Lisa Renée Jones has captured my attention with "Poison Kisses 1 ", the intrigue, the secrets and the betrayal drawing me in just as surely as former CIA agent Seth cage and Amanda Skye are as equally captured . Captured by what they each believe to be true; captured by a shared nemesis and captured by the past, a past filled with secrets, passion and love and betrayal.
However Seth's motto is "Fuck or be fucked" and to spite what he may have felt for Amanda in the past he can not allow his feelings to interfere with his mission; He is after all , the Assassin.
Ms Jones has set the stage for a wild ride with this novella and I am waiting with baited breathe for part two and three!
Arc graciously provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review .

Poison Kisses Part 1 is an intense, thrilling, sexy, and electric introduction to a side of Seth Cage that I can’t help but find irresistible! I loved him in the Dirty Money series, but I am so grateful to see him get a story of his own. This series gives us the chance to see just how lethal this man really is and I am loving every minute of it!

Three years ago, while working a covert operation for the CIA, Seth and Amanda fell in love. They were also this close to nailing a man who was a danger to national security. Until things went horribly wrong, an agent was dead, and both Seth and Amanda suffered insurmountable feelings of betrayal. Amanda went ghost and Seth has spent the last three years trying to find her, to have her answer for her sins. Now there’s another threat to the nation and Seth has been tasked with not only locating Amanda, but working with her once again. How will these two rely on each other when they’ve harbored three years of distrust? Well, that’s just one part of the fun!

Seth and Amanda were so incredibly amazing! I loved them so much. He was characteristically alpha and assertive, but she wasn’t a wallflower. She gave as good as she got. And these two together were EXPLOSIVE!! Trying to weed out the truth from fiction was just as much fun as watching them try not to fall under each other’s spell again. There was not a dull moment to be found and amidst the drama of the plot, I’m on tenterhooks to find out how this couple fares as the story develops. I’ll definitely be staying tuned for part two!

Release: Feb. 6, 2018 | Genre: Romantic Suspense | POV: Male - 1st person | Heat: 3.5 out of 5 | Part 1 of the Poison Kisses Trilogy | Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Twisting and turning, intrigue, and so much more! This author knows how to write stories that will make you read through to the end with only a few essential breaks! Even though this is a serial, which I dislike, it packed all the punch of any full length novel by this author.

Without giving you any of the storyline, once you’ve started and finished these books (waiting on the next one), the back story of Seth will explain so much about his actions in the later books. If you are a fan of the Dirty Money series, you won’t want to miss this one either!

I received an ARC from the author/publisher for an honest and unbiased review.

Poison Kisses or poisonous lies...

Each one is something. He is the killer and she's the scientist. Together they were...more. Were. Now they are at odds.

This steamy first part is going to leave you with tons of questions and maybe even some unfinished fulfillment.

reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Seth Cage is a man of many talents, that is one of the reasons he works of Shane Brandon. While Shane probably doesn't want to know all Seth is capable of, he knows he will get the job done, no matter what it is.

Seth was part of the CIA until he left a few years ago, after his last mission. When he lost a friend/team member and the woman he thought he knew and loved. Now he has to protect the woman who made him love her and then she betrayed him.

Amanda Larke has been groomed to be an agent since she was born, meeting Seth was not part of the plan. Their mission together was not supposed to include falling in love. But it was easy for them both. But the betrayal was even harder for her to handle. Now, three years later, he is back in her life to keep her safe once again.

Can they do the job at hand without letting old feelings resurface? Will they be able to stay alive without killing each other first? Will they learn the truth about what really happened that fateful night?

I loved Seth in the Dirty Money series and wanted more; this is perfect, and I can't wait to see what happens between him and Amanda. This story is sexy, hot, with an alpha male and a badass female that would just as soon kick his ass as kiss him. So, pick it up and enjoy, I sure did. And you can read this as a standalone without reading the Dirty Money series.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Thriller, second chance
Triggers: Murder, on the run

Amanda and Seth are a strange couple. You catch glimpses of their past and know that their future is set up for a very fast-paced, thrilling ending. From the very beginning, you see there was some kind of misunderstanding or miscommunication, however, you never quite figure out what that is.

