When ambition and love collide, can Chase and Rayne’s fledgling relationship withstand the fallout?
The Copper Scroll is a treasure seeker’s dream, and Rayne Marcellus is used to dreaming big. Going after it means playing in the underworld she’s trying to turn away from. But with the Ark of the Covenant as a possible prize, she simply can’t say no.
Chase Stinsen gets her warrior queen back and unknowingly sets off a deadly chain of events. Can she stay at Rayne’s side in the shadows, or will their worlds collide in a deadly explosion?
Robyn Nyx is an avid shutterbug and lover of all things fast and physical. Her writing often reflects both of those passions. She lives with her soul mate and fellow scribe. They have no kids or kittens, which allows them to travel to exotic places at the drop of a hat for “research.” She works hard to find writing time, when she’s not being distracted by blue skies and motorbike rides.
4.25 stars. Rayne and Chase are back! It’s not (yet) indicated here on GR, but this is the second book in ‘The Chase Stinsen’ series, with the first being ‘Uncharted’. I loved Uncharted and I recommend reading that book first, as ‘The Copper Scroll’ continues the storyline.
Rayne and Chase are both archeologists searching for historical artefacts, but Chase works at Stanford University and has far more honest intentions with her raids than Rayne, who’s a tomb raider for hire. However, in book 1 Rayne starts questioning her morals and she wants to be better, for herself and for Chase. In this book they are again chasing one of the biggest discoveries of the world and not without dangers.
I love both Chase and Rayne as characters, they are not perfect, but they complement each other so very well. In this book they are finding their way in life as a couple and while the ‘I love yous’ are thrown around freely from the start of the book and their chemistry jumps of the page, they have a lot of work ahead to make their relationship work. Finding a way to be honest (which is obviously problematic given their opposing lines of work) and overcoming their own insecurities are difficult tasks. The latter was a bit surprising as they both are professionally very accomplished and confident people, but I found their insecurities in their personal lives believable and it gives the romance plenty of room for development in this book.
I have a major soft spot for Chase, she so desperately wants to be an all tough hero, but she’s in love with Rayne, and Rayne, well she’s far more badass than Chase is. Throw in the tank twins Gin & Tonyck, Rayne’s ex-special ops bodyguards, and even Chase’s buff physique is not so impressive anymore, but she is the sweetest and Rayne absolutely can’t resist her. Rayne is super badass and sexy, but she’s also a bit lost both professionally and personally, and we get to see her vulnerable side in this book. Where she was somewhat superficial in the first book (especially in the beginning), I was absolutely rooting for her now. I also liked the tank twins and would love to read more about them.
The hunt for artefacts was entertaining and had again a very high Indiana Jones feeling to it (which is mentioned a couple of times), with secret hidden locations and puzzles to solve. I liked the adventure storyline in the first book a little bit better though, as I wasn’t the biggest fan of the bad guy in this book (he’s not really a bad guy) and there were a few things that lacked believability. For instance, when Chase steals a treasure she’s actually using University funds to do this, which is something that would never be possible in the real world, and also the lack of questions from her University struck me as strange. But, for entertainments sake, I decided not to look too deep into this.
This could be the last book of the series, but I did spot some possibilities for a third book and I hope there will be one. I will read it! A sweet romance and a super entertaining adventure book that fans of ‘Indiana Jones’ types of movies will love.
The second installment, available on Kindle Unlimited - the first isn't on KU, though - but I do recommend reading them in order- otherwise you'll miss a lot of backstory needed to understand the psyche of the characters and behaviours therein.
This one definitely has more relationship angst than the previous, which is to be expected. It's been a year since events in Brazil brought Chase and Rayne together. They are doing the long distance thing, with Rayne's office in New York, as she still does private jobs worldwide - as Chase still works for Stanford University in California, while she also lectures around the country and world. Which leaves not as much time for each other as they would like, but each time they come together it's explosive and sensual. They are devoted to trying to be completely honest with each other and not shy about sharing I Love You's.
It's more difficult for Rayne to be so very open with her thoughts and emotions, since her upbringing made her hide a lot of those things, as well as her competitive nature coming into play at times. Thinking she needs to keep things guarded, close to her chest etc. I genuinely felt for her and her vulnerabilities, and was desperate for her to learn to not only trust Chase, but herself!!! and break down those walls. I thought this was realistic and also raw and emotional. I related a lot.
