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L.O.S.T #1
Enemy Lover
When you have no alternative, then you call in L.O.S.T. Because with the Last Option Special Team, it’s do or die. . . .
It’s Jax Cassidy’s first mission for L.O.S.T.—one that will give the former cop who went rogue a chance to prove herself. Her gain the trust of assassin Marcus Cross . . . eliminate him . . . then take down Marcus’s mentor, Joseph Lazarus, a man with a bold eye on the White House. But the woman who’s known by her team for being a femme fatale succumbs to passion, only to discover Cross’s deadly secret. He’s a vampire, and Joseph Lazarus is his creator.
Left for dead by his platoon in the violent hills of Afghanistan, Special Ops sniper Marcus Cross was given a second chance at life. His newly heightened skills make him the perfect killing machine, and as Lazarus’s right-hand man, he’s quickly rising to the top of his dark empire, purging enemies with speed and precision. Only when dangerous beauty Jax Cassidy is sent to bring him in does he begin to question Lazarus’s motives and his own actions. But when Jax’s life is threatened by the one thing that can destroy them both, Marcus must make a bitter choice—her death or his.
It’s Jax Cassidy’s first mission for L.O.S.T.—one that will give the former cop who went rogue a chance to prove herself. Her gain the trust of assassin Marcus Cross . . . eliminate him . . . then take down Marcus’s mentor, Joseph Lazarus, a man with a bold eye on the White House. But the woman who’s known by her team for being a femme fatale succumbs to passion, only to discover Cross’s deadly secret. He’s a vampire, and Joseph Lazarus is his creator.
Left for dead by his platoon in the violent hills of Afghanistan, Special Ops sniper Marcus Cross was given a second chance at life. His newly heightened skills make him the perfect killing machine, and as Lazarus’s right-hand man, he’s quickly rising to the top of his dark empire, purging enemies with speed and precision. Only when dangerous beauty Jax Cassidy is sent to bring him in does he begin to question Lazarus’s motives and his own actions. But when Jax’s life is threatened by the one thing that can destroy them both, Marcus must make a bitter choice—her death or his.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2010
19 people are currently reading
1510 people want to read
About the author
Karin Harlow
4 books134 followersNational bestselling, award-winning author Karin Tabke isn’t just another author with steamy stories to tell, but a cop’s wife who has “seen it all and heard it all.” Some of the hottest stories come from behind the blue wall of law enforcement rather than from in front. Married to a street cop, now retired, Karin is intimate with both and proves it with her sizzling tales of hot cops. Not only are her cops hot, but so are her sexy knights and bad boy werewolves. Karin’s Blood Sword Legacy series is a must read for anyone who loves tales of yore when men were men and women were women, and love did conqueror all. Her dark, erotic Blood Moon paranormal trilogy is best described as “Sons of Anarchy meets Rise of Lycans”. Her L.O.S.T. series (w/a Karin Harlow) is paranormal romantic suspense at its “chilling and sizzling”* best. You don’t want to miss any of Karin’s deliciously edgy tales of danger and passion!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
May 23, 2010
3 1/2 stars
This book is totally different from any paranormal vampire book I have read. Harlow works her magic with this book she adds lots of suspense, throws in the paranormal spice then tops it with a political heated battle that will have you spellbound.
I want to add the first hundred pages is getting you familiar with both team Operatives and their characters, Jax, the senator and his family. In other words, it takes a bit before you get into the juicy between Jax and Marcus. If this tends to get boring please continue it, will get a lot better.
A Politian’s old seat and his families life hangs on a line between two team operatives. One operative The Solution is the vampire side (Marcus) the Politian has created to take out the bad in the city, but now he wants to terminate the operative. But they won’t shut down that easy. They go after his daughter (I want to add here there is a huge reason they go after his daughter and it surprised me who it was behind it). So the Politian calls another operative L.O.S.T the human side (Jax) to take care of things this is where Jax and Marcus meets. Marcus is ordered to take out the senator’s daughter. Jax is ordered to take out Marcus boss Lazarus. So while the passion increases between these two they both have to be careful to not reveal who they are really are and working for. It gets quite tense while Marcus is trying to find out who Jax is and working for and Jax is trying to get in on Marcus side and not reveal who she is working for. You’ll have to read to find out which Enemy side will cave and who will win and if the Politian will ever get his seat or does something else happen to him.
Jax, I loved reading her. Jax as Angela had something brutal happen to her in the past she takes matters in her own hands and ended up on her way to the big house. This is where the operative L.O.S.T. comes in. The leader of this team is Black (The Godfather) brings her in to make her part of the team. Jax has the tuff attitude that will take on any man and with her looks she does just that.
Marcus works with operative called The Solution. His creator Lazarus (Colonel) is the leader. Marcus is of course, a vampire, is a killer in every since but he will not take out an innocent. I liked how Harlow writes her vampires and the powers she gives them. Plus how they can transfer that power to a human just by them drinking blood.
Jax and Marcus together makes for seamy hot romance scenes. One being my favorite on the balcony OMG it was HOT! The other is the first one, Marcus having vampire blood can scents things. So he knows that Jax has been hurt in the past so the first scents he takes her like a man or vampire in this case should, lets just say she forgets everything.
This book is totally different from any paranormal vampire book I have read. Harlow works her magic with this book she adds lots of suspense, throws in the paranormal spice then tops it with a political heated battle that will have you spellbound.
I want to add the first hundred pages is getting you familiar with both team Operatives and their characters, Jax, the senator and his family. In other words, it takes a bit before you get into the juicy between Jax and Marcus. If this tends to get boring please continue it, will get a lot better.
A Politian’s old seat and his families life hangs on a line between two team operatives. One operative The Solution is the vampire side (Marcus) the Politian has created to take out the bad in the city, but now he wants to terminate the operative. But they won’t shut down that easy. They go after his daughter (I want to add here there is a huge reason they go after his daughter and it surprised me who it was behind it). So the Politian calls another operative L.O.S.T the human side (Jax) to take care of things this is where Jax and Marcus meets. Marcus is ordered to take out the senator’s daughter. Jax is ordered to take out Marcus boss Lazarus. So while the passion increases between these two they both have to be careful to not reveal who they are really are and working for. It gets quite tense while Marcus is trying to find out who Jax is and working for and Jax is trying to get in on Marcus side and not reveal who she is working for. You’ll have to read to find out which Enemy side will cave and who will win and if the Politian will ever get his seat or does something else happen to him.
Jax, I loved reading her. Jax as Angela had something brutal happen to her in the past she takes matters in her own hands and ended up on her way to the big house. This is where the operative L.O.S.T. comes in. The leader of this team is Black (The Godfather) brings her in to make her part of the team. Jax has the tuff attitude that will take on any man and with her looks she does just that.
Marcus works with operative called The Solution. His creator Lazarus (Colonel) is the leader. Marcus is of course, a vampire, is a killer in every since but he will not take out an innocent. I liked how Harlow writes her vampires and the powers she gives them. Plus how they can transfer that power to a human just by them drinking blood.
Jax and Marcus together makes for seamy hot romance scenes. One being my favorite on the balcony OMG it was HOT! The other is the first one, Marcus having vampire blood can scents things. So he knows that Jax has been hurt in the past so the first scents he takes her like a man or vampire in this case should, lets just say she forgets everything.
August 4, 2011
I absolutely LOVED this book, couldn't put it down.
My mind is still thrumming with the excitement this book gave me, It started at the beginning and didn’t let go!!! I love it when an author can consistently give me a fantastic reading experience, and with this being my third book from this author she has my expectations high for the books I haven’t read. ( sorry Karin )
I got about ½ way through this book, and I trotted off to my kindle store to pre-order the next book Enemy Mine.
Angela Giacomelli is one kick ass heroine!
Angela, is a former cop who has suffered the most horrendous physical assault and torture imaginable to a woman during an assignment gone terribly wrong. She was deserted by her team from the force, and when she exacted her own vengeance, it landed her a one way ticket to the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women. But Angela doesn’t make it to her destination. The covert operation, L.O.S.T. had their eyes on her, and recognized the valuable asset she would be to their operation, and extracted her from the bus on the way to the correctional institution. L.O.S.T. basically erases her, and gives her an offer she can’t refuse. She is then turned into the lethal lovely, Jax Cassidy, beautiful, and deadly.
One of her early missions with L.O.S.T is to infiltrate an organization called “The Solution” that’s headed up by Colonel Joseph Lazarus. She and her team’s mission is to take down Lazarus and his men.
Marcus Cross, Lazarus’s trigger-man, abandoned by his mother when he was a baby, and rejected again by her when he was 12. His father drank himself to death when he was 6, and Marcus spent his youth and adolescence in and out of trouble, when he was 17, his grandfather signed him over to the US Army. After joining the military, Marcus quickly rose in the ranks, eventually becoming a Specialty Sniper, doing covert stuff. Something went wrong on Marcus’s last op, abandoned yet again. he was left for dead in the hills of Afghanistan. It was in those hills that Marcus was changed into a Vampire by Lazarus. Marcus spent time mourning his humanity, but seemed to fall into the role of doing Lazarus’s bidding. That is until one Jax Cassidy brushes by him in a night club, Marcus will never be the same, and Jax’s mission gets a big ol’ wrench thrown in it.
