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Mike Romeo #2
Romeo's Way
Winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for Best E-Book Original
“I don’t want anybody bleeding to death, okay?” I said. “I think your problem is education. There’s just no discipline anymore. You have to know there are consequences for bad behavior. Without that, society falls apart.”
Baton Guy croaked, “I can’t breathe.”
“You just can’t go around doing this sort of thing,” I said. “It isn’t right. Now, one of you is bleeding pretty badly and won’t be riding a bike anytime soon. The other one still needs to learn, am I right?”
“Don’t kill us,” Knife Guy said.
Mike Romeo, the former cage fighter living low in L.A., doesn't look for trouble. He doesn't have to. It comes after him. So when he's hired by a California senatorial campaign to do undercover work, Romeo doesn't have any illusions. Especially when his duty takes him to San Francisco.
But as Romeo gets closer to solving the mystery of who is behind the hit job on an honorable man, things heat up in the City by the Bay –– and between Mike and a beautiful political operative. Until a bullet nearly takes him out for good.
Now all bets are off. Because if there's one thing Romeo wants, it's justice. And he's going to get it––his way.
“I don’t want anybody bleeding to death, okay?” I said. “I think your problem is education. There’s just no discipline anymore. You have to know there are consequences for bad behavior. Without that, society falls apart.”
Baton Guy croaked, “I can’t breathe.”
“You just can’t go around doing this sort of thing,” I said. “It isn’t right. Now, one of you is bleeding pretty badly and won’t be riding a bike anytime soon. The other one still needs to learn, am I right?”
“Don’t kill us,” Knife Guy said.
Mike Romeo, the former cage fighter living low in L.A., doesn't look for trouble. He doesn't have to. It comes after him. So when he's hired by a California senatorial campaign to do undercover work, Romeo doesn't have any illusions. Especially when his duty takes him to San Francisco.
But as Romeo gets closer to solving the mystery of who is behind the hit job on an honorable man, things heat up in the City by the Bay –– and between Mike and a beautiful political operative. Until a bullet nearly takes him out for good.
Now all bets are off. Because if there's one thing Romeo wants, it's justice. And he's going to get it––his way.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2016
535 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
James Scott Bell
132 books1,037 followersJim is a former trial lawyer who now writes and speaks full time. He is the bestselling author of Try Dying, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise and several other thrillers. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Inspirational Fiction, and was a fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine. He has written two books in the Writers' Digest series, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure and Revision & Self-Editing.
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
July 26, 2020
Fast paced thriller.
A former fighter, Mike takes up the job of undercover security. The entire story is completely action packed and enough mystery to keep us glued to the book. Enjoyed the story.
A former fighter, Mike takes up the job of undercover security. The entire story is completely action packed and enough mystery to keep us glued to the book. Enjoyed the story.
June 9, 2020
Mike Romeo is a great character and Bell writes great stories. On to the next in the series.
October 24, 2025
3.75🌟
Audiobook (virtual voice)
I suspect I am not as intelligent as the character Mike Romeo, but I take great delight in the words I recognize from books and movies. I enjoy Bell’s style of writing. Spare. A little hard-boiled. Romeo is a character I can root for. He’s rough and tough, no doubt, but just like other characters in the book who care about Romeo, I hold out hope for him and look forward to reading more books in this series.
obin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook (virtual voice)
I suspect I am not as intelligent as the character Mike Romeo, but I take great delight in the words I recognize from books and movies. I enjoy Bell’s style of writing. Spare. A little hard-boiled. Romeo is a character I can root for. He’s rough and tough, no doubt, but just like other characters in the book who care about Romeo, I hold out hope for him and look forward to reading more books in this series.
obin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
October 23, 2023
Another all star story
Mike Romeo rocks as a character. Teamed with an interesting plot makes this one a winner. This is the 2nd or 3rd Mike Romeo story and I've loved them all.
