Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this title. Unfortunately in this instance,I didn't connect to the story. As I didn't finish reading, I will not be reviewing this title. Many thanks and I do look forward to picking up another read from this author.

The Killing Game is the first book in The Killing Game series by The Black Rose.

Allina Kovar's life is about to change, and possibly not in the fashion that she is expecting. Her new novel about organized crime has raised some brows, insinuating that she may be in the middle of the mafia. The FBI has been keeping tabs on her, only she doesn't know it - yet.

In order to meet Allina, FBI Special Agent in Charge Ives Andrich, takes on the role of a publisher to publish her extremely accurate novel about organized crime, The Blood Negotiators. Upon assessment of Allina, Ives knows that she doesn't know anything about mafia don, Vincent Luca. The FBI, however, feels differently and Ives' back is up against a wall. Dragging an innocent woman into the middle of a dangerous situation isn't how the plan was supposed to go, but unfortunately Allina lands right in the lap of Luca, the most wanted criminal in the U.S.

The Killing Game is a well developed and compelling novel that transcends the world of the FBI and the mob. The setting for the book is New York and the author aptly describes the scenes. This allows the reader to fully visualize everything that goes on in the book, from the first scene in the limo all the way until the last scene that ends book one. The characters are complex and the reader will be able to emotionally connect with some, if not all, of them at various points within the novel. The author was able to write the book with true emotion that the reader will experience. There is a scene near the end concerning pets that, while fitting for that point in the book, broke my heart. The writing was done so well that The Killing Game will engage the reader from the very beginning. Plus, the sheer number of twists and turns throughout the novel will have you on the edge of your seat in anticipation.

Allina turns out to be quite a strong woman. Her character simply began as a romance author attempting to step outside the box and write a mystery/intrigue novel about the Mafia and gambling. Instead, she becomes embroiled in the real life goings-on of an FBI investigation into the life of nefarious mobster, Vincent Luca. Luca, who is crazy by the way, plays his part as dangerous mafia don quite well. I was totally convinced in his bad-guy persona from the very first meeting. Ives Andrich tries to play hardball in The Killing Game but when it comes right down to it, he was putty in Allina hands. Now that she's involved in FBI/Mafia battle, Ives will do anything to keep her safe, and hopes that it will be enough. Special Agent Alan Walzinski, Assistant Director of the New York Division of the FBI is a great character. I enjoyed the banter between him and Ives.

Get ready for a realistic look in to the life of the FBI and organized crime. The book is long so be prepared to hunker down and get comfortable. When you read the last word, you'll be glad you took the time to read The Killing Game.

I voluntarily reviewed a NetGalley copy of the book.