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Zetas #4
Dark Hunter
Rip Marston is a merciless killing machine. After a decade of hunting his prey, Rip joins the Zetas. The job offers protection as he practices his dark arts, but the Cartel are wary of the monster in their midst.
Finding a badly beaten unconscious girl, Rip sees an opportunity. Posing as her saviour will please the cartel - and provide him with his very own helpless captive.
Isabella Maria Franco is beautiful, wilful and used to making hard choices. Having grown up in the comfortable but lethal embrace of the Gulf cartel, she rejected a life of violence. But when a dark presence from her past returns, her world falls apart.
Betrayed and beaten, she escapes, only to find herself in a living nightmare. Surrounded by her enemies, one man stands between her and death. Terrified by her sadistic captor, she has little choice but to submit.
But embracing his darkness leads to consequences neither anticipated.
WARNING: This bad boy dark romance contains explicit scenes of dubious consent, graphic violence, sex and probably every trigger you can think of.
Finding a badly beaten unconscious girl, Rip sees an opportunity. Posing as her saviour will please the cartel - and provide him with his very own helpless captive.
Isabella Maria Franco is beautiful, wilful and used to making hard choices. Having grown up in the comfortable but lethal embrace of the Gulf cartel, she rejected a life of violence. But when a dark presence from her past returns, her world falls apart.
Betrayed and beaten, she escapes, only to find herself in a living nightmare. Surrounded by her enemies, one man stands between her and death. Terrified by her sadistic captor, she has little choice but to submit.
But embracing his darkness leads to consequences neither anticipated.
WARNING: This bad boy dark romance contains explicit scenes of dubious consent, graphic violence, sex and probably every trigger you can think of.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2017
56 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Adams
22 books263 followersAJ Adams married her best friend and moved to the tropics where they are living their own Happily Ever After. She believes writing is not so much a passion as an obsession.
She writes twisted stories of love, mayhem, and murder as AJ Adams and sweet romance novels with strong women and very hunky men as Ellen Whyte, her IRL name.
When she's not writing, she's cooking and gossiping with her friends. She is also personal maid to rescue cats Target, Swooner and Tic Tac.
She's no longer on Goodreads but please do come and chat on FB at www.facebook.com/ewhyte (no friendship request required)
Don't miss new releases, discounts and special offers. Sign up for the newsletter at https://dirtydangerous.blogspot.my/p/...
She writes twisted stories of love, mayhem, and murder as AJ Adams and sweet romance novels with strong women and very hunky men as Ellen Whyte, her IRL name.
When she's not writing, she's cooking and gossiping with her friends. She is also personal maid to rescue cats Target, Swooner and Tic Tac.
She's no longer on Goodreads but please do come and chat on FB at www.facebook.com/ewhyte (no friendship request required)
Don't miss new releases, discounts and special offers. Sign up for the newsletter at https://dirtydangerous.blogspot.my/p/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 13, 2022
Another solid addition to the series I found this well-written and enjoyable but Unfortunately it also contained one of my most irritating pet peeves when the hero is by appearances reformed or fundamentally changes himself for the love of his woman. Now don’t get me wrong it was obvious that Rip still has all of the same murderous impulses that he just keeps more hidden and tightly under his control mostly to please his woman but it did annoy me that he tried to smother this part of himself for Morgan. I like it when the hero of the story stays true to his core values but the heroine accepts this part of him lock stock and barrel and here I didn’t think that happened.
I adored Rip his pure sociopathic personality and his sarcastic wit just struck a chord with me. He had a harrowing backstory and the monster born of this torment is vengeance personified. He embraces his rage and buries his pain deep his only true outlet the payback he doles out to those that he feels deserve it. He’s sort of switched off and his focus-driven vigilantism means that his skills with others have been severely limited and stunted. Rip is a master of disguise a chameleon that easily hides his true nature behind a pleasant facade giving others what they want to see. But in reality, they can sense his wrongness his core essence, the monster behind his mirroring and it makes them wary and uncomfortable. Morgan he believes is the solution she will give him a sense of respectability and her presence hopefully ease his path forward with his new associates.
Morgan or her true name Isabella is Gulf Cartel they are enemies of the Zeta’s she is also the only survivor of a war that killed her whole family. Due to this, she has tried to separate herself from the Gulf Cartel but when she gets dragged back into her criminal past by an ex she finds herself suddenly turned on by those she once thought of as family.
After being severely beaten Morgan near dead now finds herself firmly in her enemies' clutches but they have no idea who she really is terrified they’ll somehow discover the truth of her origins Morgan clings to her only constant the man who nursed her back to full health her unlikely guardian angel Rip.
Rip knows he’s not a people person and that he makes people uneasy his plan to use Morgan as a tool to ease his way begins with a cool logic but swiftly evolves as Rip gradually starts to feel again. But with newly burgeoning emotions come feelings of guilt and regret as he starts seeing himself through his girl's eyes and he doesn’t like the picture that’s being painted.
So I definitely liked Rip a lot more than Morgan I couldn’t help thinking she is a bit of a loose cannon making decisions that put her in danger without consulting others. I did love Rip though he’s overprotective with an all-consuming devotion but I was equally sad that he still hiding a fundamental part of himself back from his girl.
Though not my top-read from this series it was still a good gritty experience with plenty of twists turns and dark delicious action it easily managed to keep my attention. I just also can’t help thinking Rips going to soon get bored of his early retirement. I mean there’s only so much gardening and cooking you can accomplish without going bloody insane. I also was slightly pissed that certain someone didn’t get their karma from Rip I wanted them to receive his personal brand of justice and for me, Morgan was a bit too Pollyanna when it came to there punishments or lack of overall though this was another winner for me.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
January 28, 2021
Seeing the Zeta Cartel on iTunes was a great excuse to re-read the series,and since Dark Hunter is one of those stories i really enjoyed,i couldn’t wait to get back to Rip and Morgan!
https://books.apple.com/nl/book/dark-...