Amanda is a feisty, smart, and deadly. You get to see her in action and with a wariness about her when it comes to Seth. She fell for him once and she feels that she was burned. She is also trying to figure out who is out to get her and why – what her parents had to do with who is hunting her too.

Seth also fell for Amanda all of those years ago. Despite not being completely clear with Amanda about his op, he knew that she was his forever and would have given her anything. But he is also feeling betrayed by her and doesn't really know if he's coming or going when it comes to her.

I can't wait to see what happen in the next installment. I hope that questions are answered and I know that there are more that are going to crop up.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Poison Kisses Part 1 features fixer and former CIA agent, Seth Gage, from the Dirty Money series, but you don't need to have read that series in order to read Poison Kisses.

I was wondering what kind of woman a guy like Seth would be into. Amanda is beautiful of course, but she is also an intelligent, quick thinking, and lethal woman. Amanda is Seth's equal and they make a great team.

This is a fast-paced, sexy novella with plenty of action that got my heart pumping and kept me turning the pages. The story does take us back to the past so we can learn how Seth and Amanda met and see what happened to pull them apart, and there is just as much action and heat in the past as there is in the present.

This is the first part of a novella series and it is so good. The quick pace of the story and cliffhanger ending has me hanging for the next installment, which thankfully is out in a few weeks. I can't wait to read it.

Betrayal was never so sweet. Two CIA covert agents with a bad & hot past have to work together. Will these two play nice? With off the charts chemistry nice may not matter. The Poison Princess, Amanda, is a sexy kick-butt heroine. The Assassin, Seth, is swoon worthy. So hot! Great first part to the series. Can’t wait for the next part. Love this author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC thanks to NetGalley.

Poison Kisses Part 1 by Lisa Renee Jones is part 1 of a three-part serial about one totally sexy alpha and the woman who is his match. It was a quick, sexy and steamy read with drama and suspense. I devoured it and cannot wait to read more.

Seth Cage is a very determined, strong, sexy man who controls everything and everyone around him. As a former CIA agent his life depended on it. He has lived most of his life without complications, until her. The woman who came out of nowhere and sneaked into his heart and life unexpectedly and then betrayed him.

Amanda Skye is an enigma. We see her through Seth’s eyes only, but what we see is a strong, independent and determined woman just trying to stay alive. What are her truths? She knows Seth was sent after her for one reason only, can she ever trust him again?

For a quick read, this was full of steamy chemistry, tension and suspense. What is the truth? Who can be trusted? I loved this quick read from Lisa Renee Jones and cannot wait to read more!

Happy reading!

You may remember Seth as Shane’s bodyguard in the Dirty Money series and now he is back as enigmatic as ever starring in his own series. When he worked in the CIA he was known as “The Assassin” and he was partnered with Amanda “The Poison Princess”. They were much more than partners however they each believe that they were betrayed by the other and haven’t seen each other in three years.

Seth is back with the CIA on a contract position to work with Amanda to stop a terrorist plot however trust is something they don’t have for each other and they would rather kill each other than work together however that must wait until the successful completion of their mission.

The first installment gives us the background in their previous relationship and provides the basis of their mission. It is clear to see that as much as they hate each other the chemistry between them is hotter than ever and the suspense adds another level to the story. There are three parts to this series but fortunately the books are being released one week apart so the wait for the next part isn’t too long. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I received Poison Kisses as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is part one of three. Each part is released a week from each other. If you don’t like stories written in this manner, I suggest you wait until all three novellas have been released.
Seth, from the Dirty Money Series, is an ex CIA agent who wants revenge. During his days in the CIA he was known as The Assassin. Three years prior to this story, an assignment went horribly wrong. Even going back to the Dirty Money Series, he knew how to get a job done no matter how it needed to be handled.
Amanda was born and raised within the CIA but now she is in hiding. She trusts no one. She’s trained to handle deadly poisons giving her the nickname The Scientist. She let her guard down and is now on the run with the man who was once her partner.
Seth and Amanda do not trust each other and both made it clear that they are willing to kill each other is need be. They seem to have a love-hate relationship that hashes up memories from the past. Hence the mistrust. Both characters are skilled in what they do and are fierce,y independent. But then again, they seem to need each other at the same time. The conflict between their feelings make them seem more like everyday people than the trained agents they are. It works well for these two.
I recommend this but as stated above it’s a three part serial. I enjoyed reading Poison Kisses Part 1 and can’t wait to read the other two.

