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Sin Hunters #1
Sins of the Flesh
Caterina Shaw's days are numbered. Her only chance for survival is a highly experimental gene treatment-a risk she willingly takes. But now Caterina barely recognizes herself. She has new, terrifying powers, an exotic, arresting body- and she's been accused of a savage murder, sending her on the run.
Mick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he's hunting down is far from the vicious killer he's been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she's a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both . . . for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn.
Mick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he's hunting down is far from the vicious killer he's been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she's a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both . . . for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn.
324 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 13, 2009
11 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
About the author
Caridad Piñeiro
181 books1,135 followersCaridad Pineiro is a transplanted Long Island girl who has fallen in love with the Jersey Shore. When Caridad isn’t taking long strolls along the boardwalk, she’s also a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author with over a million romance novels sold worldwide. Caridad is passionate about writing and helping others explore and develop their skills as writers. She is a founding member of the Liberty States Fiction Writers and has presented workshops at the RT Book Club Convention, Romance Writers of America National Conference as well as various writing organizations throughout the country. You can connect with Caridad at www.caridad.com. You can also find Caridad on:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 31, 2009
4-4 ½ stars – Paranormal Romance/Romantic Suspense
Cellist Caterina “Cat” Shaw is suffering a slow, excruciating death from a terminal brain tumor that first stole her eyesight and then made her desperate for a cure when she lost her beloved music to the pain. As a last resort for life, she consents to an experimental and risky gene therapy treatment at Wardwell Biotech, run by Dr. Raymond Edwards and Dr. Rudy Wells. If only she’d known.....
Miguel “Mick” Carrera is an ex-Army Ranger turned security specialist and mercenary who’s hired by Dr. Edwards to track down and capture (dead or alive) a Wardwell patient, Caterina Shaw, who is accused of savagely murdering his partner, Dr. Wells, before the police investigation uncovers some unethical, dangerous facts that Wardwell wants to keep hidden.
When Mick finds Caterina on the run, wounded, abused, malnourished, vulnerable, suffering from memory loss, and with super human traits and skills that are shocking to believe, she begs him for help. Mick is a loner used to detaching from his emotions for the job, but he can’t seem to turn his back on Caterina. The more time he spends with her, the harder it is for him to see her as the psychopathic killer that Dr. Edwards claims her to be, and it also becomes increasingly difficult for him to separate his emotions. His mission requires that he view “Shaw” as a target and nothing more, but Cat’s inner strength, kindness, beauty, tenderness, and vulnerability touch Mick’s heart and unearth the protective, hero part of him that he thought was long buried. When Mick uncovers Dr. Edward’s true motives and Wardwell lab’s multiple deceptions and sins in the name of science, he vows to save and defend Caterina at all costs.
There’s a sub-plot involving Mick’s doctor sister Liliana, who assists him with treating and caring for Caterina, dealing with an abusive, fellow doctor, fiancé that IMO was an unnecessary distraction from the overall progression of the story. I think she’s the heroine in the next SINS story, Stronger Than Sin, so perhaps there will be more explanation and closure to that storyline in it.
Sins of the Flesh has a nice dose of chilling suspense and exciting action with an intriguing sci-fi element and paranormal edge, and although there are a couple of sensuous love scenes, they aren’t quite as steamy as I thought (and hoped) they would be. Still, the romance between Caterina and Mick, two damaged souls who need each other, is believable and heartfelt. It’s a good debut read in a unique paranormal/sci-fi fantasy/romantic suspense series, and I’ll definitely check out the next book when it comes out. 4-4 ½ stars.
Cellist Caterina “Cat” Shaw is suffering a slow, excruciating death from a terminal brain tumor that first stole her eyesight and then made her desperate for a cure when she lost her beloved music to the pain. As a last resort for life, she consents to an experimental and risky gene therapy treatment at Wardwell Biotech, run by Dr. Raymond Edwards and Dr. Rudy Wells. If only she’d known.....
Miguel “Mick” Carrera is an ex-Army Ranger turned security specialist and mercenary who’s hired by Dr. Edwards to track down and capture (dead or alive) a Wardwell patient, Caterina Shaw, who is accused of savagely murdering his partner, Dr. Wells, before the police investigation uncovers some unethical, dangerous facts that Wardwell wants to keep hidden.
When Mick finds Caterina on the run, wounded, abused, malnourished, vulnerable, suffering from memory loss, and with super human traits and skills that are shocking to believe, she begs him for help. Mick is a loner used to detaching from his emotions for the job, but he can’t seem to turn his back on Caterina. The more time he spends with her, the harder it is for him to see her as the psychopathic killer that Dr. Edwards claims her to be, and it also becomes increasingly difficult for him to separate his emotions. His mission requires that he view “Shaw” as a target and nothing more, but Cat’s inner strength, kindness, beauty, tenderness, and vulnerability touch Mick’s heart and unearth the protective, hero part of him that he thought was long buried. When Mick uncovers Dr. Edward’s true motives and Wardwell lab’s multiple deceptions and sins in the name of science, he vows to save and defend Caterina at all costs.
There’s a sub-plot involving Mick’s doctor sister Liliana, who assists him with treating and caring for Caterina, dealing with an abusive, fellow doctor, fiancé that IMO was an unnecessary distraction from the overall progression of the story. I think she’s the heroine in the next SINS story, Stronger Than Sin, so perhaps there will be more explanation and closure to that storyline in it.
Sins of the Flesh has a nice dose of chilling suspense and exciting action with an intriguing sci-fi element and paranormal edge, and although there are a couple of sensuous love scenes, they aren’t quite as steamy as I thought (and hoped) they would be. Still, the romance between Caterina and Mick, two damaged souls who need each other, is believable and heartfelt. It’s a good debut read in a unique paranormal/sci-fi fantasy/romantic suspense series, and I’ll definitely check out the next book when it comes out. 4-4 ½ stars.
January 7, 2010
Well, I got this book from goodreads, and I am so glad that I did. It blew me away. The Mick and Cat were brillant.
Moving on, what kind of sicko could do something so wrong to humans, the villian in this story is just that. However, there is more than one so you kind of get like a villian buffet.
Cat suffering from an illness, looks for a solution with doctors that can help her through gene therapy. After having the experiments done to her she is transformed into something a little more than human.An accident occurs that puts her on the run for her life.
Mick has made his choices in life and he is good with that, until he lands his new job. Trying to shift through the truth and the lies he is faced with the challenges that open up a new part of him. The one he has the most trouble with, matters of the heart. Trying to protect the ones he loves, he is willing to put his own life at stake.
This book was wonderful, a complete thrill ride up until the very end. I would suggest that everyone give this book a try. It was amazing.
Moving on, what kind of sicko could do something so wrong to humans, the villian in this story is just that. However, there is more than one so you kind of get like a villian buffet.
Cat suffering from an illness, looks for a solution with doctors that can help her through gene therapy. After having the experiments done to her she is transformed into something a little more than human.An accident occurs that puts her on the run for her life.
Mick has made his choices in life and he is good with that, until he lands his new job. Trying to shift through the truth and the lies he is faced with the challenges that open up a new part of him. The one he has the most trouble with, matters of the heart. Trying to protect the ones he loves, he is willing to put his own life at stake.
This book was wonderful, a complete thrill ride up until the very end. I would suggest that everyone give this book a try. It was amazing.
May 1, 2015
An excellent start to a new Paranormal romance series that isn't about your common 'monster'. I am looking forward to reading more in this series!
November 3, 2009
Caterina Shaw is a world famous cellist, but her career has been cut short by a debilitating brain tumor. With the tumor invading her optic nerve causing her to go blind, her options of care become limited. She enters a clinical trial run by Dr. Edward and Dr. Wells. However, when Dr. Wells in found brutally murdered, all signs point to Cat as the murderer and she is missing.
Mick Carrera is hired to track down Cat and bring her back dead or alive to Dr. Edwards. Mick comes from a strong, close Hispanic family. He has military experience and you are not quite sure if he is a lethal hit man, or one with a conscience throughout the book.
Cat is on the run, and she is not in good shape. She has no memory of what has happened to her, and she is weak and disoriented and has a strong urge to find a safe place. Worse, when she stubs her toe running through she notices she bleeds fluorescent green blood and it heals almost immediately. Even more scary and unbelievable, when she stops near a tree, her skin changes color to match the tree exactly. The same happens later when she stops by a cement wall. Thinking she has clearly lost her mind, she goes to the only safe place she can remember, to the Music theater.
Mick has also tracked her to the theater, and it is here he notices first hand of her odd blood camouflaged skin. He sees a woman who is frail and afraid, not a viscous murderer that Dr. Edwards has painted her to be. Mick helps Cat back to his house and with the aid from his physician sister, they start to unravel clues to what experiments were perfomed on Cat, and if she really is the killer she was set-up to be.
