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Recommend this book:
Mayhem on Mulberry
Book One
Vincent deFilippo
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
All Jen Mo-Li, the only daughter of the wealthy patriarch of the Mo-Li family, Ming Sen, had ever wanted was her father’s approval. When the eldest of the Mo-Li sons dies in a mob hit in Chinatown, New York, Jen falls out with her father for passing her up on family business roles. Intent on proving Ming Sen wrong and perhaps to spite him, Jen associates with the Black Dragons, one of the vicious racketeering Chinese gangs in Chinatown. Then she gives in to the advances of a lovestruck Italian mobster, Enzo DeCarlo, the heir to an Italian mafia boss. It was the early 1990s, and such unions were forbidden. Armed with rare beauty, seductive prowess, and business savvy, Jen quickly climbs up the gang’s ranks. However, the more power and influence she gains, the colder she becomes. She finds herself caught up in a bloody gang war, cast out of her family with a bastard child, no one to trust, and a big target on her back. Discover more in Vincent deFilippo’s Mayhem on Mulberry: Book One.
Vincent deFilippo’s Mayhem on Mulberry is a must-read for lovers of gripping, fast-paced, action-packed, hard-boiled, noir crime thrillers with a blend of romance, drama, and wit. Paying great attention to detail, but just enough not to bog down the pace, deFilippo expertly unfolds an ingenious plot, running it on a multiperspective timeline. The jaw-dropping plot twists and the subtle tone of the storyline had me on the edge of my seat. The evocative depictions colorfully breathed life into the scenes. I was plunged smackdab into a gritty world of crime held together by a thin thread of loyalty, honor, family, and love, fraying under the heavy weight of betrayal, greed, lust, fear, blood, money, blackmail, deceit, and secrets. It felt like I was in New York back in the ‘90s, watching the ruthless bosses, scheming underdogs, and gang members weave their racketeering webs and steadily take over parts of the city, especially Chinatown. The conversations were hard-edged, authentic, and refreshing. This is a terrific debut for the series. I loved it. I can't wait to read the next installments.
All Jen Mo-Li, the only daughter of the wealthy patriarch of the Mo-Li family, Ming Sen, had ever wanted was her father’s approval. When the eldest of the Mo-Li sons dies in a mob hit in Chinatown, New York, Jen falls out with her father for passing her up on family business roles. Intent on proving Ming Sen wrong and perhaps to spite him, Jen associates with the Black Dragons, one of the vicious racketeering Chinese gangs in Chinatown. Then she gives in to the advances of a lovestruck Italian mobster, Enzo DeCarlo, the heir to an Italian mafia boss. It was the early 1990s, and such unions were forbidden. Armed with rare beauty, seductive prowess, and business savvy, Jen quickly climbs up the gang’s ranks. However, the more power and influence she gains, the colder she becomes. She finds herself caught up in a bloody gang war, cast out of her family with a bastard child, no one to trust, and a big target on her back. Discover more in Vincent deFilippo’s Mayhem on Mulberry: Book One.
Vincent deFilippo’s Mayhem on Mulberry is a must-read for lovers of gripping, fast-paced, action-packed, hard-boiled, noir crime thrillers with a blend of romance, drama, and wit. Paying great attention to detail, but just enough not to bog down the pace, deFilippo expertly unfolds an ingenious plot, running it on a multiperspective timeline. The jaw-dropping plot twists and the subtle tone of the storyline had me on the edge of my seat. The evocative depictions colorfully breathed life into the scenes. I was plunged smackdab into a gritty world of crime held together by a thin thread of loyalty, honor, family, and love, fraying under the heavy weight of betrayal, greed, lust, fear, blood, money, blackmail, deceit, and secrets. It felt like I was in New York back in the ‘90s, watching the ruthless bosses, scheming underdogs, and gang members weave their racketeering webs and steadily take over parts of the city, especially Chinatown. The conversations were hard-edged, authentic, and refreshing. This is a terrific debut for the series. I loved it. I can't wait to read the next installments.
