is at the biggest Christmas Eve party, where even the Argentine president is present. From being at the top of everything, she becomes a nobody to blend in and worries whether it was due to her that the girl was abducted.
One of FBI’s top negotiators, Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne is brought in to rescue the missing girl. He needs someone to work with him, someone who speaks fluent Spanish and knows the area, and that's where Lucy comes in. But she has secrets, secrets big enough to shake the foundations of everything that Max detests. Lucy has a mission to accomplish, which nobody knows nothing about.
Review:
I have wanted to read Toni Anderson's Cold Justice series for a long time now. I even have the first three books in my Kindle. But that never seems to happen, sigh! Now, with the honour of being a member of the Cold Crew, I can't say how glad I feel to have finally read her book.
But I seem to have run out of words already before I even started with this review. I finished reading this book in a couple of days and since then it's as if I am not able to structure my thoughts into a proper review. So, here goes…
The first thing I loved about the story was the importance given to the hostages in this story. Kristen and Irene are not an afterthought, rather they are very much a part of Cold Cruel Kiss, as important as the protagonists, Max and Lucy. I have never come across a story where, in a kidnapping, the hostages are characterised the way the two girls have been characterised in this one.
Following that, what an introduction Max got. And what was funnier was him, kind of tiptoeing around Lucy as she always seemed to get the better of him. I went in blind into this book (without reading the blurb) and Lucy's character was a very pleasant surprise.
The plot of kidnapping in a story, especially when it involves women, can be frightening to read. Because there are always a variety of heinous acts that can be carried out against women.
Narrated in the third person, Cold Cruel Kiss is an intense story which constantly keeps the reader in suspense about how and when will the kidnapped girls be released. Along with that, there's Russia also, with the threat of the kidnapping being tied to something that the FBI is already covertly working on in the country.
There are hostage negotiations, chasing down leads, vulnerable moments, heartfelt emotions, deceit and betrayals, past heartaches, and so much more. Lucy is such a shocking surprise towards the end, and how I loved the way the author presented her character! It was such a twisted and exhilarating journey.
And the ending was pure beauty. A romantic relationship which starts really slow, and is respectful, then hot, and has the sweetest of conclusions.
P.S. I was watching season 3 of Jane the Virgin simultaneously, and the things revealed to us about Lucy reminded me of how the narrator in the series described writing when Jane is in the process of getting her book edited. Especially the part about giving readers something to chew on about one of the characters, about which the other character has no idea. Because of that, I loved Lucy's character so much more. Lol.
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of the book.
January 21, 2021
3.5 stars rounding up
Intricately and expertly-crafted, ‘Cold, Cruel Kiss’ is pretty much a masterful storytelling attempt by Toni Anderson, who dips into the spooks-world of conspiracies, underhanded, traitorous dealings and politics that all come to a head when an ambassador’s daughter is kidnapped in broad daylight.
Little by little, Anderson reveals the puppetry going on behind the scenes in Argentina…and yes, it’s an engaging but messy as hell state of play that’s bound to make your head spin. Even though it’s classified as romantic suspense, there’s more of the latter than the former here, as SSA Max Hawthorne finds himself deep in the kidnap case and getting some unwitting assistance by a woman so clearly in disguise for reasons he can’t fathom.
But Lucy Aston herself is hiding something that’s potentially one that end both their careers. How Lucy acted and behaved however, was what made me hesitant about my own rating of this story. I definitely felt for her and the predicament she found herself in, but I was also waiting for her to do the right thing about her situation since there was so much more at stake—which she didn’t. Instead, she sat back, filled with mostly regret and a defeatist attitude of ‘he’ll hate me and it’s best to get what I can for now especially when the truth comes out later’, all of which crossed the line into woe-is-me TSTL.
I simply couldn’t get on with Lucy thinking so admiringly of Max in terms of integrity and honesty while constantly positioning herself as someone who didn’t deserve him, as it made that seem like an excuse not to hold herself to that same standard when she’d already ‘fallen’. Then trying to redeem herself by going rogue later threw her into the stupid, deep end of a pool in which she could barely tread water…trouble of her own making, anyone? Her lack of honesty grated, more so when Max seemed like the upfront on the whole time.
In other words, even though casual deception is part and parcel of the spy-game, having it as one of the stumbling blocks—particularly when a protagonist is deep in it—in a romantic relationship tends to sour it for me (just a personal pet peeve shining brightly through here).
‘Cold Cruel Kiss’ however, is a standout on its own. As much as I didn’t exactly warm to Lucy/Max and their eventual resolution, Anderson’s kidnapped teenagers found a fan in me as they kept their smarts and wits throughout their ordeal; that they fought as hell for each other despite their fear made them the stars of the story for me. Maybe because it’s Anderson’s portrayal of how tenacious and unbelievably brave these girls are that I found myself loving the last few chapters of the book.
*ARC by the author
Intricately and expertly-crafted, ‘Cold, Cruel Kiss’ is pretty much a masterful storytelling attempt by Toni Anderson, who dips into the spooks-world of conspiracies, underhanded, traitorous dealings and politics that all come to a head when an ambassador’s daughter is kidnapped in broad daylight.
Little by little, Anderson reveals the puppetry going on behind the scenes in Argentina…and yes, it’s an engaging but messy as hell state of play that’s bound to make your head spin. Even though it’s classified as romantic suspense, there’s more of the latter than the former here, as SSA Max Hawthorne finds himself deep in the kidnap case and getting some unwitting assistance by a woman so clearly in disguise for reasons he can’t fathom.
But Lucy Aston herself is hiding something that’s potentially one that end both their careers. How Lucy acted and behaved however, was what made me hesitant about my own rating of this story. I definitely felt for her and the predicament she found herself in, but I was also waiting for her to do the right thing about her situation since there was so much more at stake—which she didn’t. Instead, she sat back, filled with mostly regret and a defeatist attitude of ‘he’ll hate me and it’s best to get what I can for now especially when the truth comes out later’, all of which crossed the line into woe-is-me TSTL.