Sins of the Flesh starts with a bang with wonderful descriptions of Cat’s skin disorder and her sheer panic and disorientation of her current condition. Using science as the basis for her “supernatural” ability is a fun twist in the book. I think Mick and his sister could have been a bit more shocked at what Cat can do, but I have a hard time accepting reactions to the unexplained in characters.
Mick from the start trusts Cat, maybe a little too quickly in my opinion. She has been experimented on, pumped full of LCD and other unknown drugs. In the first paragraph of the book he is described as “Ruthless. Determined. Skilled in the art of killing.” Except for being determined, I never saw his ruthless or killing side pronounce itself. Yes, he became violent towards the end of the book protecting Cat, but I would have expected him to turn some of this coldness towards Cat at the beginning since he really had no idea what kind of person she is. It was more he takes pity on her, than treat her as a criminal. His character wanted to be cold hearted, but I saw more compassion than anything.
For the first half of the book, Cat is so weak that there really isn’t any place for romance. I found that realistic and satisfying though, much more than if Mick and Cat had shacked up while she was still in a half delirious state. There definitely is romance in this book, but it takes a back seat to the suspense, which I wanted to be cranked up a bit during the middle of the book. The ending has a decent action scene and the very end is creepy, one that promises there is more in store for Mick and Cat.
Mick Carrera is hired to track down Cat and bring her back dead or alive to Dr. Edwards. Mick comes from a strong, close Hispanic family. He has military experience and you are not quite sure if he is a lethal hit man, or one with a conscience throughout the book.
Cat is on the run, and she is not in good shape. She has no memory of what has happened to her, and she is weak and disoriented and has a strong urge to find a safe place. Worse, when she stubs her toe running through she notices she bleeds fluorescent green blood and it heals almost immediately. Even more scary and unbelievable, when she stops near a tree, her skin changes color to match the tree exactly. The same happens later when she stops by a cement wall. Thinking she has clearly lost her mind, she goes to the only safe place she can remember, to the Music theater.
Mick has also tracked her to the theater, and it is here he notices first hand of her odd blood camouflaged skin. He sees a woman who is frail and afraid, not a viscous murderer that Dr. Edwards has painted her to be. Mick helps Cat back to his house and with the aid from his physician sister, they start to unravel clues to what experiments were perfomed on Cat, and if she really is the killer she was set-up to be.
Sins of the Flesh starts with a bang with wonderful descriptions of Cat’s skin disorder and her sheer panic and disorientation of her current condition. Using science as the basis for her “supernatural” ability is a fun twist in the book. I think Mick and his sister could have been a bit more shocked at what Cat can do, but I have a hard time accepting reactions to the unexplained in characters.
Mick from the start trusts Cat, maybe a little too quickly in my opinion. She has been experimented on, pumped full of LCD and other unknown drugs. In the first paragraph of the book he is described as “Ruthless. Determined. Skilled in the art of killing.” Except for being determined, I never saw his ruthless or killing side pronounce itself. Yes, he became violent towards the end of the book protecting Cat, but I would have expected him to turn some of this coldness towards Cat at the beginning since he really had no idea what kind of person she is. It was more he takes pity on her, than treat her as a criminal. His character wanted to be cold hearted, but I saw more compassion than anything.
For the first half of the book, Cat is so weak that there really isn’t any place for romance. I found that realistic and satisfying though, much more than if Mick and Cat had shacked up while she was still in a half delirious state. There definitely is romance in this book, but it takes a back seat to the suspense, which I wanted to be cranked up a bit during the middle of the book. The ending has a decent action scene and the very end is creepy, one that promises there is more in store for Mick and Cat.
May 4, 2022
Review copy provided by publisher
Caterina Shaw is a world renowned cellist battling a brain tumor. The tumor has taken her vision and now it is causing her so much pain, it has robbed her the only pleasure worth living for: playing the cello. She is dying and it's only a matter of time before the tumor takes her life. With nothing to lose, she participates in a radical gene treatment. She begins to wonder what exactly she has signed up for when she discovers her new powers. She's been accused of murdering Dr. Wells and is on the run.
Mick is a mercenary hired by Dr. Edwards to capture Cat and Mick is being paid the big bucks to carry out the mission. For Mick, there was an instant attraction to Cat. But he has to keep his emotions and desires at bay and take on the mission he has been hired to carry out. Until, Mick discovers that there is more to the story than what Dr. Edwards leads him to believe.
This book has what I like: action, drama, romance and suspense. I normally don't dabble in sci-fi but Sins of the Flesh wasn't overwhelming in that aspect; it was minute enough that it didn't lead me astray. I liked the main characters, Mick and Cat, and found myself rooting for them. Cat is definitely a woman who can hold her own, which Mick finds irresistibly sexy.
There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of Sins of the Flesh. Caridad leaves the ending open for the next installment, Stronger Than Sin, which I will definitely read. At the end of Sins of the Flesh, you will find chapter one of Stronger Than Sin, giving you a sneak peak. It's a taste of what's next to come, including an introduction to a new character, Jesse. He's another victim of the gene-treatment-gone-wrong, looking for a way out. Now, that little teaser, that was a cliffhanger! I can't wait for Stronger Than Sin to come out!
Caterina Shaw is a world renowned cellist battling a brain tumor. The tumor has taken her vision and now it is causing her so much pain, it has robbed her the only pleasure worth living for: playing the cello. She is dying and it's only a matter of time before the tumor takes her life. With nothing to lose, she participates in a radical gene treatment. She begins to wonder what exactly she has signed up for when she discovers her new powers. She's been accused of murdering Dr. Wells and is on the run.
Mick is a mercenary hired by Dr. Edwards to capture Cat and Mick is being paid the big bucks to carry out the mission. For Mick, there was an instant attraction to Cat. But he has to keep his emotions and desires at bay and take on the mission he has been hired to carry out. Until, Mick discovers that there is more to the story than what Dr. Edwards leads him to believe.
This book has what I like: action, drama, romance and suspense. I normally don't dabble in sci-fi but Sins of the Flesh wasn't overwhelming in that aspect; it was minute enough that it didn't lead me astray. I liked the main characters, Mick and Cat, and found myself rooting for them. Cat is definitely a woman who can hold her own, which Mick finds irresistibly sexy.
There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of Sins of the Flesh. Caridad leaves the ending open for the next installment, Stronger Than Sin, which I will definitely read. At the end of Sins of the Flesh, you will find chapter one of Stronger Than Sin, giving you a sneak peak. It's a taste of what's next to come, including an introduction to a new character, Jesse. He's another victim of the gene-treatment-gone-wrong, looking for a way out. Now, that little teaser, that was a cliffhanger! I can't wait for Stronger Than Sin to come out!
February 28, 2011
Caterina "Cat" Shaw's days were numbered. Suffering from a fatal brain tumor that had robbed her of her sight, she willingly agreed to enter a program of highly experimental gene treatment - anything to give her back the music she dearly misses. Cat is a concert cellist and since she has gone blind, the tumor has ravaged her ability to enjoy music while it slowly kills her. Cat didn't count on being imprisoned and treated as a lab rat. Injected, experimented on and treated cruelly, she no longer knows who she is or what will become of her. She only knows she DIDN'T kill someone.
Mick Carerra is a mercenary for hire. He's been solicited to catch Caterina at all costs. Yet the woman he finds is far from the vicious killer he was told about. Out of her mind, wounded, starved and drugged, Mick feels an empathy for this woman even though he knows he shouldn't. Making a split second decision, he takes her to a safe house in order to try and find out what is really going on.
Lots of action and a storyline that pulls you in from page one. If you're at all a science geek, this story will thrill you and horrify you. Pineiro did a fabulous job at keeping you turning the pages to see what happens next. My only complaint is that the romance was very much secondary to the plot and there was too little of it. I loved Mick and Cat separately, but I didn't feel they had the chemistry to pull off a full fledged romance when put together.
There's a preview of the next book in the series starring Mick's sister Lilliana and I cannot wait to read that one!
Mick Carerra is a mercenary for hire. He's been solicited to catch Caterina at all costs. Yet the woman he finds is far from the vicious killer he was told about. Out of her mind, wounded, starved and drugged, Mick feels an empathy for this woman even though he knows he shouldn't. Making a split second decision, he takes her to a safe house in order to try and find out what is really going on.
Lots of action and a storyline that pulls you in from page one. If you're at all a science geek, this story will thrill you and horrify you. Pineiro did a fabulous job at keeping you turning the pages to see what happens next. My only complaint is that the romance was very much secondary to the plot and there was too little of it. I loved Mick and Cat separately, but I didn't feel they had the chemistry to pull off a full fledged romance when put together.
There's a preview of the next book in the series starring Mick's sister Lilliana and I cannot wait to read that one!
January 19, 2010
Sins Of The Flesh is a fresh and wonderful read. It was filled with Action, adventure, tender moments, romance, and suspense all wrapped in a beautiful cover. The authors great gift of writing, will draw you in till the last moment and her characters will endear themselves to your heart for a long time to come. The strength of the heroine and the even the sister of the hero is inspiring and the vulnerability was sweet and a little unexpected. This will surly delight any and all types of romance readers.
Read
October 21, 2023DNF.
The romance was lackluster, and more focused on the suspense. Would have been great but I didn't feel any true connection between the MCs. Definitely not the protector male lead troupe I was expecting.
The romance was lackluster, and more focused on the suspense. Would have been great but I didn't feel any true connection between the MCs. Definitely not the protector male lead troupe I was expecting.
December 13, 2009
Caterina Shaw has fallen victim to terminal cancer. And there is no time left for her. It has already taken her sight, and now her music is lost to the pain. So she agrees to an experimental genetic procedure to restore her life.
Things don't go the way she expected. Now she has strange new abilities that no human woman should naturally posess. And she finds herself prime suspect in a brutal murder.
Mick Carerra is a paid mercenary who's been hired to bring her in dead or alive. But when he finds her, she's not the crazed monster he expected. Instead, he finds a vulnerable, injured woman in need of help. His honor binds him to help her. But the two of them find themselves in the middle of a dangerous game where they have become the pawns.
This was listed as a paranormal romance. I would categorize it as more of a romantic suspense with a mild paranormal element. Luckily...I like romantic suspense! And this one put a cherry on top with characters that I liked.
Mick was the tortured alpha male. But he wasn't over the top or overly domineering. He took charge when it was needed, but also knew how to do it without flooding the room with testosterone. I liked Caterina too. Though, admitedly, not as much as Mick. She wasn't that too-stupic-to-live fragile little poppet. She was a damaged, yet strong woman who knew what was right and fought to make it so.
The side story with Liliana was a little distracting. But I'm pretty sure that's going to lead up to the sequel (which I am anxious to read). And even though the story arc was pretty complete, Ms. Pinero left just enough to carry over nicely to the next book.
The romantic aspect of the book was a little milder than I was expecting. The relationship build-up was good. Their emotions were believable. It was a little sedate compared to most other books in the genre that I've read. And from the despcription on the back cover, I expected a bit more steam.
I'll most definately be keeping an eye out for Stronger Than Sin. I'm anticipating more from Liliana.
Things don't go the way she expected. Now she has strange new abilities that no human woman should naturally posess. And she finds herself prime suspect in a brutal murder.
Mick Carerra is a paid mercenary who's been hired to bring her in dead or alive. But when he finds her, she's not the crazed monster he expected. Instead, he finds a vulnerable, injured woman in need of help. His honor binds him to help her. But the two of them find themselves in the middle of a dangerous game where they have become the pawns.
This was listed as a paranormal romance. I would categorize it as more of a romantic suspense with a mild paranormal element. Luckily...I like romantic suspense! And this one put a cherry on top with characters that I liked.
Mick was the tortured alpha male. But he wasn't over the top or overly domineering. He took charge when it was needed, but also knew how to do it without flooding the room with testosterone. I liked Caterina too. Though, admitedly, not as much as Mick. She wasn't that too-stupic-to-live fragile little poppet. She was a damaged, yet strong woman who knew what was right and fought to make it so.
The side story with Liliana was a little distracting. But I'm pretty sure that's going to lead up to the sequel (which I am anxious to read). And even though the story arc was pretty complete, Ms. Pinero left just enough to carry over nicely to the next book.
The romantic aspect of the book was a little milder than I was expecting. The relationship build-up was good. Their emotions were believable. It was a little sedate compared to most other books in the genre that I've read. And from the despcription on the back cover, I expected a bit more steam.
I'll most definately be keeping an eye out for Stronger Than Sin. I'm anticipating more from Liliana.
November 10, 2009
Sins of the Flesh was not what I first expected and that’s not a bad thing. It was a nice change to my typical paranormal reads. It was a read that had me turning the pages and crying in frustration when I temporarily misplaced it over the weekend right at the climaxing part. Talk about book withdrawals!
I enjoyed reading the bits of gene therapy science she based the new series on. The manner in which she portrayed the heroine, Caterina, playing the Cello both in her head and in hand had me swaying with eyes closed to the music in my head as she played for comfort. Watching her get stronger as a person after her ordeal and standing by her man is always a plus. Whiny wimpy women (say that 3 times) always annoy me and wanting me to slap them if I could. Pineiro did a grand job balancing the hero, Mick, as a hard man when it came to his work yet a soft man at heart when it came to his family. Mick’s younger sister, Liliana was a minor heroine I think in Sins of the Flesh. She’s the doctor who helps to heal Caterina and in turn I believe soften the heart of her older brother to finally find love.
After reading the preview to her next in the Sins series, I look forward to getting a copy to continue the story of finding the others like Caterina and seeing what happens next to Mick’s sister Liliana when’s she’s kidnapped. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in science, suspense, and love. Caridad will have you turning the pages to see what will happen next and if you’re like me, Googling more on gene therapy.
You can check out the author guest post I hosted at The Book Faery Reviews here: http://tbfreviews.net/2009/11/10/sins-of-the-flesh-caridad-pineiro-review-author-guest-post/.
I enjoyed reading the bits of gene therapy science she based the new series on. The manner in which she portrayed the heroine, Caterina, playing the Cello both in her head and in hand had me swaying with eyes closed to the music in my head as she played for comfort. Watching her get stronger as a person after her ordeal and standing by her man is always a plus. Whiny wimpy women (say that 3 times) always annoy me and wanting me to slap them if I could. Pineiro did a grand job balancing the hero, Mick, as a hard man when it came to his work yet a soft man at heart when it came to his family. Mick’s younger sister, Liliana was a minor heroine I think in Sins of the Flesh. She’s the doctor who helps to heal Caterina and in turn I believe soften the heart of her older brother to finally find love.
After reading the preview to her next in the Sins series, I look forward to getting a copy to continue the story of finding the others like Caterina and seeing what happens next to Mick’s sister Liliana when’s she’s kidnapped. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in science, suspense, and love. Caridad will have you turning the pages to see what will happen next and if you’re like me, Googling more on gene therapy.
You can check out the author guest post I hosted at The Book Faery Reviews here: http://tbfreviews.net/2009/11/10/sins-of-the-flesh-caridad-pineiro-review-author-guest-post/.
February 2, 2013
I am genuinely surprised at the good reviews that this book received. Although the story is okay, there are some very basic problems that should have been addressed before publishing. For example, there are quite a few grammatical and sentence structure errors that should have been noticed by even the most careless editor. Also, there are problems with the characters' personalities. The main character is this military assassin-type guy who gives his sister a hard time about how her fiance manhandles her. He expresses that he does not approve of this type of relationship and doesn't like that she has bruises on her wrists. Then, he proceeds to manhandle this woman (who he knows is a victim of kidnapping, abuse, etc.), grabbing her by the wrists and yelling at her. Those types of contradictions are throughout the book. Overall, mediocre writing, bad editing, and poorly constructed characters earn this book one star.
September 13, 2010
This book reminded me of the bionic woman..a famous cellist has terminal cancer - she's blind, and in so much pain she can't do what she loves (play music) so she enters into an experimental treatment. Only, this treatment involves adding non-human dna into her, and from this project, mutated people are created. I like the idea a lot. Well, the idea of the book, that is, not that happening to these poor people. I started out liking the book a lot, but it got slightly worse as it went along. By the end, I noticed, this book won't actually be totally resolved. Turns out it's a little to be continued to the next one in the series. I'm not quite sure if I care enough about these people to read the next one or not - maybe.. Good book, but had that sort of introductory feel that often happens at the beginning of a book or movie series.
December 3, 2009
Ms. Piniero has done it again. Her stories flow from page one throughout. Her characters are as loveable as they are believable. Cat is tossed one bad luck of the draw after the other until she meets Mick who needs her nearly as much as she needs him.
I love how the author brought to life the greedy side of people and made the bad guys the humans in this paranormal. A wonderful twist on paranormal romance that will make you write the publisher to ask why we have to wait an entire year for the next book.
Caridad... your books simply get better and better! Well done!
I love how the author brought to life the greedy side of people and made the bad guys the humans in this paranormal. A wonderful twist on paranormal romance that will make you write the publisher to ask why we have to wait an entire year for the next book.
