I barely finished this book. I never skim but ended up doing so part way through just so I could finish it. I did read book one, and was disappointed with it as well. I was hoping that book two would pick up and have more of a plot. Sadly, this one did work for me. I will not continue with this series and will not post this review to my blog since my review is vague.

This is Ivan and Journey's (bka Syn) story. This one is filled with so much passion and heat! I loved it. There are our secondary characters from past books in the series whom we love so much. In the beginning of this story we get a brief view of Journey's past and understand why she had to run, she was treated cruelly, bartered for marriage and revelations come to light for her 4 years ago. There are secrets revealed that appeal to the action and suspense side of the story. I enjoyed seeing Jordan and Tehya again. All in all a great solid read. 4 stars!!!

*****ARC provided by St. Martin's Press thru NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*****

Welcome back to Brute Force. I would highly recommend reading the first book before you read this one as you will lose a big portion of the background of this series if you don't. It was great to catch back up with Ivan and Syn. In this book they finally don't hid there attraction to each other. This book is more of what happens in the first and I really don't want to give anything away but I will say finally. I do hope this series continues as I do like it a lot.


*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

I felt a little lost when I first started this book so checked that it was the second in a spin-off series about Elite Ops by Lora Leigh. I had actually read and reviewed the first book In this spinoff and so familiarized myself with it again before going back to this book. So as I said, when I first started this book I felt like I was missing parts of the plot. However, I can honestly say it did not take long for me to totally get into this story, and really enjoy it. I loved the love story of Ivan and Journey, as well as the suspense brought about by the Elite Ops part of this book. Altogether, if you have not read any of the series, you can really enjoy this book as a standalone. Have always enjoyed Ms. Leigh’s writing, and over the years, I think it has gotten stronger. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I just hope it doesn’t take 6 months to get the next one!😊

I am happy I received a copy of this story through NetGalley. I have enjoyed this author’s books through many of her series and this is one I would not have missed. The relationship between Ivan and Journey is so heartwarming that I could not set it down hoping to see if all would work out for them. Their childhood’s should have caused either of them to shy away from this relationship. It was also interesting how the author choose to deal with Journey’s situation with her relatives. To have the story answered so well is part of this author’s style. I can’t wait to see what will be next.

I am a lover of Lora Leigh and her various series. This just happens to be my first read in this series. Ivan was hot and sexy and could be a very cruel and brutal man. One way to see that side of him was the threatening the one person in the world he loved more than life, Syn. Syn found herself able to breath again. To live life like it should have been, but someone does not want her to step too far in to freedom and light. Syn soon finds that she was not away from the life she left behind. She finds that she must return to continue to life. Brute Force was a novel that I could get deep into. There was an intensity, a touch of suspense, and romance. The characters were good, the plot came along, the pacing was so-so, and sensual steamy connection between Ivan and Syn were all in place.

Dagger's Edge was not a quick read but it was one that would engage you and take you on an adventure that was not so pleasant for Syn or Ivan. Then again it depends on which side of this dangerously intense adventure you were on. I will not say that my heart was stolen, but I did find a series that has peeked my interest a bit more. I will seek out and read book on of the Brute Force series.

Dagger's Edge by Lora Leigh, a book of spiciness and intrigue. Book two in the Brute Force series. I look forward to reading more by author.

After my disappointment with the first book in this series, I hadn't planned on going any further. However, I decided to give it one more shot, mostly in hopes that it would live up to its potential. Unfortunately, I found more of the same except this one plunged completely into the unbelievable. I understand that it's a spin-off series, but I would expect at least some explanation of who these people are and what's happened to them to this point. Instead, the book just plunges in and I suppose the reader is expected to figure it out. That, or go back and read the original series, which I have no inclination to do given my feelings for this one. I have no problem with a continuing story or a series that relies on past information, but a small disclaimer with the blurb would remedy a new reader's disappointment. That aside, there were just too many things about this book that are completely over the top and stretch the imagination far past a suspension of disbelief. As with the first book, those that read the original series and are familiar with the characters may enjoy this, but I certainly can't recommend it to anyone new to the author.

An incendiary attraction that led to more…

This is the second book in the Brute Force series that can be read as a stand-alone, but having read the first book in the series will enhance the reading.

As the daughter and granddaughter of crime lords, Crimsyn Delaney’s life was never her own as is the name she uses to hide behind. She ran from her family in rebellion after being sold into marriage to a British ally. Even after the patriarchs were incarcerated she’s still in danger. Unsure if it’s her family or fiancé that want her back in their control or another enemy who wants her dead she continues running. When Ivan Resnova tracks her down just before an abduction attempt, a Russian crime lord she’s always been drawn to and the father of her friend she’s forced to confront her desires, lack of trust, and the realities of her origins.

Crimsyn, known as Journey to the Taite family, is stronger than she realizes, she’s fought against the misfortune of her birth no matter the pains it has brought her. She longs for a normal life away from the manipulation and horrors her family perpetuates and after an honest assessment of her situation she knows that alone she will not succeed. But is Ivan the ally she needs? The man’s presence clouds her thinking and much as she tries to avoid it she fantasizes of the perfect life knowing it can never be attained. She abhors lies and Ivan has many.

Though knowing that Crimsyn is the daughter of his enemy, Ivan Resnova offers her protection and plays the game of not knowing who she is until circumstances warrant acknowledgment of her identity. She’s the perfect weapon to get back at his enemy but the attraction between them along with the individual that she is changes the dynamics. A strong brutal man, Ivan loves only one person, his daughter. Is there room in his jaded heart for the woman who causes his blood to burn? He does not blame her for the sins of her fathers but the situation is riddled with complications. They’ve struck a deal which feels more real with every passing day.

Crimsyn and Ivan were born to be rebels, victims to the cruel families they were birthed into yet having their own internal code of morality that led them to fight against the unjustness of their lives. They were drawn to each other at different points in their lives and during those encounters they had made a deep impression on each other that the years could not degrade leading this reader to believe that they were fated to be together. Theirs was an incendiary attraction that gave them strength and led to more.

Amid the suspenseful machinations of secret government operations and warring crime families who believe in fierce vengeance, lies, betrayals, and conspiracies abounded, love really did conquer all. The storyline was engaging, the main characters were memorable, their connection palpable. There was lots of information relayed regarding the crime families and having not read the connected Elite Ops series from which this series is a spin-off, there was some confusion but it did not detract from enjoyment of this story.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for steaminess!

Dagger’s Edge was an exciting and fast-paced read with a great suspense plot and an incredibly sexy romance.

Crimsyn "Syn" Delaney thought she managed to outrun the danger that has plagued her for the last four years. When danger finds her again, she turns to Ivan Resnova for help. Syn thought her time with Ivan had passed and never expected to see him again, but with danger at every turn Ivan may be the only one who can help Syn to safety even if it means risking her heart in the process.

The romance in this book weirded me out a bit at first as Ivan is the father of the first book’s heroine. As the book went on though, the age difference was easier to overlook and I found myself enjoying Syn and Ivan’s romance. Ivan finds himself unexpectedly falling for Syn and has a hard time convincing her of that due to trust issues she has. One area without any problems though is in their physical relationship. Their physical chemistry is off the charts and the scenes between Syn and Ivan are incredibly sexy with the perfect amount of steaminess. Fair warning to those who like their romances less explicit, the sex scenes in this book are very frequent with a lot of detail.

The book starts out with a flashback to four years prior to the rest of the book which ended up just confusing me. There’s no explanation for the scene or who anyone is and you’re essentially just dropped into the middle of it and expected to figure it out. If you haven’t read the first book in this series, you may be a bit confused as to who everyone is plus the scenes in the present pick up immediately after the first book. I found the plot with Syn’s family to be compelling and enjoyed it more as time went on and I was able to work out what was happening. The ending held a few surprises and I found myself liking the latter half of the book more than the first half.

Overall Dagger’s Edge ended up being a fun, sexy read and I’ll definitely read future books in the series. While this series isn’t my favorite, it perfectly hits the spot for a sexy romantic suspense read and I’d recommend it if you’re in the mood for one.

This is a quick read as you won't want to put it down. It moves at a quick speed with things happening left and right. Romance and action filled it's a great beach read.

3.5 Stars!

I truly love Lora Leigh and have been an avid reader for years. So I was a little saddened that Dagger's Edge did not do it for me. I could not keep up with the story line and it took me about a month to get through, when usually Lora Leigh books will keep me up all night. Now the sexy and hot scenes were the bomb as I knew Lora would make it out to be. I guess I needed a little more twists and turns that would have my head spinning. Any Lora Leigh fans should still read this book. It may have not been it for me, but could be for you.

DAGGER'S EDGE is mind-blowing, action-packed excitement. I don't know where author Lora Leigh gets her ideas or characters but I certainly hope she keeps finding them.

As a reader, you will feel for Journey Taite and (excuse the pun) watch her journey to her new strength of character and become Ivan's Syn in truth. Ivan is an enigma, but one that we learn about just as Syn does and see them become a partnership that is unstoppable.

If you want heart-stopping action, a wickedly steamy romance that is filled with an amazingly strong love then please yourself and get DAGGER'S EDGE right now.

~Annetta Sweetko, reviewing for Fresh Fiction

Complete review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=66666

This was a great read! The suspense and love story in the book is well done. Ivan is a man not to be messed with, but he does love his family and takes care of them. In this book he helps Syn a girl whose family tried to kill his own, he plays her game for awhile when she is hiding and running from danger but once he convinces her to stay and not hide the real trouble occurs. Loved the suspense in it, never knew what was coming next. The character's were well done. Honest review in exchange for ARC.

4.5 STARS!!

Dagger's Edge is sizzling hot, romantic, suspenseful, action packed, passionate, and with enough hate and violence to keep you on the edge of you seat the entire time. Incredibly clever characters and the plot is fantastic and unpredictable.

This book has it all and it will rock your world. I just love it!

I really enjoyed following Ivan and Journey's journey and learning about the side characters that are part of this amazing series. However, I highly recommend that you start from book 1!

ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

4.5 stars
It was just supposed to be an illusion or was it? Crimsyn (aka Syn or Journey) has been on the run from a life that was fraught with danger thanks to her own family. The only way to protect herself was to become aligned with a seemingly more powerful man than her family’s reach. Enter Ivan, a formidable Russian with ties to those who can protect her, including himself. However, Syn was promised to another and cannot forget her young girl crush on the handsome man that she encountered a few times in her social circle. Fast forward a few years and Syn is still trying to stay one step ahead of those that would do her wrong and winds up with the one man who she truly wants, Ivan. Due to her past, Syn does not believe that Ivan can really care for her let alone ever love her. In an attempt to flesh out who is trying to harm Syn, Ivan comes up with a plan. How much will it cost them? Lora Leigh has written a riveting storyline that is action packed with drama, suspense and plenty of heat. This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone. If you are hungering for a book to pierce your heart, this one will quickly have you pinned in your seat until the last page is read.
I volunteered to read an advance copy provided by Netgalley.

Oh My WOW! I read the first book in this new series and flew through it, this book was no different! I had to force myself to put it down at 1 in the morning and finish the next morning. Steamy, suspense, passion, what's not to love? I did have some issues with the prologue, couldn't figure out where it was going, but as soon as I get into the book and remembered the characters from book 1 I didn't have any problems.

Love it and hope there's more coming!

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

3.5 Stars Daggers Edge is full of the passion, intrigue and suspense that we expect from Lora Leigh, but it is not a favorite of mine.
I hard time with the beginning. I felt like I was throw into the middle of a scene and had no idea what was going on but I powered through and the story picked up.
Ivan and Syn has good chemistry even with the differences in their ages and all of the obstacles thrown in their way.

Are fairy tales real? Journey knows that she can never stop running her family will never rest until she is dead. She has been able to hide but now her time is running out and the one man that can help is the one man that will stop at nothing to destroy her. Ivan knows who Journey is but he has allowed her to keep her secrets and he realises that he will do anything to keep her safe. Ivan will destroy her family no matter what, they took everything from him and they even sold Journey as part of a deal. But can Ivan get her to trust him and can he show her that he is willing to do anything to keep her safe. But can she trust him she knows that they have a deal to destroy her family but she never realised how much she would come to love him. And she knows as long as she is with Ivan they will come for her but she is safe? Can Ivan save the woman that he loves before it is too late? What a great read draws you in. Love that Journey is a strong willed young woman that still believes in fairy tales and will run to protect her future if need be. Ivan is a fierce protector that will do anything to keep the woman that he loves safe. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley and the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.

This was the second installment in this series, and I enjoyed it as much as the first. The world is exciting, and suspenseful, and the sexy times are super steamy!

Ivan Resnova, the father of the heroine in book 1, is the head of a Russian crime family. But, he also works with the Elite Ops group, to bring down other bad guys. After all the drama and threats involving his daughter have now passed, and she's happy with her fiance, Ivan's not sure what he'll do with himself. But, his daughter Amara's friend, Crimsyn Delaney, is still staying at his estate, as she's still in danger. A danger she won't discuss. But she's keeping more than that secret from him, and from everyone else. He's determined to get to the bottom of her story, and keep her safe in the meantime. He has no intentions of anything deeper, at first.

Crimsyn "Syn" Delaney has secrets. A lifetime of them. But, now, some of those secrets have come back to haunt her, and she's not sure where to turn. She decides to trust Amara's father to help her, though she's keeping even more explosive secrets from him than he knows. Syn has a terrible history of people who are supposed to love her, letting her down. She has no interest in adding another person to that list, but will she be able to stop herself from falling for her sexy savior?

Ivan and Syn's chemistry was off the charts hot and their interactions often left me fanning my face. But, they were playing cat and mouse with the truth of each other, and I was glad when the biggest portion of it finally came out. They had more to do with each other's pasts than they realized, and I loved watching them really get to know each other. They really seemed to understand and accept each other as they were, and that is priceless. I loved their bond.

The suspense plot was quite exciting, and kept you guessing as to who we could trust, and who we couldn't. I enjoyed how everything played out, and I was glad to see that this aspect of the author's work has continued to stay strong.

Some of the side characters here were quite interesting, and it appears one that's set up to be next in the series, Beau, is quite the enigma. I'm curious to learn more about him and his reasons for what he's been up to. He didn't come off overly sympathetic in this book, so I'm looking forward to seeing what we'll think when we know more of him.

Overall I enjoyed this book, and I like the way this author's characters jump off the page. This is true in her paranormal romance, as well as in her romantic suspense. I definitely recommend this book, and this author!