However at the start there is a secret being hidden by one of them, and I felt it was kind of selfish and pigheaded of that person, and not to realize the deeper ramifications of the fallout, and how it could have sabotaged the entire relationship... and they never fully really apologized. I felt the other while hurt, handled it better than I thought, and I'm not sure I could be as understanding/forgiving.
At times I almost thought it was a little unhealthy, how the 'go to' for each seemed to be straight back to sex to solve disagreements and hurts. Especially when one character kept making comments about how she 'needs to 'keep her satisfied' to keep her interested'... I kept waiting for the other character to step up and say something about this - and they did in some ways - but it never was fully addressed, and that made me feel a bit problematic. BUT at the same time, these are character that aren't perfect. They are reactionary and care a lot, and are sexually driven - but also have alternating values and end goals at times, so it's realistic that things can be bumpy, but both remain committed to each other and to healthier communication for the relationship to blossom.
I did find the more adventure, relic hunting parts this time around to be a little more tedious. There's a rich guy bankrolling things, who really hasn't got a clue but wants to be involved, and has hired two mercenaries heavies to assist, who are more trouble than they are worth.
We do get to see Rayne's own heavies - Tonyck and Ginn again, and boy would I like to know more about these ladies, and their past! Maybe they will get their own love story each one day. Maybe they can find another set of lady loving twins lol.
So all in all a few issues with some story points and the way some things played out, and their responses to things - which while I respect as not being perfect, still had me a little worried about the overall health of the relationship. So couldn't quite give it 4 stars.
Even better than the first book in the series and the first book was also a 5 star review. The two MCs are amazing characters with some flaws but complete each other perfectly. Their love grows throughout the story and also the archaeological quest is very entertaining. Great book.
This was so bloody exciting to read. I loved the adventure of piecing the puzzles together and watching Chase and Rayne working together again. The double cross and then... you have to read it 'cause it was so satisfyingly good I was smiling as I read the last few pages of the book.
My favourite thing about the series is Rayne. I love her soft side, towards G&T and most especially with Chase. The way she loves her and how she sees her is swoonworthy.
Great read for sure and while it all seems to be an end to the series, I can't help but wish for more to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book has everything! Romance, adventure, danger, all wrapped up in a brilliant story!
First off and most importantly, grab the first book in the Chasen Stensen Series called A Golden Trinity. Click the link below for my review.
Once you’ve read my review for book one in the series, you will see the extent of my crush on Chase. So when I heard Robyn Nyx was releasing book two, I just knew I would be first in the queue for it.
One of my favourite things about the Chase and Rayne combo is that it’s the good old story of the good guy saves the bad guy’s. The difference here is that in my eyes, Rayne was never really the baddie. If anything, I wanted to be her by the end of the book, but that was maybe so that I could capture myself a sexy Chase Stinsen… #swoon. The banter is fun and flirty, which it was great because this book is very focused on the adventure at play.
I am not usually an action/adventure reader, but there is something about Robyn Nyx’s works that just make me show up, and I end up caught up in the adventure. And what adventure she takes me on.
I think there should be an epilogue rating system on my reviews because you all know how obsessed I am with them. Well, Robyn Nyx did not let me down and gave me an epilogue filled with swoony moments and an extra dose of romance. It was perfect!
Holy hotness, batman!! Chase and Rayne’s sexual and emotional chemistry flows onto the page. Every time Rayne made a suggestive comment to Chase, I was mentally high fiving her. These two could set the sheets on fire and not even notice because they would be so caught up in each other. HOT DAMN!
What I loved most of all about the chemistry between Rayne and Chase is that they get each other on an emotional level. Rayne especially only lets Chase see her more sensitive side, and It endeared Rayne more to me with every candid moment she had with Chase.
This isn’t an experience you want to miss. Just make sure you read the first book before this one. It’s just going to make the experience all the better. This book really is jam-packed with action, adventure, and romance. I really hope this isn’t the end of the ‘The Chase Stinsen’ books because I am not ready to let these characters go just yet.
Yet another literary triumph from author Robyn Nyx.
