Slater's Revenge

Shades of Leverage, Book 1

De: Claudia Shelton

Narrado por: James Anderson Foster

Former vice cop Mackenzie Baudin is at the top of criminal organization Coercion Ten's hit list. If they get hold of her, she'll be leveraged against her uncle, director of OPAQUE's special ops force. She's now saddled with agent-protector Josh Slater. He might be hotter than ever, but she'll never forgive him for walking out on her ten years ago. Unfortunately, her penthouse, which is now his domain, is way too small for the both of them.

No one else knows better than OPAQUE agent Josh Slater how to thwart Coercion Ten. After all these years, he's closing in on the crime boss who bought his father for a bank account, but that entails returning to his hometown to protect his boss's niece. The only woman he ever loved. Sexy, gorgeous Macki, who he was forced to leave behind. And he can never tell her why.

Contains mature themes.

©2018 Claudia Shelton (P)2022 Tantor

Great series start

This is the first book in Shelton’s Shades of Leverage series. I’m a big fan of romantic suspense – especially when the story is just as focused on the mystery/suspense/thriller aspect as on the romance.

Shelton did a great job with world building – especially the backstory setting up Josh & Mackie’s second chance romance and the establishment of OPAQUE and their fight against Coercion Ten. All while keeping the pacing engaging.

Lots of twists, turns, and unpredictability made for an enjoyable story. I liked that it took a while to really untangle the threat against Mackie. While she made a misstep – there’s no TSTL heroine here. Mackie is a strong, intelligent, and resourceful character. Josh is definitely a protector, but recognizes her skills. They’re a good team.

Lots of questions answered, Josh & Mackie get their HEA, but there’s some new leads to follow. I’m excited for Mitch’s story and to see more of the interplay between OPAQUE agents and the nefarious Coercion Ten.

Narration:
I grabbed this because I really enjoy James Anderson Foster’s performances. He’s a great fit for Shelton’s writing and characters. Especially the fact that she had so many male characters and he was able to give them all a unique sound and personality. I enjoy his female voices too.

Action, Suspense & Romance

I liked the flow of the story and the well developed depth of the plot.
And of course the romance was skillfully woven into the day to day of the characters lives.