First Chorus

Cardinal Sins #2

by Heather Long

Protect her at all costs… The last thing I was looking for when I left the facility was a new woman, a new relationship, and a new cause. I found all three in a dark alley. Saving her life was the best choice I’ve ever made. Now, Vienna is the center of my world. I’ve never met anyone so perfect for me and for whom I am perfect. Where others see flaws, she finds strength. When my demands and needs drove others away, she drew boundaries. In protecting her, I’ve found my purpose in life and I won’t let anything come between us. That goal required me to deal with flirty Fletcher with his irritating concepts and desire to live dangerously. The past he was on the run from could come for him. That would make them her problem. Not acceptable. Yet as long as she wants him with us, then I’ll protect him and protect her from him. Keeping them safe will take everything I know how to do and the things I’m still learning. Never has their safety been more important than now. Because we have a new problem. I don’t know what we’re supposed to do with him. Vienna’s work demands that she hunt monsters. But when one hunts monsters, don’t those same monsters begin to hunt or at least haunt you? What does that make this latest interloper? Is he a man? Or a monster? I’m personally hoping for a monster. I know exactly what to do with those. At least Fletcher seems to agree with me. Hopefully our first chorus won’t be our last. FIRST CHORUS is a full length dark adult romance and psychological thriller with suspenseful themes. Any trigger warnings will be included in the foreword. Some situations may be uncomfortable for readers. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book two in the series.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Why Choose, Enemies To Lovers, Adult

360 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2022

About the author

I love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.

I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.

After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.

Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.

Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.

One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.

I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book picks up where we left off and this time Cash is very much a part of the narrative as the unsub he is obsessed with now finally has a face to put to the moniker. I also appreciated how much Rick and Fletcher are currently playing nice together their bond solidified through Vienna has evolved to a place of familiarity affection and acceptance with their common goal of Vienna's happiness.

Cash also becomes a much more solid character here as we get to know him on a new level and Vienna furthers her agenda in the hunt for her father's killer. This was an easy page-turner that managed to keep the momentum flowing forward and the plot ticking over.

This was well written and I'm enjoying myself a whole lot. The finale here definitely left me wanting more and I'm on pins to discover what happens next and how Rick and Fletcher are going to resolve their latest dilemma. It's also apparent that Cash is being brought to the forefront and I'm looking forward to learning more about him as a person and just how he's going to slot into place.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.

I think my favorite part of this series is the bromance growing between Fletcher and Rick. Rick is such a caretaker that he can’t help but take care of Fletcher too, even before they become friends. Making sure he’s eating, drinking water, showering, etc. The fact that all the side characters who meet Rick are terrified of him because he genuinely has the vibe of a serial killer, but is actually the sweetest man, is just my favorite thing ever.

Sure, the romance with Vienna is great, but Rick always steals the show. I do enjoy how they go from Rick and Vienna being a couple to being a little poly throuple. They talk about it and Rick accepts Fletcher.

Plot wise, this one is a bit all over the place because it has a lot to set up in the next couple books. It feels a bit filler-y in that way.

It’s also fun that Cash is finally a bigger part of the story, although not a part of the why choose just yet. As always, a fan of the mortal peril.

I’m not even ashamed that all the quotes I’ve added are about Rick.

Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Why choose
Suspense
Mystery
Morally Gray characters
Hacker MC
Protective giant
FBI agent
Serial killer’s daughter
MMF
Duet narration
Obsession

⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Multiple orgasms
Sofa sex
Voyeurism
Fletcher tells Rick how to fuck Vienna
Dick piercing
Service kink
Car blowie
Threesome
Ass play

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic gore and violence
Gun violence
On-page murder
Kidnapping of MC by MCs
Vomiting
Anxiety attacks
Explicit sexual content
Flashback to school shooting (detailed)
Attempted sexual assault between SCs (stopped by MC)
Drug use (bad guy SC)
Mentions of rape/sexual assault (bad guy’s victims, no details)
MC held captive and injured

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: MMF
Main characters’ age: 23, 27, 32, not specified
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 334
Happy ending: Yes


“I’m trying to imagine the person who cut off enough dicks to fill a bag, and then decided that was an accurate description for unpleasant people.”