The Copper Scroll showcases one of my favourite qualities of Nyx's writing - the ability to wholeheartedly immerse a reader into the story. Whether it's the expansive plains of dusty Middle Eastern countries, the depths of ancient sea caves or the very real possibility of being blown to smithereens - there is nowhere that Nyx doesn't take you in pursuit of solving the mystery of The Copper Scroll.
You'll finish this book swearing you've been right there alongside Chase and Rayne for the whole adventure, because you'll certainly feel like you've felt and lived it all. The thrills and wonder, the danger and desire is all there for the taking in another epic Chase and Rayne story.
As this is the second book in the series, you can expect the plot to delve deeper in to whether Chase and Rayne will be able to make their fledgling relationship work now that they are back in the States.
Can they find common ground and compromise when they still operate at opposites ends of the archaelogical world? Can love and desire solve the issues which seem unsolvable? And ultimately can both Chase and Rayne share their vulnerabilities with each other and learn to trust in the other, in order to deepen and solidify what they have together.
What will it take to succeed, both professionally and personally, and what will each be willing to sacrifice in the process. The journey to discover the secret of The Copper Scroll proves to be high stakes in more ways than just one for Chase and Rayne. Danger lurks at every turn, fuelled by the burning fires of ambition and moral righteousness.
In amongst all the soul searching, city hopping and danger dodging, there is of course still the trademark witty banter between all of the characters, but none more so than out of the mouths of Ginn and Tonyck. They have to be two of my favourite side characters ever in a book. I really enjoyed that we get to learn a bit more about their backstory and evaluate/test the twins' loyalty to Rayne - a great little side story to wrap your head around.
The sexual tension between Chase and Rayne, picks up where they left off in The Golden Trinity (Book 1). Whilst they are now officially a couple, Nyx keeps the characters' chemistry at bonfire level throughout the course of this story. It ranges from outright lust and barely contained desire to suggestive comments, tender words, touches and looks. The sexual and emotional chemistry is well suited to the overall flow of the story, and this paired with the more indepth character development of Chase and Rayne makes for an engaging read.
The epilogue leaves you wondering whether we will see another book in the series - i could certainly see some potential openings for a plot. And I'd be lying if i said i wasn't 100% clamouring for another awesome installment of this series!
Chase and Rayne are once again on a mega mission to solve the puzzle of the Copper Scroll. But to get the promise of the prize it leads to, means Rayne has gotten deeply involved again in a world of underhand dealings and morally questionable people, but she couldn’t refuse. Chase is questioning the morals of the mission, but desperate to keep Rayne she heads out on this adventure with her, questioning her morals in deciding to tag along, but will it bring them closer, or destroy everything.
This was so amazing! It is the second book in the Chase Stinsen adventure series, but it works well as a standalone if you haven’t read Uncharted (although I would recommend reading it as it will help to provide better understanding of Chase and Rayne’s relationship). It was such an epic adventure and I did enjoy it more than the first Chase adventure as it was just so much more dramatic and had me on the edge of my seat! I was addicted from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. And then, well there were just all the heart-stopping moments Robyn has packed in here, the thrill of the chase, and the holding of breath moments wondering what was going to happen with the turn of the page.
I felt with this story we got a more intimate look at Chase and Rayne’s vulnerabilities, mostly brought out by their feelings for one another, and it helped me to better connect with them. It was quite intimate, even though other characters were present in most of the story, even when they were, I could see them fading in the background when Chase and Rayne took centre stage. In those moments it was just them, and me, the reader. It was an amazing thing to experience whilst reading this story.
This was such an epic adventure that I could picture every moment, from the wonderful descriptive locations, to the characters, and the moments shared. The connection I felt to this story and the characters was intense and I was excited yet nervous to see where this was going to lead to this time! Rayne has a habit of getting herself in situations that are a bit dangerous and on the edge, whereas this was all new for Chase and it was great seeing how she handled all this and the lengths she would go to for Rayne, then vice versa where Rayne was considering Chase. You could definitely see the character development of these two in this second book.
I can’t wait to read more Chase adventures in future, so I hope this isn’t the last we have seen of Chase and Rayne! Highly recommend this book, as I really enjoyed it and it really will take you on a visual and emotional journey that is not to be missed!!!