I simply couldn’t get on with Lucy thinking so admiringly of Max in terms of integrity and honesty while constantly positioning herself as someone who didn’t deserve him, as it made that seem like an excuse not to hold herself to that same standard when she’d already ‘fallen’. Then trying to redeem herself by going rogue later threw her into the stupid, deep end of a pool in which she could barely tread water…trouble of her own making, anyone? Her lack of honesty grated, more so when Max seemed like the upfront on the whole time.
In other words, even though casual deception is part and parcel of the spy-game, having it as one of the stumbling blocks—particularly when a protagonist is deep in it—in a romantic relationship tends to sour it for me (just a personal pet peeve shining brightly through here).
‘Cold Cruel Kiss’ however, is a standout on its own. As much as I didn’t exactly warm to Lucy/Max and their eventual resolution, Anderson’s kidnapped teenagers found a fan in me as they kept their smarts and wits throughout their ordeal; that they fought as hell for each other despite their fear made them the stars of the story for me. Maybe because it’s Anderson’s portrayal of how tenacious and unbelievably brave these girls are that I found myself loving the last few chapters of the book.
*ARC by the author
January 7, 2022
Cold Cruel Kiss
3 Stars
After the daughter of the US Ambassador to Argentina is kidnapped, hostage negotiator Max Hawthorne is called in to coordinate the response. The situation becomes even more untenable when Max learns of a possible Russian spy active in the embassy and begins to suspect that there is more to Lucy Aston, the quiet and unassuming junior assistant to the ambassador than meets the eye.
Toni Anderson's Cold Justice series is well-written, and her plots are intense and exciting. That said, they can be divided into two types - those focusing on violent crimes (serial killers, murders, human trafficking) and those focusing on political crimes and espionage. My personal preference is for the former, and as such, this review is influenced by my dislike of the tropes associated with the latter.
Max and Lucy's attraction and romance build slowly but surely as they work together to find and rescue the hostages. The fact that Max sees beyond Lucy's stoic and staid appearance to the strong and resilient woman beneath makes him one of the most likable and appealing heroes in the series. Lucy is also very engaging although her transitions from femme fatale to mousy assistant to kick-ass sidekick are a little jarring at times.
The kidnapping plot is incorporated well into the storyline, and the sections from the hostages' perspectives contribute significantly to the suspense. They make the reader care about their fate and root for them. Nevertheless, it is quite easy to guess the identity of the culprit, and the big reveal is rather anti-climactic.
The inclusion of the secondary espionage subplot is, however, completely unnecessary, and it actually detracts from the romance. The use of the keeping secrets trope is annoying, especially considering the fact that it builds throughout the first 2/3s of the book, and then basically fizzles into nothing when the details are eventually exposed.
Despite the issues above, this is a satisfying read with likable characters and a good mix of action and romance.
3 Stars
After the daughter of the US Ambassador to Argentina is kidnapped, hostage negotiator Max Hawthorne is called in to coordinate the response. The situation becomes even more untenable when Max learns of a possible Russian spy active in the embassy and begins to suspect that there is more to Lucy Aston, the quiet and unassuming junior assistant to the ambassador than meets the eye.
Toni Anderson's Cold Justice series is well-written, and her plots are intense and exciting. That said, they can be divided into two types - those focusing on violent crimes (serial killers, murders, human trafficking) and those focusing on political crimes and espionage. My personal preference is for the former, and as such, this review is influenced by my dislike of the tropes associated with the latter.
Max and Lucy's attraction and romance build slowly but surely as they work together to find and rescue the hostages. The fact that Max sees beyond Lucy's stoic and staid appearance to the strong and resilient woman beneath makes him one of the most likable and appealing heroes in the series. Lucy is also very engaging although her transitions from femme fatale to mousy assistant to kick-ass sidekick are a little jarring at times.
The kidnapping plot is incorporated well into the storyline, and the sections from the hostages' perspectives contribute significantly to the suspense. They make the reader care about their fate and root for them. Nevertheless, it is quite easy to guess the identity of the culprit, and the big reveal is rather anti-climactic.
The inclusion of the secondary espionage subplot is, however, completely unnecessary, and it actually detracts from the romance. The use of the keeping secrets trope is annoying, especially considering the fact that it builds throughout the first 2/3s of the book, and then basically fizzles into nothing when the details are eventually exposed.
Despite the issues above, this is a satisfying read with likable characters and a good mix of action and romance.
February 8, 2021
Highly anticipated but a bit of a let down. Very s-l-o-w going until the last 20% with an overabundance of characters that were hard to keep straight. Max was a likeable good guy and Lucy was a complex character. Thankfully the last 20% of the story was worth the reading.
February 8, 2021
WOW! Another tense, edge-of-my seat read that was a real page turner! I love this author's books. Another winner in a terrific series. ;)
January 17, 2021
Cold Cruel Kiss, the fourth book in Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice Crossover Series, does not disappoint! The reader is taken on action packed journey. This journey is crammed with raw emotions that exhibit fear, love and secrets. No one is above suspicion in the abduction of Kristen, the US Ambassador’s daughter, and her friend Irene. FBI negotiator SSA Max Hawthorne’s task becomes more difficult when the abduction appears to be involved with espionage and murder.
Ms Anderson creates a world of intrigue and suspense. This is a fast paced story that offers many twists and turns. I liked that former characters from The Cold Justice Series make an appearance and are part of the abduction solution.
I have voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
Ms Anderson creates a world of intrigue and suspense. This is a fast paced story that offers many twists and turns. I liked that former characters from The Cold Justice Series make an appearance and are part of the abduction solution.
I have voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
March 3, 2021
I love Toni Anderson, but the last two books just haven't been as good as the rest. Great plots and interesting characters, however, they just didn't work for me. I spent the first half of the book suspecting what was going to go down and the last half, having those suspicions confirmed. The Lucy character was just a jumble with more than a little angst.
On Christmas Eve the daughter of the US Ambassador in Argentina is kidnapped and the caper has all the hallmarks of a professional snatch. The FBI calls on one of its' best negotiators, who just happened to be in that part of the world on vacation. When Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne get to the embassy, he finds there is a lot going on and the issues go way beyond the kidnapping. Part of his job is to figure out if this kidnapping is for political reasons or just for the money.
