Seth Cage is head of security for Brandon Enterprises and is contract agent for the CIA. So when the the CIA calls on him to help and to find the woman who screwed him over three years ago he took it. He had questions that needed to be answered. Amanda disappeared three years ago and has to now help Seth the man she once loved and now hates.
Poison Kisses is a thriller with a lot of ups and downs in this story. What a hot and sexy thriller. This is a great start to this series.

What happens when your ex-lover becomes your enemy?

Poison Kisses lives up to its name with its murder and espionage all the while giving us Seth and Amanda’s love story. In the first part of this series Seth is given an assignment to work with his ex-lover again. Amanda has been hiding from Seth for 3 years and now he has the chance he has been waiting for to get some answers. The night Amanda left Seth while they were on a job changed so much in their relationship they don’t know how they can get past it. The whole first part of this series is getting know Amanda and Seth’s past with one another. It gives you a glimpse of how they came to be into the present. There are so many secrets within their circle they both do not know who to trust. They both go back and forth with a game of who can top the other. When they finally get together after 3 years its not all roses and sunshine but lust and betrayal in their eyes. Even though they still love one another how they can trust one another with so many unanswered questions. Will the “Assassin” and “Poison Princess” find a way to get the job done while finding their way to move away from the past?

This story will take you into a world of murder, betrayal, secrets, and a love that two people fight to hold onto when they know someone is there breaking it apart. Poison Kisses is a romantic suspense story with a dirty talking alpha fighting to get his way. This book is told in Seth’s POV and he is an alpha male that will not stop until he gets the answers he wants. Amanda is a strong female character fighting for her life when she realizes that Seth is there to kill her before the enemy uses her. I love that they don’t let that minor problem get in the way to finding the truth. Their chemistry is intense and explosive when they are on the scene. Their love can’t be denied even when they are both denying it. This book will have you leave you hanging though and ready for the next book in the series. All your questions will not be answered and will make you a quite mad but don’t be discouraged. Lisa will eventually answer all our questions I hope in the next book because who would keep us hanging like that. I would very much like to know if Seth and Amanda are being set up and who is behind all the betrayal.

Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse

The beauty of this novella, the first part in the Poison Series, is you don’t need to have read the Dirty Money series to get the gist of the story and get this, Part 2 and 3 are just around the corner, so hopefully the author will put me out of my misery seeing as the cliffy left me hanging on a precipice. If Seth Cage was mysterious then, I found him even more interesting this time around. In the espionage business, Jones’ protagonists are on a mission together and not out of choice. It’s a real page-turner taking the reader on a rollercoaster of a ride across the US. In extremely well-described scenes, I felt like I was alongside them and imaging this action-packed story in real life was dead easy. The operative word being dead, of course!

Unanswered questions? Yes, there are plenty! And hopefully we’ll discover if Amanda Skye, aka the Poison Princess and Seth, aka the Assassin’s warnings are threats and not promises. Certainly my appetite was whetted for more from where this has come. True to the author’s style, her narrative is fast-paced, intrigue abounds and delving into Seth’s innermost thoughts regarding how he felt about the woman who’s holding back on him put me in the picture...but of course, only up to a point because he’s a dark horse, too. I can’t wait to read Amanda’s point of view, if she’s true to her feelings or going to take matters into her own hands and that folks, isn’t figuratively speaking, either! Then again, when so much is at stake and believe you me, there is, can the two of them regain what they’d had?

Told in present tense which I liked a lot and a well-known challenge for any author, my only objection is why this 3 part serial wasn't published in one book. Having devoured the first part in no time at all, I would have happily carried on reading this sexy non-stop read overflowing with angst till the very end. Apart from this setback, the banter, character development and plot is perfect. Bravo Ms Jones!

Oh my goodness! I knew there was something about Seth I liked and this confirms it. Seth works with Shane as a Fixer but before that he was with the CIA and known as The Assassin and as high up as he was they would never let him go. That is apparent when in the first few pages they seek him out with an assignment. He is being sent to kill his former partner, the only woman he has ever loved, Amanda Skye. Her specialty is poison and they need her to make an antidote and then she is to be eliminated. What will Seth do? If you have a problem with cliffhangers, you may want to hold on to this one until you get all three to read at one time. Lucky for me I have all three to read and review. YAY for me! I highly recommend this one and you do not need to read the Dirty Deeds series first as this stands on its own.

