Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book takes you to two different worlds and has you wondering how any of the characters will make it out alive. Very suspensful and well written. Cant wait to see what else this author can bring to the “book world”.
Reviewed by @momwhoreads0215
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I could not put this book down. Its been a long time since I fell this in love with a book, but this one hit the money spot!
Sera was an amazing female lead, and she did not back down in her professional life or personal. Together she and Cassius take you on an emotional and mysterious rollercoaster ride in which you don’t have a clue where you will end up. Cassius is this successful billionaire who likes to leave on the edge, and had quite the past . Together they had insane chemistry with perfect mixtures of drama, angst, lust, love, deception, and twists that you never see coming.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a beautifully written novel with everything you need! There’s action, romance, espionage, and family drama. I absolutely love the main character, Sera. She is a strong woman who has built herself up with a horribly broken foundation. Her best friend and sister by choice, Raine, is almost the same. They have become crime lords of the first order. The only “weakness in their operation is Sera’s father, Lorenzo. He’s an abusive and manipulative man who could destroy everything.
Their most current job involves Cassius, our “Romance novel cover” leading man. He has a penchant for the extreme and he knows things are shady in New York, but when he meets Sera, he’s met his match.
When your past and your future collide and you have to choose, which way will the characters go? I highly recommend you read this and find out.
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An engaging, suspenseful novel that I would highly recommend! Lied to her entire life Selena Hernandez’s world has just been turned upside down. From the time she was a child Selena thought she was a legal citizen until her mother is arrested and learns the truth about her life. Selena returns to Mexico thinking that’s the only option. When she arrives in Mexico she learns about her birth father and how important he is in Mexico. A book that shouldn’t be put down till the very end.
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater is a heart-pounding, riveting read! Once I started reading, it was impossible to put down.
Selena finds herself alone in Mexico, the country she was born in but doesn’t remember living in. She grew up in Arizona, thinking she was an American citizen. That was just one lie her mother told her. Her goal is to do what she needs to do to get back to her life in the US. Little does she realize that everything she knew about her life was a complete lie which puts her life in grave danger. Thankfully, a chance encounter with handsome stranger, Wyatt, saves her life in one instant. Now, they both are in a fight for their very lives, thus putting them on a journey of not only survival but truth and quite possibly love!
Wow! As I wrote in the earlier paragraph what a riveting read! Gillenwater did a phenomenal job of balancing romance, suspense, and drama! My heart went out to Selena. Everything she thought she knew about her life was a complete lie. I’m not a reviewer who likes to bring politics into reviews because I read books to escape things in the news, but this one really made me think alot about the children who have been essentially raised in the US and know nothing about their birth country and suddenly finding themselves facing deportation. It was obvious she was a foreigner in Mexico too. As the author wrote the following passage, my heart just broke for her.
“Or was she American? What exactly made someone American anyway? A look? An experience? A certain length of time living in the US? These questions had been ping-ponging around in her mind for a couple of weeks, and she had no answer?”
Not only was this a journey in discovering who she really was, but now she had no idea who the strangers were who were after her, and whoa, when she discovered who she really was, what a shocker for her!
Wyatt has quite a dark past himself…a dark childhood, and he is learning some things about himself as well in his quest to keep her safe all while falling helplessly and hopelessly in love with her.
There was nothing I didn’t like about Selena and Wyatt’s story! They were complicated and complex characters who just kept growing and evolving. The suspense and twists kept me turning the pages as well! If you are looking for a great romantic suspense with some great human lessons within the pages as well, this one is a winner!
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sera Dwari is an amazing chemist, she is about to revolutionize the drug industry with her creation, Devil’s Breath. She is also an assassin., Sera is tasked with killing billionaire Cassius Batista. Cassius knows there is something off with Sera, no one is this perfect. They fall for each other and Sera must choose between family and love.
I loved the premise not the execution, I wanted more. I wanted more of the drug world side of things, I felt it was introduced then put to the side. I would have also loved more physical connection between Cassius and Sera but the emotional connection was intense. The book was well written and the characters did come to life I would recommend this.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow where to start with this book. It is definately a story that you start and completely lose yourself and time flys by. The author does an amazing job with the characters and this story has a mixture to suit everyone. From action and danger to romance and emotions that the reader feels every step of the way.
Sera is a trained assasian who always gets what she wants. She is also amazing with chemicals and she creates a drug called Devil’s Breath which is set to hit the streets and become the next big thing. From the outside she seems every bit the cold hearted assassin that cares about no one or nothing.
Then we have Cassius. Cassius is the rich business man who is funding (unknowingly) the front for the company to make Devil’s Breath. But because of that he is on Sera’s radar and now they just don’t want him to fund the company they want his entire fortune which means he needs to go.
