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Mindhunters #4
Deadly Intent
No one knows the patterns and nuances of communication like forensic linguist Macy Reid. She is also an expert on kidnapping, having experienced firsthand the stark terror of being abducted when she was a child. So she is the perfect investigator to be called in when a Denver tycoon's eleven-year-old daughter is abducted - for the second time.
The biggest stumbling block for Macy may be a member of her own team: Kellan Burke, the wisecracking, rule-breaking investigator who relishes getting under Macy's skin. Their styles couldn't be more different; the attraction between them, more explosive. And when it becomes apparent that Macy can't solve this case without confronting the demons from her past, Kell is just the man to take her there - and back...
The biggest stumbling block for Macy may be a member of her own team: Kellan Burke, the wisecracking, rule-breaking investigator who relishes getting under Macy's skin. Their styles couldn't be more different; the attraction between them, more explosive. And when it becomes apparent that Macy can't solve this case without confronting the demons from her past, Kell is just the man to take her there - and back...
354 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 2, 2010
37 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Brant
78books553followersThe mother of five children, Kylie Brant claims she began writing to save her sanity. Plotting stories became her method of escape from the reality of constant ball games, chauffeuring kids, and refereeing "minor" disagreements between her perfect offspring.
In 1992 she was elated to get a call from Silhouette offering to buy her second novel. Home with laryngitis at the time, she still managed to croak out agreement, and her career was born. A few months later she went on to sell Rancher's Choice, the first manuscript she’d written.
Kylie is married to her high school sweetheart, and they make their home in Iowa. She insists that all her heroes are based on her husband of 23 years because he possesses that most heroic of make qualities — ironing skills. Those abilities come in handy, as she juggles a full time teaching job with writing and a family.
Doing things the easy way has never held much appeal for this multi award-winning author. She graduated with high honors from the University of Northern Iowa. A graduation photo shows her in cap and gown holding her two sons, one aged 16 months and the other three weeks. She went on to obtain a teaching job working with learning-disabled children while completing her master’s degree at night and during summers.
"There was a time in my life when I could imagine myself as a life-long student," she recalls. "I actually toyed with the idea of pursuing a doctorate. But instead, my life took a spin and I ended up writing romances. I’ve never regretted it!" Her family has since been completed by the birth of another son and a set of twins, a boy and a girl.
Kylie’s books are regularly featured on bestseller lists such as Waldenbooks and B. Dalton Bookseller. With over a million copies of books in print, her novels have been distributed in 20 countries and released in seven languages.
Family and friends are the main focus of Kylie’s life. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading and flower gardening. She loves traveling, preferring beach, ocean, and room service.
In 1992 she was elated to get a call from Silhouette offering to buy her second novel. Home with laryngitis at the time, she still managed to croak out agreement, and her career was born. A few months later she went on to sell Rancher's Choice, the first manuscript she’d written.
Kylie is married to her high school sweetheart, and they make their home in Iowa. She insists that all her heroes are based on her husband of 23 years because he possesses that most heroic of make qualities — ironing skills. Those abilities come in handy, as she juggles a full time teaching job with writing and a family.
Doing things the easy way has never held much appeal for this multi award-winning author. She graduated with high honors from the University of Northern Iowa. A graduation photo shows her in cap and gown holding her two sons, one aged 16 months and the other three weeks. She went on to obtain a teaching job working with learning-disabled children while completing her master’s degree at night and during summers.
"There was a time in my life when I could imagine myself as a life-long student," she recalls. "I actually toyed with the idea of pursuing a doctorate. But instead, my life took a spin and I ended up writing romances. I’ve never regretted it!" Her family has since been completed by the birth of another son and a set of twins, a boy and a girl.
Kylie’s books are regularly featured on bestseller lists such as Waldenbooks and B. Dalton Bookseller. With over a million copies of books in print, her novels have been distributed in 20 countries and released in seven languages.
Family and friends are the main focus of Kylie’s life. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading and flower gardening. She loves traveling, preferring beach, ocean, and room service.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 26, 2016
Ellie Mulder has been kidnapped. Again. But this time her parents have no intention of waiting two years to get their daughter back, so the first person they call is the person who brought Ellie home the first time—Adam Raiker. In turn, he brings two of his best people; forensic linguist Macy Reid and her nemesis, Kellan Burke, who brings with him memories of a night she would rather forget.
The team soon discovers the second kidnapping has nothing to do with the reason for the first one, it also was an inside job...The two sure have their job cut out for them, with the stonewalling from the feds, the very real threat that Ellie might not come home this time, and the pesky attraction that still burns hot between them.
This sure doesn't benefit from re-reads. Sure, this was the worst of the bunch on the first read as well, but this second time around got one star knocked off.
The first big problem was the pacing in the first half of the book where nothing, except for the kidnapping, major happens. Only loads and loads of talk, going round in circles, and guessing. Sheesh, the big red herring about the kidnapper and how that would end was obvious from the moment they searched the guy's house and found "the clue" in the bathroom.
The second problem were the two leads. Bland, boring, dull, uninteresting...Should I go on? She was a bitch to him with no apparent reason (What did the guy do?), an anal control freak with OCD tendencies, and the glimpse into the "traumatic" past (which was a teaser at best and unnecessary at worst) didn't mesh with her present character and its traits and especially didn't explain those traits and trust issues toward the hero. A hero who brought nothing to the table beside his wisecracks. Two blank slates who happened to work together on a case who happened to be attracted to each other—it sure didn't seem there was anything more between them and the ending merely corroborated that feeling. There was no spark, no real depth, no "life", just two cardboard cutouts going through the motions.
And from what I figure, they weren't that good at their job either, since the girl pretty much saved herself, and would've done so if it weren't for the villain. Who also ended up being in the meh-category, since he was just sort of there, doing nothing but being quasi-ominous, playing with his knife. No intensity there, no chills...Nothing.
The only saving grace (minor, mind you) were the premise (it was nicely developed yet severely lacking in execution) and Adam Raiker, whom we saw a lot more than in the previous three books. I'm daring a guess this sub-arc in the series is all about him (at least that's what the last paragraph in the book makes the reader believe...not to mention all the little tidbits strewn here and there throughout the story).
Without the Raiker sub-plot, this would've been a redundant, unnecessary, bland and dull story.
A disappointment, in short.
The team soon discovers the second kidnapping has nothing to do with the reason for the first one, it also was an inside job...The two sure have their job cut out for them, with the stonewalling from the feds, the very real threat that Ellie might not come home this time, and the pesky attraction that still burns hot between them.
This sure doesn't benefit from re-reads. Sure, this was the worst of the bunch on the first read as well, but this second time around got one star knocked off.
The first big problem was the pacing in the first half of the book where nothing, except for the kidnapping, major happens. Only loads and loads of talk, going round in circles, and guessing. Sheesh, the big red herring about the kidnapper and how that would end was obvious from the moment they searched the guy's house and found "the clue" in the bathroom.
The second problem were the two leads. Bland, boring, dull, uninteresting...Should I go on? She was a bitch to him with no apparent reason (What did the guy do?), an anal control freak with OCD tendencies, and the glimpse into the "traumatic" past (which was a teaser at best and unnecessary at worst) didn't mesh with her present character and its traits and especially didn't explain those traits and trust issues toward the hero. A hero who brought nothing to the table beside his wisecracks. Two blank slates who happened to work together on a case who happened to be attracted to each other—it sure didn't seem there was anything more between them and the ending merely corroborated that feeling. There was no spark, no real depth, no "life", just two cardboard cutouts going through the motions.
And from what I figure, they weren't that good at their job either, since the girl pretty much saved herself, and would've done so if it weren't for the villain. Who also ended up being in the meh-category, since he was just sort of there, doing nothing but being quasi-ominous, playing with his knife. No intensity there, no chills...Nothing.
The only saving grace (minor, mind you) were the premise (it was nicely developed yet severely lacking in execution) and Adam Raiker, whom we saw a lot more than in the previous three books. I'm daring a guess this sub-arc in the series is all about him (at least that's what the last paragraph in the book makes the reader believe...not to mention all the little tidbits strewn here and there throughout the story).
Without the Raiker sub-plot, this would've been a redundant, unnecessary, bland and dull story.
A disappointment, in short.
April 2, 2017
3.5
To be honest Deadly Intent was hard to get through in the beginning. Not because it is bad, but because of the crimes it deals with.
Ellie Mulder is an eleven-year-old girl and when she was six she was kidnapped by a paedophile and kept for two years. Now, the book doesn't deal with that particularly except mentioning. That plays a huge role in the girl's personality. Still, even only mentioning the horror the child must have gone through made me sick.
Someone kidnapped her again. I did find that a bit weird considering all the protections the parents placed around her. However, the explanation is believable and combined with the ending it makes sense.
Adam Raiker was the one who brought the child back then and the parents involve Mindhunters to find their daughter the second time.
This is the first time Adam Riker is involved this much in a book. Macy and Kell are there to help the family any way they can. They have to deal with hostile CBI agents who feel it's not their right to participate in the investigations, the fact they don't know if the paedophile child trafficking ring is involved or something that is connected to the girl's father.
Occasionally, you get to see what's happening on Ellie's end and that small brave girl is the reason I loved this book.
Another reason I liked it is the way Macy and Kell's relationship is written. It's not out of the blue. They spent a night together months ago and she decided it was a mistake or something and started avoiding him. Don't worry, there's nothing pathetic in this.
Now, they are thrown in together and they are racing against the deadline to find a little girl who already had more tragedy in her life than anyone. And that's where the book shines because a very small portion of the book is dedicated to their romance. Anything else would have been tasteless, selfish and plain stupid considering why they are there to begin with.
To be honest Deadly Intent was hard to get through in the beginning. Not because it is bad, but because of the crimes it deals with.
Ellie Mulder is an eleven-year-old girl and when she was six she was kidnapped by a paedophile and kept for two years. Now, the book doesn't deal with that particularly except mentioning. That plays a huge role in the girl's personality. Still, even only mentioning the horror the child must have gone through made me sick.
Someone kidnapped her again. I did find that a bit weird considering all the protections the parents placed around her. However, the explanation is believable and combined with the ending it makes sense.
Adam Raiker was the one who brought the child back then and the parents involve Mindhunters to find their daughter the second time.
This is the first time Adam Riker is involved this much in a book. Macy and Kell are there to help the family any way they can. They have to deal with hostile CBI agents who feel it's not their right to participate in the investigations, the fact they don't know if the paedophile child trafficking ring is involved or something that is connected to the girl's father.
Occasionally, you get to see what's happening on Ellie's end and that small brave girl is the reason I loved this book.
Another reason I liked it is the way Macy and Kell's relationship is written. It's not out of the blue. They spent a night together months ago and she decided it was a mistake or something and started avoiding him. Don't worry, there's nothing pathetic in this.
Now, they are thrown in together and they are racing against the deadline to find a little girl who already had more tragedy in her life than anyone. And that's where the book shines because a very small portion of the book is dedicated to their romance. Anything else would have been tasteless, selfish and plain stupid considering why they are there to begin with.
June 14, 2016
Я читала разочарованные отзывы поклонников серии на этот роман и готовилась к худшему, однако опасения не оправдались. Нет, я понимаю, что могло расстроить читателей, сама же нахожу эти «минусы» вполне положительными.
А все дело в том, что в этой истории любовная линия действительно стала лишь линией и отошла на задний план. Не сильно далеко, но ощутимо. Что, собственно, вполне предсказуемо, ибо на сей раз речь о похищении ребенка, когда надо действовать максимально быстро и собранно, когда все мысли должны быть сосредоточены на одном – и это отнюдь не шашни с коллегой. Потому и отношения между героями получились такими ненавязчивыми, но от этого не менее интересными.
Мейси и Кэл уже знакомы. Они оба сотрудники Рэйкера и встречались во время работы над другими делами. А в прошлом году после свадьбы коллег, видимо, перебрали и оказались в одной постели. С тех пор Мейси избегает Кэла, а он не упускает случая ее подколоть. Но чувства уже есть, им почти не нужно долгое развитие – лишь небольшой толчок, с чем автор справилась мастерски. Это не страстная любовь-вспышка, как в предыдущих историях. Это любовь-дружба, нежная, но озорная. Мейси по-британски чопорна, еще и страдает легким ОКР, а Кэл – раздолбай-насмешник и никак не может упустить возможность дернуть понравившуюся девочку за косичку. Однако никогда не переходит грань и едва видит, что Мейси напряжена или расстроена, тут же становится внимательным защитником.
В общем, все это показано вскользь, но достоверно и выверено. Ровным пунктиром через всю книгу, добавляя романтики в страшные обстоятельства.
Сам же триллер получился отменным. Похищена дочь очень богатого и влиятельного человека. Похищена во второй раз. Когда Элли было семь, она стала жертвой педофила. Провела в плену два бесконечных года, прежде чем Адам Рэйкер наконец накрыл это змеиное гнездо. И вот, еще два года спустя, одиннадцатилетнюю Элли, едва научившуюся снова улыбаться, опять похищают. Прямо из кровати, из самого защищенного поместья в мире, из-под носа кучи охранников и родителей, после прошлого раза ставших гиперзаботливыми и опекающими.
Но теперь девочке не грозит насилие. Ей грозит смерть. Затребовали выкуп, но похититель явно не намерен оставлять жертву в живых.
Знаете, кусочков с POV Элли было немного, но они потрясающие. Это маленький стойкий оловянный солдатик. То, как она вспоминает прошлое, как держится с похитителем, как не сдается, несмотря ни на что… Сбегает, умудряется подавать знаки… В общем, она мой любимый персонаж в этой истории. Уверена, когда-нибудь из нее вырастет новый оперативник агентства Рэйкера или какой-нибудь агент ФБР))))))
Насчет Адама Рэйкера – наконец-то он активно участвует в расследовании. Есть отрывки с его точки зрения, наконец этот загадочный руководитель присутствует от начала и до конца. И нас явно ведут к его собственной истории. Некий загадочный враг точит зубы и готовится к схватке с Адамом, которая состоится через один роман.