Mike Romeo rocks as a character. Teamed with an interesting plot makes this one a winner. This is the 2nd or 3rd Mike Romeo story and I've loved them all.
June 25, 2019
An intriguing look at politics
I love the Romeo character and always feel smarter after I’ve read one of the books. Solid plot, good dialogue, love the action.
I love the Romeo character and always feel smarter after I’ve read one of the books. Solid plot, good dialogue, love the action.
June 10, 2016
Mike Romeo is back, and he's just as sarcastic as ever. This time he's headed to San Francisco where he hopes to unravel the machine of a dirty political campaign. But as is always the case for Mike, there's more going on than first meets the eye, and he soon finds himself right in the middle of more than he bargained for. With a rat-a-tat style that's fast becoming a Bell trademark, Mike exchanges fists and quips with the speed of BART. Lots of great supporting characters too. Will the city by the bay mean the end for our ex-cage fighter with a penchant for quoting dead philosophers and Shakespeare? There's never a dull moment in a Mike Romeo thriller, and while a few times I might've appreciated a tad more breathing room between the action, this one is even better than the first book, Romeo's Rules, which I also enjoyed. Bring on book three!
June 25, 2018
Mike Romeo, talks "off the wall," not like a normal person. In a conversation, watch for sharp turns. So interesting.
As a former cage fighter, trouble seems to follow Romeo. When he's hired by a senatorial campaign to do undercover work, challenges come, including a near miss.
What makes this series so good is the main character. You never know what random thing he's going to say. Romeo is determined to find answers. To find justice.
This book has politics at its best-or worst.
As a former cage fighter, trouble seems to follow Romeo. When he's hired by a senatorial campaign to do undercover work, challenges come, including a near miss.
What makes this series so good is the main character. You never know what random thing he's going to say. Romeo is determined to find answers. To find justice.
This book has politics at its best-or worst.
November 15, 2017
The Pilot Book of the Mike Romeo Series
Get ready for a really good mystery thriller series! This book is the kickoff of the Mike Romeo mystery thriller series, and I can tell you, I am hooked. I read the book in one night and to let you know something; I couldn't put the book down. If this book was a movie, it would keep you on the edge of your seat. I like this book; Mike Romeo puts me in the mind of Humphrey Bogart, whose character was always to me serious and dark; but in this story, Mike tries to be serious but is funny at the same time.
The author, James Scott sets the stage - in California, close to the San Francisco Bay area. The principal character is Mike Romeo - he was a former cage fighter just wanting to take life easy. Things change when Mike accepted an undercover security job from a California senator, during campaign time. Talk about not a dull moment, this book has a lot of action in it, like; solving an old murder case, a church being bombed, people getting shot and much more.
This story has many twists, ups and downs and hides emotional hurts like never before. All I can say to you are, “it’s a good story." Furthermore, it’s filled with humor, temper and excitement with each character used throughout the story. It’s a lot more I can say, but I don’t want to be a book spoiler. Like I stated earlier, “it’s a good story."
This is a must read book. I recommend this book to everyone who love mystery thriller books and the Word of God.
My Leaving Thoughts:
Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prov 22:6
NEED I Say More!
Get ready for a really good mystery thriller series! This book is the kickoff of the Mike Romeo mystery thriller series, and I can tell you, I am hooked. I read the book in one night and to let you know something; I couldn't put the book down. If this book was a movie, it would keep you on the edge of your seat. I like this book; Mike Romeo puts me in the mind of Humphrey Bogart, whose character was always to me serious and dark; but in this story, Mike tries to be serious but is funny at the same time.
The author, James Scott sets the stage - in California, close to the San Francisco Bay area. The principal character is Mike Romeo - he was a former cage fighter just wanting to take life easy. Things change when Mike accepted an undercover security job from a California senator, during campaign time. Talk about not a dull moment, this book has a lot of action in it, like; solving an old murder case, a church being bombed, people getting shot and much more.