I won’t divulge any more details on this book, because there are so may things going on, and I think the rest is for the reader to discover. This book is chocked full of plot, political scandal, action, suspense, and a delicious story between Jax and Marcus *SWOON*. Marcus wakes up a part of Jax that she never thought had a future, and Jax gives Marcus the acceptance and love he has never known.
I absolutely loved this book, didn’t want to put it down. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it. Harlow took all the elements I love and put them in this book. This is a fantastic start to a new series by Karin Harlow, one I’m really looking forward to more of.
August 4, 2011
LOVED IT
In MIO,this novel was the best of the best! I haven't read a good PNR in a while.This book met my expectations.There is just to much to be said about this book.It's that good!
My big surprise was finding out this book was a PNR.It gave it the extra boost to be a great novel. There is lots and lots of political talk. At first it almost put me to sleep a few times.The PNR woke me right up, then finally reading more on the H/H just pulled me in and sucked me dried. I loved it! It's hard for me to love both the Hero and the Heroine,but these two made the cut. I love tortured characters so this book was it for me.
My goodness! I won't even go into detail with the sexual tension. Let's just say "Your body will be responsive" lolz!
The plot of the story was intriguing and will keep you on your toes wondering what's gonna happen next.I can't wait for the next book in this series to be released. I hope it's just as good as this novel or better.
If you plan on reading this great novel, hold on to your book tight and enjoy the ride.
In MIO,this novel was the best of the best! I haven't read a good PNR in a while.This book met my expectations.There is just to much to be said about this book.It's that good!
My big surprise was finding out this book was a PNR.It gave it the extra boost to be a great novel. There is lots and lots of political talk. At first it almost put me to sleep a few times.The PNR woke me right up, then finally reading more on the H/H just pulled me in and sucked me dried. I loved it! It's hard for me to love both the Hero and the Heroine,but these two made the cut. I love tortured characters so this book was it for me.
My goodness! I won't even go into detail with the sexual tension. Let's just say "Your body will be responsive" lolz!
The plot of the story was intriguing and will keep you on your toes wondering what's gonna happen next.I can't wait for the next book in this series to be released. I hope it's just as good as this novel or better.
If you plan on reading this great novel, hold on to your book tight and enjoy the ride.
June 22, 2019
Former cop turned rogue, Jax Cassidy’s first mission for L.O.S.T is to gain the trust of assassin Marcus Cross, eliminate him and then take down Marcus’ Mentor, Joseph Lazarus. After being left for dead, Marcus Cross was given a second chance at life and his newly heightened skills made him the perfect killing machine. Jax’s is beginning to succumbing to the passion between her and Marcus when she discovers his deadly secret and Marcus is beginning to question Lazarus’s motives and his own actions.
This first book in the L.O.S.T. series is an explosive and brilliant vampire mercenary romance. The characters are strong, bold and easily draw readers in to the story while their sizzling chemistry singes readers with every turn of the page. The romance between this couple is hot and steamy but the with the hero and heroine’s strong as steel walls, the relationship is a hard one to form and causes a whole lot of emotional angst that tugs at the heart while making it easy for the readers to understand their wants and desires.
The plot is fast paced is full of thrilling suspense, adrenaline pumping anticipation with a power hungry bad guy that his sights set on the white house. There are several stunning, jaw dropping twists in this story that adds to the thrills and excitement and really make it hard for the readers to put this story down once they begin reading.
May 25, 2010
Enemy Lover by Karin Harlow
Paranormal Romance- May 25th, 2010
4 stars
Sleek, dark, and tumultuous. Enemy Lover starts out a little like the movie matrix.
Angela is a cop with her own set of rules. But when she is betrayed by her own and sent to jail even her tough personality starts to crack under the strain. On her way to maximum security her bus is bombed and she is kidnapped. When she wakes up in darkness she is immediately confronted with a terrible choice. Join a mysterious covert group who have stolen her or return to jail without the possibility of parole. Angela chooses to join them but is she in over her head?
Still a fresh recruit, Angela is eager to prove herself. Her latest assignment is to take out another covert operation and its head enforcer, Marcus. But soon she is confronted by a dilemma. Although she knows Marcus is the enemy she can’t help admiring him or stop the deep feelings of attraction for a man who is ‘all wrong for her.’ Angela will have to make a difficult choice. And when she discovers he is a vampire she must make the impossible decision to discover what is really real and if the possibility of a future together is worth fighting for.
Both edgy and dangerous this book was much darker than I expected. I really felt Angela’s pain and anguish when she was betrayed by all she held dear. Her metamorphosis into a deadly agent was enthralling and realistic. I loved the idea of opposing and lethal operatives in deadly high stakes game of cat and mouse. As they try to outdo each other the sexual tension sizzles! Plus there is plenty of action and a twisting plot to keep readers on their toes. Another thing I enjoyed was the slow development of the 2 main characters. However, I was surprised at how long the author took before the 2 main characters actually met each other and started a relationship. The first half of the book doesn’t really feature the main characters together! Because of this I found that I missed some of the tension that the main characters usually have much earlier in most romance books. While the romance is satisfying it is secondary to the story. The ending is also a bit unresolved. I feel that the author has planned a sequel with the 2 characters as a team and perhaps this book is an introduction before they really start their deadly duo? The only reason I didn't grade it higher was simply because I am a big romance fan and I felt it was a little strange that the 2 main characters were apart for so long. I really enjoyed them together.
Inventive and gritty this is a tough Urban Fantasy that will thrill fans of the genre. The story is fresh and edgy, making this a book that packs a lot of surprises and bite. It is one that Urban Fantasy fans will be sure to enjoy and savor. I know I did!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance- May 25th, 2010
4 stars
Sleek, dark, and tumultuous. Enemy Lover starts out a little like the movie matrix.
Angela is a cop with her own set of rules. But when she is betrayed by her own and sent to jail even her tough personality starts to crack under the strain. On her way to maximum security her bus is bombed and she is kidnapped. When she wakes up in darkness she is immediately confronted with a terrible choice. Join a mysterious covert group who have stolen her or return to jail without the possibility of parole. Angela chooses to join them but is she in over her head?
Still a fresh recruit, Angela is eager to prove herself. Her latest assignment is to take out another covert operation and its head enforcer, Marcus. But soon she is confronted by a dilemma. Although she knows Marcus is the enemy she can’t help admiring him or stop the deep feelings of attraction for a man who is ‘all wrong for her.’ Angela will have to make a difficult choice. And when she discovers he is a vampire she must make the impossible decision to discover what is really real and if the possibility of a future together is worth fighting for.
Both edgy and dangerous this book was much darker than I expected. I really felt Angela’s pain and anguish when she was betrayed by all she held dear. Her metamorphosis into a deadly agent was enthralling and realistic. I loved the idea of opposing and lethal operatives in deadly high stakes game of cat and mouse. As they try to outdo each other the sexual tension sizzles! Plus there is plenty of action and a twisting plot to keep readers on their toes. Another thing I enjoyed was the slow development of the 2 main characters. However, I was surprised at how long the author took before the 2 main characters actually met each other and started a relationship. The first half of the book doesn’t really feature the main characters together! Because of this I found that I missed some of the tension that the main characters usually have much earlier in most romance books. While the romance is satisfying it is secondary to the story. The ending is also a bit unresolved. I feel that the author has planned a sequel with the 2 characters as a team and perhaps this book is an introduction before they really start their deadly duo? The only reason I didn't grade it higher was simply because I am a big romance fan and I felt it was a little strange that the 2 main characters were apart for so long. I really enjoyed them together.
Inventive and gritty this is a tough Urban Fantasy that will thrill fans of the genre. The story is fresh and edgy, making this a book that packs a lot of surprises and bite. It is one that Urban Fantasy fans will be sure to enjoy and savor. I know I did!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
August 5, 2011
This was my first Karin Harlow book so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t read the synopsis, just plunged straight in and at first I was totally side swiped. I didn’t realise it was meant to be a PRN until about 15% in and before that I was so confused on who the love interest was going to be. But although this is classified a PRN it has a massive amount of politics involved and unfortunately I’m not one for politics.
This story was set out fairly different to what I was used to in books. We spend the first ¼ of the book getting to know Jax Cassidy and how she came to be working for the LOST ops. The next portion of the book is focused on Marcus, our hot Vamp with a conscience, and a hero in every sense of the word. In between there is just a stack load of political mumbo jumbo, and then finally the last 20% is what really saved this book for me. Our hero and heroine came together to work together albeit on opposite side and for a different outcome, it was hard core action and some smoking romance.
This was also the first book I read where I felt, Jax our heroine was the more tortured sole of the bunch. Usually we are given fairy princess girls and dark tortured, not good for no one hero’s. But then in saying that, some of Jax’s issues were pretty easily glossed over when it became inconvenient for her to have them, which annoyed me to no end.
I enjoyed both our hero and heroine. Both were strong, loyal, sexy, and hardcore and had a major sizzle factor in and out of the bedroom. Together these two were unstoppable. I loved how both characters have a solid back story with no airy fairy bullshite. It’s straight down the line with these two.