Также мы опять встречаемся с парой из первой книги, слышим о Рэмси и Девлине (героях второй) и болтаем с Заком из третьей. Ну и, конечно, Джонси, неподражаемый криминалист Джонси… как он со столь специфической внешностью и характером умудряется крутить романы чуть ли не на каждом задании?)))))) А вообще, очень освежающий персонаж))
В целом, это еще один прекрасный триллер, вновь совсем не похожий на предыдущие в серии – ни сюжетом, ни героями, ни схемой развития отношений.
Спасибо, Кайли Брант.
Могла бы попридираться к злодеям, но расследование было таким напряженным и насыщенным, что как-то даже не хочется. Туда им и дорога.
А все дело в том, что в этой истории любовная линия действительно стала лишь линией и отошла на задний план. Не сильно далеко, но ощутимо. Что, собственно, вполне предсказуемо, ибо на сей раз речь о похищении ребенка, когда надо действовать максимально быстро и собранно, когда все мысли должны быть сосредоточены на одном – и это отнюдь не шашни с коллегой. Потому и отношения между героями получились такими ненавязчивыми, но от этого не менее интересными.
Мейси и Кэл уже знакомы. Они оба сотрудники Рэйкера и встречались во время работы над другими делами. А в прошлом году после свадьбы коллег, видимо, перебрали и оказались в одной постели. С тех пор Мейси избегает Кэла, а он не упускает случая ее подколоть. Но чувства уже есть, им почти не нужно долгое развитие – лишь небольшой толчок, с чем автор справилась мастерски. Это не страстная любовь-вспышка, как в предыдущих историях. Это любовь-дружба, нежная, но озорная. Мейси по-британски чопорна, еще и страдает легким ОКР, а Кэл – раздолбай-насмешник и никак не может упустить возможность дернуть понравившуюся девочку за косичку. Однако никогда не переходит грань и едва видит, что Мейси напряжена или расстроена, тут же становится внимательным защитником.
В общем, все это показано вскользь, но достоверно и выверено. Ровным пунктиром через всю книгу, добавляя романтики в страшные обстоятельства.
Сам же триллер получился отменным. Похищена дочь очень богатого и влиятельного человека. Похищена во второй раз. Когда Элли было семь, она стала жертвой педофила. Провела в плену два бесконечных года, прежде чем Адам Рэйкер наконец накрыл это змеиное гнездо. И вот, еще два года спустя, одиннадцатилетнюю Элли, едва научившуюся снова улыбаться, опять похищают. Прямо из кровати, из самого защищенного поместья в мире, из-под носа кучи охранников и родителей, после прошлого раза ставших гиперзаботливыми и опекающими.
Но теперь девочке не грозит насилие. Ей грозит смерть. Затребовали выкуп, но похититель явно не намерен оставлять жертву в живых.
Знаете, кусочков с POV Элли было немного, но они потрясающие. Это маленький стойкий оловянный солдатик. То, как она вспоминает прошлое, как держится с похитителем, как не сдается, несмотря ни на что… Сбегает, умудряется подавать знаки… В общем, она мой любимый персонаж в этой истории. Уверена, когда-нибудь из нее вырастет новый оперативник агентства Рэйкера или какой-нибудь агент ФБР))))))
Насчет Адама Рэйкера – наконец-то он активно участвует в расследовании. Есть отрывки с его точки зрения, наконец этот загадочный руководитель присутствует от начала и до конца. И нас явно ведут к его собственной истории. Некий загадочный враг точит зубы и готовится к схватке с Адамом, которая состоится через один роман.
Также мы опять встречаемся с парой из первой книги, слышим о Рэмси и Девлине (героях второй) и болтаем с Заком из третьей. Ну и, конечно, Джонси, неподражаемый криминалист Джонси… как он со столь специфической внешностью и характером умудряется крутить романы чуть ли не на каждом задании?)))))) А вообще, очень освежающий персонаж))
В целом, это еще один прекрасный триллер, вновь совсем не похожий на предыдущие в серии – ни сюжетом, ни героями, ни схемой развития отношений.
Спасибо, Кайли Брант.
Могла бы попридираться к злодеям, но расследование было таким напряженным и насыщенным, что как-то даже не хочется. Туда им и дорога.
November 17, 2010
Fabulous continuation of Brant's Mindhunters series. DEADLY INTENT focuses on the kidnapping of the 11 year old daughter of a Bill Gate's type gazillionaire. Members of Adam Raiker's Mindhunters team sent to the scene are Kellan Burke, a smart-ass former cop with a troubled past, and forensic linguist Macy Reid. The mystery in this one is compelling and Brant did a great job of keeping me guessing about who was pulling the strings and why. Burke and Reid's relationship progressed over the course of the investigation and was by turns sexy and sweet. I really loved them together, especially since they each seemed to have some quality that the other one needed. The climax was exciting, and though the finish wasn't as tidy as I would have liked, it did leave enough threads dangling to make for an interesting story in the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
January 25, 2011
A fantastic continuation of the "Mindhunters" series. I think "Deadly Intent" is the best one so far. Loved the storyline which was fully developed and well-written. I enjoy the smart dialog and the variation in all the characters from book to book.
July 25, 2022
I think this is the second or third novel I’ve read by Bryant. This one has a whiff of Jon-Benet Ramsey, as it is set in Colorado, and the parents seem kind of flakey. I like the dual perspective survivor narrative of the forensic-linguistic expert & the kidnapped daughter. On the one hand, it explores what is guarded and lost inside a person who has to endure pain/violence, but it also explores the gifts that come with resilience from multiple points of view.
The end was abrupt and a bit weird. I assume this must be some kind of series, but I didn’t recognize the thread of the characters, so that might be my fault for reading too many of these too quickly. Still, it lacked finesse. I think it would work well as a stand-alone novel without the slammed-door ending.
File Under: Wait—It’s Over?
The end was abrupt and a bit weird. I assume this must be some kind of series, but I didn’t recognize the thread of the characters, so that might be my fault for reading too many of these too quickly. Still, it lacked finesse. I think it would work well as a stand-alone novel without the slammed-door ending.
File Under: Wait—It’s Over?
April 16, 2011
After reading the first trilogy in this series, I wasn't all that impressed with it, but I'd already bought the first book in the second trilogy so I decided to keep reading. But I was pleasantly surprised with this book. The author improves on a lot of the faults I found with the first trilogy.
Series Note:
Fourth book in the "Mindhunters" series about an independent forensics agency and the people who work there. This book is actually the first of the second trilogy of the series. I think you could probably start the series here.
