Perfect Stranger

Los Santos Cartel #2

by Melissa Jane

He ripped my world apart by destroying everything I ever loved. He was cruel, twisted, and showed no mercy. And now, he threatened to do it all again. This time with the help of his sadistic nephew. Gabriel had his sights fixed on FBI Agent Nina Cross. Strong. Beautiful. And none-the-wiser of those who shadowed her every move. She was the one thing stopping LOS SANTOS from taking full control. Keeping her safe while planning to take down the cartel would see my past fighting the future. But one thing was certain… Los Santos men were as good as dead.

Genres: Romance, Dark

358 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Natalie Miernicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC for an honest review.

Holy crap on a cracker that was intense! This story had it all passion, intrigue, espionage, warring mob cartels and vengeance. Melissa has created another EPIC book!! Everyone needs to read this story; from the first page until the last I was well and truely hooked.

[⏃ : ✦ villainous_vixen ⏃ : ✦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hot riveting action packed novel! I could not put The Perfect Stranger down.
The sex, romance, and the steamy lust for vengeance.

My blood was pumping through the whole entire book. This story was intense, passionate and oh so sexy. So many twists and turns. I was biting my nails in anticipation wondering what would happen next!

I highly recommend this series.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...


The Perfect Stranger was a great 5 star read.

Antonio had a vendetta and no matter what, he was going to get his revenge. It was amazing how much time he committed and changed his life. There is so much that goes on in the first half that had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was next.

We then jump ahead two years, when things turn and Gabriel sets his sights on Nina Cross, an FBI agent. Antonio needs to be the good, bad guy. For an FBI agent at moments she didn’t always seem the smartest, although she did grow on me.

She could feel me. I wanted to feel her. She was perfection. I was a man with a kill list. She deserved a knight. I had been her devil.

“Are you afraid of me?” “Yes.” “Good.” That was all I needed to hear. - Antonio

There is so much in this great read. Suspense, hot sex, mystery, and so much more. Melissa Jane does a great job of pulling you right in. The secondary characters were great. You will on the edge until the last chapter. I loved The Perfect Stranger and highly recommend this series. 1-click and get started today.


I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

[She's a Lip Biter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multiple Reviews Below

5 Stars

I received this ARC for an honest review.

Holy crap on a cracker that was intense! This story had it all passion, intrigue, espionage, warring mob cartels and vengeance. Melissa has created another EPIC book!! Everyone needs to read this story; from the first page until the last I was well and truely hooked.

Reviewed by Nat


4.5 stars

God this book was amazing and powerful.

I loved reading about this subject. Flowers and fairytale it most certainly wasn't but the story was just brilliant and kept me completely gripped and on the edge of my seat from the first word to the last. Vengeance by bucket loads is the only way to best described this book. If your expecting lovey dovey then this isn't the book for you but it has hot sex And love but that isn't what this book is all about.

I really recommend this ballsy book full of death and destruction.  Melissa Jane keeps your adrenaline pumping throughout this amazing read and keeps you on your toes with the twists and turns this book takes.  This is book is from Antonio's POV and leads you to the events that took place in Never Trust A Saint (book 1) but all is necessary and leads to this being a fantastic must  read.

Reviewed by Donna

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two to the Los Santos Cartel and boy was it a gritty one.

This was from Antonio's POV and while you think you have some understanding of the type of person he is in book one, he is way more complex and has done way more than I first thought. This story goes back to where it all began and how Antonio got to the place he is now. It gives you an idea of the inside workings of the cartel and how he became the Hunter. And he surely didn't get his name because he hunts animals...he gets his name for more sinister reasons.

It is two years before we get up to the point of the last book and by the time I got there I was well and truly ready for this phase of Antonio's life to come about. The Los Santos Cartel is run by two ruthless men, one of which, Gabriel, has a plan the involves Nina Cross. Then the book picks up where book one starts only from Antonio's side of the story. This one also continues to after, which is filled with more suspense and nail biting action.