The secondary characters were well written, giving us these lusty little sneak peeks into their stories and pasts that leaves you drooling for more of the LOST Team.
Will I read the next in the series? Yeah, why not! I’m a sucker for finishing something that I start.
.
This story was set out fairly different to what I was used to in books. We spend the first ¼ of the book getting to know Jax Cassidy and how she came to be working for the LOST ops. The next portion of the book is focused on Marcus, our hot Vamp with a conscience, and a hero in every sense of the word. In between there is just a stack load of political mumbo jumbo, and then finally the last 20% is what really saved this book for me. Our hero and heroine came together to work together albeit on opposite side and for a different outcome, it was hard core action and some smoking romance.
This was also the first book I read where I felt, Jax our heroine was the more tortured sole of the bunch. Usually we are given fairy princess girls and dark tortured, not good for no one hero’s. But then in saying that, some of Jax’s issues were pretty easily glossed over when it became inconvenient for her to have them, which annoyed me to no end.
I enjoyed both our hero and heroine. Both were strong, loyal, sexy, and hardcore and had a major sizzle factor in and out of the bedroom. Together these two were unstoppable. I loved how both characters have a solid back story with no airy fairy bullshite. It’s straight down the line with these two.
The secondary characters were well written, giving us these lusty little sneak peeks into their stories and pasts that leaves you drooling for more of the LOST Team.
Will I read the next in the series? Yeah, why not! I’m a sucker for finishing something that I start.
.
November 11, 2011
Posted on Under the Covers
Ex-cop Angela Giacomelli ‘s life is going to limited to a small prison cell. En route to her new home, she gets an unexpected surprise when an ambush takes her down an unfamiliar path, right into the arms of an organization called L.O.S.T – Last Option Special Team.
I absolutely loved this book! There were so many good things about it. First off, Harlow writes such compelling characters. Angela has her own demons to deal with. It’s her past that has made her a mouthy, take-no-shit woman who isn’t afraid of a brawl if needed. But instead, the L.O.S.T. don’t want to tame the wild Angela. They want her part of their team. This time, they allow her time to hone her skills as a cop and develop new ones to make her the new and improved Jax Cassidy.
Jax simply kicked ass. I loved her as a heroine and she was so smart throughout her entire operations while still being vulnerable and sexy. Then there’s Marcus Cross, who is the ultimate dream for the females. He’s got some military background, but it’s not his hard body and military mind that makes him stand out, it’s his supernatural strength and his ability to disappear at will that makes him the best.
The Godfather, who is the leader of L.O.S.T was also a great character. I’m very interested to read more of the other guys such as Dante, and mostly Gage Stone. He’s amazing and if Jax doesn’t want him, I’ll take him.
I loved the politics involved in the plot. The action was great, keeping me on the edge of my seat. This certainly isn’t your average paranormal romance. It kind of reminds me of Pamela Clare’s I-Team, with all the suspense with a touch of paranormal to make it that much more entertaining. Harlow should start a new romantic suspense series. I’d read it!!
Ex-cop Angela Giacomelli ‘s life is going to limited to a small prison cell. En route to her new home, she gets an unexpected surprise when an ambush takes her down an unfamiliar path, right into the arms of an organization called L.O.S.T – Last Option Special Team.
I absolutely loved this book! There were so many good things about it. First off, Harlow writes such compelling characters. Angela has her own demons to deal with. It’s her past that has made her a mouthy, take-no-shit woman who isn’t afraid of a brawl if needed. But instead, the L.O.S.T. don’t want to tame the wild Angela. They want her part of their team. This time, they allow her time to hone her skills as a cop and develop new ones to make her the new and improved Jax Cassidy.
Jax simply kicked ass. I loved her as a heroine and she was so smart throughout her entire operations while still being vulnerable and sexy. Then there’s Marcus Cross, who is the ultimate dream for the females. He’s got some military background, but it’s not his hard body and military mind that makes him stand out, it’s his supernatural strength and his ability to disappear at will that makes him the best.
The Godfather, who is the leader of L.O.S.T was also a great character. I’m very interested to read more of the other guys such as Dante, and mostly Gage Stone. He’s amazing and if Jax doesn’t want him, I’ll take him.
I loved the politics involved in the plot. The action was great, keeping me on the edge of my seat. This certainly isn’t your average paranormal romance. It kind of reminds me of Pamela Clare’s I-Team, with all the suspense with a touch of paranormal to make it that much more entertaining. Harlow should start a new romantic suspense series. I’d read it!!
June 1, 2010
Fast paced, action packed, and a love story between two tortured characters that's both passionate and emotional. I loved it! If you enjoy paranormals, Karin Harlow should be added to your auto-buy list.
May 24, 2010
Jax Cassidy has been given a second chance to make a difference in the world as a highly specialized assassin for the black ops team, L.O.S.T. Where only a necessary few within the U.S. government are even permitted to know of its existence, Last Option Special Team is a covert group of assassins so heavily and deeply buried that its members are literally walking ghosts amongst humanity. Those within the dark folds of its classified ranks are beings who harbor such intensely tragic pasts that they give thanks to seeing it all erased, becoming John and Jane Doe's.
Forced unwillingly into L.O.S.T. with wounds still fresh from their recent battering that ultimately had her on the path towards a life sentence in prison, Jax must first bare her soul to the standing operatives and recover from her destroyed strength of self or find her butt right back on her previous path. After six months of intense therapy and training, Jax hits the ground primed and ready to become a full-fledged working L.O.S.T. agent but her first assignment may prove to also be her last.
Led by a power-crazed fanatic, The Solution has breached its boundaries by destroying innocents along with the enemy. Regretting the weakness that led to his involvement with its leader, the frightening Colonel Lazarus, Senator Rowland is now shutting down the The Solution for good. However, little does he know that he's incurring the wrath of a thousand year old vampire as well as the vampires he commands and no one shuts down Colonel Lazarus. Sending out his best assassin, Marcus Cross, Lazarus will remind the senator who controls whom. Feeling the heat of the colonel's threat, Rowland calls upon L.O.S.T. to eliminate The Solution.
Marcus is a patriot, a solider who was given a second chance ten years ago by Colonel Lazarus to walk amongst humanity as an immortal after he was left for dead in Afghanistan. Believing in The Solution and what it stands for, Marcus has never questioned the colonel until now as a recent growing unrest builds within his dead heart. The colonel is becoming power hungry and Marcus can sense it but he owes the colonel his life and will complete his mission as long as it doesn't go against his own strict morals, however few in number they may be.
Like two freight trains on a collision course, Jax and Marcus collide with blistering heat as their lust for each other is immediate as it is combustible. Of course knowing that they each are the enemy, they circle one another testing for weaknesses while also managing to heighten their physical need and awareness. Unable to resist their primal urges, mouths and bodies clash passionately awakening Marcus's vampiric nature and thus unveiling his immortality. Ingesting his blood, Jax overflows with adrenaline that becomes life-saving on more than one occasion and while she quickly accepts what Marcus is, that doesn't mean that she'll choose to walk his immortal path.
Sensing his perfect assassin's weakness for Jax, Lazarus orchestrates the ultimate test for Marcus to once and for all prove his loyalties. But when it finally comes down to Marcus eliminating Jax - the first person and only woman to not only steal his heart but to also reignite his lost humanity, Marcus chooses to instead save her life by sacrificing his own.
My Thoughts:
While an entertaining read, ENEMY LOVER left me a bit for wanting. To be completely truthful, I think the novel would have excelled far greater if written as a straight contemporary or romantic suspense. The vampire plot for one wasn't introduced until after a quarter of the way into the novel and two, the paranormal world building isn't nearly on par with other paranormal novels currently on the market today. It was bizarre to say the least that new vampiric abilities were introduced almost at random, as though added in later for a more dramatic effect. More history, more in depth telling of Harlow's vampires would have made this reader much more happy and the story much more believable.
In addition, and I never thought I'd think this about a paranormal heroine, but Jax is simply too hardcore for my reading tastes. There is little to any softness or vulnerabilities to her despite the tragedies of her past which ultimately could have been played out much deeper within the plot as well as Jax's character building. Instead she's spastic, hasty and repeatedly puts her team at risk while knowing that they're in way above their heads. However, she does handle Marcus and the unveiling of his existence as a vampire exceedingly well. Jax is fearless in that respect plus her high voltage alpha nature requires a man who can far supersede her and who can do that better then a vampire? I'll also concede that I enjoyed Jax as a character in the last quarter. She became more humanized when a member of her team falls into the hands of Lazarus. From then on, I was rooting for Jax.
However, completely opposite from Jax, Marcus is everything one would desire in a hero. He's strong and capable. A protector of the innocent and the slayer of evil. Basically he's a man that any woman could trust with her safety while wrapped snugly within his arms. In addition, Marcus has more depth of character than Jax for his tragic past erupts painfully and repeatedly in his face during the course of ENEMY LOVER. No matter his thought that his humanity is long gone, it's instead very apparent that his humanity is rightfully in attendance but rather that he was perhaps hoping it was good and buried. It's easier to take lives that way. His resulting sacrifice of his own life for Jax solidifies Marcus as a true hero as well as one deserving of the title.