But there’s one snag that Sera didn’t see coming. How is she supposed to kill someone she has fallen for? Will the connection and feelings between them be enough to save Cassius? Or will the appeal of his money be worth more to Sera than a man to love and who loves her in return?
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cassius Batista is a country boy from small town Gillete, Wyoming, who enjoys extreme adrenaline filled adventure, a real man’s man. The catch is he’s also the CEO of a billion dollar energy company with a past that’s holding him captive .
While in New York with his brother and his friend for business , he comes across Sera Dwari at a nightclub who captivated him from first sight she’s unlike any woman he’s ever met. With a reputation as a beautiful cold hearted ice queen she leave men and women alike speechless in her presence, Cassius included.
There’s more to this woman then meets the eye and Cassius is very intrigued to find out exactly who sera is.
Thinking he’d left a bad impression with her after being so quiet during their group conversation, he’s surprised when she sends a bottle of expensive champagne to their table and covers the bill for their night out. Confused,Thinking he’d never see her again he can’t help but wonder why this mysterious woman would do something like that . Unbeknownst to him,their paths will cross again and it’s only just beginning.
What lies ahead for these two strangers, one with a twisted past and one with their own secrets.
Who is the enigma that is Sera Dwari ?.
What secrets is Cassius hiding of his own? This book is addictive and consuming, it’s full of mystery and suspense at every turn. Just when you think you have figured out what’s going on, something new pops up and leaves you questioning what you thought.
Will they get their happy ending or does fate have other ideas?
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again, I was hooked from the beginning. I found myself lost in this book. The character detail is so amazing. The author knows how to get your attention and keep you wanting more. I have read a couple books from the series, but this one was my favorite. I highly recommend this book and series.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Collateral Damage is a great addition to the Mafia Elite series. This sixth book tells us the story of Trey and Hailey. Hailey is a down to earth girl in a rich girl world. She doesn’t fit in and since losing her sister and dad in a car accident, she has struggled to find her place of acceptance. Trey is an ER doctor and also holds commitments to the Five Families as the mafia doc on call. He’s a busy man with no room for love until he reconnects with Hailey, his sister Sofia’s acquaintance. Trey steps into a kidnapping and ransom plot when Hailey’s stepdad, Allen, asks for his help in relocating her. Trey takes Hailey into his protection and in doing so changes the course of both their lives with an undeniable mutual attraction. This was a good addition and I like getting more storylines from the supporting family members in the Five Families. I love the family dynamic and the willingness to go the extra mile for those you love. I’ve read all the books in this series and I highly recommend them. They can be read as standalone books or start from the beginning. Great book, even better series!
Mafia bad boy with a hefty side of sweet & kindness. Trey is by far the kindest, most down to earth mafia man in the family. [IMO] That’s what stands out the most to me to start about this book. Then we have Hailey who is the bomb! She has the perfect combination of being super fierce, smart, brave, a side of bad@ss-ery, and being strong. Perfect match! They go through roller coasters and some situations but as always the family comes together and they handle what they need to. There was a few moments where I thought, oh I know how this is going to play out, and who is the real
villain, but in the end I was pretty off. So you might think you know but you don’t! This book kept me on my toes, and had me counting down the minutes until I could continue reading it! (When I would be at work). Can’t wait for more!!
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book for so many reasons, I could not put it down to say the least! Full of action, suspense, and of course that seductive chemistry we all crave. The author knew exactly how to pull the reader in, and hold us there, the book was very well written, and hit all the right elemental keys!
I do love a good suspenseful book. This one certainly took the cake. I truly did admire Sera, she was a strong minded and an assassin you do not mess with. I seen a lot of character development with her, as the story went on. I didn’t think I could admire her more, but I did! I loved the chemistry with her and Cassius. Their chemistry was very much fireworks and seductive all at once. I loved this book, I was on the edge of my seat with how the book would turn out, with all its twists and turns. Stuck between two men dear to you, do you choose family over love? If you seek the answer I did, I suggest you read this book too! The book is more than a well wroth read! I freaking loved it from beginning to end!
A very much perfect read. It had everything I wanted, and I truly enjoyed this book with a passion. I seriously loved this book and the author’s writing style. Highly recommend this must read book!
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such great romantic suspense novel that I couldn’t set it down once I picked it up! Selena suddenly has the rug pulled out from under her and finds herself in a dangerous world that she knows nothing about. Wyatt finds him self caught up in her drama and can’t help but get involved. I really enjoyed watching them grow closer as they struggled with different backgrounds and trust issues. There is so much action and suspense wrapped up in a budding romance that I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next!
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What lengths would you go to protect someone you just met? In this story we get to find that out when embassy worker Wyatt get dragged into a cab with one Selena Hernandez. She self deported herself to Mexico and is trying to make things right and get back to America legally. Wyatt over heard his co-worker talking with someone on the phone about Ms. Hernandez and decided he needed to warn her that someone was after her. Although their couple encounters weren’t what he had hoped they would be, their attraction is undeniable. Will he be able to help her figure out who these bad guys are that are after her? Will they remain together once the nightmare is over?
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thought this book was a unique story. Selena Hernandez found out her mother has been lying to her for her whole life. When her mother is arrested and taken to jail, Selena finds out that she is actually from Mexicao and not a legal citizen. Selena is led to believe that deporting herself to Mexico is her only option. She thinks it will be a rapid turn around to going back to her life in Arizona. She doesn’t count on discovering that her birth father is an important man in the drug cartel. Wyatt Demko didn’t plan on getting involved in everything going on with Selena, but he knew that he needed to warn her. Together they end up on quite the adventure, not knowing who they can trust. I was so sad for Wyatt as details of his abusive past came to light. I could see myself in Selena’s inner dialogue, especially when she would give herself a pep talk. This was an enjoyable read and had some small twists that I enjoyed!
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While this is the first book that I have read from this author, I was overall impressed. The chemistry between the main characters was great, and there was a great balance between romance, intrigue, and action. Selena was a great main character, although like most she did have a few character flaws. But her chemistry with Wyatt and his sweet nature more then made up for it. This book was full of surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat and I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author.
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow, I am so glad I picked up this book! If you love a story with action, danger, intrigue, cartel and lies this one is for you.
Selena, upon learning she is illegally living in the US, decides to go back to Mexico to obtain her documents and visa legally to return to Arizona. Selena discovers hard truths and is on the run as someone is out to get her. Wyatt Demko, a Embassy employee, at first is smitten by Selena, but then becomes her protector when Wyatt learns that there is someone out to get Selena. Lies that are slowly being uncovered as Selena learns she may be linked to a notorious cartel family.
This story is fast paced and very enjoyable characters.
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hold onto your passports!!! This book gripped extremely hard and was very difficult to put down the couple of times I had to!!
Selina has self-deported back to Mexico from her home in Tucson. She wants everything to be on the up-and-up, especially after finding out her entire life has been a huge lie. She doesn’t know the language and is struggling to go through the proper channels when her life changes drastically.
Wyatt isn’t loving his job but knows that the work he is doing at the Embassy could lead to something better. It’s when the beautiful woman walks into his office and a mysterious phone call is made that causes life to get interesting.
What lengths would you take to protect someone you just met?
Be ready to sit down and dive in because this one grabbed me from the first line and didn’t let up until the end. I’ve still got some questions though….
Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Overall I really enjoyed this book – I thought the storyline was really interesting and the author threw in some great twists too. There were a few times where I skimmed over a few parts as they were a bit drawn out but it was an exciting read at times – I’m going to say this especially true from the middle part of the story – the action definitely kicked up a notch there. I really liked the characters, and the authors descriptions of Mexico in particular were great, I got a real feeling for what the place was like. I liked Wyatt, I thought he really did do what he could to help protect Selena at the beginning and be there for her as the story progressed. I felt for Selena especially finding out about her extended family the way she did.
A great read and one that I would highly recommend.
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is one that will leave you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out who is good and who is bad. It seems in Mexico is where everyone’s skeletons are buried and when they come to light no one knows whose side anyone is on.
Selena Hernandez, who discovers she is an illegal immigrant after her mom is arrested, decides she needs to go back to Mexico to get a Visa to come to the United States legally. However, once she steps foot in Mexico her journey is anything but easy like the lawyer in the US said it would be. After attempting to get her visa at the US embassy Selena’s path is entangled with Wyatt Demko who senses trouble is a foot for Selena. As the secrets of who Selena is and that her real father is a notorious cartel kingpin Selena’s life is more at stake than ever. She seems to be a pawn in everybodies scheme and naturally doesn’t trust anybody. Can Salena uncover all the secrets about her past to ensure she has a future? Can Wyatt prove to not only himself but also Selena that he is a trustworthy guy with no alternative agenda? In this wild game of drugs, secrets, and nefarious plots who will come out on top?
This book has a slow start to the storyline. It takes the author a bit of time to list out the players and bump up the action. Once he does though this is a non stop thrill ride to the end with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. If you like romantic suspense books then this will be right up your alley. The author’s descriptive scenes, especially Tulum and Chichen Izza, take me back to when my husband and I visited the same sites on a trip to Mexico in 2019. That’s how you know this is a good story, when it can take you back in time and help visualize where the characters are at and the interactions taking place!
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater. This is my favorite genre so I was super excited to read this new to me author. It did not disappoint. Its the story of Selena Hernandez who has woken up to a nightmare. Her whole world has been turned upside down. She is in the states and has tried to get all her paperwork corrected but now she’s finding out everything she’s been told is a big fat lie. She is in the US illegally! She is trying to get back to Mexico to get it corrected and thank goodness for Wyatt who works for the State Department who is trying to help her. They immediately sense an attraction to each other. When she uncovers her true identity it puts her in a world of danger. Will she and Wyatt be able to get out of this horrible situation alive and if so will they give in to their attraction? Read this fast paced amazing book!
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and after reading this book I look forward to reading more. This story was full of romance, suspense, action, danger, rich detail, and great characters. I was pulled into this story and kept entertained. I found myself unable to put it down to find out if Selena is able to put all the pieces of her life back together without getting herself hurt. What will happen between her and Wyatt. Selena and Wyatt come from different backgrounds and yet they still both have trust issues. I’m glad I took a chance on a new author. I recommend this book.
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Selena is sent to Mexico after it is discovered that her and her mother were in the U.S. illegally. Wyatt worked at the embassy in Mexico City when Selena came in to try and get back to her life in Arizona. From that moment their lives took on an interesting twist. A wild adventure through Mexico to discover Selena’s past and Wyatt’s future. Drug cartels, DEA agents and unlikely help bring them on a wild journey. Selena is a brave character to discover her past and face it through the jungles of Mexico. Wyatt seems a little uptight, but at least his careful planning provides some comfort. Suspenseful and a real page-turner.
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I like to think Wyatt was lovestruck when he first laid eyes on Selena. Selena was weary and cautious of seeing him repeatedly. Though they do get separated and think the worse of each other. They reunite and everything ends happily ever after. I enjoyed this fast paced book. Look forward to reading next one.
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater takes its readers on a wild adventure in Mexico. This story portrays a view of the life of a young woman, Selena Hernandez, whose life is turned upside. She is ripped from her world in Arizona after finding out that she and her mother were both in the United States illegally. Her mother is thrown in jail and Selena is told to return to Mexico and reapply for a visa to become a legal citizen. After meeting him on the street, she is reacquainted with a young man named Wyatt, who ends up being a customer service representative at the embassy when she goes to apply for her visa. From there, the story begins to unfold. As Wyatt is pulled into this mess surrounding a pretty girl, unknown truths surface and they become more intertwined more than either of them planned to be.
This had it all for me. Suspense, romance and action fueled this story from beginning to end. I thought the main characters, Wyatt and Selena, were perfect and well-fleshed out. They both came from two different backgrounds, both had deeply rooted issues with trust that cause them to question each other’s intentions. But they have to find a way to work together because all they have is each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to read more stories by this author!
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love dark romantic suspense and equally a strong, sassy female character and a ruthless femme fatale to boot. The characters are complex along with depth and flaws.
Devil’s Breath is seductive with forbidden love. It is tantalising in the chase. It is suspenseful and mysterious in the journey. There are secrets and lies, crime and action. There is intrigue and there is slow burning passion.
It’s a dangerous game of cat and mouse caught between the man who manipulated her and raised her and the one she was sent to kill.
This gripping tale is addictive and one to be discovered all on its own at your own pace. I really look forward from more from Lang.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cassius came to New York to help his brother, Christian, one more time. Unbeknown to Christian, Cassius already knows about the hit put on him by his brothers. He is just trying to find out who the assassins are. Christian, and his other brother, Damon, are involved with drugs and planning bad things with Lorenzo, the drug lord. Sera, his daughter, is the assassin assigned to kill Cassius. She has a neat little drug, Devil’s Breath, that can take your breath away. Cassius and Sera have some downright flaming sparks but can they work through some nasty baggage? The fact that she has to kill him may be an issue….. This book is an action pack, suspense thrilled, adventure ride. Nothing is quite as it seems. Many secrets to unravel. There are some plot twists to keep you on your toes but the characters are entertaining and feel downright personal, even Lorenzo. Cassius knows what he’s doing. I’m rooting for him and Sera. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. You should definitely read this if you love romantic suspense or thrillers. I highly recommend this one.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this dark romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed from beginning to end. I enjoyed how I was pulled into the story by the characters. They are strong, supportive characters that just make the story easy and entertaining to read. This is a well written story about family and love. Sometimes fate puts you in a position in choosing one over the other. You will want to see what happens in this situation. I found this book to be fast paced, engaging and just hard to put down. There are some emotional parts that took me on a roller coaster but it made the story even better. I enjoyed the growth of the plot and also the characters throughout the story. They have great chemistry and kept me coming back for more just to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has the perfect mixture of mafia, romance, funny moments, and happily ever after. Trey and Hailey have such an emotional and sweet story. The author draws you in from the first chapter and keeps you captivated the whole time. It keeps you guessing until the last chapter. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have loved all the books of this series and the author doesn’t disappoint in this read either.
I’ve been anxious to read Trey’s story. They author creates the perfect match for him and I love being there to see if transpire. Once you start this story you will devour it instantly and not want to stop. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this Mafia family.
