Blood. It’s blood. The dark stain circling Sydney is blood. No, no, no. I grab my phone, unlock it, navigate to favorites, and touch Mulberry's name without even fully registering the thought.
It rings. How am I going to explain knowing Sydney Rye needs help?
I’m thousands of miles away, stationed on a private island in the middle of the Pacific. And yet—
"Hello?" Mulberry's voice, gravelly with sleep, cuts through my thoughts.
"Sydney is bleeding."
"What?" Mulberry's voice clears as sheets rustle in the background.
A dog barks. I focus on the monitor with the live feed of Sydney's room. Blue is up and going wild. Sydney, her shoulder length hair splayed out on the pillow, the white of the hotel sheets only a few shades lighter than her blanched skin, remains motionless.
I didn't even need to call. The dogs would have alerted Mulberry. Foolish. Careless. Stupid.
"What’s going on, Dan?”
I don’t answer.
The door between Mulberry and Sydney's rooms flies open—I watch it on the screen and hear the hinges swoosh over the phone line. Reaching out, I slide my finger along the stylus bar to raise the volume. Mulberry stumbles into Sydney's room, unsteady on just his one leg.
She didn't lock the door. That isn’t like her. Except it was Mulberry on the other side. A subtle invitation?
"No!" Mulberry’s voice echoes between the phone and computer speakers. He lunges toward the bed.
Sydney lies on her back, a dark stain spreading around her hips. Mulberry drops the phone when he grabs her shoulders, his broad back blocking Sydney’s face from my view.
I swivel to a different monitor and bring up Mulberry's phone screen. I dial 911. Someone has to. I can always be counted on to do what needs doing. Overstepping saves lives.
"What's your emergency?" the Miami 911 operator asks.
I clench my fist on the glass surface of my desk. Answer her, you idiot. Mulberry doesn’t follow my mental command. Fine. I take full control of the phone. "My wife is pregnant and bleeding. We’re at the airport Marriott, room 523," I say, my voice even and clear. I say it like it's my baby. Like it's my life. Not something I’m watching on a screen. My eyes flick back to the live feed of her room. "I can't wake her."
Mulberry sits on the edge of the bed, face tear streaked.
Sydney isn’t moving.
She isn’t moving.
Don't let her die.
P.S. The dog does not die. **Beware: If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.**
I write because I love to read, but I have specific tastes...
If I was offered a job as a professional reader with no strings attached, I would take it. Getting paid to sit around and read while drinking tea all day—I'm there. Since that’s not possible, I became an author.
I write the books I want to read—stories that give me the immersive reading experiences I crave. When a series grabs me, and it's all I can think about, I'm SO happy. When my inner dialogue starts sounding like the protagonist of my current read, I think, Oh yeah, this is IT. This is what I love.
When I finish a book, and I NEED to immediately grab the next one in the series, that’s the intensity I crave. When I binge read an entire series, I want to feel like my own reality changed—as if the stories I read affected the real world just a little. After a great series I'm a little wiser, a little more grateful for my everyday existence, and a little more aware that my personal perspective is not everyone's.
Personally, I like to spend time in fictional worlds where justice is exacted with a vengeance, even though good and bad are not always black and white. Give me raw stories with a main character who occasionally makes me laugh, is flawed like we all are, and feels like a friend by the end of the first few chapters. They don’t have to be a friend I always LIKE, per se, but a part of me has to root for them.
For me, the sentence structure is important. Too much passive voice, and I'm out. I do not mind four-letter words at all though. Sex in books can go either way—fade to black or show me the details, but either way there has to be a reason it’s in the story. I'm also into heroic pets, plots that seem totally unhinged but all come together in the end with a BANG, and long series so I always have more to look forward to.
Those are the types of stories I love reading, so that’s how I write. If you’re into some or all of the above then I think we are going to get along fantastically.
Sydney Rye never disappointing. Pregnant with Mulberry's child takes leave to rest and take care of herself and baby after a scare. She finds that she just can't hide from those who want her dead, even in Barcelona. Meanwhile Lennox Gold and Petra try to make the female prostitution organization into something that the women have choices and are not trafficked and enslaved. Dan gets arrested by Homeland Security after returning to New Jersey to help his mother facing stage 4 breast cancer. I don't know how Ms Kimelman does it but she brings tears to my eyes every story. Happy tears as well as sad tears. Always exciting. I love Syd's relationship with her dog Blue and his offspring Frankie and Nila. Everyone wants to protect Sydney but she wants none of it as she states often. The only spoiler I'm going to give is it leaves you hanging slobbering for the next book in this remarkable series. I am so fortunate to be a member of Ms Kimelman's ARC (advanced reader copy) team.