Summary:
A few years ago, little Mulder was kidnapped by a child predator and kept by him for two years, suffering rape and abuse. She was rescued by head of the Mindhunters, Adam Raiker. So when poor Ellie is kidnapped yet again, Ellie's father turns to Adam's group once more to help bring his daughter home.
Macy Reid, a forensic linguist, and investigator Kellan Burke are part of the team sent to work with the authorities to find Ellie. Other than one unforgettable night together, Macy and Kellan have a bit of an antagonistic relationship...though that antagonism may just hide deeper feelings that they will finally have to confront over the course of the case.
The two must work together, along with Adam and the authorities in a race against time to figure out by whom and why Ellie was kidnapped. But there's a complicated web to unravel that may have deeper roots than they can imagine.
Review:
What a change this book was from the first trilogy. For all three of those first books, there were a set of issues I had (all detailed in my reviews). They each had the same exact set of faults. But I kept reading this series because I already had this book and didn't want toss it aside and waste money. Luckily, the author improved on a lot of the things I had problems with...whether that was just luck, or the learning curve for an author who is new to full-length novels, I don't know. I guess I'll see on the next book in the series.
The book gets off to a better start. You get a better picture of Raiker Forensics...who is involved, why and just a better sense of them as a group. Probably because Adam Raiker (founder of the group) is involved throughout the book. It is much easier to develop a connection to the group that the series is based on. Plus, you get mentions/appearances of all past characters that helps tie things together.
I also thought the characters portraits were much better done...not perfect, but better. I felt like I knew the characters so much more than I did in the other books, especially Kellan. I didn't feel like I was missing large chunks of their lives like in the other books. Plus, even thought both these characters had tragic/difficult pasts, I didn't feel like the author was constantly harping on those issues like she did in the first trilogy. The issues were there but no so in-your-face.
Along those lines, I really liked these two characters - Macy and Kell. There was something about Kell that I just really enjoyed. His sort of nonchalant way about this, his sense of humor and quirkiness. He was a fun character to read.
And one of my biggest complaints about the first trilogy was the lack of chemistry between the H/H. That was soooo much better in this book. Right from the very start there was excellent chemistry between these two. It continues throughout the book, builds and changes and grows. I definitely felt the connection between them and enjoyed reading about the growth of their relationship. The romance is a little background and there is only one sex scene, but I still felt the romance of the book and never felt like these two were forced together for the sake of the book.
The suspense of the book is well done, too. It's a bit of a complicated kidnapping plot, but there is a lot of tension and anxiety over what will happen to poor Ellie - which is magnified ten-fold by the POV scenes from Ellie. You really feel for this poor little girl and wonder how it will all turn out.
Like I said, the plot is rather complicated and readers will pick up on that there is a lot more going on than what the characters are dealing with in regards to the case. There are definitely some shocking turns of events near the end...some I didn't expect at all. But it's all very logical and I didn't feel any of it was out of place.
One thing that will frustrate a lot of readers...as it did me...is that the ending is rather open. The very last chunk of text lets you know that this story isn't over, that there is more to come. So you are left with unanswered questions and unresolved issues. That can definitely frustrate a reader. But I tried to keep in mind that there are two more books to this trilogy and that I know the answers will be coming. You can take one good thing out of this type of ending, thought....it connects the book together so much more than you got in the first trilogy. Those books had so little connection that you could read any or all in any order and it wouldn't make a difference. This trilogy looks to be much more connected and sequential. i like that aspect, even it I did grumble about not getting all the answers at the end.
Overall, this book was just a huge improvement over the first trilogy. It had me anxiously wanting to read the next 2 books to see how everything will work out.
WARNING, this book contains: dark themes and references to child abduction and rape of a child
Series Note:
Fourth book in the "Mindhunters" series about an independent forensics agency and the people who work there. This book is actually the first of the second trilogy of the series. I think you could probably start the series here.
Summary:
A few years ago, little Mulder was kidnapped by a child predator and kept by him for two years, suffering rape and abuse. She was rescued by head of the Mindhunters, Adam Raiker. So when poor Ellie is kidnapped yet again, Ellie's father turns to Adam's group once more to help bring his daughter home.
Macy Reid, a forensic linguist, and investigator Kellan Burke are part of the team sent to work with the authorities to find Ellie. Other than one unforgettable night together, Macy and Kellan have a bit of an antagonistic relationship...though that antagonism may just hide deeper feelings that they will finally have to confront over the course of the case.
The two must work together, along with Adam and the authorities in a race against time to figure out by whom and why Ellie was kidnapped. But there's a complicated web to unravel that may have deeper roots than they can imagine.
Review:
What a change this book was from the first trilogy. For all three of those first books, there were a set of issues I had (all detailed in my reviews). They each had the same exact set of faults. But I kept reading this series because I already had this book and didn't want toss it aside and waste money. Luckily, the author improved on a lot of the things I had problems with...whether that was just luck, or the learning curve for an author who is new to full-length novels, I don't know. I guess I'll see on the next book in the series.
The book gets off to a better start. You get a better picture of Raiker Forensics...who is involved, why and just a better sense of them as a group. Probably because Adam Raiker (founder of the group) is involved throughout the book. It is much easier to develop a connection to the group that the series is based on. Plus, you get mentions/appearances of all past characters that helps tie things together.
I also thought the characters portraits were much better done...not perfect, but better. I felt like I knew the characters so much more than I did in the other books, especially Kellan. I didn't feel like I was missing large chunks of their lives like in the other books. Plus, even thought both these characters had tragic/difficult pasts, I didn't feel like the author was constantly harping on those issues like she did in the first trilogy. The issues were there but no so in-your-face.
Along those lines, I really liked these two characters - Macy and Kell. There was something about Kell that I just really enjoyed. His sort of nonchalant way about this, his sense of humor and quirkiness. He was a fun character to read.
And one of my biggest complaints about the first trilogy was the lack of chemistry between the H/H. That was soooo much better in this book. Right from the very start there was excellent chemistry between these two. It continues throughout the book, builds and changes and grows. I definitely felt the connection between them and enjoyed reading about the growth of their relationship. The romance is a little background and there is only one sex scene, but I still felt the romance of the book and never felt like these two were forced together for the sake of the book.
The suspense of the book is well done, too. It's a bit of a complicated kidnapping plot, but there is a lot of tension and anxiety over what will happen to poor Ellie - which is magnified ten-fold by the POV scenes from Ellie. You really feel for this poor little girl and wonder how it will all turn out.
Like I said, the plot is rather complicated and readers will pick up on that there is a lot more going on than what the characters are dealing with in regards to the case. There are definitely some shocking turns of events near the end...some I didn't expect at all. But it's all very logical and I didn't feel any of it was out of place.
One thing that will frustrate a lot of readers...as it did me...is that the ending is rather open. The very last chunk of text lets you know that this story isn't over, that there is more to come. So you are left with unanswered questions and unresolved issues. That can definitely frustrate a reader. But I tried to keep in mind that there are two more books to this trilogy and that I know the answers will be coming. You can take one good thing out of this type of ending, thought....it connects the book together so much more than you got in the first trilogy. Those books had so little connection that you could read any or all in any order and it wouldn't make a difference. This trilogy looks to be much more connected and sequential. i like that aspect, even it I did grumble about not getting all the answers at the end.