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

If you love a good read with a major cliff hanger that has you desperately wanting more, this is your book! It is filled with action packed scenes of danger and attraction that can't be denied. Seth is the hero with all the skills and all the right moves, but not to be out done by a very strong and capable heroine, Amanda. The worst part of this book is the waiting for the next installment to come out. February 13 cannot come quick enough!!!!

Poison Kisses is a novella length edition book, the first part of a trilogy By Lisa Renee Jones.
So we have Amanda Skye AKA The Scientist and Seth Cage The assassin.
After a mission gone wrong which leaves a friend of Seth's dead and Amanda the woman he thought loved him gone.
Seth wanted out of the game but he is called back in for one last mission when the CIA gets a heads up on Amanda whereabouts and he's definitely the man for this job.
Each thinking the other has betrayed them the two lock heads from the get-go.
Poison kisses may be short but it does pack a punch.
It is told in a series of flashbacks which works but I would have preferred to have seen more now time rather than then.
I struggled to feel a connection between Amanda and Seth at times, maybe because this was so short.
I'm not really sure why if I'm honest I just wasn't feeling the love here.
I also wasn't overly fond of the opening scene which Shows Seth getting down and dirty with some random woman.
I didn't feel it added anything and was just there for added shock value and to say look at me I'm a douchebag player, love them and leave them thats me readers.
I felt this could have been portrayed in a much better way, just my opinion know.
So I don't really know if I'm invested enough to read part two.
We’ll see, a bonus is it's not long to wait really, so that good news.
Overall this was an ok read for me that passed a pleasant hour.
It was short but certainly was action packed throughout.
So that’s about it from me.
I was provided with an ARC of "Poison Kisses: Part 1 " By Netgalley of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

5 POISON KISSES PART 1 STARS!! I loved Dirty Money series, so I was so excited for this serial. Seth is EVERYTHING, he is the whole package, I fell in love with him from the beginning. This is the first part of the three books, as always from Lisa Renee Jones, we get suspense, sexy times and a great storyline. I can't wait for part 2. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley.

I was so excited to know Seth was going to have his own story but I have to tell you Seth is going to take you by complete surprise.

We already know Seth is totally bad-ass and deadly, however, the true extent of his dangerous double life has only scratched the surface of the type of lifestyle Seth leads in the first part of this serial. 

Top secret deadly missions have earned Seth a reputation to strike fear into the hearts of anyone on his target list. His latest mission reconnects Seth to Amanda, a scientist who specializes in deadly poisons, the ultimate femme fatale.

Originally paired together three years ago, where they embarked on an intense relationship. They have an undeniable bond and understand each other in a way no-one else could. 

The narrative alternates between the past and the present to provide insight and understanding to both the relationship between Seth and Amanda as well as the circumstances which divided them. There are hints at double crosses and conspiracy theories within the plot adding to the tension.

Even with the past and their perceptions creating a barrier between them, there is no denying the combustible chemistry between Seth and Amanda. 

The story is fast paced and action packed, believe me, James Bond has nothing on Seth!!!

As you would expect with a serial there is a cliffhanger ending keeping the suspense at a high.

Seth is a bad *a* and I am loving how much we get to know what is beneath this man! So you know he is Brandon's #1 man from LRJ's previous series Dirty Money. What we did not realize is how HUMAN this man is. He has cracked my exterior and is worming his way through my heart! But I believe his heart already belongs to our CIA scientist Amanda.

I love hard on Amanda and what does. She has the brains and the beauty. But there is so much more to Seth and Amanda's relationship! They believe they betrayed each other, but my gut instincts says that they have been played this whole time. The CIA is not a joke. They can pull strings before you know it!

Poison Kisses part 1 is just the beginning. I have barely uncovered the first layer of the truth that have been hidden under lies and poison kisses. I literally was swiping my Kindle screen so fast because I wanted more of the story! I am starting Part 2 today and can not wait to see what else happens between Seth and Amanda!

Poison Kisses: Part 1 is a good introduction to a super steamy and action-filled 3 part serial. The romance between Seth and Amanda is complicated, dangerous, and the main point of conflict in the story. There are gunfights, secret identities, and a murderous scientist, and all those elements come together in a fun and tense novella.