This series has taken some serious turns as Sydney navigates life with the team and her pregnancy. She is committed to the council and their goals but seems to be less involved as her pregnancy progresses, and let’s not forget about her love life. I’ve noticed as this story continues to unfold more characters have a voice. We heard from other Joyful operators with side missions and a bigger picture begins to emerge. Sydney’s story has become a saga with political statements and questions of legality. It’s truly a story that requires brain function to follow and make educated guesses about how, or if, it will end. I’ve written my review voluntarily after receiving an early copy from the author.
Once again Sydney takes us on a journey. I don't even know where to began in this review. Sydney is pregnant and seems to need a much needed time out. We know that that is never going to happen. Things take a turn I am not sure if it was good or bad at the time for her. She finds everywhere she goes she isn't safe. Someone always is out to get her. I hope everything is going to end well for Sydney. The end left me with questions about Sydney's future. There is a lot of different story lines to catch up with everyone. I know you are going to love this book it was great to reconnect with all our favorite characters. Great read for a summer weekend.
Sydney is so darned obstinate, but then that’s one thing that has helped her to stay alive. Now she’s trying to go it alone, no Robert, no Mulberry, but carrying a precious bundle. Can she keep herself and her baby safe from the monsters trying to kill her to bring down Joyful Justice? I am a huge Sydney Rye fan and this is another fantastic hit with me. I read and arc copy but as usual, I have given my honest review.
You ever had a book you've read or a movie you've watched and you don't like a particular couple or their story line? For me, it's Lenox and Petra. I thought Lenox was okay in earlier books but I feel like his story with Petra is just plain boring and an absolute snooze fest. I find myself skipping or just skimming their chapters. Do they get better in other books?! I'll find out.
The rest of the book? Great. EXCERPT: I do have to say, this particular conversation, “"Dan." I can hear the smile in Mom's voice when she answers. "Hey, Ma, how are you?" I yawn and lean back in my chair, stretching my back. Falling asleep at my desk is doing a number on me physically. "Well..." I don't like the length of the pause. "Tell me about you first." "I'm good." I sit forward and open up her email. It's been a while since I checked on Mom's messages. "Your start-up is still doing well? You're busy." "Yes, but I always have time for you, Mom." "I don't want to distract you. I know what you do is important." She has no idea what I do. I lie to protect her. Story of my life. "Mom, what's going on?" There is an edge of annoyance in my voice that I don't like. "Sorry, you're worrying me." I sit back and stare out the glass wall in front of me to the command center of Joyful Justice. Below my office, the rows of computer banks are half full. Rachel, my second-in-command, is leaning over one of the newest recruits, pointing at the screen. On the double-height wall of monitors are a few maps but no active missions. It's all recon right now. Mom sighs, focusing my attention. "I've been diagnosed with cancer. Breast. So… well, it's stage 3. I should be fine. But I might not be." The floor drops out from under me. I'm floating above the command center with no safety net. "I'm sorry, Dan. I don't want to be a distraction." How in the hell did I miss this? "Mom, wait." I hold up a hand as if that can keep the oblivion from swallowing me. "I start chemo today." "Today? Why didn't you call me earlier? I'll fly out now." I'm at least twenty-four hours away from New Jersey though. I'll never make it for her appointment. "I did call, honey." Her voice is quiet. "You don't need to come all this way. I'll be fine." "I'm coming, Mom."” completely pulled at my heartstrings!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Vety disappointing! The whole pregnancy thing is a total disaster to the series going forward. First, it stains our credibilty to think the protagonist did not ever practice safe sex! If you have read the entire series you know she has engaged in sex with several men. Why would she all of a sudden become impregnated! Is she not smart enough to know better? Also, her encounter with the baby's father follows the pattern that each time she has sex with him, he virtually rapes her!! The whole arc of the series will now be saddled with the whole "I am a mother" spector with all she does here forth. I for sure am not looking forward to a "should be socceer mom" heroine! I have no trouble with children in the right setting, but as a kick ass vigilante, PLEASE. I think the writer has misstepped in recognizing her audience. I am not interested in her parental concerns that complicate whatever her future decisions or actions require. Huge letdown!!!
I love this series. Sydney is one of my favorite characters in the books I read. She is a female kick-ass character who will have you rooting for her from start to finish. I couldn't wait to read this book and it sure did NOT disappoint! It kept me engrossed from the start and had twists and turns that kept you guessing what would happen next. I love the characters interactions. I love how Sydney and her dog are so in line with each other. I love how the story grabs hold of you and doesn't let go. This book is another in the series that will have you saying, when is the next book coming out! In my opinion you will love this book and will definitely want more books with Sydney, sooner, rather than later!
There really should be a higher rating that five stars for truly exceptional writing!!!
Emily Kimmelman weaves a tale of intrigue so well I dare you to try and out it down... Blind Vigilance went beyond amazing for me, it's a continuation of Sydney;a remarkable and thrilling journey that has taken me to so many wonderous places, filled me with a full range of emotions and had me coming back time and time again for more because I just have to know what happens next, how much more can Sydney endure, will she ever get a happy ending or are some people here for a greater purpose than love??? Is there a greater purpose than love and now, now is her fight all about a different kind of love??? I am waiting with baited breath for the next book.
Picking up where the previous book left off, the story starts out like a typical Sydney Rye book with Syd in some kind of danger. This time, Syd, who is still pregnant, is unconscious in a pool of her own blood and is rushed to the hospital.
As much as I love reading about Sydney and Blue, I like it when Kimelman spends time updating fans on the rest of the “council”, the team that works with Sydney and Joyful Justice. It was good to see how they are and what they’re up to.
In this case, it's a very intricate and complicated plot and the cliffhanging ending was as exciting as ever. Kimelman definitely knows how to keep her fans hooked and gasping over a shocking end. Can’t wait to start the next!!!
BLIND. VIGILANCE...Emily Kilmelman Sydney ordered for bed rest to keep the baby, with Mulberry by her side. She is at a point, and with a deep struggle of who to trust. Her dog.Blue by her side, is faithful. One look and he conveys the distrust, of the ones she too questions about. A cartel is wanting to take down Joyful Justice, with attempts to ruin their reputation. The men Mulberry, and Robert, say they love her, where will she be safe. A riveting plot, you feel the edge, with the questions, what will she do, or trust no one, for their demands maybe too high. Given arc for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. Here are my thoughts:
“I reach for Blue's head; it's always there. My fingers brush warm fur, and the tension in my shoulder slacks slightly. Be vulnerable.” Even Sydney knows she’s more vulnerable now, with a baby on the way. With a “dreamy’ character to accompany her, she tries to lose herself, hiding from those who want to destroy her and Joyful Justice, but is there a place in the world where she can? Dan is lured away from the island by some disturbing news and is coerced?, enlisted?, into using his awesome skills to change the mindset of the incels. All the players are in this one; you HAVE to read it!
Wow, what a ride! Joyful Justice is in the crosshairs of a crime syndicate bent on destroying them. This installment gives us multiple POV’s of key players and how they find their way through the chaos all with a target on their backs. Sydney adjusting to her limitations with her changing body and Blue by her side. Mulberry, Dan, and Lennox all trying to find ways to make things right in their worlds.
How far is too far? Where will Joyful Justice go from here? These are all questions I found myself asking. I can’t wait to find out.
Pregnant. So what awaits Joyful Justice, well we don't know exactly. But Sydney needs some distance from Mulberry to recover after Maxim's death and deal with these emotions and hormonal overload. This book's just as fast paced and in my opinion the best in the series. Sydney set's off with Blue to figure out how to be a mother, but of course she being either hunted or some man is trying to be overbearingly protective. Can't wait to see what book 14 holds our badass girl. This whole series is a must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
here we see Sydney pregnant with Mulberry as the Father and the tussle that Sydney has with herself about protecting her body (baby) but also fighting those that are out to take her life. in this book we see Dan having a big storyline and some twists that we didn't see coming. we also see Lennox and Petra being tested to the limits in Europe when they are trying to pull the business into line and some truths are hard to swallow.
i love how all the members of joyful justice all work together for the common cause yet face individual diversity.
Another excellently written story that had me hanging on every word and action from the first sentence! Author Kimelman has a gift for creating an action packed thriller right out of the gate and she didn't disappoint this time. The story, the depth of the characters and the flow is smooth and practiced. This one took all of one night to read, it was that good - plus it w was so riveting. The sneak preview chapter for the next book has me jones-ing for the next book!
Maybe it's because it took me longer to read this book than others, but it felt all over the place. And when I would go a few days without reading, I had to re-remember everything that was going on.
The relationship between Dan and Consuela, while cute, seemed lame. I don't think it needed to be there. Also I hope they don't stay together because Dan is hella possessive. I'm not sure if possesive is the right word, but his need to bug everything in order to protect everyone is rediculous and gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm a huge Sydney Rye fan. I love the strength and independence of this character. She and her dog are the perfect life partners. That said, the book is increasingly focused on the two men in her life and the tensions created within the three by her current pregnancy.
Other characters continue to develop their own distinct relationships and storylines. It is good to see Dan becoming a stronger character but I find myself worried about several others and the direction that Joyful Justice is taking.
I don’t care much for some of the relationships in this series, but assume the pages spent on these other relationships will have meaning as this series progresses. It is an absorbing, very good series. It is difficult to like some of these characters. Beginning to think Sydney’s dogs are the best characters in this series. I like how Sydney is evolving, and wonder if that will continue. I hesitate to discuss too much, as doing so seems like I would expose spoilers. All I can say is this series is not for everyone, however, it is an absorbing, well-written, and complex series.
Sydney's pregnancy was never going to be a straightforward one, with her life as it is, and this book proves that. It focuses mainly on Sydney, Dan and Lenox as they work through their respective problems, with Sydney being followed and targeted wherever she goes.
I love in this series how you read chapters from each point of view, and towards the end of the book they all come together and overlap and give you that aha! moment.
Now, the ending?! I really need to see how this plays out! Loved this and can't wait for the next one.
Pregnant and confused, Sydney needs to sort out her personal and professional life. She tries to get away to think but it seems peope are trying to kill her wherever she goes. Dan gets some bad news about his mom and ends up getting arrested when he goes to see her. Lennox and Petra find themselves in a tough spot. Lots of action, lots of character development. Another great Sydney Rye adventure. I can't wait to find out what is next for this cast of characters.
What would a Sydney Rye story be without twists, turns, and emotional roller coaster rides of life and death action? Blind Vigilance does not disappoint with the continuing changes in Sydney’s life with the coming baby, the men who love and love to hate her, and the ongoing story lines of justice needed in the world. Filled with familiar characters and some new slimy ones, this is another page burning addition to the Sydney Rye series.
My first thought is just WOW! I love this series and know that each book is going to bring new challenges to the members of Joyful Justice, but this time there are multiple factions after them. The unique thing in this book is that we see things from different member's point of view. This adds a new type of suspense to the story line. I probably say this in every review of this series, but this might be the best installment to date..
Surprise of surprises. Blind Vigilance kept me guessing even now that I read the last page. Will Sydney be able to keep her unborn child safe? Who is or will be the actual father of the yet unborn baby? Meanwhile Sydney’s precious wolf dog Blue is getting older. Kimelman’s Sydney Rye series should be from the first book to the most recent, as the story keeps building through harrowing twists and turns.
The latest published book of the series is no disappointment, the ride is fast and good. The only problem is waiting until July to get the next installment #14. One of the things that I really like about this series is that the next book takes off where the book before it ends, so you feel as if you have missed nothing. These are really good books to get caught up in!
Another fast paced adventure for Sydney and Joyful Justice and all the bad guys who want to be rid of them. Very interesting info shared concerning the manipulation of information used to sway public opinion, Dan is quite adept at this. Where do you hide and who do you trust when things are not what they seem? So many unanswered questions and yes there has to be a #14.
I have read Books 1 to 13 without hardly drawing breath. The world created around Sydney Rye and her friends is addictive and keeps me turning the pages late into the night. Moments ago, I finished this book, and I am already anxious to start the next. I can’t possibly say anything about the story without spoilers…I’ll only say if you are somewhere on the journey, keep reading. You won’t regret it.
This book is a real page turner! I was fortunate to be a part of the ARC group and read this amazing book early. I am totally in love and in awe of Sydney, Mulberry, and Robert. Their characters have so many facets and so many angles that you don’t know what will come next. I’ve read the entire Sydney Rye series and this one is the best yet. The adventures just keep coming!
Emily out did herself with Sydney Rye again! Just when you think life cannot throw anything more at her, it does. Sydney's impending motherhood is bringing her all new heights of strength AND love. She leaves nothing to chance and I imagine Emily's next book will prove that Sydney should never be underestimated.
This review is as a result of an ARC provided to me.
Emily Kimelman never disappoints! Mystery, intrigue, thrills and chills! Characters you love and hate and wish you could be like or glad you don't know! It was awesome to catch up with a lot of the characters and their new challenges. Changes are always afoot and the surprises just keep you turning the pages, hungry for more! Hurry with the next one Emily!
This book was much better than the last one, which left me confused and frustrated. In this book, 13, some of the open plot lines looked like they were resolved. But Sydney is still left in hot water. Good story though, I liked it. Oh yes, Mulberry is a chump.