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Thicker Than Blood #1
The Closer
Remo
I see death every day, but the night she tried to take her own life shook something deep inside of me. That night I saved a woman I had never met before. But the reality is, she saved me. Not only did I talk her out of jumping off the roof of the club, we connected that night.
After four years, now she is my target. I must eliminate her or bear the consequences.
Imani
I never forgot that night. I had lost everything with nothing left to cling to. A stranger saved me in more ways than one. I haven’t been able to get the passion we shared out of my mind. Now he’s holding a gun to my head. My savior has become my grim reaper. I don’t mind dying, but unlike that fateful night, I now have someone to live for. My daughter.
I see death every day, but the night she tried to take her own life shook something deep inside of me. That night I saved a woman I had never met before. But the reality is, she saved me. Not only did I talk her out of jumping off the roof of the club, we connected that night.
After four years, now she is my target. I must eliminate her or bear the consequences.
Imani
I never forgot that night. I had lost everything with nothing left to cling to. A stranger saved me in more ways than one. I haven’t been able to get the passion we shared out of my mind. Now he’s holding a gun to my head. My savior has become my grim reaper. I don’t mind dying, but unlike that fateful night, I now have someone to live for. My daughter.
- GenresInterracial Romance
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2021
94 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Samuda
65 books63 followersCarolee is a passionate writer whose life revolves around creating a world she can revert to when life gets in the way.
She always knew she would be a writer. Her teachers and the school librarian noticed her knack for story telling from an early age. With their encouragement, she continued to allow her imagination to come to life.
She spent most of her adult life dreaming of writing her own novels while working a 9 to 5 job. With determination, she quit her job and now concentrates on writing full time.
Writing is her passion and without it she feels incomplete. Carolee writes from her heart, from her soul.
In addition to writing, there are absolutely four things she cannot live without; chocolate, good ice-cream, cheesecake, and coffee.
Join my mailing list: https://www.facebook.com/caroleesamud...
She always knew she would be a writer. Her teachers and the school librarian noticed her knack for story telling from an early age. With their encouragement, she continued to allow her imagination to come to life.
She spent most of her adult life dreaming of writing her own novels while working a 9 to 5 job. With determination, she quit her job and now concentrates on writing full time.
Writing is her passion and without it she feels incomplete. Carolee writes from her heart, from her soul.
In addition to writing, there are absolutely four things she cannot live without; chocolate, good ice-cream, cheesecake, and coffee.
Join my mailing list: https://www.facebook.com/caroleesamud...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 7, 2022
A good read with action and drama. But it ended unfinished with too many unanswered questions. 3.5 Stars.
December 13, 2021
Loved Remo and Imani
I loved Remo eventhough he was an enforcer for his family. There is just something about the lone green eyed Italian that just makes you want more of him. And Imani was just the woman for Remo. They met under strange circumstances but were linked together for life in more reasons than they realized. Citrine was a 4-year old little girl who acted like a 4-year old (some authors mess that up). Won and Sergio were good friends of Remo who helped Remo survive his uncle and protect his family. I would love to read more about Remo and who took over for his family. Hope we can read more cause its just so much more to write about (hint hint). I will definitely be reading this again and waiting patiently for more.
I loved Remo eventhough he was an enforcer for his family. There is just something about the lone green eyed Italian that just makes you want more of him. And Imani was just the woman for Remo. They met under strange circumstances but were linked together for life in more reasons than they realized. Citrine was a 4-year old little girl who acted like a 4-year old (some authors mess that up). Won and Sergio were good friends of Remo who helped Remo survive his uncle and protect his family. I would love to read more about Remo and who took over for his family. Hope we can read more cause its just so much more to write about (hint hint). I will definitely be reading this again and waiting patiently for more.
December 10, 2021
“Reeemooo!,”
I like it when Imani was screaming his name… 😂
Imagine your one night stand was “hired” to kill you and almost succeeded !? And that said One Night Stand came face to face with a tiny carbon copy of himself … WOW!!