What he finds is a whole host of interesting characters, each with a personal agenda, making his own mission that more difficult. Throw in the suspect Argentine police and Max has his work cut out for him. Assigned to help him find his way around Buenos Aries, Max is more than intrigued by Lucy, the personal assistant assigned to him.
Lucy Aston has spent her time at the embassy doing her best to fade into the background. But to Max, she is an enigma that begs an answer. Having seen her in action, her parts just don't add up to the whole she wants everyone around her to buy. And Max is beyond intrigued.
Together, Max and Lucy are drawn into more than the kidnapping case and Max is forced to face his feelings for the enigma that is Lucy. 3 1/2-Stars
On Christmas Eve the daughter of the US Ambassador in Argentina is kidnapped and the caper has all the hallmarks of a professional snatch. The FBI calls on one of its' best negotiators, who just happened to be in that part of the world on vacation. When Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne get to the embassy, he finds there is a lot going on and the issues go way beyond the kidnapping. Part of his job is to figure out if this kidnapping is for political reasons or just for the money.
What he finds is a whole host of interesting characters, each with a personal agenda, making his own mission that more difficult. Throw in the suspect Argentine police and Max has his work cut out for him. Assigned to help him find his way around Buenos Aries, Max is more than intrigued by Lucy, the personal assistant assigned to him.
Lucy Aston has spent her time at the embassy doing her best to fade into the background. But to Max, she is an enigma that begs an answer. Having seen her in action, her parts just don't add up to the whole she wants everyone around her to buy. And Max is beyond intrigued.
Together, Max and Lucy are drawn into more than the kidnapping case and Max is forced to face his feelings for the enigma that is Lucy. 3 1/2-Stars
January 25, 2021
Cold Cruel Kiss, the 4th installment in the Cold Justice: Crossfire series brings to readers the story of FBI Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne and Lucy Aston, a staff at the US Embassy in Argentina. Story begins when the daughter of the US Ambassador to Argentina is kidnapped in broad daylight on Christmas Eve, and FBI sends Max, one of their best agents in hostage negotiations to find a way to navigate the treacherous waters surrounding the Ambassador’s family in the wake of the kidnapping.
As Max tries to piece together the events that led up to the kidnapping and attempts to make sense of what has unfolded since then, the one person who gets under his skin is Lucy. She stands out, not because she wants to. On the contrary, she tries really hard to fade into the background, to be rendered as unnoticeable as humanly possible. And she has been quite adept at achieving what she had set out to do, that is until the too sexy for his own good FBI agent, with that sexy accent of his, walks through the door.
When Max and Lucy are “forced” to work together in the field owing to circumstances, Max’s interest is piqued beyond the professional lines, and it is not long before the two start developing feelings for each other. Lucy however, carries a secret that could devastate the fragile ties that are coming to life between the two. Her penance for that one mistake in trusting the wrong person had cost her more than she is willing to be let known, and she walks a path sharper than a double-edged sword when it comes to balancing out her duty to her country and what she must do in order to keep her deepest and darkest secret from becoming common knowledge.
However, Max and his sincerity makes it difficult for Lucy to stay unaffected, and before long she is pulled deep into the web of desire and want that wreaks havoc on both their senses. At the same time, the kidnappers reach a point of no return which could mean devastating consequences for the Ambassador’s family, if even the slightest mistake were to be made. With a second operation running in parallel which brings the Kremlin to the forefront, it is a race against time for Max to bring the Ambassador’s daughter safely back home.
Cold Cruel Kiss for the most part was an engaging read for me. I liked the main protagonists fairly well and rooted for their happily ever after. At the same time, the investigation and the secrets lurking in the deep shadows of the world of secret service operatives was one that had me working through nervous tension as the story sped along.
The most intriguing aspect of the novel for me was the setting – how FBI had to balance out investigations into a crime involving an American diplomat in terms of working with the less than reliable local law enforcement and getting the job done.
Recommended for fans of the Cold Justice series.
Final Verdict: Cold Cruel Kiss explores the shades of grey that colors the world of secret service agents and the murky waters that federal agents must navigate to when it comes to crimes committed on foreign soil.
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
As Max tries to piece together the events that led up to the kidnapping and attempts to make sense of what has unfolded since then, the one person who gets under his skin is Lucy. She stands out, not because she wants to. On the contrary, she tries really hard to fade into the background, to be rendered as unnoticeable as humanly possible. And she has been quite adept at achieving what she had set out to do, that is until the too sexy for his own good FBI agent, with that sexy accent of his, walks through the door.
When Max and Lucy are “forced” to work together in the field owing to circumstances, Max’s interest is piqued beyond the professional lines, and it is not long before the two start developing feelings for each other. Lucy however, carries a secret that could devastate the fragile ties that are coming to life between the two. Her penance for that one mistake in trusting the wrong person had cost her more than she is willing to be let known, and she walks a path sharper than a double-edged sword when it comes to balancing out her duty to her country and what she must do in order to keep her deepest and darkest secret from becoming common knowledge.
However, Max and his sincerity makes it difficult for Lucy to stay unaffected, and before long she is pulled deep into the web of desire and want that wreaks havoc on both their senses. At the same time, the kidnappers reach a point of no return which could mean devastating consequences for the Ambassador’s family, if even the slightest mistake were to be made. With a second operation running in parallel which brings the Kremlin to the forefront, it is a race against time for Max to bring the Ambassador’s daughter safely back home.
Cold Cruel Kiss for the most part was an engaging read for me. I liked the main protagonists fairly well and rooted for their happily ever after. At the same time, the investigation and the secrets lurking in the deep shadows of the world of secret service operatives was one that had me working through nervous tension as the story sped along.
The most intriguing aspect of the novel for me was the setting – how FBI had to balance out investigations into a crime involving an American diplomat in terms of working with the less than reliable local law enforcement and getting the job done.
Recommended for fans of the Cold Justice series.
