Veena’s review of Betrayal Road (Torpedo Ink, Book 9) by Christine Feehan
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 20 Aug 24

Azelie Vargas has unknowingly become a mark for the Torpedo Ink club in their pursuit of a human trafficking ring. A born submissive, she appeals to the very depths of Maestro’s soul, even as he’s forced to cultivate a romance with her to get into the Adventure Club where she keeps the books. Does Azelie know that the Adventure Club is a front for human trafficking?


Maestro, by turns, dominates and gently romances Azelie to get to the bottom of what she knows and use her to get into the hidden parts of the club, where a new batch of trafficked victims are being trained for sale. I have read all the Torpedo Ink books and the details of the torture that the members of the club went through in the Russian prison where they were raised to be assassins always chills my soul. I really appreciate how Ms. Feehan has found the happy medium of alluding to what shaped Maestro and the others without going into the gory details.

Of course, Azelie’s life has been no picnic either, though she has a tribe that looks out for her. The owners of the coffee shop where she hangs out, the merry widows who have their own interesting, checkered past, and the retired Tier 1 operators who flirt with the merry widows all offer encouragement and support.

Even when you think you know it all and the story is coasting to a great finish, the author has a few surprises up her sleeve that she pulls out for a fantastic finish. I believe this might be one of my favorite books in the series. I really liked the pacing, the characters, and how the story flowed.

Grade: A

I haven't read the other Torpedo Ink books, and maybe I should have. I thought I'd be okay because Feehan is usually pretty good about letting new readers know what's happened in previous books, but I could not follow. I don't want to fault the author for that. Beyond that, I just found Maestro's instalove too unbelievable. This one wasn't for me but maybe it'll work for others.

Betrayal Road is a true Christine Feehan story through and through. The irrevocable connection between the lead couple is hard to miss along with the slow crawl of the deadly evil headed their way. Nothing is more perfect or exquisite then watching a Feehan thriller unfold before your eyes. It is mind blowing, utterly immersive, and absolutely amazing. I savor each story that I am able to find and read by this amazing author!

Our beautiful main characters slowly bring out the protective side of the other. Above all, we see them utterly desperate to cherish, defend, and love the other all while protecting their heart if at all possible. Their need to complete the other forces them to become vulnerable and face their deepest desires and secret fears. Thankfully, they are both on the same path to wanting the same future. It is just how to get there that they both have to figure out.

When danger begins to target then, they must decide what the other is worth in order to know how far they will protect the other if the need arises. I can't express just how wonderful these two characters are individually and how astonishingly incredible they are together. They are like watching a hope of a dream being born, taking shape, and the blossoming into absolute perfection. It is a work of wonder, and happiness and art all in one.

Christine Feehan is without question the goddess of paranormal romance. She writes with magic, believes in dreams, and lives in hope and love. Everything she touches bleeds hope and demands love. Those kind of stories pull me through each day by lighting my spirit and encouraging me to dream. No limits and endless possibilities is what I read in each word in her books. They are a true source of light and life. I encourage all readers to take a chance and open yourself up to something new from this spectacular author!

I did not feel that this was a true Christine Feehan book, it was a completely different feel as to all of the other books I have read by her. Is she using a ghost writer? I didn't really feel that these characters had any chemistry either, but the characters separately were great. I just could not get into the story and ended up skipping through a lot of the story just to keep up with what was going on.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review from NetGalley.

Christine Feehan is one of my favorite paranormal romantic thriller authors. Each of her novels are filled with heart and enough intrigue that make them difficult to put down. As such getting an opportunity to read an eARC of Betrayal Road filled me with so much joy. Maestro has been one of my favorite Torpedo Ink members since their introduction. There is something endearing about a loud and wrong man willing to admit when he is wrong. Upon meeting Azelie Maestro is sent into a tailspin. He was originally working his way into her live in order to find dirt on her employers however he quickly begins to fall in love. While this novel covers some serious topics it also manages to be a story of overcoming and persevering beyond the cards that life dealt.

Betrayal Road, newest story in the Torpedo Ink series is a masterpiece. Ms Feehan’s ability to develop characters is unsurpassed. Maestro, the ultimate control freak starts the story working his way into Azelie’s life to track and take down the trafficking ring Torpedo Ink has been tracking for two years. However he is stunned to come to actually believe she is an innocent woman who is a bad situation.

What is impressive about this book is the way Ms Feehan changes not only Maestros character whose inbred belief is that all women are betrayers but how he realizes that he was wrong in his advice to his brother as they found their mates.

Once again Ms Feehan has fleshed out a story which includes chosen family, laughter and the critical need for open honest communication between Maestro and Azelie. The entire Topedo Ink has learned from past mistakes in their relationships and this story is the best example of all of them growing into what they promised themselves when they escaped Sorbacov.

As always I’ll wait impatiently for the Torpedo Ink installment.

If you love to watch as people figure out how to deal with love and romance, touching and funny moments and stopping the bad guys while dealing with surprises that life hands you then BETRAYAL ROAD is the perfect read

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Full review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=87776

Betrayal Road is the 9th book in the Torpedo Ink series and can be read as a standalone. This is Torpedo Ink musician / construction worker/ assassin Andrii ‘Maestro’ Federoff, and book-keeper Azelie Varga’s story.
The story follows Andrii as he goes about seducing Azelie because she works for a man he believes is involved in human trafficking and he thinks she can get him access into the building where the captives might be held.
This book wasn't my favorite. While the relationship started off with a lie, as it progressed, I didn't really feel the connection between the characters and was more interested in the action than the romance. There was danger, suspense and some unexpected twists and I will admit to not seeing the major twist at the end. It was a good read and I will recommend it.

Azelie Vargas has unknowingly become a mark for the Torpedo Ink club in their pursuit of a human trafficking ring.  A born submissive, she appeals to the very depths of Maestro's soul even as he's forced to cultivate a romance with her to get into the Adventure Club where she keeps the books. Does Azelie know that the Adventure Club is a front for human trafficking?
Maestro by turns dominates and gently romances Azelie to get to the bottom of what she knows and use her to get into the hidden parts of the club where a new batch of trafficked victims are being trained for sale.  I have read all the Torpedo Ink books and the details of the torture that the members of the club went through in the Russian prison where they were raised to be assassins always chills my soul.  I really appreciate how Ms. Feehan has found the happy medium of alluding to what shaped Maestro and the others without going into the gory details.
Of course, Azelie's life has been no picnic either, though she has a tribe that looks out for her. The owners of the coffee shop where she hangs out, the merry widows who have their own interesting, checkered past and the retired tier 1 operators who flirt with the merry widows offer encouragement and support.
Even when you think you know it all and the story is coasting to a great finish, the author has a few surprises up her sleeve that she pulls out for a fantastic finish.  I believe this might be one of my favorite books in the series.  I really liked the pacing the characters and how the story flowed.

Maestro knows what Betrayal is, how it destroys a soul and makes you bitter and judgmental… he has no issue gaining the trust and delivering vigilante karma as betrayal to those who are guilty, to save those being harmed…but this time is different, how does he move forward with a mark who he discovers is not only innocent and knows betrayal herself? How can he change course and still not betray those he's trying to save and stay loyal to those he owes his life.

I love titles that fit the story, it fits a few definitions! Maestro and Azelie’s journey reveals so much of what they have been through, what they chose and how it affects them to this day. Redemption, acceptance, belonging are amazing gifts if you’re able to accept them. To find and accept, to give, loyalty when it’s failed you so many times…This is a story where you love the romance that develops while following these two characters as they overcome the internal obstacles from troubled pasts and insecurities on their way to reaching their happily ever after, not to mention the external threat to them!

Although, I didn’t see growth in TI as a whole, in fact, some seem stagnant or to slide backwards from previous books, I love how some in his TI family show him the way, they don’t judge for his past errors, poor advice and judgment on love. But guide him with support… Alena giving him permission to find a way to be his best, a better man, the way Azelie inspires him to become. Keys sees him, lets him know he deserves this understanding and acceptance in his life, this person to love, and Savage to use as much honesty and communication as he can, don’t let a perfect fit slip away with deception. With his family and team he holds to his tactics but expands his motive to keeping her safe. It’s impressive to see and as a reader my annoyance at these manipulative tactics switched to anxiety and hope for him…masterful storytelling.

As danger from the external conflicts grow, Maestro knows he’ll have to take that full leap to disclose all he needs from her, full honesty and communication… face his deepest fear that she’ll think he’s betrayed her, used her and she’ll betrayal him. He has to have faith in her loyalty and his club’s ability to protect her.

Azelie’s story is heartbreaking and impressive, she’s someone I’d want as a friend! I love how these two characters reflect each other yet also contrast. Just what is needed for an amazing journey to love. She is someone who lifts others up even while facing her own storms. Her determination to protect him and so many from the danger she’s found herself in, yet being open to giving her trust and loyalty to him. Her found family, who give her support and wisdom too. The merry widows and their gentlemen are a great addition to give levity and advance the story and character growth.

With every TI book there’s amazing steamy physical connections, emotional roller-coaster, edge of your seat plot, and hold your breath action…this time I’m throwing in a jaw dropping twist. Woven together in an amazing heartfelt wonderful addition to the series!