Lisa Renee Jones sets up an intriguing and engaging story. The writing is good and easy to follow, and the fast pace works really well with the overall plot arc. There isn’t a lot of character development, but the shift in timeline between the past and the present adds tension and helps develop Seth and Amanda’s relationship. The action and world-building are totally over the top, but in the best of ways.

There is absolutely nothing realistic about the portrayal of CIA agents in this novella, and that is amazing. As most of the plot if heavily tied to secret government agencies, this gives a dangerous atmosphere to the story, making it feel a lot like a Hollywood action movie. It’s overdone to the max, but it works so so so well with Jones’ writing style and is one of the highlights for me.

Seth, the narrator, is the typical alpha hero. The romance between him and Amanda is very much a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers kind of deal, so there is a lot of tension between them during the story. As in, sexual tension, which leads the way to so many steamy scenes between the two of them, oh my god. We also get glimpses of what happened between them through very well-written flashbacks that flow smoothly with the course of the plot.

There is a lot of drama regarding Seth and Amanda that seems like it could have been solved, or at least addressed, by them just talking to each other, so that does frustrate me a little. That’s where most of the conflicts come from - their relationship -, although Jones does bring an outside source of Evil/Bad Guy to raise the stakes. That part kind of falls to the background a little, despite being the reason why they’ve reunited. And because of the huge cliffhanger ending, neither of those things get resolved in this installment.

In the end, Poison Kisses: Part 1 is the perfect novella for anyone who is looking for a quick and action-filled Romance read. There is a lot of sex, so be warned, but just as many fights and dangerous situations. The cliffhanger ending does leave you wanting more, so I’m excited about what’s to come next.

Addictive, fast-paced, clever and stimulating.

What happens when you mix the brilliant style of this author with the atmosphere of Kiefer Sutherland's TV series 24? Pure dynamite.

This former couple that mean to kill each other and met as agents on a mission years back, now have to forcibly work together again to stop a massive threat of security. They hate each other with a passion that can only be surpassed by the criminal secrets they share and the sheer vigour of their bond. Wow, what a heady cocktail!

Seth and Amanda get physical both in deadly and amorous ways pretty quickly in the story, which made my heart beat really fast. They are lethal weapons in and onto themselves, they act and speak accordingly. Sharp, smart, challenging. And oh the fierce chemistry between them! Enhanced by danger and mistrust, it jumps out of the page as a live wire. I loved how they work together, how synchronized their talents and skills. Despite the hatred for seemingly unforgivable acts on both parts, they are trained agents who ooze precision and efficiency. A killer and a scientist. Reminded me a bit of The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer and I adored that.

My only complaint is the opening scene which shows the hero in a very unflattering light.

I'm eager to find out if they can behave in their present mission without killing each other first. Or if desire will melt their brains :-D What is it that broke their love? Only one way to find out. The second part is coming!

So glad to read Seth Cage’s story!

He is such an integral asset to Shane Brandon and the Brandon empire, it’s nice to finally know his background.

This story has action and a lot of time jumps. They are easy to keep up with and some are quite hot. I can’t wait to read part 2!!

It's hard to write a review on this one. It's only the first part of the story and I need more. But I guess that says it all!! I need more and this part definitely has me hooked, I need to see what happens. Amanda and Seth have an ugly past. They need to get past it to work together on the case that brought them together again.

I can't wait for the next part of this story. If you hate cliffhangers then you may want to wait for all 3 parts to be released but definitely put this on the must read list! I highly recommend it.

Seth Cage......sigh...... What a freaking insanely good book. Lisa pulled out all the stops on this one. I love the story line and Amanda was exceptional as well. These two have history going back 3 years.
Seth allows himself that one time to feel something and feels like he got it shoved back up his backside. He believes the worst about Amanda and blames her for everything that has gone wrong and is wrong with not only his life but everything else. No longer with the agency, taking special cases he's given an assignment. She's it. Grab her, protect her and get what they want out of her, then kill her. Pretty cut and dry.
Amanda hates Seth. She loved him, then finds herself betrayed by him. A child of the agency, her parents both scientists and she grew up in that setting. It was her life, until it became apparent that her life was in danger and the surprise was by who and she's been in hiding for 3 years. No one could find her. Until she decided to hit the radar.
Seth the Assassin and The Poison Queen. What a combo and I can't wait for book two. This story unfolds over three books. One hell of a story.
Absolute must read.