I thoroughly enjoy entertainment focused on treasure hunts, but I am not well read on any specific ones. I'm willing to bet that ignorance is bliss in this series, even though I know that some of the truth has made it into the stories. I know for certain that there are errors about the Navy and the lack of nautical terms in general, but they didn't deter my appreciation for this book. It was fun, a bit steamy, and a great adventure.
This was more enjoyable for me than the first book because my expectations wasn't too high honestly I like my adventure books to be on the same line as Indiana Jones tomb raider lots of action I think the best lesbian side of adventure book like this that had a lot of action had to be easy Nevada this is no easy Nevada but as far as action is concerned but it was still enjoyable and I look forward to the third book to be honest which is surprising cuz I really didn't jail with the first book I definitely would love to see Chase become more of a badass butch but I know that's not necessarily her character design she's a butch but she's not your typical kick ass and take name Butch and that's okay. but yeah the book was good it's more of a chill type of adventure but it does pick up right after the first book so you do have to read the first book to understand this one she does explain everything that happened but you won't really get the characters struggle if you don't read the first book
I just finished this and i don't think i even have the clothes for this event
wow, this was AWESOME!!!!
I love watching established couples working through hardships even if they just got together. No miscommunication here, thank goodness. But things were still a bit touch and go for them especially with what happens in the first few chapters which made the push and pull even more delightful. And again we got to enjoy their journey with that undercurrent of tension until it blew up on everyone's face. IMHO, a page-turner, amazing reading.
About the characters, I loved all their excitement over archaeology and each other and how they talked to each other most of the time, even when things were "shaky". What I expect of most mature adults. Their chemistry! My, my, it was, AGAIN, on point, very palpable. I could feel it through the pages. Unlike book #1 though, I didn't need time to click with Rayne, she was marvellous and Chase was just her perfect self, with all her cheesiness and chivalry. Loved them again. The twins, even though were less "present" here, were great too, I learnt to love them. I'd love to read about them more, ngl.
These two books were my first by Robyn, but if everything she writes are this good, with such quality and attention to detail, I'll be a lifelong fan.
A great follow up to the first book Uncharted. This book takes place a year after the first book and follows Chase and Rayne as they navigate their new(ish) relationship and competing business methods. Chase has always been on the right side of the law and moral compass while Rayne has been much more flexible with her moral compass, which causes some tension.
I really enjoyed the first book. It felt so much like Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones, and was such a great adventure, but this was better. As much as I enjoy the meet cute of romance books, my favorite books are the ones that take an established relationship and explore how to maintain it. Both Chase and Rayne have their own baggage and ambitions that are sometimes in line and other times at odds with each other. I loved that I got to know Chase and Rayne better, as well as the Tank Twins, all while going on another adventure. Nyx beautifully blends the character growth with the artifact hunt.
I hope for another book because I am not ready to part with Chase, Rayne, and the Tank Twins. I would recommend this book for fans of adventure, but I highly suggest reading the first book, Uncharted, first.
Personally, find it is best to read Book 1 in the series Uncharted, a Chase Stinsen Adventure which is a fantastic book about the adventures of two women archaeologists Rayne and Chase. Book 1 sets the background for The Copper Scroll The story continues with them in a long-distance relationship. I love the way each of them has different points of view on the goals of their work. Rayne and Chase complement each other, and their characters are so real. Fast moving action packed what’s going to happen next page turner. I was amazed by the research that must have been made to write this book. Brilliantly written by Robyn Nyx. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and recommend this awesome book.
Excitement, danger, theft, double-cross; it's all here. Oh, there is a love story. Chase and Rayne have started to build a loving relationship in the midst of the tumultuous world of brokering archeological artifacts. It's not a boring read. Well written with no lingering in the plot of finding the seven gears. Ginn & Tonyk have a story for sure and they were strong secondary characters.
Loved this book! The pace, plot, characters and drama are all I have come to expect from Robyn's work and more. I can't wait for the next adventure of Chase and Rayne although how do you beat the arc of the covenant ? Another triumph of a book . Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Given the vast difference between their career objectives and lifestyles as at the end of the series debut, our MCs had a lot to work out to make the relationship work. This novel has excelled in showing how they find a plausible way forward together while engrossed in another treasure.