This story has many twists, ups and downs and hides emotional hurts like never before. All I can say to you are, “it’s a good story." Furthermore, it’s filled with humor, temper and excitement with each character used throughout the story. It’s a lot more I can say, but I don’t want to be a book spoiler. Like I stated earlier, “it’s a good story."
This is a must read book. I recommend this book to everyone who love mystery thriller books and the Word of God.
My Leaving Thoughts:
Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prov 22:6
NEED I Say More!
June 13, 2018
Romeo's Rules is the 2nd book in a great series,
with Mike Romeo.
with Mike Romeo.
February 21, 2018
I really like James Scott Bell's characters and the characters in this book are fantastic. There is something about a nerd turned cage fighter who baffles people when quoting classic literature and philosophers that puts a smile on my face.
Secondly, I like the story telling in this book. I thought of Doomsday Book by Connie Willis toward the end. The dialogue and story telling flow so well, much like I found with Willis.
This is a quick moving, fun read. I had a couple of moments when I thought that perhaps the author was channeling a perspective of political parties through the main character. I had to remind myself that this is a fictional story, not my Facebook feed, though a lot of that is fictional these days. Without giving any spoilers, neither party is given a preference or characterized as that of good or evil.
This is a book I would not hesitate to come back to for a second read. Thank you, James Scott Bell, for bringing Mike Romeo to life to speak truth while struggling to figure out what truth is.
Secondly, I like the story telling in this book. I thought of Doomsday Book by Connie Willis toward the end. The dialogue and story telling flow so well, much like I found with Willis.
This is a quick moving, fun read. I had a couple of moments when I thought that perhaps the author was channeling a perspective of political parties through the main character. I had to remind myself that this is a fictional story, not my Facebook feed, though a lot of that is fictional these days. Without giving any spoilers, neither party is given a preference or characterized as that of good or evil.
This is a book I would not hesitate to come back to for a second read. Thank you, James Scott Bell, for bringing Mike Romeo to life to speak truth while struggling to figure out what truth is.
October 11, 2017
Second in a great series.
Mike Romeo is a man who seems to find trouble with our even trying. In this second book, his friend, ex missed Ira, introduced Mike to the world of California politics. Dirty politics, it turns out, and between robberies and gunshots and fake news, the reader is in for late night reading again! Looking forward to book #3.
Mike Romeo is a man who seems to find trouble with our even trying. In this second book, his friend, ex missed Ira, introduced Mike to the world of California politics. Dirty politics, it turns out, and between robberies and gunshots and fake news, the reader is in for late night reading again! Looking forward to book #3.
February 2, 2021
Romeo's Way picks up shortly after Romeo's Rules. Mike is convinced by Ira to help a political candidate who is being falsely accused. Mike finally agrees to go undercover in the opponent's campaign to discover the truth.
This is a fun series. Mike is unique in this genre. He was a chubby, weak kid with a huge brain who attended Yale as a teenager. After the murder of his parents, he changed his body and his name, became a cage fighter, and is now trying to redeem his life. His friend he lives with, Ira, is former Mossad and now a rabbi. Mike reads philosophy and regularly spouts quotes in Latin or from classic literature. He is a lover of poetry, but he doesn't have much romantic experience due to his past. Mike is searching - for redemption, for love, for truth, for meaning. There is dialogue between Mike and various other characters regarding these topics, conversations that will make you think without beating you down with the author's opinion.
This novels are clean - no sex scenes, no profanity. They do contain the expected level of violence for a former cage fighter turned investigator. If you're looking for books filled with wit and action, look no further.
This is a fun series. Mike is unique in this genre. He was a chubby, weak kid with a huge brain who attended Yale as a teenager. After the murder of his parents, he changed his body and his name, became a cage fighter, and is now trying to redeem his life. His friend he lives with, Ira, is former Mossad and now a rabbi. Mike reads philosophy and regularly spouts quotes in Latin or from classic literature. He is a lover of poetry, but he doesn't have much romantic experience due to his past. Mike is searching - for redemption, for love, for truth, for meaning. There is dialogue between Mike and various other characters regarding these topics, conversations that will make you think without beating you down with the author's opinion.