Poison Kisses Part 1 is the book that I thought Falling Under was when I first started reading it. Seth has been this undeniable presence in the Dirty Money series. He’s intriguing, but we know nothing about him except that he’s loyal and exceptional good at his job. This is his story and it pulls you in instantly with its intensity.

The only thing I don’t understand is why this was broken up into three parts. I haven’t read the 2nd and 3rd part yet, but I would assume it reads like a normal novel so I’m not sure what benefit comes from breaking the book up like this.

Seth is known as The Assassin. Amanda is The Scientist, but Seth prefers to call her The Poison Princess. Their working relationship turned into a romantic one while they were undercover as a married couple for several months. Then Amanda went on the run without her partner and he’s been chasing her down ever since. The chemistry between these two is on point, and there is a definite push-pull to their relationship. There are obviously feelings there, but they are both fighting them with everything they have. I loved it, and can’t wait to read Parts 2 & 3.

This is part one in this spin off series. There will be 3 books in this series and I'm so happy to be reading more about Seth who worked for Brandon in The Dirty Money series which you don't have to read to read this series. But you should cause it was awesome.
It was a great start to the series as we learn why Seth is the way he is. He must be in control. Never will he let someone control the outcome of a mission again.
Lisa always leaves you wanting more....Can't wait for part two.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. AI was so glad to see that Seth Cage was given his own story. He is from the Dirty Money series where he is Shane Brandon's right hand man. He is former CIA where he originally met Amanda, three years ago when they were assigned to the same case. Something happened back then that set them on different paths. Neither has seen each other since then until now when Seth is contacted by a former coworker asking for his help. There is a lot of mystery surrounding what happened three years ago and why Seth is now being asked to find and bring Amanda back to help with a current case the CIA needs help with. Amanda went into hiding when she left three years ago. She like Seth only know parts of what happened back then. Why the assignment seems to have gone wrong, etc. There is still a lot of pent up feeling between the two, a lot of chemistry and misplaced trust caused by all of it. Now the two are doubting what they had back then and if they can believe what the other says. This boos if full of intrigue, action, adventure, mystery and unspoken feelings that still linger between Seth and Amanda. Can they get past the sense of betrayal they each have for one another? And figure out a way to solve this new case and get back once they once had? I can not wait to see what happens next!
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Poison Kisses Part 1 of a 3 part series by Lisa Renee Jones. This first book is Seth Cage’s story. As always this author never fells in delivering a steamy hot romance, action, suspense and mystery. This book will keep you on the edge and anxious for the next one.

Seth is mysterious and Amanda is full of contradictions. The dynamic between the two is tense, intriguing, and sexy. This first part of the trilogy sets the stage for the story and alternates between present day and three years ago. The story is full of lies, betrayal, danger, mystery, and steamy romance. What really happened all those years ago and how does whats happening now connect back? Stay tuned for part two coming next week!

-4.25 stars. This was a really good book! This was part 1 of Seth and Amanda's story. Seth is a former CIA agent, now working in private security and investigations for Shane Brandon (from the Dirty Money series). When he was in the CIA three years ago, he spent three months undercover with Amanda, another agent and scientist, posing as man and wife on a mission. Amanda is a poison specialist with the nickname Poison Princess, and Seth is a well known contract killer agent known as The Assassin. While the two were undercover, they fell in love and began a real relationship, but when the mission goes wrong, Amanda runs and disappears. Seth has spent the three years since searching for her to no avail, angry and bitter that Amanda could possibly have double-crossed him. Now, Seth has been contracted by the CIA to go to Amanda, who they have found, and get her to help them with a matter of national security, a terrorism threat to poison the public water source. When Seth and Amanda come face to face and are forced to go on the run together, they must face their past and decide whether they can trust each other. Or will one of them be forced to kill the other to keep themself and their country safe?