Rip wasn’t born the killer he’s become,and Morgan only wanted to live her life in peace.
These two people were both alone,and both just needed someone that really cared.
Rip was drowning in his darkness,and Morgan was his light,she made him feel!
But he was a bad man,and she deserved someone that could give her a normal life.
With his enemies closing in,he needed above all,to keep her safe,though.....
And the longer he had her,the more he felt,and the more difficult it became to ever let her go.
Once Morgan knew Rip’s background,she started to see his behaviour for what it was,a mask to hide the pain.
And thinking about the way he nursed her back to life,the gentleness with which he treated her,she knew without a shadow of a doubt he was a good man deep down.....very deep down.
In fact,after her initial fear,she started to have feelings for him......
These two may not have been Zetas,but they fit into the cartel seamlessly.
And once the Zetas embrace someone,they do so wholeheartedly.
It really is a “match made in heaven”......
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Trust AJ to come up with this dark gem! Damn....i’m still in recovery....my heart’s still racing...
Rip is a coldblooded killer ever since his entire family was murdered and he’s nowhere near slowing down. Morgan is a cartel girl that wants to live a quiet life,doing what she likes,without that cartel. She gets beaten so badly when she rejects a man from her past,that by the time Rip finds her by chance,she’s near dying. Helping her heal,serves a purpose for him...it’s a way to look human to those around him....I love Morgan,sweet,strong and resilient in spite of what she went through. And Rip....oh,boy....that man thinks he’s bad news,but deep down,very deep down,he’s not....and i love him for who he is! And getting to know what the Zeta’s are up to? The best!
https://books.apple.com/nl/book/dark-...
Rip wasn’t born the killer he’s become,and Morgan only wanted to live her life in peace.
These two people were both alone,and both just needed someone that really cared.
Rip was drowning in his darkness,and Morgan was his light,she made him feel!
But he was a bad man,and she deserved someone that could give her a normal life.
With his enemies closing in,he needed above all,to keep her safe,though.....
And the longer he had her,the more he felt,and the more difficult it became to ever let her go.
Once Morgan knew Rip’s background,she started to see his behaviour for what it was,a mask to hide the pain.
And thinking about the way he nursed her back to life,the gentleness with which he treated her,she knew without a shadow of a doubt he was a good man deep down.....very deep down.
In fact,after her initial fear,she started to have feelings for him......
These two may not have been Zetas,but they fit into the cartel seamlessly.
And once the Zetas embrace someone,they do so wholeheartedly.
It really is a “match made in heaven”......
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Trust AJ to come up with this dark gem! Damn....i’m still in recovery....my heart’s still racing...
Rip is a coldblooded killer ever since his entire family was murdered and he’s nowhere near slowing down. Morgan is a cartel girl that wants to live a quiet life,doing what she likes,without that cartel. She gets beaten so badly when she rejects a man from her past,that by the time Rip finds her by chance,she’s near dying. Helping her heal,serves a purpose for him...it’s a way to look human to those around him....I love Morgan,sweet,strong and resilient in spite of what she went through. And Rip....oh,boy....that man thinks he’s bad news,but deep down,very deep down,he’s not....and i love him for who he is! And getting to know what the Zeta’s are up to? The best!
October 11, 2017
AJ Adams ROCKS!
She has written another awesome dark romance between less than perfect people (unless perfect monster counts?) who experience some of life's most difficult situations only to get past the dark and find each other and even happiness too. Dark, twisty, surprising and tantalizing!
This is the 4th in the Zeta Cartel series. It can be read as a stand alone but there are characters from other books and I am glad I have read them all (it was really cool to see Kyle, the "hero" from The Bonus, from a new perspective). It brings together Rip, ostensibly a serial killer, and Morgan, an escapee from the Zeta's rival cartel. Rip was once a normal, even privileged young man who lost his family in one fell swoop due to a ridiculously greedy act of another, and Morgan (AKA Isabella) who left the cartel she grew up in to lead a "normal" life only to be excluded by the normal people she wanted to be like. After a series of egregious retaliatory reactions from an ex, Morgan is found very badly beaten and injured by Rip, who had traded asylum with Arturo in exchange for working on contract for the Zeta cartel. Rip's experiences since losing his family have turned him into a cold and calculating assassin who others find difficult to be around.....he's very attractive, but the cold bleeds through every time, which is making it difficult for him to settle in. So when he stumbles onto Morgan, he sees taking care of her as an opportunity to seem slightly more human and less like the monster he knows himself to be.
The story leads us through Rip's "job" for the Zeta's, how it intertwines with Morgan's past, showcases his "hunting" skills and to 2 people, seemingly opposite, yet perhaps not so much, who begin to care for each other and even change in ways that aren't truly change but bringing them at least partially back to who they used to be before fate interfered. As always, I find the writing smart, informed on current events and other current "stuff". I love this series!!
I have loved everything AJ Adams has written - have read every book multiple times....Dark Hunter will be no exception!
PS: If you haven't already, read The Degas Girl (love, love this book), Deliverance (awesome and relevant, plus related lightly to The Bonus), and the Prydain series!
She has written another awesome dark romance between less than perfect people (unless perfect monster counts?) who experience some of life's most difficult situations only to get past the dark and find each other and even happiness too. Dark, twisty, surprising and tantalizing!
This is the 4th in the Zeta Cartel series. It can be read as a stand alone but there are characters from other books and I am glad I have read them all (it was really cool to see Kyle, the "hero" from The Bonus, from a new perspective). It brings together Rip, ostensibly a serial killer, and Morgan, an escapee from the Zeta's rival cartel. Rip was once a normal, even privileged young man who lost his family in one fell swoop due to a ridiculously greedy act of another, and Morgan (AKA Isabella) who left the cartel she grew up in to lead a "normal" life only to be excluded by the normal people she wanted to be like. After a series of egregious retaliatory reactions from an ex, Morgan is found very badly beaten and injured by Rip, who had traded asylum with Arturo in exchange for working on contract for the Zeta cartel. Rip's experiences since losing his family have turned him into a cold and calculating assassin who others find difficult to be around.....he's very attractive, but the cold bleeds through every time, which is making it difficult for him to settle in. So when he stumbles onto Morgan, he sees taking care of her as an opportunity to seem slightly more human and less like the monster he knows himself to be.