This novels are clean - no sex scenes, no profanity. They do contain the expected level of violence for a former cage fighter turned investigator. If you're looking for books filled with wit and action, look no further.
June 1, 2020
When I read #1 Romeo's Rules a week ago, I defined a thriller that is worthy of my time as one which I read within a week, which is not a high standard. I only finish one out of three novels I start. Today is Sunday, and from noon to 7 pm was all that #2 Romeo's Way took. It reads fast, and I had reserved the day free after church, so it was an uninterrupted read. It was easy because it reads so well. Author Bell teaches the art and has a good teaching series on Great Courses. Romeo's Way reveals much more about the protagonist, more depth on his supporting cast, has plot twists and surprises to satisfy the most demanding among us, develops a very coherent but rapidly moving plot, and its end is not predictable. Now that I am getting comfortable with Romeo--for he is unique in this market-- the story becomes even more engrossing. Bell is a master at evoking high drama, intimate relationships, and depraved villains without plumbing the now common depths of modern fiction.
January 12, 2025
I read book 1 and wasn’t sure how I felt about it. The writing is solid. The story moves along fluidly. But I wasn’t sure I liked Mike Romeo. Like many of the characters in the books, I thought he talked funny. Always quoting philosophers. But I decided to try book 2 and I think Mike is growing on me. He’s funny, quick witted, and stands up for truth. He may have to beat the truth out of someone every so often but he has a compassionate side that balances everything out.
Mike does some undercover work for a political campaign to find out who is spreading lies about one of the candidates. I’ll just say, it’s not who you think it is. I love seeing the different characters in the book through Mike’s eyes. He has a vibrant way of describing people. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Mike does some undercover work for a political campaign to find out who is spreading lies about one of the candidates. I’ll just say, it’s not who you think it is. I love seeing the different characters in the book through Mike’s eyes. He has a vibrant way of describing people. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
February 22, 2022
In this sequel to Romeo's Rules, we get a much tighter story. Romeo is still a mix of Spenser, Hammer, and Reacher: wise cracking, literate, hard hitting, and tempered anger. The first book got a bit convoluted at points, but the plotting here stays on track while remaining suspenseful. Bell introduces a few new characters, I hope we get to see Urban again! I would like more Ira for sure; he took a bit of a back seat in this story.
It's a fun and action packed thriller, with a bunch of literature and philosophy peppered through out. Perfect aperitif between longer novels.
It's a fun and action packed thriller, with a bunch of literature and philosophy peppered through out. Perfect aperitif between longer novels.
January 3, 2024
I like this book...Romeo is a very different protagonist. Different than the typical one I should say. He's still his own man and fully capable of taking on physical or intellectual challenges. He is well read and was raised by two academic philosophers who's death haunts and drives him. He is unique in a world of personalities.
In this installment he agrees to work with a politician for a candidate who seems like a worthwhile individual and goes from LA to San Francisco to infiltrate his opponents efforts. Which he does successfully and brings closure to several items in a fashion that is good for most all parties...particularly the candidate for whom he was working.
Mike Romeo is a very good character and I like him enough to ensure I'll be back for installment #3.
In this installment he agrees to work with a politician for a candidate who seems like a worthwhile individual and goes from LA to San Francisco to infiltrate his opponents efforts. Which he does successfully and brings closure to several items in a fashion that is good for most all parties...particularly the candidate for whom he was working.
Mike Romeo is a very good character and I like him enough to ensure I'll be back for installment #3.
November 11, 2020
A really good read...