Overall, this book was just a huge improvement over the first trilogy. It had me anxiously wanting to read the next 2 books to see how everything will work out.
WARNING, this book contains: dark themes and references to child abduction and rape of a child
November 17, 2010
Originally posted at
Favorite Quote: “That familiar numbness was sliding over her again. She welcomed it like an old friend. Looking straight in his eyes, she whispered, “What are you feeling right now?”
When a Denver tycoon’s 11 year old daughter is kidnapped for the 2nd time, the parents call in the renowned investigative team-Raiker Forensics. Macy Reid is a expert forensic linguist for Raiker Forensics. She is also an expert on kidnapping since she herself was abducted as a child. Macy’s nemesis, Kellan Burke is also slated for this mission. A wise cracking rule breaking investigator-he lives for getting under Macy’s skin. But a single night of passion changes things for both of them and soon the investigation and their personal lives will hinge on the one thing Macy and Kellan may not be able to do. Trust each other.
Deadly Intent is the 4th book in Kylie Brant’s Mindhunters series. This is my first foray into this series and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
When Macy Reid is picked for this investigation, she has no doubt that her skills a linguist and her personal past play equal parts in Adam Raiker’s decision to include her. She is dismayed however to find out that Kellan Burke will be her partner. She has never been comfortable with Kellan since the one night she slept with him then walked away. The case deals with the 2nd kidnapping of Ellie Mulder-a young girl that she and Adam rescued two years ago-effectively breaking a child trafficking ring wide open. Since the men responsible for the first kidnapping are still safely in jail, Macy, Adam, and Kellan are starting from scratch in figuring out who kidnapped Ellie now and why. As Macy, Kellan, and Adam navigate through the myriad of suspects, clues, and misdirection, they are also having to find away to work with the CBI and the FBI.
Deadly Intent is a twisted and dark romantic suspense. Ms.Brant creates a multi layered and complex world filled with nasty criminals and the people who stop them. A stimulating action packed journey that takes us from the very beginning to the explosive finale; gleaning knowledge from all sides. It does start out little slow are we are acclimated, along with our agents, to the detailed specifics of the crime and those involved. Ms Brant shows considerable knowledge as she maps out the police procedures for us in a clear and concise matter. The running dialog between the characters is fast and smooth-allowing you to slip right into the story with them. As the plot picks up speed, the mystery and suspense follows suit leaving us ripe with tension till the very last page.
Our hero and heroine are a delightful mixture of contrasts, adding humor and and a lightness to the main storyline. The romance is considerably less involved then the main plot but Ms. Brant uses those scenes to flesh Kellan and Macy out brilliantly. I found myself becoming very vested in their outcome. They are fabulous together. The sexual tension between these two is electric. Macy is intelligent yet very subdued and emotionally closed off. Her past has left some deep hidden scars. Kellan is her opposite. A playboy with a gregarious personality and a smart remark for everyone. Especially Macy.
As these two circle and battle their attraction, you slowly start to see through the emotional walls they have built up. Each using a different "vice" to ward others off. I really liked that Ms. Brant doesn't make their relationship a central aspect of the story but does manage to intertwine it with the other storyline; allowing it to merge naturally and enhance the ending.
Our secondary characters are a integral part of the story from the most visible to the ones we hear about. Each one adding personality, drama, and insight to the story. Adam Raiker is a forceful personality that makes you take notice. Silent but deadly-he is a multi faceted man. We are given many delicious clues to certain traumatic aspects of his past but no concrete answers. I look forward to reading more about him in the future.
Ellie Mulder, our victim, stands out with her tantalizing POVs sprinkling through out the story. You can feel this child’s fear. It was interesting how Ms Brant switches back and forth from the agents to the kidnapper and his victim-giving us a more well rounded storyline.
The ending comes at you fast and hard. I never in a million years would have suspected the suspect or the reasons why. A tiny cliffhanger is left that allows for advancement of the over all arc and for our characters-showing us that this is not the last we have seen of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to exploring the Mindhunters series more. Her next book in the series, Deadly Dreams (Mindhunter #5) releases April 5th 2011.
Rating: B
Favorite Quote: “That familiar numbness was sliding over her again. She welcomed it like an old friend. Looking straight in his eyes, she whispered, “What are you feeling right now?”
When a Denver tycoon’s 11 year old daughter is kidnapped for the 2nd time, the parents call in the renowned investigative team-Raiker Forensics. Macy Reid is a expert forensic linguist for Raiker Forensics. She is also an expert on kidnapping since she herself was abducted as a child. Macy’s nemesis, Kellan Burke is also slated for this mission. A wise cracking rule breaking investigator-he lives for getting under Macy’s skin. But a single night of passion changes things for both of them and soon the investigation and their personal lives will hinge on the one thing Macy and Kellan may not be able to do. Trust each other.
Deadly Intent is the 4th book in Kylie Brant’s Mindhunters series. This is my first foray into this series and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
When Macy Reid is picked for this investigation, she has no doubt that her skills a linguist and her personal past play equal parts in Adam Raiker’s decision to include her. She is dismayed however to find out that Kellan Burke will be her partner. She has never been comfortable with Kellan since the one night she slept with him then walked away. The case deals with the 2nd kidnapping of Ellie Mulder-a young girl that she and Adam rescued two years ago-effectively breaking a child trafficking ring wide open. Since the men responsible for the first kidnapping are still safely in jail, Macy, Adam, and Kellan are starting from scratch in figuring out who kidnapped Ellie now and why. As Macy, Kellan, and Adam navigate through the myriad of suspects, clues, and misdirection, they are also having to find away to work with the CBI and the FBI.
Deadly Intent is a twisted and dark romantic suspense. Ms.Brant creates a multi layered and complex world filled with nasty criminals and the people who stop them. A stimulating action packed journey that takes us from the very beginning to the explosive finale; gleaning knowledge from all sides. It does start out little slow are we are acclimated, along with our agents, to the detailed specifics of the crime and those involved. Ms Brant shows considerable knowledge as she maps out the police procedures for us in a clear and concise matter. The running dialog between the characters is fast and smooth-allowing you to slip right into the story with them. As the plot picks up speed, the mystery and suspense follows suit leaving us ripe with tension till the very last page.
Our hero and heroine are a delightful mixture of contrasts, adding humor and and a lightness to the main storyline. The romance is considerably less involved then the main plot but Ms. Brant uses those scenes to flesh Kellan and Macy out brilliantly. I found myself becoming very vested in their outcome. They are fabulous together. The sexual tension between these two is electric. Macy is intelligent yet very subdued and emotionally closed off. Her past has left some deep hidden scars. Kellan is her opposite. A playboy with a gregarious personality and a smart remark for everyone. Especially Macy.
