High Roller

Syndicate Masters: Eastern Seaboard

by Delta James

A dark fated mates mafia romance (syndicate masters: eastern seaboard)

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romance, Contemporary

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2022

About the author

As a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.

After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.

Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....

Reviews

[Mandy Grepares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another action-packed paranormal romance by Delta James! Axel is the alpha of a Scimitar syndicate. Tori is on a mission to avenge her brother's murder. Axel goes looking for her after he discovers she's his fated mate. The path they have to go down is dangerous. Their love story just shows that you can get through anything with love and by trusting your fate.

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

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU ARE NO LONGER ALONE

The story is the second in the Syndicate Masters—Eastern Seaboard series. While it will mention some of the people from the first book, this book will read well as a stand-alone. The story will mainly focus on the two main characters, Axel Crane and Victoria ‘Tori’ Houghton.

The story will have some back story of Tori and her late brother David. It is his death that sets Tori in motion for revenge, and she begins to execute her plans. Axel knows it is time to lay claim to his fated mate—something that will make his clan very happy to see happen. When Tori and Axel meet and decide to have a hookup, they sizzle. Axel knows who she is, and she knows him and his reputation—but not that he is about to claim her. The erotic chemistry between them sizzles off the pages. I liked them together, but I will say that one scene was shocking but eventually resolved.

Tori: I’m not sure what to do with you, Axel.
Axel: I have a whole list of items I’d like to do with and to you.
Tori: Do I want to know what they are?
Axel: Depends on how lucky I’m going to get with you tonight.
Tori: Just tonight.
Axel: Oh, yeah. I’m going to get plenty lucky with you.
Tori: You’re sure of that.
Axel: I am. The only question is when that’s going to happen because you and I are inevitable—some might even say fated.
Tori: Does that no strings attached drink transfer to a hot anonymous night with you?
Axel: It wouldn’t be anonymous, but it would be hot, righteous, and nasty sex. I’ll have you naked before I get you on the bed and I’ll be at you all night.
Tori: Yeah? I think I could do with a night like that, but come tomorrow morning, it’s neutral corners.
Axel: Neutral corners in the morning, but you agree to have dinner with me and come to a high-end poker game with me tomorrow night.

The story is a fast-paced tale with things from the past and present intertwining. The chemistry also has angst besides passion. Not everyone is what they seem, some will betray those they call friends. The story has the good, the bad, and the dangerous. Life and death issues, murder, revenge, and resolutions are all part of this tale. I found the story exciting and the characters likable.

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm binge reading the Syndicate spin-offs and yes, it's amazing, filled with action, treachery and plenty of sizzling passion. Tori is on a revenge streak after her brother, FBI agent, is executed gangland style and she's not going any feedback from the FBI. Axel, a scimitar cat shifter, head of the Scimitar Cat Clan and Syndicate only saw her on a photo. Fated mates and a HEA. Great read

[Morgana Lefaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book two of the trilogy, and I thought it was going to continue the unresolved plot elements of book one, but it did not. So those are still left unresolved, which was a bit disappointing. However, my main problem with the book was the FMC. I could neither empathize nor sympathize with her drive for revenge and desire to kill. And if you don’t really like one of the main characters, you’re not going to really like the book. The MMC was ok, but didn’t really stand out from the crowd - just another possessive shifter gangster, with nothing really special about him. The central mystery of who was threatening the FMC was a bit obvious - I guessed it well before it was revealed. I did enjoy learning about scimitar cats, an extinct breed that I had never heard of before. I went to Wikipedia to learn more about them, and that was quite interesting. But I would say this is a weak book, and not what I expect from Delta James.

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

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wham, Bam, I love you m'am!

As it seems to be with fated mates, once they find each other the steam starts straight away.

Axel knows that Tori is the late David's sister. David had died 5 years before while undercover, since then Tori has had no closure, in fact it seems his employers could not give a continental you know what.

In that time Tori took a step back, reinvented herself while investigating David's murder (how come could she find some the answers when the FBI couldn't?). Axel also has interest in some of the persons Tori had identified, and he recognised Tori as his fated mate long before they met in person.

Both have big secrets and have no idea how to tell the other.

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

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Done In 48 Hours
The main part of the story takes place in two days. With some memories from both sides thrown in to give the reader the necessary background. Alex has waited five years to find the woman he saw on a photograph and when he meets Tori, he knows it is the end of his search for his fated mate. Happenings outside of his control take her choices away. When his life is on the line she realizes that she loves this gentleman mobster anyway.
It is a thrilling, very fast paced story with a lot of action, steamy scenes and witty dialogues. I loved it! Highly recommended.

