On The Run by Michael Mandrake

Michael Mandrake - On The Run CoverTitle: On the Run

Series:  PROTEKT 01

Author: Michael Mandrake

Genre: Action and Adventure, Multicultural, Romance

Length: Novella (151 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-78430-753-0

Publisher: Pride Publishing (October 6, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Shorty

Blurb: Who would’ve thought that a British hitman would fall in lust at first sight with an American felon? It could become deadly for both.

Aiden Moriarty is a Florida ‘herbalist’ who works with a performance-enhancing drug used by many athletes. One of them is baseball star Ivan Salerno, who was caught using the drug and is now on the brink of getting suspended. Because of Ivan’s connections with a rogue mob boss, Aiden is taken into a witness-protection program, working along with baseball higher-ups until he testifies.

The mob boss, Augustine Ora, has hired former British military officer and his best hitman Devlin ‘Brit’ Crawford to do the job. Ora has instructed Devlin to go to Miami, kidnap Aiden and take him to the local airport to be transported to Havana, Cuba, to be executed by Ora’s top officers.

However, when Devlin receives the email, the pictures of the blue-eyed felon catch his eye and he is moved to go in a different direction. Instead of delivering Aiden to the airport, he has thoughts of taking him away and saving him from Ora’s wrath.

This move puts himself and Aiden, as well as his assistant, Miranda Ashley, in huge danger. Will Devlin keep Aiden safe despite the odds, or will he fail, causing Ora and his men to come after him?

Reader Advisory: This book contains the use of racial slurs.

Product Link:  https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/on-the-run

Review: This is the first book in the PROTEKT series. Devlin is a hired assassin working for ruthless mobster who tells Devlin to bring Aiden, a man set to testify against him and others, to him. When Devlin see’s and meets Aiden though he has second thoughts. Even though it may cost him his life.

I loved this book. Reading how Devlin struggled with his decision seemed real and genuine. I was glad he took his time and weighed out the pros and cons. What I was the delighted about in this book was Aiden and Devlin did not jump into sex as is the case with so many books. They flirted, bantered back and forth and teased each other. It is not until was after halfway through that they even kiss. When they finally did be together it was explosive. 

I felt Miranda’s character was a bit much at times. Her jealousy and possessiveness of Devlin had m shaking my head considering they were only friends. I really felt bad for Aiden. I understood why he did what he did to a point. Was delighted he wanted to make things right. 

It was non-stop on the go for these two as they tried to get to safety before being killed. Well written and amazing journey this book pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the very end. I’m truly looking forward to the next book and seeing what happens. I Loved it.

Closely Guarded by Michael Mandrake

Michael Mandrake - Closely Guarded CoverTitle: Closely Guarded

Series: PROTEKT # 2

Author: Michael Mandrake

Genre: Multicultural, Thrillers and Suspense

Length: Novella (168 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (October 25, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Promises are meant to be broken sometimes. Can Kimball complete the mission and keep his feelings for fellow agent Darien in check in the process?

Darien Mosely, aka BA Pointe, is a former NYPD officer with a chip on his shoulder. He came to PROTEKT in search of a new identity and career after being accused of killing a man in cold blood. Darien’s keen perception is what has made him an asset, but his cockiness has often landed him in hot water.

Kimball Emerson, aka Justice Masters, is an important figure in PROTEKT. Being a former army sergeant, he’s used to keeping secrets and being in danger on a regular basis. As one of the prime figures in the organization, he is counted on to be the finisher and, for the group’s latest task, he’s been called upon to find the leaders of a Russian mob. It should be easy enough with all his knowledge and special skills but not with his close friend Darien Mosely along for the ride.

Kimball made a promise to his fiancé that he’d come back in one piece and not watch his partner’s ass, but he isn’t sure he’ll be able to keep the latter. Darien and Kimball have been best friends for five years and, at a Christmas party several months ago, they shared a kiss that left an indelible mark on their relationship.

This latest mission calls for focus and calmer heads if they are to find the offenders who are bringing illegal drugs into Russia. The question is, how can they do it with mutual feelings and the threat of extreme danger looming over their heads?

ISBN: 978-1-78651-484-4

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/closely-guarded

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Kimball and Darien are two of the top agents in PROTEKT. They are the best of the best and damn good at their jobs. Attraction leads to a kiss at a party and then leads to the men hiding their feelings. Kimball is in a relationship and Darien is a love ‘em and leave them type. They have so far been able to avoid the other since the kiss until now.

A new mission throws the two men together again and tensions are high when a threat emerges to eliminate anyone who stands in their way. It is a race against the clock to discover who the culprits are before anyone is killed. Meanwhile Kimball has secrets that are best kept hidden for everyone’s safety. 

I loved this book. Mystery, suspense, action and drama are entwined into an amazing plot that keeps the reader spellbound as we see how everything plays out. This is brilliantly written with the right amount of snark and angst from Darien as well as the seriousness from Kimball for one hot ride into the unknown.

The actual mission is proceeded with extreme caution by the time team as well as unknown persons at work with PROTEKT. All the characters had their roles to play and boy did they play them well. I usually guess what all is happening well before the end but this story had me guessing about some things until they revealed. 

I cannot say enough good things about this book to do it justice so just go read it. Fantastic story all around. Highly recommended.

On The Run by Michael Mandrake Blog Tour, Excerpt & Review!

Michael Mandrake - On The Run Banner

Hi guys, Michael Mandrake is stopping by for a quick visit with her newest release On The Run, we have a great excerpt and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Michael Mandrake - On The Run Cover

On The Run

(PROTEKT 01)
by

Michael Mandrake

Aiden Moriarty is a Florida ‘herbalist’ who developed a performance enhancing drug many athletes have used. One of them is baseball star Ivan Salerno, who was caught using the drugs and is now on the brink of getting suspended. Because of Ivan’s connections with a rogue mob boss, Aiden is taken into a witness protection program, working along with baseball higher ups until he testifies.

The mob boss, Augustine Ora, has hired former British military officer and his best hitman, Devlin ‘Brit’ Crawford, to do the job. Ora has instructed Devlin to go to Miami, kidnap Aiden and take him to the local airport to be transported to Havana ,Cuba, to be executed by Ora’s top officers.

However, when Devlin receives the email, the pictures of the blue-eyed felon catch his eye and he is moved to go in a different direction. Instead of delivering Aiden to the airport, he has thoughts of taking him away and saving him from Ora’s wrath.

This move puts him, Aiden, as well as his assistant Miranda Ashley in huge danger. Will Devlin keep Aiden safe despite the odds or will he fail, causing Ora and his men come after him?

Continue reading “On The Run by Michael Mandrake Blog Tour, Excerpt & Review!”