Christine Feehan continues the Torpedo Ink adventures with Betrayal Road. Torpedo Ink have decided to take out a club owner who is trafficking women as sex slaves. Maestro, one of the team, is targeting Azelie because she has cooked the accounting records for Billows, the club owner, However, Maestro also desires Azelie who rescues lame ducks and has a heart of gold. What could go wrong? Watch the relationship develop as Torpedo Ink works on the take down.

"I Can't Change The Past, But I Can Do My Best To Make Your Future As Safe As Possible."

Azelie Vargus, published Author and bookkeeper for the Adventure Club is unaware that it's a cover for a human trafficking ring until she hears a woman screams in pain. She becomes suspicious of what's hidden on the bottom floor of the club. Azelie needs to form an escape plan but having experienced betrayal from family, she can't trust anyone. She's on her own.

Andriil "Maestro" Federoff has been assign to get inside the Adventure Club which is owned by Alan Billows to confirm that's where the human trafficking ring is located. Azelie has been chosen as Andriil's mark and he uses his voice and gift to influence and gain information from her. If he finds that she's involved then he'll kill her.

Andriil and Azelie have been betrayed by their parents when they were children. Both are afraid to trust and to love. Both are kindred spirit and fall in love. Andriil finds out that Azelie's not involved in the human trafficking ring but must continue his deceit for the sake of the women being held captive. He'll have to decide quickly if he can tell Azelie the truth, save their relationship before it's too late, because Alan has set his sights on keeping Azelie for himself, and if he can't have her then he'll sell her as a sex slave or kill her.

I've really enjoyed watching the growth of each member of Torpedo Ink as a group and as individuals. We see more independent thinking while living within an
interdependent environment. I'm looking forward to the next Torpedo Ink book. I'm hoping that it'll be Lazar "Keys" Alexeev.


Goodreads Review link:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6774593213

Maestro... is tasked with this op, and betrayal may leave him burned...
Azelie is nothing that is thought of her, she is naive and loves doing for others.
Maestro has watched her...silently wanting to devour her.

Azelie has a crush on Mr. Tall, Dark, and Sexy.
But there was no way a man like that would want a mousy thing like her right...

Trust...Maestro will accept nothing less when it comes to this woman, or the fight they are up against.

This book is twisted, human trafficking always is. The battle will be rough, the love will be rougher.
Every single book in this series has blown my mind... they are written so well, and the men are dark but fierce with love for their women.

Book #9 in the hot, hot, hot Torpedo Ink series. Christine Feehan writes some of the hottest characters and gives them the freedom to run the story wherever they want. In BETRAYAL ROAD, Andrii and Azelie both have traumatic pasts that keep them shying away from commitments. Andrii is investigating a human trafficing ring when he meets Azelie. He believes she is the link he's been looking for and acts accordingly. If you're a Feehan fan, you can see where this is leading. If you're new to the Feehan world, buckle your seatbelt, the road is going to get rocky. But in the end, the chemistry between them will rule the day.

4.5stars-BETRAYAL ROAD is the ninth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult TORPEDO INK erotic, slightly paranormal, romance series focusing on the members of the MC Torpedo Ink. The Torpedo Ink series is a spin-off from the author’s Sea Haven series but you do not have to have read the original series to understand or follow Torpedo Ink. This is Torpedo Ink musician / construction worker/ assassin Andrii ‘Maestro’ Federoff, and book keeper Azelie Varga’s story line. BETRAYAL ROAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary

NOTE: Most of the characters including Torpedo Ink club president Victor ‘Czar’ Prakenski, were first introduced in the final instalment of the author’s Sea Haven Series BOUND TOGETHER.

WARNING: BETRAYAL ROAD contains graphic reflections of , and makes reference to violence, rape, murder, torture, child prostitution, and abuse against children, women and men, and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers. The violence is a part of the history and lives of the Torpedo Ink crews. The eighteen (plus one) original Torpedo Ink members are the sole survivors of a Russian pedophile ring, and as such work towards rescuing children and women in similar situations.

SOME BACKGROUND: At the age of ten years old, Victor ‘Czar’ Prakenski set about to save and rescue over three hundred children from a Russian child sex-slave operation but in the end only eighteen survived. The Torpedo Ink series focuses on the survivors: their stories, their history, and their happily ever afters.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Andrii and Azelie) BETRAYAL ROAD follows Andrii aka Maestro as he sets about to seduce our story line heroine. Azelie Varga’s past is mired in the murder of those she once loved but meeting a man whose darkness envelops her like a blanket of warmth pushes Azelie to fall for a man whose need for Azelie is more than she thought. Azelie works for a man Torpedo Ink suspects is involved in human sexual trafficking, and Andrii is determined to seduce our heroine in an effort to uncover the truth but as Azelie slowly falls under the illusion of friendship and love, Andrii puts a plan into motion to take down the people in charge. What ensues is the building relationship between Andrii and Azelie, and the potential fallout as Azelie is caught in the cross-fire of power and control.

