When I requested this book, I had never had of the author so I had nothing to compare to. I didn't really want to research the author, I wanted the book to capture and captive me. As someone who has just got back into reading, I ABSOLUTELY STRUGGLED TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. Simply amazing, so well written, and the author really does take you on an adventure of ups and downs, but leaves you intrigued and wanting me, her writing style is fantastic.
From the moment Cole and Sophie world collided, you just knew it was going to be a bumpy ride of good guy bad guy but the plot makes it easy to choose which team you would pick.
I was a little bit concerned when one of the characters changed race from having "mocha-coloured skin to Olive-toned skin to having pink nipples". This didn't really affect the character as I already had an image from the initial description, but it confused me a little. Other than that, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to get back into reading, is in a slump or just wants to try a different genre. I have now discovered the rest of the books in this series and have included them to my Christmas wish list.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. I missed all previous books but that didnt make this one hard to follow. I could tell i was missing some details but overall it was still spectacular. This was so action packed and interesting I actually skipped over the sex scenes to keep the action going! I’m going to get all the previous books now

Oh my gosh, this book. My favorite of the Blood Brothers series. Everything about this book is so…great, fantastic, fabulous, wonderful does not do justice to this book. This series is one of the best I have ever read. Both Cole and Sophia were written in such a way that I was compelled to continue reading nonstop. I needed to know what happened next. As with the other stories in this series, the action is non-stop which is right up my alley and so interesting. I could keep gushing about this book, but let me leave you with this – go out and get this series if you like non-stop action, morally grey characters, amazing heroines and sexy times.

What? This series isn’t ending yet?

Finally we get Cole's story and it sure delivers!

Marked, the fifth book in the Blood Brothers series, written by Samantha Wilde.

Bad boy and contract killer Cole Holmes is drawn into rescuing a little girl who's been kidnapped; the "only" complication being that her mother is Detective Sophia Aldridge who is hell-bent on putting Cole behind bars for his many crimes.

They shouldn't work together but needs must, and other needs develop along the way.

I have been hooked on the Blood Brothers books since I stumbled upon the first one on Netgalley in 2021. Fast paced, bad boys, mafia, corrupt police and strong capable women. If you haven't yet read them all, I recommend that you do; you're in for a treat.

I thought this would be the last book, but after having read the last few paragraphs I am not so sure any longer...

I have been craving Cole's story since book 1!
This was precisely what I wanted in his story; drama, sexiness, revenge, and action.
Cole is a wanted man and Detective Sophia Aldridge is out to get him. Little does she know that she will end up relying on him to save both her and her daughter.
This is a high-speed story, right from the first page you are in the middle of Cole killing a man. This story brings what we assume is a conclusion to bringing the trafficking group they have been after in each book. I loved that we got to know Cole better and see him potentially get his HEA.
That last sentence in the book..........WHOA!

So glad to read another book in the Blood Brothers series. With the Lionsgate Kinship definitely wounded but not gone by a longshot, detective Sophia continues to find who is heading the group. When her daughter is kidnapped, she is forced to seek help from the one she doesn’t want to Cole Holmes. Their story was full of suspense, action, and romance between the two. A book I couldn’t put down and can’t wait for the next one.

I feel that I've been a little harsh with the three stars on this one. I actually enjoyed the story itself, there were just a couple of things in it that didn't really work for me.
The romance was nice, if not a little rushed, but as a general rule, I don't mind that. It had more to do with the way that our heroine, Sophia, acted around the abduction of her daughter. I couldn't believe that she kept her ex-husband in the dark about what was going on and then quite happily sent her daughter off with him. I just can't imagine behaving like that.
Overall a good read, but just bits that didn't work for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

This was a page turner, I am not familiar with the previous books in this series and that did not hinder my enjoyment or my connection to any of the characters - which is not usually the case when you jump in late to the game in a series. The writing and pace really propelled this story and it's GOOD. The forbidden romantic angle, the bad boy, the good girl who is all straight and narrow... all of it, really worked when it could have been fluff and nothing. This will appeal to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful, character driven romance. There action and strong characters dropping in that you like, that you want to see succeed. I will absolutely read the previous books in this series and will look for other work from this Author. Thank you to the Author and Publisher for the opportunity to read this in advance of it's publication. It's a really enjoyable book that will do well.

I am loving this series, and I have been waiting for Cole's story for a while now.
This did not disappoint. Cole and Sophia are such a great match, loved how their story played out... there was quite a few tears on my end.

Criminal Minds, but with romance. Just how I like it.

Marked is set to be published on Dec 27, 2022. Thank you to BooksGoSocial, NetGalley and the author for the Advanced Reader's Copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There’s nothing like a forbidden romance where the male character is an assassin and the female is a detective! And I have to say, this one really works.

Marked is part of a series about Lionsgate, and a web of adult ‘brothers’ separated and placed in the carer system, trying to fight their individual and collective demons.

Cole is hired for a job and on finishing up is chased by Sophia. For some reason he lets her go when confronted by her, only to come ho against her when her daughter goes missing from a park. Sophia thinks Cole has something to do with it. They form an alliance - she’ll support him getting immunity, he’ll help find her daughter … the only catch, they do it his way.

There’s undeniable romantic tension between the couple early, with Sophia grappling with her conscience about accepting Cole’s help, especially given her profession. Cole calls in help from his brothers because it’s apparent Sophia’s daughter’s disappearance has something to do with Lionsgate. There’s a whole lot in this book that might not make rational sense about this relationship and the two character’s professions, but irs what really makes this book, along with the familial bond between all the brothers.

Great book!