Well, all you need to know it is a great read & if you need to know more , buy a copy and let Remo and Imani take you to their journey.
This book was promoted and recommended by Unique Words L
I like it when Imani was screaming his name… 😂
Imagine your one night stand was “hired” to kill you and almost succeeded !? And that said One Night Stand came face to face with a tiny carbon copy of himself … WOW!!
Well, all you need to know it is a great read & if you need to know more , buy a copy and let Remo and Imani take you to their journey.
This book was promoted and recommended by Unique Words L
November 17, 2021
Enjoyed!
What a ride the characters were great the storyline was good and I can't wait to find out what exactly was going on. Would recommend.
What a ride the characters were great the storyline was good and I can't wait to find out what exactly was going on. Would recommend.
January 23, 2025
I always enjoy Ms. Samuda’s books and The Closer is a doozy!! I was on the edge of my seat from page one! Four years ago, when professional hitman, Remo, saved a woman’s life he had no idea that today he would be sanctioned to END her life. However, his plan did not go as expected; his target turned out to be the ONE woman he could never forget AND that one night of passion had an unforeseen consequence: he is a father. Almost reluctantly, Remo steps up to the plate to save the life of his woman and his child. I really enjoyed the fact that while Remo decided to play the hero, he did not mask his true self; he was a bad man and neither fatherhood nor his attraction to Imani changed that detail. Secondary characters can make or break a book and Ms. Samuda has a stellar cast as support, from the villain to Remo and Imani’s friends and allies, they all shine. The book ended with a happy for now feeling; there remained enough questions and loose ends to populate another book…. yay!! I really hope we get to see more from The Sleeper (he could have his own book) and Chloe as well as Remo and Imani. Great story!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2021
Verified ARC Reader
Twisted lies and deception!
by sewsummore
When Remo entered Imani's bedroom that night he had no idea that she was the woman whose life he had saved almost four years ago. He had come to kill her, because he was the "Closer," the man who removed people who were a threat to his family's crime organisation. With a belt around her neck preventing her from breathing, Imani was about to pass out when her attacker heard the cry of a child, and he loosened the constriction around her throat. Imani went to her child and in the light she saw the man who had tried to kill her. They recognized each other immediately, and when he saw the child, he knew she was his! I found this story absorbing reading as Remo, Imani and her child are forced to flee into the night. Allowing her to live put them all in deadly danger, but he was not about to kill the mother of his child. What followed that night was a desperate flight to escape the repercussions of Remo's failure to act. Many other men lost their lives before the reason for the kill order was revealed and the man responsible eliminated. I enjoyed this book and was pleased that they were all safe. Sometimes when the truth is hidden by a multitude of lies it is hard to accept that the people who are closest to you were responsible and that is what happened in this story. I was surprised when the truth was revealed in the end and I am sure you will be as well, if you decide to read this book of twisted lies and deception!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Twisted lies and deception!
