Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy
Series: ARES Security #1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Zebra on December 29, 2015
Pages: 368
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home—and they’re ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they’re intimidating. Together they’re invincible. They’re the men of ARES Security.
Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather’s small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he's eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can't just walk away—not when she’s clearly in danger…
There’s a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie’s dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe’s instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie’s courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won’t stop. Now it’s only a matter of time before Annie’s next—unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won’t be buried.
Thoughts: Alexandra Ivy is not a new to me Author as I have enjoyed her Vampire series, Guardians Of Eternity. It has been some time since I read them and was curious how she would do in a different genre. Kill Without Mercy is the first book in her Romantic Suspense, ARES Security series. It was not a big hit with me but at the same time it was not a bust either.
The suspense was good for the first half and awesome in the second half. Earlier in the book was easy to put down and pick back up. Once the suspense really started to kick in more I could not flip my pages fast enough.
I could not connect with Rafe and Annie as a couple. They had no chemistry or never felt a spark with them. I have no idea what they seen in each other. This is going to sound weird but the only time I had a connection with them is when both trying to figure out who the killer is and how is he/she linked to her past.
Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It
Amazon / Goodreads
I haven't read this one, but I have read other books in this series and enjoyed them but I will admit that some of the pairs chemistry isn't that great and could have been written better or at least with more focus. Sometimes I think authors try too hard with the "plot" that the romance takes a backseat. :( Lovely review darling. Hope you had a great Easter.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great Easter too. Good to know the chemistry does not improve so much in the other books. I will still continue with the series as I did enjoy the suspense part.
DeleteI hate when I can't connect with the couple, isn't that why it's a romantic suspense?? But, don't keep the romance on the back seat, that's why I am reading it! I can understand when they don't focus on it, that it becomes a 3 rating. Hope all is well with you. We had a death in the family and we have been reeling from that. So unexpected and heartbreaking that it changed me.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you review still!
Mary
The romance was there and did not really over shadow the suspense part it just that they were not develop well as a couple. So sorry to hear about your loss. If need to chat send me an email anytime.
DeleteOne of the things I notice with romantic suspense is the romance is pretty much non-existent. This tend to make the connection with the main characters as a couple difficult.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to find a good balance in Romantic Suspense.
DeleteSounds kinda suspenseful but sorry to hear the chemistry wasn't really there between the couple. Still 3 stars is pretty good, maybe the chemistry improves in the next one (although the comment above- maybe not lol).
ReplyDeleteThanks Greg. Yes 3 stars is still pretty good for me. I was also hoping for the chemistry to improve with the series. Haha Lover Of Romance yes just mentioned nope. I will still most likely continue series as I did enjoy the suspense part.
DeleteOh I read this a couple of years go. I think I was a little annoyed ith the constant use of "demand" instead of "ask" lol.
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't feel the chemistry. It happens! Great review :)
Funny how that did not annoy me but the lack of chemistry did.
DeleteI'm not gonna lie, the lack of chemistry would bother me . . . However, I'm really glad the suspense part worked well, that is something I surely love. Fingers crossed for a better connection with the characters in the next instalments :)
ReplyDeleteFrom an earlier comment more focus is needed with the couples as well in the next book. If the suspense is as good as this book I am sure I will still enjoy it.
DeleteDang on the romance side being a bust. Such a bummer when you're left going why are they together?!! Great cover, though :)
ReplyDeleteThe romance was a bummer but at least I still enjoyed the suspense part. yes the cover is great and fit the book especially the background.
DeleteGood to see the suspense element really hooked you. Just a shame that the romance didn't win you over.
ReplyDeleteAlways a bummer when romance is not good
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