Cover Image: Poison Kisses Part 1

Poison Kisses Part 1

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I loved this book it was short and sweet. Straight to the point. The writer is one of the best. The characters are well developed. The story line is one of the best. There relationship is well developed and their history is a driving force in this book. The action and backstory was great.

Was this review helpful?

A covert CIA operative, Seth Cage has his share of secrets. He's done things he's not proud of. Things that have taken their toll throughout the years. Despite this fact, he's determined in living his life every day as it comes. For years, he's done his best to forget about the one person who turned his life upside down. For a time, he did. Until the moment Amanda Skye returned and tore his entire world asunder.

With every book Lisa writes, the stories get better and better. I'm loving the fact that this series revolves around another series she's written. The fact that we get more back story on each of the characters is honestly wonderful.

In this series, we get to see more of Seth. What makes him tick, what he does for a living, how he survives—Lisa paints such vivid pictures that they make us want to know about the world she keeps creating for these characters.

I like the fact that even though Seth is a man who's kept his entire life under wraps, he's willing to open up to the one woman he's loved since forever. Mind you, he still thinks of the worst of her. When love is in the mix, though, the past doesn't really matter.

Lisa shows us this with every turn of the page. These two characters have their up's and down's, but the attraction that exists between them overrides the bad. While not everything is hunky-dory, they're quite willing to set their differences aside in order to set all wrongs to right. Will they make it happen? It's not yet known, but at least they have a chance of redeeming themselves when the time comes.

Was this review helpful?

Poison Kisses Part 1 was a fast paced sexy mystery that left me wanting to read more about Amanda and Seth. Their lives cross as CIA agents on a mission together. But more love develops as does their mission. This is a must read and a book that can not be missed.

Was this review helpful?

If you don't know by now, I am a long standing LRJ fan, but Seth and Amanda's story is looking like a huge pot of crazy and I LIKE IT! My only pet peeve is the CLIFFHANGER, but I knew it was coming doesn't mean I gotta like it.😐😑😒
Even though Seth Cage is "retired" from the CIA, they have reached out to him to assist in bringing in an old "acquaintance" that they need in order to help them manufacture an antidote for a nerve agent that an infamous and violent Dr. Franklin Ross might use in an attack. With the nickname "The Assasin", he has also been given the green light to kill her if she refuses which suits him just fine because their history is not a good one and he blames her for the death of a fellow agent, Danny.
Amanda Skye, brillant doctor and scientist, has been on the run for 3 years. What she doesn't expect is an old flame, Seth, to find her in San Francisco accusing her of killing Danny because she believes he killed her parents, also scientists. Even though she complies to help manufacture an antidote for the nerve agent, she does not trust Seth as far as she can spit on him, but the sexual chemistry they had 3 years ago is still there and being around him constantly can prove deadly.
What happens when The Assasin and The Scientist get together? Poison Kisses, of course!
** I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

Was this review helpful?

I'm gonna start by saying that I'd much rather read a full novel rather than a novella series but I really enjoyed Poison Kisses Pt 1 even thought it was in this format, that may in large part be due to the fact that I love Lisa Renee Jones and her books!

The first book of the series introduces us to Seth - who we met in the Dirty Money series - and Amanda.
Seth was a CIA agent and 3 years ago he and Amanda were partners - in both work and love - and were about to close a big case when she suddenly disappeared and the operation went to hell. Since then, Seth has felt betrayed by his ex-lover and the last thing he wants is to be partnered up with her again!

Amanda had her reasons for running and her own trust in Seth has long been shattered. For the last three years she's been living a solitary life but when things got to be too much for her she ended up putting herself in the sights of the CIA again.

Seth is known as The Assassin and Amanda is The Scientist but he always viewed her a his Poison Princess - initially as a term of endearment and then as a curse when she up and left him.

Part 1 gives us their history and an idea of what they are getting into this time around. Although the chemistry is still off the charts, trust in nowhere to be found between the pair but if they've to work as a team, they're gonna have to get over this hurdle.

A great start to the novella series and I'm looking forward to what's next as we ended this installment on a little bit of a cliff hanger!

4*

Was this review helpful?

Shane and Emily from the Dirty Money series are on an extended honeymoon, leaving their Fixer, Seth Cage free to his own devices. Formerly a CIA agent, Seth, is contracted by the CIA for a new op: find and protect Amanda Skye from a man thought dead. This contract pairs Seth with Amanda, a woman he trusted who eventually screwed him over and caused the death of another agent. Amanda also feels like Seth betrayed her. So sets the stage for two former CIA agents brought back together to find and eliminate a common enemy before turning their sights on each other.

I really liked Seth's character in the Dirty Money series so I was really excited to hear he was getting his own three-part spin-off serial. I was not disappointed in the first part of the serial either. Lisa Renee Jones sets the stage for what will be wildly action-packed, suspenseful, and romantic second and third parts of the series. Both Seth and Amanda are strong main characters, making Seth's hero and Amanda's heroine make a formidable pair.