by sewsummore
When Remo entered Imani's bedroom that night he had no idea that she was the woman whose life he had saved almost four years ago. He had come to kill her, because he was the "Closer," the man who removed people who were a threat to his family's crime organisation. With a belt around her neck preventing her from breathing, Imani was about to pass out when her attacker heard the cry of a child, and he loosened the constriction around her throat. Imani went to her child and in the light she saw the man who had tried to kill her. They recognized each other immediately, and when he saw the child, he knew she was his! I found this story absorbing reading as Remo, Imani and her child are forced to flee into the night. Allowing her to live put them all in deadly danger, but he was not about to kill the mother of his child. What followed that night was a desperate flight to escape the repercussions of Remo's failure to act. Many other men lost their lives before the reason for the kill order was revealed and the man responsible eliminated. I enjoyed this book and was pleased that they were all safe. Sometimes when the truth is hidden by a multitude of lies it is hard to accept that the people who are closest to you were responsible and that is what happened in this story. I was surprised when the truth was revealed in the end and I am sure you will be as well, if you decide to read this book of twisted lies and deception!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2021
These two met once before but neither remember each other Remo sexy as all get out no stranger to witnessing death, causing death but something changes in him the day he comes face to face with a women trying to take her own life and without knowing the reasons why the need to take her life but he can’t /won’t allow her to take her own life so he does the only thing he knows he saves her (way out of character for him). Remo has an uncle who killed everyone to get to the top, turning him into a killer along the way but that one night he saved the beautiful one and allowing himself to feel something more than heat has one amazing moment with the beautiful one. Imani has been through more then most, at one particular low point she wanted to die until the sexy as all get out man saved her and gifting her a gift that keeps giving her daughter which ultimately gives her reason to live. Fast forward today and Remo has a gun to her head with orders to kill her (he doesn’t know he is a father yet) but she is the one woman that allowed him to feel, the one woman he never forgot, and the one women he won’t /can’t kill him allowing her to walk away of course with his protection but allowing her to live well that brings on more danger than a little bit. But questions are who is trying to kill her, will they get away, why must he be the one to kill her, and can they finally have their own happiness?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2022
Was pretty good but i didnt love it
The overall story was fine.
Something about the obvious Authot Took No Time To Review and Edit her book bugged the crap out of me... Lines were written that were immediately contradicted in the next line or 2. (Imani and Remo both know each others names and dont know each others names in the same few lines.) Also Author really misused a lot of sayings or miswrote them, which led to the lines contradicting themselves.
Imani wasnt a terrible Female Lead but she was annoying in her constant denials about wanting Remo. It was a bit eye rolling.
I did like the introduction of Won to set up the next story. I like that itll be related but you can most likely read all books as standalones as well and be okay (though i havenr read Sleeper Book 2 to know if Author writes follow up books well).
Something about the book felt unfinished and definitely rushed at the end a little, but I will give her a few more chances.
The overall story was fine.
Something about the obvious Authot Took No Time To Review and Edit her book bugged the crap out of me... Lines were written that were immediately contradicted in the next line or 2. (Imani and Remo both know each others names and dont know each others names in the same few lines.) Also Author really misused a lot of sayings or miswrote them, which led to the lines contradicting themselves.
Imani wasnt a terrible Female Lead but she was annoying in her constant denials about wanting Remo. It was a bit eye rolling.
I did like the introduction of Won to set up the next story. I like that itll be related but you can most likely read all books as standalones as well and be okay (though i havenr read Sleeper Book 2 to know if Author writes follow up books well).
Something about the book felt unfinished and definitely rushed at the end a little, but I will give her a few more chances.
January 26, 2022
They did what they had to do
Remo did what he had to do as his job to the Marion Crime family, and he did what he had to do to protect Imani and their daughter. Won did what he had to do to solve the death of his father. Rubio did what he had to do to protect what he did from coming to light. But as the ole folks say what you do in the dark will always come to light." And, Imani did what she had to do to save her daughter even though she did not trust Remo after what he tried to do. he knew she could grow to trust him because he saved her twice.
This was a great mafia "who done it" thriller. It was well written and plotted. I see why it made Facebook's BWSL Group's Best of 2021 List.
Remo did what he had to do as his job to the Marion Crime family, and he did what he had to do to protect Imani and their daughter. Won did what he had to do to solve the death of his father. Rubio did what he had to do to protect what he did from coming to light. But as the ole folks say what you do in the dark will always come to light." And, Imani did what she had to do to save her daughter even though she did not trust Remo after what he tried to do. he knew she could grow to trust him because he saved her twice.
This was a great mafia "who done it" thriller. It was well written and plotted. I see why it made Facebook's BWSL Group's Best of 2021 List.