What I do admire about Harlow's debut is that despite my issues, its a strong launching point for her new series. All plot arcs were tied up nicely and the writing holds great promise for more to come. For paranormal readers yearning for something delicious to sink their teeth into while awaiting other more anticipated reads, ENEMY LOVER is one such morsel.
Forced unwillingly into L.O.S.T. with wounds still fresh from their recent battering that ultimately had her on the path towards a life sentence in prison, Jax must first bare her soul to the standing operatives and recover from her destroyed strength of self or find her butt right back on her previous path. After six months of intense therapy and training, Jax hits the ground primed and ready to become a full-fledged working L.O.S.T. agent but her first assignment may prove to also be her last.
Led by a power-crazed fanatic, The Solution has breached its boundaries by destroying innocents along with the enemy. Regretting the weakness that led to his involvement with its leader, the frightening Colonel Lazarus, Senator Rowland is now shutting down the The Solution for good. However, little does he know that he's incurring the wrath of a thousand year old vampire as well as the vampires he commands and no one shuts down Colonel Lazarus. Sending out his best assassin, Marcus Cross, Lazarus will remind the senator who controls whom. Feeling the heat of the colonel's threat, Rowland calls upon L.O.S.T. to eliminate The Solution.
Marcus is a patriot, a solider who was given a second chance ten years ago by Colonel Lazarus to walk amongst humanity as an immortal after he was left for dead in Afghanistan. Believing in The Solution and what it stands for, Marcus has never questioned the colonel until now as a recent growing unrest builds within his dead heart. The colonel is becoming power hungry and Marcus can sense it but he owes the colonel his life and will complete his mission as long as it doesn't go against his own strict morals, however few in number they may be.
Like two freight trains on a collision course, Jax and Marcus collide with blistering heat as their lust for each other is immediate as it is combustible. Of course knowing that they each are the enemy, they circle one another testing for weaknesses while also managing to heighten their physical need and awareness. Unable to resist their primal urges, mouths and bodies clash passionately awakening Marcus's vampiric nature and thus unveiling his immortality. Ingesting his blood, Jax overflows with adrenaline that becomes life-saving on more than one occasion and while she quickly accepts what Marcus is, that doesn't mean that she'll choose to walk his immortal path.
Sensing his perfect assassin's weakness for Jax, Lazarus orchestrates the ultimate test for Marcus to once and for all prove his loyalties. But when it finally comes down to Marcus eliminating Jax - the first person and only woman to not only steal his heart but to also reignite his lost humanity, Marcus chooses to instead save her life by sacrificing his own.
My Thoughts:
While an entertaining read, ENEMY LOVER left me a bit for wanting. To be completely truthful, I think the novel would have excelled far greater if written as a straight contemporary or romantic suspense. The vampire plot for one wasn't introduced until after a quarter of the way into the novel and two, the paranormal world building isn't nearly on par with other paranormal novels currently on the market today. It was bizarre to say the least that new vampiric abilities were introduced almost at random, as though added in later for a more dramatic effect. More history, more in depth telling of Harlow's vampires would have made this reader much more happy and the story much more believable.
In addition, and I never thought I'd think this about a paranormal heroine, but Jax is simply too hardcore for my reading tastes. There is little to any softness or vulnerabilities to her despite the tragedies of her past which ultimately could have been played out much deeper within the plot as well as Jax's character building. Instead she's spastic, hasty and repeatedly puts her team at risk while knowing that they're in way above their heads. However, she does handle Marcus and the unveiling of his existence as a vampire exceedingly well. Jax is fearless in that respect plus her high voltage alpha nature requires a man who can far supersede her and who can do that better then a vampire? I'll also concede that I enjoyed Jax as a character in the last quarter. She became more humanized when a member of her team falls into the hands of Lazarus. From then on, I was rooting for Jax.
However, completely opposite from Jax, Marcus is everything one would desire in a hero. He's strong and capable. A protector of the innocent and the slayer of evil. Basically he's a man that any woman could trust with her safety while wrapped snugly within his arms. In addition, Marcus has more depth of character than Jax for his tragic past erupts painfully and repeatedly in his face during the course of ENEMY LOVER. No matter his thought that his humanity is long gone, it's instead very apparent that his humanity is rightfully in attendance but rather that he was perhaps hoping it was good and buried. It's easier to take lives that way. His resulting sacrifice of his own life for Jax solidifies Marcus as a true hero as well as one deserving of the title.
What I do admire about Harlow's debut is that despite my issues, its a strong launching point for her new series. All plot arcs were tied up nicely and the writing holds great promise for more to come. For paranormal readers yearning for something delicious to sink their teeth into while awaiting other more anticipated reads, ENEMY LOVER is one such morsel.
August 18, 2011
I am currently kicking myself for owning this book for so long and allowing it to continuously get shifted around on my to be read pile. I absolutely loved it! Jax and Marcus are fantastic and they work so well together. They are the couple that you are cheering for the entire book. They have both been to the bottom of life, been so low they didn’t see an upside. Marcus and Jax both have extremely heartbreaking pasts. They have both been betrayed and abandoned by people who were supposed to care for them and protect them when needed. It’s their pasts that have led them to become the individuals they are when a job brings them together.
Jax’s new life gives her an opportunity to continue in her field of protecting and serving only now as a secret operative in L.O.S.T. I liked that the team was made up of unjustly terminated law enforcement officials. When the readers meet Jax she is on her way to prison. As an individual who some of those criminal in that correctional facility she knows she has a tough road ahead of her. Then she is offered a second chance, a chance to work with people just like her. Jax doesn’t trust. She’s been wronged in the worst ways that could ever happen to any individual. Jax is a fighter. She’s tough as nails and one of the most easily likeable kick ass heroines I’ve ever read. I typically get annoyed at the overly tough heroines. Jax totally rocks the don’t mess with me I can handle anything and still beat you down vibe.
Marcus had his life end all too quickly on the battlefield while protecting innocents. Protecting innocents is something that he has felt passionately about since he was a child. Marcus was given the choice of becoming a vampire in order to continue eliminating the world of evil and protecting innocents he didn’t hesitate. Then seven years into working for The Solution he finds this feisty female he can’t stop thinking about who seems to think he is the big evil that needs to be brought down. Marcus truly feels that he is doing the world a service by assassinating the individuals that make up his assignments. That is until Lazarus his maker tells him about his next target who happens to be what Marcus feels is an innocent and Lazarus just sees her as justifiable collateral damage.
Enemy Mine is non-stop action. Once I started reading this morning I COULDN’T stop. I read from breakfast through dinner. The pages just kept getting turned. I enjoyed Marcus and Jax’s love story. Jax had so much to overcome with trusting. Once these two finally came together they scorched the pages up. This book would be a perfect read for someone who loves romantic suspense and wants to give paranormal a try. The majority of Enemy Lover is paranormal light. The human characters far outnumber the Otherworld beings. This is also a world where the humans are unaware of the fact that there are other beings walking among them. I am eager to see where the L.O.S.T. team and their knowledge of the Otherworld take them in the future books of the series.
Jax’s new life gives her an opportunity to continue in her field of protecting and serving only now as a secret operative in L.O.S.T. I liked that the team was made up of unjustly terminated law enforcement officials. When the readers meet Jax she is on her way to prison. As an individual who some of those criminal in that correctional facility she knows she has a tough road ahead of her. Then she is offered a second chance, a chance to work with people just like her. Jax doesn’t trust. She’s been wronged in the worst ways that could ever happen to any individual. Jax is a fighter. She’s tough as nails and one of the most easily likeable kick ass heroines I’ve ever read. I typically get annoyed at the overly tough heroines. Jax totally rocks the don’t mess with me I can handle anything and still beat you down vibe.
Marcus had his life end all too quickly on the battlefield while protecting innocents. Protecting innocents is something that he has felt passionately about since he was a child. Marcus was given the choice of becoming a vampire in order to continue eliminating the world of evil and protecting innocents he didn’t hesitate. Then seven years into working for The Solution he finds this feisty female he can’t stop thinking about who seems to think he is the big evil that needs to be brought down. Marcus truly feels that he is doing the world a service by assassinating the individuals that make up his assignments. That is until Lazarus his maker tells him about his next target who happens to be what Marcus feels is an innocent and Lazarus just sees her as justifiable collateral damage.
Enemy Mine is non-stop action. Once I started reading this morning I COULDN’T stop. I read from breakfast through dinner. The pages just kept getting turned. I enjoyed Marcus and Jax’s love story. Jax had so much to overcome with trusting. Once these two finally came together they scorched the pages up. This book would be a perfect read for someone who loves romantic suspense and wants to give paranormal a try. The majority of Enemy Lover is paranormal light. The human characters far outnumber the Otherworld beings. This is also a world where the humans are unaware of the fact that there are other beings walking among them. I am eager to see where the L.O.S.T. team and their knowledge of the Otherworld take them in the future books of the series.
October 21, 2010
My thoughts:
Something that is always nice to find in this genre is an original plot and Enemy Lover has it. A lot of set up at the beginning but then the story starts moving and is filled with action, suspense, angst, distrust, deception & betrayal, sexual tension and some pretty hawt love scenes.
Tight storyline that is straightforward and flows well with a natural dialogue set in today’s world. Harlow just needs a bit more work on her MC’s imo. Which is why this gets a 3 ½ stars from me because I am major into the characters before anything else.
Both characters are strong and unpredictable. The hero, Marcus, has more depth then the heroine, Jax, and I would of liked to see more from his POV but they are well matched for each other. Jax’s past was pretty solid, if somewhat brutal, but she lost her complexity when they came to present time. She was cold & distrustful at first and then all of the sudden she was all hot and in love with Marcus. There’s no denying the combustible lust & attraction but love? Didn’t get much emotion & reasons as to the change of heart, just seemed to happen a little too drastically. Especially considering her major, but understandable, trust & touching issues. But even though I found her lacking there she is still a strong, loyal and kick-ass heroine. Where as Marcus’ feelings are a natural progression and don’t seemed forced. He is a def. hot hero, very deep, honorable, driven and just rawr. LoL Just being a special ops sniper is hotness in itself imo. So good background pick on that Ms. Harlow! ;)
With the ending I’m not sure how these characters are going to be seen in other installments, and it didn’t fit with what was represented as the L.O.S.T. team in the beginning of the book. So that was a little odd and disappointing. It also seemed too brief and wrapped up quickly. Still, I am very interested in some of the side characters that are introduced here, especially the mysterious Godfather.
Not as intense as most paranormal romance reads, more of a romantic suspense with a dab of the paranormal (vampires) but it’s a good start to the series with a lot of potential and an interesting read. It kept me captivated and I finished it within two days. Which is my norm for books that don’t bore me even a little. LoL
Newly titled Enemy Mine is the second book in the L.O.S.T. series; you can find the blurb HERE. Sounds good!
Find out more about L.O.S.T. HERE. Karin also writes under the name Karin Tabke.
Something that is always nice to find in this genre is an original plot and Enemy Lover has it. A lot of set up at the beginning but then the story starts moving and is filled with action, suspense, angst, distrust, deception & betrayal, sexual tension and some pretty hawt love scenes.
Tight storyline that is straightforward and flows well with a natural dialogue set in today’s world. Harlow just needs a bit more work on her MC’s imo. Which is why this gets a 3 ½ stars from me because I am major into the characters before anything else.
Both characters are strong and unpredictable. The hero, Marcus, has more depth then the heroine, Jax, and I would of liked to see more from his POV but they are well matched for each other. Jax’s past was pretty solid, if somewhat brutal, but she lost her complexity when they came to present time. She was cold & distrustful at first and then all of the sudden she was all hot and in love with Marcus. There’s no denying the combustible lust & attraction but love? Didn’t get much emotion & reasons as to the change of heart, just seemed to happen a little too drastically. Especially considering her major, but understandable, trust & touching issues. But even though I found her lacking there she is still a strong, loyal and kick-ass heroine. Where as Marcus’ feelings are a natural progression and don’t seemed forced. He is a def. hot hero, very deep, honorable, driven and just rawr. LoL Just being a special ops sniper is hotness in itself imo. So good background pick on that Ms. Harlow! ;)
With the ending I’m not sure how these characters are going to be seen in other installments, and it didn’t fit with what was represented as the L.O.S.T. team in the beginning of the book. So that was a little odd and disappointing. It also seemed too brief and wrapped up quickly. Still, I am very interested in some of the side characters that are introduced here, especially the mysterious Godfather.
Not as intense as most paranormal romance reads, more of a romantic suspense with a dab of the paranormal (vampires) but it’s a good start to the series with a lot of potential and an interesting read. It kept me captivated and I finished it within two days. Which is my norm for books that don’t bore me even a little. LoL
Newly titled Enemy Mine is the second book in the L.O.S.T. series; you can find the blurb HERE. Sounds good!
Find out more about L.O.S.T. HERE. Karin also writes under the name Karin Tabke.
November 28, 2010
Enemy Lover follows the evolving romance of covert agent Jax Cassidy and vampire operative Marcus Cross, who start out (as the title suggests!) on opposite sides of a conflict involving a U.S. Senator's reelection (that represents a huge oversimplification of the conflict, by the by!). Jax Cassidy intrigued me from the start--the book starts with her story. An ex-cop gone bad after being horribly assaulted and abandoned by her the other boys in blue, she is busted from prison by government agents who retrain her into a top secret operative. She was smart and sharp-tongued and full of fire, and I liked her right away. Marcus Cross, only 7 years a vampire, was turned after a fatal combat injury by one of the world's oldest vampires, who wanted him as an operative in an ultra-patriotic organization bent on protecting U.S. interests (as defined by said ancient vamp, natch) at all costs.
Their initials meetings in the book set the pages on fire, so full are they of unresolved sexual tension. And while the remaining sexual encounters are good, they're not great. Generally, the author doesn't use later sex scenes to continue to ratchet up sexual tension. Instead, towards the end, she's more or less fading to black after the paragraph that gets them in bed. Now, there was so much going on in this book in terms of the warring organizations' plot line that she had no need for sex for sex's sake. But some of the initial acts were so hot that I expected that heat level to be maintained or increased throughout (the kissing in the cafe, for example, was molten). She also took what seemed to be raw chemistry and lust between them and turned it emotional very fast, perhaps too fast, between the characters. The first time they had sex, Marcus is promising and taunting that it's gonna be hard and fast and brutal and raw, but then he completely switches gears and is soft and gentle. You understand why, in the context, but it was just too fast of changing gears to be fully satisfying.
The book is set up to have sequels that will make the vampires and their conflicts even more central to the future plot, and that will make the books even more interesting. The most intriguing parts of Enemy Lover to me were when vampires were involved. But it takes a while before the paranormal element is introduced in this book. I think the book's hook would've been strengthened if she could've introduced it sooner.
Definitely enjoyed and recommend.
Their initials meetings in the book set the pages on fire, so full are they of unresolved sexual tension. And while the remaining sexual encounters are good, they're not great. Generally, the author doesn't use later sex scenes to continue to ratchet up sexual tension. Instead, towards the end, she's more or less fading to black after the paragraph that gets them in bed. Now, there was so much going on in this book in terms of the warring organizations' plot line that she had no need for sex for sex's sake. But some of the initial acts were so hot that I expected that heat level to be maintained or increased throughout (the kissing in the cafe, for example, was molten). She also took what seemed to be raw chemistry and lust between them and turned it emotional very fast, perhaps too fast, between the characters. The first time they had sex, Marcus is promising and taunting that it's gonna be hard and fast and brutal and raw, but then he completely switches gears and is soft and gentle. You understand why, in the context, but it was just too fast of changing gears to be fully satisfying.
The book is set up to have sequels that will make the vampires and their conflicts even more central to the future plot, and that will make the books even more interesting. The most intriguing parts of Enemy Lover to me were when vampires were involved. But it takes a while before the paranormal element is introduced in this book. I think the book's hook would've been strengthened if she could've introduced it sooner.
Definitely enjoyed and recommend.
September 7, 2011
high 4 stars (rounded up). I really enjoyed this book. okay great - it's another book about vampires. Another book about spec ops teams. Another book about a kick-ass heroine. Another book with a super hot supernatural hero. So what makes this book so great? Well, all of the above of course! Plus a pretty interesting plot. Angela Giacomelli, a BCPD detective, is sentenced to 20 years after killing a felon that escapes the justice system. On her way to the correctional facility, she is broken out and asked to join an elite group of spec ops fighters, L.O.S.T. (Last Option Special Team). Her identity is wiped and she becomes Jax Cassidy. As an operative, she uses her skills, intelligence, and beauty to take down her marks. But her next mark, Marcus Cross, is the right-hand man of Colonel Lazarus, the leader of the Solution. Outwardly the Solution and L.O.S.T. seem to have the same goals - right the wrongs of the world, defeat terrorism and any attacks against the might of the United States. They come into conflict when COL Lazarus' funding is cut off by Senator Rowland. COL Lazarus threatens the Senator and the Senator calls in L.O.S.T. to assist.
Jax must use her feminine wiles to attract Marcus so she can infiltrate the Solution and earn an audience with the elusive Colonel and take him out - and any of his operatives that get in her way. Jax is the perfect woman for the job until she realizes that Marcus and Lazarus are both vampires and she is in over her head.
I usually don't like first books in series and I usually don't like the heroines. I REALLY liked Jax and I really liked this book. Jax was tough, skilled, and she really holds her own as the first female L.O.S.T. operative. Yes, she has some history she has to get past, but it isn't drawn out and doesn't overwhelm her character. She deals. She is very competent and professional. She reminds me a lot of Eve from the In Death series which I just read two days ago. Two great heroines in as many days. Very exciting!
Now Marcus - I expected to like Marcus and I was not disappointed. He's everything a good vamp should be. Sexy, mysterious, and extremely powerful. Also, broody. Broody is a must.
Based on this first book, I recommend this series. I like the writing style - it's fast paced and I enjoy 3rd person POV to get an understanding of all the characters' motives. Can't wait to read book 2.
Jax must use her feminine wiles to attract Marcus so she can infiltrate the Solution and earn an audience with the elusive Colonel and take him out - and any of his operatives that get in her way. Jax is the perfect woman for the job until she realizes that Marcus and Lazarus are both vampires and she is in over her head.
I usually don't like first books in series and I usually don't like the heroines. I REALLY liked Jax and I really liked this book. Jax was tough, skilled, and she really holds her own as the first female L.O.S.T. operative. Yes, she has some history she has to get past, but it isn't drawn out and doesn't overwhelm her character. She deals. She is very competent and professional. She reminds me a lot of Eve from the In Death series which I just read two days ago. Two great heroines in as many days. Very exciting!
Now Marcus - I expected to like Marcus and I was not disappointed. He's everything a good vamp should be. Sexy, mysterious, and extremely powerful. Also, broody. Broody is a must.
Based on this first book, I recommend this series. I like the writing style - it's fast paced and I enjoy 3rd person POV to get an understanding of all the characters' motives. Can't wait to read book 2.
November 14, 2011
Between 3 and 3.5 stars - I liked this book... but I didn't love it.
Overall, Harlow spun an interesting tale of paranormal romantic suspense involving a kick-a$$ yet emotionally traumatized heroine who's given a second lease on life and a sexy "powerful" vampire assassin of questionable morals who works for a secret government organization gone rogue.
Initially, I was really liking the story - Jax's character background was quite fascinating and I wish we could have seen more of her transformation and healing process after she was brought into L.O.S.T. Marcus also had an interesting background, and the circumstances under which he was turned into a vampire would have made an intriguing prologue IMO. There were a few great moments between Jax and Marcus - I really liked how Marcus handled their first "interlude" given Jax's traumatic past - but often I found their chemistry fell a bit flat. I do wish we were given more insight into the other L.O.S.T. operatives, especially since they figure largely in the rest of the series.
The story dragged a bit in the middle for me and, I confess, I did skim a bit until the action picked up again near the end. One thing that I didn't really like about this story was how the vampires were so invested in the day-to-day American (and to some the extent the world's) politics - not for their personal frivolities but because they were "patriots". In most paranormal stories involving vampires and other creatures of the night, these immortal guys hold themselves above the trivial happenings of the human world... and, well frankly, they are possessed of superior attributes so why shouldn't they? I guess I just found it a bit hard to swallow that the vampires should care about patriotism so much. Personally, I think this story would have worked better as a straight romantic suspense, or with Solution guys who were genetically enhanced (from military experiments perhaps) as the paranormal element.
Overall, Harlow spun an interesting tale of paranormal romantic suspense involving a kick-a$$ yet emotionally traumatized heroine who's given a second lease on life and a sexy "powerful" vampire assassin of questionable morals who works for a secret government organization gone rogue.
Initially, I was really liking the story - Jax's character background was quite fascinating and I wish we could have seen more of her transformation and healing process after she was brought into L.O.S.T. Marcus also had an interesting background, and the circumstances under which he was turned into a vampire would have made an intriguing prologue IMO. There were a few great moments between Jax and Marcus - I really liked how Marcus handled their first "interlude" given Jax's traumatic past - but often I found their chemistry fell a bit flat. I do wish we were given more insight into the other L.O.S.T. operatives, especially since they figure largely in the rest of the series.
The story dragged a bit in the middle for me and, I confess, I did skim a bit until the action picked up again near the end. One thing that I didn't really like about this story was how the vampires were so invested in the day-to-day American (and to some the extent the world's) politics - not for their personal frivolities but because they were "patriots". In most paranormal stories involving vampires and other creatures of the night, these immortal guys hold themselves above the trivial happenings of the human world... and, well frankly, they are possessed of superior attributes so why shouldn't they? I guess I just found it a bit hard to swallow that the vampires should care about patriotism so much. Personally, I think this story would have worked better as a straight romantic suspense, or with Solution guys who were genetically enhanced (from military experiments perhaps) as the paranormal element.
September 6, 2018
I liked Jax. She was a sassy smart mouth who just didn’t know when to quit, but she grew on me over the course of the story. She had smarts, but it was her compassion that got me. To survive what she did and come out stronger for it, while maintaining empathy, spoke a lot about her character. I also enjoyed her dynamics with her team and boss, Godfather.
I even warmed up to Marcus, mostly because his rescue moments and his surprisingly marshmallow personality. He was a vampire assassin, but probably could have passed for Lucifer’s twin for his devilishly good looks. He’s passionate about his cause of patriotism, but is starting to lose his way. However, Marcus didn’t seem as well developed as Jax. I liked him, but he didn’t explode from the pages like Jax did.
The romance was okay. Marcus and Jax came across as friendly adversaries rather than passionate couple-even with bedroom animation-but the dynamics fell flat on emotional intimacy.
Crossed (originally released as Enemy Lover) was an interesting mix of political conspiracy, romance, gritty moments, and weirdly generated paranormal moments. I liked some aspects of the story, but I mostly struggled to get through it. It was sometimes grittier than I expected. The first few chapters were difficult to get through partly because of the disturbing descriptions of Jax’s attack. Otherwise I found myself skimming the story, searching for the implied adrenaline kick, and getting frustrated when the ‘aha’ moment come early on. Also, aside from cliched abilities, the vampire thread felt forced, like Tabke needed something to keep the (lacking) momentum going. The plot may have worked better as a political, suspense thriller, instead of the mish-mosh elements overwhelming the plot.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I even warmed up to Marcus, mostly because his rescue moments and his surprisingly marshmallow personality. He was a vampire assassin, but probably could have passed for Lucifer’s twin for his devilishly good looks. He’s passionate about his cause of patriotism, but is starting to lose his way. However, Marcus didn’t seem as well developed as Jax. I liked him, but he didn’t explode from the pages like Jax did.
The romance was okay. Marcus and Jax came across as friendly adversaries rather than passionate couple-even with bedroom animation-but the dynamics fell flat on emotional intimacy.
Crossed (originally released as Enemy Lover) was an interesting mix of political conspiracy, romance, gritty moments, and weirdly generated paranormal moments. I liked some aspects of the story, but I mostly struggled to get through it. It was sometimes grittier than I expected. The first few chapters were difficult to get through partly because of the disturbing descriptions of Jax’s attack. Otherwise I found myself skimming the story, searching for the implied adrenaline kick, and getting frustrated when the ‘aha’ moment come early on. Also, aside from cliched abilities, the vampire thread felt forced, like Tabke needed something to keep the (lacking) momentum going. The plot may have worked better as a political, suspense thriller, instead of the mish-mosh elements overwhelming the plot.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 21, 2025
Jax has overcome a horrendous trauma and following betrayal. Once she was a cop, then she was a victim, then she was a criminal. He life as she knew it was over…before she was given a chance at another life. Adopted into a spy organization aiming to provide protection to high-ranking officials, Jax found a new home and slowly but surely, she begins to trust again.
Marcus has had his own trauma and betrayal. Starting with his mother who abandoned him – a half breed love child – then when he was again abandoned by his platoon in war. Now, he’s found a new life – an immortal one, as a vampire. He’s lonely sure, but he has his master/boss and he’s very very good at what he does. Which is kill people.
When they meet on opposing sides of the spy world, the attraction is instantaneous. With Jax struggling with her growing feelings towards the secret and dangerous vampire and also with her mission to infiltrate his organization to kill his boss. But when it becomes clear that they feelings for each other outweighs the good soldier mentality, they need to relay upon each other to survive.
What a boring book. It’s deceptive as it’s written with the intention of being a spy/assassin/action thriller but the plot was subpar and completely uneventful. Jax was a horrid character who would never make it mentally in the profession she’s chosen as she’s way too emotional and a piss poor liar. Marcus was okay but he was led by his dick too much, which is again why he wouldn’t make it as a spy either in the real world. Also – why was he a vampire? It was so strange because it was very much an espionage thriller for the most part, then randomly the hero is a vampire. It didn’t have a lot to do with the plot. The chemistry was lackluster, the characters a bore and the hodge podge writing style made it hard to commit.
Marcus has had his own trauma and betrayal. Starting with his mother who abandoned him – a half breed love child – then when he was again abandoned by his platoon in war. Now, he’s found a new life – an immortal one, as a vampire. He’s lonely sure, but he has his master/boss and he’s very very good at what he does. Which is kill people.
When they meet on opposing sides of the spy world, the attraction is instantaneous. With Jax struggling with her growing feelings towards the secret and dangerous vampire and also with her mission to infiltrate his organization to kill his boss. But when it becomes clear that they feelings for each other outweighs the good soldier mentality, they need to relay upon each other to survive.
What a boring book. It’s deceptive as it’s written with the intention of being a spy/assassin/action thriller but the plot was subpar and completely uneventful. Jax was a horrid character who would never make it mentally in the profession she’s chosen as she’s way too emotional and a piss poor liar. Marcus was okay but he was led by his dick too much, which is again why he wouldn’t make it as a spy either in the real world. Also – why was he a vampire? It was so strange because it was very much an espionage thriller for the most part, then randomly the hero is a vampire. It didn’t have a lot to do with the plot. The chemistry was lackluster, the characters a bore and the hodge podge writing style made it hard to commit.
January 23, 2016
This was a very good start to the series created by the author... It showcases a premise that has been used before but the main difference for me was the fact that I immediately connected with the main female and male leads... There are many strong book characters that over the years I have grown to love after reading 2-6 or more stories with them in the forefront, with
I have to say have found 2 more to add to my list of characters to want more reading time with... Jax Cassidy and Marcus Cross touched my imagination and I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for the next couple Nikko Cruz and Selena Guererro when Enemy Mine L.O.S.T. book #2 comes out in August....
I think that author Karin Harlow AKA Karin Tabke has created a good list of different genres for all types of readers and in looking over her back list under both names have put both her Blood Sword Legacy series and her first book in her Blood Moon Trilogy on my wish to read list!
I have to say have found 2 more to add to my list of characters to want more reading time with... Jax Cassidy and Marcus Cross touched my imagination and I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for the next couple Nikko Cruz and Selena Guererro when Enemy Mine L.O.S.T. book #2 comes out in August....I think that author Karin Harlow AKA Karin Tabke has created a good list of different genres for all types of readers and in looking over her back list under both names have put both her Blood Sword Legacy series and her first book in her Blood Moon Trilogy on my wish to read list!
May 31, 2010
Jax Cassidy works for an organization known as L.O.S.T. otherwise known as Last Option Special Team. Jax has been assigned the task of taking out and eliminating Senator Joseph Lazarus. To get to Senator Lazarus, she will first have to go through Marcus Cross.
Marcus Cross is a trained sniper, who used to be Special Ops. Marcus was left for dead n the desert but was given a second change at a new life, when he met Lazarus. Lazarus is a very powerful vampire and Marcus’s maker. Lazarus heads up a group called The Solution. The Solution’s mission is to run the White House.
Jax knows she has this task under control. Though, she never expected to experience such strong feelings towards Marcus.
Enemy Lover is dark, sensual, and a sin to read…it is so good! The way Jax and Marcus interacted with each other was like a hot, salsa dance. Jax is one strong woman, who is not afraid to kick some butt. My only issue is that she seemed to fall for Marcus pretty quickly. Of course, though I can’t blame her as he is easy on the eyes. This book packed quite a punch. The vampires in this book were more like humans. This is a quick read.
Enemy Lover falls more into the urban fantasy category. So if you like more kick in your books, then you should check out this book. Enemy Lover will make you want one of your own. Karin Harlow has no where to go but up!
Marcus Cross is a trained sniper, who used to be Special Ops. Marcus was left for dead n the desert but was given a second change at a new life, when he met Lazarus. Lazarus is a very powerful vampire and Marcus’s maker. Lazarus heads up a group called The Solution. The Solution’s mission is to run the White House.
Jax knows she has this task under control. Though, she never expected to experience such strong feelings towards Marcus.
Enemy Lover is dark, sensual, and a sin to read…it is so good! The way Jax and Marcus interacted with each other was like a hot, salsa dance. Jax is one strong woman, who is not afraid to kick some butt. My only issue is that she seemed to fall for Marcus pretty quickly. Of course, though I can’t blame her as he is easy on the eyes. This book packed quite a punch. The vampires in this book were more like humans. This is a quick read.
Enemy Lover falls more into the urban fantasy category. So if you like more kick in your books, then you should check out this book. Enemy Lover will make you want one of your own. Karin Harlow has no where to go but up!
March 5, 2011
This is a new author for me and I had heard terrific things about this book. It is a dark story about Jax Cassidy, a convicted murderer and now black ops agent for a super secret covert agency run by Mr. Black aka Godfather. Jax is tagged to take out suspected hit man Marcus, our hero, who just happens to be a vampire. Fun ensues and joy is spread throughout the world......NOT!!! This is a very gritty book and there's not a lot of hilarity in the story. I didn't expect a light read from what I gathered from word of mouth, and this is not for the faint of heart. The violence was actually more graphic than the sex, which was surprising, considering some of the prior dialogue of the characters. The realistic dialogue between the characters was actually one of the better parts of the book.
I did enjoy this book, although the body count of the characters I wanted to get to know better was high. However, it does contain vampires, so anything is possible. The heroine was kick ass, which I am always a fan of, and the hero was dark and all vampy with vivid blue eyes, yum. The cast of secondaries was very intriguing, especially the other agents of L.O.S.T. (the covert agency). I will absolutely follow this series.
I did enjoy this book, although the body count of the characters I wanted to get to know better was high. However, it does contain vampires, so anything is possible. The heroine was kick ass, which I am always a fan of, and the hero was dark and all vampy with vivid blue eyes, yum. The cast of secondaries was very intriguing, especially the other agents of L.O.S.T. (the covert agency). I will absolutely follow this series.
April 28, 2012
Ok, I freely admit I don't particularly care for dark, grim doom and gloom tales. I also freely admit I bought it because of the cover, mainly, though the story did sound interesting. I should have followed my practice of skimming and sampling before purchase - I probably would have left it behind then.
So our h is a rape victim, and while she's still having (some) contact issues right up until tab a enters slot b, a rousting good orgasm courtesy of the magic penis cures everything. Reality check; it's gonna take more than 1 steamy night to stop making her flinch, even if it's just mentally.
And for the first half of the book, the author kept getting the characters mixed up.
Purple prose does not belong in a contemporary PNR suspense. Really - her waiting wantonness?
Over-utilizing the humble period and under-utilizing the comma leads to some weird sentences that don't make sense. (and some broken sentences).
And the biggie? The H/h spent 3/4 of the book playing each other. Then, when he found out she lied to him, he took her side (of course, his boss was lying through his teeth too but still...)
So our h is a rape victim, and while she's still having (some) contact issues right up until tab a enters slot b, a rousting good orgasm courtesy of the magic penis cures everything. Reality check; it's gonna take more than 1 steamy night to stop making her flinch, even if it's just mentally.
And for the first half of the book, the author kept getting the characters mixed up.
Purple prose does not belong in a contemporary PNR suspense. Really - her waiting wantonness?
Over-utilizing the humble period and under-utilizing the comma leads to some weird sentences that don't make sense. (and some broken sentences).
And the biggie? The H/h spent 3/4 of the book playing each other. Then, when he found out she lied to him, he took her side (of course, his boss was lying through his teeth too but still...)
August 21, 2011
5 solid stars, can't wait for the next book!!!!
And mind as well another .5 star for the cover, geez. I was very close to drooling seeing the cuts on those abs and southward dips, shamelessly lickable. They have truly found the perfect Marcus Cross...SOLD!
Anywho, here are my takes. READ IT, it's packed with action from beginning to the end. I can't help but felt a tinge of True Blood...on crack. The fight scenes, the torture chambers, the teamwork, the passion were so painfully & beautifully written. Then there's the romance, can two top operatives from opposing teams, The Solution and LOST, trust each other enough to open their hearts, souls and any risks? Since I'm comparing, Jax=Bella+Eve and Marcus=Edward+Roarke...yeah...perfect!
Loved it, can you tell? Oh, to my friends who love soldiers, Pansy & Lan-Dinh, Marcus was a soldier turned vampire and nothing stood on his way when it came to protecting his country. Good start huh? until he questioned some of his missions, his soullest heart & mind and humanity when another player, Jax, intercepted his mark. Little coniving minx...
And mind as well another .5 star for the cover, geez. I was very close to drooling seeing the cuts on those abs and southward dips, shamelessly lickable. They have truly found the perfect Marcus Cross...SOLD!
Anywho, here are my takes. READ IT, it's packed with action from beginning to the end. I can't help but felt a tinge of True Blood...on crack. The fight scenes, the torture chambers, the teamwork, the passion were so painfully & beautifully written. Then there's the romance, can two top operatives from opposing teams, The Solution and LOST, trust each other enough to open their hearts, souls and any risks? Since I'm comparing, Jax=Bella+Eve and Marcus=Edward+Roarke...yeah...perfect!
Loved it, can you tell? Oh, to my friends who love soldiers, Pansy & Lan-Dinh, Marcus was a soldier turned vampire and nothing stood on his way when it came to protecting his country. Good start huh? until he questioned some of his missions, his soullest heart & mind and humanity when another player, Jax, intercepted his mark. Little coniving minx...
September 6, 2011
Overall, 3.5 stars...not the best vamp paranormal series I've ever read. But I am curious to read the rest. I liked the heroine Jax and the hero Marcus, but would have loved to seen more development into their relationship. First books are hard, esp in the world-building aspect, so I'll give the next one a shot and see how the author expands on this series.
November 11, 2020
The suspension of disbelief is almost a given when you are reading books like 'Crossed', but there are limits, and this book crosses the line.
Angela Celeste Giacomelli, former cop and currently Inmate 24-417-9327 is about to start a sentence for murder. She's innocent of course, set up by her own police teammates.
And then, she is sprung from the prison bus and brought into the fold of L.O.S.T. (Last Option Special Team), headed by The Godfather, a US government black ops squad. She's patched up, given a new identity (Jax Cassidy) and joins a squad of equally damaged but deadly operatives.
OK, I can live with that ... but it turns out that L.O.S.T. is also battling against The Solution, another black ops squad which does whatever the hell it wants.
And, did I mention the vampire....?
For the love of God could Karin Tabke please pick a strand and stick with it.
It's well written but, for me, unreadable.
Angela Celeste Giacomelli, former cop and currently Inmate 24-417-9327 is about to start a sentence for murder. She's innocent of course, set up by her own police teammates.
And then, she is sprung from the prison bus and brought into the fold of L.O.S.T. (Last Option Special Team), headed by The Godfather, a US government black ops squad. She's patched up, given a new identity (Jax Cassidy) and joins a squad of equally damaged but deadly operatives.
OK, I can live with that ... but it turns out that L.O.S.T. is also battling against The Solution, another black ops squad which does whatever the hell it wants.
And, did I mention the vampire....?
For the love of God could Karin Tabke please pick a strand and stick with it.
It's well written but, for me, unreadable.
July 27, 2021
A different take on vampires but the storyline & plot were well developed.
Enter Jax, a mentally unstable felon after being brutally attacked. Who used to use her body as a weapon but can’t stand anyone to barely touch her now except Marcus.
Enter Marcus, a self deprecating vampire who’s longed for his humanity for the past 7 years. And Jax elicits feelings in him even neither can comprehend.
She doesn’t wanna be a vampire but loves the perks (heightened senses, strong, fast, etc).
Together they to try play each other in a game of cat and mouse while both attempt to hold the upper hand in the battle of love.
Enter Jax, a mentally unstable felon after being brutally attacked. Who used to use her body as a weapon but can’t stand anyone to barely touch her now except Marcus.
Enter Marcus, a self deprecating vampire who’s longed for his humanity for the past 7 years. And Jax elicits feelings in him even neither can comprehend.
She doesn’t wanna be a vampire but loves the perks (heightened senses, strong, fast, etc).
Together they to try play each other in a game of cat and mouse while both attempt to hold the upper hand in the battle of love.
July 31, 2022
I really liked this and will probably read the rest of the series. There were just some odd things that didn't mesh from one page to the next and it felt like the author's political preferences were coming through, which left a sour taste in my mouth.
April 25, 2024
This book was hard to get through. I almost DNF’d a couple of times due to lack of imagination, racist undertones, and just general boredom. I should have known since I got it from the clearance section.
June 13, 2018
I really don't know where to begin on this one. I absolutely loved the twist in this.
August 12, 2019
This was my first book by this author. The synopsis was entertaining enough, however, I had many stops and goes while reading this book. The plot was slow in several places, but the characters were pleasant enough for me to finally finish the book.
June 9, 2010
I was really apprehensive when asked to read Enemy Lover by Karin Harlow. Not because it's her debut novel in her new paranormal romance L.O.S.T. series, but because it didn't actually seem like something I'd be into by the blurb on the back cover. Boy was I wrong. It's directly right up my alley.
Jax Cassidy is a newly converted member of the Last Option Special Team. Chosen by the Godfather for her skills and ability to survive and adapt to her situation, it's been six months since she was inducted. At first, her all male team were unsure about the feisty little female, but their tune quickly changes after Cassidy's trial mission. She's been turned in to a femme fatal killing machine. With a small frame, beautiful face, and brains to boot, all in which help her to quickly make short work of all her marks.
Colonel Lazarus is the leader of Ny Verden, or New World coven, the most powerful vampire coven on earth. He's also the leader of The Solution. They are another organization much like L.O.S.T., searching for, then eliminating enemies of the state. However, Lazarus uses it for his own personal gain to power. He has high hopes that he will be climbing his way all the way to the top of control in The White House through Senator William Rowland. Lazarus uses Senator Rowland to gain funds and information for The Solution, but Senator Rowland has had enough of The Solutions tactics. Lazarus's message has always been about patriotism, but his methods are turning to terrorism and is causing more problems for the US than he solves.
Lazarus's number one operative is Marcus Cross. Changed by Lazarus seven years ago after he was left for dead in Afghanistan, Marcus has become the ultimate killing weapon. Already a soldier before, his vapirism gives him even more of an edge with his vision that rivals a hawk, his sense of smell that is as keen as a wolfs, and his strength of that of a cobra. Add to that, being able to disappear at will and taking the shape of any victim he's drained and you get someone truly frightening... unless your Jax Cassidy.
L.O.S.T. 's next mission is simple: After Rowland stops funding The Solution, Lazarus is royally pissed off and starts to take it out on Rowland's family. So he calls the Godfather for help, and the Godfather knows that Cassidy is just the girl for the job. Her mission is to infiltrate The Solution at all costs and take out Lazarus and his operatives, but she's going to have to go through the charmingly sexy Marcus Cross first.
Enemy Lover is a paranormal romance with multiple person points of view. (Think J.R.Ward's BDB series) It's world is ignorant to the beasties that walk amongst them and as of now, only vampires have been revealed to it's readers. Enemy Lover is slow to start with it's introduction to the world, and L.O.S.T, but taken the complexity of the story that Harlow has created, it's only to be expected. She sets up the world and introduces characters at lighting speed. I must confess that I actually got lost (haha) in the beginning trying to figure out just who everyone was. However, once I did, the story became addicting, and the pace picked up quite nicely. Also, the story in Enemy Lover got quite dark at times and had a more urban fantasy feel to it, which is why I think I was so pleasantly surprised. One would have never known by it's cover.
Cassidy is damaged, unpredictable and stubborn. She fights for what she believes in and is learning to put her trust in others. Marcus is the Alpha male, cocky at times, but rightly so and not so much that your irritated, but instead making him more endearing. Together they explode on the page not with just hot smexn' and passion, but intense love. However, Harlow's heroine and hero have both been plagued with uneasy times and with an even harder life. While I know authors use certain story plots to help shape their characters, I really wish she didn't take the road she did with Cassidy. She showed with Marcus just how easily it could of been to take another route, but as authors so often do, she used the use of sensitive subjects to turn Cassidy into a much harder heroine. I'm hoping, though, that's the last we see of it in this series, because Enemy Lover was a wonderful read. I'm looking forward to more from Harlow and what she has in store for her L.O.S.T. series.
Jax Cassidy is a newly converted member of the Last Option Special Team. Chosen by the Godfather for her skills and ability to survive and adapt to her situation, it's been six months since she was inducted. At first, her all male team were unsure about the feisty little female, but their tune quickly changes after Cassidy's trial mission. She's been turned in to a femme fatal killing machine. With a small frame, beautiful face, and brains to boot, all in which help her to quickly make short work of all her marks.
Colonel Lazarus is the leader of Ny Verden, or New World coven, the most powerful vampire coven on earth. He's also the leader of The Solution. They are another organization much like L.O.S.T., searching for, then eliminating enemies of the state. However, Lazarus uses it for his own personal gain to power. He has high hopes that he will be climbing his way all the way to the top of control in The White House through Senator William Rowland. Lazarus uses Senator Rowland to gain funds and information for The Solution, but Senator Rowland has had enough of The Solutions tactics. Lazarus's message has always been about patriotism, but his methods are turning to terrorism and is causing more problems for the US than he solves.
Lazarus's number one operative is Marcus Cross. Changed by Lazarus seven years ago after he was left for dead in Afghanistan, Marcus has become the ultimate killing weapon. Already a soldier before, his vapirism gives him even more of an edge with his vision that rivals a hawk, his sense of smell that is as keen as a wolfs, and his strength of that of a cobra. Add to that, being able to disappear at will and taking the shape of any victim he's drained and you get someone truly frightening... unless your Jax Cassidy.
L.O.S.T. 's next mission is simple: After Rowland stops funding The Solution, Lazarus is royally pissed off and starts to take it out on Rowland's family. So he calls the Godfather for help, and the Godfather knows that Cassidy is just the girl for the job. Her mission is to infiltrate The Solution at all costs and take out Lazarus and his operatives, but she's going to have to go through the charmingly sexy Marcus Cross first.
Enemy Lover is a paranormal romance with multiple person points of view. (Think J.R.Ward's BDB series) It's world is ignorant to the beasties that walk amongst them and as of now, only vampires have been revealed to it's readers. Enemy Lover is slow to start with it's introduction to the world, and L.O.S.T, but taken the complexity of the story that Harlow has created, it's only to be expected. She sets up the world and introduces characters at lighting speed. I must confess that I actually got lost (haha) in the beginning trying to figure out just who everyone was. However, once I did, the story became addicting, and the pace picked up quite nicely. Also, the story in Enemy Lover got quite dark at times and had a more urban fantasy feel to it, which is why I think I was so pleasantly surprised. One would have never known by it's cover.
Cassidy is damaged, unpredictable and stubborn. She fights for what she believes in and is learning to put her trust in others. Marcus is the Alpha male, cocky at times, but rightly so and not so much that your irritated, but instead making him more endearing. Together they explode on the page not with just hot smexn' and passion, but intense love. However, Harlow's heroine and hero have both been plagued with uneasy times and with an even harder life. While I know authors use certain story plots to help shape their characters, I really wish she didn't take the road she did with Cassidy. She showed with Marcus just how easily it could of been to take another route, but as authors so often do, she used the use of sensitive subjects to turn Cassidy into a much harder heroine. I'm hoping, though, that's the last we see of it in this series, because Enemy Lover was a wonderful read. I'm looking forward to more from Harlow and what she has in store for her L.O.S.T. series.
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