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

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of action and heat! Tori is on a vendetta to find the men responsible for her brother’s murder. In that pursuit, Axel steps into her life - a surprise for her but a plan for him. He really is a gentleman gangster and goes to great lengths to romance and protect Tori. She is strong, smart, independent and determined but he shows her there can be more to life than vengeance. A really fun read and a cute, hot, well-matched couple.

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

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sniper and a mob boss walk into a bar ...., well actually it was a casino and a larney one at that. A one night offered and accepted and yet turned into a more complicated and involved relationship.
We learn of Tori's vendetta, but become drawn into an investigation and betrayal. Axel had met her brother and felt a deeper connection to her image many years previously.
An exciting page turner wondering if the Albanians can be stopped.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Martha Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storytelling. Delta James' High Roller is a 209-page shifter suspense novel and the second in the Syndicate Masters: Eastern Seaboard series. I liked this book better than the first. I felt more settled in the world that Ms. James built. The story was compelling, intense at times, and a good mystery, even though I figured it out after the first vase of flowers.
Though I own many of Ms. James' books, I received this as an ARC and am freely leaving my honest opinion.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Victoria and Axel. The author does a terrific job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She takes you into their lives with revenge, action and danger as well as the steam and kept me turning the pages with the secrets and mystery. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a great read. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another spectacular book. There was a little different spin in this one. Tori was an incredible female lead. She was so strong especially after David. She took names and you know the rest of that quote. Axel was strong and vey motivated to get to her one way or the other. Loved this one too ten.

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

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series continues to deliver. Thus is book 2? I recommend read book 1 before diving in this one. The characters were well written an developed. Plot intriguing and exciting. World building continues to excel. All in all a very good read.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!

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

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of Victoria's backstory was a little too incredible which soured the story for me.

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

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Epic paranormal Mafia romance!
The Syndicate Masters are not like the Bratva, the Italians, or even the Albanian Mafia, but if you are looking for a great story with a Mafia twist, then HIGH ROLLER by Delta James should be your go2! It’s a fascinating story about falling in love despite life’s harsh lessons. Tori Houghton is trying to deal with the murder of her brother who was an undercover federal agent. It has been five years since he died, and she is facing her new world with a vengeance. In walks Axel Crane, a decorated former Navy SEAL and Alpha of the Scimitar Syndicate. To Toni, Axel is the personification of the perfect man, but he is also a gangster. But just one night with the man won’t hurt . . . I volunteered to read an ARC copy of HIGH ROLLER and this is my voluntary 5+STAR review! If you like Mafia or paranormal romances, the HIGH ROLLER should be your next romance purchase! 😉

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast & intense!

Delta James is the queen of action! She took what appeared to be random occurrences and expertly wove each narrative into an explosive and shocking conclusion. Just as I thought I knew where she was going, she whipped me around a tight curve to deliberately start up an incline that seems to have no end. Just when I thought my heart was going to beat out if my chest, I was hurtling down towards an incredible outcome!

[Michelle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good but there was a few spots I didn't quite understand with no answers 2 questions. After the death of her brother, she wanted answers but either people were hiding the answers or didn't seem 2 care. But she will find ways 2 find answers but will she take things 2 far or will she find something or someone that erased things that could help her cope. But I hate when I finish a book and have more questions than answers.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Axel!! He was a total Alpha badass, who was self-aware and did what was necessary to strengthen himself, for the betterment of all, before he took up the mantel. Tori, an awsome woman in her own right, was so mired with grief that she was reacting to events of her past rather than living her own life or looking toward the future (if she even had one).

While I appreciated the strengths that Tori possessed and acquired, overall I found her character to be rather childish. There were definate times when her reaction to the events around her warranted a more mature response those such as blatant refusal, pouting, denial, or anger (a definitive fallback emotion to cover the "softer", more vulnerable ones). Axel was a strong partner and was more than willing to shoulder pressures, but Tori's addimant refusal to acquiesce to his blatant truths became an irritation. The single most irritating was her behavior during the card game. I must say - ALL the fall-out of which stemmed from her back-talk! Yet again, there was no accountability on her part - REALLY!!! Oh..it was ALL Axel… yeah okaaaay!?!? And he accepted that?!?! Nope… just no!

Despite my feeling about Tori's emotional development (which I will chalk up to the loss of her parents at a young age and the overprotectiveness of her young guardian/brother and his subsequent murder), I really enjoyed this book. Axel was such a strong character that he compensated a great deal for his mate's short-comings. He shouldered that responsibility in stride, even when he needent. Here is perhaps a good point to mention the supporting characters as well. They were soundly developed, those that were named repeatedly. Ms. James gave me a feel for them as people, not simply pawns on a game board moving from place to place. Ms. McGuire was a gem, and Joey… well, read the book!