Recommend this book:
Master Version 1.1
Antanas Marcelionis
2025 Bronze Medal
230 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Set in the year 2028, Master Version 1.1 by Antanas Marcelionis follows the story of a Ukrainian military streamer waging his own battle against the might of the Russian forces in the Gray Zone. Master uses drones and surveillance copters to launch attacks against the Russian invaders and streams his mission live on Warvid. Equipped with a computer-brain interface, a prosthetic arm, and advanced cybernetics tech courtesy of Brainlink Corporation, Master, a Lithuanian national, has been a thorn in the side of the Russian Army for quite some time and receives constant upgrades from Brainlink CSO, Atari Hunter. However, when his rival, Davai Lama, somehow manages to injure and capture him, he must find a way to escape the clutches of a mad Russian scientist who wants his tech.
Master Version 1.1 is, at its core, a military novel that sheds light on how modern warfare operates in the age of AI and other advanced technology. Antanas Marcelionis has woven a captivating narrative, primarily focusing on the experiences of a human-computer hybrid who finds himself playing a key role in the war between Ukraine and Russia. What impressed me the most about this book is how believable the science is. Everything points toward AI and cybernetics becoming even more prevalent in wars in the near future, and this story perfectly encapsulates that theory. Master is a fascinating character, and, aside from the battle sequences, his relationship with Atari was one of my favorite aspects. Overall, it's a fantastic novel for readers who enjoy military and sci-fi stories.
Set in the year 2028, Master Version 1.1 by Antanas Marcelionis follows the story of a Ukrainian military streamer waging his own battle against the might of the Russian forces in the Gray Zone. Master uses drones and surveillance copters to launch attacks against the Russian invaders and streams his mission live on Warvid. Equipped with a computer-brain interface, a prosthetic arm, and advanced cybernetics tech courtesy of Brainlink Corporation, Master, a Lithuanian national, has been a thorn in the side of the Russian Army for quite some time and receives constant upgrades from Brainlink CSO, Atari Hunter. However, when his rival, Davai Lama, somehow manages to injure and capture him, he must find a way to escape the clutches of a mad Russian scientist who wants his tech.
Master Version 1.1 is, at its core, a military novel that sheds light on how modern warfare operates in the age of AI and other advanced technology. Antanas Marcelionis has woven a captivating narrative, primarily focusing on the experiences of a human-computer hybrid who finds himself playing a key role in the war between Ukraine and Russia. What impressed me the most about this book is how believable the science is. Everything points toward AI and cybernetics becoming even more prevalent in wars in the near future, and this story perfectly encapsulates that theory. Master is a fascinating character, and, aside from the battle sequences, his relationship with Atari was one of my favorite aspects. Overall, it's a fantastic novel for readers who enjoy military and sci-fi stories.
Recommend this book:
The Secret That Killed You
An Ike Rossi Thriller
Steve Hadden
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden is an Ike Rossi Thriller. Amelia Garcia is 35 years old, and most of her adult life has been spent protecting others as an Air Force drone pilot. Using a deepwater remotely operated vehicle to find lost things on the sea floor, the last thing she expected to find was a strongbox, especially not two hundred miles away from the coast. Her family is powerful, but she can’t rely on them to help her, so she calls on Ike Rossi, the only person she believes can help solve the secret of the locked box. Ike is a hardened investigator, a man who has seen too much. With Amelia and a WWII codebreaker, they uncover a secret that could change history, destroying their lives as they know it, and bringing chaos to the country. It’s time for Amelia to face the past and make a choice – dying or destroying everyone and everything around her.
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden will take you on a thrilling rollercoaster of a journey. Packed with action on every page, this is one book that you won’t put down easily, so be prepared to read all night if necessary. This is an expertly written thriller that will enthrall you with its descriptive prose, tight dialogue, and amazing characters. The two main characters are people you can relate to, and you’ll be on their side all the way through. This is a story of deep, hidden secrets with the capacity to destroy everyone and everything around them. You won’t guess the ending; you’ll never see it coming, and it will leave you in shock. This is an excellent novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a book in which they can truly lose themselves.
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden is an Ike Rossi Thriller. Amelia Garcia is 35 years old, and most of her adult life has been spent protecting others as an Air Force drone pilot. Using a deepwater remotely operated vehicle to find lost things on the sea floor, the last thing she expected to find was a strongbox, especially not two hundred miles away from the coast. Her family is powerful, but she can’t rely on them to help her, so she calls on Ike Rossi, the only person she believes can help solve the secret of the locked box. Ike is a hardened investigator, a man who has seen too much. With Amelia and a WWII codebreaker, they uncover a secret that could change history, destroying their lives as they know it, and bringing chaos to the country. It’s time for Amelia to face the past and make a choice – dying or destroying everyone and everything around her.