Rick opened the door, filling the frame like the psycho puppy he was.

“Can I help?” “You can go sit down,” he said. The mild tone was total deception though. Rick didn’t yell. He didn’t shout. He got even. Fast. And brutal.

“I just want you to be happy.” The words echoed something in my soul. “I want you to be happy too.” “As long as I have you, I am happy. As for Fletcher…” He made a face. “He’s not so bad.” It almost sounded like that pained him to say. Chuckling, I pulled his face back to mine. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Good thing he showed that interest to me and not Rick. I had a feeling my new bestie would not entertain anyone’s attention on our lovely death angel. Not that I liked his interest either, I was just sure I had better impulse control than the big guy.

She didn’t need to thank me for looking after Fletcher. I wasn’t entirely certain how he’d survived this long, to be honest.



You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...

[katie.reads.romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Heather and Blake have left me floored, this book takes you on a ride and I was here for every single stop, the end destination however.. talk about a doozy of an ending!

I absolutely loved the further insight we got to each of the guys in this book, there’s so much to Fletcher, Rick and Cash, a lot more to uncover for sure also, but I loved witnessing their layers get peeled back, especially with Fletcher. Oh how my heart hurt for him and everything he’s been through, I felt we saw a much more vulnerable side to him in this book and it really united the family unit he’s now a firm part of with Vienna and Rick which I loved watching develop.

Cash I absolutely loved from the moment he entered the scene in book one so getting more of his POV and to know him I was absolutely here for. I love the back and forth he has with Vienna and how he’s just absolutely besotted with her.

Vienna of course I love so much, one of my favourite things is watching her develop these close relationships but also become this family. She’s so used to being on her own and wary it’s so amazing to literally see her walls come down around her guys.

I have so many questions and some theories too, I’m so excited for High Note in July!

[Meredith Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, it’s official. I’m in love with Vienna. Rick and Fletcher? Also great. But I have a big time girl crush on our main girl. She is incredibly smart, driven, (a little morally grey but that’s okay) and she’s learning how to be vulnerable which I love.

I loved getting a little more insight into Vienna’s work and why she does what she does. The dynamic between her and Cash was also very intriguing, and I can’t wait to see where that goes.

The ending? RUDE. Just so rude. But also so so good!!! I’m dying for the next book already!

[Slide Between the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, who doesn't love a fully independent Women who is slightly unhinged, a total bada**, and a vigilante heroine. Vienna is our big time girl crush.

We loved hearing more about Rick who is such an obsessively loyal and caring guy, who just needed someone, or multiple someones to take care of. Also, is that cookie trick real?

My my, Fletcher Reed really out did himself in this book. We love when he is all hyped up on caffeine and entirely engrossed in his hacking. His dark past though :-(

Can we just say, you need to read this for the gym scene. You are welcome. The 'special' scenes that follow will also getting you going.

This book also had us falling in love with Cash. Like he fits in very will with this obsessively unhinged bunch. That cliffhanger had us hanging for book 3. Plus we also need more of Vienna and all her men.

[kaleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars only because we have no relationship development between Cash and Vienna. He is still her prisoner😭

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great series for me. The characters are absolutely insane and I love them for it. This is not a series for all and most probably won't like Vienna but she's an awesome character. Raised by a serial killer, she's still a decent person? Guess it depends on who you ask. Since she views her work as necessary her entire outlook on life differs. Somehow she finds a few guys who not only accept this darker side of her but fit into a mold with her that just makes them work. The search for her father's killer continues and it's still not clear who or why anyone would betray him. I have a feeling her father found out some sordid information about someone in the 'business' and they covered their ass by killing him. Now though Vienna is missing and presumed kidnapped, so what's next remains to be seen. I am really looking forward to her guys working together to save their killer girlfriend, besides it's time Cash earns his place.