Ms. James is an amazing author and kept this book moving at the perfect rate. Pulled me in from the start and kept me glued to the pages until the last line. I even started on High Bet - the final book in this first series! She integrated an aire of mystery that wove through the pages seemlessly, and kept you questioning the ultimate mastermind until all was revealed. I will read ANYTHING she writes at this point. Definately a one-click-author!! While I got this as an ARC, I would happily have bought (& reviewed) it for my e-library, and will likely still do so for my physical library.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read I loved the interaction between Axel and his fated mate but how to tell her?

This is a wonderful read I loved the interaction between Axel and his fated mate but how to tell her?

Axel had met the brother of Victoria over five years before when he had been breaking into the Albanian mob in his job, he worked undercover to bring down these illegal organisations and he was extremely good at his job. Unfortunately, that was until someone decided to leak his name and that he worked undercover and this had been the nail in his coffin and his sister had been seeking retribution.

Tori had been trying to find out who exactly was responsible for his death and she had discovered that the Albanians were behind his death and also that there was someone dirty in his department and so she had been dealing with the assassination of the men concerned by becoming a sharpshooter.

When she goes to the Blue Eye bar to check out one of the people, she believed responsible for the hit she is approached by a drunk who thinks she is a working girl, Axel comes to her assistance and they spend the next couple of nights in each other’s arm, he believed she was his mate and now he is certain.

He takes her to his ranch where she meets his people and the horses and the beautiful farm house, she is surprised at how much his people seem to genuinely care about him and this makes her assumptions change even more even more so when she discovers that he actually knew her brother and that they had actually been helping each other which is very strange.

As the story continues to grow and the interactions between the two is obviously far more that simple infatuation but she also knows there is something he is not telling her, imagine her surprise when he has to put all his cards on the table if he is going to keep his mate safe.

You will love this read and I guarantee that once you begin reading it is impossible to put this book down until you reach the end and discover all about outcome of this simply captivating read.

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.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a paranormal shifter mafia romance.

Victoria/Tori Houghton is a genius mathematician and card counter. Her older brother David was her guardian after their parents'deaths. He worked as a federal agent and was unalived. She became obsessed with getting revenge on his murderers after the authorities had no results. She trained to be a sniper and The lives two of the men responsible, William Walton a crooked Interpol agent and Zef Kadare a boss of the Albanian crime family.

Axle Crane is a former Navy SEAL, is the alpha of his scimitar cat clan and runs the Scimitar Syndicate in New Jersey. His clan runs a thoroughbred horse breeding program on their land. He had met her brother and was captivated by her photo in his home. He knew she was his fated mate.

Tori goes to the Blue Eye Casino and Millenium Wheel to do recon for her next target, Dion Kadare, Zed's older brother. Axle has his techies find out Tori's location so he can meet her and goes to the casino. They hit it off and hook up for the night. Next evening she goes to a poker game with Axel being run by Dion where Dion along with his bodyguard are shot. In order to get her out of the room alive Axel forces her to marry him on the spot. She is hurt and very angry. He takes her back to his home to protect her. Meanwhile his techies find a traitor in the clan who then challenges Axel for the alpha position. After the fight he explains about being a shifter to her and gives her the claiming bite to change her and they get their HEA.

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Syndicate Maters: Eastern Seaboard series each book can be read as a standalone but with a series a good as this why would you want to read just one, each with a sexy shifter and the girl who captures all of his attention. Tori is resourceful, smart in ways others overlook wanting answers to so many questions surrounding the death of her brother, wanting to exact revenge on whomever killed her brother, landing her in a position and on the arm of one of the most powerful men. Axel sexy as all get out shifter who can be ruthless when needed, truthful when needed, hard when needed, and soft but firm when it comes to his mate and the feisty women looking for her brother’s killer is his mate, he won’t allow anything/anyone to hurt her. Although, he knows who she is he plays along with the hookup (she thinks it is only a hookup) and the accompanying of her presence to a game but the magnetic pull between them she can’t ignore however, finding who killed her brother is priority which throws a hiccup in his plans of claiming her as his mate. What happens when fate put things in motion allowing Tori to see she isn’t really living but has allowed revenge to lead her not realizing she is in danger but Axel isn’t going to allow anyone to hurt his girl but will she accept him as her mate, will she tell him the truth, will he help find out who killed her brother, and can they find happiness somewhere along the adventure they are both on?.

