Mystery/Suspense Review "Killing Sarai" by J.A. Redmerski

Title:  Killing Sarai
Author: J.A. Redmerski
Publisher:  Self Published
Publication Date:  June 18, 2013
Genre:  Mystery / Suspense
Format:  Kindle 515 KB  |  Paperback 396 pages

Buy this book on Amazon:  Kindle Edition  |  Paperback 
Author's Website:  http://jessicaredmerski.com/ 
Author's Goodreads Profile:  J.A. Redmerski

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Sarai was only fourteen when her mother uprooted her to live in Mexico with a notorious drug lord. Over time she forgot what it was like to live a normal life, but she never let go of her hope to escape the compound where she has been held for the past nine years.

Victor is a cold-blooded assassin who, like Sarai, has known only death and violence since he was a young boy. When Victor arrives at the compound to collect details and payment for a hit, Sarai sees him as her only opportunity for escape. But things don’t go as planned and instead of finding transport back to Tucson, she finds herself free from one dangerous man and caught in the clutches of another.

While on the run, Victor strays from his primal nature as he succumbs to his conscience and resolves to help Sarai. As they grow closer, he finds himself willing to risk everything to keep her alive; even his relationship with his devoted brother and liaison, Niklas, who now like everyone else wants Sarai dead.

As Victor and Sarai slowly build a trust, the differences between them seem to lessen, and an unlikely attraction intensifies. But Victor’s brutal skills and experience may not be enough in the end to save her, as the power she unknowingly holds over him may ultimately be what gets her killed.

This is their story…

Shelly's Thoughts...

First off, I want to point out that this book is nothing like The Edge of Never.  I have seen some people on Goodreads classifying this book as Romance and that's being overly generous really.  This is a mystery, suspense and could even qualify as thriller, but I wouldn't give it a romance tag.    This book was so unexpected for me, in a really good way.  I hadn't really even read a synopsis for it when I let Ms. Redmerski know that we wanted to review it for the blog.  I just knew that Heather and I both loved The Edge of Never so I was sure I could convince Heather to review another of Jessica's books!

This story is probably different from pretty much anything I have read.  It's a bit like the movie Hitman minus all the political/Interpol stuff.  Basically the plot is covered in the synopsis so I don't want to go into too much detail with that.   Sarai is essentially a sex slave to a drug lord in Mexico, she doesn't know where she is exactly.  She has been there for 9 years since she was 14.  She has seen other young girls come and go, but Javier keeps her because he says he loves her.  This doesn't stop him from abusing her, but he is very clear that no one else is to touch her, there are severe consequences for those that try.  All Sarai dreams of is the day she can escape.

When an American stranger shows up she knows that this is her chance, and it may be the only one she has to get back into the United States.  I think that she realizes the danger she will be in with this man, but she doesn't think it will be as bad as being with Javier.  She know, from listening to the conversation he had with Javier, that he isn't really a good guy, but she has no choice.

Victor is a hit man who works or and organization called the Order.  We don't get too many details on that, but I think we will eventually learn more about them.  He has been with the Order since he was 9 years old.  His age is never revealed, but Sarai surmises him to be in his upper 30's. He is focused, driven, unforgiving and a cold-blooded killer who is always one step ahead.  He is relentless in his duty to the Order, but at some point his armor starts to crack and he starts to let Sarai in.  He reluctantly brings Sarai into his world, if only for a brief moment.

This isn't a dive in head first romance type situation by any means.  This is a slow building relationship that while it has tremendous potential, it's not there yet.  I don't even think they are at the "love" stage yet, but I think it's a place they will find eventually.  They definitely have chemistry and there are some very tense moments between them.

I felt like this was a very well written story.  It didn't have a cliffhanger ending, but when you get to the end of the book it's clear that's it's not the end of the story and for that I am thankful.  I was not ready for it to be over!  I am looking forward to the sequel, I have a feeling that Sarai is going to be pretty bad ass in the next book.

This is a book that is full of violence, a lot of death, some torture and sexual situations.  This is absolutely and adult book.  If you don't care for these things in your books then steer clear of this one.  I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for something different that the old standby angsty romance novels that are everywhere right now.  Not that I don't enjoy those...I totally do, but this book is just so different.

Heather's Thoughts....
Okay, okay, WOAH!  Shelly is absolutely right when she say's, she had me at... "Ms. Redmerski."  That lady could probably write about chickens laying big, fat eggs and STILL find a way to trap me into her world with her writing!  I frecking love her... Now, with that being said; Let's get down to business!!  Hahaha!!

This story is in one word... { FRESH }.  I do read well over 100 books a year and I will say, that some of the Contemporary Romance books can tend to "feel" very... similar (not all of them but, many!).  And, as Shelly pointed out, I also assumed when saying, "Yes" to this review that this would be another great The Edge of Never style book.  I've never been so glad to be so wrong!!  LOL

Additionally, I believe that this book has the potential to start a fabulous deep, new series that will leave you mind-blown.  In my dreams (cough, cough Jessica) we'll get the yummy romance with a sinister, dark twist that is longer than a simple "24hr read" by having it through a series!   EEeeeek!!! One of my top reasons that I read all of Jessica Redmerski's books is her character development and these two do not disappoint.  She's not interested in giving you the "Slam, Bam, Thank you Man" approach to them, but slowly bring you into their fractured personalities and lives, thus catching you into her web.  Well played Ms. Redmerski, well played indeed.

I really don't want to repeat what Shelly has so eloquently laid out for you so, I'll just say, "Listen to her peeps, she's speaking the truth and truth is mighty tasty!!"  and thanks Jessica for another great reason to abandon my responsibilities and Dive Under my Covers!!  ;D

*Disclaimer:  We were provided with a copy of this book courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.*