December 12, 2021
"The Closer" is a smart, action-packed, multicultural dark romance. It has great world-building details, an engaging plot and multilayered characters. Remo is a killer in the family business. Imani is an assignment he's supposed to take care of. However, Remo is surprised to see she's the same woman he had a memorable encounter with 4 years ago. And that's just one of the complications they face. Will Remo have to make a choice between her and his family? I like the cat & mouse elements between Remo and his uncle. Steamy, dangerous and very entertaining! 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2021
Will they survive the present
*** 3 1/2 Stars ***
The Closer is the second book I have read by this author and it is very different from that book. I love a great, dark and intense Mafia story so after reading the book description I was looking forward to this book. There were some parts that I did enjoy but others that were repetitive and did not work for me. The story has a lot of drama, violence, action, intensity and sparking chemistry.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own so take it for what it is worth. I know that other readers will love this story so pick it up and make up your own mind.
*** 3 1/2 Stars ***
The Closer is the second book I have read by this author and it is very different from that book. I love a great, dark and intense Mafia story so after reading the book description I was looking forward to this book. There were some parts that I did enjoy but others that were repetitive and did not work for me. The story has a lot of drama, violence, action, intensity and sparking chemistry.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own so take it for what it is worth. I know that other readers will love this story so pick it up and make up your own mind.
March 2, 2022
Don't mess with The Closer!!
This book right here had me on the edge of my wheelchair. At first I did not Remo one bit. He was so cold and heartless. But after his interaction with Imani and Citrine his character changed. But don't get it twisted. This man was no shrinking violet. And neither was Imani. This book had non-stop action, drama, raunchiness, steamy scenes that had me reading this book in one sitting. It was that good!!🔥🔥🔥
I'm so glad that Remo and Imani reached their HEA. But there are still unanswered questions.🤔 I can't wait to read "The Sleeper" to find out what happens next. 😊
This book right here had me on the edge of my wheelchair. At first I did not Remo one bit. He was so cold and heartless. But after his interaction with Imani and Citrine his character changed. But don't get it twisted. This man was no shrinking violet. And neither was Imani. This book had non-stop action, drama, raunchiness, steamy scenes that had me reading this book in one sitting. It was that good!!🔥🔥🔥
I'm so glad that Remo and Imani reached their HEA. But there are still unanswered questions.🤔 I can't wait to read "The Sleeper" to find out what happens next. 😊
December 16, 2021
4.5 stars for this quick read Mafia romance
Enjoyed this book very much. Read it cover to cover in under a few hours. For once, the kid was not annoying and the author had her acting her age. Also the Imani didn't drag her feet when danger got close and the hero Remo was a yummy baddy that I loved. My only suggestion is that sometimes I had to go back and distinguish between Remo and Rubio, but other than that I liked the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enjoyed this book very much. Read it cover to cover in under a few hours. For once, the kid was not annoying and the author had her acting her age. Also the Imani didn't drag her feet when danger got close and the hero Remo was a yummy baddy that I loved. My only suggestion is that sometimes I had to go back and distinguish between Remo and Rubio, but other than that I liked the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2021
Excellent
Wow, very well written and very different from her other books. Remo saved Imani’s life 4 yrs ago. Now he was sent to kill Imani for his uncle Rubio. Remo didn’t realize that it was Imani until he snuck in her room to strangle her, but their daughter (unbeknownst to him) caught him and he put 2 and 2 together. They ended up on the run with the help of 2 friends until Remo was able to figure out why his uncle wanted Imani dead. Highly recommend.
Wow, very well written and very different from her other books. Remo saved Imani’s life 4 yrs ago. Now he was sent to kill Imani for his uncle Rubio. Remo didn’t realize that it was Imani until he snuck in her room to strangle her, but their daughter (unbeknownst to him) caught him and he put 2 and 2 together. They ended up on the run with the help of 2 friends until Remo was able to figure out why his uncle wanted Imani dead. Highly recommend.
December 16, 2021
Good
This was my first go round with this writer and I have to say that at the beginning you are all in . The starts weaving such a fantastic story but somewhere along the way we lose the connection. I think the story is a.lottle.rushed,their could have been just a little more dialogue. Overall not a bad read just was expecting a little more especially when you talking gangsters and crime .