PS. The twins' names - Ginn and Tonyck? Hilarious!
I like reading the adventures of Chase and Rayne with the imposing twins G & T. More hidden treasures to find, puzzles to solve and an explosive climax. I must admit tho that I liked there previous adventures in the Amazon more. This one was more a running around in the desert, looking for tunnels and crawling in and out. I hope there are more adventures in store for them.
What an amazing adventure Robyn Nyx takes you on, I absolutely love the characters. Struggled to put this story down because once you start you are hooked. Congratulations Robyn another cracking book.
Chase and Rayne (and those twins!) are back in an excellent new adventure. Kudos to Robyn Nyx for such a terrific second installment in this fun series. I, for one, vote for more - I’m not ready to say goodbye to this entertaining universe. Well done, Robyn - and more, please!
Another good installment of this series. I’m looking forward to further adventures with this cast of characters. I would be interested in more of G. And T.’s point of view; maybe more involving Noemie as well.
Wow, what an adventure! Robyn Nyx had me from the first chapter. I truly enjoyed this book. I love the chemistry of the MCs. I look forward to more books by this author and will continue to follow her.
Love it when a sequel is better than the first. I am liking Robyn Nix Chase Stinse series. Don't have nearly enough treasure hunting lesbian books out there!
This book keeps pulling you from one cliff hanger to the next. Good character development, interesting locations. I will read the next book in the series.
The Golden Trinity was one of those perfect books that delivered exactly what I'd expected, in exactly the manner I'd hoped. It was well-written, with engaging characters, action-packed adventure, and sexual chemistry that was off the charts, leaving me desperately needing more.
With The Copper Scroll, Robyn Nyx has indeed given us more, and the way in which she explores the consequences and conflicts of a tomb-raider (Rayne Marcellus) in love with a serious archaeologist (Chase Stinsen) is fabulous. The first book was built around a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic arc, full of mistrust and anger, longing and desire, and those lingering issues aren't magically resolved just because they're now a couple. It never becomes overwhelming or tedious, never overshadows the romance or the adventure, but the reality of how to mesh or cross their worlds is an important part of the story. I loved them as a romantic couple even more than I loved their romantic tension, and it's adorable how they still manage to sneak in passionate kisses and caresses at the most dangerous, inopportune moments.
I really like what Nyx did with Gin and Tonyck here as well, fleshing out the characters and personalities of Rayne's kickass mercenary sidekicks. She makes us question their motives and wonder about their loyalties, viewing them in the mirror of the mercenary men who art part of this adventure, even as she reinforces those same loyalties, forcing a confrontation (and moment of revelation) with Chase. It's a small part of the story, but I loved the feel of a family on the edge, working to figure out how they all fit together with a new member.
Where this second book faltered just a bit for me was in the adventure. I said three things of the first book that have sort of come back to haunt me here. The first is that feminist mythology that was far more fascinating than the typical overdone Biblical nonsense that dominates the genre . . . and here we find Rayne and Chase in pursuit of nothing less than the Ark of the Covenant and the Ten Commandments. The second was that the story didn't just pay lip service to the adventure, it was almost entirely an off-the-grid, in-the-wild, underground adventure . . . and here we have a laid back quest that's more about the puzzles of Robert Langdon than the frantic excitement of Indiana Jones. The last was that the backdrop of terrorism, war, deforestation, and other crimes against humanity and nature added real consequence to the story . . . and here there's really no larger social context to the story, other than some soft commentary on wealthy tycoons who make a hobby of legitimate science, with everything happening a little too easily.
Those complaints aside, I still enjoyed The Copper Scroll immensely, and am absolutely up for more adventures with Rayne and Chase. Nyx writes a story that effortlessly pulls you in and happily carries you along, making it a tough book to put down. Even if it lacks some of the substance of the first book, it still has all the flash and fun, and (more importantly) the romance we all crave.
Very enjoyable journey. What a great adventure some parts of the book had me on the edge of Mr seat. The characters are very likable and well developed. The love that Rayne and Chase has is very strong. Gin and Tonyck are very likable and important to the story. Ready for book three. Thanks for another winner.