Do you have any idea how hard it is not to laugh out loud in the middle of this book? There was more than one spot when I struggled not to laugh. The couple were great together. I truly enjoyed it from start to finish!

The Reluctant Retiree

Saylor
My unique relationship with Beck ten years ago made me the perfect choice for an undercover operation. My job… bring down Randall Beckett and his Phoenix Syndicate. In all these years I have never shared his secrets, what makes me think I can now?

Beck
A decade ago my uncle sent Saylor away. