Poison Kisses: Part 1 is a good introduction to a super steamy and action-filled 3 part serial. The romance between Seth and Amanda is complicated, dangerous, and the main point of conflict in the story. There are gunfights, secret identities, and a murderous scientist, and all those elements come together in a fun and tense novella.

Lisa Renee Jones sets up an intriguing and engaging story. The writing is good and easy to follow, and the fast pace works really well with the overall plot arc. There isn’t a lot of character development, but the shift in timeline between the past and the present adds tension and helps develop Seth and Amanda’s relationship. The action and world-building are totally over the top, but in the best of ways.

There is absolutely nothing realistic about the portrayal of CIA agents in this novella, and that is amazing. As most of the plot if heavily tied to secret government agencies, this gives a dangerous atmosphere to the story, making it feel a lot like a Hollywood action movie. It’s overdone to the max, but it works so so so well with Jones’ writing style and is one of the highlights for me.

Seth, the narrator, is the typical alpha hero. The romance between him and Amanda is very much a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers kind of deal, so there is a lot of tension between them during the story. As in, sexual tension, which leads the way to so many steamy scenes between the two of them, oh my god. We also get glimpses of what happened between them through very well-written flashbacks that flow smoothly with the course of the plot.

There is a lot of drama regarding Seth and Amanda that seems like it could have been solved, or at least addressed, by them just talking to each other, so that does frustrate me a little. That’s where most of the conflicts come from - their relationship -, although Jones does bring an outside source of Evil/Bad Guy to raise the stakes. That part kind of falls to the background a little, despite being the reason why they’ve reunited. And because of the huge cliffhanger ending, neither of those things get resolved in this installment.

In the end, Poison Kisses: Part 1 is the perfect novella for anyone who is looking for a quick and action-filled Romance read. There is a lot of sex, so be warned, but just as many fights and dangerous situations. The cliffhanger ending does leave you wanting more, so I’m excited about what’s to come next.

Addictive, fast-paced, clever and stimulating.

What happens when you mix the brilliant style of this author with the atmosphere of Kiefer Sutherland's TV series 24? Pure dynamite.

This former couple that mean to kill each other and met as agents on a mission years back, now have to forcibly work together again to stop a massive threat of security. They hate each other with a passion that can only be surpassed by the criminal secrets they share and the sheer vigour of their bond. Wow, what a heady cocktail!

Seth and Amanda get physical both in deadly and amorous ways pretty quickly in the story, which made my heart beat really fast. They are lethal weapons in and onto themselves, they act and speak accordingly. Sharp, smart, challenging. And oh the fierce chemistry between them! Enhanced by danger and mistrust, it jumps out of the page as a live wire. I loved how they work together, how synchronized their talents and skills. Despite the hatred for seemingly unforgivable acts on both parts, they are trained agents who ooze precision and efficiency. A killer and a scientist. Reminded me a bit of The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer and I adored that.

My only complaint is the opening scene which shows the hero in a very unflattering light.

I'm eager to find out if they can behave in their present mission without killing each other first. Or if desire will melt their brains :-D What is it that broke their love? Only one way to find out. The second part is coming!

So glad to read Seth Cage’s story!

He is such an integral asset to Shane Brandon and the Brandon empire, it’s nice to finally know his background.

This story has action and a lot of time jumps. They are easy to keep up with and some are quite hot. I can’t wait to read part 2!!

It's hard to write a review on this one. It's only the first part of the story and I need more. But I guess that says it all!! I need more and this part definitely has me hooked, I need to see what happens. Amanda and Seth have an ugly past. They need to get past it to work together on the case that brought them together again.

I can't wait for the next part of this story. If you hate cliffhangers then you may want to wait for all 3 parts to be released but definitely put this on the must read list! I highly recommend it.

Seth Cage......sigh...... What a freaking insanely good book. Lisa pulled out all the stops on this one. I love the story line and Amanda was exceptional as well. These two have history going back 3 years.
Seth allows himself that one time to feel something and feels like he got it shoved back up his backside. He believes the worst about Amanda and blames her for everything that has gone wrong and is wrong with not only his life but everything else. No longer with the agency, taking special cases he's given an assignment. She's it. Grab her, protect her and get what they want out of her, then kill her. Pretty cut and dry.
Amanda hates Seth. She loved him, then finds herself betrayed by him. A child of the agency, her parents both scientists and she grew up in that setting. It was her life, until it became apparent that her life was in danger and the surprise was by who and she's been in hiding for 3 years. No one could find her. Until she decided to hit the radar.
Seth the Assassin and The Poison Queen. What a combo and I can't wait for book two. This story unfolds over three books. One hell of a story.
Absolute must read.

This is the first part of a new 3 part story but also a spin-off set in the same world as the ‘Dirty Money series’. Seth Cage, Shane Brandon’s security chief, has his own story to tell.
Once upon a time, this ex-CIA operative was sent on a mission to catch a bad guy. By his side was a beautiful young chemist. He knew it shouldn’t happen but somehow, the man with no emotions fell in love. But, what happens when that love is challenged. When the things you believe to be real are maybe just a fabrication. A lie.
Amanda knew that Seth had been set to watch her, but she never knew the real him. Or did she?
Trust and faith are tested and found wanting in this tense, spine-tingling new story from Lisa Renee Jones. Poison Kisses#1 is the first of three with the next 2 following shortly.

This is the first book in the new Poison Kisses serial, a spin-off of the Dirty Money series. They will need to be read in order.

For lovers of Lisa Renee Jones’ books, Seth Cage is the ex-CIA operative in charge of security for Shane Brandon in the Dirty Money series. He has never been in the background, but now it is truly all about him. Where did he come from and what is his story? Where is his woman?

The answer is: San Francisco and her name is Amanda. She is also an ex-CIA operative and… well, you know I won’t give spoilers!

One thing I will tell you is that LRJ gave a big nod to her recently departed fur-baby, Julie, which her fans will recognize. Thank you from all of us who have loved a pet.

I read this in one sitting. I could not put it down! Thank all the baby animals – especially kitties – that these serials are being released only a week apart and we won’t have to wait long for the next one!!

Note: while I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
#PoisonKissesPart1 #NetGalley

So I didn't read the dirty money series even though I have all the books and still plan to. You don't need to read those in order to read this series.

I like how this is a Mr and Mrs Smith type of story. However what doesn't work for me is the constant jumping back and forth to the past and present. I think the way how this novella is laid out thrown me off of what I'm trying to get a feel for Amanda and Seth. The one "hot" scene on the plane made it feel like it was a filler for where it was placed in the book, and I ended up skimming some of that.

Im assuming the rest of the 2 parters are going to have the same format of the past and present. I just feel like a good core of the story is missing even though this is a 3 part event book. Maybe the general timeline was going too fast for me to stay in the moment with the characters. I don't know. I'll have to figure out if it's worth wanting to read the rest of the series or not.

4.5 Stars

Seth!

We already loved him in the Dirty Money series and now he gets his own story(ies!).
Don't worry - you don't need to have read the other 4 books to understand his story.

Seth used to be CIA before he started working for himself. But you never really leave the Agency. And now he's asked to shadow and maybe kill an ex agent. His ex lover. The only woman he ever loved.

Amanda is one of only 4 scientists who know about the dangerous poison this crazy killer is trying to kill lots of people with. The other 3 scientists are already dead, that's why the CIA thinks she's working with the killer. But of course she's not. Someone is setting her up. Just like both she and Seth were set up three years ago. Both thinking the other was the bad guy.

Amanda and Seth met for the first time working a case in Rome three years ago. Both didn't see themselves with a happily ever after for their future years, but they thought about it as soon as they met. They fell in love. They would've been an amazing unit. But bad people were conspiring against them left and right. Then and now!

What will happen?
Can they ever trust each other again?
Will they find out who the bad guys are?
Will they stop the crazy killer from killing?

Find out in this book and the next two - don't worry - we don't have to wait too long - book #2 will be out next week! Plus, Lisa always puts a little summary in the 2nd and 3rd book!

POISON KISSES #1 was a very exciting & mysterious & sexy start to this 3-part-suspense series... Run to your nearest amazon for your own Seth - this one is MINE!!!

My rating might be different if this was published as one full length novel instead of a 3 part serial. This is the kind of story I like to read in one sitting.

While I enjoyed it, I didn’t fully connect with the story or characters. I’m not sure what to make of Seth and Amanda. They have an interesting relationship. I am definitely intrigued. It will be interesting to see how this story plays out.