As these two circle and battle their attraction, you slowly start to see through the emotional walls they have built up. Each using a different "vice" to ward others off. I really liked that Ms. Brant doesn't make their relationship a central aspect of the story but does manage to intertwine it with the other storyline; allowing it to merge naturally and enhance the ending.
Our secondary characters are a integral part of the story from the most visible to the ones we hear about. Each one adding personality, drama, and insight to the story. Adam Raiker is a forceful personality that makes you take notice. Silent but deadly-he is a multi faceted man. We are given many delicious clues to certain traumatic aspects of his past but no concrete answers. I look forward to reading more about him in the future.
Ellie Mulder, our victim, stands out with her tantalizing POVs sprinkling through out the story. You can feel this child’s fear. It was interesting how Ms Brant switches back and forth from the agents to the kidnapper and his victim-giving us a more well rounded storyline.
The ending comes at you fast and hard. I never in a million years would have suspected the suspect or the reasons why. A tiny cliffhanger is left that allows for advancement of the over all arc and for our characters-showing us that this is not the last we have seen of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to exploring the Mindhunters series more. Her next book in the series, Deadly Dreams (Mindhunter #5) releases April 5th 2011.
Rating: B
April 10, 2014
This is more Tami Hoag than Karen rose style, very little romance . Very dry/boring H/h but good thriller .
April 8, 2018
1.5-2 stars - Romantic Suspense
September 26, 2020
Setting: Near Conifer, Colorado Contemporary to 2015
Genre: Romantic suspense
Macy Reid and Kellan Burke are both employed by Raker Forensics, a private consultancy company. The owner, Adam Raker, was contacted by a Steven Mulder to investigate the kidnapping of his daughter, Ellie. Mr. Mulder does not trust the FBI because they had not rescued Ellie the first time she’d been kidnapped — but Adam had, during the course of a different investigation. However, Adam insists that at the very least state law enforcement should be involved. Now, the Raker team is working with people from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Sheriff’s Department. Macy is a forensic linguist as well as an investigator, like Kellan. As well as figuring out who kidnapped the child, there is an ongoing slow burn interest between Kellan and Macy.
You see that three star rating I gave this book? The plot is great, with enough suspense to keep you reading. The characters are well-developed, from the protagonists, through the secondaries, all the way to the villain. The dialogue is clear and moves the plot along, and the grammar and usage are excellent. So. What did I have a problem with? I’m pretty sure no one, regardless of wealth, could keep the FBI from investigating a child abduction. Sure, state law enforcement could handle most issues within their own state, but in the case of an Amber Alert, the FBI gets involved. Aside from that, I have a problem classifying this as romantic suspense. Perhaps I should just call it suspense with sex, because I just could not feel the chemistry between Kell and Macy.
My biggest issue was the lack of resolution. Sure, they took care of the kidnapping, but who planned it? And, on a personal level - for Macy - will she be brave enough to follow up on that huge hint Castillo dropped on her regarding her own abduction? Well I can tell you this much — I won’t be finding out. I hate cliffhangers. They are just a manipulative way for an author to get you to buy the next book. I probably would have gone back and read the first 3 books in the series, probably would have stayed with the series through all 9 books. But nope. Nuh-uh. Not gonna do it. This author just went on my $#*t list.
The audio production and narration are excellent. Half of the reason I got this (the other half being the sale price) was the narrator. I had always seen good ratings for Bronson Pinchot and I wanted to hear for myself. I am delighted with his performance.
Genre: Romantic suspense
Macy Reid and Kellan Burke are both employed by Raker Forensics, a private consultancy company. The owner, Adam Raker, was contacted by a Steven Mulder to investigate the kidnapping of his daughter, Ellie. Mr. Mulder does not trust the FBI because they had not rescued Ellie the first time she’d been kidnapped — but Adam had, during the course of a different investigation. However, Adam insists that at the very least state law enforcement should be involved. Now, the Raker team is working with people from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Sheriff’s Department. Macy is a forensic linguist as well as an investigator, like Kellan. As well as figuring out who kidnapped the child, there is an ongoing slow burn interest between Kellan and Macy.
You see that three star rating I gave this book? The plot is great, with enough suspense to keep you reading. The characters are well-developed, from the protagonists, through the secondaries, all the way to the villain. The dialogue is clear and moves the plot along, and the grammar and usage are excellent. So. What did I have a problem with? I’m pretty sure no one, regardless of wealth, could keep the FBI from investigating a child abduction. Sure, state law enforcement could handle most issues within their own state, but in the case of an Amber Alert, the FBI gets involved. Aside from that, I have a problem classifying this as romantic suspense. Perhaps I should just call it suspense with sex, because I just could not feel the chemistry between Kell and Macy.
My biggest issue was the lack of resolution. Sure, they took care of the kidnapping, but who planned it? And, on a personal level - for Macy - will she be brave enough to follow up on that huge hint Castillo dropped on her regarding her own abduction? Well I can tell you this much — I won’t be finding out. I hate cliffhangers. They are just a manipulative way for an author to get you to buy the next book. I probably would have gone back and read the first 3 books in the series, probably would have stayed with the series through all 9 books. But nope. Nuh-uh. Not gonna do it. This author just went on my $#*t list.
The audio production and narration are excellent. Half of the reason I got this (the other half being the sale price) was the narrator. I had always seen good ratings for Bronson Pinchot and I wanted to hear for myself. I am delighted with his performance.
April 26, 2011
3.5 stars
When I saw DEADLY INTENT at Fiction Vixen's for review I immediately snatched it as I have Kylie Brant's first 3 Mindhunters books on my TBR-pile ever since they were released and have been looking forward to get a taste of her romantic suspense writing. When the book arrived, however, I went into a state of utter panic! Contrary to what I thought it wasn't the first book in a new trilogy/series (I'm still puzzled as to why I thought that) but it was book 4 in the Mindhunters series...book 4 and I, an obsessive read-series-in-order-reader, hadn't read the first 3 books. So with no small amount of trepidation I started reading and hoped jumping into the series at book 4 wouldn't leave me too lost. If there was one time I hoped the publishers and authors’ promises of books in series being perfectly readable as standalone could be met, it was with DEADLY INTENT.
When Ellie Mulder, daughter of the wealthy Stephen Mulder, is kidnapped a second time –2 years after being kidnapped and held captive 22 months when she was 7– Raiker Forensics brings in their two most experienced investigators to find her. In a race against time to find the elusive mind behind the kidnapping and find Ellie, Macy Reid and Kell Burke are put in such close proximity that battling the growing attraction between them proves to be difficult and a little distracting.
Macy Reid is a forensic investigator, specialized in linguistic forensics. She’s quiet, observant and meticulous. She needs order and due to a traumatic experience in her past she has a light form of anxiety-driven OCD (do things in threes). Despite that she’s very capable in her job and crucial to the operation to find Ellie.