Honestly Vienna's story (not necessarily her character) reminds me of The Death Club. While Vienna is not necessarily insane like Brooklyn, she is more controlled and prepared giving her the element of surprise. And then combined with the movie Frailty and some RH elements is this series in a nutshell, so good!!!

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frist Chorus is the 2nd installment in this exciting thriller where some of the bad guys are mostly the good guys and many of the bad guys are very bad. Add in a healthy dose of steam and you have a fast-paced page-turner you can’t put down. Vienna and the guys navigate the dregs of the network trying to figure out what happened to her father and the path has led us to a nail-biting cliffy. I can’t wait to get the next books so I can see what happens!

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowzer! I just devoured this book. From the very first page I was hooked! Vienna and her guy's dynamic is addicting and jumps off the page and slaps you in the face with their steamy goodness. I can't wait to see what happens next! Highly recommend this five-star read if you love an independent woman that fights for what and who she believes in.

[Kasumatata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed

I am lowkey obsessed with Vienna and the journey she is on. Heather and Blake are a match made in heaven when it comes to cowriting and I have been binging these books for the past day and a half and will continue to do so until the big finale.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Minimal plot movement, mostly character connections increasing/improving. A bit boring but the ending says the next book will definitely increase in plot.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Vienna is so amazing! She is so smart, resilient and morally grey! I am a sucker for a good morally grey character and Vienna is it! Rick and Fletcher are very supportive sidekicks and I love their devotion. Everything we learned about them, and Vienna was really eye opening and I loved diving into their backgrounds and learning about why they are the way that they are. Cash is also an interesting character. I loved the chemistry between Vienna and Cash and how they both try to one up the other to get information. I need book three because this one ended on a cliffhanger that is to be expected with all of Heather Long's and Blake Blessing's books.

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

just not keeping my attention. not going to read last two books in series. maybe later. left on cliffhanger FMC is taken and MMC has to ask fbi for help to find her.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Chorus is the second book in the Cardinal Sins series and they must be read in order. FC picks up right where KS left off, in that super intense moment. Thank goodness it does too because I was dying to know how that played out. With that interesting little twist we fully bring Cash into the story.

Vienna continues her search for answers on what happened to her father. We learn little bits and pieces along the way. I have my theories brewing on what happened. At least who I think is to blame. Of course that could all change in the next book. lol We will just have to wait and see. We get to spend some more time with the guys. It was really nice to see their relationship grow in this book. I admit, Fletcher had to grow on me in the first book but this book, I'm all in. I want to cuddle and protect him. We learn some more about his past and even though we don't have all the story yet, I feel like we got to know him so much more. Rick is still the greatest. He is adapting to his new world with Vi in ways I don't think even she thought he would. Then there is Cash. I really want to like him and I was so hoping that he would be friend and not foe. We still don't know for sure but he sure did push some of my buttons in this book. I'm still holding out hope for him to be on team Vienna. I think he will be able to make the cut. Vi of course is still the bad ass leader of our little group. She has had a pretty set routine for her life but we are seeing her grow as well. She is learning to open up. To let the guys in and be a little vulnerable and still be the bad ass bitch she has always been. I just love her.

Then we have that ending. Heather and Blake are freaking evil! Evil I say. Boy do they know what they are doing though b/c I will be counting down the days until I get my hands on High Note. First Chorus was an outstanding addition to this series and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Bibliophilic Kitten · Rating 2 out of 5]

For some reason this series is dragging for me.

I love the concept and each of the characters.

But the pacing is so slow I had to stop and read a few other books before coming back to this one. And I NEVER do that. I'm one of those readers that has to finish a book, even a bad one. So that I stopped reading this one for a couple of weeks says a lot.

I'm still interested in the ending so I'll read the next one but I wouldn't be surprised if I skimmed through it in some places just to be finished. I hope if gets better though.

[Alex Mullinix · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars
3 Spice

First Chorus begins immediately after the cliffhanger of Kill Song. We finally find out what happens when Cash walks in on Vienna standing over a man's (almost) dead body. I wasn’t entirely expecting his reaction, but damn was that scene good.

After Fletcher defends Vienna against the threat that is Cash, he and Vienna make the trip back home with their new prisoner. Vienna struggles with her moral code and the Cash problem, along with several others that come up throughout this story.

Rick and Fletcher start to put their differences aside and learn to get along, some might say even appreciate what each other provides for Vienna, and each other. But there are many issues still at hand. While secrets are revealed and other obstacles are encountered, Vienna and the guys struggle to find out what it all means to their mission.

While I have loved so many Reverse Harems that have an already existing group of guys finding a women to share between them, I really like that this one isn't that at all. This is a single women collecting individual men that happen to cross her path and fit with her and her mission.

This is book 2 of a planned 4 book series. I am really intrigued to find out where the story is going to go. I already have a few predictions and hopes for future plots/twists.

Rick is probably still my fave guy. Although Fletcher really did grow on me throughout this book. Rick is such an adorable, protective teddy bear!

I think the spice level is on par with that of Kill Song. This one was much more about building the story and the basis for the rest of the series, and the emotional connections between Vienna and the guys.

"Oh, I was going to kill him. No, not kill him. I liked him too much for that. But I might hurt him a little."

The only thing that I didn’t like about this book was the over-description of places and settings. While it did help paint a picture of what the setting was, I found it extraneous. Especially when the scene didn’t take place that long in the building or room that was being detailed.

"The sooner I got there, the sooner I could come back home again."

Tropes:
Reverse Harem
Dark
Serial Killer

[Kaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you put a dead body+ a vigilante heroine/serial killer+ an ex FBI Agent+ a computer geek+ and a lovestruck chef? Well, you get First Chorus, the second book in the Cardinal Sins Series.

This book picks up during the cliffhanger of First Song, where Cash finds Vienna standing over a dead body. Now I will admit, his reaction to finding her was a bit bizarre, but not as unexpected. We get a glimpse into his almost obsessive thoughts and intrigue about her throughout the entire book.

What surprised me was Fletcher, our resident computer hacker, to save the day. By knocking our ex FBI agent, resulting in him becoming Vienna's prisoner/house "guest".

As for Vienna, we get to know more about her passion for the work she does of why she kill those who have wronged the innocent. The respect she has for the moral code her father taught her is admirable. One that makes her struggle with the decision of what to do with Cash. We get to see her strength and just how protective she is of Fletcher and Rick, how her mind works, and just how meticulous she is to the last detail during a mission. While continuing to try and find details about the death of her father.

Now as for Fletcher and Rick, a sort of mutual respect and "friendship" begins to form, with Vienna in the center of it. Their need to protect and help her in any way they can is their top priority. While beginning to learn some of Vienna's secrets along the way, they begin working alongside her.

Rick proves to be able to adapt to his new environment better than I thought he would. Proving just to what lengths he is willing to go to be with Vienna. Even going as far as to share her with Fletcher.

Fletcher doesn't hold back either. We get to know more about part of his past, his skills with a computer, and his need for being with Vienna. And to what lengths he is willing to go to be with her. And just how good he is at dirty talk. 😏😉

Prepare for another cliffhanger, this one is a big one. Where the boys, including Cash, will have to work together and put every skill they have to the test to find out heroine. I need Heather and Blake to hurry and release the next yesterday. I highly recommend this book! Though please check the trigger warnings before reading First Chorus.

[Jeni Wideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather & Blake have done it again, the second book in the Cardinal Sins series is fabulous.

The mystery, the intrigue, truths….continue in First Chorus. Readers will continue to learn more about Vienna and her backstory, as well as watch the relationship she has with Rick & Fletcher grow, and their backstories as well. I love the little snippets that make up all the details on each of the characters. Rick and his need to care for everyone once he is accepted, and Fletcher and his addiction to energy drinks and how once he feels accepted you see his goofy side come out. But the most intriguing part of this book is the addition of Cash Morgan to the “mix”....an accidental encounter puts him even more on Vienna’s radar and involves him even more fully into their story. His verbal sparring with Vienna, his incessant need to ask more question and get to the bottom of everyone. I especially loved when Vienna asked him “how dirty have you gotten to get the job done”. Cash is a mystery…what he’s done in his career, his recklessness, and where he’s going to fall in this relationship.

Some of my favorite parts of this book include how the guys accept Vienna and love her regardless of her truths, and then she continues the same acceptance with both Rick and Fletcher, and as time goes on…dare we say Cash?

We meet more “members” of the network, and with them brings more mystery and intrigue about the actual network. In all our details about the Network we know that some members ride different lines of the types of work that they will engage in. I enjoyed Mart and her line of work that she engages Vienna in, as well as Vienna’s positive connections that help her out with her

I need more details on Daddy and his death, I have so many suspicions regarding this…..

Long & Blessing’s second book in the Cardinals Sins series, First Chorus, is so good, it keeps the reader asking more and more questions, and while some things are answered, new ones start to form. But that ending….it'll bring you back for sure, in the meantime.....

[Jenn Hopson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake Blessing and Heather Long you are both exceptional authors! Each one of your books one ups the previous. The two of you together is like literary magic!

Kill song was addicting and raw and dark and just an all around amazing book! I didn't think it could get better but boy was I wrong! You guys blew Kill Song out of the park with First Chorus!

In First Chorus we get a closer look at Drew and her guys. Their dynamic with each other just keeps getting closer and growing spicier. This was a book that I could not put down. I had to know what happened next. What other things would Drew and her guys overcome? What things would pose a problem for them all? What happens now?

I have grown to love books that end in cliff hangers. That ending that leaves you speechless and makes you beg for just one more page. Just a few more mins so that we can see what happens next. It makes the next book in the series that much sweeter. You want it that much more because you have to wait for it to release. You build up scenarios that you think based on the story could be the next chapters for the characters. Could you be right or could you be totally off base? Part of the fun is the guess.

I absolutely love Drew and her guys along with their dark and crazy life. I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Also, super excited to see where things go with Drew and Cash! **wink**wink**

If you have not read the Cardinal Sinners Series by Heather Long and Blake Blessing I implore you to give it a shot! You will become enraptured with Drew and her world like we all have.

Please read in order so that you understand the back story and the characters and their relationships!

Book One - Kill Song
Book Two - First Chorus (releasing March 15,2022)
Book Three - High Note (releasing July 26, 2022)

Thank you again Heather Long and Blake Blessing for another AMAZING book! Can't wait to pick up with High Note next <3

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Heather Long, Blake Blessing, and Peachy Keen PR for an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

Book two drops us right back into the twisted tale of Vienna, the vigilante serial killer, Rick, and Fletcher. Vienna is still carrying out her dad's mission in life, but has become softer somehow with the new men in her life. She's still trying to rid the world of disgusting people, but now she has something to come home to.

The differences in these characters was fantastic, they're all so individual, yet mesh so well together. Vieanna needs Rick's protectiveness and all of the love he shows her, but Fletcher's silliness is something that brings out the best in both Vienna and Rick. In this book our authors turn up the heat and introduce those group activities we all love to read about. There was no shortage of spiciness where Rick and Fletcher are involved.

Cash, our ex Fed has begun to creep into the picture more in this book and having him in the background, but still part of the group (in his own way) was perfect. He's inserting himself into Vienna's world and is slowly tilting it on it's axis even more than it has been. I can't wait to see his dynamic once he's completely involved in the group.

The overall story was filled with intrigue and mystery, Vienna is still searching for who could be responsible for her dad's death and more players are being thrown into the ring. I love that this story has so much more than just the love story, it's full of vigilante justice that keeps me glued to the book!

We, of course are left with a killer of a cliffhanger! I have my own theories about where Vienna is and I CANNOT wait to see if I have it right. Start this series today and get the books for your shelves, the covers are hot!

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read the first book in this series, STOP! GO BACK and READ IT FIRST! This book begins where that one ended.

The prologue shows us how Rick is handling being left at home while Vienna and Fletcher take care of some business. He's not the most patient person, but also follows directions and has done some of the research he was asked to do as he watches a report on TV that will mean something later on.

First, we find out how Cash happened upon this particular warehouse. It's sort of a twofer for him as he approaches Vienna applauding her work.

Fortunately, Fletcher had observed him entering the building and followed. Knocking the intruder out before he got any closer to Vienna. Now there's a body and a car to dispose of and a captive FBI agent they needed to do more research on.

This is all just the beginning. There is much history to discover here. Cash is quite the enigma as he is questioned by her. Revealing some but keeping much secret. There's also an attraction here that will be interesting to see play out.

Interactions between Fletcher and Cash are interesting and informative while those with Rick are just routine.

Then there's her Uncle David, an interesting character we finally see in person. His request to take care of an investigative reporter has me wondering about him more. He's very persistent in wanting done quickly.

The research into the Vanisher still reveals nothing of use. However, Fletcher is finding more ways to search.

Plenty of intrigue, more targets and plenty of sizzle throughout this book. Although I find myself with more questions than answers as I came to the conclusion of this book.

Holy crap, what an ending it is!

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caught. Cash walks in to discover Vienna in the middle of ehr work. More self-congratulating than judgmental, he now finds himself part of The Judge's world along with Rick and Fletcher. Vienna still has her father's list to finish and his killer to find, so she can't be stopped. But maybe a little distracted...

Without a doubt this series wins the "most unusual RH in history" award. Quirky doesn't even begin to cover the eccentricities of these characters. They would either be a Therapy Practice's nightmare or wet dream. I love the character growth and changing dynamics as the men learn their roles in Vienna's life, and accept the other's value there as well. Fletcher's humor blends nicely with Rick's brand of overprotective crazy when it comes to meeting Vienna's emotional needs. Cash is still a complete wildcard; as he should be to fit with the story and this only adds to my intrigue (and sometimes irritation). I look forward to seeing him find his place among the lunatic lovers. Vienna is still the calculating, cunning, cold-blooded killer she was trained to be but she now has a streak of vulnerability thanks to her men. The trust arc in this book is remarkable. The mystery of her father's death is still compelling. As we get a few new pieces of information, I find myself getting caught up with possible theories. I'm sure I'm not alone. The authors have managed to perfectly balance the mystery and action with the romance and steam, keeping the reader turning pages just as fast as they can read. Then there's that ending. Mean authors, MEAN.

[Blair · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and repetitive overall. Shallow character development, even after two books we learn nothing important about any of them. Random time jumps for no real purpose. Honestly it had a great premise to begin with but it’s just boring overall. I guessed from the get go that the “uncle” is involved. I haven’t read past the first book but everything in me says I’m right and that the father’s “death” seems fishy. Sadly I don’t care enough about this aspect to keep reading the series. I also cannot stand cash and I have no want for him to be in the harem. He seems like a complete asshole and his over confidence is completely unattractive. The idea of a rouge FBI agent falling for a serial killer he is hunting was intriguing but the way it played out was disappointing. Rick is great but his story line went no where. Fletchers shooting mystery is really the only thing I might have cared enough to read on about…

This series suffers from the same problem a lot of Reverse Harem series do that a FMC starts off due of herself, confident in her craft/job/skills and then throws everything she knows out the window for a few pretty men. It is so frustrating to read about characters like this. It is honestly insulting when authors portray women this way. Someone who has been trained her entire life to do pristine work would not make some of the mistakes that she makes.

Overall I was unimpressed and forced myself to get through this second book.

[Katharine Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things That Just Induce Rage

The Boys of Weston Prep. Eight “fine young men” who made a couple of “bad choices” while drinking. In a time before DNA evidence had been routine and where victim-blaming involved everything from a girl’s sexual history, to her choice in clothing, to why was she even somewhere she could have run into these men. After all the press, really, should they have to suffer for the rest of their lives for a few bad choices?

Daddy had vibrated with a kind of barely suppressed rage any time that story had come up. It had taken him three years to track down and deal with each “fine young man.” He’d visited horror on them, and one at a time, they’d died screaming. It would have taken a long time too. But he hadn’t stopped there.

The judge. The prosecutor. The investigators. Every single person involved in the cover up of the crime and the persecution that drove a girl to suicide. After the boys had been sentenced to time served and for a far lesser crime of assault in the third degree — a Class A misdemeanor — she’d fled the courtroom.

Those assholes barely spent twenty-four hours in jail before they were released on bail. The judge had actually apologized to them at the sentencing. Daddy even dealt with the school officials and the fathers of two of the boys. Something about that girl’s death haunted him.

[Meg Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed First Chorus the second of the four book Cardinal Sins Series. Authors Heather Long & Blake Blessing are a perfect match. They do great job with their characters. They make a story of a woman on an inherited mission from her father to take out bad people, aka a serial killer targeting bad people feel very grounded.

We follow the characters as they go through these extraordinary situations while pursuing the mission, while trying staying above the law & reporters. While they have involvement in the network. And while dealing with a 'special' hostage. And even that interaction and of all of them just work so well you get to know the characters in their day-to-day life in this life.

I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline I was really looking forward to getting more of our FBI agent povs & story. And finding out his motives after the last book. This didn't disappoint I thoroughly enjoyed every interaction he had he's definitely my favorite but I love them all. I really enjoy all the characters interactions with each other. There is a lot of fun dynamic that play.

And that ending I loved it, I'm here for it I'm really excited for how it's setting up the third book. I have my theories about multiple things LOL really looking forward the next book which is already on pre-order.

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. This is Bk2 in the Cardinal Sins series. I tell you these ladies are fucking amazing together they have this way of sucking you into the story from start to finish pulling you through the twists and turns and taking you on a wild ride.

I have to say I don't know who I love more in this series Fletcher for his nerdy brain and his heart breaking past ugh that just brought back memories, so beware of the trigger warnings, Rick for his big heart and his amazing cooking skills who cares if he's a lil OCD, Vianna this lady is something else she's always done what she was trained to do without fear of things going wrong now she has 2 men who she's learning to care for and maybe, maybe falling in love with them as well.

Then there's Channing Cash Morgan FBI agent who you got a bit of his trying to track down the vigilante killer The Judge in Book 1.
Well he's gone so far as to land himself into hot water with the bureau for his obsessive hunt for the Judge. He just so happens to stumbles across Vianna one night and the next thing he knows he finds himself in her basement, so now how is he going to get out?

Just when I thought book 1 was so good these lady up their game in this book. After that ending now we'll have to wait for Bk3 to see what game is in play.

[Brandi Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Chorus is the 2nd book in the Cardinal Sins series, so if you haven't read Kill Somg go do that- you will need it to understand this book.

This book picks right up where we left off.
Rick and Fletcher are perfect for Vienna, they keep things interesting and keep her so grounded! You see Vienna soften up a little, she still does her fathers work ridding this world of the monsters BUT now she has someone(s) to come home to!- I feel like we have ALL been there in one way or another!

The end of Kill Song we met Cash, we find out how Cash came upon this particular warehouse. Fletcher had seen him entering the building and knocked him smooth out! I loved when he was questioned by Vienna and he told some but holds back a-lot! I mean how boring if he just spilled all of it at once! I loved the character development and how they all differ sooooo much but mesh so good together, in the general sense and the spicy 🌶 sense!

This book kept me wanting and needing more and I now have all the dang questions. As in true Heather fashion (learning Blake is like this to) that ending... why?! Ugh I need more. This book was so good and I can't wait for the next one! I hope you will pick it up and give it a chance! You won't be disappointed!!!

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, as was the previous one, is about people and relationships. So what if one of them is a serial killer? I am SO invested in this story. It is a book two of the Cardinal Sins series and yes, you need to read book one but you will be amazed how this storyline will grab you. I know it did for me. And be prepared for the cliffhanger of an ending. Both books I read in this series have had my jaw dropping and I decided I needed to show up at the authors’ houses and demand they tell me what happens next! I kept turning the pages thinking this can’t be the end, but it was. Until the next book…

I can’t say much without giving something away but there’s a new character in the mix and no one seems to know what to do with him. Rick and Fletcher are…working out their places in Vienna’s life. Sometimes they make a mess of their relationship but ultimately, they form a bond with each other and then the three of them (to include Vienna). Vienna is still processing not being alone in life anymore and despite being a serial killer – all for good! – she is fighting to make sense of what she feels for Rick, Fletcher and now Cash. I love Rick and Fletcher and I’m hoping Cash somehow redeems himself.

And then there is that jaw-dropping cliffhanger ending… Loved it!

[iliana G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once more Heather and Blake have done it!
What an amazing story !!!
Vienna is one hell of a woman and i have to say i am jelous...i want to be her when i grow up (minus the killings)
She is smart,cunning,calcualting but she can be sweet and tender and funny and caring and combining her ethics and her logic into all the things this woman is capable of she is one hell of a woman!
As far as the guys go...daaaaamn what can i say about them.
I love how fiercely loyal and caring Rick is ...obsessive and most of the time reminds me of a puppy stuck to its owner but his madness and obsessiveness and protectiveness is what is perfect and fits perfectly well with Vienna.
Fletcher...oooohhh my sweet sexy boy.....what secrets did you keep from us....damn!
I love how complex Fletcher is...and i love the fact that he is mostly the one that brings the lightness in the trio but at the same time he has deep scars himself and he needs to be taken care of.
Crash...i really like him despite the fact we didn't get to see much of his characters in my opinion.
I am sure cash will be one hell of a surprise when his characters unfolds more.
Both authors have done an amazing job with this complex and dark story that will pull you in from the first page.
I absolutely can't wait for the next book!

[jamies_bookreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call Me Cash…Yes please!

This series hooked me with book one. The FMC, Vienna, is wicked and will unalive any person that is hurting people. Technically a serial killer by trade…but more like a vigilante for justice. While trying to figure out who killed her father, she has managed to attract some very unusual guys. First there is Rick, the hot muscle that will kill anyone that dares to hurt Vienna. He is a clean freak, who takes care of their home and a gourmet chef. Then you have Fletcher, a tech guru that is like a lost puppy that just wants to do right by Vienna. Things get steamy in this book with Vienna and the guys. Also, she manages to collect another guy, Cash. Cash is an FBI agent that is obsessed with the serial killer known as “The Judge”. However, he finds himself locked in Vienna’s basement after Fletcher gets the jump on him. Things get complicated after some truths come out regarding Vienna’s father. Vienna must take a job to stop more news from spreading; however, it might just be that the one she is hunting is hunting her right back. Cliffie queens! Heather Long and Blake Blessing are a writing dream team! They truly know how to twist the suspense and then leave you hanging. Also so very good spice to this book! I Need book 3!!! TW/18+