...and a wonderful distraction from all the political chaos going on in our country. When I saw the book was involving politics I almost put it down in disgust, but I don't like to give up. Turns out, politics is only a backdrop to a great story. One of the characters is called Sable Wilson, then Sable Williams, then Sable Wilson again, but aside from that and one or two small typos, I can recommend this book. Clean, but right on the edge. The main character is witty, sarcastic and tough. As for me, I plan to go on to the other books in the series, and soon.
...and a wonderful distraction from all the political chaos going on in our country. When I saw the book was involving politics I almost put it down in disgust, but I don't like to give up. Turns out, politics is only a backdrop to a great story. One of the characters is called Sable Wilson, then Sable Williams, then Sable Wilson again, but aside from that and one or two small typos, I can recommend this book. Clean, but right on the edge. The main character is witty, sarcastic and tough. As for me, I plan to go on to the other books in the series, and soon.
May 23, 2021
An astonishing writer. I'm just going through and reading them all...one right after another, I reckon. Reading through these books, I am often recalling times past when I thought I might like to become a writer. I have done a bit of writing in my day, but nothing serious. I have read thousands of books, but when I run across an author like this all I can do, while I'm reading, is shake my head in wonder, and ask myself: "How on Earth can a person write like this?" It just seems so magical that the pacing and the flow of the story could keep me captivated while at the same time have so many "Wow" moments on each and every page. I'm humbled and blown away by this author...
November 13, 2023
Dirty Politics
A friend convinces Mike Romeo to get to the bottom of a rumor that has been used to attack a senatorial candidate. Though reluctant at first, Mike is convinced and heads to the San Francisco Bay area. Once there he becomes involved as a bodyguard in the hire of the other campaign.
The story is good. It is tightly plotted, the characters are convincing, and the pacing is excellent. We also get some background on the protagonist which is masterfully woven into the story itself rather than being dumped on the reader on the first page.
Nobody talks like Mike Romeo.
A friend convinces Mike Romeo to get to the bottom of a rumor that has been used to attack a senatorial candidate. Though reluctant at first, Mike is convinced and heads to the San Francisco Bay area. Once there he becomes involved as a bodyguard in the hire of the other campaign.
The story is good. It is tightly plotted, the characters are convincing, and the pacing is excellent. We also get some background on the protagonist which is masterfully woven into the story itself rather than being dumped on the reader on the first page.
Nobody talks like Mike Romeo.
August 9, 2021
Another great book in one of my all-time favorite series! Romeo's Way is an entertaining and engrossing book with a nice little twist at the end. James Scott Bell writes an excellent book that has great characterizations, a well-conceived plot, and features great dialogue. I especially love the fact that there is virtually no 'language in the book and it doesn't feel diminished in the least (A refreshing tactic that more authors might consider). A great summertime beach read (any time is the right time, actually). I heartily recommend it!
November 14, 2018
A Bookish Pugelist.
Mike Romeo is an ex NFL player and cage fighter who is a loner and lives a nomadic life in the US. He quotes the classics and Shakespeare at the most inappropriate moment that confuses his counter-parts. Author JSBell moves Romeo's adventures at a good pace and with witty repartee Romeo is entertaining and intelligent. He is a large onion with many layers and I can't wait to peel more off.
Mike Romeo is an ex NFL player and cage fighter who is a loner and lives a nomadic life in the US. He quotes the classics and Shakespeare at the most inappropriate moment that confuses his counter-parts. Author JSBell moves Romeo's adventures at a good pace and with witty repartee Romeo is entertaining and intelligent. He is a large onion with many layers and I can't wait to peel more off.
May 15, 2022
You Never Do dissappoint
I read your book about the Ninja Nun and laughed myself silly. Romeo's Way was a bit more conventional, but just as intriguing. I loved Romeo. All the philosophy and theology thrilled this retired Presbyterian Minister's soul! I'd love it if you would review one of my novels! That Romeo never took himself too seriously, was a breath of fresh air.
