Taken LOST #5 By: Cynthia Eden Releasing November 29, 2016 Avon Books 
HE SWORE TO PROTECT HER . . .
Bailey Jones somehow survived her harrowing abduction by the infamous Death Angel. But while her physical scars have healed, she can’t stop wondering about a woman she helped to escape, who simply disappeared. When LOST agent Asher Young is assigned to her case, Bailey instantly feels an attraction to the intense ex-SEAL who seems to be carrying dark secrets of his own. BUT KEEPING HIS PROMISE . . . Asher can’t afford to let his growing feelings for Bailey distract him from his job. Only she can soothe his horrific nightmares, but the last thing he wants is for the demons from his past to ever hurt her. Bailey has gotten past his guard, and the emotions he feels for her—they’re as dark and dangerous as the past he doesn’t want to face. COULD COST BOTH THEIR LIVES When corpses begin surfacing—all marked with the same tattoo depicting the Death Angel’s calling card—Asher must race to stop a twisted killer who wants nothing more than to claim his next prize: Bailey . . . 
A gory, cruel and intense thriller with rough, bloody crimes, vivid images, sharp characters, intriguing investigation - the story pulled me into the mysterious web of crimes committed at the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it kept me glued to my kindle, biting my nails till the early morning hours.
With absolutely superb, twisted plot and fresh writing, the author paints pictures that seep into your mind. The scenes are told from several different points of view, giving a well-rounded picture of the events. I was mesmerized with the investigation, emotionally invested in the case to be solved, hoping everyone could survive the crazy menace thriving on the mountains. The violence and brutality of the crimes are harsh and bone-chilling, there's no mercy for the victims in the culprit's mind, it is the battle of survival, and no one is safe in the games they play with life and death. Both Bailey and Asher are strong characters, survivors, fighting to stay in control and make through another night. Their history has similarities, but beyond the shared experience, they have an enchanting connection, understanding, and adoration with each other. There are scenes between Bailey and Asher that melt my heart. The attraction is as fierce as the crimes committed, there are edginess and desperation, yet sweet tenderness, when so needed, fiery protectiveness from any threats. The secondary characters didn't lack for depth and rich personalities either as they contribute greatly to the tale and ongoing investigation, even development of the budding relationship. Edgy, dramatic, and powerful, each moment as intense as the other, savage crimes, intelligent and sharp investigation, with doom behind each corner, and destinies yet unknown with ardent and heartfelt romance the author gave us a story that left me in as much in horror from the crimes committed as in wonder of the charm, grace, and beauty of the survivors and investigators. A defendant WOW at the end ~ Five Spoons! 
“Bailey Jones . . .” Asher said her name softly, as if tasting it on his tongue. “There are a few things you should know about me before we begin.”
There are things you should know about me, too. But I’m not going to tell you . . . or you won’t help me. “First, you don’t have to fear me. Part of my job at LOST—well, let’s just say Gabe hired me on because he wanted a bit more muscle. Protection is my role. I’ll keep you safe and track down any clues about that missing woman. On my watch, nothing will happen to you.” She nodded even though-- I don’t believe you. There is no safety. I learned that. “And second . . . you don’t have to bullshit me.” Now she blinked in surprise. He laughed, a deep, rough rumble of sound that Bailey found she liked to hear. “You think I can’t tell when you’re wearing a mask? You’ve got yourself locked down tight, under careful control, don’t you? But you don’t have to do that with me. I’m not one of the North Carolina deputies. I’m not going to judge you. And I’m not some lame-ass reporter who wants to splash your story all over the world.” I wear a mask all the time now because something is wrong inside of me. It has been, ever since that fire. That hole. That hell. “So let’s put a no-bullshit rule in effect,” he murmured. Her hands curled around the steering wheel. “Liking rules, is that more of a military thing again?” “Wanting to break rules . . . that’s why I left the SEALs.” He’d been a SEAL? She turned to look up at him. “Is there a rule number three?” “We’ll get to that rule later . . .” She started the vehicle. “I’ll follow you to your place.” “Do you have any rules for me?” Don’t hurt me. Don’t judge me. Don’t pity me. Bailey cleared her throat. “I’m sure we can get to those rules later, too.” He slammed her door shut. Through the window, Bailey watched as he strode away—not to another car, but to a shiny, big monster of a motorcycle. He climbed on, revved the engine moments later, and that rumbling growl filled the parking garage. Asher slid the helmet over his head—a black helmet with a dark visor that completely obscured his face. Her heart beat faster as she stared at him. Dangerous. That had been her first thought when she’d seen him in the conference room. But he was on her side. Not a threat to her. He’d help her. At least, that was what she hoped. Because if something didn’t change soon, Bailey was afraid that the deputies would be right about her. Her shrink would be right. I may go crazy.
BUY LINKS
Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes dark tales of paranormal romance and romantic suspense. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader bestseller. Cynthia is also a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award (she was a finalist both in the romantic suspense category and in the paranormal romance category).
Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written more than thirty novels and novellas. She lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS 
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1 Comment
Crystal, Tasty Book Tours
5/12/2016 17:34:31
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