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

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel is a man who gets what he wants. He has plans for Atlantic City, and he wants Tori for himself. The Alpha Scimitar cat shifter, and head of the syndicate, he is a force to be reckoned with. Tori is a woman who has broken and risen from the ashes. Her brother, her only living family, was murdered five years ago, and she is determined to avenge his death. She believes Axel is only a passing fancy, but when he starts talking fated mates and forever, she catches feelings and starts to believe there may be more to life than going after the people responsible for her brother's death.

This is another incredible installment of the Syndicate Masters series. Axel and Tori were both unexpected for me. Axel is a more modern Mafia head. He wants women to be more equal partners, even though he makes a show of force that goes against those beliefs. Tori is tied into two other books, and while mad with grief, is methodical and fierce. Their HEA is delicious, and the next book was set up in the epilogue. Can't wait to read it! As part of the series, this may be read as a stand alone, but will be better enjoyed read as part of the series, with at least the other Syndicate Masters: Eastern Seaboard books. You won't regret it. This one is very much worth the one click.

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

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria "Tori" Houghton is determined to avenge her brother's death in the only way she knows how - one bullet at a time. FBI agent David Houghton was assassinated while working undercover in the Albanian mob. His fellow agents seem unable to find his killer, or maybe they don't want to. Tori is a genius mathematician working as a professor until her brother is murdered. Now, she is a killer with only one objective - taking out everyone who was involved in her brother's death. She has managed to take out two men so far and is investigating a third when she meets her destiny. Axel Crane.

As a former Navy seal, Axel Crane took time to hone his leadership skills before returning to lead his clan. He has his large farm where he and his clan are safe and have plenty of room to let their cats roam. They have their legitimate businesses and their not-so-legal enterprises. The time has come for him to claim his mate and start the next generation of Cranes. As a scimitar shifter he has a fated mate, and he is sure he knows exactly who she is and it is time to go and get her. However, 'getting' Tori Houghton may be a little more dangerous than he realized. She has secrets...and enemies.

I was given a copy of this book by Booksirens. My review is voluntary.

[Michelle Carey Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeance

This story has some interesting twists... Yet again the story leaves you with some questions unanswered but it is an interesting and adventurous story. I kinda was hoping to find out more about her brothers death and maybe have her actually take out a few on her list while her mate was stalking her... It does sorta seem the males have gotten more well they seem to not be giving their mates any time too evade or do anything away from them... It makes the stories have less individual characteristics... I was hoping the series might have stuck to the theme of linking the stories but it seems this story is not really linked much to the first in this trio series. There is a horse farm but when it seemed breeding and sales might be part of this story, then a poker game... But those all were distractions minor side stories to fill the pages... The male hardly seems to know his neighbor black panther shifter.... For most the story anyway... I liked the story but it may have been fun if the horse breeding and sales had been more of a part like the racing and training was in the first book, then the Florida guy coulda been anothet horse breeder/buyer in that state...oh well its a good story but it focuses on gambling more that horses really.

[Shannon Bear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such potential

This could have been such an excellent read. But the characters were VERY weak seemed to flip flop constantly. Especially the h. Come on if your going to try and pull off the I’m a bad ass assassin persona stick with it. You can’t be all tough girl taking care of business one minute then a simpering weak damsel in distress the next. Either grow and keep a backbone or don’t bother. Don’t say your going to make someone accountable because he slapped you, forced you to marry him, kidnapped you and “supposedly broke your heart “ in one sentence then literally the next chapter some flowers scare you and said asshole jumps your bones and all is forgiven…… seriously?? Just so weak. These woman want to “play” at strength but one roll in the sack and there weak willed simpering women who gives up everything they said they would die/kill/devote their lives to for a man’s dick. I have yet to see ANY of these women actually hold the so called alphas feet to the actual fire. They alway use the excuse of keeping their “mates” safe to negate removing all their freedoms ruining their lives and isolating them from the world. A very wise man once said Anyone willing to give up their freedom for safety deserve neither.

[Ally A · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment Axel Crane saw a photo of Tori Houghton, he knew the beautiful nutmeg-haired beauty was his fated mate. It took him awhile to wrestle with the fact that fated mates did indeed exist and that Tori belonged to him, but once he decided to claim her, the big scimitar cat shifter moved quickly.

