Bea Reviews Cold & Deadly by Toni Anderson

Series: Cold Justice - Crossfire, Book 1
Publisher: Toni Anderson
Source: Purchased
Release Date: February 12th, 2019
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | iBooks* |
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Blurb from goodreads:

Hostage Negotiators can talk themselves out of anything—except falling in love.

FBI Supervisory Special Agent Dominic Sheridan is an accomplished expert in the Crisis Negotiation Unit. Practiced, professional, used to dealing with high-stake situations under tense conditions, Dominic is a master at manipulating people. Everyone, that is, but the headstrong rookie agent bent on destroying her fledgling career.

As a child, Ava Kanas put her life on the line when the mob executed her father. Now someone has killed her mentor, the man who inspired her to become an FBI agent—and she’s the only one who recognizes it was anything but a tragic accident.

When another agent is murdered and Dominic nearly dies, it becomes obvious a serial killer is targeting the FBI. Together Dominic and Ava search for clues in the investigation, all the while fighting a forbidden attraction that will complicate everything, especially when the predator sets their sights on Ava.


In this exciting crossover series, Toni Anderson introduces new characters alongside some reader favorites. Read the thrilling Cold Justice - Crossfire series today. (less)

My Thoughts:

So, I freaking LOVE the Cold Justice books by Ms. Anderson. They hit all of my reader buttons: engrossing stories, plausible mysteries, hot romance, interesting and well fleshed out characters, heroines who can take care of themselves but are vulnerable, heroes who are both compassionate and kick-ass. So I was excited when I heard about this book. I'm delighted to say it met all of my expectations. *happy sigh*

Cold & Deadly was so freaking good I couldn't stop reading - I read before bed, in bed, during 5 spare minutes before work, on my lunch break, and I finally finished it after work, ignoring everything else to read it. In all, I read it in just under 24 hours. I could not put it down. The downside, of course, is the wait until Ms. Anderson releases another book. :(

Now, I have to admit that our heroine, Ava, was highly annoying at first. She was impulsive, blunt, and reckless. But she grew on me over time, impressing me with her courage, her determination and stubbornness, her passion for her work, and her love for and commitment to her family. It helped that she was able to recognize her flaws and try to change her behavior.

Dominic occasionally veered into cliche territory, being a child of rich parents determined to prove himself, but Anderson fleshed him out and made him real. He recognized Ava's strengths as an agent, even when other agents didn't, and tried to help her, without overshadowing her or patronizing her. They made a good team professionally and personally. Dom was also loyal and committed. Unlike Ava he wasn't close to his family and he realizes during the story that much of the responsibility for that lies on him. He steps up and changes his behavior and attitude. A willingness to change and an ability to admit weaknesses were traits that Dominic and Ava shared.

The story itself kept me guessing, swiping my Kindle. There was more than one villain and I figured one out quite easily but the main one, nope. Anderson completely took me by surprise. And yet, when I looked back, the hints and clues were there. Bravo Ms. Anderson!

If you like romantic suspense,a  realistic depictions of the FBI, fascinating characters and engrossing stories, you need to read this book, and the original series, Cold Justice. You do NOT need to have read any of the Cold Justice books in order to read this. It's just fine as a stand-alone.

Conclusion: GO BUY AND READ RIGHT NOW.