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden will take you on a thrilling rollercoaster of a journey. Packed with action on every page, this is one book that you won’t put down easily, so be prepared to read all night if necessary. This is an expertly written thriller that will enthrall you with its descriptive prose, tight dialogue, and amazing characters. The two main characters are people you can relate to, and you’ll be on their side all the way through. This is a story of deep, hidden secrets with the capacity to destroy everyone and everything around them. You won’t guess the ending; you’ll never see it coming, and it will leave you in shock. This is an excellent novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a book in which they can truly lose themselves.
Recommend this book:
Toxic Minds
Anthony Lee
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Gabriel Santos for Readers' Favorite
In Anthony Lee's Toxic Minds, Dr. Mark Lin is an internal medicine doctor at Ivory Memorial Hospital. On an ordinary afternoon, he gets a call from Shannon Dixon, a previous patient waiting for an appointment at Ivory Memorial Clinic. During their conversation, an armed woman raids the clinic and detonates a bomb attached to her, killing Shannon and eleven other people. Suspicion for the attack falls on a pro-life organization, the Lord's Cradle, but Mark has been nurturing doubts since he heard the bomber's cryptic last words: "Purity is mine!" His doubts grow into certainty as he learns about the Path to Purity, a dangerous cult veiled in secrecy. Tormented by Shannon's death and unable to stand by, Mark joins the cult to find a way to destroy it.
While I enjoyed the thrilling, action-packed ride through a cult's seedy underbelly (especially towards the climax), the novel is, at its core, a cautionary tale about disinformation. Exploring the origins, spread, and consequences of falsehoods regarding health, Anthony Lee tackles the subject from various angles and also takes some time to correct myths and misconceptions. The scenes depicting the tragic fates of the cult's victims are particularly poignant. Mark Lin is an engaging protagonist whose snarky, profanity-laden narration kept me entertained, but his words and actions display kindness, empathy, and self-sacrifice. This compelling characterization makes Mark feel human and admirable, as he never fails to uphold his principles despite his cynicism. If you're interested in medical thrillers or cult-related stories, I urge you to give Toxic Minds a try.
In Anthony Lee's Toxic Minds, Dr. Mark Lin is an internal medicine doctor at Ivory Memorial Hospital. On an ordinary afternoon, he gets a call from Shannon Dixon, a previous patient waiting for an appointment at Ivory Memorial Clinic. During their conversation, an armed woman raids the clinic and detonates a bomb attached to her, killing Shannon and eleven other people. Suspicion for the attack falls on a pro-life organization, the Lord's Cradle, but Mark has been nurturing doubts since he heard the bomber's cryptic last words: "Purity is mine!" His doubts grow into certainty as he learns about the Path to Purity, a dangerous cult veiled in secrecy. Tormented by Shannon's death and unable to stand by, Mark joins the cult to find a way to destroy it.
While I enjoyed the thrilling, action-packed ride through a cult's seedy underbelly (especially towards the climax), the novel is, at its core, a cautionary tale about disinformation. Exploring the origins, spread, and consequences of falsehoods regarding health, Anthony Lee tackles the subject from various angles and also takes some time to correct myths and misconceptions. The scenes depicting the tragic fates of the cult's victims are particularly poignant. Mark Lin is an engaging protagonist whose snarky, profanity-laden narration kept me entertained, but his words and actions display kindness, empathy, and self-sacrifice. This compelling characterization makes Mark feel human and admirable, as he never fails to uphold his principles despite his cynicism. If you're interested in medical thrillers or cult-related stories, I urge you to give Toxic Minds a try.
Recommend this book:
Specimen
Lisa Towles
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Specimen by Lisa Towles, Thea Riggs becomes entangled in a dangerous game after receiving a text inviting her to meet her friend at home. Upon arrival, Thea discovers her friend's mother lifeless on the kitchen floor and takes a photograph. Thea hears a noise in the house and calls her best friend, Fergus Wilde, to come and get her while hiding in the basement. Thea begins to receive threatening text messages and finds herself unwillingly involved in the Dead Sevens Club game. As the next target of a crime syndicate, Thea, along with Fergus and an Uber driver named Bharat, must uncover the secrets behind the game and track down the syndicate's leader. To clear her name and uncover the truth, Thea must rely on her instincts and her friends.