This was a brilliant start to Seth's story. That was packed full of deceit, intrigue and action. As well as two characters who both love and hate each other in equal measure. And I could not put it down. Plus the ending left me wanting more. And I would happily recommend this story to others

I can't stop with just this part one for the novella...guess I know what I'll be reading this weekend! Part 2 and 3 are first up! I don't think a full review can be given until the other parts are read, it's just not complete yet. No slow build here like some of her other books, this one starts out bold and quick. Full review to come later.

Poison Kisses Part 1 is the story of the down right sexy bodyguard from the Dirty Money series. This is a serialization so beware, it does end in a cliff hanger but don't worry the next one in the series gets published soon. Luckily, I received the series as an Advanced Reader so I don't have to wait too long.

I have to say, I love how Lisa is able create both male and female characters with unique backgrounds and great personalities. Seth is the same Seth that we have grown to love in the Dirty Money series but we get to know more about what makes him tick. I love him as a character so I was incredibly happy to learn more about his story. He is definitely an Alpha Male that has finally found his match in Amanda.Amanda is the Poison Princess who definitely knows how to put an Alpha Male in his place. I love the fierceness of her character and that she has some soft edges. My only issue is that it is harder to get to know her as a character in only 78 pages.

All in all, I could gush about this novella for ages but I'm scared I'll give too much away. If you enjoyed the Dirty Money series, you'll enjoy this.

Poison Kisses is Seth Cage's story. We first learned about Seth from the Bad Deeds series and I was excited that were are getting more from one of my favorite series.

I'll admit I was surprised by Seth in the first installment. He's pretty cold and ruthless. I mean he was in Bad Deeds knowing he was former CIA but I think reading his thoughts brought it home to just how cold he can be.

Amanda is another surprising character. I don't remember getting any information on her in the previous series but I wasn't really expecting a rogue agent to be soft.

This first installment brings Seth back into Amanda's world after 3 years of no contact and 3 years of being out of the CIA. They each believe the other has betrayed each other and now they are forced to work together once again except Seth has been ordered to kill Amanda when their mission is done.

This is a very short installment so we just get a glimpse into their start of the mission. It does end on a cliffhanger. ARC provided by NetGalley.

It's ok. Thin in some areas -- character development, for example -- but what can I expect from a serial that's broken into 3 parts and can be read in a few hours? Well, I could expect more heat... and... come to think of it, I CAN expect more. (I was enthralled with Sawyer Bennett's Sugar Bowl series and that remains a well-done serial.)

I'm a huge fan of smart, strong alphas. The "Scientist" concept reminded me of the heroine's skillset in Stephenie Meyer's "The Chemist," which I liked. I enjoy a good undercover/covert story. There was certainly some nice stuff here, but I also wished it could've been better.

This first installment is fast paced, intriguing, sensual and full of mysteries.

Seth is ex CIA, now working for Brandon Enterprises. He is recalled by the CIA to go on a mission where a lethal enemy has resurfaced. To complete this mission, he has to work with Amanda, his ex partner and ex lover of three years ago.

Facing each other again brings back old feelings, however betrayal only causes animosity between them. They are persued right from the start and running for their lives to accomplish the mission is more important than killing each other. For the time being!

This is recounted from Seth's POV, and alternates between the present and what transpired in the past to lead to their hatred. Even though their attraction is still strong, there is no trust left. Are they both guilty of betrayal or is there something more going on in the background?

The tension keeps building up throughout this first part and it ends on a cliffhanger. It's a nail biter and I can't wait to see what happens next.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

So I am going to hold my full review until I finish all three parts of this series. I will say that this first part was OK for me. I am used to this author having very little OW drama in her books so to be smacked in the face right at the beginning with a sex scene between the hero, and another woman put a damper on my experience right from the start. Add in the going back and forth from past to present, which I am also not a fan of, and the continuous animosity and angst, and this one was just OK.

That said, I am intrigued enough to continue...so on I go to part two.

Quick and easy read from Lisa Renee Jones! Finally, more on our elusive Seth Cage. He's dreamy, daring, sexy, mouth watering beautiful and we get to see him upfront and center while also getting a front row seat to his very own story.

Wow! Seth and Amanda’s story is a fast paced, exciting mystery moving from their unconventional past to a present day mission that they both suddenly find themselves in. Do they trust each other or not? Can they focus through their mutual chemistry to finally figure out who and what ripped them apart three years earlier! Great read and I can’t wait to see how this mystery plays out.

Poison Kisses kept me almost out of breath for the duration of the story. I had already met Seth in the Dirty Money series, but man - getting to know him better is great! I can't wait to see what will happen next!