Caridad... your books simply get better and better! Well done!
August 5, 2014
I loved this book. A great combination of suspense and romance. It is worth a read.
May 10, 2021
Caterina is a biracial (Mexican & Irish) world class cellist, the the brink of death from a brain tumor, but saved by an experimental gene treatment, with some unexpected side effects.
Mick is an American of Mexican descent, with a large, supportive family, AND a family restaurant which is able to deliver some mouth-watering meals during the course of the story. The Spanish words are sprinkled in lightly, enough to give a flavor, but so a gringo like me can figure them out in context. Mick is a P.I./bounty hunter of sorts, tracking down Cat since she's been accused of murder.
But all is not as it seems, and they share a strong attraction, while trying to figure out what exactly has been done to Cat, and who's behind it. The suspense makes it page-turning, and the sexual tension sizzles. Gorgeous writing, and the ending has a Happily For Now.
Mick is an American of Mexican descent, with a large, supportive family, AND a family restaurant which is able to deliver some mouth-watering meals during the course of the story. The Spanish words are sprinkled in lightly, enough to give a flavor, but so a gringo like me can figure them out in context. Mick is a P.I./bounty hunter of sorts, tracking down Cat since she's been accused of murder.
But all is not as it seems, and they share a strong attraction, while trying to figure out what exactly has been done to Cat, and who's behind it. The suspense makes it page-turning, and the sexual tension sizzles. Gorgeous writing, and the ending has a Happily For Now.
February 8, 2020
2.5 stars
July 29, 2025
I couldn't get into this book. Something about it just didn't jive with me. The characters never really had the connection and the fact that they were supposed to be in love by the end of the book was not believable to me. It was sex. Lust. And even the sex scenes were forced and didn't contain that must romance. The author could have done a lot more with the whole experiment plotline because the hero has a dilemma. Apparently he's an mercenary with a conscious. He didn't know this about himself until the second he stepped into his new clients office and realizes something was not quite right about this mission. The money is good-real good-as in a whole lot of zeros good-but the whole thing stinks to high heaven. He accepts the job but can't seem to find it in him to cash the check. Instead, he does a good amount of digging and uncovers genetic experiments and mistreatment of those who are in need of help. His target is one such unfortunate souls who sought out his employer as a last ditch effort for life and instead was experimented on. She was a beautiful and gifted musician who developed a brain tumor that resulted in her loss of sight before threatening to steal her life. After the good doctor was finished with her she was something more than human. When he finally tracks her down, he watches in fascination and horror as her skin literally changes colour like a chameleon. But she is injured and pleading for help and that good guy aspect of his personality just can't ignore the torment of a creature in need. The heroine came to in the woods. Naked and confused, not knowing who she is or where she came from but knowing something very bad must have happened to her. She knows that she's being hunted and there's no way she can survive being returned to that lab. When she meets the hero, she is shot and scared, not knowing who to trust or what to do. He brings her back to his house but he ties her up. The first few days are spent with the heroine coming down from the heavy doses of drugs in her system and learning that this man is there to help. The hero has a soul and he has a family. He treats her like wants his sisters treated and try as he might he can't think of her as a target any longer. There's no way she killed that doctor like she's accused of but there's defiantly something wrong with her. She has violent fevers and only flashbacks of memories of who she was before the lab. He knows he has to keep her safe and that he's not the only merc hired to retrieve her and the other guy is the worst of the worst. When the hero's sister is kidnapped as collateral, the heroine instantly knows she must put her unwanted but handy talents to the test.
I never really got invested in the book. The author could have delved a lot deeper into the genetic experiment theme that she did because the plot was boring and unimaginative .90% of the book was set in a house with the heroine, the hero and his sister. It was a contemporary theme trying to be suspenseful but failing horribly. I also thought the characters to be lacking in chemistry. What lay between them felt like nothing more than lust not love. I could believe that they would last past the ending of the pages and that's never good for the happily ever after types who read these sorts of books. The hero was alright, perhaps a bit on the fence regarding his feelings. He spent a great deal of time being nice and tender before immediately switching to anger and dismissal. He tried very hard to convince her he was a bad guy but of course she didn't believe him. The heroine wasn't a well developed character. All she was could basically be summed up as betrayed, musician with a skin change ability. Oh and they were both Hispanic. If the author wasn't of Mexican descent herself I would have cried a tad of racist stereotyping. Not very inspiring storytelling I must say. Good god the bad guys name was Mad Dog....It's extremely disappointing because up until this point I quite enjoyed this author and what she writes but this was a flop. It was neither sexy, exciting or creative really.
I never really got invested in the book. The author could have delved a lot deeper into the genetic experiment theme that she did because the plot was boring and unimaginative .90% of the book was set in a house with the heroine, the hero and his sister. It was a contemporary theme trying to be suspenseful but failing horribly. I also thought the characters to be lacking in chemistry. What lay between them felt like nothing more than lust not love. I could believe that they would last past the ending of the pages and that's never good for the happily ever after types who read these sorts of books. The hero was alright, perhaps a bit on the fence regarding his feelings. He spent a great deal of time being nice and tender before immediately switching to anger and dismissal. He tried very hard to convince her he was a bad guy but of course she didn't believe him. The heroine wasn't a well developed character. All she was could basically be summed up as betrayed, musician with a skin change ability. Oh and they were both Hispanic. If the author wasn't of Mexican descent herself I would have cried a tad of racist stereotyping. Not very inspiring storytelling I must say. Good god the bad guys name was Mad Dog....It's extremely disappointing because up until this point I quite enjoyed this author and what she writes but this was a flop. It was neither sexy, exciting or creative really.
September 6, 2010
World famous cellist "Caterina `Cat' Shaw" consents to undergo risky experimental gene therapy at "Wardwell Biotech", to treat an inoperable brain tumor. She is considered a terminal case. She is willing to undergo an experimental treatment to get her music back the one thing she values more than anything in her life. Now she finds herself covered in blood and fleeing from the medical facilities ware she was held. She finds that her skin is changing like a comellian and adapting to the colors of the things she touches. Her blood is a glowing green color. What has happened to her? She is disorientated and can’t remember how she got her or who she is. She just knows she must get away from this facility they must not catch her.Mick is a mercenary and has been hired by the doctors who created what is in Cat. They knew he would be perfect for the job because he is a get the job done by any means necessary. Now they want Mick to track her down and bring her in dead or alive. They claim she has killed one of their doctors in a gruesome rage. Mick takes the job, but is a bit weary of the doctor. Mick has a strong since of integrity and will stop at nothing to make sure the right thing is done. Mick couldn’t even bring himself to cash the check because he felt deep down in himself that these men were lying and holding back with him and he refused to just take their word for it and deliver this woman. After careful detective work nick finds her and he sees that she is not this horrible murder they presented her to be but this meek scared women, Mick takes the wounded, obviously abused and malnourished woman to his `safe house' and enlists the help of his physician sister "Liliana" to treat her. Liliana is an orthopedic resident at the local hospital and through connections is able to have Caterina's unusual blood secretly analyzed. Along with the obvious signs of abuse on her body it is also discovered that Cat has a significant genetic DNA abnormality, and she has been given a lot of medication that causes dissociative behavior, and hallucinations. This would explain why she was so confused in the beginning as to where she was and who she was. But as the drug ware off she because more aware of her surroundings and of Mick.Mick is a strong, handsome man with an air of danger that attracts the kind of woman who enjoys a quick affair and moves on. He has never been able to settle down in to a relationship, he felt all the other women never truly knew or loved the real him. Mick convinces himself that `Cat' is his `mission', `captive', `target', even making a conscious effort in referring to her as "Shaw" and not Cat.
However, as the days go on and the drugs wear off enabling Cat’s true personality come clear, Mick cannot deny his developing feelings for her. Cat is a beautiful, sensitive, delicate, refined musician. She also possesses a determination and strength that belie her other qualities.
Cat find that she needs Mick in a away she never needed anyone. He makes her feel welcomed and safe all in one. As soon as she feels she is getting though to him and she might be able to break that wall he puts up he shuts right back down. She is not sure if he just feels pity for her or if he really feels for her. But she is not willing to give up, she will help him to save herself and she will save him to.
This book was different; some parts were a bit hard to understand because it was a lot of medical terminology that I didn’t really understand. It was fast paced, well written and a quick read. I liked the ending I thought it worked out good, all the characters were strong and well written. There is not a whole lot I can tell you about the book because that would spoil it for you. I am defiantly interested in reading the next book I would like to see what happens next.
However, as the days go on and the drugs wear off enabling Cat’s true personality come clear, Mick cannot deny his developing feelings for her. Cat is a beautiful, sensitive, delicate, refined musician. She also possesses a determination and strength that belie her other qualities.