Specimen by Lisa Towles was a fantastic thriller. I was captivated by the opening page and found myself turning the pages as fast as I could. The plot was fast-paced and compelling. Due to all the unexpected twists and turns, I was unable to predict what would happen next. I was fully engaged throughout and eagerly anticipated the next events. The writing style was exceptional, and I was hooked throughout the story. It was easy to immerse myself in the plot and join the friends in their quest for the truth. The characters felt genuine and relatable. Each one had a backstory that helped me better understand them. It has been a long time since I lingered with a story so long after I had finished reading.
In Specimen by Lisa Towles, Thea Riggs becomes entangled in a dangerous game after receiving a text inviting her to meet her friend at home. Upon arrival, Thea discovers her friend's mother lifeless on the kitchen floor and takes a photograph. Thea hears a noise in the house and calls her best friend, Fergus Wilde, to come and get her while hiding in the basement. Thea begins to receive threatening text messages and finds herself unwillingly involved in the Dead Sevens Club game. As the next target of a crime syndicate, Thea, along with Fergus and an Uber driver named Bharat, must uncover the secrets behind the game and track down the syndicate's leader. To clear her name and uncover the truth, Thea must rely on her instincts and her friends.
Specimen by Lisa Towles was a fantastic thriller. I was captivated by the opening page and found myself turning the pages as fast as I could. The plot was fast-paced and compelling. Due to all the unexpected twists and turns, I was unable to predict what would happen next. I was fully engaged throughout and eagerly anticipated the next events. The writing style was exceptional, and I was hooked throughout the story. It was easy to immerse myself in the plot and join the friends in their quest for the truth. The characters felt genuine and relatable. Each one had a backstory that helped me better understand them. It has been a long time since I lingered with a story so long after I had finished reading.
Recommend this book:
The Regression Strain
Kevin Hwang
2025 Gold Medal
344 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang is a chilling medical thriller that turns a luxury cruise into a floating nightmare. Dr. Peter Palma boards the Paradise expecting sunburns and sprains, but an unexplainable outbreak quickly transforms the ship into a floating quarantine zone filled with madness and death. As passengers turn on one another and society unravels in close quarters, Peter must diagnose and stop a disease that seems almost sentient in its cruelty. With tight pacing, visceral horror, and sharp psychological insight, The Regression Strain explores what happens when science, instinct, and morality collide in the vacuum of survival.
Author Kevin Hwang has a keen sense of pacing and the art of the reveal, and he utilizes every moment in this tense, terrifying thriller that grips you from page one and never lets go. The premise got me hooked immediately, as any kind of seafaring story gives you that trapped feeling. Hwang blends science and suspense in this pressure cooker situation to give readers a cruise that will certainly put anyone off the water for a while! There’s depth amidst the excellent pacing and tense plot twists, too, and the development of the psychology of Peter and the others trapped on the boat offers more than just the typical thriller. The story is a dissection of fear, morality, and the façade of being civilized until the stakes are suddenly life and death. This is captured in Peter’s thoughts and the dialogue of those losing their heads around him. Overall, The Regression Strain is a claustrophobic, haunting, and razor-sharp story that I highly recommend: this is outbreak fiction at its finest.
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang is a chilling medical thriller that turns a luxury cruise into a floating nightmare. Dr. Peter Palma boards the Paradise expecting sunburns and sprains, but an unexplainable outbreak quickly transforms the ship into a floating quarantine zone filled with madness and death. As passengers turn on one another and society unravels in close quarters, Peter must diagnose and stop a disease that seems almost sentient in its cruelty. With tight pacing, visceral horror, and sharp psychological insight, The Regression Strain explores what happens when science, instinct, and morality collide in the vacuum of survival.
Author Kevin Hwang has a keen sense of pacing and the art of the reveal, and he utilizes every moment in this tense, terrifying thriller that grips you from page one and never lets go. The premise got me hooked immediately, as any kind of seafaring story gives you that trapped feeling. Hwang blends science and suspense in this pressure cooker situation to give readers a cruise that will certainly put anyone off the water for a while! There’s depth amidst the excellent pacing and tense plot twists, too, and the development of the psychology of Peter and the others trapped on the boat offers more than just the typical thriller. The story is a dissection of fear, morality, and the façade of being civilized until the stakes are suddenly life and death. This is captured in Peter’s thoughts and the dialogue of those losing their heads around him. Overall, The Regression Strain is a claustrophobic, haunting, and razor-sharp story that I highly recommend: this is outbreak fiction at its finest.