I was intrigued after finishing the first chapter because I really needed to see how this story was going to play out. On the one hand, you have a detective as the ‘h’ and a contract killer as the ‘H’. Sophia is fearless, assertive and will not compromise on her morals or standards when it comes to her job. So I ask myself, how do we get from that point in the story to the end where there is a HEA with a contract killer and a detective and will it be entertaining and believable?

I am happy to report that the answer is Yes! This book was really engaging with the lots of intense and nerve-racking scenes, and really good romance to boot. I really liked Cole and Sophia; they had good chemistry and I liked their interactions with all the other characters.

It is obvious that this book is part of the series and I am now curious to read the other couples’ stories (they made appearances in this book). I didn’t have any issues following the story despite not having the backstories of the other couples so it was a good standalone.

My only quibble is that the ending felt a bit rushed (or maybe I just did not want the story to end!). I needed a bit more detail on how their relationship was going to work in the end; Did Cole have to change his name? Has he really put his past to bed? etc. Maybe the answers are saved for the next book.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good romantic suspense.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Holy smokes! I’ve mentioned in previous reviews of this series, as well as Ms. Wilde’s other series, that she certainly knows how to write romantic suspense and I absolutely stand by that statement more now than ever after reading Marked, the 5th book in the Blood Brothers Series. These books never stop with the action, suspense, drama, nail-biting scenes, twists & turns! Yikes, I could not put it down! I was anxiously awaiting Cole’s story after having been introduced to him in the previous books and his story did not disappoint. As with the other books, Marked can certainly be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading them in order to get the most enjoyment out of them because all the characters make appearances (which I love!) It makes for a well-rounded, fully developed story line in my opinion. After reading each book, I’ve thought to myself that this couple has become my favorite....and then I read the next book and...yep, I feel the same way about this couple. I would be hard pressed to pick any of these characters as my favorite because I have throughly enjoyed getting to know each and every one of them. This is Cole & Sophia’s (and of course Bella’s) story and like the others, it was another intensely emotional read for me. The slow burn between Cole & Sophia was pure perfection. I believe it’s Ms. Wilde’s style of writing extremely protective male characters and strong, brave female counterparts and the intensity with which they fight for their beliefs that really make these books shine. I love everything about them and recommend them 100%! And I do believe (wink, wink) that this series isn’t over yet!! Thank goodness because I want more! I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book. Not your typical romance but really enjoyed the fast pace, danger and suspense this book had. I love how Coke turns into such a softy for Bella.

Was this the best ever book? No. Was it entertaining? Yes. I finished in one afternoon.

Cole Holmes’s is a contract killer, after completing an assignment Sophie a Seattle police detective just happens to be off duty at the scene and chases him down to arrest him, he has an opportunity to kill her but walks away leaving her unscathed.
Sophie’s young daughter Is kidnapped, thinking it’s Cole she confronts him, it wasn’t him but he agrees to help her with the contacts he has as long as she stops pursuing him.
So the adventure begins, and a thrilling one it is too. Lots of action, twists and turns and people in very high places involved.
This book is part of a series I was unaware of but in no way was it confusing, I certainly want to read the previous books now.
A good all round thriller and romance with lots of action and twists. A great read, well written, exciting and entertaining.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

,, Marked is the first book I read by the author Samantha Wild, and I can say that I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't know that this was part of a series, but that didn't bother me while reading because the book can be read independently.

This is a story about the collision of two worlds and the circumstances that force them to unite and fight for a common goal.
Sofia is a detective and Cole is a person on the internal wanted list. When some unforeseen circumstances happen in Sofia's life, the only person who can help her is Cole. Together, they embark on a journey full of unexpected complications.
I would not like to reveal any more, I recommend that everyone read it and make their own judgment. I think the book is excellent, I like the writing style, the dynamics of the story, the main and secondary characters of the book. I recommend it to everyone and I hope they will enjoy it.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this opportunity, I enjoyed it.

This is the first book that I’ve read from Samantha Wilde. I will definitely be reading more based on this novel. Marked contained two main characters that definitely developed well over the course of the book. Their love, which seemed like it would be impossible for them to like let alone love one another, wasn’t forced at all and progressed at a natural pace. I’m a big fan of Instalove stories and this was a slow burn that was refreshing from all the Instalove I’ve read lately. The action kept you guessing, although I did have my suspicions along the way but I’m smart like that. 😉

Going into this book I was a bit wary but OMG I’m obsessed! This book is impossible to put down for so many reasons! An interesting, action-filled plot that kept me sooo entertained and on my toes! The romance and the smut was great! So easy to connect with characters and the way every single character developed throughout the story was amazing. I also love how involved the side characters were in this book and it didn’t seem like they were just there for no reason. I’m also obsessed with how they ended up together while being opposites in soo many ways!

Loved this book so much and I’m so ready for ready to read other books Samantha Wilde!

This was the perfect recipe for a great, yummy cake. Seriously, all the ingredients mixed perfectly well together. You can’t help but connect with the characters and feel what they feel.
Steamy but the plot is kicking ass. I was intrigued and interested since I read the blurb and that interest just stayed put until the very last chapter.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I love this series.
If you like tense, nerve jangling suspense, passionate chemistry, brothers to the end, kind of books, Marked is right up your street.

Blood brothers series and this book, are brilliantly written and crafted by the author, it takes your breath away with every chapter.
I adore the brothers l, Cole is the eldest, an enigma, the violent damaged one, he can’t settle or have serious relationships, he’s an assassin.
When he meets detective Sophia Aldridge all that changes.
Excellent storyline and chemistry with these two.
Just brilliant!

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to write a review