The story leads us through Rip's "job" for the Zeta's, how it intertwines with Morgan's past, showcases his "hunting" skills and to 2 people, seemingly opposite, yet perhaps not so much, who begin to care for each other and even change in ways that aren't truly change but bringing them at least partially back to who they used to be before fate interfered. As always, I find the writing smart, informed on current events and other current "stuff". I love this series!!
I have loved everything AJ Adams has written - have read every book multiple times....Dark Hunter will be no exception!
PS: If you haven't already, read The Degas Girl (love, love this book), Deliverance (awesome and relevant, plus related lightly to The Bonus), and the Prydain series!
October 24, 2017
This is the fourth in the Los Zetas Cartel collection. I actually read all four books back to back. They all work as a stand-alone but it makes more sense to read them in order as there is an overlap of characters. Rip is a lean mean killing machine, basically a serial killer with a ruthless cruel streak. At first you don’t think he has any redeeming qualities but then you find out more about his backstory and you understand him a bit more. Throw into the equation half dead Morgan who washes up from the river and who initially he plans to use to curry favour with the Cartel. Once again the story is told from the two main characters POV which works well. It’s well written with suspense, fast paced dialogue and hot sex scenes some featuring dubious consent. It’s very dark at times with gut wrenching violence. The heroine once again is feisty, intelligent and funny. I like the mix of English and South American characters, that works well. I have enjoyed reading this whole series and will be reading more from this author
October 30, 2017
Another must read from A.J. Adams!!
I can always count on her to weave a fantastically well written story with in-depth, precisely developed characters that are meticulously flawed, yet always have that redeeming quality. Dark Hunter offers all of that and more!!
Another 5 star read in the Zeta Cartel series!!!
I can always count on her to weave a fantastically well written story with in-depth, precisely developed characters that are meticulously flawed, yet always have that redeeming quality. Dark Hunter offers all of that and more!!
Another 5 star read in the Zeta Cartel series!!!
October 10, 2017
Dark Hunter by A.J. Adams
Zeta Cartel #4
Disturbing but oh so delightful – I loved the story of Rip and Morgan!
Rip lost his family in one fell swoop and set out to make sure those that took them from him would pay in a very big way. His actions released something dark within him that kept him busy for ten years doing what he did best – deal out death. When he saved Arturo’s live in London an offer was made for him to come to Mexico where he was offered something he had been looking for – a place to be safe and perhaps protected – by taking on a job for the Zeta Cartel. When “Morgan” washes up on his riverfront beach barely alive and badly beaten he takes her on for his own reasons but in so doing curries favor with the cartel. Morgan and Rip have a roller coaster ride that involves more than one cartel, a cartel war and a very different kind of relationship that works for both of them.
What amazes me about this series and books this author writes is that flawed people others would consider dark devils with fiendish qualities find women that provide a bright warm spot in their lives – women that see into them, see the multifaceted men they truly are and accept and love them because the men are just what these women need in all ways always. The women are always plucky, smart, often damaged, and courageous but most of all women I would love to call friend. I eagerly look forward to each book this author writes and wonder now what will come next.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest opinion.
5 Stars
Zeta Cartel #4
Disturbing but oh so delightful – I loved the story of Rip and Morgan!
Rip lost his family in one fell swoop and set out to make sure those that took them from him would pay in a very big way. His actions released something dark within him that kept him busy for ten years doing what he did best – deal out death. When he saved Arturo’s live in London an offer was made for him to come to Mexico where he was offered something he had been looking for – a place to be safe and perhaps protected – by taking on a job for the Zeta Cartel. When “Morgan” washes up on his riverfront beach barely alive and badly beaten he takes her on for his own reasons but in so doing curries favor with the cartel. Morgan and Rip have a roller coaster ride that involves more than one cartel, a cartel war and a very different kind of relationship that works for both of them.
What amazes me about this series and books this author writes is that flawed people others would consider dark devils with fiendish qualities find women that provide a bright warm spot in their lives – women that see into them, see the multifaceted men they truly are and accept and love them because the men are just what these women need in all ways always. The women are always plucky, smart, often damaged, and courageous but most of all women I would love to call friend. I eagerly look forward to each book this author writes and wonder now what will come next.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest opinion.
5 Stars
October 12, 2017
I just love the Zeta Cartel series! Dark Hunter is #4 and as usual, it's a standalone within the series, probably best read in order but still great anyway you read it. Plus, we get to catch up with favourite characters from previous novels in the series (Oh yes, Kyle!).
As we've come to expect from AJ Adams, this is a story of wonderfully flawed characters; Rip, a serial killer with a tragic past (and a slight touch of Asperger's methinks), and Morgan, an ex-cartel daughter who refuses to give up, despite it getting her into all sorts of trouble. Left for dead, Morgan is rescued by Rip simply to up his standing with the Zetas, but while avoiding their many enemies and also trying to get revenge for the past, they forge a wonderful relationship out of the darkness.
And there is darkness in this novel. Rip has pushed the boundaries, his killings are "creative" and we are not spared the violence. Morgan's treatment was horrific and Rip does nothing to help this at first. He has lost his humanity when we first meet him and it is only Morgan's belief in him and her ability to love him as he is that saves him in the end. But there is also light with the usual AJ Adams humour and trademark snarkiness. Rip seems to always say the wrong thing and our ability to see his way of thinking allows for some good comical moments. As you would expect, our heroine is equally quirky and independent, immensely likeable and typically capable of doing exactly the wrong thing!
