Member Reviews
Well written and an enjoyable story. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
Gemma is a talented photographer who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when she captures a murder on camera.
Ky is an FBI agent and his star witness that was in protective custody has just been killed. After Gemma is threatened too she ends up with Ky until they are able to find the man responsible for the murder.
The second in the Will Cook for Love series, I enjoyed A Shot at Love even more than the first book. Gemma is strong, talented, and smart. I really liked that she knows self defense and had a passion for photography. She was a really well-rounded character.
Gemma and Ky together were a lot of fun and I liked their banter and relationship.
I liked, too, that you can jump in with this story and read it as a standalone. If you are looking for a mystery/adventure with some romance thrown in I definitely recommend A Shot at Love.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
it seems kind of cheesy to review my own book! This one, I will admit,was one of my favorite to write, though because I love Gemma Laine so much .
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC of this book! The review below is my own opinion.
This is the 2nd book from Peggy Jaeger that I've read and when it popped up on NetGalley I requested it right away. But I didn't read it at once. See, I felt like I was being such a nitpicky witch for some weeks now. Man, I've been in such a horrible book slump. Everything that I was reading was just driving me batty and I felt like any reviews I posted would be unfair because of the mood I was in. So I stopped reading for a while (around a 2 weeks --- which is the longest reading hiatus I've taken.)
Anyway, this was the book that I first read after my self-imposed hiatus. It was awesome! Thank you for writing another great story, Peggy Jaeger!
Who remembers Alias, the TV show starring Jennifer Garner? Well, I was such a HUGE fan of Alias and Sydney Bristow. Gemma, the heroine, in this story reminded me of her. Gemma was so kick-ass, feisty, and strong. And Ky. Ky. Sigh. So dreamy and hot!
I loved the fast pace of the story. I loved the chemistry between Gemma and Ky. Each scene was so vividly described that reading felt like watching an incredible good action-themed tv show/movie.
I couldn't put this book down. So, so, so, so good.
If you like your romance books with action/suspense/FBI-related arcs like I do, I would definitely recommend this book.
After reading the first book in this series, I didn't hold much hope for this story. Thankfully, it was actually a very good read!
I really liked Gemma! She was definitely a "warrior woman", but more importantly, there was a LOGICAL reason for her to be such! I could really identify with her, even down to her Diet Mountain Dew habit! I liked the descriptions of her pictures, I could almost imagine seeing them along with Kyros! Kyros was all right, definitely FBI material, but I can't quite figure out what was off about him. However, I did like reading about his Greek family and recipes!
The suspense plot was well done, but a little rushed. I was quite surprised by the identity of the mole, and would have liked to see more time with the crime lord. I also liked seeing the blurb for the next book in the series, and it definitely got me interested in reading it! All things considered, I really recommend this book!
Agent Kyros (Ky) Pappandreos has been working on a mafia case for three years when the only witness is shot and killed on the streets of New York, along with two of Ky’s men. Photographer Gemma Laine happened to be in the right place at the wrong time. Capturing faces of New Yorkers for her next book, she witnesses and records the entire event on her camera… making her Ritandi’s next target.
When there is one attempt too many on Gemma’s life while she’s in FBI custody, Ky realizes he has a mole within his team, and takes her safety into his own hands. The pair hide out in a remote cabin and come to realize that while hiding away, they both have never felt more alive or free.
A Shot at Love is the second romance in the Will Cook for Love series. While the book takes place in the same world and involves the same characters as the first, it is a standalone read. And even with their similarities, the two books are unique and independent. A Shot at Love definitely falls more in the romantic suspense subgenre than the first title, which also contained a bit of action.
Ky and Gemma are a great couple. They share similar values and interests. They are both physically strong and mentally sharp. I enjoyed watching the pair as they each learned more about the other; each pleasantly surprised that their physical attraction is rooted in something deeper. It’s like I could feel the awe in each as they grew closer together, becoming more and more entwined. I especially liked that the professional aspect of Ky’s job and getting involved with Gemma is addressed and always on his mind. The author gives Ky support in the form of an additional protector, helping ease the way for the couple to pair up.
Ky and Gemma have a palpable chemistry that explodes when they touch, especially their first couple encounters. My only small complaint is that the pair is a bit goofy with their talk, in bed. They are silly in a way that made me think both are nervous, which may be exactly the point. Gemma has some serious trust issues, and the author does a great job developing the character. However, I wanted Gemma just to take charge and let go of her fears (which she does eventually!).
While I enjoyed the romance a lot, I did have an issue with the resolution of the mafia case. Trying not to be spoilerish, I need to say that there is NO WAY Ky’s plan to take down the mole would have happened as it did. And I’m not just talking about in the real world - but within the parameters of the story. I felt it was unrealistic and that bothered me.
In the end, I enjoyed Gemma and Ky’s story, regardless of how the case went down. I love that the author made Gemma and Ky real and that they were sexy and fell in love without thinking of or having sex during inappropriately dangerous times; there was work mode and non-work mode. A Shot at Love is action-packed and super sexy, and an enjoyable read.
My Rating: B/B- Liked It, but I had a small issue
Gemma Laine never imagined her life would be turned upside down as much as it is when she witnesses a triple murder. But when she becomes the target of the mob, she has no choice except to trust FBI agent Kyros Pappandreos to keep her safe. The question is -- will Kyros be able to protect her, so they can have their chance at happy ever after; or will the pair be forever on the run in order to stay ahead of the person determined to kill Gemma?
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Jaeger, and what a book it was since it had everything I love in a romantic suspense. Really, there was edge-of-your-seat suspense, a good dose of romance, a fast-paced storyline and compelling dialogue that had my eyes glued to the pages, determined to discover what would happen every time Kyros and Gemma found themselves in trouble. How did the bad guys know where they constantly were? Will Kyros discover where the leak in information is coming from before it's too late? The way this story started drew me in immediately, because the hero has such a commanding presence as an FBI agent that just made me want to learn more about him.
As for the dialogue, it was wonderfully-crafted and completely compelling due to the main characters back stories and everything they go through on their journey to happy ever after including someone determined to take Kyros down as well as seeing that Gemma doesn't make things difficult for the notorious mob boss after her. Furthermore, the main characters were incredible and I loved every moment they conversed, as the heroine has serious trust issues that make her argue and question Kyros every chance she gets because it's not fair that she needs to stay hidden due to what she witnessed. At times, the heroine had me wanting to laugh at how difficult she can be, but at least she provides a challenge for the hero. While the hero, he's confident, a good agent and will do anything to protect the heroine, which is proven by all that he does for her. I also liked that he was willing to help her get her life back, even though things could get very dangerous.
Overall, Ms. Jaeger has delivered a remarkable read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the romance wonderful and shows how special Kyros thinks Gemma is; the secondary characters had me totally hooked, especially Rick because of the way he banters with the heroine and teases her with the nickname he has for her; and the ending had me absolutely delighted by the hero's determination to win the heroine's heart because there's no way he can let her get away. Then again, how could Gemma possibly resist Kyros? However, it was the final chapter that wrapped this story up perfectly, because of this couple's conversation when it comes to their families, their future and how good the heroine is at her career. Will Kyros be impressed by her skills behind her camera? I would recommend A Shot at Love by Peggy Jaegar, if you enjoy Romantic Suspense, the opposites attract trope, or books by authors Kari Lemor, Sharon Sala, Brenda Novak and Katie Ruggle. Furthermore, this is a story I highly recommend!
The story started with a high velocity, the intensity spike from the very first page, and it is held there for the duration. The suspense is perilous, constantly threatening lives, and collateral damage is not something the culprits are going to be worried about. The case is risky, and when it comes obvious there is a mole in the FBI, there's no one to have Kyros 'Ky' Pappandreos' back, no one he can trust within the investigation.
I loved how well the story is crafted and how realistic and factual it is. The author obviously knows what she is talking about whether it is culinary arts, martial arts, photography, investigation or weaponry. The details are there, well embedded into the tale, there are no shortcuts taken or vague references, but actual factual details, just the right amount information without being overpowering or boring.
Another thing I adored about the tale was the vivid images the author draws with her words. I swear I saw in my mind's eyes Ky boxing, every single muscle in detail, the sweat flying in the air... Can we talk about swooning?! The sensual images that Gemma Laine sees with her photographer's eyes when looking at Ky where some of the most tantalizing illustrations, the times when Ky and Gemma practice martial arts together are such seductive scenes, the heat is high without actual physical intimacy at that moment.
The story gives time and space, within the suspense and the case still staying intense, in a natural setting for Ky and Gemma to get to know each other, to develop a real relationship, to find the unwavering trust, and for the true feelings to develop. Gemma and Ky have so much in common, it was easy to see the possibilities of the relationship. They have similar hobbies and values making it natural to find the connection and share about their lives.
I enjoyed the book one in the series, Cooking With Kandy, yet Shot At Love took the tale to even higher level. It is truly enjoyable, entertaining, well build, with likable, relatable characters with growth and development. The menace is constant and deadly, the danger is palpable, the romance swept me off my feet, and I just wanted to inhale the tale while savoring every morsel and word... Ah!
~ Five Spoons!
An absolutely excellent read!! I loved the fast pace of the story, the suspense elements of the story, and of course the great romance and chemistry between Ky and Gemma. This one had a perfect balance between romance and suspense. The writing was fantastic and these characters will win your heart right from the start.
Gemma definitely finds herself in the wrong place at the right time and now her life is in danger. With Special Agent Kyros Pappandreos in charge of the case as well as her protection, her heart might be in danger as well!
A must read. I highly recommend it.