Recommend this book:
The Greater Good
Dr. Frank J. Sapienza
2024 Finalist
262 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
His region was doing well, but the Gordon incident had spooked the directors. Dr. Stone had dedicated his life to Goodell's vision of saving the country and the human species. But how did they intend to do it? Dr. Morrison has many things going on in his life: separation from his wife, Mike's diagnosis, and his cluster headaches. Immediately after Mike's diagnosis, he became involved with the Advanced Genomic Research Company in the hope of helping his son and many other people suffering from similar conditions. Dr. Stone was able to convince him that the information he would provide was anonymous and for the greater good. Unfortunately, his participation has put everything he cares for in danger. To find out how events unfold, get a copy of The Greater Good by Dr. Frank J. Sapienza.
The Greater Good by Dr. Frank J. Sapienza is a medical thriller must-read. It is a page-turner, and I was hooked from the first chapter. The twists and turns in the flawlessly flowing plotline kept me on the edge of my seat. The author utilized suspense to great effect, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened in the subsequent chapters. He was also very effective in capturing the imagination of the reader through the vivid descriptions of events and the emotions of the well-developed characters. I also found the plot to be thought-provoking on relevant issues, such as ethics in research, especially now that technology is advancing at a terrific speed in fields such as genetics and biochemistry. I cannot wait to read something more by this talented author.
His region was doing well, but the Gordon incident had spooked the directors. Dr. Stone had dedicated his life to Goodell's vision of saving the country and the human species. But how did they intend to do it? Dr. Morrison has many things going on in his life: separation from his wife, Mike's diagnosis, and his cluster headaches. Immediately after Mike's diagnosis, he became involved with the Advanced Genomic Research Company in the hope of helping his son and many other people suffering from similar conditions. Dr. Stone was able to convince him that the information he would provide was anonymous and for the greater good. Unfortunately, his participation has put everything he cares for in danger. To find out how events unfold, get a copy of The Greater Good by Dr. Frank J. Sapienza.
The Greater Good by Dr. Frank J. Sapienza is a medical thriller must-read. It is a page-turner, and I was hooked from the first chapter. The twists and turns in the flawlessly flowing plotline kept me on the edge of my seat. The author utilized suspense to great effect, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened in the subsequent chapters. He was also very effective in capturing the imagination of the reader through the vivid descriptions of events and the emotions of the well-developed characters. I also found the plot to be thought-provoking on relevant issues, such as ethics in research, especially now that technology is advancing at a terrific speed in fields such as genetics and biochemistry. I cannot wait to read something more by this talented author.
Recommend this book:
Terror Bay
Lisa Towles
2024 Honorable Mention
316 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Terror Bay is a work of fiction in the psychological thriller, suspense, and crime subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers and contains explicit language throughout. Penned by author Lisa Towles, the story follows Kurt Farin, a San Francisco homicide detective who survives a gunshot wound to the head, only to find himself haunted by vivid visions of a woman named Genevieve Lucas. Driven by an unshakable intuition, he embarks on a quest to find Genevieve and unravel the truth behind their connection. As Kurt delves deeper into the mystery, the lines between reality and illusion blur, creating an atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty.
Author Lisa Towles has crafted a compelling work that really excels in all the areas you need for stirring crime thriller fiction, from its moody, tense atmosphere to its breakneck-twisting plot and the realistic characters who suffer at every sinister twist. For me, the character development is a particularly noteworthy feature as the close narration makes everyone feel so fully realized. Kurt Farin is a flawed yet relatable protagonist, and his journey of self-discovery keeps readers deeply attached to him and hoping for his survival. The supporting characters are equally intriguing, each with their own secrets and motivations, and I enjoyed the distinct dialogue style that gives each person a unique presence on the page. As the plot unfolds, it takes unexpected twists and turns, leading to a shocking climax that left all my questions answered but still managed a great sting in the tail. Overall, I found Terror Bay to be a real rollercoaster ride of suspense, intrigue, and psychological tension that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. If you enjoy crime fiction with a psychological edge, this book is a highly recommended read.