This is more than a romance, it's a thriller, a crime drama and a fabulous adventure. We pick up some threads from previous Zeta cartel stories so this book fits perfectly in the series. Like the other novels it features a mix of English, American and South American characters and I love that. The flavour that the author creates is delicious and being British myself, I love the English overtones and idiom. I thoroughly recommend anything by AJ Adams and Dark Hunter is no exception. If this is your first book from the Zeta cartel series, I suggest you follow it with The Bonus (Kyle and Chloe's story) and I am off to reread Dirty Dealings (Quique and Nats) 'cos I'm missing the Zetas already!
As we've come to expect from AJ Adams, this is a story of wonderfully flawed characters; Rip, a serial killer with a tragic past (and a slight touch of Asperger's methinks), and Morgan, an ex-cartel daughter who refuses to give up, despite it getting her into all sorts of trouble. Left for dead, Morgan is rescued by Rip simply to up his standing with the Zetas, but while avoiding their many enemies and also trying to get revenge for the past, they forge a wonderful relationship out of the darkness.
And there is darkness in this novel. Rip has pushed the boundaries, his killings are "creative" and we are not spared the violence. Morgan's treatment was horrific and Rip does nothing to help this at first. He has lost his humanity when we first meet him and it is only Morgan's belief in him and her ability to love him as he is that saves him in the end. But there is also light with the usual AJ Adams humour and trademark snarkiness. Rip seems to always say the wrong thing and our ability to see his way of thinking allows for some good comical moments. As you would expect, our heroine is equally quirky and independent, immensely likeable and typically capable of doing exactly the wrong thing!
This is more than a romance, it's a thriller, a crime drama and a fabulous adventure. We pick up some threads from previous Zeta cartel stories so this book fits perfectly in the series. Like the other novels it features a mix of English, American and South American characters and I love that. The flavour that the author creates is delicious and being British myself, I love the English overtones and idiom. I thoroughly recommend anything by AJ Adams and Dark Hunter is no exception. If this is your first book from the Zeta cartel series, I suggest you follow it with The Bonus (Kyle and Chloe's story) and I am off to reread Dirty Dealings (Quique and Nats) 'cos I'm missing the Zetas already!
February 28, 2021
I have enjoyed this series. This entry is a bit different. There is a lot more violence and killing, both on and off screen. But the romance is, well, romantic. Both H and h are trying to resolve issues from their pasts. Of course, she is a lot smarter than he is, and it works out well. The action scenes were quite tense. The Zetas were great.
ETA - there is a neat writing method here where the author overlaps just a few moments when switching perspectives. Not retelling the whole story, just repeating important transitions. I liked this.
I'll be reading the next one.
ETA - there is a neat writing method here where the author overlaps just a few moments when switching perspectives. Not retelling the whole story, just repeating important transitions. I liked this.
I'll be reading the next one.
October 26, 2017
it's so easy to fall back into the world of The Zetas.
Every time I read a story about the Mexican Cartel. I fall in love. Arturo, Kyle or Quique.
Now there is Rip who has claimed my heart.
Each story has captured my imagination. I live the story through the authors unique writing. The characters are believable and feel like my family. The woman are strong beautiful and so very different from each other.
Rip will pull at your heart strings as well as cause you to become angry. Morgan will bring out the fighter within. She is brave and loyal.
As this story unfolds I dare you not to become addicted.
I can read these books over and over again. Maybe a story about Chumillo? Or Rafa?
Please write more AJ Adams
Every time I read a story about the Mexican Cartel. I fall in love. Arturo, Kyle or Quique.
Now there is Rip who has claimed my heart.
Each story has captured my imagination. I live the story through the authors unique writing. The characters are believable and feel like my family. The woman are strong beautiful and so very different from each other.
Rip will pull at your heart strings as well as cause you to become angry. Morgan will bring out the fighter within. She is brave and loyal.
As this story unfolds I dare you not to become addicted.
I can read these books over and over again. Maybe a story about Chumillo? Or Rafa?
Please write more AJ Adams
November 1, 2017
I don’t know how I have missed this series but I am definitely going back to read from book one. I didn’t read from the beginning of the series, but I was not lost. I loved Rip as a character, he was just the right amount of psychopath. Now Isabella (aka Morgan) was a treat. She wanted to get out of the cartel when all of her family was killed serving the Don. She was given the illusion of achieving this, but it wasn’t meant to last. She was beaten and left for dead by her ex-boyfriend and one of his cohorts. Miraculously she escapes by jumping into the river and being swept down stream, then she washes up on Zeta lands and in to arms of Rip.
All Rip had on his mind was revenge for the murder of his biological family. Now he is going from crime family to crime family to see if he fits in, he finally escapes to Mexico and gets in with the Zetas. He thinks he’s found a home but the Zetas are skeptical because his psychopathic tendencies are showing more and more. When his answers wash up on to shore in the form of a beaten and half to drowned woman. He decides to “keep” her to prove he has a human side.
They are complete opposites in theory but they work together. She wanted out of the cartel life but being in it since birth leads to her understanding better than Rip does the dynamics of the cartel. She smooths over some sticky situations for Rip. Morgan’s birth cartel and the Zeta’s have a fierce rivalry between them. When Rip goes unhinged will there be any survivors?
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
All Rip had on his mind was revenge for the murder of his biological family. Now he is going from crime family to crime family to see if he fits in, he finally escapes to Mexico and gets in with the Zetas. He thinks he’s found a home but the Zetas are skeptical because his psychopathic tendencies are showing more and more. When his answers wash up on to shore in the form of a beaten and half to drowned woman. He decides to “keep” her to prove he has a human side.
They are complete opposites in theory but they work together. She wanted out of the cartel life but being in it since birth leads to her understanding better than Rip does the dynamics of the cartel. She smooths over some sticky situations for Rip. Morgan’s birth cartel and the Zeta’s have a fierce rivalry between them. When Rip goes unhinged will there be any survivors?
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
October 18, 2017
this was the fourth book in this series and i loved it! its about a man who is a killer . he finds a woman who is beaten. so he takes for his own . only hes not a nice guy. can she survive him? read to find out what happens in this dark read. thanks!