Cat find that she needs Mick in a away she never needed anyone. He makes her feel welcomed and safe all in one. As soon as she feels she is getting though to him and she might be able to break that wall he puts up he shuts right back down. She is not sure if he just feels pity for her or if he really feels for her. But she is not willing to give up, she will help him to save herself and she will save him to.
This book was different; some parts were a bit hard to understand because it was a lot of medical terminology that I didn’t really understand. It was fast paced, well written and a quick read. I liked the ending I thought it worked out good, all the characters were strong and well written. There is not a whole lot I can tell you about the book because that would spoil it for you. I am defiantly interested in reading the next book I would like to see what happens next.
August 30, 2016
For all you Paranormal that love Romantic Suspense this author delivers with one hot passionate read. Caterina is losing the battle of cancer her last hope is a special new treatment that has never been used. This new drug has changed her in more ways than one, she now has supernatural powers that she doesn’t know what to do with. She is accused of a murder she doesn’t know if she committed which puts her on the run.
Mick is a mercenary who has been hired to bring her in dead or alive it doesn’t matter. Something just isn’t adding up for him there is no way he will turn her over once he finds her until he works out this mess. What he doesn’t plan on is the attraction he has for her she is everything he has ever wanted in a woman strong, kind, loving, has a will of steal as she stands up for herself. He finds his self in a battle of kill or be killed with more than one man’s life at stake.
The author gives you one heck of a read that you will not be able to put down. There is mystery with loss as well some very hot passion that will burn up the pages. I totally loved this book I did find it to be believable which is sad that somewhere in the future this story could be front page news. The author totally had me hook on what I am sure will be an outstanding series. It does end is somewhat of a cliffhanger but a good one. The author closes on a good and sad note she does make it so you do want to get the next book in the series. I am sure it will be just as outstanding as this one was.
I love her writing style and her mind for details. She really hooks you from the first page as she keeps you until you turn the last page. It really was a book I could not put down. Her characters are very loveable as they learn just what is going on and trying to fix a mad mans nightmares. She has wonderful characters along with outstanding supporting characters that I feel sure will be in some of the books in this series.
Your heart really goes out for Caterina who has the most to lose. She is just a lovely lady who was pulled in to the game with a hope that she could play her music again. She wants nothing from no one but everyone wants something from her. When she finds out what has been done to her she is one hot lady who is out to take back her life. She will stand and fight or die trying.
Mick is just wonderful from start to finish ex military that is always up for a fight. This fight might not only be for his life but the life of his family as well as for Caterina’s. He won’t give up easy as he goes on the hunt to bring down the monsters and help find a cure for Caterina.
The story does have a wonderful ending but leaves you hanging as the next books takes off leaves you wondering who will live and who will die. It will be interesting to see where the author takes this.
Mick is a mercenary who has been hired to bring her in dead or alive it doesn’t matter. Something just isn’t adding up for him there is no way he will turn her over once he finds her until he works out this mess. What he doesn’t plan on is the attraction he has for her she is everything he has ever wanted in a woman strong, kind, loving, has a will of steal as she stands up for herself. He finds his self in a battle of kill or be killed with more than one man’s life at stake.
The author gives you one heck of a read that you will not be able to put down. There is mystery with loss as well some very hot passion that will burn up the pages. I totally loved this book I did find it to be believable which is sad that somewhere in the future this story could be front page news. The author totally had me hook on what I am sure will be an outstanding series. It does end is somewhat of a cliffhanger but a good one. The author closes on a good and sad note she does make it so you do want to get the next book in the series. I am sure it will be just as outstanding as this one was.
I love her writing style and her mind for details. She really hooks you from the first page as she keeps you until you turn the last page. It really was a book I could not put down. Her characters are very loveable as they learn just what is going on and trying to fix a mad mans nightmares. She has wonderful characters along with outstanding supporting characters that I feel sure will be in some of the books in this series.
Your heart really goes out for Caterina who has the most to lose. She is just a lovely lady who was pulled in to the game with a hope that she could play her music again. She wants nothing from no one but everyone wants something from her. When she finds out what has been done to her she is one hot lady who is out to take back her life. She will stand and fight or die trying.
Mick is just wonderful from start to finish ex military that is always up for a fight. This fight might not only be for his life but the life of his family as well as for Caterina’s. He won’t give up easy as he goes on the hunt to bring down the monsters and help find a cure for Caterina.
The story does have a wonderful ending but leaves you hanging as the next books takes off leaves you wondering who will live and who will die. It will be interesting to see where the author takes this.
December 29, 2009
Catarina (Cat) Shaw is a famous and talented musician, her love of the cello as much a part of her as her body. When she finds out that she has a brain tumor that will kill her, she elects to take part in a radical gene therapy treatment. The results are not what she has expected. Cat has found that she possesses strange powers such as to be able to chameleon herself against her surroundings. She is stronger, faster, quicker to heal, and also has iridescent blood. When she escapes the medical facility that she is being kept in, private detective forces are hot on her tail with the order to collect her for the violent murder of one of the lab’s doctors.
Enter Mick Carrera, who has been hired to find Cat and bring her back. At first, he is startled to find out that she is not quite human. However, he has a sense of decency that transcends the rather rough job he does. Mick finds himself taking care of her, always cautious, yet at the same time wondering if Cat is really capable of what she is accused of. There is no mistake, though, that Cat is in danger. And if she is not guilty of the murder, why would they be accusing her? What is their goal? What else may they be engineering? And who really did kill the doctor and why? So much mystery begins to swirl around the two that we are pushed into a complex and layered plotline that moves fast and hard, with the action intense, the mystery solid, and the characters defined.
Naturally, as a romance novel, this book has its fair share of hot and botheredness. I am always a bit annoyed when characters come to attraction so early. While I don’t mean to negate the idea of love at sight, but I prefer that romance and passion come as part of a long running evolution of emotion rather than, “is this her in the picture? Hot. I want her intensely and with all of my being.” See what I mean? So, I was kind of put off by that when it happened in this book, yet the author slowed it down from there and let it happen in due time. There was no rush. The romance was redeemed! And, naturally, as soon as the romance began, it was good. The scenes are smoking hot, guys, I mean it.
This was my first taste of the paranormal of this brand. Usually the paranormal is about vampires or witches or some other sort of were/shifting creature. While Cat is part animal(s) and human, she is no shifter. This book is therefore more scientific, sort of ‘man playing God and this is what we get.’ I really enjoyed that this book had a scientific lean while not being too science fiction based, as that is not a genre I particularly like. All in all: good book, hot romance, non-standard characters that actually seem real and with depth, and an all around great mystery with tons of adventure.
Enter Mick Carrera, who has been hired to find Cat and bring her back. At first, he is startled to find out that she is not quite human. However, he has a sense of decency that transcends the rather rough job he does. Mick finds himself taking care of her, always cautious, yet at the same time wondering if Cat is really capable of what she is accused of. There is no mistake, though, that Cat is in danger. And if she is not guilty of the murder, why would they be accusing her? What is their goal? What else may they be engineering? And who really did kill the doctor and why? So much mystery begins to swirl around the two that we are pushed into a complex and layered plotline that moves fast and hard, with the action intense, the mystery solid, and the characters defined.
Naturally, as a romance novel, this book has its fair share of hot and botheredness. I am always a bit annoyed when characters come to attraction so early. While I don’t mean to negate the idea of love at sight, but I prefer that romance and passion come as part of a long running evolution of emotion rather than, “is this her in the picture? Hot. I want her intensely and with all of my being.” See what I mean? So, I was kind of put off by that when it happened in this book, yet the author slowed it down from there and let it happen in due time. There was no rush. The romance was redeemed! And, naturally, as soon as the romance began, it was good. The scenes are smoking hot, guys, I mean it.
This was my first taste of the paranormal of this brand. Usually the paranormal is about vampires or witches or some other sort of were/shifting creature. While Cat is part animal(s) and human, she is no shifter. This book is therefore more scientific, sort of ‘man playing God and this is what we get.’ I really enjoyed that this book had a scientific lean while not being too science fiction based, as that is not a genre I particularly like. All in all: good book, hot romance, non-standard characters that actually seem real and with depth, and an all around great mystery with tons of adventure.
February 6, 2010
This was a great book, at first I did not know what it would be about, I mean he is kissing her underwear, would it be a smexy ride? Actually it was not as PR as some in the genre. This was more like UF is sometimes, and I liked it a lot. Edit: Just found that they call it suspense too, and yes that makes sense.
Caterina Shaw was dying from cancer ad she was offered something new, but that turned out to be a nightmare as they used her as a labrat in a gene experiment. Her body is strange and she is stronger than before, but also lost and vulnerable. She did it all for her music, which she loves.
Mick is sent to find her, but he has doubt that she will be a savaged killer. He is ex army, hot, and very protective. Yes very alpha. He finds her, and then he wants the truth, but he can't just hand her over.
Instead of saying it is paranormal romance, I would make it contemporary sci-fi romance, you get my point. It was about the science, and her powers comes from that (if not something new shows up in the next book). And there is romance, oh yes it is building up between those two, and I am glad it takes some time for things to heat up because she is so vulnerable and lost. And when it finally happens it makes total sense. During all that time he does play the tough guy, but anyone can see that wants to protect, and I like him a lot.Cat is nice, but since she is pretty lost, and I wonder if she is a murderess, well I just had to get to know her and trust her like he did.
What to say, the book is not as sexy as it looks, so go on give it a try, it was a nice one, and to those who likes it sexy, well you will get what you want too later on.
I really liked how these two got to know and trust each other, and I enjoyed the sidestory with his sister Liliana and her ass of a boyfriend. I hope we get to hear more about her...in the middle of this review I went on over to Caridad's site, and oh yes book 2 will be about Liliana. I am very happy to hear that. She deserves a nice guy.
There is the strangeness of the gene treatment, and evil scientist, the hunters after Cat, the budding romance between her and sexy Mike. Liliana's story and involvement since she is a doctor and wants to help. The hunt getting closer and closer as they want their experiment back. A story with a bit of everything. A story that managed to grab me as the characters came to life. I'd say, read it.
Caterina Shaw was dying from cancer ad she was offered something new, but that turned out to be a nightmare as they used her as a labrat in a gene experiment. Her body is strange and she is stronger than before, but also lost and vulnerable. She did it all for her music, which she loves.
Mick is sent to find her, but he has doubt that she will be a savaged killer. He is ex army, hot, and very protective. Yes very alpha. He finds her, and then he wants the truth, but he can't just hand her over.
Instead of saying it is paranormal romance, I would make it contemporary sci-fi romance, you get my point. It was about the science, and her powers comes from that (if not something new shows up in the next book). And there is romance, oh yes it is building up between those two, and I am glad it takes some time for things to heat up because she is so vulnerable and lost. And when it finally happens it makes total sense. During all that time he does play the tough guy, but anyone can see that wants to protect, and I like him a lot.Cat is nice, but since she is pretty lost, and I wonder if she is a murderess, well I just had to get to know her and trust her like he did.
What to say, the book is not as sexy as it looks, so go on give it a try, it was a nice one, and to those who likes it sexy, well you will get what you want too later on.
I really liked how these two got to know and trust each other, and I enjoyed the sidestory with his sister Liliana and her ass of a boyfriend. I hope we get to hear more about her...in the middle of this review I went on over to Caridad's site, and oh yes book 2 will be about Liliana. I am very happy to hear that. She deserves a nice guy.
There is the strangeness of the gene treatment, and evil scientist, the hunters after Cat, the budding romance between her and sexy Mike. Liliana's story and involvement since she is a doctor and wants to help. The hunt getting closer and closer as they want their experiment back. A story with a bit of everything. A story that managed to grab me as the characters came to life. I'd say, read it.
November 11, 2009
Author Caridad Pineiro is a NY Times and USA Today best-selling author of more than twenty novels and novellas. Other titles include: Fury calls, Death Calls, Darkness Calls, Danger Calls, Temptation Calls, Devotion Calls, and Blood Calls. Caridad is also a wife, attorney, and mother.
Caterina Shaw had only one chance for recovery after being given a terminal cancer diagnosis—Agree to enter a trial for a highly experimental gene treatment. With no other options, she willingly agrees, but now she doesn’t recognize herself. She has memory lapses, strange things are happening with her body, and she has terrifying powers. Worse yet, she’s being accused of the murder of one of her doctors. Mick Carrera was hired by the medical team under the table to bring in Miss Shaw before she can hurt someone else, and before the police can get to her. But after finding her, Mick isn’t so sure this woman is a vicious killer, and he’s not only finding himself attracted to her, but he’s discovering a web of lies that leads right back to the very medical professionals who hired him. With time running out for Caterina without treatment, and Mick to get to the truth, they must work together to fight the wrongs done to her, before it’s too late.
I’m not sure if this is intended to be a series or not, but by the way the epilogue reads, I believe it is. There is also an excerpt for the next book, Stronger Than Sin. My reason for mentioning this is because the only fault I found with the book was the lack of closure medically speaking for Caterina. I won’t say any more to ruin it for future readers.
This book was a fascinating blend of science, romance, action, and mystery. With experimental gene therapies, cloning, and stem cell research expanding in real life, the possibilities this book incurs and what already is made this hard to put down. The romance and heat between the hero and heroine was stirring, the action was fast-paced, the characters believable, and the plot intriguing. What’s not to like? The secondary characters were likeable, making the reader fall in love with Mick’s family, especially Lilliana, who has her own little side-story in the book. Most of all, Caridad has a very conversational tone to her writing, which makes her stand out from the rest and tell a riveting, memorable story. A highly recommended read!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
Caterina Shaw had only one chance for recovery after being given a terminal cancer diagnosis—Agree to enter a trial for a highly experimental gene treatment. With no other options, she willingly agrees, but now she doesn’t recognize herself. She has memory lapses, strange things are happening with her body, and she has terrifying powers. Worse yet, she’s being accused of the murder of one of her doctors. Mick Carrera was hired by the medical team under the table to bring in Miss Shaw before she can hurt someone else, and before the police can get to her. But after finding her, Mick isn’t so sure this woman is a vicious killer, and he’s not only finding himself attracted to her, but he’s discovering a web of lies that leads right back to the very medical professionals who hired him. With time running out for Caterina without treatment, and Mick to get to the truth, they must work together to fight the wrongs done to her, before it’s too late.
I’m not sure if this is intended to be a series or not, but by the way the epilogue reads, I believe it is. There is also an excerpt for the next book, Stronger Than Sin. My reason for mentioning this is because the only fault I found with the book was the lack of closure medically speaking for Caterina. I won’t say any more to ruin it for future readers.
This book was a fascinating blend of science, romance, action, and mystery. With experimental gene therapies, cloning, and stem cell research expanding in real life, the possibilities this book incurs and what already is made this hard to put down. The romance and heat between the hero and heroine was stirring, the action was fast-paced, the characters believable, and the plot intriguing. What’s not to like? The secondary characters were likeable, making the reader fall in love with Mick’s family, especially Lilliana, who has her own little side-story in the book. Most of all, Caridad has a very conversational tone to her writing, which makes her stand out from the rest and tell a riveting, memorable story. A highly recommended read!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
May 11, 2011
3.5 Stars
My guest review is posted at Book of Secrets
Sins of the Flesh was a different type of read for me. I’m not a science fiction fan but the sci-fi elements in this book were intriguing. Twenty-eight year old, Caterina Shaw is a world famous cello player. She has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that has caused her to go blind. While she is resigned to the fact that she will die soon, the chronic excruciating pain becomes unbearable and leads her to seek experimental treatment. She signs up for a human trial study at Wardwell Labs where they specialize in gene therapies for the terminally ill. After six months of therapy, Caterina is no longer in pain and has her vision back but she is now on the run for the murder of one of the scientists that was treating her.
Mick Carrera is an ex Army Ranger and security consultant who is hired by the murdered doctor’s business partner to find Cat and bring her in dead or alive. While researching both Caterina and Wardwell Labs, he starts to question Cat’s guilt. Mick begins to wonder if the murder was pre-meditated and becomes suspicious of the man who hired him. Mick finds Cat but not before another gunman tries to kill them. Mick catches up to Cat and he realizes that she is no longer completely human. Leaking green fluorescent blood, Caterina now has super-human strength, camouflaging skin and animal-like senses. It’s a race against time to keep Cat alive as her body is shutting down from all the foreign DNA that has been used to treat her.
I liked both Mick and Cat a lot. Their relationship was slow-building but when they gave into the attraction and sealed the deal it was hot. Mick started out a little cold and detached with Cat but while keeping her safe from Mad Dog and the Wardwell lab he developed a protective and loving side. Both characters had Mexican-American backgrounds and I enjoyed the snippets of Spanish dialogue between the protagonists and Mick’s family. This story is filled with action, mystery and romance plus a nice lesson on GFPs, gene therapies and DNA replication. So, this is one I would recommend to sci-fi, romance junkies. I enjoyed this book and will be reading the next one in the Sin series. I give Sins of the Flesh 3.5 out of 5 stars.
My guest review is posted at Book of Secrets
Sins of the Flesh was a different type of read for me. I’m not a science fiction fan but the sci-fi elements in this book were intriguing. Twenty-eight year old, Caterina Shaw is a world famous cello player. She has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that has caused her to go blind. While she is resigned to the fact that she will die soon, the chronic excruciating pain becomes unbearable and leads her to seek experimental treatment. She signs up for a human trial study at Wardwell Labs where they specialize in gene therapies for the terminally ill. After six months of therapy, Caterina is no longer in pain and has her vision back but she is now on the run for the murder of one of the scientists that was treating her.
Mick Carrera is an ex Army Ranger and security consultant who is hired by the murdered doctor’s business partner to find Cat and bring her in dead or alive. While researching both Caterina and Wardwell Labs, he starts to question Cat’s guilt. Mick begins to wonder if the murder was pre-meditated and becomes suspicious of the man who hired him. Mick finds Cat but not before another gunman tries to kill them. Mick catches up to Cat and he realizes that she is no longer completely human. Leaking green fluorescent blood, Caterina now has super-human strength, camouflaging skin and animal-like senses. It’s a race against time to keep Cat alive as her body is shutting down from all the foreign DNA that has been used to treat her.
I liked both Mick and Cat a lot. Their relationship was slow-building but when they gave into the attraction and sealed the deal it was hot. Mick started out a little cold and detached with Cat but while keeping her safe from Mad Dog and the Wardwell lab he developed a protective and loving side. Both characters had Mexican-American backgrounds and I enjoyed the snippets of Spanish dialogue between the protagonists and Mick’s family. This story is filled with action, mystery and romance plus a nice lesson on GFPs, gene therapies and DNA replication. So, this is one I would recommend to sci-fi, romance junkies. I enjoyed this book and will be reading the next one in the Sin series. I give Sins of the Flesh 3.5 out of 5 stars.
August 4, 2013
I got this book in a grab bag of romances from our library used book store. The blurb excited me - a little sci-fi, a little urban fantasy, a promise of steamy sex. I started reading and loved the beginning hook, introduction of the characters, their well-thought-out backstories, and the pace at which clues and revelations unfurled. But in the end, I felt the book delivered less satisfaction than I anticipated.
What I liked:
* Robust and rich development of main characters.
* Spanish intermingled with english - helped me feel more included in the character's conversations and adventures.
* The basic overall plot - because I have a weakness for genetic mutation stories
What I didn't like:
* Cat less strong of a female lead than I cared for. She mentions more than once that she's not going to sit around and be cared for, but she pretty much does that for 80-90% of the book.
* The blurb promises superpowers. Cat does gain special abilities. But for most of the book, she only uses them by accident. Takes some of the punch out of having them for me.
* Some inconsistencies -- Cat has superstrength but somehow can't escape from braided gauze bonds when she's held captive.
* Mick and Cat have more reservations about each other than anything else - making their sprinkle of mentions about attraction feel less genuine to me. When they finally get together, I wasn't along for the ride, because the romance and sex felt obligatory to me (I wrote a romance so here's some sex for you).
* Toward the end, the action really slowed down. Think the book could have used a bit more strategic editing, not just for keeping up the pace, but for the handful of typo and word repetition errors.
* Head hopping - bummer. I really *love* multiple perspective novels. However, I prefer to have a clear delineation between perspectives -- like a chapter or scene break. This novel hops between perspectives from paragraph to paragraph, and I frequently found myself rereading to figure out whose thoughts I was really in.
Because of the strong character development and plot idea, I was kind of bummed at how the book went downhill for me. I do think I'll give other books by this author a try, hopeful that the consistency, pacing, head-hopping, and romantic development improve in future novels.
What I liked:
* Robust and rich development of main characters.
* Spanish intermingled with english - helped me feel more included in the character's conversations and adventures.
* The basic overall plot - because I have a weakness for genetic mutation stories
What I didn't like:
* Cat less strong of a female lead than I cared for. She mentions more than once that she's not going to sit around and be cared for, but she pretty much does that for 80-90% of the book.
* The blurb promises superpowers. Cat does gain special abilities. But for most of the book, she only uses them by accident. Takes some of the punch out of having them for me.
* Some inconsistencies -- Cat has superstrength but somehow can't escape from braided gauze bonds when she's held captive.
* Mick and Cat have more reservations about each other than anything else - making their sprinkle of mentions about attraction feel less genuine to me. When they finally get together, I wasn't along for the ride, because the romance and sex felt obligatory to me (I wrote a romance so here's some sex for you).
* Toward the end, the action really slowed down. Think the book could have used a bit more strategic editing, not just for keeping up the pace, but for the handful of typo and word repetition errors.
* Head hopping - bummer. I really *love* multiple perspective novels. However, I prefer to have a clear delineation between perspectives -- like a chapter or scene break. This novel hops between perspectives from paragraph to paragraph, and I frequently found myself rereading to figure out whose thoughts I was really in.
Because of the strong character development and plot idea, I was kind of bummed at how the book went downhill for me. I do think I'll give other books by this author a try, hopeful that the consistency, pacing, head-hopping, and romantic development improve in future novels.
May 18, 2010
I was hesitant to start this novel because it is not a genre I usually read or enjoy, but I received it from the Book Giveaways earlier this year. Sins of the Flesh is a science-based suspenseful romance; it is the first in a series and introduces you to Caterina Shaw, the heroine, and Mick Carrera, the hero. It is set in contemporary America and begins with a terminally ill Caterina (Cat) seeking treatment for inoperable cancer. A few months later, Mick Carrera is called in by the operators of Cat’s treatment facility to solve a little, bloody, top secret problem. Cat and Mick eventually meet and explore their relationship, all while preventing Mick’s employer from having his troublesome problem solved. I do not want to go into more detail about the plot because I’ll give it away, so my description is necessarily vague.
The book is entertaining, although Caridad’s characters are one-dimensional and cliché, the plot is full of disconcerting jumps and starts, and does not provide you with a very suspenseful plot line. Cat is not the usual damsel in distress kind of heroine, but she is innocent, naïve, and potentially dangerous while Mick is the usual warrior-type hero who is dangerous, but under his hard exterior lurks a gentle, loving, family man. Caridad stresses these character traits in her main characters enough to make the book rather tedious. She also does not explore their characteristic in depth, despite her re-hashing of their predominant character traits. Caridad’s plot is intriguing, involving genetics, action, and adventure, but without three-dimensional characters, it quickly loses all predictability, even while retaining its entertainment value. I found that the plot seemed to jump from situation to unrelated situation. The characters seemed to make a decision, or pursue an action not based in reality. For example, Mick and Cat are talking and all of a sudden he nearly strangles her. I understand that Mick did this to Cat to show her that he is indeed dangerous, but his action here seems to be quite outside the realm of possibility. Despite these problems, if you are looking for a fun, light, quick read for a day at the beach, this book is perfect. I may even search out the next book in the series to see what happens next.
The book is entertaining, although Caridad’s characters are one-dimensional and cliché, the plot is full of disconcerting jumps and starts, and does not provide you with a very suspenseful plot line. Cat is not the usual damsel in distress kind of heroine, but she is innocent, naïve, and potentially dangerous while Mick is the usual warrior-type hero who is dangerous, but under his hard exterior lurks a gentle, loving, family man. Caridad stresses these character traits in her main characters enough to make the book rather tedious. She also does not explore their characteristic in depth, despite her re-hashing of their predominant character traits. Caridad’s plot is intriguing, involving genetics, action, and adventure, but without three-dimensional characters, it quickly loses all predictability, even while retaining its entertainment value. I found that the plot seemed to jump from situation to unrelated situation. The characters seemed to make a decision, or pursue an action not based in reality. For example, Mick and Cat are talking and all of a sudden he nearly strangles her. I understand that Mick did this to Cat to show her that he is indeed dangerous, but his action here seems to be quite outside the realm of possibility. Despite these problems, if you are looking for a fun, light, quick read for a day at the beach, this book is perfect. I may even search out the next book in the series to see what happens next.
August 16, 2011
2 ½ stars. Barely ok. I couldn’t get excited about it. I wasn’t emotionally pulled in.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This felt amateurish. Some lines felt thrown in, for example, when the couple makes their declarations of love for each other. Some parts felt thrown in, for example, two guys are having a shoot-out and then they both throw down their guns so they can hand-fight each other. This happens twice. If you make an outline of the plot and events, it sounds very good. But the writing had a formulaic feel. It felt like a made for tv story. Most of the things happening are without internal development. I’m not sure what was missing, maybe something to do with the character development or the dialogue.
STORY BRIEF:
Dr. Wells and Dr. Edwards are doing genetic experiments on people who are dying. Caterina (Cat) is dying from a brain tumor and agrees to their experiments. Unfortunately she doesn’t know that she will then be their prisoner. A fellow prisoner kills Dr. Wells. Cat escapes. Dr. Edwards tells the authorities that Cat is the killer so they will look for her. He also hires three different hit men to get her and bring her back to him, dead or alive. Mick is one of the hit men. When he finds her she has a gunshot wound. He takes her to his safe house to care for her and tend to her wound. He keeps her tied to the bed until he can figure out if she is a killer or a victim. There were a few sex scenes – not very hot – just there.
A secondary story involves Mick’s sister Liliana who is a doctor. She helps care for Cat and has lab tests done on Cat’s blood. Liliana has an abusive fiancé causing problems for her.
DATA:
Story length: 313 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Total number of sex scene pages: 7. Setting: current day mostly New Jersey with some Pennsylvania. Copyright: 2009. Genre: romantic suspense.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This felt amateurish. Some lines felt thrown in, for example, when the couple makes their declarations of love for each other. Some parts felt thrown in, for example, two guys are having a shoot-out and then they both throw down their guns so they can hand-fight each other. This happens twice. If you make an outline of the plot and events, it sounds very good. But the writing had a formulaic feel. It felt like a made for tv story. Most of the things happening are without internal development. I’m not sure what was missing, maybe something to do with the character development or the dialogue.
STORY BRIEF:
Dr. Wells and Dr. Edwards are doing genetic experiments on people who are dying. Caterina (Cat) is dying from a brain tumor and agrees to their experiments. Unfortunately she doesn’t know that she will then be their prisoner. A fellow prisoner kills Dr. Wells. Cat escapes. Dr. Edwards tells the authorities that Cat is the killer so they will look for her. He also hires three different hit men to get her and bring her back to him, dead or alive. Mick is one of the hit men. When he finds her she has a gunshot wound. He takes her to his safe house to care for her and tend to her wound. He keeps her tied to the bed until he can figure out if she is a killer or a victim. There were a few sex scenes – not very hot – just there.
A secondary story involves Mick’s sister Liliana who is a doctor. She helps care for Cat and has lab tests done on Cat’s blood. Liliana has an abusive fiancé causing problems for her.
DATA:
Story length: 313 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Total number of sex scene pages: 7. Setting: current day mostly New Jersey with some Pennsylvania. Copyright: 2009. Genre: romantic suspense.
June 21, 2013
Caterina Shaw, world-renowned cellist, is dying from cancer. The brain tumor recently took her sight, and now the pain is taking away her music. A group of scientist offer her a chance; be their guinea pig and they might be able to restore her sight, or she may die, which she is going to do anyways. They play with genes and what they do to Caterina is surreal.
Mick Carrera is an ex-Ranger turned private mercenary. When he gets the call for a new job, the money is almost too hard to turn down. His target: Capture Caterina Shaw and bring her back to the labs. One of the partners was recently brutally murdered in the labs, and Caterina is the suspect. After the altercation, she escaped. Mick smells something fishy, but can't quite put his finger on it. He'll capture Caterina, but he won't turn her in until he is sure she is the murderer.
What happened to Caterina is unbelievable, and even she can't wrap her mind around it. Her skin changes to her surroundings, as well as having a "halo" effect with her vision. She can sense how many live objects are in a certain area. She's not happy when Mick captures her, but soon realizes that he is keeping her safe. And when Mick doesn't turn Caterina in right away, the bio lab hires a mercenary to take out Mick, and anything else that stands in the way. They want Caterina back at any costs.
The romance between Caterina and Mick is passionate and emotional. Two souls who have been alone for a long time finally connect with another. The ending is left in a way that you know there will be a second book in this titillating new series. Jam packed with action, surreal circumstances, and a romance and the coming together of family sets the scene for Caridad Pineiro's new series, and it's a real winner! Stunningly erotic and scientifically sinful.
November 26, 2009
Sins of the Flesh is a wonderful start to Caridad Pineiro's new Sins series. I was taken in by the story and I am looking forward to picking up where this one leaves off when Stronger than Sin comes out.
Caterina Shaw is an amazing heroine. She has had a tough time of things, but she remains true to her self and strong. I think she makes the perfect heroine because she is smart and sexy, feminine and tough all wrapped up in one. Being all of those things makes her a perfect match for the hero Mick. Mick is tough guy to the core. Former army and currently a man-for-hire, he has morals and he has a family. He is tired of a life of one-night-stands but doesn't think he's good enough for any one woman. The one place where his soft spot shows is with his family. His love for family shines through from the beginning and only a very special woman can break through the walls he has constructed around his heart.
Add to the great hero and heroine a very engrossing plot line and a lot of unanswered questions that are slowly answered and you have an exciting story.
If it doesn't grab you in the first 25 pages I encourage you to continue because I guarantee that shortly after that the story really takes off and then the book is very hard to put down. The different paranormal storyline is fascinating as it explores science experiments and genetics gone wrong more than vampires and werewolves. But it doesn't go into it too deep to bog the story down, it adds just enough to make the story interesting and different. So if you like your romance paranormal but you want a little something different and if you want an amazing (and hot) romance then Sins of the Flesh is the book for you.
Caterina Shaw is an amazing heroine. She has had a tough time of things, but she remains true to her self and strong. I think she makes the perfect heroine because she is smart and sexy, feminine and tough all wrapped up in one. Being all of those things makes her a perfect match for the hero Mick. Mick is tough guy to the core. Former army and currently a man-for-hire, he has morals and he has a family. He is tired of a life of one-night-stands but doesn't think he's good enough for any one woman. The one place where his soft spot shows is with his family. His love for family shines through from the beginning and only a very special woman can break through the walls he has constructed around his heart.
Add to the great hero and heroine a very engrossing plot line and a lot of unanswered questions that are slowly answered and you have an exciting story.
If it doesn't grab you in the first 25 pages I encourage you to continue because I guarantee that shortly after that the story really takes off and then the book is very hard to put down. The different paranormal storyline is fascinating as it explores science experiments and genetics gone wrong more than vampires and werewolves. But it doesn't go into it too deep to bog the story down, it adds just enough to make the story interesting and different. So if you like your romance paranormal but you want a little something different and if you want an amazing (and hot) romance then Sins of the Flesh is the book for you.
November 8, 2010
Sins of the Flesh is the first in a new series by Caridad Pineiro. Mick Carrera has been hired by a cutting edge researcher to find one of his missing patients who he believes murdered his partner. Once Mick is on the case he realizes that things aren't adding up. Caterina, the woman who he was hired to find, is no murderer. She is a very sick woman dying of cancer, only the cutting edge medical treatments she was receiving somehow worked. They worked but not without strange side effects. Mick and Caterina work together to find the real killer.
Sins of the Flesh is the first book I have read by Caridad Pineiro. She came highly recommended by my good friend Mary. I got this book earlier in the year when I attended the RT Convention. I thought the idea and premise behind this story was very unique and very well done. The reader can tell right away that Ms. Pineiro knows her science. Sins of the Flesh has a very "X-Men" vibe to it but with a more medical aspect.
I did struggle with the pacing of the book in the beginning. It took a while for the author to establish the characters and what was going on. Mick and Caterina don't meet for a while. Once they do, things pick up a little. However, if you are looking for fireworks between these two you will be disappointed. Their romance is very sedate and sweet. It actually worked for me. With all the other stuff going on the book it would have been too unrealistic to have Mick and Cat lusting after each other. As a matter of fact, that is a pet peeve of mine that thankfully I didn't have to worry about in this book. I also enjoyed the glimpses of Mick's interaction with his family. Pineiro has a way of capturing the essence of family. I look forward to reading more by her.
Sins of the Flesh is the first book I have read by Caridad Pineiro. She came highly recommended by my good friend Mary. I got this book earlier in the year when I attended the RT Convention. I thought the idea and premise behind this story was very unique and very well done. The reader can tell right away that Ms. Pineiro knows her science. Sins of the Flesh has a very "X-Men" vibe to it but with a more medical aspect.
I did struggle with the pacing of the book in the beginning. It took a while for the author to establish the characters and what was going on. Mick and Caterina don't meet for a while. Once they do, things pick up a little. However, if you are looking for fireworks between these two you will be disappointed. Their romance is very sedate and sweet. It actually worked for me. With all the other stuff going on the book it would have been too unrealistic to have Mick and Cat lusting after each other. As a matter of fact, that is a pet peeve of mine that thankfully I didn't have to worry about in this book. I also enjoyed the glimpses of Mick's interaction with his family. Pineiro has a way of capturing the essence of family. I look forward to reading more by her.
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