My favorite Gabriel Allon book to date!!
922168
I loved this book! The story line was exciting and realistic. I enjoy the way Silva uses words. Seeing Gabriel and friends working with other countries was great! I just loved this book!!
4035725
The Gabriel Allon series is so good. I cant put the book down. For that matter, I haven't read a bad Daniel Silver book yet.
957333
This is the first book in the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva.  Allon is the reluctant part time spy working for Israeli Intelligence whose covert skills are the stuff of legend within the small community of "secret agents".  His cover skills are those of professional art restoration, primarily "old masters" paintings and sculpture, for which his talents in that field are world renown.

While this may be the first book (as of this review there are 5) in the series, it is not necessary to read this book first, since the book takes place at a time in the life of Gabriel Allon when he has already forsaken his work as a spy.  We learn about Allon's past and his initiation into the world of spying through flashback and his past is not necessarily central to the story.  Other books in the series take the reader into Gabriel's past just as effectively and therefore you don't really have to start with this book to understand what Gabriel is all about.

Daniel Silva has a true gift for captivating plot and character development.  The characters in his books are self reflecting and you really begin to understand the emotional turmoil that goes with the work of tracking down punishing international terrorists.  This book is an exciting weekend read!  Silva has Gabriel on the trail of Tariq the Palestinian terrorist bent on derailing the peace process.  Tariq and Gabriel are not strangers to one another, as Gabriel is the man who mercilessly killed Tariq's older brother and as revenge Tariq exploded a car that contained Gabriel's wife and only son.  The "bad blood" between these two enemies plays out across Europe and North America in a fast paced thriller that both memorable and very enjoyable.  The surprises and betrayals extend beyond the exciting climatic confrontation between Gabriel and Tariq, and are just part of what makes this book so entertaining.
334135
Like the other Gabriel Allon books I've read, this one was fantastic and kept me guessing until the end. A great read that I finished within 24 hours!
4244238
I am not sure why I decided to write my first review. Probably because I want to pass pleasure on to others. I happened on Silva about 6 months ago. I am not sure how I missed him all these years. I have now read all but 2 of all his Gabriel Allon books. And will be sad when they are devoured. I don't pretend to be a lit critic but I do know good writing when I see it and historical imagination when I feel it (seldom). And I really enjoy a book where I am fascinated by the characters,the plot makes sense, and the author juices things up but doesn't go off the reservation. The Allon books provide great insight into the Israeli psyche, interesting tidbits about secret and sacred institutions like the Vatican and CIA. Plus an insider, seemingly real world view, of the black art practiced by the CIA and other covert entities. At this point Silva has me feeling like I have finished a number of good college courses in history, literature, and contemporary events. Anyone starting the Allon series can go on-line identify the books by date and start at the beginning. After three or four you can buy two four book composites (for Kindle and tablets) and then finish up from there.  BTW my wife is also hooked on the Allon books and we often gab about characters, insights, and the like. Finally,  it is surprising that Silva's writing is so consistently good. Each book is at the same high level as the last. That's why he is the real deal.
2260302
Huge fan of this series....and this is my favorite book so far!
All because of EVAN
Just love him.....his character portrayal is so real, it's almost palpable......his frustrations and the way he thinks.....it's like an inside ride into the feelings of people who are labeled 'Different'......its one of the few books that actually shows autistic children when raised in a good environment can be just normal people, and it was very refreshing!
Darcy's writing is spot on.....as usual.....and this book has everything....family time to 'bedroom va va voom' time and this has an extra topping as celebrity time, in the form of Alaina, an A list actress who wants and craves normalcy.....
Loved them both!!!!!!!
Can't wait for Liam's story
1487618
This was my first book in this series to have read and I really enjoyed it. I loved all the twist and turns and I kept guessing at what was going to happen next. I was usually wrong which I loved because it wasn't predictable.

Alex and Sebastian were both relatable characters and I really enjoyed reading their story. They both had been through so much already and continued to be put through the ringer. Alex has had a major crush on Sebastian since she met him in high school. But she was always shy and stayed in her sisters shadow. Sebastian also has liked Alex for just as long but he didn't want to drag her into the awful world he lived in.

Years later and everything has changed, yet they still haven't told the other that they have feelings beyond friendship. They are best friends, and neither wants to ruin that. It's sad how it takes them so long to get with the program! When they finally do, it was beautiful to watch them learn and grow in their relationship.

I'd definitely recommend this book! It was high on drama and mystery with lots of love and romance as well!

Reviewer for Bloggin with M. Brennan
3765000
I spent half of this book trying to figure out what was up with Gabriel's manhood and the rest feeling scandalized once I found out. As a result, I made quick work of this novel! But be forewarned, there's a reason why this one comes with a sexual content advisory! Gabriel's Mate isn't solely about toe curling action mind you, it's also a great story.

I immediately developed a crush on Gabriel. He hasn't had the easiest of existences. Add to that the fact that he's a vampire ergo immortal. His torments follow him for all of eternity; you can't help but feel sorry for him. Not only does he have a nasty scar across his face that repels women but there's also something wonky going on in his pants that's caused him to be celibate for years. I've never been so curious about a character's man parts before! Light isn't shed on his problem until half way through the book. Let me just say this: I think Gabriel is too much man for me! I bet you're curious now too!

Gabriel's Mate revolves around the growing romantic relationship between Gabriel and Maya. He holds her hand through her transformation into a vampire and immediately feels drawn to her. Maya doesn't instantly feel the same way. I enjoyed spending time in both of the characters' minds. Readers get to witness Maya and Gabriel's internal arguments in which their brains don't agree with their bodies. It's no surprise that pleasure wins! There's an interesting twist thrown in at the end that really brings the story full circle.

As far as the nookie content is concerned... it was abundant, hot and at times down right scandalous! If you were to judge this book by its cover you'd be almost dead on. Except it takes a while for Gabriel and Maya to jump each others' bones because we don't know what's wrong with Gab's junk. But when they do finally get it on, sparks fly! The r-rated action's hotness increases until the end and culminates in an oh-my-god-is-it-hot-in-here finale. What used to be Gabriel's curse is now a gift. Reminder: this book is not for the squeamish!

Don't let the high sizzle factor lead you to believe that the story itself is flaky. Quite the contrary, it's intriguing and the naked action doesn't overshadow it. Gabriel's Mate is a fun read that will have you feeling and thinking about all kinds of things! Yes, some of them will be naughty. For those of us looking to unthaw in the dead of winter, this book will make you hotter than any blanket!
761665
Truth in review writing: I'm not yet finished with House of Spies as I just got it, BUT! It is everything I have come to love and appreciate about Daniel Silva's book, his protagonist Gabriel Allon, and Silva's uncanny ability to be writing about current events 9 months before they actually occur! How does he do this? I am surprising myself, however. I am chuckling frequently, not simply quickly changing the page to find out what happens next.  I'm savoring the way Silva connects the current cast of characters to their past exploits, the way he pokes fun at some of their personality quirks and habits, almost as though he is winking with us. Other than the wonderful Harry Potter, I know of no group of books to whose release I have looked forward to with the same degree of excitement and then tried to figure out how to make reading them stretch out as long as possible! I won't make it until his next book (oh, please may there be another!).
3809294
Wow, this was by far my favorite book of this series. I found this one to be so hot and steamy, in all the right ways! I just love how Gabriels story came out to play in this, and then adding into the mix of being thrown into having to help Maya, it was magnificent how it all came together. I really could not put this one down and i just LOVE Gabriel. Keep up the great work Tina!
4444059
This one has been my favorite so far.  Kathy definitely knows how to write an an alpha male.  The story flows really well and I just loved all the characters.  Aidan was amazing!!  I loved the suspense and action that were thrown in, as well as how sweet Aidan could be.  I just couldn't put it down and I can't wait for the next one.
1814015
Ive waited a long time for Sylvain Reynard to write another book that wasn't paranormal, his Gabriels Inferno series is one of my all time favorite books to read, and this book was so worth the wait. The depth of his books takes you on such a journey through history and across the globe, you feel as though you have experienced every country as if you were right there in the middle of it all. The Man in the Black Suit takes you across the globe to these amazing countries, some hold heartache, others extreme romance, but all offer twists and turns in this very complex story that keeps you turning page after page because you just cant put it down. I loved Nicholas character, a man whose family has suffered great loss, but he works towards avenging his family through the black market in the art world. Acacia is an independent woman who works as a concierge at an upscale hotel when she meets Nicholas. I found her a bit irritating given her continual mind changing with Nicholas.  It all works its way out in the end with her, but it took some time to finally get through her lack of commitment, although I understand her past and why she was that way, it was still a bit frustrating.  But, when these two characters finally do get together, its hot, steamy, compassionate, tender and just down right sexy. As in Gabriels Inferno, the reader is really pushed to the limits with the storyline in this book. The author has done his homework, and you can really tell in the detail with the way its written. Be prepared for quite a ride, because its a rollercoaster of emotions, danger, tense scenes and hot steamy romance. Doesnt get much better than this!
1871101
When a Book you anticipate with such excitement, then to receive the book on your kindle, you have to begin it immediately.
Nina Levine didn't disappoint with Blade's Story. From Beginning to End she captures the soul, darkness and tragedy of emotions that you cant help but get caught up with her characters.