This series was my first by Melissa Jane and won't be my last. She writes a action-packed, with a side of sexy, story that kept me guessing and wondering what was going to happen from beginning to end.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Stranger
4 stars
Melissa Jane

This is the second in the Los Santos Cartel series from Melissa Jane. This book is written from Antonio’s point of view. You definitely find out what makes him tick in this release. Its also interesting to hear his thoughts and feelings on Nina. This is more of a flash back and how things began.

Antonio’s past is on display in this release. You know exactly the road that was traveled in order for him to become the man hunting the cartel. You also understand why revenge runs through his veins like rapid fire. I can tell you that it was not chance that Nina and Antonio came to know each other.

If you read the first you need to read this one because this release is much more detailed and as I was confused in to some of the events in the first release they all make sense now.
This is the end to this series and you will certainly appreciate the ending as things are wrapped up. You will have all of your answers and then some.

Hang on because you are about to have your eyes pushed wide open. Thank you for the ARC!

Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel to Never Trust a Saint gives us Antonio's point of view.
Antonio, Hunter, has a vendetta against the Santos Cartel and is determined to have his revenge. Nina Cross is an innocent FBI agent caught up in the struggle with the cartel and corrupt law enforcement officers. Trust is a huge issue!
This story has a well planned storyline, it is very detailed and suspenseful. Revisiting events from the first book but from Antonio's POV took up much of the book but it is important to the storyline.
Fabulous descriptions of characters, settings and events. Emotional highs & lows felt through these descriptions right up until the last page!
Loads of activity to make the reader's heart race with incredible action packed, adrenaline pumping scenes.
Whatever you do keep reading as all is revealed and you end up almost holding your breathe in anticipation!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and is not a standalone, this series need to be read in order. This story is Antonio’s POV, and is an insight into his conflict, and what motivates his actions. This book certainly fills in all of the gaps and events that happened in #1. This is an action packed novel, which is intense, intriguing, vengeance, espionage, warring mob cartels, and passionate. The encounters between Nina and Antonio as hot and steamy!
Melissa Jane has certainly upped the ante in this storyline, and I was on tenterhooks throughout. This author has done an amazing job in writing this series, and she totally blew me away. I recommend this authors work for all, and I cannot wait to read more of her work in the future.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Readers Copy of this book!!

[Bitches N' Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A fraction of an inch separated us and I was certain she could feel the heat radiating between our bodies. Her chest moved rapidly, eyes hooded, debating with her inner conscience.”


Heat Rating:





5 Perfect Stranger Stars!! Hooked… that’s exactly what this series has me…





Wow I’m obsessed with this series. It’s tense, action packed and has so much heat it’s almost combustible! I loved the angst between Gabriel and Nina! Melissa Jane knows how to write some serious melt in your mouth books! You will be hooked the minute you start reading. At least I know I was… I had a hard time putting my kindle down, I needed to know what was going to happen next! Great job!

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Sarcastic Bitch from Bitches N’ Books

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE PERFECT STRANGER IS THE PERFECT SEQUEL.....

Melissa Jane absolutely blew my socks of when I read Never Trust A Saint but now she has completely blown my mind with The Perfect Stranger. Told from Antonio's POV, The Perfect Stranger, fills in gaps that the reader never knew existed in Book 1. It allows the reaader to see how Antonio became the man he is today. The reasons for his decisions, why he is so desperately driven for the revenge that he seeks. Everything is explained and the reader can see why it was always ensured that Antonio's path would cross with Nina's and that they would need to be together to complete the missions that they found themselves on.

From the very beginning this book is full of high octane action that will get your heart pumping. I know I was constantly sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what Ms Jane was going to throw at these characters, that I grew to love. the amount of twist and turns that were in this story had my head constantly swinging from one side to the next - waiting, not very patiently i might add, to see what dangers and enemies they would face next.

There is so much mystery, betrayal, lies, lust and extremely scorching hot sex scenes included in this story that you will never lose interest and want to stop reading. It's addiction in its purest form. Yes it's a tale of darkness, but it is PERFECT. MS Jane has produced an OUTSTANDING story that will keep you gripped throughout.