Final Verdict: Cold Cruel Kiss explores the shades of grey that colors the world of secret service agents and the murky waters that federal agents must navigate to when it comes to crimes committed on foreign soil.
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
February 2, 2021
Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne heads to Argentina with the daughter of the US Ambassador is kidnapped. Paired with Lucy Aston does not make this difficult job any easier. There is just something about the quiet plane assistant that is a bit of distraction to Max.
Regarding the girl who was kidnapped, Kristen, and at the last minute to the consternation of the kidnappers, Kristen's friend, Irene. Both girls completely disappear. The Ambassador and her husband are frantic. However, Max is called in, although he was on vacation at the time. His expertise just might go a long way to finding the girls. Paired with Lucy, the two begin to try and find whatever clues that might lead to finding the missing teens.
As the investigation intensifies, there is something else at play. Could there be a Russian spy at the embassy, and what, if anything, does this have to do with the missing girls? Meanwhile, Lucy is actually under cover, and must maintain that cover. Her job as assistant to the PA of the Ambassador is a ruse, allowing her to do the job she has been assigned. This becomes extremely challenging because, even with everything going on, Max and Lucy are clearly drawn to one another.
Tension, danger, intrigue and romance all played very well together in this remarkable book by Toni Anderson. I loved the puzzle that this book contained and enjoyed the byplay between Max and Lucy. I also enjoyed seeing the formerly frumpy Lucy blossom into the strong character that she was, even with her uncertain past. The book kept my attention throughout and and led to a thrilling conclusion.
Many thanks to Toni Anderson and to InkSlinger PR for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Regarding the girl who was kidnapped, Kristen, and at the last minute to the consternation of the kidnappers, Kristen's friend, Irene. Both girls completely disappear. The Ambassador and her husband are frantic. However, Max is called in, although he was on vacation at the time. His expertise just might go a long way to finding the girls. Paired with Lucy, the two begin to try and find whatever clues that might lead to finding the missing teens.
As the investigation intensifies, there is something else at play. Could there be a Russian spy at the embassy, and what, if anything, does this have to do with the missing girls? Meanwhile, Lucy is actually under cover, and must maintain that cover. Her job as assistant to the PA of the Ambassador is a ruse, allowing her to do the job she has been assigned. This becomes extremely challenging because, even with everything going on, Max and Lucy are clearly drawn to one another.
Tension, danger, intrigue and romance all played very well together in this remarkable book by Toni Anderson. I loved the puzzle that this book contained and enjoyed the byplay between Max and Lucy. I also enjoyed seeing the formerly frumpy Lucy blossom into the strong character that she was, even with her uncertain past. The book kept my attention throughout and and led to a thrilling conclusion.
Many thanks to Toni Anderson and to InkSlinger PR for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 7, 2021
4.5 stars
Excellent as always. Anderson is a masterful storyteller and this 4th book in the Crossfire Series does not disappoint. The Argentinian ambassador's daughter and her friend are abducted and the race is on the find them before the worst outcome happens. Max is a hostage negotiator and Lucy is part of the embassy star. People are not who they appear to be. The story is intense and the kidnapping storyline can turn violent and and dark but Anderson handles it well. The investigation intensifies and Lucy's true identity becomes clear to Max as they are paired together to find the girls and negotiate their return. Danger, intrigue and tension abound and keep the reader engaged to the exciting conclusion.
Excellent as always. Anderson is a masterful storyteller and this 4th book in the Crossfire Series does not disappoint. The Argentinian ambassador's daughter and her friend are abducted and the race is on the find them before the worst outcome happens. Max is a hostage negotiator and Lucy is part of the embassy star. People are not who they appear to be. The story is intense and the kidnapping storyline can turn violent and and dark but Anderson handles it well. The investigation intensifies and Lucy's true identity becomes clear to Max as they are paired together to find the girls and negotiate their return. Danger, intrigue and tension abound and keep the reader engaged to the exciting conclusion.
March 1, 2021
2.75 stars
I don't leave reviews unless I absolutely love the book and I cannot contain my excitement about it, because I can understand how much work goes into a writing a book. I hate writing about books that I didn't like that much because it feels insulting to the author and especially since I actually like Toni Anderson. But I was super excited about Cold Cruel Kiss and damn invested in it so I felt compelled to mention the issues I had with it.
A very VERY slow burn....
seriously, lucy and max don't even have their first kiss till the 50% mark. And normally that doesn't piss me off that much, but seriously I didn't even feel the heat between them.
Lucy seemed bland to me and I know that was exactly what she was going for but even her internal monologue was nothing special. She could have been a badass and except one scene where she had to fight off a bad guy, she didn't give me those vibes.
Max was a gentleman, sure, but I like my good guys to be bad ...geddit? The alphahole who takes shit from no one while still fighting off the bad guys. One who brings out the naughty, dirty, and crazy side of the FMC. Max didn't seem to have that going on either. I don't even know what he looks like except for the fact he is Black (He says this himself so if I offend someone I apologize). The only hope I had was that he would be wild in bed, but that was also vanilla at best.
Also,
She might not be stunningly beautiful but there was something fundamental about Lucy Aston that tugged at him.
I know that not everyone is blessed with stunning looks and knockout bods and that is absolutely fine. Me? Average at best. BUT, I don't want to be called out on it! Especially not by the guy I'm attracted to.
Max doesn't say it to her face obviously but I don't want to read about my hero even THINKING she isn't that beautiful.
One thing I like about Max is that he always treated Lucy with the utmost respect and always made her feel like an equal and never disregarded her, even when others did because of her downplayed looks. That won him some big brownie points in my book.
But this brings up another point, does looking average/less than average warranty getting disrespected and underestimated? What-the-fuck-ever.
He was good at his job too, I guess.
The romance left a LOT to be desired. I didn't feel even a little bit of chemistry between Max and Lucy when it was just the two of them.
I actually felt it the most when Kristen, notices them.
Lucy shot another look at Max.
Kristen wanted to fan herself at the heat that arced between them.
THIS was where I actually felt the heat, which is very disappointing.