Mark W Stoub
mj.stoub@gmail.com
I read your book about the Ninja Nun and laughed myself silly. Romeo's Way was a bit more conventional, but just as intriguing. I loved Romeo. All the philosophy and theology thrilled this retired Presbyterian Minister's soul! I'd love it if you would review one of my novels! That Romeo never took himself too seriously, was a breath of fresh air.
Mark W Stoub
mj.stoub@gmail.com
June 20, 2022
James Scott Bell has written another winner! In this book (#2 in the six-volume series), Mike Romeo gets involved with the dirty side of politics and has a tough time sorting out the good guys and gals from the bad. However, he prevails and emerges more noble, confident and comfortable in his self-styled philosophy. Fast-moving, this is another great read, though not quite on the same level as #3,#5, or #6.
October 22, 2023
Page turner
I found the main character very interesting. Although he came across as a very hard person underneath it all he was the same as any of us. Once you start reading the story it’s hard to put down. The ending was surprising but I like that all the separate storylines were tied together at the end. I see the potential for several more books to follow up on several different storylines.
I found the main character very interesting. Although he came across as a very hard person underneath it all he was the same as any of us. Once you start reading the story it’s hard to put down. The ending was surprising but I like that all the separate storylines were tied together at the end. I see the potential for several more books to follow up on several different storylines.
October 23, 2023
Mike Romeo, what a name and what a character. This is a sort of classic on the Mike Hammer, Micky Spillane sort of level and is well worth reading. I'm not really sure what Mike is, is he security or an investigator but he just can't let things lie and has a unique way of sorting things although it does help being a resilient tough guy who can take a licking (or a bullet) and come back kicking. Glad I read this and will look out for more.
October 30, 2023
Enjoyable read.
Well this book was so good to read I didn't put it down much. Great characters , humor and an intelligence that I fear non readers would be saying , "huh?" . It was interesting that no swearing is used , which does not offend me but notice many people do get offended easily. It kept my interest and some of the predicaments the main character gets in are hilarious.
Well this book was so good to read I didn't put it down much. Great characters , humor and an intelligence that I fear non readers would be saying , "huh?" . It was interesting that no swearing is used , which does not offend me but notice many people do get offended easily. It kept my interest and some of the predicaments the main character gets in are hilarious.
June 9, 2019
I really liked this series. It was intriguing and kept my interest. It was hard to get other things done as I read this series. I appreciate the suspense, the characters and the story line. I appreciate the "clean" book that is free from profanity and sexual content, which is unnecessary to a great book.
June 7, 2020
Another great read!
Again, the 2nd book at the series is one that you don’t put down very easily. I love the way ‘bad language’ is not part of the book! Also, the ending is very unexpected which makes a great author. I’ll now start reading the 3rd book of the series. So far, I’ve read both books in a week.
Again, the 2nd book at the series is one that you don’t put down very easily. I love the way ‘bad language’ is not part of the book! Also, the ending is very unexpected which makes a great author. I’ll now start reading the 3rd book of the series. So far, I’ve read both books in a week.
August 26, 2020
Because I don't write spoilers, I don't get into plots. All the Romeo novels by James Scott Bell are highly unique, very well-written, and worth reading. I can't wait for the next one, but I guess I'll have to. My reviews of Romeo's novels 2 through 5 will be this one, no changes. All the Romeo novels get five stars.
November 18, 2021
My Fifth Mike Romeo Jaunt and Still Wanting More
Mike Romeo is a big former cage fighter who quotes Aquinas, Cicero and the Bible, and who finds his way into more trouble than ten men. Fortunately, he fights his way out in more ways than Shakespeare has sonnets. Fun books, and this one is no exception!
Mike Romeo is a big former cage fighter who quotes Aquinas, Cicero and the Bible, and who finds his way into more trouble than ten men. Fortunately, he fights his way out in more ways than Shakespeare has sonnets. Fun books, and this one is no exception!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews