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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Her grief seemed to have stolen the happy pieces of her personality, anything that wasn’t nailed down with misery or sadness.
One of my favorites by Toni Anderson. When I don’t know what to read, one of her romantic suspense novels usually does the trick for me. This is a reread/relisten, but it had been a while since the last time so was lots of fun all over again. And considering it’s M/F which I struggle with a lot lately, neither character bothered me, annoyed me or otherwise grossed me out (too much), which is a massive win, lol. The book is very heavy on the suspense and case solving which is why I love these books. Sure the romance isn’t smooth sailing but it’s not overwhelmingly problematic or difficult either. Just the right amount for a solid romantic suspense book.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
FBI agent
Crime solving
Police procedural
Slow burn
Former journalist
Romantic suspense
Petite FMC
Hurt/comfort
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of a loved one (best friend)
CPR on a loved one (on page)
Explicit sexual content
Biological attack
Medical experiments
Mentions of medical testing on animals
Gun violence
Brief and vague mention of past abusive relationship
Deceased SC cheated on (past)
Mentions of past drug use (marijuana, ecstasy - one-time use, off page)
Themes of drug use
Wrongfully convicted of drug possession as a teen
MCs involved in a shooting
Death by drug overdose and drowning (side character)
Fatphobia/shaming comments/thoughts
SC drugged on page
Sexual assault of SC while unknowingly drugged (off page)
Brief detailing of past severe injury
Brief mentions of death of family member in war (past, off page)
Some details of MCs parent abusing alcohol and drugs (past)
Death of side characters (no emotional connection)
Injured MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes, briefly
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/F
Main characters’ age: 28 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 438
“Leave it alone, Pip. Else I’ll have you charged with obstruction.” Rather than backing away, this time she inched toward him until their lips almost brushed. Playing a game of chicken with their mouths. “Freedom of the press. Remember?” He narrowed his gaze before backing away. She’d won that round. He scratched his head and she thought she heard him mutter “pain in my ass” but wasn’t sure.
Pip wasn’t sure what her type was, but didn’t appreciate the fact a sandy-haired federal agent popped into her brain when she tried to figure it out.
It was a devastating combination, the man comfortable both washing dishes and throwing himself in front of bullets.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Her grief seemed to have stolen the happy pieces of her personality, anything that wasn’t nailed down with misery or sadness.
One of my favorites by Toni Anderson. When I don’t know what to read, one of her romantic suspense novels usually does the trick for me. This is a reread/relisten, but it had been a while since the last time so was lots of fun all over again. And considering it’s M/F which I struggle with a lot lately, neither character bothered me, annoyed me or otherwise grossed me out (too much), which is a massive win, lol. The book is very heavy on the suspense and case solving which is why I love these books. Sure the romance isn’t smooth sailing but it’s not overwhelmingly problematic or difficult either. Just the right amount for a solid romantic suspense book.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
FBI agent
Crime solving
Police procedural
Slow burn
Former journalist
Romantic suspense
Petite FMC
Hurt/comfort
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of a loved one (best friend)
CPR on a loved one (on page)
Explicit sexual content
Biological attack
Medical experiments
Mentions of medical testing on animals
Gun violence
Brief and vague mention of past abusive relationship
Deceased SC cheated on (past)
Mentions of past drug use (marijuana, ecstasy - one-time use, off page)
Themes of drug use
Wrongfully convicted of drug possession as a teen
MCs involved in a shooting
Death by drug overdose and drowning (side character)
Fatphobia/shaming comments/thoughts
SC drugged on page
Sexual assault of SC while unknowingly drugged (off page)
Brief detailing of past severe injury
Brief mentions of death of family member in war (past, off page)
Some details of MCs parent abusing alcohol and drugs (past)
Death of side characters (no emotional connection)
Injured MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes, briefly
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/F
Main characters’ age: 28 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 438
“Leave it alone, Pip. Else I’ll have you charged with obstruction.” Rather than backing away, this time she inched toward him until their lips almost brushed. Playing a game of chicken with their mouths. “Freedom of the press. Remember?” He narrowed his gaze before backing away. She’d won that round. He scratched his head and she thought she heard him mutter “pain in my ass” but wasn’t sure.
Pip wasn’t sure what her type was, but didn’t appreciate the fact a sandy-haired federal agent popped into her brain when she tried to figure it out.
It was a devastating combination, the man comfortable both washing dishes and throwing himself in front of bullets.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Cold Blooded is the tenth installment in the Cold Justice series by Toni Anderson. I have immensely enjoyed the series since the beginning, with each novel bringing to readers topics that are prominent in the highly globalized world we live in today. Be it biomedical warfare, terrorism, rising sentiments of white supremacy within Europe and America, or human trafficking, Toni’s books portray a wealth of information alongside with the sizzling romance that she delivers.
Cold Blooded delves into the topic of anthrax and bio-terrorism, and is loosely tied to the novella that was released prior to the release of this book. Having thwarted the attempts of an illegal arms broker from selling a weaponized form of anthrax on the black-market, it is the formulation of a Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate the threat that lands FBI Special Agent Hunt Kincaid on the team.
Disgraced journalist Pippa West (Pip) is heading to rural Georgia to stay with her best friend Cindy for a couple of days until she can figure out what to do with her life, when she turns up to find her friend’s body floating face down in the lake in front of her property. Pip is utterly shaken by the turn of events which tries to paint her friend in a less than stellar light, and even then Pip knows deep inside that there is more to what had taken place than meets the eye. Butting heads with the altogether too arrogant Agent Hunt is not something Pip is looking forward to in order to prove her friend’s innocence, but that is what needs doing if she is to uncover the truth.
Saying that Hunt is not a fan of journalists would be an understatement. Given the many circumstances under which journalists ruin the intricate work done by investigators on a case just for a story that would make their careers, it is a given that sparks would fly between him and Pip. At first, Hunt is skeptical of Pip’s claims regarding her friend’s innocence. On the other hand, Hunt’s hands are tied when it comes to investigating into what looked like a case of accidental drowning at best. His only interest in the case stems from the fact that Cindy had been a grad student working on a new vaccine against anthrax.
Hunt is ambitious as an agent, having decided long ago that nothing would stand in his way of the ranks that he wanted to climb up the ladder in his career. Love and the softer emotions of life was not for him, that is until he clashes with the altogether too delectable for her own good Pip. Through the course of their individual lines of inquiry which takes both Pip and Hunt towards the same direction, it comes to light that someone is out to silence Pip or stop her from discovering the truth behind the bizarre and untimely death of her friend.
Wading through the various inter-departmental coordination efforts that goes into combating the issue of terrorism, Toni delivers a story that makes for good reading. I admired the grit that Pip showed when it came to standing her ground, especially during a time in her life that she had been vulnerable, not only because of the death of her friend, but the way her career had blown up in her face in a way that she could not even begin to recover from. But for her friend who had been her number one person since she could remember, Pip goes further than that extra mile required, because she knows that if the roles had been reversed, Cindy would have done just the same for her.
Hunt was admirable because of his character; there is integrity and a core of strength in him that is not swayed, no matter what. That in my opinion is a rarefied thing in the world we live in today.
The sizzling attraction that is brought to life between Pip and Hunt was done well, the love that is the ultimate conclusion of a connection that goes beyond physical the icing on the cake. For fans of the Cold Justice series and anyone and everyone who loves a well-researched suspense/thriller novel with a dose of romance in the mix, this is for you.
Final Verdict: Toni Anderson delivers a story that sizzles, suspense that bites, and a romance that stirs you up. Cold Blooded is a testament to Toni’s remarkable talent since the beginning of her rise to fame. She certainly does not disappoint!
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
Cold Blooded delves into the topic of anthrax and bio-terrorism, and is loosely tied to the novella that was released prior to the release of this book. Having thwarted the attempts of an illegal arms broker from selling a weaponized form of anthrax on the black-market, it is the formulation of a Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate the threat that lands FBI Special Agent Hunt Kincaid on the team.
Disgraced journalist Pippa West (Pip) is heading to rural Georgia to stay with her best friend Cindy for a couple of days until she can figure out what to do with her life, when she turns up to find her friend’s body floating face down in the lake in front of her property. Pip is utterly shaken by the turn of events which tries to paint her friend in a less than stellar light, and even then Pip knows deep inside that there is more to what had taken place than meets the eye. Butting heads with the altogether too arrogant Agent Hunt is not something Pip is looking forward to in order to prove her friend’s innocence, but that is what needs doing if she is to uncover the truth.
Saying that Hunt is not a fan of journalists would be an understatement. Given the many circumstances under which journalists ruin the intricate work done by investigators on a case just for a story that would make their careers, it is a given that sparks would fly between him and Pip. At first, Hunt is skeptical of Pip’s claims regarding her friend’s innocence. On the other hand, Hunt’s hands are tied when it comes to investigating into what looked like a case of accidental drowning at best. His only interest in the case stems from the fact that Cindy had been a grad student working on a new vaccine against anthrax.
Hunt is ambitious as an agent, having decided long ago that nothing would stand in his way of the ranks that he wanted to climb up the ladder in his career. Love and the softer emotions of life was not for him, that is until he clashes with the altogether too delectable for her own good Pip. Through the course of their individual lines of inquiry which takes both Pip and Hunt towards the same direction, it comes to light that someone is out to silence Pip or stop her from discovering the truth behind the bizarre and untimely death of her friend.
Wading through the various inter-departmental coordination efforts that goes into combating the issue of terrorism, Toni delivers a story that makes for good reading. I admired the grit that Pip showed when it came to standing her ground, especially during a time in her life that she had been vulnerable, not only because of the death of her friend, but the way her career had blown up in her face in a way that she could not even begin to recover from. But for her friend who had been her number one person since she could remember, Pip goes further than that extra mile required, because she knows that if the roles had been reversed, Cindy would have done just the same for her.
Hunt was admirable because of his character; there is integrity and a core of strength in him that is not swayed, no matter what. That in my opinion is a rarefied thing in the world we live in today.
The sizzling attraction that is brought to life between Pip and Hunt was done well, the love that is the ultimate conclusion of a connection that goes beyond physical the icing on the cake. For fans of the Cold Justice series and anyone and everyone who loves a well-researched suspense/thriller novel with a dose of romance in the mix, this is for you.
Final Verdict: Toni Anderson delivers a story that sizzles, suspense that bites, and a romance that stirs you up. Cold Blooded is a testament to Toni’s remarkable talent since the beginning of her rise to fame. She certainly does not disappoint!
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
underwhelming and they have known each other for like a week
I think removing the romance aspect from this book would have left it still being a good read, maybe better. If Pip had been a disgraced journalist at odds with Hunt, and both had a romance with other people, that would have been fine. I didn't get a sense of any connection or chemistry between Hunt and Pip.
The anthrax story was interesting, suspenseful, full of mystery and intrigue. There were a fair number of suspects. This book could easily have been read as a standalone. I did notice it tied into the anthrax Op from the book A Cold Dark Promise.
I wish there had been more of a sense of closure. If ASAC Lincoln Frazer had been given some type of update or final word, it would have felt more like closure. Especially since he was involved in the previous op.
But, who knows? Maybe it's not the end. Maybe the subject matter will turn up again.
The audiobook narration was excellent as usual. Listening to Eric G. Dove narrate is almost a guarantee for fully immersing myself in a book.
I do think these books will be more enjoyable if they are read in order. Saying that, I have read a couple of the books in this series out of order, but readers should have no problem if they don't start at the beginning.
The anthrax story was interesting, suspenseful, full of mystery and intrigue. There were a fair number of suspects. This book could easily have been read as a standalone. I did notice it tied into the anthrax Op from the book A Cold Dark Promise.
I wish there had been more of a sense of closure. If ASAC Lincoln Frazer had been given some type of update or final word, it would have felt more like closure. Especially since he was involved in the previous op.
But, who knows? Maybe it's not the end. Maybe the subject matter will turn up again.
The audiobook narration was excellent as usual. Listening to Eric G. Dove narrate is almost a guarantee for fully immersing myself in a book.
I do think these books will be more enjoyable if they are read in order. Saying that, I have read a couple of the books in this series out of order, but readers should have no problem if they don't start at the beginning.
Cold Blooded starts off so sad, but then the mystery grabs you and you just can't put it down. Seriously I read this book in like two days. I love Pip's tenacity and Hunt's integrity, but they are both smart investigators also, especially once hey trust each other. Their brains try to overrule their hearts, but once they come together they're hooked, if they live through this case. Fans of romantic suspense don't miss this sweet, sexy, twisted thrill ride.
Cold Blooded
4 Stars
Assigned to investigate the possible dissemination of a lethal strain of Anthrax, FBI agent Hunt Kincaid is convinced that researcher Cindy Resnick died from an accidental overdose. Unfortunately, here best friend, disgraced journalist Pip West is determined to prove otherwise. As evidence mounts, Pip and Hunt get closer, both to each other and to a malicious bio-terrorist willing to kill anyone who gets in his way.
Series note: This installment continues events initiated in the Cold Dark Promise wedding novella. It is, therefore, recommended that the novella be read first.
Pip and Hunt's relationship gets off to a rocky start as they each have their own conflicting agendas. Moreover, there is a distinct lack of trust despite their attraction and chemistry, and it takes time for them to overcome the obstacles both personal and professional.
The investigation is quite straightforward with some exciting moments. While it is possible to figure out the "who-dun-it" with the clues provided, there are a couple of distracting red-herrings.
All in all, a good addition to the series although the emphasis is more on the suspense than the romance. The next book is actually the first installment in a spin-off series focusing on the FBI's HRT unit. Looking forward to it.
4 Stars
Assigned to investigate the possible dissemination of a lethal strain of Anthrax, FBI agent Hunt Kincaid is convinced that researcher Cindy Resnick died from an accidental overdose. Unfortunately, here best friend, disgraced journalist Pip West is determined to prove otherwise. As evidence mounts, Pip and Hunt get closer, both to each other and to a malicious bio-terrorist willing to kill anyone who gets in his way.
Series note: This installment continues events initiated in the Cold Dark Promise wedding novella. It is, therefore, recommended that the novella be read first.
Pip and Hunt's relationship gets off to a rocky start as they each have their own conflicting agendas. Moreover, there is a distinct lack of trust despite their attraction and chemistry, and it takes time for them to overcome the obstacles both personal and professional.
The investigation is quite straightforward with some exciting moments. While it is possible to figure out the "who-dun-it" with the clues provided, there are a couple of distracting red-herrings.
All in all, a good addition to the series although the emphasis is more on the suspense than the romance. The next book is actually the first installment in a spin-off series focusing on the FBI's HRT unit. Looking forward to it.