The author does a great job building up the story and providing the backstory of Seth and Amanda, how they came to be, what happened that fateful night in the past, and how they felt about each other from the beginning. Their reunion reignites passion and chemistry but also hatred and mistrust. An excellent beginning to Seth's story.

I was engaged in the story from the very beginning, pulled in by the thought of learning about Seth. I stayed because of the excellent writing, world building that had me feeling like I was part of the book, and interesting plot. I can't wait to see where the author takes Seth and Amanda next.

Review copy came from NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

We all know how much i love books written by Lisa Renee Jones. There's just something about the way that she brings her stories to life that completely captivates me. This has been how it's been since i picked up my first book by this author almost 2 years ago, and haven't forgotten how each book makes me feel - a little bit edgy, a little bit thrilled, a bit turn on and a whole lot entertained.

This book - Poison Kisses Pt. 1, is the first of three instalments in this series, so there was a lot of background to make in such short a book. I managed to go through it within 2 hours, and that's also taking into consideration that i had a few other things to do as well while i read. So while i was trying to figure out if i had read about Seth and Amanda beforehand (which we have in parts), i was taken through their entire relationship in a nutshell. It was fast, it was quick and it was the best quickie i've had in quite some time because it left me both satisfied and starving for more.

To say that you have to read the second part after this one is an understatement - it leaves you with that feeling of needing to get more of this couple because there is so much unfinished business it's unreal. And the same can be said on whether or not you should read this part before the second; that's a resounding yes. This is one series that i can't wait to see what will be done with as we keep going through it.


*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

Was this review helpful?

Lisa never disappoints! I love book and can’t wait til book 2!

Was this review helpful?

If you love reading a thriller, then this is the book for you.

They were colleagues thrown together to do a very dangerous and delicate job. Being undercover spies, trust and comfort do not come easily. They are both killers by trade, but under all of that professionalism, they were still human and fell in love. That is until someone betrayed the other, a friend and colleague died, and all the trust was gone. As for the love, well physical chemistry still exists but the love/hate emotions drive them both.

This is one of those series well you pop your popcorn early and sit and read this book until you are done. This is the first installment, with additional installments being published on a two-week schedule. Never fear, this is a trilogy so you will not be hanging on a cliffhanger for long. Adrenalin charged, this rollercoaster ride is not to be missed.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy with me.

Was this review helpful?

Poison Kisses was a MUST READ for me as a huge fan of the Dirty Money series. It is 1/3 of a novel being released as a serial.

The title focuses squarely on Seth Cage, the Brandon family fixer. Pulling the reader back in to his pre-Brandon family employment with the CIA with him, Seth accepts a mission that will bring him face to face with the one woman he allowed to get to close. She's the same woman he believes betrayed him in a way he can never forgive. Things may not be as they appear though. Amanda, AKA The Scientist, may have to team up with Seth and actually trust him again in order to ultimately get to the bottom of the past that haunts them and preserve the future for others.

Was this review helpful?

This is a great book; this is the first book in the Poison Kisses series and is written by Lisa Renee Jones. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Was this review helpful?

I have to be honest. While I love LRJ and can’t wait to get Seth’s story, I’m not a huge fan of breaking this into three books of less than 100 pages each. The only redeeming factor is that all 3 books are releasing this month.

So, I am familiar with Seth and enjoyed his back story, but at times the jumpiness of the plot was hard to follow. We have present day, but we keep flashing back to 3 years when he first meets the Poison Princess. Not sure if it’s the way the book is laid out, but there was more of the author telling us they had a connection rather than me feeling the connection. I can’t put my finger on it as to why I felt that way, but the characters weren’t as deep as I’m used to. I think it would have been better to keep it in one novel rather than 3 smaller novellas.

Hero 4 | Heroine 3 | Steam 4 | Plot 3 | Overall 3.5 Stars
Suspense | His POV | MF | cliffhanger | lacked depth
#MSBB

Was this review helpful?

Fast paced and sexy as hell is just one way to describe Poison Kisses #1. After reading the Dirty Money Series I was really intrigued by Seth's character and couldn't wait to find out more and Let messy this book didn't disappoint.

Seth Cage is an ex-CIA agent, nick named the 'Assassin' and three years ago he was on a job with fellow agent Amanda Skye. The two fell in love with each other then everything around them exploded and Amanda disappeared from his life. They now hate each other with a passion but when they are once again forced to work together will that sizzling chemistry reappear?

This book is part one of three and does end on a cliffhanger but please don't let that put you off, books two and three will be here in quick succession. Believe me when I say you won't regret taking a chance on Seth Cage!!!

Was this review helpful?

How about a story about two secrets agents who fell in love in a mission, torn apart, with a lot of unsaid things, suspicions, betrayal and lies in between.