With previously meeting Blade throughout the previous books of the series, you already had a prior knowledge of what Blade was about. However with his story, you couldn't guess what was coming especially with his interaction with the Storm MC Club and his family. With this book, it was definitely a couldn't put down until finished kind of book.

Blade & Layla story, they fit so well together especially with how strong Layla is for Blade when he needs to be pushed at the toughest times.  I felt so much emotion throughout their story.

With the other characters stopping by throughout the story, it was great to see where their lives were at. The Epilogue adds to my Top 5 favorites. It was filled with such emotion and to live life to the fullest.

I believe this is the best work so far to date from Nina Levine and I always look forward to see what comes next from this incredible author.
1767589
Resisting Temptation by KC Lynn

Of all of this authors Men of Honor books, I think this one is my favorite.  All of the characters are such strong, independent  people in their own ways.  Cade is the brooding, strong and silent type.  Still waters run deep and all that.  But Faith despite knowing all the bad in the world, despite all the bad that happens to her, she still believes in the good in people winning out over the bad.  Both Cade and Faith escape the worst possible place, only to end up in the same small town later on.  Watching them struggle to overcome the past was heart-wrenchingly beautiful.  And then lets throw in Christopher and Ruthie.  Who wouldnt love Ruthie?!  Shes smart, kind, loving and very honest.  Watching her bond with Cade was beyond sweet.  Shes literally the center of everything.  The glue that bonds them all together.  Its so hard to write anything else without completely spoiling the book.  Just suffice it to say that you really, really want to read this book!  The entire series is wonderful.  But if I had to pick just one book out of all of them, Id pick this one.  I definitely give this 5 out of 5 stars!  Really looking forward to Christophers story and yeah hoping Ruthies story is coming in the not so distant future!
4703116
As an avid book reader I put this book in my top ten. It was tremendously well written. The author was able to transport me into this world with  incredible detail and descriptions. Gabriel is extremely relatable. I found myself rooting for him the entire time as he worked to restore his home. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone!
27497
I just finished reading this captivating love story told from Gabriel's point of view!  Could not put this book down.  TS Dawson does a wonderful job pulling the reader into the story.  I cannot wait to start on the third book!
4494393
I started reading Aly Martinez last year with The Retrieval Duet books (fantastic books.  If you haven't read them, please do!!).  I was excited to start Singe.
I was completely engrossed after the first couple pages of the prologue.
Our male lead is Jude - he's a former police officer, who now works in private security.
Our female lead is Rhion - she's a tatted up cool girl with a bit of a past that lives in the same building as Guardian Protection.
One thing I absolutely LOVED about this book is that when I started the book, I wasn't sure what was happening - I knew characters and all the players.  I understood that Jude and Rhion met four years ago in a terrible accident (no spoilers!) and have met again.  I understood that because of that accident, Jude was living with loads of guilt on his shoulders.  I understood also that Rhion had her own feelings about the accident.  But even knowing all that, I didn't have all the pieces, so I kept reading and reading.  This, to me, is a sign of phenomenal writing.  Giving you enough but not everything up front - Aly Martinez does great romantic suspense!
Jude was a fantastic Alpha male - my favorite!  Rhion was awesome - the kind of girl you want to be friends with.
There were some fun comments/parts about book authors, books, reading which as a reader was fun to see.
Definitely looking forward to more from Aly and from this series because the side characters in this were SO intriguing!