This is a sexy, suspenseful spy story. It was very Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The spy theme really suits Ms. Jones' writing. I loved the mysterious, unpredictable feel of the book. I really loved both Seth and Amanda. Neither of them know whether they can trust each other and both feel betrayed by each other in the past. Because of their history, Seth was pretty harsh and distrustful of Amanda at first. But he did start to see that things were not as they seemed. I didn't love that we only get Seth's POV, but we do get Amanda's POV later on in the trilogy. I still felt a connection to her even without her POV.

I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of all three parts of the Poison Kisses trilogy so I had the opportunity to read them back to back. I definitely recommend reading them that way. To me, this was one book split into 3 parts. I did not think the parts stood alone very well. Also they are short, so don't expect three full length books. If at all possible, I recommend reading the books back to back.

I love Ms. Jones' romantic suspense and this trilogy was one of her best. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I could not put the book down until I had read all three parts to Poison Kisses. I will definitely be adding it to my re-read list. I very much recommend this sexy, suspenseful trilogy and look forward to more from Ms. Jones in the future!

I loved Seth Cage in the Dirty Money Series. He always seemed one step ahead and not only his looks made him awesome but also his intelligence. In Poison Kisses we get the back story of why Seth lives for work and keeps his life extremely private. Seth gets entangled with his old lover and CIA agent, Amanda, three years after a devastating event. Due to this event Seth and Amanda have over the top distrust for each other but need to work together to take down a criminal from their past. The story seamlessly goes between the past to the present as we learn what led up to this tragedy and how difficult it is for them to hold back from the intense chemistry they once shared. The ending cliff hanger makes you crave for more. Can't wait for Poison Kisses #2.

This is romantic suspense at its best. Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who doesn't do well reading serials that are issued weeks apart. For that reason, I'm going to withhold my full review until I read the entire serial, but from the looks of it, I think it's a winner! This author always gives us a storyline full of suspense, secrets and sex! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

POISON KISSES by Lisa Renee Jones is the First book in the series called "Poison Kisses". This is the story of Amanda Skye and Seth Cage. Their story plays out over three parts / books and this being the first one. Seth was a part of the previous series 'Dirty Money" and now we are getting his story.
Seth left the CIA about three years ago and now works on his own but he knows you never really leave their services. Now the CIA has come to him wanting his help with bring down Dr. Franklin Ross a former agent gone bad. CIA knows that Amanda is the only scientist who can help them but they also want Seth to kill her. Seth blames Amanda for his friends death after she up and disappeared without a word. Amanda has been hiding after learning that there is a hit put out on her and she thought that Seth was the one to do the killing.
This is a short book but it has a lot of impact with it. I can wait for more of their story!

Poison Kisses by Lisa Renee Jones is a trilogy and this is part one. Learn about the characters.
Seth Cage is a 35 year old xe -CIA agent who´s now the " Fixer " for the Brandon Family Empire.
When he gets contacted by a former colleaque his past and his present are about to collide.
Amanda Larke and Seth have a common past - and now his job is to eliminate the threat that Amanda is.
Poison Princess is a spy - thriller - romance by the incredibly talented author Lisa Renee Jones.
The book sucked me in from the start and I love the characters and the story.
The Assassin and the Poison Princess and I can´t wait to read the next installment in the series.

This was a short, sexy, thrilling, cliffhanger read that gave as good as it got. Seth the assassin, pulled back in to do one more job. Amanda the scientist, put in his path to make the game that much more entertaining. Their history together drew them back together. Their history together blurs the lines drawn. Their attraction to one another unmistakable. This was like the prologue to a waited tell. It left you wanting the next installment.