December 26, 2017
This was a really good read. I this book we meet Rip who has lost his family. He is out for revenge. Then one day Morgan appears on the beach all beaten up. This book shows how these two have to deal with a few different cartels and cartel wars. Zeta cartel is a must read for 2017.
March 17, 2019
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"If I were an angel, it would be one of the fallen ones."
Let me start with why I initially picked up Dark Hunter. It wasn't the cover, it wasn't the blurb. Na-uh, the only reason why I picked up this book was that it was the final part of the "Zeta Cartel" series. (A disappointing reason, I know.)
Anyway, unlike the previous Zeta novels, this was a little different. The main guy in this story wasn't a high profile Zeta man, for one. He wasn't even a Zeta man, in fact. Arturo hired him because he saved his life and Arturo needed a man from the outside, so yeah, he wasn't even an official Zeta for the major part of the novel. Then, he didn't have any sympathy for women and children, two. I mean, he wouldn't hesitate even once before killing them off. And he'd kill them in style. And by that I mean that he was a serial killer, out for blood and someone who got deeply side tracked when he got taken in by the Zetas. And yet, somehow, he was bound to end up with Morgan, or Isabella as her father named her. How on earth will that happen, given his unsympathetic nature toward women?
On the other hand, Morgan, the main female in the story isn't like the previous heroines as well. She hadn't really been in an abusive relationship in the past. Like Chloe, from The Bonus , she was from a rival cartel. However, Chloe was from a rival that didn't have much significance for the Zetas. Morgan, on the other hand, was related to "The Gulf Cartel". Her father was, in fact, the lieutenant of the said cartel. Obviously then, there was a lot to believe that things could really south for her. How then, will Rip save her (and why?) and how will she survive? This single question makes the story fantastic. And by that I mean Arjun Kapoor in this scene:
Anyway, back to the book, the story was, like I said, pretty amazing. Or at least it had the potential to be amazing. But it ended up being a little dragged. Sadly. The writing style was the same as the previous ones and yet, it was a lot different. Adams writing has improved a lot from the first book to this one. But because nothing much happened in the story, I was a little bored for the second half of it. (Even the first, actually because they hadn't even met her until her ex took her rejection to his ego.) So yeah, a little boring that way...
But it was okay-ish, nonetheless. Not something I'd recommend so...
"If I were an angel, it would be one of the fallen ones."
Let me start with why I initially picked up Dark Hunter. It wasn't the cover, it wasn't the blurb. Na-uh, the only reason why I picked up this book was that it was the final part of the "Zeta Cartel" series. (A disappointing reason, I know.)
Anyway, unlike the previous Zeta novels, this was a little different. The main guy in this story wasn't a high profile Zeta man, for one. He wasn't even a Zeta man, in fact. Arturo hired him because he saved his life and Arturo needed a man from the outside, so yeah, he wasn't even an official Zeta for the major part of the novel. Then, he didn't have any sympathy for women and children, two. I mean, he wouldn't hesitate even once before killing them off. And he'd kill them in style. And by that I mean that he was a serial killer, out for blood and someone who got deeply side tracked when he got taken in by the Zetas. And yet, somehow, he was bound to end up with Morgan, or Isabella as her father named her. How on earth will that happen, given his unsympathetic nature toward women?
On the other hand, Morgan, the main female in the story isn't like the previous heroines as well. She hadn't really been in an abusive relationship in the past. Like Chloe, from The Bonus , she was from a rival cartel. However, Chloe was from a rival that didn't have much significance for the Zetas. Morgan, on the other hand, was related to "The Gulf Cartel". Her father was, in fact, the lieutenant of the said cartel. Obviously then, there was a lot to believe that things could really south for her. How then, will Rip save her (and why?) and how will she survive? This single question makes the story fantastic. And by that I mean Arjun Kapoor in this scene:
Anyway, back to the book, the story was, like I said, pretty amazing. Or at least it had the potential to be amazing. But it ended up being a little dragged. Sadly. The writing style was the same as the previous ones and yet, it was a lot different. Adams writing has improved a lot from the first book to this one. But because nothing much happened in the story, I was a little bored for the second half of it. (Even the first, actually because they hadn't even met her until her ex took her rejection to his ego.) So yeah, a little boring that way...
But it was okay-ish, nonetheless. Not something I'd recommend so...
October 28, 2017
This is definitely a very dark story about Rip, a killer for the Zeta Cartel, who finds Morgan, a beaten and abused woman, and takes her as his own captive.
Although there are a lot of heavy themes in this book and many moments when I wanted to cringe and just look away, it was also so riveting that I found myself unable to put it down. The story and characters really take you through a gauntlet of emotions. I was impressed with the thoughts and feelings that Adams was able to evoke in me as a reader. This book was quite masterfully done.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this story in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Although there are a lot of heavy themes in this book and many moments when I wanted to cringe and just look away, it was also so riveting that I found myself unable to put it down. The story and characters really take you through a gauntlet of emotions. I was impressed with the thoughts and feelings that Adams was able to evoke in me as a reader. This book was quite masterfully done.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this story in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
October 27, 2017
I love this "family", and by that, I mean everyone involved in the Zeta Cartel. Yes, these are darker romance and somewhat erotic but there are romance and intrigue involved also. And this 4th book brings that out. There is also something else to say about how this author writes, I have read all of these books in order but by means do you have to which is something you can rarely say.
This story is wonderful and a must read if you enjoy anything that I have mentioned in any of my reviews for these books! I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review.
This story is wonderful and a must read if you enjoy anything that I have mentioned in any of my reviews for these books! I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review.
November 2, 2017
*4.5 stars*
November 2, 2017
another great book in this series! I didn't want to put it down...love these characters
October 30, 2017
Well A.J.Adams has done it again another amazing story I'm absolutely loving these Zeta Cartel stories some parts might upset some readers but I could not get enough great characters and storyline I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
October 30, 2017
So dark and intense! Loved every page and the characters and story were very well written. I've read the series and this one is my favorite! Don't hesititate to read this series!
January 9, 2018
A wonderful book, it helps if you have read the previous Zeta Cartel books but it also works as a stand alone novel. Fear, Love, Sex! Everything a reader wants.
October 28, 2017
4.5 stars, closer to 5 than 4
While still a teenager Rip's life was changed forever. In a gruesome murder his entire family was taken away from him. Now all that is left is revenge and the monster that has grown inside him.
Morgan, or Isabella Maria, was born inside the Gulf cartel. Her entire family died for the Gulf. Now she wants to avenge her sister's rape, but the cartel fails to help. As she takes matter into her own hands, her cartel betrays her and leaves her to die.
Rip finds Morgan almost dead and decides that saving her life will help humanize his reputation for the Zeta Cartel. What he wasn't expecting was to enjoy the company.
Morgan is unsure if Rip is an angel or the devil himself. But their bond is strong and their lovemaking explosive.
The couple's relationship blurs all the lines of consensual and non-con. The connection is undeniable, but for a moment us readers got mixed feeling about it all. It's hard to say when it all was forced and when it became real. What the author amazingly give us is the feeling that their relationship was INEVITABLE.
Sorry! Ms. Adams always leave me speechless and I can't even follow my usual review style. But I have to say why I love her writing so much.
Her heroines are always the KICK-ASS, TAKING-CHARGE type.
Her heroes are alpha-males that enjoy a strong female. They don't obscure them, but help them shine.
She takes her time with the background story. Her world-built is so well explained that we end it with no loose ends.
She has a violent imagination and she doesn't try to deny that. Her bad boys don't turn into good guys. They are bad and they know it. They learn how to live with it.
Her books are always hot. Not for everybody, because is a bit twisted, but it works wonderfully for me. :)
She always saves the best for last. LITERALLY! All the twists at the end of the book are so unexpected and welcome that I can only say WOW!
You MAY read this because you have followed the series; you SHOULD read this if you like your romances a bit violent; you MUST read this if you want to have your emotions twisted, pulled and wrung out of you!!!
This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros
As if there were any pity left in me. Love, joy, and gentleness were out of my reach forever. All that remained was pain and the monster that banished it. by Rip
While still a teenager Rip's life was changed forever. In a gruesome murder his entire family was taken away from him. Now all that is left is revenge and the monster that has grown inside him.
Except they got theirs from the enemy whereas I was being fucked by my own people. by Morgan
Morgan, or Isabella Maria, was born inside the Gulf cartel. Her entire family died for the Gulf. Now she wants to avenge her sister's rape, but the cartel fails to help. As she takes matter into her own hands, her cartel betrays her and leaves her to die.
Rip finds Morgan almost dead and decides that saving her life will help humanize his reputation for the Zeta Cartel. What he wasn't expecting was to enjoy the company.
Looking down into the angry, frightened eyes, I felt a rush of power. It was superb, almost like trapping a target. Except that was all in my head, and this went straight to my cock. by Rip
Morgan is unsure if Rip is an angel or the devil himself. But their bond is strong and their lovemaking explosive.
I'm keeping you. That was my voice, blurred with need. You're mine. I was holding on to her, wrapping myself around her. You're not leaving me.
The couple's relationship blurs all the lines of consensual and non-con. The connection is undeniable, but for a moment us readers got mixed feeling about it all. It's hard to say when it all was forced and when it became real. What the author amazingly give us is the feeling that their relationship was INEVITABLE.
We'd fought and fucked, but I'd never kissed Rip before. At first he froze, completely astonished, and then his arms were synching around me, pulling me close. His lips were warm, firm, and sweetly exploring. It felt absolutely, totally right. I sank into that kiss, feeling as if I'd come home. by Morgan
Sorry! Ms. Adams always leave me speechless and I can't even follow my usual review style. But I have to say why I love her writing so much.
Her heroines are always the KICK-ASS, TAKING-CHARGE type.
Her heroes are alpha-males that enjoy a strong female. They don't obscure them, but help them shine.
She takes her time with the background story. Her world-built is so well explained that we end it with no loose ends.
She has a violent imagination and she doesn't try to deny that. Her bad boys don't turn into good guys. They are bad and they know it. They learn how to live with it.
Her books are always hot. Not for everybody, because is a bit twisted, but it works wonderfully for me. :)
She always saves the best for last. LITERALLY! All the twists at the end of the book are so unexpected and welcome that I can only say WOW!
I was a good man once, but there's just no getting past the truth. I began by fighting monsters but in the process, I became one myself. There's no going back. The darkness still lies inside me. Sated by a lake of blood, and a universe of screams, it will always be there, black and brooding evil.
...
The cartel leader knows that I am unchanged, that the horror deep within is leashed only by my love for my girl. by Rip
You MAY read this because you have followed the series; you SHOULD read this if you like your romances a bit violent; you MUST read this if you want to have your emotions twisted, pulled and wrung out of you!!!
This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros
October 22, 2017
Leave it to this author to blow my mind again! “Dark Hunter” is the 4th stand-alone in the Zetas Cartel series (coz I still have 2 others to read so they don’t have to be read in order.) This is a phenomenal dark, psychological, romantic thriller that grabbed me from the start and the buildup continued through the whole novel & still has me hooked! ...
All I wanted to do was read this straight through, but real-life interruptions kept getting in the way! grrr ... This intense and riveting emotional roller-coaster ride kept me on the edge of my seat whenever I could read, then I was mad when I had to stop! ... Ms. Adams provides us with her amazing insight into the dark mind of Rip & his ‘monster’ inside, but also shows us that he does have some humanity left. It just takes a while for him to realize that revenge was sweet, but did not fill the void or kill his inner beast like Morgan could help him with...