When Axel tracks Tori down in a casino bar, he finds her looking haunted and vows to erase that expression from his mate’s face, whatever it takes. For the past five years, Tori’s life has been dominated by a desire for vengeance, one that’s pushed her to pursue her brother’s killers, exacting a deadly revenge as she goes. But suddenly, it seems as if Tori’s the one being pursued and Axel goes all out to protect her.

They’re both keeping secrets, but an act of brutal violence pushes Tori to a crossroads – she can continue to allow vengeance to command her life or choose to build a new life with Axel.

The plot draws you in every bit as much as the steamy romance between Axel and Tori. Definitely a page-turner, complete with an HEA ending.

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

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an impressive somewhat darkish fast-paced, action-filled mafia shifter romance that I absolutely enjoyed reading. It is the second book in the “Syndicate Masters-Eastern Seaboard” series and can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the series in order to fully understand the underlying storyline. The plot has good world building and is full of exciting drama filled with jaw-dropping situations & events that are well-described. The characters are well-developed & extremely interesting with strong-willed, personalities that are realistically flawed to a certain degree.
There is: a feisty strong-willed human female (Victoria aka Torie) with vengeance in her heart for the death of her brother (David), a male scimitar shifter (Axel) and alpha of the Scimitar Syndicate Clan determined to claim his woman, criminal organizations, law enforcement, exciting twists & turns, drama, intrigue, suspense, action, secrets, thoroughbred horses, fated mates, obsession, vengeful feelings, violence, manipulations, danger, sabotage, disagreements, defiance, compromises, love, contentment, steamy scenes and a happy conclusion for this couple with a very interesting epilogue.

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel, the leader of the Scimitar Syndicate and a decorated Navy SEAL saw a picture of a woman in the apartment of a Federal Agent who had been murdered, but he didn’t know her name. Once he got his techs working on it he discovers the woman is Victoria Houghtan, the dead agents sister. Tori wanted revenge on those people who had killed her brother. Since the agency didn’t seem to be doing anything to capture the killers, she took it upon herself to get justice. She had already taken out to people responsible and was hunting the rd when she met Axel in the Blue Eye Casino in Atlantic City where he bought her a drink and rescued her from a drunk. The attraction went both ways. He knew she was his mate, but she was human and knew nothing about scimitar shifters. He was determined to make her his and protect her from the Albanians. A good story that was fast paced with danger, suspense, Albanian mobsters, threats and plenty of passion and steam. The characters were intriguing and believable. I love Delta’s books she always delivers intriguing and captivating stories.

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

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This storyline deviates from what has been Delta’s typical plot in the Syndicate series and I loved the change.

Tori took matters into her own hands to investigate her brothers murder after the authorities seemingly gave up. She developed the skills to serve Justice to those involved with his death.

Axel felt something when he first saw a photo of Tori in her brother’s apartment and 5 years later he decided to find who she is and then find and claim her.

These characters are both well written and engaging. After a hot and steamy night together their connection is intense and Tori acknowledges to herself she’s half fallen for the sexy syndicate boss. Danger lurks around them from unsuspecting and unknown directions sending their new relationship on a bumpy journey.

Secrets come to light and the danger is ferreted out for a happy ending. I loved Delta’s suspenseful and angsty approach for this couple.

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

[Shelly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Syndicate series Eastern Seaboard. It's Tori and Axel's story. There's a lot of action and twists and turns. Tori holds her own & is just as deadly as Axel. This is the one story were there's a violent action from the Alpha towards his fated mate and it didn't sit right. All of the mythology surrounding the fated mates, that should be something just not done and bring a lot of bad feelings from the Alpha that he did it & negative feelings from the clan towards him. It seemed Axel rationalized it too easily as something that had to be done and while Tori was ticked, she forgave him too easily. The reader was kept guessing about who the internal bad guy was. The mythology built up for the shifters, their clans, and fated mates seemed to be forgotten with this story. The action and the interactions were very good but if you've read any of the authors other shifter stories, you'll need to suspend belief with the mythology on this one.

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

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would be in shock if Delta James wrote a book I didn't finish in one sitting.

Tori was another strong, intelligent female character. She also had an aura of coldness about her which made her character slightly more appealing for some reason.

I thought the shift in her character when Axel barged into her life was interesting. Tori tried to hold on the the cold strength that kept her on guard, and on her path of vengeance. Alex slowly demolished her walls and exposed her vulnerability.

I enjoyed the element of mystery and the misdirection. I wait to see in each book hoe the female MC is going to respond to the Syndicate Masters secret. It is often an unexpected response.

This was not a cliffhanger, but the mystery that began in High Stakes has not been completely resolved.

This actually turned out to be a sweet steamy romance with elements of mystery, danger, action, and suspense.

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