Kellan 'Kell' Burke is also a forensic investigator. He’s like a pit-bull when he’s on to something and his tenacity is also crucial in finding Ellie. He’s sarcastic, quick-witted and cocky. He’s very direct and any form of subtlety is lost on him. Still, he’s very intuitive and has a hidden sensitive side that comes out when he’s alone with Macy.
The secondary characters, both on-page and mentions are endless in this book. I’ve discovered this is inherent to romantic suspense and though the sheer numbers in this one could have made it a negative point, for me it didn’t. They were all needed to form a full-bodied suspense plot so in this case it really worked for me. A few secondary characters were very memorable to me. Adam Raiker, for example, who is the head of Raiker Forensics and Macy and Kell’s boss. There’s an intriguing back-story there that I hope to see unraveled in the future and I am certainly going back to the first 3 books of the series to find out more about him.
Also, strange enough the main couple, though I liked them and their chemistry, wasn’t who caught my attention the most in this book. It was Ellie, the kidnapped girl. She was so strong yet vulnerable and broken. She never let her kidnapper get her down and fought, mentally, as hard and much as she could. She was resilient and inventive and despite her predicament she kept her head cool, especially for a kid. Reading what she went through is not for the faint of heart and I wouldn't recommend this book to readers who don't want to read about child abductions or bad stuff happening to children.
DEADLY INTENT is a romantic suspense of which the focus is more on the suspense than on the romance and though I prefer a little more romance than suspense when reading this genre, I still very much enjoyed reading it. The romance is subtle yet intense. There aren't many love scenes, there's actually only one and it's not overly explicit or graphic but it's exquisitely written and complements the characters and the romance perfectly. The scene in the shower was just mesmerizing! In fact this is the only love scene in the entire book and, though personally I would have liked more of them, Kylie Brant definitely made it count.
I loved the bickering and banter between Macy and Kell. It added to the tension and chemistry between them and I was just waiting to see it turn into an explosion of passion. Also, the humor in their banter, which made me grin regularly and sometimes actually made me laugh out loud, was a great counterpart for some of the dark and gritty parts of the suspense.
The suspense had me all over the place with my own theories and suspicions and in the end I was partially right and I'm sure some of this suspense story line will be wrapped up in a later stage in this series. I do know I definitely am going to read the earlier installments in the Mindhunters series. Going by just this book it's a top-notch romantic suspense series.
I really liked the added tension created by the territorial tugging war/turf game between the CBI (official investigators) and Raiker's team. It took the suspense from being just an enumeration of the actions taken in order to find Ellie, to a more dynamic and intriguing level. Though DEADLY INTENT is not as fast-paced as other romantic suspense novels I've read it’s just as suspenseful and well set up. The beginning was very descriptive with a lot of investigating, speculations and retelling of procedural stuff but once that was out of the way I was mesmerized by the suspense and the chemistry between Macy and Kell.
Referring back to the hope I expressed in the opening paragraph of this interview I can report that I wasn’t lost at all jumping in the series at book 4 and DEADLY INTENT can definitely be read as a standalone. However, that being said, the tidbits about Adam Raiker and the mentions of main characters of the previous books have definitely made me push the first 3 Mindhunters books more to the top of Mt. TBR!
DEADLY INTENT, in my opinion wasn’t meant to be read in a rush. To get all the characters, their stories, the stuff the main characters went through, the suspense, the technical terms and procedures and all the other undertones of this book, you need to savor it and read slow and intently. To me it was a very nice introduction into the series, even if I started at book 4 and I am absolutely looking forward to read more by Kylie Brant.
When I saw DEADLY INTENT at Fiction Vixen's for review I immediately snatched it as I have Kylie Brant's first 3 Mindhunters books on my TBR-pile ever since they were released and have been looking forward to get a taste of her romantic suspense writing. When the book arrived, however, I went into a state of utter panic! Contrary to what I thought it wasn't the first book in a new trilogy/series (I'm still puzzled as to why I thought that) but it was book 4 in the Mindhunters series...book 4 and I, an obsessive read-series-in-order-reader, hadn't read the first 3 books. So with no small amount of trepidation I started reading and hoped jumping into the series at book 4 wouldn't leave me too lost. If there was one time I hoped the publishers and authors’ promises of books in series being perfectly readable as standalone could be met, it was with DEADLY INTENT.
When Ellie Mulder, daughter of the wealthy Stephen Mulder, is kidnapped a second time –2 years after being kidnapped and held captive 22 months when she was 7– Raiker Forensics brings in their two most experienced investigators to find her. In a race against time to find the elusive mind behind the kidnapping and find Ellie, Macy Reid and Kell Burke are put in such close proximity that battling the growing attraction between them proves to be difficult and a little distracting.
Macy Reid is a forensic investigator, specialized in linguistic forensics. She’s quiet, observant and meticulous. She needs order and due to a traumatic experience in her past she has a light form of anxiety-driven OCD (do things in threes). Despite that she’s very capable in her job and crucial to the operation to find Ellie.
Kellan 'Kell' Burke is also a forensic investigator. He’s like a pit-bull when he’s on to something and his tenacity is also crucial in finding Ellie. He’s sarcastic, quick-witted and cocky. He’s very direct and any form of subtlety is lost on him. Still, he’s very intuitive and has a hidden sensitive side that comes out when he’s alone with Macy.
The secondary characters, both on-page and mentions are endless in this book. I’ve discovered this is inherent to romantic suspense and though the sheer numbers in this one could have made it a negative point, for me it didn’t. They were all needed to form a full-bodied suspense plot so in this case it really worked for me. A few secondary characters were very memorable to me. Adam Raiker, for example, who is the head of Raiker Forensics and Macy and Kell’s boss. There’s an intriguing back-story there that I hope to see unraveled in the future and I am certainly going back to the first 3 books of the series to find out more about him.
Also, strange enough the main couple, though I liked them and their chemistry, wasn’t who caught my attention the most in this book. It was Ellie, the kidnapped girl. She was so strong yet vulnerable and broken. She never let her kidnapper get her down and fought, mentally, as hard and much as she could. She was resilient and inventive and despite her predicament she kept her head cool, especially for a kid. Reading what she went through is not for the faint of heart and I wouldn't recommend this book to readers who don't want to read about child abductions or bad stuff happening to children.
DEADLY INTENT is a romantic suspense of which the focus is more on the suspense than on the romance and though I prefer a little more romance than suspense when reading this genre, I still very much enjoyed reading it. The romance is subtle yet intense. There aren't many love scenes, there's actually only one and it's not overly explicit or graphic but it's exquisitely written and complements the characters and the romance perfectly. The scene in the shower was just mesmerizing! In fact this is the only love scene in the entire book and, though personally I would have liked more of them, Kylie Brant definitely made it count.
I loved the bickering and banter between Macy and Kell. It added to the tension and chemistry between them and I was just waiting to see it turn into an explosion of passion. Also, the humor in their banter, which made me grin regularly and sometimes actually made me laugh out loud, was a great counterpart for some of the dark and gritty parts of the suspense.
The suspense had me all over the place with my own theories and suspicions and in the end I was partially right and I'm sure some of this suspense story line will be wrapped up in a later stage in this series. I do know I definitely am going to read the earlier installments in the Mindhunters series. Going by just this book it's a top-notch romantic suspense series.
I really liked the added tension created by the territorial tugging war/turf game between the CBI (official investigators) and Raiker's team. It took the suspense from being just an enumeration of the actions taken in order to find Ellie, to a more dynamic and intriguing level. Though DEADLY INTENT is not as fast-paced as other romantic suspense novels I've read it’s just as suspenseful and well set up. The beginning was very descriptive with a lot of investigating, speculations and retelling of procedural stuff but once that was out of the way I was mesmerized by the suspense and the chemistry between Macy and Kell.
Referring back to the hope I expressed in the opening paragraph of this interview I can report that I wasn’t lost at all jumping in the series at book 4 and DEADLY INTENT can definitely be read as a standalone. However, that being said, the tidbits about Adam Raiker and the mentions of main characters of the previous books have definitely made me push the first 3 Mindhunters books more to the top of Mt. TBR!
DEADLY INTENT, in my opinion wasn’t meant to be read in a rush. To get all the characters, their stories, the stuff the main characters went through, the suspense, the technical terms and procedures and all the other undertones of this book, you need to savor it and read slow and intently. To me it was a very nice introduction into the series, even if I started at book 4 and I am absolutely looking forward to read more by Kylie Brant.
Favorite quotes:
“You think I came in for a repeat of our one time together?” he said incredulously. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like the thought hasn’t occurred, but we’re working here.” (…)
“I think you came in to badger me some more, and I’m not in the mood. I have work to do.”
His pale green eyes were alight with amusement behind his glasses. “You did. You thought I came in to play a little naked duchess and serf. I have to admit, the thought holds some appeal. You silhouetted against a thin sheet suspended before a fireplace. Me lugging hot water for m’lady’s bath. And then the sheet falls. You clutch the towel to your naked breasts…”
“And then I kneecap you for staring.”
His lips on hers then were hot and deep and devastating. Her bones melted, and she leaned limply against him. “You could tell me you love me, “ he suggested against her lips. “Just because a guy’s easy doesn’t mean he doesn’t need the words. (…) I love you. Inside me there’s still a ten-year-old boy looking for a warm place to call home. And I sensed it in you the minute we met.”
April 13, 2021
Although I am enjoying this series I am also somewhat disappointed. The storyline is good. A young girl gets kidnapped for the 2nd time and the team is called in to find her. The romance is good. We are satisfied with a HEA between Macy and Kell. The plot is a little complicated but they figure it out. My disappointment comes in because although the entire team are brilliant, they are not using any special gifts to solve the crime.
The series name Mindhunters (to me) implies that this team of agents are solving cases differently than the average agent and can possible figure out the mind of the criminal in order to solve the case. These Mindhunters are smart and do figure it out but in this book I am not seeing that they are different from any other agent who wants to solve a horrible crime.
The series name Mindhunters (to me) implies that this team of agents are solving cases differently than the average agent and can possible figure out the mind of the criminal in order to solve the case. These Mindhunters are smart and do figure it out but in this book I am not seeing that they are different from any other agent who wants to solve a horrible crime.
July 16, 2018
I tried over and over again to read this book but ultimately decided to stop torturing myself and did not finish it. Probably a large part of the problem was that it was dark (early reveal that kidnapped child had already previously been kidnapped and raped by paedophiles for two years?!) and the hero was a complete ass (so many of his comments and actions in just the first 3 or so chapters screamed 'sexual harassment complaint' to me).
For full disclosure, I enjoy lighter reads so if you're into darker crime novels or prefer suspense over romantic suspense it's probably more up your alley than mine.
For full disclosure, I enjoy lighter reads so if you're into darker crime novels or prefer suspense over romantic suspense it's probably more up your alley than mine.
September 23, 2020
This was the best Mind Hunters book yet!
It started out slow and I wasn’t sure that I was going to enjoy this book. I was happy once the story picked up.
The thing that I didn’t like about the book were the transitions between scenes/chapters.
I really enjoyed Kellan’s character. I liked that he was fun and joked around and had a wittiness about him. For a romantic suspense book, it could have had a bit more romance added into it.
Also, without giving much away, Ellie (the little girl that is kidnapped) is one smart cookie! I really admired her character!
It started out slow and I wasn’t sure that I was going to enjoy this book. I was happy once the story picked up.
The thing that I didn’t like about the book were the transitions between scenes/chapters.
I really enjoyed Kellan’s character. I liked that he was fun and joked around and had a wittiness about him. For a romantic suspense book, it could have had a bit more romance added into it.
Also, without giving much away, Ellie (the little girl that is kidnapped) is one smart cookie! I really admired her character!
November 18, 2024
Another long, drawn out and boring mystery. The only likable character was the kidnapped girl, Ellie. Those searching for her were boring with no depth of character. Open end to the story that doesn't identify who was behind the kidnapping. Too much dialogue, over described sex scenes and not enough action or mystery to keep my attention or care about the ending. All the books in the series have the common thread of 2 lead characters who originally dislike each other, fall into bed several times before the story is over. It's a shame the series doesn't improve.
January 19, 2019
These books are disturbing, the characters attractive and obsessive. The narrator is EXCELLENT!! Bronson Pinchot is an amazing performer - frequently, it's hard to believe only one person is reading the various characters' words. He's that good.
November 28, 2022
I cannot believe I finessed this. The MMC was a total sexually harrassing arsehole douchebag.
Shame because the rest of the books have been ok. Not great but OK
2 stars only because I finished it
Shame because the rest of the books have been ok. Not great but OK
2 stars only because I finished it
June 16, 2023
Personally, the book was too long for me, but I like the way it showed the timespan of the whole story. I would've enjoyed the ending more if we found out who the mastermind of the whole kidnapping/hostage taking was. Would have liked if there were more Kell and Macy content. That is all! :)
January 7, 2018
A good read to start the new year. Fitting since there is a snow storm and chilli weather everywhere.
December 10, 2019
this one I could not put down and it got weird as the story went on you will see.
May 26, 2020
Great series from Kylie Brant. The way she mixes romance with terror is great. I love books that can make me cry about what is going on with the characters.
November 1, 2020
Very good story.
December 12, 2020
I am enjoying this series.
December 22, 2020
I'm finding the "Mindhunters" series of stories enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book.
February 18, 2021
3.7-- Sam and Diane...Dave and Mattie...Macy and Kellan. Here's where the quality starts slacking for being formulaic...
May 12, 2021
First book I've read by Kylie Brant and it was amazing. I didn't want to put the book down - kept me intrigued the entire time. Can't wait to read more of her books!
May 31, 2021
Read 60% DNF! Bland and uneventful. Maybe it was the narrator...
July 28, 2021
No romance, just suspense/thriller
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