The story seemed to drag on, where even though something was happening, it felt like nothing was actually happening(?)
About the suspense part of it, I liked it. Toni knows how to write romantic suspense, just that the romance was seriously lacking in this book.
I had predicted one of the bad guys already but the other one was surprising, though now that I think about it 2 lines were hinted at who it was in the beginning but tbh I didn't see it coming which is a good thing for a suspense novel.
My favourite character HAS to be hands down Irene
Seriously, this 17 year old had more maturity and bravery than most adults. She was mature enough not to blame her shitty situation on her friend. She was brave enough to not leave her friend behind. And I think she was pretty badass for not crying after what happened to her
Something else that bothered me so much, I have to mention it...
He drew her more fully under the spray and rinsed the shampoo and applied conditioner, smoothing it gently over her scalp and to the ends of her hair.
Max, dear, do you want your woman to have a damn oil field on her head?!
Pleaseee, don't ever put conditioner on your scalp. Ever. Always start from mid-length to the tips.
I wish I could rate this better but this dragged on for 3 days and left me unsatisfied. I love Toni Anderson's books but this one was a miss.
I don't mean any disrespect to the author. This is just my opinion.
HFN
TW: attempted rape, torture
I don't leave reviews unless I absolutely love the book and I cannot contain my excitement about it, because I can understand how much work goes into a writing a book. I hate writing about books that I didn't like that much because it feels insulting to the author and especially since I actually like Toni Anderson. But I was super excited about Cold Cruel Kiss and damn invested in it so I felt compelled to mention the issues I had with it.
A very VERY slow burn....
seriously, lucy and max don't even have their first kiss till the 50% mark. And normally that doesn't piss me off that much, but seriously I didn't even feel the heat between them.
Lucy seemed bland to me and I know that was exactly what she was going for but even her internal monologue was nothing special. She could have been a badass and except one scene where she had to fight off a bad guy, she didn't give me those vibes.
Max was a gentleman, sure, but I like my good guys to be bad ...geddit? The alphahole who takes shit from no one while still fighting off the bad guys. One who brings out the naughty, dirty, and crazy side of the FMC. Max didn't seem to have that going on either. I don't even know what he looks like except for the fact he is Black (He says this himself so if I offend someone I apologize). The only hope I had was that he would be wild in bed, but that was also vanilla at best.
Also,
She might not be stunningly beautiful but there was something fundamental about Lucy Aston that tugged at him.
I know that not everyone is blessed with stunning looks and knockout bods and that is absolutely fine. Me? Average at best. BUT, I don't want to be called out on it! Especially not by the guy I'm attracted to.
Max doesn't say it to her face obviously but I don't want to read about my hero even THINKING she isn't that beautiful.
One thing I like about Max is that he always treated Lucy with the utmost respect and always made her feel like an equal and never disregarded her, even when others did because of her downplayed looks. That won him some big brownie points in my book.
But this brings up another point, does looking average/less than average warranty getting disrespected and underestimated? What-the-fuck-ever.
He was good at his job too, I guess.
The romance left a LOT to be desired. I didn't feel even a little bit of chemistry between Max and Lucy when it was just the two of them.
I actually felt it the most when Kristen, notices them.
Lucy shot another look at Max.
Kristen wanted to fan herself at the heat that arced between them.
THIS was where I actually felt the heat, which is very disappointing.
The story seemed to drag on, where even though something was happening, it felt like nothing was actually happening(?)
About the suspense part of it, I liked it. Toni knows how to write romantic suspense, just that the romance was seriously lacking in this book.
I had predicted one of the bad guys already but the other one was surprising, though now that I think about it 2 lines were hinted at who it was in the beginning but tbh I didn't see it coming which is a good thing for a suspense novel.
My favourite character HAS to be hands down Irene
Seriously, this 17 year old had more maturity and bravery than most adults. She was mature enough not to blame her shitty situation on her friend. She was brave enough to not leave her friend behind. And I think she was pretty badass for not crying after what happened to her
Something else that bothered me so much, I have to mention it...
He drew her more fully under the spray and rinsed the shampoo and applied conditioner, smoothing it gently over her scalp and to the ends of her hair.
Max, dear, do you want your woman to have a damn oil field on her head?!
Pleaseee, don't ever put conditioner on your scalp. Ever. Always start from mid-length to the tips.
I wish I could rate this better but this dragged on for 3 days and left me unsatisfied. I love Toni Anderson's books but this one was a miss.
I don't mean any disrespect to the author. This is just my opinion.
HFN
TW: attempted rape, torture
January 12, 2021
The story begins with quite a unique perspective that draws out feelings of empathy, as well as dread, that become interwoven throughout when confronted with the basis of the plot. Surrounding these moments is the narrative of Lucy and Max’s storyline, which is filled with suspense, drama, and passion. As we learn more and more about Lucy and Max’s characters, we also get an in depth look into the vulnerabilities as well as the strengths of the side characters. There are hints of who may be behind the sinister plot, but I believe you’ll be surprised. I know I was caught off guard when all was finally revealed.
This is a fast-paced, gripping tale that will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you turning pages throughout. Lucy and Max are an intriguing couple that capture your interest from the start, and you’ll be rooting for them even when it’s unclear what the true motive is for all Lucy’s actions. It’s a fascinating, and sometimes horrifying, romantic suspense, filled with surprising twists and turns, that will keep you enthralled and entertained from beginning to end.
This is a fast-paced, gripping tale that will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you turning pages throughout. Lucy and Max are an intriguing couple that capture your interest from the start, and you’ll be rooting for them even when it’s unclear what the true motive is for all Lucy’s actions. It’s a fascinating, and sometimes horrifying, romantic suspense, filled with surprising twists and turns, that will keep you enthralled and entertained from beginning to end.