This was my first go round with this writer and I have to say that at the beginning you are all in . The starts weaving such a fantastic story but somewhere along the way we lose the connection. I think the story is a.lottle.rushed,their could have been just a little more dialogue. Overall not a bad read just was expecting a little more especially when you talking gangsters and crime .
January 2, 2022
No Closing This Deal!
The premise of "The Closer" was excellent! The Marino family hitman, the closer, is assigned to kill a young woman. During the hit, he's interrupted by the mark's small daughter who, coincidentally, has his eyes! The mark is his one night stand whose life he saved four years ago and the child is his daughter! No closing this deal! Now they are on the run! Too many grammatical errors for five stars!
The premise of "The Closer" was excellent! The Marino family hitman, the closer, is assigned to kill a young woman. During the hit, he's interrupted by the mark's small daughter who, coincidentally, has his eyes! The mark is his one night stand whose life he saved four years ago and the child is his daughter! No closing this deal! Now they are on the run! Too many grammatical errors for five stars!
April 30, 2022
2.5⭐️What could possibly interfere with my ultimate enjoyment of such a thrilling, action-packed, romantic suspense mafia story,
The Closer
? Well, I’ll tell you—EGREGIOUS EDITING!!! The book is riddled with so many errors, on nearly every page—that is simply inexcusable.
All in all, the author wrote such a compelling story that I literally couldn’t put it down. It's a shame that the book is marred because of the lack of scrutiny regarding typographical, editing and proofreading mistakes. I hope this is an anomaly because I want to continue the series.
All in all, the author wrote such a compelling story that I literally couldn’t put it down. It's a shame that the book is marred because of the lack of scrutiny regarding typographical, editing and proofreading mistakes. I hope this is an anomaly because I want to continue the series.
April 4, 2023
Perfection😍Five Blazing Hot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Closer is Suspense Romance perfection! 😍Remo is a cold stone Hitman who spares the life of Imani.( Read the book to see why 😀) and the hard driving drama & mafia action goes from zero to 60 at warped speed! Remo is a 💯Alpha who does not hesitate to unalive anyone who comes for his lady love ! The romance is blazing hot & super 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️! I can’t wait to read 📚2! Enjoy🍷
The Closer is Suspense Romance perfection! 😍Remo is a cold stone Hitman who spares the life of Imani.( Read the book to see why 😀) and the hard driving drama & mafia action goes from zero to 60 at warped speed! Remo is a 💯Alpha who does not hesitate to unalive anyone who comes for his lady love ! The romance is blazing hot & super 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️! I can’t wait to read 📚2! Enjoy🍷
May 3, 2025
Mafia Love!
I am not a fan of Mafia Romance, in particular. But oooh weee, this book has me thinking about a change up. "The Closer" is the first book of this series and it started out with a Bang. The characters, the action and the love scenes was on point! So when you get this book, be prepared to be entertained.
Well I got to go now, because the next book in the series is waiting on me!
I am not a fan of Mafia Romance, in particular. But oooh weee, this book has me thinking about a change up. "The Closer" is the first book of this series and it started out with a Bang. The characters, the action and the love scenes was on point! So when you get this book, be prepared to be entertained.
Well I got to go now, because the next book in the series is waiting on me!
November 17, 2021
Memorable night
Remo & Imani must truly be fated for each other. All the connections that threw them together were so coincidental, that it had to be more. His uncle's arrogance is what sealed all their fates. Great read - hoping Won & Chloe get at least a novella. Really enjoyed all the suspense💜
Remo & Imani must truly be fated for each other. All the connections that threw them together were so coincidental, that it had to be more. His uncle's arrogance is what sealed all their fates. Great read - hoping Won & Chloe get at least a novella. Really enjoyed all the suspense💜
November 30, 2021
Repetition!!!