This is the first part of a new 3 part story but also a spin-off set in the same world as the ‘Dirty Money series’. Seth Cage, Shane Brandon’s security chief, has his own story to tell.
Once upon a time, this ex-CIA operative was sent on a mission to catch a bad guy. By his side was a beautiful young chemist. He knew it shouldn’t happen but somehow, the man with no emotions fell in love. But, what happens when that love is challenged. When the things you believe to be real are maybe just a fabrication. A lie.
Amanda knew that Seth had been set to watch her, but she never knew the real him. Or did she?
Trust and faith are tested and found wanting in this tense, spine-tingling new story from Lisa Renee Jones. Poison Kisses#1 is the first of three with the next 2 following shortly.

This is the first book in the new Poison Kisses serial, a spin-off of the Dirty Money series. They will need to be read in order.

For lovers of Lisa Renee Jones’ books, Seth Cage is the ex-CIA operative in charge of security for Shane Brandon in the Dirty Money series. He has never been in the background, but now it is truly all about him. Where did he come from and what is his story? Where is his woman?

The answer is: San Francisco and her name is Amanda. She is also an ex-CIA operative and… well, you know I won’t give spoilers!

One thing I will tell you is that LRJ gave a big nod to her recently departed fur-baby, Julie, which her fans will recognize. Thank you from all of us who have loved a pet.

I read this in one sitting. I could not put it down! Thank all the baby animals – especially kitties – that these serials are being released only a week apart and we won’t have to wait long for the next one!!

Note: while I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
#PoisonKissesPart1 #NetGalley

So I didn't read the dirty money series even though I have all the books and still plan to. You don't need to read those in order to read this series.

I like how this is a Mr and Mrs Smith type of story. However what doesn't work for me is the constant jumping back and forth to the past and present. I think the way how this novella is laid out thrown me off of what I'm trying to get a feel for Amanda and Seth. The one "hot" scene on the plane made it feel like it was a filler for where it was placed in the book, and I ended up skimming some of that.

Im assuming the rest of the 2 parters are going to have the same format of the past and present. I just feel like a good core of the story is missing even though this is a 3 part event book. Maybe the general timeline was going too fast for me to stay in the moment with the characters. I don't know. I'll have to figure out if it's worth wanting to read the rest of the series or not.

4.5 Stars

Seth!

We already loved him in the Dirty Money series and now he gets his own story(ies!).
Don't worry - you don't need to have read the other 4 books to understand his story.

Seth used to be CIA before he started working for himself. But you never really leave the Agency. And now he's asked to shadow and maybe kill an ex agent. His ex lover. The only woman he ever loved.

Amanda is one of only 4 scientists who know about the dangerous poison this crazy killer is trying to kill lots of people with. The other 3 scientists are already dead, that's why the CIA thinks she's working with the killer. But of course she's not. Someone is setting her up. Just like both she and Seth were set up three years ago. Both thinking the other was the bad guy.

Amanda and Seth met for the first time working a case in Rome three years ago. Both didn't see themselves with a happily ever after for their future years, but they thought about it as soon as they met. They fell in love. They would've been an amazing unit. But bad people were conspiring against them left and right. Then and now!

What will happen?
Can they ever trust each other again?
Will they find out who the bad guys are?
Will they stop the crazy killer from killing?

Find out in this book and the next two - don't worry - we don't have to wait too long - book #2 will be out next week! Plus, Lisa always puts a little summary in the 2nd and 3rd book!

POISON KISSES #1 was a very exciting & mysterious & sexy start to this 3-part-suspense series... Run to your nearest amazon for your own Seth - this one is MINE!!!

My rating might be different if this was published as one full length novel instead of a 3 part serial. This is the kind of story I like to read in one sitting.

While I enjoyed it, I didn’t fully connect with the story or characters. I’m not sure what to make of Seth and Amanda. They have an interesting relationship. I am definitely intrigued. It will be interesting to see how this story plays out.

This was a brilliant start to Seth's story. That was packed full of deceit, intrigue and action. As well as two characters who both love and hate each other in equal measure. And I could not put it down. Plus the ending left me wanting more. And I would happily recommend this story to others