January 10, 2021
I’m a huge fan of this series and author. I was excited to read this book and I wasn’t disappointed. SSA Max Hawthorne turns up in Argentina at the consulate when the ambassadors daughter is kidnapped. He walks in to a melee of activity not knowing exactly what’s going on. He spies Lucy hiding in plain sight. Dowdy and unassuming. It doesn’t take long before the two of them start working together to thwart the kidnappers. With intrigue and subterfuge all around, their job is that much harder to figure out. Lucy’s life hasn’t gone according to plan and whilst she’s hiding a huge secret from everyone she’s the bright light in this investigation for Max. As things heat up between them and the investigation as always nothing ever turns out simple. With Lucy’s quick thinking and Max’s friends and resources they manage to follow a tale of deception and greed to the end. Wonderful characters and an awesome plot, this book was riveting and I couldn’t put it down.
January 17, 2021
Cold Cruel Kiss, the fourth book in Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice Crossover Series, does not disappoint! The reader is taken on action packed journey. This journey is crammed with raw emotions that exhibit fear, love and secrets. No one is above suspicion in the abduction of Kristen, the US Ambassador’s daughter, and her friend Irene. FBI negotiator SSA Max Hawthorne’s task becomes more difficult when the abduction appears to be involved with espionage and murder.
Ms Anderson creates a world of intrigue and suspense. This is a fast paced story that offers many twists and turns. I like that former characters from The Cold Justice Series make an appearance and are part of the abduction solution.
I have voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
Ms Anderson creates a world of intrigue and suspense. This is a fast paced story that offers many twists and turns. I like that former characters from The Cold Justice Series make an appearance and are part of the abduction solution.
I have voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
March 11, 2021
I feel like I should have liked this one better, but I was bored and it took me 3 days to read the book, a very long time, it should have taken me a night.
I liked Lucy, but wondered about her. Then when it was revealed she was a double agent, it seemed to easy. I liked Max, but he was too perfect. I did like the two of them together.
I felt like something was off with Miranda, but not that she was behind things, thought she was sleeping with the Ambassador's husband. I also didn't see her getting the cop to help and that they did it all for money.
The person that really impressed me in this whole book is Irene. She kept her cool through everything, her finger getting cut off, almost being raped, getting away, then coming back and helping to save Lucy and Kristen. Then after talking to everyone her attitude is a great one despite what happened to her!
I liked Lucy, but wondered about her. Then when it was revealed she was a double agent, it seemed to easy. I liked Max, but he was too perfect. I did like the two of them together.
I felt like something was off with Miranda, but not that she was behind things, thought she was sleeping with the Ambassador's husband. I also didn't see her getting the cop to help and that they did it all for money.
The person that really impressed me in this whole book is Irene. She kept her cool through everything, her finger getting cut off, almost being raped, getting away, then coming back and helping to save Lucy and Kristen. Then after talking to everyone her attitude is a great one despite what happened to her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2021
But can I trust you?
International espionage and kidnapping. This was a page turner I could not put down! Lucy and Max make a great team.
International espionage and kidnapping. This was a page turner I could not put down! Lucy and Max make a great team.
February 22, 2022
Loaner. Fair book, the last half was much better than the first, and carried the story. The 'Cold Justice' series was so much better in the early days. This was such a blah and pale imitation of better books in the series.
January 29, 2021
Too Close For Comfort!!!
Special Agent Max Hawthorne was send to handle a delicate situation when the daughter of the US Ambassador was kidnapped in Argentina on Christmas Eve.
Upon his arrival, he saw how chaotic things at the ambasssy were. He was assigned a mysterious, lowly office assistant named Lucy Aston. The latter had something to hide and he was ready to find out what it was.
Lucy Aston, office assistant at the US Ambasssy. She had a secret, one that could destroy her life. She was partnered up with the sexy as sin FBI negotiator Max Hawthorne. As they worked close together, feelings and attraction developed between them.
Now there were rumors that a Russian spy was in the ambassy and things really got complicated for her. She did everything to keep her secret hidden now it looked like she would have to hurt the one person she was losing her heart to.
Loved Max and Lucy's journey, all the unexpected twists and turns were magnificently written. So happy to see that in spite of her past, she was able to find love after she learned to trust herself and the man she loved.
COLD CRUEL KISS is the fourth installment in Toni Anderson's COLD JUSTICE: CROSSFIRE series. It was fantastic, adventurous and a must read. Toni Anderson did an exquisite job! 5🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Special Agent Max Hawthorne was send to handle a delicate situation when the daughter of the US Ambassador was kidnapped in Argentina on Christmas Eve.
Upon his arrival, he saw how chaotic things at the ambasssy were. He was assigned a mysterious, lowly office assistant named Lucy Aston. The latter had something to hide and he was ready to find out what it was.
Lucy Aston, office assistant at the US Ambasssy. She had a secret, one that could destroy her life. She was partnered up with the sexy as sin FBI negotiator Max Hawthorne. As they worked close together, feelings and attraction developed between them.
Now there were rumors that a Russian spy was in the ambassy and things really got complicated for her. She did everything to keep her secret hidden now it looked like she would have to hurt the one person she was losing her heart to.
Loved Max and Lucy's journey, all the unexpected twists and turns were magnificently written. So happy to see that in spite of her past, she was able to find love after she learned to trust herself and the man she loved.
COLD CRUEL KISS is the fourth installment in Toni Anderson's COLD JUSTICE: CROSSFIRE series. It was fantastic, adventurous and a must read. Toni Anderson did an exquisite job! 5🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
January 23, 2021
I adore every book by this author but this one hit all others out of the park. All her books are generally (& generously) long, but this one took me days to devour instead of the normal half a day max. The reason for that being is that this book is non stop action from cover to cover, and filled with so many moving pieces that every time you think you have things figured out you're thrown in a completely different direction.
My mind is completely blown so I'm shutting up now before I give too much away.
Do yourself a favour and one click immediately.
My mind is completely blown so I'm shutting up now before I give too much away.
Do yourself a favour and one click immediately.
January 29, 2021
3.5 Stars. Plot wise this was very engaging, suspenseful and full of twists and turns. The setting was a bit exotic (Argentina) and the espionage/spy/political aspects were interesting and well written. The kidnapping kept me on the edge of my seat hoping for a happy resolution to the two kidnapped girls. I even adored Max, the hostage negotiator, although I'm not sure hostage negotiators do as much investigating as he did in the book.
My issues all stem with Lucy who I just never really warmed up to or necessarily liked. It takes quite a bit of the book to figure out what Lucy's situation is and whose "side" she is on. She's in disguise trying to fade into the background until Max comes along and notices her despite her desire not to be noticed. It's obvious there is a lot more to Lucy then everyone sees and the reader is left wondering just what Lucy's goal is for much of the book. I didn't like/respect Lucy much and maybe part of that is because Lucy didn't appear to like/respect herself much. She didn't want to get involved in the kidnapping and mostly she took a role of I'll do what I have to in order not to blow my cover. Part and parcel with the whole espionage plot but deceitful characters bother me. It also made it very hard to really feel the romance. Lucy spent most the time knowing that Max would be upset and "won't forgive me" when he finds out and so she never expects the relationship to really work out, nor did she feel like she deserved him. Max on the other hand is very honest and has a sense of duty/integrity that Lucy admired and as a reader you can't help loving Max. However, it seemed Lucy used that as a way of saying well I've already screwed up, lied and done things that were dishonest so there's no use trying to change any of that - I'll just take what I can get for as long as I can until he finds out (IMO). This certainly didn't endear me to Lucy and by the time she changes her tune at the very end it's a bit too little, too late and very reckless.
I'm not a big fan of espionage stories for the very reason that spies are deceptive and manipulative. So it's more of a me issue and anyone that likes political/espionage thrillers should love this one. It's very well written, suspenseful and has great secondary characters. The two girls who are kidnapped are resourceful, tough and I really loved them. So suspense wise very well written, it's the romance that just didn't work for me along with not really warming up to Lucy.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion
My issues all stem with Lucy who I just never really warmed up to or necessarily liked. It takes quite a bit of the book to figure out what Lucy's situation is and whose "side" she is on. She's in disguise trying to fade into the background until Max comes along and notices her despite her desire not to be noticed. It's obvious there is a lot more to Lucy then everyone sees and the reader is left wondering just what Lucy's goal is for much of the book. I didn't like/respect Lucy much and maybe part of that is because Lucy didn't appear to like/respect herself much. She didn't want to get involved in the kidnapping and mostly she took a role of I'll do what I have to in order not to blow my cover. Part and parcel with the whole espionage plot but deceitful characters bother me. It also made it very hard to really feel the romance. Lucy spent most the time knowing that Max would be upset and "won't forgive me" when he finds out and so she never expects the relationship to really work out, nor did she feel like she deserved him. Max on the other hand is very honest and has a sense of duty/integrity that Lucy admired and as a reader you can't help loving Max. However, it seemed Lucy used that as a way of saying well I've already screwed up, lied and done things that were dishonest so there's no use trying to change any of that - I'll just take what I can get for as long as I can until he finds out (IMO). This certainly didn't endear me to Lucy and by the time she changes her tune at the very end it's a bit too little, too late and very reckless.
I'm not a big fan of espionage stories for the very reason that spies are deceptive and manipulative. So it's more of a me issue and anyone that likes political/espionage thrillers should love this one. It's very well written, suspenseful and has great secondary characters. The two girls who are kidnapped are resourceful, tough and I really loved them. So suspense wise very well written, it's the romance that just didn't work for me along with not really warming up to Lucy.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion
January 10, 2021
A twisty kidnap case with a slow burn romance...
I’m always trying unravel the clues to beat the reveal in the storyline, and we do get some clues here but while this layered thriller hints at a certain subplot some things I just didn’t see coming. Of course, I was also distracted by the sizzling chemistry between Lucy and Max. But they don’t let the instant attraction they feel interrupt their inherent need to find and save the victim. Written as an FBI procedural we are carried through the operation to negotiate the ransom and release, to finding the perpetrators, and using the latest technology to bring this mission to an optimal conclusion. And while that is enthralling so much more is going on in the background. Great, great read.
I’m always trying unravel the clues to beat the reveal in the storyline, and we do get some clues here but while this layered thriller hints at a certain subplot some things I just didn’t see coming. Of course, I was also distracted by the sizzling chemistry between Lucy and Max. But they don’t let the instant attraction they feel interrupt their inherent need to find and save the victim. Written as an FBI procedural we are carried through the operation to negotiate the ransom and release, to finding the perpetrators, and using the latest technology to bring this mission to an optimal conclusion. And while that is enthralling so much more is going on in the background. Great, great read.
January 30, 2021
COLD CRUEL KISS is the fourth Toni Anderson’s contemporary, adult COLD JUSTICE: CROSSFIRE romantic suspense series-a a spin off/crossover with the author’s COLD JUSTICE series. This is FBI Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne, and office assistant Lucy Aston’s story line. COLD CRUEL KISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments or the original series is revealed where necessary.
Told from several third person perspectives including Max and Lucy, COLD CRUEL KISS focuses on the search and rescue of two seventeen year old American girls, including the daughter of the US Ambassador, kidnapped while Christmas shopping in a market in Argentina. Enter FBI and Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne, called in to help negotiate the ransom and release of the two young women but Max finds himself working with the US Ambassador’s office assistant, a women who is hiding behind oversized clothes and too big glasses. Enter Lucy Aston. What ensues is the back and forth, hunt for a kidnapper, and the possible connections to a kidnapping cartel, and a suspected Russian spy.
Max Hawthorne knows that time is precious when negotiating a ransom and the release of two young woman, and working with office assistant Lucy Aston forces our hero to see beyond the frumpy exterior, hiding a beautiful, smart and secretive woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero. Lucy Aston wears a mask in a effort to hide the woman she was, and the woman she would become. Saving her young charge is Lucy’s first priority, a priority she is willing to risk her life and her reputation in order to save.
The relationship between Lucy and Max is one of immediate attraction but no one understands what Max sees in the frumpy office assistant. Max sees beyond the façade of a young woman who has seen more than most but when the truth is revealed, Max isn’t sure he ever saw the woman before. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the kidnapping victims Kristen and Irene: Kristen’s parents ambassador Catherine Dickerson and her husband Phillip; Catherine’s PA Miranda Foster; several Deep Ops warriors; the FBI; local law enforcement ; and federal police and Official Inspector Hector Cabral.