Not long after changing continents to stay invisible and to start a different path, he becomes a contractor for the Zeta Cartel. As he was settling in nicely, all of a sudden a badly beaten woman washes ashore onto his private beach. At first he decides to use her as part of his cover, but as he helps her recover, he finds he cares about her and that she is special and he must keep and treasure her....
They each have their own conflicting secrets, but if they can stay alive long enough to deal with the ongoing fallout from their pasts, maybe they can destroy the ‘monster’ inside RIP, and then find some peace for their own HEA.
Awesome attention-to-detail & well-defined characters, added to many heart-pounding moments & steamy sexy romance will keep readers engaged & turning pages like mad! ... I volunteered to read this in advance but without any outside influences and I honestly do recommend this to all *** 18+ adult *** fans of fiction.
All I wanted to do was read this straight through, but real-life interruptions kept getting in the way! grrr ... This intense and riveting emotional roller-coaster ride kept me on the edge of my seat whenever I could read, then I was mad when I had to stop! ... Ms. Adams provides us with her amazing insight into the dark mind of Rip & his ‘monster’ inside, but also shows us that he does have some humanity left. It just takes a while for him to realize that revenge was sweet, but did not fill the void or kill his inner beast like Morgan could help him with...
Not long after changing continents to stay invisible and to start a different path, he becomes a contractor for the Zeta Cartel. As he was settling in nicely, all of a sudden a badly beaten woman washes ashore onto his private beach. At first he decides to use her as part of his cover, but as he helps her recover, he finds he cares about her and that she is special and he must keep and treasure her....
They each have their own conflicting secrets, but if they can stay alive long enough to deal with the ongoing fallout from their pasts, maybe they can destroy the ‘monster’ inside RIP, and then find some peace for their own HEA.
Awesome attention-to-detail & well-defined characters, added to many heart-pounding moments & steamy sexy romance will keep readers engaged & turning pages like mad! ... I volunteered to read this in advance but without any outside influences and I honestly do recommend this to all *** 18+ adult *** fans of fiction.
November 2, 2017
Who is Leonard "Greasy" Sykes? Who is Marston? Why is he looking for Greasy? What happens after they find one another? In fact, where do they find one another? What is the history that Greasy and Marston have with one another? Who are Eddy and Poncho? Who are Emma and Lucy? What do they have to do with Morgan? What do we learn about Morgan after Poncho asks her out to dinner? Who are Jake, Tim, Roberto and Mitch? How do they know the girls? When Neto from Los Osos comes into the picture, what happens? When Morgan finds out the truth about Mitch and why he's back, and she spurns him, what happens? What is the Don told? Who is Morgan to them? When she finds herself beat to within an inch of her life, what does she do? When "Rip" Marston finds himself in Mexico, with Arturo and the Zetas, what happens to Morgan? You're going to have to read to see how this plays out. What are Morgan's goals? Do they align with what Arturo wants? What does Rip want? What happened that put him on Arturo's radar? Read and see!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
October 21, 2017
So, if you follow my reviews you will know that I said that I have recently read 3 books in a row that were 5 star books. Dark Hunter is the third book that I read that is 5 + STARS.
Dark Hunter is the 4th book in the Zeta Cartel and I loved this book! Dark Hunter is easily my favorite book out of Zeta series. It is a dark book to read. Make sure you read the Warning and if you don’t like any of the contents in the warning don’t read this book. But, I LOVED it!
This is Rip Marston and Isabella Maria Franco’s story. Rip is a killer (and is the Dark Hunter) and he joins the Zeta Cartel. Isabella (aka Morgan) is badly beaten by the betraying Gulf Cartel that she grew up in. She is found by Rip. He helps her heal and decides he wants to keep her. She is terrified that she will be discovered as someone from the rival cartel and that the Zeta Cartel will kill her. Now I will let you read this book to find out the rest of the story. Dark Hunter is a page turner, full of action, suspense and twists.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. 5 + Stars. I highly enjoyed this book.
Dark Hunter is the 4th book in the Zeta Cartel and I loved this book! Dark Hunter is easily my favorite book out of Zeta series. It is a dark book to read. Make sure you read the Warning and if you don’t like any of the contents in the warning don’t read this book. But, I LOVED it!
This is Rip Marston and Isabella Maria Franco’s story. Rip is a killer (and is the Dark Hunter) and he joins the Zeta Cartel. Isabella (aka Morgan) is badly beaten by the betraying Gulf Cartel that she grew up in. She is found by Rip. He helps her heal and decides he wants to keep her. She is terrified that she will be discovered as someone from the rival cartel and that the Zeta Cartel will kill her. Now I will let you read this book to find out the rest of the story. Dark Hunter is a page turner, full of action, suspense and twists.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. 5 + Stars. I highly enjoyed this book.
March 15, 2019
I found this book to be a little long to read. It took me a while to try and get into the story line and it still didnt happen truly until the last two chapters. I really liked Morgan and how feisty she is. I am also happy to see her being a mechanic and going against the stereotypical female jobs, also seen when she cant cook but Rip is a great cook. I may be over analyzing lol The thing that really got me was that everything seemed to be ready to blow up, a world war three type of thing and then it just didnt. I was left wanting something to happen. I did like however how Adams brought in the characters from the past books to give a little more of a continuance.
October 30, 2017
love the zeta novels and I just read this one straight through. Definitely a 5 star read for me although the best is, without doubt, Dirty Dealings (awesome).
If this is your first AJ Adams book then lucky you - go back to the beginning of the cartel series and read them in order.
Other 6 star reads are The Degas Girl and Beast.
If this is your first AJ Adams book then lucky you - go back to the beginning of the cartel series and read them in order.
Other 6 star reads are The Degas Girl and Beast.
October 29, 2017
More reviews available at www.mackenziesmountain.com
Dark Hunter begins with a fairly significant amount of backstory to introduce two new characters into the Zeta Cartel series. This is helpful to fans of the series, but as a reader, I also wanted to just jump in with the main story and revisit old characters, so my impatient personality was also slightly frustrated by the seemingly slow start.
While Dark Hunter isn't exactly a Romeo and Juliet story, Isabella is dang lucky that she wormed her way into the hearts of her new-found friends before they realized her parentage, because if not, they would have killed her on the spot just because of her last name. She is also supremely lucky that Rip needed her so badly to adapt to his new environment and that Rip's skills were in particular demand at the time.
I've rated Dark Hunter four stars because Isabella is too similar to the previous two heroines in this series for my liking. All three seem to have the same dominant character traits. All are mouthy and hide their fear well from the Cartel, possess dubious backgrounds and fit right in with the outlaw lifestyle, and don't take things personally. They are perfectly fine with murder and mayhem and don't seem to have any moral qualms with the world they inhabit.
The heroine in the first book had some striking differences that separate her from these heroines, and in my opinion she probably had the hardest time adapting to her new life, but Dark Hunter felt like the third book in a row with nearly the same heroine. I am fervently hoping the author changes it up in the next book in the Zeta Cartel series, which I will still be eagerly awaiting.
At the end of the day, Kyle is still my first love and main squeeze among the Zetas.
Dark Hunter begins with a fairly significant amount of backstory to introduce two new characters into the Zeta Cartel series. This is helpful to fans of the series, but as a reader, I also wanted to just jump in with the main story and revisit old characters, so my impatient personality was also slightly frustrated by the seemingly slow start.
While Dark Hunter isn't exactly a Romeo and Juliet story, Isabella is dang lucky that she wormed her way into the hearts of her new-found friends before they realized her parentage, because if not, they would have killed her on the spot just because of her last name. She is also supremely lucky that Rip needed her so badly to adapt to his new environment and that Rip's skills were in particular demand at the time.
I've rated Dark Hunter four stars because Isabella is too similar to the previous two heroines in this series for my liking. All three seem to have the same dominant character traits. All are mouthy and hide their fear well from the Cartel, possess dubious backgrounds and fit right in with the outlaw lifestyle, and don't take things personally. They are perfectly fine with murder and mayhem and don't seem to have any moral qualms with the world they inhabit.
The heroine in the first book had some striking differences that separate her from these heroines, and in my opinion she probably had the hardest time adapting to her new life, but Dark Hunter felt like the third book in a row with nearly the same heroine. I am fervently hoping the author changes it up in the next book in the Zeta Cartel series, which I will still be eagerly awaiting.
At the end of the day, Kyle is still my first love and main squeeze among the Zetas.
October 29, 2017
Another wonderful Zeta book by AJ Adams. The story is amazing and really draws the reader in. You see the characters grow through the pages. If you haven't read this I HIGHLY recommend it.
October 29, 2017
Once Rip Marston’s family was tragically murdered, he took it amongst himself to get revenge. Working as a stealth killer for over a decade for various criminal enterprises, he is the best of the best that doesn’t exist. After saving Arturo Vasquez’s life, he’s offered everything he’s been looking for: a home, protection, and plenty of opportunities to let his inner-monster out. His hopes for stability are challenged when he comes across a barely alive woman in his garden. Is she just going to slow him down and make his façade impossible to maintain, or could he actually use her to his advantage?
This is one of my more favorite stories by A.J. Adams, but the execution was too flawed for me to really like it. The format and organization was often sloppy, making it hard to follow the timeline. There were obvious inconsistencies that should’ve been an easy pickup for a proofreader: IE An alias Rip uses goes from Benton to Benson in a matter of three pages. There’s a ton of inner monologue that just repeats and repeats that dragged the plot. But my biggest issue was the constant use of British expressions and terminology by American characters. For example: Use of the word ‘torch’ rather than ‘flashlight’ by Morgan, a Texan. An author shouldn’t write a character from a different culture if you can’t get it accurate.
Aside from some creatively descriptive murders, this book isn’t very dark. Rip constantly hems and haws about his horrible treatment of Morgan, but other than some threats, he doesn’t actually mistreat her. The author had a cartel boss and a hitman repeatedly saying ‘ohmigod’. I’m supposed to fear these characters, yet a lot of their dialogue just seemed like high school girls playing a role.
The book is pretty light on the romance. The connection between Rip and Morgan came out of nowhere. There was little buildup and actually, very few intimate scenes with them together that didn’t go to black. I just didn’t get enough of them alone together without the influence of having to play a role for the cartel for me to absorb their genuine feelings for each other.
If only an editor (or a better one) had a hand in the story, it would’ve been much more impressive. Instead, I felt like I wasted half of the book just figuring out what I was reading.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of my more favorite stories by A.J. Adams, but the execution was too flawed for me to really like it. The format and organization was often sloppy, making it hard to follow the timeline. There were obvious inconsistencies that should’ve been an easy pickup for a proofreader: IE An alias Rip uses goes from Benton to Benson in a matter of three pages. There’s a ton of inner monologue that just repeats and repeats that dragged the plot. But my biggest issue was the constant use of British expressions and terminology by American characters. For example: Use of the word ‘torch’ rather than ‘flashlight’ by Morgan, a Texan. An author shouldn’t write a character from a different culture if you can’t get it accurate.
Aside from some creatively descriptive murders, this book isn’t very dark. Rip constantly hems and haws about his horrible treatment of Morgan, but other than some threats, he doesn’t actually mistreat her. The author had a cartel boss and a hitman repeatedly saying ‘ohmigod’. I’m supposed to fear these characters, yet a lot of their dialogue just seemed like high school girls playing a role.
The book is pretty light on the romance. The connection between Rip and Morgan came out of nowhere. There was little buildup and actually, very few intimate scenes with them together that didn’t go to black. I just didn’t get enough of them alone together without the influence of having to play a role for the cartel for me to absorb their genuine feelings for each other.
If only an editor (or a better one) had a hand in the story, it would’ve been much more impressive. Instead, I felt like I wasted half of the book just figuring out what I was reading.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
November 2, 2017DNF this authors writing style just isn't for me.
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