If you ever want to read a story of revenge, drug cartels, mystery and romance I would 100% recommend this one. I for one will definitely read it over and over again.

FIVE STARS even though it deserves so much more.

[Christina Concus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Stranger is an AMAZING sequel to Never Trust A Saint!!!!
This story is told from Antonio's POV and fills in a lot of the gaps/events that happened in Never Trust A Saint. These gaps/events really help you understand the full storyline of both books. In the Perfect Stranger we do get to see more into Antonio's life and why he picked the path that he did.
Even though this book is in Antonio's (Hunter's) POV we do recap some very important event that we saw in Never Trust A Saint. So, with that being said this book was action packed and definitely got my adrenaline pumping in many of the scenes. This book just like the first one takes you on an amazing ride through the life on a man and eventually women on a mission.
Melissa had amazing character development in this book with how well she was able to depict everything that Antonio went through as well as the second characters. She also gave a great story line. I will say though if you are faint of heart then this book as well as the first maybe too much for you however, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves action packed with a love story intertwined.
This book is a must read and had me gasping and wanting to throw my device at many moment because I could not believe what was happening to Antonio and Nina. However, it also had me smiling at many times because the great things that also happened to Antonio and Nina.

**ARC Received for an honest review, but I purchased it as well because of how truly incredible it was**

[Jennifer Guffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Stranger (Los Santos Cartel #2)
By: Melissa Jane
4/5 stars

I believe this is the final book in this series. While I thought that this was about different characters, I was wrong. The characters are the same from the first book, and while the first book was from Nina’s POV, this book was from Antonio’s POV.

And in this book, we learn the backstory of Anotonio. This went far enough back to show us how a good man crossed over to the wrong side, in order to work a long-term game plan. This really opened my eyes about who Antonio had been, how he was able to pull off some of those incredible feats and how he became the cartel member that he had.

This book does go beyond where book 1 ends, which gives us more explanation and tied up loose ends. There were some inconsistencies with how ops are run by governmental agencies in the U.S., but I can chalk that up to an Aussie author writing a book set in the U.S. I really enjoyed these two books and am looking forward to more from this author.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

His job was to protect America from terrorist and he did it well until a line was crossed. Once that line was crossed he had a different target in his sight and he would do anything to end them, even if he died in the process. He had no intention of falling in love, but he did and now he not only had to end his targets he had to save her life. A twisted story follows. A twisted story of love and lost, of deception and lies. His side of the story gives the details we missed in Perfect Lies. It also tells the full story of how it all ended. It is well done by this author who is now on my radar as one to watch. She has a brilliant way of pushing all the pieces into their slots but not before she molds them to her use. It's masterfully done, teasing us and making it so you have to read on to find out what happens. The battle lines are drawn and now it's time to see how it all played out and hopefully see the perfect lies all line up and fall as he takes them down and is no longer the perfect stranger because when it's all said and done they will know who he is.

[Love Africa Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Stranger follows on from Never Trust a Saint as we follow the antics of the one of the most dangerous drug cartels in South America, the Los Santos cartel. Ms Jane upped the ante with this story--the action, the suspense and of course the romance.

What I loved most was that we were in Antonio's POV and we got to see how his journey with the cartel started and understood his conflict and motivations. These things were never clear in book 1 where he was always a mystery and kind of a stranger. I loved that we get to understand the origins of the cartel too and how they operate. For me, this was always the crucial part of the story, aside from the steamy encounters between Antonio and Nina, of course.

As I said already, the action and suspense is done well and I was at the edge of my seat, flipping the pages eagerly. The romance totally sizzled and I loved cheering for these two. Ms Jane certainly has a new fan. I loved every minute of this.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Los Santos Cartel series. As soon as I finished book one I jumped right into this and devoured it. If the author could step up a notch then she did with this book. I loved book one but this book blew me away.

Any gaps we thought we had are filled in with Antonios point of view in this sequel. I'm not going to go into the storyline. I'm aware that if you haven't read book one anything written here could spoil the series. So I will say if your looking for a gritty dark read that will have you swearing at your kindle then I highly recommend you read these two books. I really wanted to rant at the author... in a good way as I loved how she could mess with my head so much. Definitely need to read more from this author. Epic read.