COLD CRUEL KISS is a story of money and power; betrayal and vengeance; spies, agencies, secrets and lies. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are dynamic and charismatic; the romance is seductive, and enticing
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from several third person perspectives including Max and Lucy, COLD CRUEL KISS focuses on the search and rescue of two seventeen year old American girls, including the daughter of the US Ambassador, kidnapped while Christmas shopping in a market in Argentina. Enter FBI and Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne, called in to help negotiate the ransom and release of the two young women but Max finds himself working with the US Ambassador’s office assistant, a women who is hiding behind oversized clothes and too big glasses. Enter Lucy Aston. What ensues is the back and forth, hunt for a kidnapper, and the possible connections to a kidnapping cartel, and a suspected Russian spy.
Max Hawthorne knows that time is precious when negotiating a ransom and the release of two young woman, and working with office assistant Lucy Aston forces our hero to see beyond the frumpy exterior, hiding a beautiful, smart and secretive woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero. Lucy Aston wears a mask in a effort to hide the woman she was, and the woman she would become. Saving her young charge is Lucy’s first priority, a priority she is willing to risk her life and her reputation in order to save.
The relationship between Lucy and Max is one of immediate attraction but no one understands what Max sees in the frumpy office assistant. Max sees beyond the façade of a young woman who has seen more than most but when the truth is revealed, Max isn’t sure he ever saw the woman before. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the kidnapping victims Kristen and Irene: Kristen’s parents ambassador Catherine Dickerson and her husband Phillip; Catherine’s PA Miranda Foster; several Deep Ops warriors; the FBI; local law enforcement ; and federal police and Official Inspector Hector Cabral.
COLD CRUEL KISS is a story of money and power; betrayal and vengeance; spies, agencies, secrets and lies. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are dynamic and charismatic; the romance is seductive, and enticing
www.thereadingcafe.com
February 3, 2021
Happy sigh. Max finally got his HEA; I've been waiting for what feels like forever. We've only gotten glimpses of Max previously so it was good to get to know him better. Although we got his backstory some bits were not fleshed out and I hope that will be addressed in a future book.
I loved Lucy. She was such a mix of contrasts and had such depth. She tried to come off as wimpy and frumpy but Max saw right through that. She was a badass fighter, snarky when least expected, and determined to atone for her mistakes. Her contrasts whetted both his curiosity and his interest. Lucy was more than she seemed and she kept both Max and the reader guessing. I did figure out one important piece about Lucy but Ms. Anderson carefully laid the clues. I worried how Max would react to Lucy's secret and happily he did not let me down. He reacted with his head and his heart and proved how well he understood her.
..., this almost stranger who'd managed to destroy all her defenses with his observant nature and compassionate manner.
I did figure out some of what was happening and who was responsible but I was enjoying the book so much that I didn't care and there was enough that I didn't figure out to keep my interest. The story was full of suspense and action, and a sexy and fun romance. Lucy and Max just worked. They got each other, respected each other, and had fun together.
The story included POVs from Kristen and Irene, the kidnapped girls, and I was impressed with how well they held up. They were terrified but mostly kept their cool and didn't sit around waiting to be rescued. No, they paid attention, and looked for ways to free themselves. They went through a horrible experience, one I can barely imagine. Anderson did a wonderful job with the two of them. They weren't perfect by any means and Kristen especially made some mistakes but they rallied and fought back as best they could.
"Cold Cruel Kiss" was entertaining, engaging, fast-paced, sexy, topical, and darn near unputdownable. Pity I can't read while I'm at work. This may have been Anderson't best to date.
I loved Lucy. She was such a mix of contrasts and had such depth. She tried to come off as wimpy and frumpy but Max saw right through that. She was a badass fighter, snarky when least expected, and determined to atone for her mistakes. Her contrasts whetted both his curiosity and his interest. Lucy was more than she seemed and she kept both Max and the reader guessing. I did figure out one important piece about Lucy but Ms. Anderson carefully laid the clues. I worried how Max would react to Lucy's secret and happily he did not let me down. He reacted with his head and his heart and proved how well he understood her.
..., this almost stranger who'd managed to destroy all her defenses with his observant nature and compassionate manner.
I did figure out some of what was happening and who was responsible but I was enjoying the book so much that I didn't care and there was enough that I didn't figure out to keep my interest. The story was full of suspense and action, and a sexy and fun romance. Lucy and Max just worked. They got each other, respected each other, and had fun together.
The story included POVs from Kristen and Irene, the kidnapped girls, and I was impressed with how well they held up. They were terrified but mostly kept their cool and didn't sit around waiting to be rescued. No, they paid attention, and looked for ways to free themselves. They went through a horrible experience, one I can barely imagine. Anderson did a wonderful job with the two of them. They weren't perfect by any means and Kristen especially made some mistakes but they rallied and fought back as best they could.
"Cold Cruel Kiss" was entertaining, engaging, fast-paced, sexy, topical, and darn near unputdownable. Pity I can't read while I'm at work. This may have been Anderson't best to date.
March 24, 2021
FBI, CIA, spys, romance, suspense and intrigue - set in Argentina. Well written with lots of action as our H/h try to rescue two kidnapped teens. The romance is slow burn and fitted perfectly within the time line stretching between Christmas Eve and New Year. The romance is steamy when it happens and tastefully written, but is only a tiny portion of this book. It's all about the back story, but Max and Lucy are constantly together throughout. Told from their POV, plus the POV of the two kidnapped girls. An excellent book.
March 18, 2024
Cold Cruel Kiss by Toni Anderson (2/21)
[Cold Justice: Crossfire - 4] (B+ Warm) [3-17-24]
Audible: Eric G. Dove, Very Good
[Cold Justice: Crossfire - 4] (B+ Warm) [3-17-24]
Audible: Eric G. Dove, Very Good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews