High Stakes

Syndicate Masters: Eastern Seaboard

by Delta James

A Mafia don that’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to find the truth, and the reporter that can’t resist his dark charms.

Killian O’Neill controls the pulse of the vibrant horse racing world in the Finger Lakes region of New York. He also has ties to a powerful Syndicate in Ireland. Carlyn Murphy is the investigative reporter who took comfort in his arms for one night and then walked away.

On the trail of a story that could rock the thoroughbred racing industry and has far larger complications, a lone shot rings out, changing everything. Instead of it hitting its intended target, Killian takes the bullet for Carlyn.

Saving his mate brings chaos, sizzling heat, and enough chemistry to melt both your panties and your kindle.

The Syndicate Masters were assigned as Guardians by the goddess over six centuries ago. Each generation brings new and different challenges. These ruthless and wild dons are the protectors, the Guardians of their territories.

On the Eastern Seaboard the Masters control horse racing, casinos, and gambling among other things. Get ready for over-the-top, possessive mob bosses who will do what is needed to find and protect their fated mates.

One Click High Stakes today!

Genres: Romance, Paranormal Romance, Dark, Paranormal, Contemporary, Steamy Romance, Shapeshifters

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2023

About the author

Delta James is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Known for her fast-paced, heart-racing, panty-melting stories, Delta writes fierce heroines, dominant heroes, dangerous secrets, and irresistible fated mates. From alpha shifters prowling the wild to powerful billionaires ruling the boardroom, her books deliver heat, suspense, and unforgettable chemistry.

Delta never planned to write romance. In fact, she launched her author career in 2018 after deciding her second act in life needed a little more passion… and possibly a little more bite. Since then, she’s published dozens of addictive romances for readers who love their happily-ever-afters with plenty of steam and danger.

She lives in Florida with her pack of loyal basset hounds (who firmly believe they run the household), and when she’s not writing steamy scenes or plotting revenge for her latest heroine, she can usually be found riding horses, walking the beach, or chasing her next adventure on the river.

Reviews

[Olive]

Thank you BookSirens for the eARC.

Let’s start with the positive:
I enjoyed the premise of the book. Shapeshifters, horse racing, investigative journalism—it sounded amazing. And the author obviously knows a thing or two about horses or did some good research (I own a retired thoroughbred myself).

The negative:
The only scenes in the first 25% of the book were sex scenes. Everything else was narrative and flashbacks, and it was so rushed. The entire book was rushed, and the romance gave me whiplash.

The characters lacked depth. They felt like caricatures because we never got a chance to get to know them. I know this was a romance, but truly delicious romances build backstories. They let the scenes unfold to show the reader versus telling them. This book had a lot of telling.

I really wish I liked this book more because I was intrigued by the cousin and brother’s stories (I’m assuming those books are already written), but if they’re like this one, I’ll leave them on the shelf.

[Michelle]

I was given this book by Booksirens for my honest review so here goes.
Shifter book ✅
Intrigue ✅
HEA ✅
Sexy characters ✅

Killian is a panther shifter who meets his fated mate Carlyn.
Good story that kept me interested, there is a lot to do with horseracing and training of the horses and a cruel syndicate that is trying to drug the horses to win. Carlyn is an investigative reporter looking into who is behind it all. Also putting a target on her own back. The author starts off the story in the preface by explaining how these shifters came about in the year 1589 before moving to now and modern times. I enjoy when an author does this to give you the perspective of where the characters come from. There are laughs along the way with the clan and the other characters and the alpha that is Killian who also happens to be a gangster but with a heart.
All in all I enjoyed reading this book. Loved reading about the horses and the racing.

[Rhonda Hicks]

'High Stakes' is the first book in Delta James' new series, "Syndicate Masters: Eastern Seaboard" and let me tell you from the very beginning of this book, it set a mood and set chill bumps that raised the hair on my arms. It was mystical and magical and intriguing all rolled perfectly into the preface; then we meet Killian O'Neill and Carlyn Murphy. If you've been following the Syndicate Masters' previous series then you'll know this is a new branch and you'll recognize the O'Neill name because he's Conchobar O'Neill's cousin. After reading the blurb you'll also know that Killian is the head of the Syndicate running the racetracks, among other things in New York and Carlyn is the daughter of the tracks' head of security who has literally grown up on the tracks. She's now attending the University for journalism. The intrigue, mystery, danger, and chemistry are not unexpected, because of course it's Delta James we're discussing, but it is so gloriously riveting that I finished before I even realized it, and quite frankly, I wasn't ready to let go. It's a wonderful read that left me anticipating the next book.

[Esther]

During the separation both with others

[Kaye Robinson]

The Sport of Kings…

Delta James continues her Syndicate Masters series and this time on the East Coast of the States and continuing the suspense and intrigue from the novella “The Pledge” as Carlyn is on a big story that is threatening to change sport of kings by the Albanian Mafia..
But when Carlyn is targeted by a sniper, Killian O’Neill, barrels into the fray and takes the bullet that was meant for her but Killian will step in to protect his forever fated mate anyway he can…
I love this series and as I expected once I started reading I was hooked and with the little hint at the next book I definitely can’t wait to read the next book….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ally A]

When reporter Carlyn Murphy begins looking into who’s drugging racehorses, she places a huge target on her back. But it’s her fated mate, panther shifter Killian O’Neill, who takes the bullet meant for her – and then takes her back to his compound. It’s great fun to watch their relationship develop. Killian didn’t particularly want a mate, fated or otherwise, but he’s unable to escape the pull of the very real bond he feels with Carlyn. She, too, fights their connection, one she initially felt as a girl growing up around the racetrack where Killian was a trainer, and then later as a young adult when she spent a single night in his bed. It takes almost losing him to a bullet to bring her to terms with the very strong feelings she has for him. While he’s definitely a dominant male shifter who’s determined to keep Carlyn safe, Killian leaves a bit more room for his feisty mate to make her own decisions than some of Delta’s other alphas. The world of horseracing provides a fascinating backdrop for the story, which is filled with intrigue and adventure. Highly enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy Grepares]

This is the first book in another paranormal romance by Delta James. Killian is the alpha of a crime syndicate. Killian also breeds and trains horses. Carlyn is a reporter who stumbled on a dangerous story. After 10 years apart, Carlyn is back in the States following a lead for her story. Killian gets hurt to protect Carlyn, and that turns both their worlds upside down. Fate brought them together again, and nothing is going to tear them
apart.

*I received an ARC from the author for my honest review*

[La'Jacinth]

This book fed my love of mysticism and crime solving.

Killian and Carlyn have history and that is what made the a story interesting not to mention the story behind of the Lost Colony of Roanoke and the interesting story behind the horses and mafia involvement in the eastern seaboard dealings.

I love how the story, although a little more detailed than I like, was not only captivating but seemed to build on each detailed explained. The intricate weaving of not only the storyline but the characters and other relationships with their own stories to be told.

This is my first book by this author and looking forward to reading many more...especially the ones before this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marybeth]

I think that this is one of my favorite stories. Killian is an alpha, but he controls that part of himself and lets Carlyn make some decisions for herself. It was very refreshing! Carlyn is a reporter who deals with the world of horse racing. When she meets Killian again, he saves her life by taking a bullet for her. He takes her back to his compound and everything quickly comes to a head. I highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next one. The preview was very intriguing.

I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.

[Sassy Angel]

I loved this story by Delta James. I think it's going to be an awesome series based on this story. I couldn't get enough of Carlyn and Killian. I loved going into the horse racing world. Carlyn knows that there is something going on and she just needs to figure it out. Killian has been waiting for Carlyn to return. He has denied that she is his fated mate long enough especially when her life is at risk. Will he convince her that they are meant to be and figure out what is going on?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Heare Watts]

THIS WAS POWER, POSSESSION, AND PASSION

The story begins with The Pledge, but it could be read without it. The previous book was a novella that included people from previous stories but set up this story by introducing Killian O’Neill and Carlyn Murphy. This story will begin ten years earlier at Miller’s Crossing Racetrack in New York and then the present day in Ireland at the house party at Conchobar O’Neill’s home and then move back to New York.

After the death of Carlyn’s father in a barn fire and the one night with Killian, Carlyn leaves New York and moves to London, where she accepts a position writing for International Racing and Sporthorse magazine. Carlyn has been raised around horses and racing. But she is also an investigative reporter, and her following leads to unnatural occurrences in racing.

“Be careful, Carlyn. Sometimes the things we think we need to know can hurt us the most.” –Carlo

Once the story picks back up in New York at Second Star Farms with Carlyn and Killian, the chemistry between these two does too. Killian wants to not believe in ‘fated mates,’ but he can’t deny that Carlyn is his. When Carlyn is at his racetrack and becomes a target, where he takes a bullet meant for her, he is determined to keep her safe, even if it is from herself and her stubbornness. With good, bad, and evil, adding danger to the mix of life and death.

Carlyn: Killian. Please. I can see you’re in pain.
Killian: You sleep with me. Not just in the room but in my bed. You’d best settle yourself with that idea.
Carlyn: If I agree to sleep in that bed, I am not agreeing to have sex with you.
Killian: Not tonight, but I’ll have my way, Carlyn.
Carlyn: You can’t just…
Killian: You do not tell me what I can and cannot do.
Carlyn: You’re impossible.
Killian: I am your fated mate and alpha. You sleep in my bed.
Carlyn: You agree to do as the doctor tells you.
Killian: Within reason.
Carlyn: No. You agree, or the deal is off.
Killian: I haven’t seen you completely naked and gotten to explore your body.
Carlyn: You’re going to do what the doctor tells you
Killian: I want witnesses. I agree to do as the doctor tells me for the next week. In exchange for saving your life and wanting me to get well, you agree to sleep naked by my side.
Mrs. Tilden: Killian O’Neill, how dare you treat your mate that way.
Killian: I am alpha. I will do as I please.

The story moves at a fast pace with an erotic sizzle once Killian and Carlyn are together again. It doesn’t take long for her to believe that Killian hasn’t done anything to harm any horses, but she knows that something still isn’t right in the racing world. Deep down, she knows that bullet had her name on it, and she learns to trust Killian and the people that call him Alpha. She will share her suspicions with the doctor, which begins a deeper investigation, especially with a horse that Killian and Conchobar are involved with. It seems that Galway Girl trusts Carlyn and goes as far as to protect her.

I found the story exciting and the characters likable. Deep down, even with Killian and Carlyn ‘trying’ to deny their feelings and chemistry for one another, you can feel the undercurrent between them. I liked that there were choices for her; it isn’t an alpha just claiming without consent.

I look forward to more stories in this series. High Roller will release at the end of December 2022, and High Bet in January 2023.

[Sue]

Wonderful read, terrific characters and the story was simply marvellous you’ll be totally blown away

This book is based around Black Panther shifters and the “Sport of Kings” the sport of racing and I guarantee that you will be blown away by the characters and the story which is very interesting and you will love the cut and thrust of the investigative reporting of Carlyn who had grown up with horses, riding and training where her father had been a well-respected security officer.

Killian O’Neil had been a trainer at the race track and since she had been a girl she had been strangely drawn to him but she had been warned away by her dad and had respected his wishes, until the funeral and the only thing that had comforted her had been him and it had been a feeling she carried with her for ten years.

Killian had followed Carlyn and her stories and even though he knew her leaving him that night had dented his ego his Beta had known that he had already found his Fated Mate even if he would not admit it too himself. As it becomes apparent that there is something very underhanded going on in the doping of horses and Carlyn was convinced that this had something to do with the Albanians.

As things start to heat up and Killian has to admit to himself that his mate is before him and that it is time he made a move, also it was all brought to a very dramatic head but that is something readers will have to discover for yourself.

I will warn that you will love the characters in this story and the detailed horse riding and the people at the stables and the race track is wonderful, then there are Murph and Mrs Tilden who has know Killian since he was a young boy and she cared for him dearly.
I guarantee that you will love every single moment of this book and I guarantee that you will love it as much as myself and I know that once you begin reading you will not be able to put this book down until you reach the end and you discover the outcome.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Morgana Lefaye]

This is the first book of a trilogy; all three start with the same preface, describing the origin of three races of big cat shifters (black leopard, panther and scimitar) created by an ancient goddess at the fall of the Roanoke colony. This book also contains a later description of the rise of the panther shifters, given by the MMC to the FMC, which I found confusing; he states that they descend, not from the three guardians, but from the colonists the goddess led through to the afterlife. I don’t see how, if they’ve gone on to the afterlife, they can then give rise to shifter descendants. It’s not an important point to the plot of the book, but still, I found it puzzling. It’s also not entirely clear how guardians whose purpose appears to have been avenging the Roanoke colonists ended up very much on the wrong side of the law, as criminal gangs.

Like other books by James, this one has a romance plot and a mystery plot, in this case revolving around horse racing - someone seems to have been drugging horses and fixing races using a so far undetectable drug. The romance plot is resolved (after all, guaranteed HEA) but the mystery one is not.

It was a fun book, but the mystery sort of gets pushed to the side towards the end. I would have liked to see some information about how the drugging was carried out and who did it. I realize the next volume goes on with the story, but I felt like a bit more time could have been devoted to it at the end. I also felt like the FMC came to terms with the whole leopard shifter thing rather quickly. One minute she’s all ‘I want nothing to do with you because you’re not human’ and the next she’s fine with it. A bit abrupt.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter]

I would highly recommend you get your hands on this absolutely fascinating mafia shifter romance as I sincerely doubt that you would be disappointed with what you find waiting between the pages for you. The storyline flowed smoothly throughout a riveting plot that has good world building & excellent scene descriptions and this book can be read as a standalone even though there are tantalizing glimpses of some characters from previous syndicate books. The two main characters (an alpha male panther shifter & head of the Firéan Syndicate, Killian O’Neill) & (a human female reporter who deals with the horse racing world, Carlyn Murphy) are likable, well-developed & realistically flawed to a certain extent while portraying believable emotions during their journey on becoming an emotional strong couple. The secondary characters play good supporting roles.
There is: various kinds of mafia syndicates, law enforcement, humans, panther shifters, fated mates, adventure, action, drama, intrigue, suspense, mystery, secrets, schemes, sabotage, manipulations, disagreements, defiance, mild domination/submission, compromises, contentment, love, steamy scenes & a well-deserved satisfying conclusion. I really enjoyed reading this book & would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading this genre.

[Lori]

As usual, the author has written the first book in her new 3-book series series that takes place in the US. Killian, is one of the three syndicate masters of the US. I really liked him. While he was a shifter and the head of one of the syndicates of the Eastern Seaboard. For being the Alpha, he is very laid back,especially when it comes to his mate. If you have read any other books by this author, you know that the alphas are strong and dominant males and they tend be strong-willed and stubborn, especially when it comes to their mates and their safety. Killian is different, while he know he has to keep his fated mate safe, he is not heavy handed in his approach. It is quite refreshing. Now Carlyn? She is a proud, stubborn, and intelligent just as are the other women this author writes about. Luckily for Killian, she comes quickly to the realization that she is his fated mate. The mystery that Carlyn uncovers, in her job as a reporter, could soon risk turning deadly. Killian and Carlyn's love of each other and their love of racing horse, will send them into a big mystery to be unraveled in the world of horse racing, gambling and the mafia. Very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie]

This was a fast paced read by Ms. James. The characters, particularly Killian and Carlyn, drew me in and kept my rapt attention throughout the international bid for power & money. Both of these individuals were stubborn, determined, dedicated, loyal, protective, and they adored animals (horses especially). Carlyn had always been the one for Killian, he knew that, but she went off to make a life for herself after her father died - away from the track where she was raised.

Killian waited for Carlyn to return, but he was done waiting. When a target is put on her, he steps in to claim what has always been his - whether she knew it (or liked it) or not. There is a great deal of conflict between the two regarding her autonomy and who the intended victim was, but I think Carlyn always knew deep down. With the added issue if the race fixing, there is much going on at Second Chance Stables.

This is the first book in this series, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of them as they are released. I hope the rest of the series is as enjoyable as this installment. There was a teaser of the upcoming book in the last chapter… it's just a short snippet though. I received this portion as an ARC.

[Shelly Brown]

This is book one of the Syndicate Masters Eastern Seaboard series but is tied to her Syndicate series in Ireland and the UK. It's also tied to Dangerous Stakes which is little brother Rory's book. The characters from the Syndicate Series, La Cosa Nostra also make an appearance. You don't have to read either first, but it is nice if you do just to understand the characters better.

This one is Killian and Carlyn's book. Carlyn's dad managed the racetrack when she was growing up, so she knew all the players & worked the horses. When tragedy strikes, she reaches out to Killian and then leaves for her job as an investigative journalist. He knows she's his fated mate & is all alpha but doesn't barge in taking over which is a nice change. She's allowed to live her life until her investigation brings her back to the track & within Killian's reach. The story unfolds beautifully and the love they have for each other flies off the pages as does the fact that she gives him a hard time and he refuses to budge on certain things. The mystery with Galloway Girl and the secondary characters adds to the story. This is definitely a great addition to the Syndicate series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JigsawGirl]

Killian and Carlyn's story started out at a good pace. It slowed down a bit to me before Killian rediscovered Carlyn, but then picked right back up.

The part of the book about the Albanians plan was intriguing. Especially when Carlyn added the information she suspected and came up with that final twist.

I didn't get the sense that the threat to horseracing and society was over. I suspect that there is much more to come.

It took Carlyn a bit to grow on me. I was surprised by a couple of things in this book. One being that Carlyn ever thought her initial encounter with Killian had anything to do with pity. The second being, this was one of the first Delta James books that I ever read where the fated mate was only "threatened" with consequences but never actually "received" said consequences. That was both unusual and unexpected.

I appreciated Killian giving Carlyn time to deal with a situation that was totally out of her realm of expertise. I loved it when the plan came together and they settled into their HEA. I am looking forward to what comes next in this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Marlene Davis]

In this newest story of Syndicate Masters Eastern Seaboard, we meet Killian O'Neill, cousin to Conchobar O'Neill of Ireland...Former breeze rider Carlyn Murphy was a staple of the racetrack where Killian raced his horses as her father head of security. They were always attracted to each other, but until they connected after her father's wake, he never believed in the fairy tale of fated mates...but he knew in an instant she was his...but Carlyn had a job waiting for her in London with the International Racing and Sport Horse Magazine, so she left him and his plan to move her to his brownstone. Years later she was supposed to meet an Interpol officer at Con's party, where she was dressed as a server, but left when she saw Killian before he could catch sight of her...as one of the magazine's top reporters, she's now chasing a story of why unknown horses winning against all odds when favorites disqualified...could be a screened drug of some sort which brings her back to Finger Lake region of New York and Killian...but will he be able to convince her to stay this time??? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

OMG! Well that was one 🔥 🔥🔥 book, the storyline was mesmerising and definitely a page turner and the characters were sensational. This story was about Carlyn Murphy and Killian O'Neil, Killian lives at Millers' Crossing Racetrack he is a Dominant Alpha male he has always liked Carlyn from a far. Carlyn the day her father died she moved out of the cottage that they lived in, the day of her father's funeral was the day she slept with Killian and the day she walked out of his life. Carlyn continued with her schooling like her father wanted and was proud of her aswell, at college she studied Journalism and she was brilliant at. There was so much action, suspense, drama, danger, enemies, anger, especially when they hurt the horses, people talk and blamed Killian for setting fires to the barns. Carlyn must of found out a few things and now her life is in danger, someone tried to shoot her and ended up shooting someone else. It was one hot read because he was never sated enough.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara]

Carlyn Murphy and Killian O’Neill first made an appearance in Delta James’ The Pledge, a novella set at Con and Katie O’Niell’s New Year’s Eve party.

Carlyn, an investigative journalist pursuing a story in horse racing, is in upstate New York when Killian saves her life from a sniper. Carlyn and Killian knew each other 10 years ago, and after one steamy night together, Carlyn takes off for Europe leaving Killian to wake up alone in her bed.

Killian has followed Carlyn from afar knowing she was his fated mate, but hesitant to drag her into his world. The attempt on her life spurs Killian to stake his claim as her fated mate and Carlyn finds is horrified he risked his life to save hers. A mutual love for horses, and one special fully in particular brings these two closer together. Killian’s clan is very welcoming and supportive of their alpha’s lady.

This was a quick read with a fast paced, steamy storyline. The world of horse racing was very interesting. I’m eager to read the next book in the Easter Seaboard Syndicate series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee]

This is part of the Syndicate Masters Eastern Seaboard series if we have read the books prior then you already know we are dealing with the syndicate Killian sexy as all get out alpha shifter who likes his control, one of the syndicate masters in the US and wanting to meet his mate but never expecting to have his world rocked so soon. Carlyn intelligent, investigative reporter, feisty, stubborn as all get out, standing up for what she believes and very proud so taking criticism is a little hard for her. The moment Killian and Carlyn meet the attraction is off the charts, the magnetic pull between them can’t be ignored and he is just the mate to for her because she forces him to rely on all his patience so to speak in dealing with a headstrong mate but at the end of the day he wants her happy, healthy and above all protected since they both have dealt the horses, racing all their lives but do she find what she is looking for in her investigating, will he be there to protect her, will she accept him as her mate (all of him), and can they find happiness along the way of their adventures?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Martha Beck]

Starts out with 3, but manages to achieve a 4. Delta James' High Stakes is a 192-page shifter romance with mafia intrigue in a horse racing background. This book starts out shaky and confusing. There doesn't seem to be a point to the preface or any referral back to it that envelopes the theme of the book. Supposedly, the witch created three types of cat shifters to be guardians. You ask yourself, guardians of what? And what is a black panther alpha mafia boss with a racehorse empire who is a known womanizer actually guarding? Once you can focus on the mystery of the threat to the FMC and the relationship between the MMC and the FMC, you can enjoy Ms. James' usual quality of writing. Having said that, Ms. Jame's not wonderful is far better than most authors'. There were more than the usual amount of typos and word problems, but not so much that they detracted from the story.
I am a bit disappointed in this book. I am a fan of Ms. James's, but this book doesn't quite reach its full potential.
I own this book and many others by Ms. James. I recommend it, with the caveat that you might enjoy some of her other series more.

[Amy Reads Romance]

Killian O'Neill is boss of the Firean Syndicate in Upstate New York, and the Alpha of his black leopard shifter clan. He is heavily involved in horse racing in the region as well. The only thing he is missing is his fated mate. He spent one night with her ten years ago, and she left for London immediately afterwards. Carlyn Murphy is an investigative reporter who is getting too close to the story, and someone wants her dead. Killian will keep her safe or die trying.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Syndicate Masters group of series. This one is the best yet. Killian is not as over the top as the other bosses, but is every inch the dominant alpha. Carlyn is independent, sassy and feisty. While Carlyn agrees to be his on her own terms, Killian just wants her by his side. They are a match made in heaven. The story is beautifully written, and you can see the author's love of horses up close. I cannot wait to see where Ms. James takes us next. This is well worth the one click.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Michelle Carey Martin]

A Racing themed story

This is a good story with a racing theme that involves a trainer and an exercise rider/ investigative writer for horse industry. Did have a few parts that left me with questions or wishing the story had gone in another direction... The exercise riders father dies in a fire but that never seems to get addressed in the story, it's just forgotten. The story kinda felt like it jumped to the ending after she was part of the pack rather than completing the story most the book was about... The drugging of the stolen horse... I kinda felt there was more I wanted to know... For me the story was missing any further attempts on her life, or any answers for who rigged the water pipe... How did they get on the farm? I hope that some of my questions might be answered in the next book in the series but usually this author leaves me with a bit of wanting more than I get.... She is great at weaving a story so you have something you want to know but bot always giving you answers. I love her series.

[Carrie O]

Enjoyable first entry in the Eastern Seaboard set

Carlyn is the young horsewoman and sporting-reporter-to-be who has fallen for a young Killian, the Irish Mafia head and Alpha to a panther clan. Killian is a notorious womanizer but also a friend to Carlyn. So when her father, the wheelchaired security head of the horse-track where they are established, dies in a fire... Killian manages the funeral for Carlyn and is there for support... but she wants and needs more before she leaves to finish school and take on her role as sports reporter.

I absolutely loved these two characters. The horse racing, training, breeding, etc theme is fabulous and moves us into a new area for the shifter Syndicates. I did not much care for the graphically depicted womanizing scenes, or the private "playroom" box at the track. But with those exceptions, it was another solid start to the Syndicate series. These are wonderful characters and I'm ready to continue with this set. Particularly pleasant to read was the connection to Katie and Con... because it's a treat to have all these connection threads come together.

[Sue L]

I am fascinated by Carlyn Murphy, she grew up on the race track with her father, she is very talented, loves the horses and everything about racing. You can feel her heartbreak when her father died in a fire at the race track, was it murder? Carlyn and Killian, childhood friends, have an incredible, steamy night together and Carlyn leaves. I love how strong, cunning and determined she is to protect the industry she loves and hopefully solve the mystery of her father’s death. On her return as an investigative journalist to her home, someone has found a new way to drug horses. It’s terrifying when someone tries to kill Carlyn at the track, Killian pushes her down, he takes the bullet for her. Together Carlyn and Killian must protect the track and everyone working there, solve the drug problem, stop the criminals and discover their destiny. Beautifully written, delightful, inspiring and delicious adventure romance 🥰.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[B. Koe]

An Epic Mafia romance with paranormal excellence!
If you are looking for a great story to read and enjoy some darkness, steam, and paranormal discipline along with that great and complex storyline, then HIGH STAKES, by author Delta James, should be your next romance purchase. It’s a phenomenal story of fated mate shifters, Carlyn Murphy and Killian O’Neill, who meet again under extraordinary circumstances, and tells the story of how they come to terms with their “fated mates” status and all the fates have blessed them with. Carlyn, an investigative reporter who grew up in the Finger Lakes region of New York comes back to follow a lead suggesting the Albanians might have a way to ruin O’Neill’s control of the horse racing, casinos, and Gambling along the Eastern Seaboard. Then Killian takes a bullet meant for Carlyn . . . and everything changes. I volunteered to read an ARC copy of HIGH STAKES, and this is my voluntary 5+Star review. Any romance by Delta James is a sure bet, but HIGH STAKES should be your next romance purchase! 😉

[Laure]

Ten years ago, Carlyn took comfort in Killian’s arms. When he made it clear that he would never let her go, Carlyn left him sleeping and took off and went to Europe to pursue her career dreams. Now she is an investigative reporter following a lead that all is not right in the world of thoroughbred horse racing. She returns to New York state and the racetrack where she grew up in search of more clues. She’s hoping to get in and out with no one, especially Killian O’Neill, the wiser. Unfortunately, someone takes a shot at her, and Killian takes the bullet.
Well written, unique, and compelling characters. Interactions between the lead characters is especially entertaining with a lot of steam, and some BDSM. Exciting action, murder, suspense, a conspiracy that revolves around horses, and plenty of twists in the plot make it hard to put this book down. I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Debbie Orazi]

This was a paranormal shifter mafia romance.

Ms. James is one of my all time favorite authors. Her stories are always well written and the characters are realistic.

In this story we have a strong self-reliant heroine and a possessive alpha male. The first time they are together Killian knows deep down she is different but doesn't try to keep her from pursuing her career. Carlyn feels unmistakably drawn to him even as she tries to get on the plane to London to follow her dreams. He doesn't become overbearingly possessive until she is shot at while leaving the racetrack. She doesn't realize how much he means to her until he almost died taking the bullet meant for her. As this is the first book in the series, I am sure we will learn who tried to drug GiGi and shot at Carlyn over the next two books. Highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.