[Myra Espino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! The Perfect Stranger is Gabriel and Nina's story. This book is on the intense side! I love how the story easily captured my attention from the start up to the last and this book definitely is full of surprises! The characters, Gabriel and Nina, are amazing!!! I love both of them - they both can definitely kick some a**! This book is action packed and you'll definitely won't get bored! Loved it! Ms. Melissa just freaking nailed it! One of my favorite reads this year!

#mustread #bookhangoveralert

[Magwan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping thriller

Told from hunters point of view, how he became embroilled with the Santos cartel and his need for revenge. it was a great story and flowed really well.
His feelings for nina and what happened after they captured her boss.
It was really good, great characters and dialogue. I loved it.

[Brenda S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these two books. Great reads. Especially for the summer! Can't even begin to think how I would have been able to handle something like this happening to me back when! So sad to think this is happening to so many Innocents today.
This has to be stopped, unfortunately, we no longer recognize who the bad guys are anymore.

[Ketrina Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I paid for this

The first 60% not so bad. From then on I was pissed that I paid cash for a book that I had read already! Up until 81% it is book one. Then the last 20% just felt rushed. 0 to 60% good , 61 to 81%, recap of book one, 82% on is just a rushed mess.

[Jodie Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Antonio... the hunters, point of view

Xx

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay. Too much awful behavior for shock instead of story. A bit long, especially when we know the story from Nina's perspective.

[Maylene Meas · Rating 2 out of 5]

SMH this was like the first book but his POV. I felt like this could be merged with the first. it was like reading book 1 all over again just with a few new details.

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A fraction of an inch separated us and I was certain she could feel the heat radiating between our bodies. Her chest moved rapidly, eyes hooded, debating with her inner conscience.”


Heat Rating:





5 Perfect Stranger Stars!! Hooked… that’s exactly what this series has me…





Wow I’m obsessed with this series. It’s tense, action packed and has so much heat it’s almost combustible! I loved the angst between Gabriel and Nina! Melissa Jane knows how to write some serious melt in your mouth books! You will be hooked the minute you start reading. At least I know I was… I had a hard time putting my kindle down, I needed to know what was going to happen next! Great job!

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Sarcastic Bitch from Bitches N’ Books

[Nadia Debowska-Stephens (Obsessed by Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

'"Then I told her the four words that summed me up.
Four words that spoke of her grim future.
Four words she would always see me as.
"I am your ruin."'

And what a beautiful chaos he brings to the world of Nina Cross. Having left the eye of the hurricane at the end of Never Trust A Saint, the first book in this series, we return to the beginning before the storm was birthed in this second part. The Perfect Stranger takes us back to the days when Antonio was known by his own name before drug cartels ruined his existence. We learn how they have shaped his life, moulding his destiny by impacting on him at every turn unwittingly creating their own downfall. When one man decides a line in the sand has been crossed he will stop at nothing to end the blight the cartel has brought to the innocents. This is his valiant battle against the corrupt, the greedy and the downright lunacy of evil men. Retelling the plot but from his point of view it's easy to see how Antonio falls from grace and loses himself to Los Santos in his quit to bring the King pin down. Revealing more details and filling in the gaps this story is poignant and his choices are heart breaking as he removes himself from himself and becomes their weapon to enable a window of opportunity to end the misery. Can one man end the corruption...is one man enough?

I've just emerged from this story smiling and feeling like I've been holding my breath. It was enthralling, spell binding and totally captivating. Fast paced and suspenseful this is a thrilling read that leaves your jaw on the floor. Even better than the first this is must read.

A five star man on a mission read.

~*~ Reviewed on behalf of Obsessed by Books ~*~.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG am I glad that I had this book ready right after I finished the first! I'm so far off the charts jacked up right now, that I can't even try to describe the book without spoilers exploding everywhere. So the dramatic girly girl emotions will have to suffice! Basically, this is Antonio's aka Jair, POV, and it's EPIC! It shows how he became the man he was when he met Nina Cross, and OMG did it help me get over some of his actions from the first book. Melissa Jane ended this dark, and intense series with a bang, and trust me when I say, it's not over until the very last page. Her diabolical twists never stop coming, and my f-bombs never stopped raining down. Seriously, I'm still calling her colorful metaphors, but I wouldn't change a thing with this EPIC series! Of course, I have learned that commando is best when reading about her questionable alphas that are so darkly yummy, as the sexy scene goodness is SCORCHIN' HOT HOT HOT! I cannot HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND this EPIC series enough, (and yes I have used EPIC more than once)! So what are you waiting for?! Get to 1-clicking immediately, because you won't be disappointed!

[Donna Parrott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read Never Trust a Saint, please go read it. Where that book was from Nina Cross’ POV this one is from Antonio’s POV. In The Perfect Stranger you get a look at why and how Antonio became Hunter, the right hand man to the Los Santos cartel. Hunter is a sexy military man who just so happens to be on mandatory leave. He knows that his higher ups are up to no good. That they are corrupt or something. Even though he hasn't seen or been to his father's hometown in La Balsa he will stop at nothing to save the town and people. This starts his revenge plot. This book goes from present to 2 years before and then to the present where he meets Nina Cross. I loved how this was so jammed with information about everything in his life. I was so worried towards the end that there wouldn't be enough pages left to tell me what is going on. I almost had a panic attack. I felt so much sorrow for Antonia and i felt the hate and need for revenge was so warranted. I will be reading these books again and again.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

God this book was amazing and powerful. I loved reading about this subject. Flowers and fairytale it most certainly wasn't but the story was just brilliant and kept me completely gripped and on the edge of my seat from the first word to the last.

Vengeance by bucket loads is the only way to best described this book. If your expecting lovey dovey then this isn't the book for you but it has hot sex And love but that isn't what this book is all about.

I really recommend this ballsy book full of death and destruction.  Melissa Jane keeps your adrenaline pumping throughout this amazing read and keeps you on your toes with the twists and turns this book takes. 

This is book is from Antonio's POV and leads you to the events that took place in Never Trust A Saint (book 1) but all is necessary and leads to this being a fantastic must  read.

[Teresa Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Jane has a way at keeping you involved in the book to where you don't want to put down until the very end.
This is about Antonio Suarez.
How he once worked with the government for the US and what led him to the Events of being one of the most wanted and part of the Los Santos Cartel as being the hunter.
Antonio Suarez ( Hunter ) spent Two years with the Cartel and looks as if there is a light at the end of the Tunnel when he meets Nina Cross. Will she be his ticket to bring down this Cartel? Will he be able to bring them down and keep Nina Cross safe? Will she be just someone else who becomes collateral damage?
This book will give you several emotions you will feel happiness, you will feel loss, love and will bring you angry also..
I recommend this book for anyone who loves twists and turns.
Giving this book 5 stars..

[Annamaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Fabolous Stars! This is the second book in the Los Santos Cartel Series and should be read in order to better understand the story. Antonio is determined to have his revenge against the Santos Cartel. Nina is an FBI agent caught between the Cartel and the corrupt FBI agents. Will Nina be able to help Antonio bring the Cartel down? This story is told in Antonio's point of view and it helps us to fill in the gaps from the first book Never Trust a Saint. This story is well written and is action packed. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book needing to know more. I highly recommend reading both of these books and I look forward to reading more from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5

.

[Kristy & Kayla - My Person's Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Perfect Stranger is book 2 in the Los Santos Cartel Series, told in Antonio's POV. After reading Never Trust a Saint, I couldn't wait to get into Antonio's mind, I had hoped that the story would continue on from where book 1 left off, but we are taken back to the beginning of Antonio's journey filling in the blanks from book 1. I really enjoyed the first book but I couldn't quite get into this one.
There were a lot of suspense and twists that will keep you captivated.

“A fraction of an inch separated us and I was certain she could feel the heat radiating between our bodies. Her chest moved rapidly, eyes hooded, debating with her inner conscience.”

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.