The reunification between Amanda, aka The scientist and Seth aka The Assassin, was charged with tension, settling the mood, as the two ex-lovers came to work together again. Well, Seth had a lot to say to Amanda, determined to make her beg, to make her suffer. Emotional torture was the purpose.

That first part was a condensed of angst and mixed feelings. However, I was expecting something more… intense. When I read a blurb like this, I want something explosive, feeling the fireworks. And well, I kind of missed it. The connexion between the two characters took a little time to set up.

And the beginning... I didn’t want to see that kind of opening and I guess it ruined a bit the story to me. I was at times struggling with main characters’ behavior. The back and forth between the characters gave me whiplash at times, but I could understand that they needed to let off the steam, leading them to this situation. I don’t mind about some animosity and angst, but still, since it was a short part, it would have been great to have a better alignment.

It was okay, I’ve read it quickly, I was curious though, to see where their mission would lead them.

Was this review helpful?

We meet Seth in the Dirty money series, i was excited to see that he got his own book, I would have loved to waited until i had all three books before i started to read them but i didn't feel like i could wait much longer, Seth used to work for the CIA, they say you can leave but do you ever quit? when being asked to help out you can never not tell the CIA no. with three scientists dead and another that needs to create an antidote he is asked to help track her down, with not seeing her for three years can he make sure she helps them before she helps the enemy? . What happened between Seth and Amanda to make them hate each other so bad?

Was this review helpful?

Lisa Renee Jones is the absolute queen of 3 things:

1. Cliffhangers
2. Hot, Sexy Alpha Heroes who are a little dangerous
3. Books that are impossible to review without spoilers

And, this book meets all 3 of those criteria perfectly. You find out, quickly (in the blurb actually) that Amanda and Seth have a history. A passionate, twisty, complicated and interesting history. Through flashbacks, you get a glimpse of this history, enough to be able to feel the connection between Seth and Amanda that both are trying to pretend isn't there...except when they are giving in to their mutual passion.

As always, the book moves quickly without boring the reader or making them feel that there are things they should have been told but weren't.

Seth just might be my favorite of all of Ms. Jones' heroes, and that is saying a lot. I love his intensity, his passion, how conflicted and determined he is...all of it goes together to create one heck of a steamy first book in the 3-part series. I was engaged from the beginning to the cliffhanger end.

I am looking forward to the next title and I recommend this one!

Was this review helpful?

4 1/2 Suspenseful Stars!

Three years ago Seth and Amanda were CIA operatives on a mission that required them to act as husband and wife for 3 months. And it was an easy mission to handle ... till that last day and that's the last time they saw each other ... until now. The same old feelings of lust are still there, but now they want to kill each other.

This is a short suspenseful story that will have you turning the pages wanting to find the outcome ... but that won't be in this book and not in the next one either. We will have to wait for the 3rd book to find out all the secrets and lies they have told each other. I can't wait for the next book. I loved Seth's character in the Dirty Money Series and am excited for his story.

I received an ARC copy courtesy of St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this story from beginning to end! This is ex-CIA agent Seth Cage's story, who he we met in The Dirty Money series and I'm so glad to read his story since he was such an enigma. Seth is reunited with an old flame, Amanda, a CIA agent on the run. These two have sizzling chemistry and a love/hate relationship. They don't trust each other, but want each other and that keeps them on their toes. Danger, suspense, and intrigue make this a page turner. Can't wait for part two!

Was this review helpful?

I’ve been excited about Seth’s story and oh man Lisa Renee Jones is setting it up to be exciting! It’s sexy, fast paced and intense! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how this all going to unfold.
In this first installment Seth receives an assignment from the CIA that puts him face to face with an agent he’s worked with in the past, an agent he fell in love with and who he is now determined to kill. Amanda was the one he gave his heart to only to be betrayed by her and now he needs her for one last mission, then it ends. Or does it?
GAH – I love these two together, the passion/tension is off the charts and you can’t quite tell if they are going to have crazy wild sex or murder each other. This is one of those stories where are three sides to everything, his, hers and the truth and I can’t wait to discover what really happens here. Major cliffhanger but the other pieces are coming quickly and I CAN’T WAIT! Definitely a LRJ must read!

Was this review helpful?

If you read the completely awesome Dirty Money series, you are already familiar with the amazingly sexy Seth. This is his story, and I couldn't be more excited! Stoic Seth who never reveals anything personal finally gets his own story. This started off quick and never slacked off. It was non-stop action, scorching chemistry, and emotions on steroids. The angry sexy sparks coming off of Seth and Amanda should have burned the book to a crisp. They are in love-hate with each other and have been for a while despite a long absence. Fortunately they have a job to do which prevents them from killing each other...for now. This is a serial, so obviously it ends on a cliffhanger, but nothing too terrible. I'm so ready for the rest of this story!
Net Galley provided an ARC.

Was this review helpful?