The world building follows several paths including the backgrounds and history of our story line couple. We are up close and personal with the losses suffered by our story line heroine; and the ritual abuse and training of children too young to understand the how and why.

The relationship between Azelie and Andrii begins as a lie. Andrii aka Maestro is desperate for information and needs access to the club for which Azelie works, and therefore, targets our heroine in his effort to get close. Azelie’s issues of low self esteem make her the perfect target but Andrii quickly realizes there is more to Azelie than he could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are passionate and provocative.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the previous story lines-Code, Steele and Breezy, Keys, Player, Savage, Destroyer, and Lana. We are introduced to the neighborhood coffee clatch-Penny Atwater, China and her sister Blanc Christian, and their protectors Doug Parsons and Carlton Gray, as well as Azelie’s boss Alan Billows. Christine Feehan like to us triplets whenever she is able.

BETRAYAL ROAD is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies,love and loss, acceptance and family. The character driven premise is intriguing, dramatic and gritty; the romance is impassioned ; the characters are determined, animated and stubborn.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Another fascinating ride in Torpedo Ink Series. Absolutely loved the twist at the end! Did not see that, was a new plot twist that had my jaw drop. Maestro (Andri Federoff) is our artistic Torpedo Ink Member, our musician, The team is trying to capture information on women who have been taken for human trafficking in this specific club where Azelie is the bookkeeper. Azelie was the victim of violence herself. She know there are shady things going on. Azelie and Maestro both worked as a couple, I enjoyed them getting to know each other. Azelie always saw the good in others, was a pleaser, but she had an inner strength. Her friends from the cafe brought humor and more to the story, We are watching Torpedo Ink grow as individuals and in the group. As dark and difficult as this series can be Christine always shows some light, glimmers of hope. Where would we be without that? Thank you for the opportunity to grab an early copy, I freely share my own thoughts and opinions. #BetrayalRoad #TorpedoInk #ChristineFeehan #BerkleyPublishing #NetGalley

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Azelie's world is small. She has work. She has school. She has moments in a small coffee shop. And then she meets Andrii. He is larger than life and he touches something that scares her. Can she step outside her comfort zone and give him what he needs? Andrii is on a mission. He has a mark. He has a trail. He has conflict. Will yhe survive with the budding relationship once the truth comes out?
Betrayal Road is the latest in Christine Feehan's Torpedo Ink series. It is Andrii, better known as Maestro's turn to find love. I enjoyed getting to know Maestro better. Finding love in the middle of a mission isn't all it is cracked up to be but I loved the journey he and Azelie take. Neither is very trusting. Neither has much experience with relationships, good or bad. Both have invisible scars. I loved the journey Ms Feehan took us on as they navigate the danger surrounding them as the try to keep their secrets and protect themselves and each other. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how Ms. Feehan navigated the bumps in the road as Maestro and Azelie found a way to make their relationship work for their individual needs.

4 1/2 STARS!

An explosive return to Feehan's beloved Torpedo Ink series is sure to please fans! Maestro is next up to meet his match, he just didn't expect to do it while surveilling a suspect in a trafficking case the club is interested in. The characters are well developed and easily likable and their connection is sexy and sincere. I enjoyed their story but wanted a tad more tie up at the end to know what the fallout of everything was. There wasn't quite as much interaction with his family as normal in this series, so I missed them a bit, but the story as a whole was quite satisfying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who is a fan of a vigilante-prone motorcycle club who are strong in family and rich in falling hard when they meet "the one".

Azelie works for a bad guy who she's been doing the books for since she was 16 years old. She's really good with numbers and is able to cook the books for her boss. He's a really bad guy though and because of that Maestro (Andrii) and the rest of Torpedo Ink are investigating him for human trafficking. Azelie doesn't know about that though, she's been kept in the dark about just how bad her boss is.

At first Andrii gets close to her so he can find out if she knows more about what her boss is into but when he realizes that she doesn't, he realizes that he really likes her and spends more time with her getting to know her. Because of his abusive upbringing he doesn't get close to women so this is new for him.

It was nice seeing some of the other members of the team in this book and seeing how they are doing. I've been reading this series since the beginning and always like seeing other couples from previous books make an appearance.

As he and the rest of Torpedo Ink investigate the bad guy and get a line on where some kidnapped women are being held so they can rescue them, Azelie and Andrii are trying to get to know one another enough to start a relationship. But there are many obstacles in their way including her boss and his secrets. And he has one heck of a secret that gets revealed. It was nice to see Maestro find someone that made him happy and I loved how sweet he was with her.

Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sadly this book was not for me. I do feel it's very wordy. All the details given at once, especially seeing as this is not the first book in the series so these are characters that have been met before, was a little much. I struggled which I hated since I love her Carpathian series so much.