Terror Bay is a work of fiction in the psychological thriller, suspense, and crime subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers and contains explicit language throughout. Penned by author Lisa Towles, the story follows Kurt Farin, a San Francisco homicide detective who survives a gunshot wound to the head, only to find himself haunted by vivid visions of a woman named Genevieve Lucas. Driven by an unshakable intuition, he embarks on a quest to find Genevieve and unravel the truth behind their connection. As Kurt delves deeper into the mystery, the lines between reality and illusion blur, creating an atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty.
Author Lisa Towles has crafted a compelling work that really excels in all the areas you need for stirring crime thriller fiction, from its moody, tense atmosphere to its breakneck-twisting plot and the realistic characters who suffer at every sinister twist. For me, the character development is a particularly noteworthy feature as the close narration makes everyone feel so fully realized. Kurt Farin is a flawed yet relatable protagonist, and his journey of self-discovery keeps readers deeply attached to him and hoping for his survival. The supporting characters are equally intriguing, each with their own secrets and motivations, and I enjoyed the distinct dialogue style that gives each person a unique presence on the page. As the plot unfolds, it takes unexpected twists and turns, leading to a shocking climax that left all my questions answered but still managed a great sting in the tail. Overall, I found Terror Bay to be a real rollercoaster ride of suspense, intrigue, and psychological tension that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. If you enjoy crime fiction with a psychological edge, this book is a highly recommended read.
Recommend this book:
Cage Life
Miles Watson
2024 Bronze Medal
298 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
Michael ‘Mickey’ Watts, a mixed martial arts fighter in New York, was on the brink of a breakthrough in his career as a professional cage fighter when one mistake changed everything. His girlfriend Anne had warned him countless times of Clean, Mickey’s childhood friend and kin to a mafia family, that Clean was more trouble than good, but Mickey kept his company anyway. While celebrating a win on one of his fight nights, Mickey is forced to punch unconscious an assailant who was after Clean. The knocked-out assailant was the son of a feared Mafia boss. To spare Mickey from the kingpin’s wrath, Clean negotiates a deal with Gino, the head of Queen’s racketeering mob. Gino straightens out the brewing problem and, in exchange, Mickey is supposed to work for Gino in one of his gambling dens. Mickey begins paying off his "debt" as one of Gino’s muscle men, something he believes will be a short stint, but he finds himself drowning in the mobster life, slowly losing everything that matters to him, from the woman he loves to his freedom. Is there a way out for Mickey in Miles Watson’s Cage Life?
This page-turner is going to have you hooked from cover to cover. If you are looking for a gripping, action-packed, crime novel, Miles Watson’s Cage Life is a must-read for you. An ingenious plot features an intriguing, dynamic cast. The sharp conversations, spell-binding plot twists, and subtle tone of the storyline had me on the edge of my seat. The evocative depictions brought New York into full color, giving me a glimpse into the world of a cage fighter and gangster where blood, money, women, sex, and brawls are the norm of the day. The author brings out the cast’s emotions well, juxtaposing their complex traits. Mickey hails from a bloodline of fighters. Born a fighter, he believes he can fight his way through or out of anything, but perhaps not everything. The more he tries, the deeper he sinks into a life of crime, becoming trapped in a purgatory he can only escape by death. Miles Watson is undoubtedly a gifted author with a one-of-a-kind voice. I loved this book and I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work.
Michael ‘Mickey’ Watts, a mixed martial arts fighter in New York, was on the brink of a breakthrough in his career as a professional cage fighter when one mistake changed everything. His girlfriend Anne had warned him countless times of Clean, Mickey’s childhood friend and kin to a mafia family, that Clean was more trouble than good, but Mickey kept his company anyway. While celebrating a win on one of his fight nights, Mickey is forced to punch unconscious an assailant who was after Clean. The knocked-out assailant was the son of a feared Mafia boss. To spare Mickey from the kingpin’s wrath, Clean negotiates a deal with Gino, the head of Queen’s racketeering mob. Gino straightens out the brewing problem and, in exchange, Mickey is supposed to work for Gino in one of his gambling dens. Mickey begins paying off his "debt" as one of Gino’s muscle men, something he believes will be a short stint, but he finds himself drowning in the mobster life, slowly losing everything that matters to him, from the woman he loves to his freedom. Is there a way out for Mickey in Miles Watson’s Cage Life?
This page-turner is going to have you hooked from cover to cover. If you are looking for a gripping, action-packed, crime novel, Miles Watson’s Cage Life is a must-read for you. An ingenious plot features an intriguing, dynamic cast. The sharp conversations, spell-binding plot twists, and subtle tone of the storyline had me on the edge of my seat. The evocative depictions brought New York into full color, giving me a glimpse into the world of a cage fighter and gangster where blood, money, women, sex, and brawls are the norm of the day. The author brings out the cast’s emotions well, juxtaposing their complex traits. Mickey hails from a bloodline of fighters. Born a fighter, he believes he can fight his way through or out of anything, but perhaps not everything. The more he tries, the deeper he sinks into a life of crime, becoming trapped in a purgatory he can only escape by death. Miles Watson is undoubtedly a gifted author with a one-of-a-kind voice. I loved this book and I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/protective-instinct&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51z3bC-MR-L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Maximillian Fontana is a billionaire businessman and suspected underworld kingpin. Sebastian "Bash" Bartoli rejects any attempt to have him write Fontana's biography, unwilling to become entangled in any possible illicit activities. Despite Sebastian's refusal, Fontana is adamant that he fulfill this strange request, so Sebastian and his friends de...){kind=link}
Protective Instinct
A Thriller
Joy York
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
Maximillian Fontana is a billionaire businessman and suspected underworld kingpin. Sebastian "Bash" Bartoli rejects any attempt to have him write Fontana's biography, unwilling to become entangled in any possible illicit activities. Despite Sebastian's refusal, Fontana is adamant that he fulfill this strange request, so Sebastian and his friends devise a clever plan to get out of this by making the renowned author vanish. Believing he has dodged a bullet, nothing prepares Sebastian for the sequence of events that follow when the ravishing Morgan Skylar shows up at his doorstep in Joy York's Protective Instinct.
In Protective Instinct, Joy York emphasizes the difficulties of trusting someone you do not know. Using the principal characters' origin stories, her clever manipulation of their conversations makes them appear counterintuitive to their motivations. The growing chemistry between Bash and Morgan is a prime example; romance readers will swoon over it despite the obvious red flag. Bash's plans may be affected negatively by Morgan's deceased grandfather's past activities. York carefully considered every tiny detail, as evidenced by the clever and masterfully written dialogue between the characters and the detailed explanation of Maximillian's complicated business empire. Fans of action will enjoy the fight scenes and the breathtaking pace of the later chapters of the novel. Thanks to York's unique storytelling technique, readers will fall in love with this adventure that requires thinking outside the box when deciphering strategically placed clues. Protective Instinct is the perfect book if you are searching for a slow-burning thriller with enough intrigue to awaken your inner Sherlock Holmes.
Maximillian Fontana is a billionaire businessman and suspected underworld kingpin. Sebastian "Bash" Bartoli rejects any attempt to have him write Fontana's biography, unwilling to become entangled in any possible illicit activities. Despite Sebastian's refusal, Fontana is adamant that he fulfill this strange request, so Sebastian and his friends devise a clever plan to get out of this by making the renowned author vanish. Believing he has dodged a bullet, nothing prepares Sebastian for the sequence of events that follow when the ravishing Morgan Skylar shows up at his doorstep in Joy York's Protective Instinct.
In Protective Instinct, Joy York emphasizes the difficulties of trusting someone you do not know. Using the principal characters' origin stories, her clever manipulation of their conversations makes them appear counterintuitive to their motivations. The growing chemistry between Bash and Morgan is a prime example; romance readers will swoon over it despite the obvious red flag. Bash's plans may be affected negatively by Morgan's deceased grandfather's past activities. York carefully considered every tiny detail, as evidenced by the clever and masterfully written dialogue between the characters and the detailed explanation of Maximillian's complicated business empire. Fans of action will enjoy the fight scenes and the breathtaking pace of the later chapters of the novel. Thanks to York's unique storytelling technique, readers will fall in love with this adventure that requires thinking outside the box when deciphering strategically placed clues. Protective Instinct is the perfect book if you are searching for a slow-burning thriller with enough intrigue to awaken your inner Sherlock Holmes.
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