I almost wanted to scream when the phrase that kept repeating itself over and over, " I don't trust him". But you say you do in the next breath. That was very annoying. And the other thing was, if they met 4 years ago, how was their daughter 4? What happened to the 9 months it took to create her???
I almost wanted to scream when the phrase that kept repeating itself over and over, " I don't trust him". But you say you do in the next breath. That was very annoying. And the other thing was, if they met 4 years ago, how was their daughter 4? What happened to the 9 months it took to create her???
December 13, 2021
Sexy, Dangerous, Thrilling
I liked the entire story, the characters, plot, drama, sexiness of the lead male character and the strong, independent female lead. This story offers readers all their looking for and then some. It's a like reading a Hollywood box official hit movie script. I'm a new fan of C.D. Samuda.
I liked the entire story, the characters, plot, drama, sexiness of the lead male character and the strong, independent female lead. This story offers readers all their looking for and then some. It's a like reading a Hollywood box official hit movie script. I'm a new fan of C.D. Samuda.
December 15, 2021
Pleasantly surprised. This story had all the required elements, emotional: mystery, intrigue, relationship in the making. The characters definitely had baggage; but it explained why some things were the way they were.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2021
Great action!
I loved the story line, characters and action. However, I was a little disappointed in the ending. I wanted a glimpse of the main character's future and how things went with the commission. Hopefully there will be a story on Won and they will cover additional info on Remo. Otherwise, an entertaining read.
I loved the story line, characters and action. However, I was a little disappointed in the ending. I wanted a glimpse of the main character's future and how things went with the commission. Hopefully there will be a story on Won and they will cover additional info on Remo. Otherwise, an entertaining read.
January 11, 2022
Twist of Fate
Whew! Ms. Samuda shot straight out the gate with this first installment! This ain’t no meet cute, but Remo and Imani’s introduction was compelling. And, their second meeting was even more visceral. I can’t bear to reveal spoilers-just read this suspenseful, swoony epic beginning!
Whew! Ms. Samuda shot straight out the gate with this first installment! This ain’t no meet cute, but Remo and Imani’s introduction was compelling. And, their second meeting was even more visceral. I can’t bear to reveal spoilers-just read this suspenseful, swoony epic beginning!
February 8, 2022
Unconventional love
I can't say what I was really expecting when I downloaded this book maybe a love story with a little action mixed in but it was the other way around an action story with a little lust mixed in. I enjoyed the book but I needed a little more romance/love. I will probably read sleeper.
I can't say what I was really expecting when I downloaded this book maybe a love story with a little action mixed in but it was the other way around an action story with a little lust mixed in. I enjoyed the book but I needed a little more romance/love. I will probably read sleeper.
April 17, 2022
A Good Read
Remo and Imani meet again when he is assigned to kill her. There questions need answering with the death of her parents and his father. Remo Uncle is the villain. This a quick read with good supporting characters especially his best friend Won. Looking forward to the next book.
Remo and Imani meet again when he is assigned to kill her. There questions need answering with the death of her parents and his father. Remo Uncle is the villain. This a quick read with good supporting characters especially his best friend Won. Looking forward to the next book.
April 29, 2022
One powerful night!
Remo and Imani had one night and it changed both of their lives for the better, whether they knew it or not. Remo and Won found out some truths and got to rid and old snake. I wonder what will happen with Remo and his family and Won! Can’t wait to read book 2
Remo and Imani had one night and it changed both of their lives for the better, whether they knew it or not. Remo and Won found out some truths and got to rid and old snake. I wonder what will happen with Remo and his family and Won! Can’t wait to read book 2
December 11, 2021
This book have a lot of twist and turns with some action . The characters have great chemistry and the storyline is good .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2021
Lots of twists
THE Closer was a very good read. The reason I gave only a four stars: when the twists came you already sum up the intent. So the book didn't really have any surprises. But I still enjoyed this book.
THE Closer was a very good read. The reason I gave only a four stars: when the twists came you already sum up the intent. So the book didn't really have any surprises. But I still enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews