Thief by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
This was my first book in the series and it was so good! This is a book that can be read as a standalone, but reading the previous books will give insight to who is who in this book. Leah has an authentic vulnerability that I just loved reading about and so did Dom towards the end. I was very excited to see the next book is about Adrik!
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Strangers Kate and Chase meet by chance over saving a life tourist at the hotel. Realizing the chemistry between them, Kate risks putting work aside and having a little fun, little does she know Chase is the man she will be working for. You will enjoy the read of a very shy independent woman falling for a man who is very overprotective and detail oriented. The author does a good job with the love line of the characters and even adds a little mystery and suspense and ends with a HEA.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well, it is unlike a dark mafia romance that I have read in the past. This story is about a woman named Katrina who is in Aruba for a week-long “business meeting” she is running. She is helping a big wig corporation change the face of hospitals. Her story starts when she is physically saving the life of another customer staying in the hotel. A gentleman, Chase, comes to assist her; we later find out this man owns the hotel and is the enterprise in charge of Katrina’s project. These two have instant chemistry, but she is shocked to find out that he is her present boss. Because of past experiences, she is completely against this, but for some reason just cannot do without him. During her stay, she starts to spend a lot of physical time with Chase and the two produce a bond that neither has experienced before. This bond is strengthened when she is attacked, twice. Katrina learns quickly what it is like to be in a relationship with a wealthy, possessive man.
The story itself has many twists and turns. Many times you never see them coming. This is considered a mafia romance, but for much of the book, you would have no idea that that is the genre. The concept of Chase having ties to the underworld of society is not a storyline for much of the book. Do her past history, his secrets and over-possessiveness build a recipe for disaster? Even though there is a lot happening in the book, it was enjoyable. There is much spice, with a side of erotica. The characters are enjoyable to see grow together. Katrina is a woman figuring out what she sexually likes, while Chase is awakening her senses. The two have great flirtatious ways and playful banter. I am interested to find out what will occur in the rest of the series.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Right after saving a life, Kate finds her own life in danger. Luckily, Chase is there to help keep her safe. However, when Monday rolls around, Kate finds out that Chase is her boss. She has definite feelings about dating her boss but he has stronger feelings about letting her go. Between keeping her safe and the job the two are doing, Chase and Kate have more than enough to fight about (and reason to make up.)
Opinion
I’m a big Via Mari fan and jumped at the chance to start reading a new series. While parts of this story seem old and familiar, Mari writes it so well that those parts fade into the background. I loved the instant attraction the two had and Chase’s drive to keep her safe, even with Kate trying to barter down to what she felt was reasonable. This series has promise and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, especially with the father she never knew.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Degrees of Innocence
Via Mari
This was such a good read. I loved the banter between the two main characters, Katarina and Chase. This book kept me reading until the very end. I loved the dichotomy of the alpha male and the strong female. I also loved how the title was in play throughout the book. It really had me looking at the various degrees of innocence that one possesses. Finally, this book left me hanging with several questions. Which I think was smart of the author to do as it definitely has me wanting to read book two in the series right now!
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this romance. There is just the right mixture of hot steamy passion and danger to make this a great read.
The characters are really well written and I love the connection between them the constant flirting and teasing really adds to the story. I could understand both sides of the arguments when it came to certain areas. Kate is a strong and independent woman so when she meets Chase and he trys to take over and protect her I can understand her resistance but at the same time I also understand Chase’s need to protect her.
The twist in the story is one I did not see coming and I was very surprised at how it worked out.
Kate is tasked with working alongside Chase to build a new medical facility. She has always said she would never mix work with romance but when she falls for Chase she doesn’t even realise who he is. Now it is too late for her to walk away but little does she realise that just being with Chase puts her in danger but not for the reason you would think.
Overall, despite the push and pull there is no denying the love and passion between Chase and Kate and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for them next.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From the moment I started reading I was hooked! The characters are wonderful and have chemistry that just flows off the pages. The story line is well written and the hook catches you from the very beginning. I think this was my first book by this author but it will not be my last!
See a penny pick it up, all day Long you’ll have good luck or so it is said. This is so not the case for Gabriella.
Gabriella finds an old coin when she got lost on a hike. This coin changes her quiet peaceful life upside down in days.
Richard, an investigator is on vacation with a quick interview with Gabriella. He wasn’t told all the information and finds himself now protecting her and trying to keep Gabriella alive. Through the trials of trying to keep her safe both find themselves drawn to each other. Will there they cross that line or will she keep to her wedding vows? This book was a wild ride. Terrorists, Israeli’s and a crazy murderer is on there tail.
This book was a wild ride of tension, stress, and passion. This is the first book I have listened to from this author. Lots of side plots but stays true to the main story. Loved it.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book at the beginning as there were a lot of moving parts. At times, I had a hard time following the storyline. As the book progressed, characters made sense. The author did a great job at generating strong emotions for each character, whether it was love or disgust. The ending took me by surprise and it wrapped things up well.
One coin could lead to so many things if you know where to look. Gabriela happened upon one, a 1945 French coin to be exact, on a walking path. Due to this, it unlocked a new adventure that was going to be hard to handle for her. In comes Richard, our lovely American spy, who investigates this mission that ruined his vacation but gained him an interest. Their connection is amazing to hold in to. Great listen!
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a great story and already looming forward to checking out more of this series!
Set in the beautiful French Rivera ..this fast paced story all about a “Coin”…that Gabriela finds on her own not realizing the implications of this find. Richard Harrison is set to see the coin and protect Gabriela… stakes are high for sure!
Secrets, agendas, thriller….. I enjoyed this listen and definitely cannot wait to discover more!
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I can’t believe it ended like that with the revelations just coming out like that. So much T just spilled there at the end by mom. How can she just drop bombs like that and then disappear back home??? How does that affect Chase and Kate? Does the truth about Kate’s father become a bigger part of her life?
This book has reeled me in. I have to know what happens next. If I wasn’t already a fan of this author, I would be now!!
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was mesmerizing. Steamy scenes, very descriptive. Crazy plot twists, very unexpected. Chase is a powerful CEO who is rich, attractive, professional, and smart all at the same time. And he is absolutely in love with Katarina. Katarina is a strong, independent business woman who has made a great life for herself. When she meets Chase, she doesn’t know who he truly is as he sweeps her off her feet. Can their love make it through all of the twists and turns? Attempts on her life, a rich boyfriend, and a beautiful getaway. Who knew someone’s life could change that much that fast?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a crazy story! Many twists and turns, very cynical, but extremely entertaining to listen to. It kept me on edge the entire time. The narrator does a great job of building the suspense with his voice, along with the words he is reading. If you love suspense novels that keep you guessing from beginning to end, read this book! I am a bit of a scaredy cat, but the writing is amazing and the story will keep you coming back for more.
I enjoyed listening to this audible. This is my first one by this author and I look forward to listening to more by her in the future. I enjoyed how the narrator pulled me into the story using different tones to keep the story engaging. I also enjoyed how they brought the twists and turns to life with each word. This is a great audible that had me coming back for more. It is fast paced and engaging. It is a romance story with a twist of suspense added to it. This is an audible you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this audible.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The romance in this novel started almost immediately and I admit that I initially struggled to stay engaged, however as the chapters progressed and the tensions grew it gradually reeled me in.
I think what I found the most difficult was the interactions between the main characters, it didn’t seem to fit the way I would expect one to talk to someone they’re interested in – but overall, I was still able to enjoy the story.
As the truth was revealed and seeing how the characters were forced to confront their own issues and their misgivings about their relationship I was pulled into the story and able to ignore my initial misgivings.
The events that take place and the dangers Katarina faces are what make this book for me and as the first book in the series, I can see how promising this couple is.
I do plan to read the rest of the series as I did enjoy it, and the interactions improved as the books progressed so I am hopeful that the next books will continue on the same path and that the mafia part is explored in more depth.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by the talented Via Mari; the synopsis was interesting and made me curious. The first page had me hooked, Katarina, better known as Kate, is in Aruba for a work conference on a new project. When a stranger suddenly needs medical attention and she performs CPR, before another man appears to help her. That happens on Friday night shortly after she arrived at the resort.
Within 48 hours she has completely fallen for the stranger, Chase, that helped her Friday night, and he has fallen for her. Dancing the night away together on Saturday and exploring the island on Sunday. Finally, they kiss, and she asks for him to come into her room only for him to decline, for now. In the moment he strangely tells her to hold on to how she feels about him in that moment and remember it tomorrow. Confused she accepts his decline in the moment as she has a very busy night and her conference starting in the morning. At the same time the CEO of the company that has hired the firm she works for is emailing her, chastising her for working on the weekend while on a beautiful resort, and talks of renegotiating her contract so that she is not allowed to work on weekends. Monday morning everything changes, hurt, confusion and embarrassment are all Kate can feel when she sees Chase, the CEO, the man that hired her, walks into the conference room for the meeting and introduces himself.
Will Kate allow herself to break her rule of not getting involved with someone from work? Can she hold on to the intense feelings she has for Chase? What will happen when his secrets come out? The world the author creates is beautiful, but the characters are so relatable that you can’t help but wish everything works out. Less than 20% through the book I couldn’t help but look up the other three books in the series so I could continue this amazing story. I can’t wait to see how their story develops in book 2 Degrees of Acceptance.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love the back and forth banter between Chase and Kate, they had great chemistry from the start. I must say with the way Chase treats Kate I’m mildly jealous, because dang I’d definitely like to be her. The care and attention he shows her in all aspect is not something you find in men anymore. This was the first book I’ve read by Via Mari, but I can guarantee I will be reading more and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63229686-thief” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Thief (Popov Bratva #4)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1667686707l/63229686._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63229686-thief”>Thief</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7827259.Leslie_Georgeson”>Leslie Georgeson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5159485268″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This story focuses on Dominik and Leah, two complete opposites. One lives in the shadows and seems to operate only in darkness while the other thrives in the light. While on a heist Dominik has a wrench thrown in his plans when the owner of the car he is boosting jumps in and goes along for the ride. Each has secrets that could easily get them into trouble or end a career. Dominik isn’t one for getting attached to anyone but something about this woman is making him want to break that rule. Will these two end up with a happily ever after or will they try to ruin one another? Now that I have read at least two books in this series I plan on going back to read the rest. I really do dislike when I read books that are part of a series but I started at the end, haha. Granted this can be read as a stand alone. <br />You won’t feel lost as the author has written the books in such a way that they all tie together but you don’t have to read the others to get any back stories. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Degrees of Innocence is the first book in the series and focused on the possessive and protective Chase and his obsession, Katarina. They meet when Kate is saving a man’s life and Chase steps in to help her. Their relationship builds as they spend more time together until Kate’s life is threatened. Chase protects her with everything he has as her life is threatened multiple times. They also have to deal with Kate’s insecurities about having a relationship with someone she works with.
I love that Kate and Chase work well together. They are an adorable couple and it’s amazing to watch them deal with the situations together. I also love how protective Chase is over Kate and how much he does to make her happy. They are an amazing couple and I love seeing the way they work together. It was also interesting to read about who is trying to attack her and what is the reasoning behind it.
The things I didn’t quite enjoy is there is a TON of telling in this story. I believe this is one of the author’s earlier books and I can absolutely tell she’s gotten a lot better at showing instead of telling, but it does make this story a bit tedious when it comes to reading it. Also, there’s a lot of obstacles that are introduced that aren’t necessarily resolved or explained the best.
Overall, while it was definitely an earlier book of the author’s, it was still enjoyable and fun to read. I am happy to have read it and gotten a chance to meet Chase and Kate. A bit of a warning though – the ending kind of stops a bit abruptly. There isn’t really a cliff hanger, it’s more like the story was cut in half and it wasn’t completely prepared to be that way. The story is finished in a satisfying way for the main plot points, but there’s a lot that is going to get finished in the second book.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Degrees of Innocence is the first book in the Cruel Deceptions series by Via Mari, I found it a little confusing as it was described as a “dark mafia” romance and there is only one small mention of the mafia at the very end of the book, the content didn’t really match the description. However, it did have a good premise and I am assuming that the mafia connection is more prominent in the later books in the series. When Kate is sent to Aruba to head a week long planning retreat for her company she is not expecting to meet a charismatic stranger who makes her feel things she has never felt before. When it turns out that this stranger is also the CEO of the company she is there to meet she is torn between love and her career. When she then becomes the victim of a series of attempts on her life she is confused as to whether the attacks are random or something more sinister. I thought this book was ok, it didn’t have the mafia romance element I was looking for, but it did have a strong female lead and a domineering sexy billionaire.
5 Stars
The Coin Audiobook by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
The Coin (Audiobook) is a Romance Suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat as your listening. The narrator did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and keeping my attention throughout the story. This is a fast paced story that is set in the French Rivera and is about betrayal, love ,hatred that bring forth personal greatness (triumph). Gabriela’s life is a bit complicated and she finds herself at her favorite spot while there she finds herself in unfamiliar area and discovers a coin. Then there’s Richard who is an American Intelligence officer who is not happy with his boss after he asked him to do a favor. Turns out that favor has him protecting Gabriela from a killer who will stop at nothing to keep his secret safe. I truly enjoyed listening to this story and highly recommend listening/reading to find out what happens next. Im definitely looking forward to seeing what other books this author has to offer.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OH MY GOSH THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!! I am obsessed with mafia romances and this book was so wonderfully written I cannot put into words just how amazing it was! It started off with the main characters meeting while giving CPR to a patron in the restaurant and then from there the chaos ensued! Literally the tones of the book were amazing, and I could not wait to read the book when I would be on my lunch breaks or finally at home where I could read until my eyes could not read anymore. There were lots of twists and turns in this book that LITERALLY had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was to happen next! I cannot wait to read the other books in the series once they come out and to tell my friends about this! I think I just found my new favorite author!!
Taking a getaway, Gabriela visits La Marbriere France. While there she finds a 1945 French coin. That is where everything turns deadly. Richard, an Intelligence officer who was on vacation, is now helping to keep Gabriela safe while trying to catch the man who is threatening her life. This story is fast paced and is a rollercoaster of twists and turns. You will find yourself listening and getting caught up in this Romantic Suspense. The author has clearly written this series to entertain her readers. Her characters are just everyday people whose lives are turned upside down. I could not put this book down.
Review@cinful
Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book, every page has suspense and thrillers. When Raine the Shadow Guardian united with Will Decker the FBI Agent, I was like this is the next level of human and non-human romance. Raine shows the courage that a female needs to have to fight her demons. Will is the guy that the world needs to protect those who don’t have any clue about what is going on.
Amazing job on the characters and the twist and plots love it. Can’t wait to get the #2 book.
What an amazing journey I took with these characters! Finding a seemingly worthless coin and having it mounted on a charm bracelet, the heroine’s life is forever changed. It turns out, the coin can help identify a villain. Said villain does not wish to be identified. The author provides a suspenseful mystery, with a tiny dollop of romance to tease the listeners. Betrayal, heart-wrenching choices, and above all- a wonderful tale from a truly masterful storyteller is what awaits you when you open your ears.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Where can I find myself a hot, dangerous, protective hunk of man like the ones this author so eloquently bestows upon us? I really need to know. I took the time out of my busy schedule to cuddle up in my heated blanket with a hot chocolate and almost choked a few times from the steam that was coming off of these pages. The intensity of the emotions that run through this novels ink is incredible, and made me thirsty like no other novel has. I mean, perhaps the last novel I read by her but still.
I can never get enough of a strong female lead, either, and Katarina brings all of that to the table and more. Truly though, we all have our secretes, and if the person you love cannot accept you for all of you, are they really your true love? These strong characters, steamy scenes, and addictive world in which we dive into are incredible, and I cannot wait to read more. Highly recommend!
5 out of 5 stars
A fast-paced tale of romantic suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. I found the narration to be quite fascinating. His voice was perfect for adding the right tough of suspense. That plot, the author wrote one that flows until BAM, there’s a twist and it continues through the story. I love stories like that. The characters were well developed and written into the story well. I found myself engaged into the story from the beginning. The only thing missing was my ear buds so I could listen to this all the time. Excellent story.
Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story was delightful! I was intrigued when I read “Ragnarok happened.” and I picked the story up to give it a whirl. I have been drawn to Norse Mythology lately, but finally decided to pick up a novel inspired by it and I’m so glad I took the chance. There is fantasy, adventure, MAGIC/PROPHECIES, and everything I enjoy with books. The author does a great job of integrating the Norse Gods and mythology into the book! They definitely made each realm/creature its own unique features!! I love meeting a character like Raine Thoren, who kicks some ass and doesn’t take crap from anyone! Reading strong female leads is something I love doing, especially when the character is written well. Throughout the majority of the book, we journey with Raine and experience what it is like to be one of the secret Guardians. How they protect Midgard from the aftereffects of Ragnarok, and what that truly entails. We get a lens of an outsider with the FBI agent Will Decker who is committed to getting the job right within the terms of the law. He is thrust into this world when the two of them cross paths and the connection between them is instant. I think there was more focus on how these two interacted than the whole Ragnarok, but it was still a riveting novel. I would’ve liked more with Ragnarok explained, but maybe that comes with the following novels.
One of my favorite quotes belongs in Chapter 23, there is a moment where things are explained to Raine about this Shadow War, and the words exchanged are definitely going to be used to inspire my students; and were great for me as well! This author should be on your list to read! I’m looking forward to her upcoming novels and can’t wait to see where prophecies take me!
Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Omg wow Raine Down the first book of the The Shadow Guardians Series was such a great read. Be prepared to finish it all at once. It’s the right mix between supernatural, mythology and don’t forget romance. Although I love all mythology I haven’t really read many books that have Norse Mythology in it and if they do it’s only a little. So I found this book really interesting had me going to find more books like it. Raine is a freaking badass. I think her and Will are perfect for each other. The Author CB Samet is one amazing story teller. I highly recommend reading this book. Also Is it February yet lol i can’t wait for Storm Surge.
Ps i lowkey wish i had her sister Skys power lol i would come in handy. And I can’t wait for her book.
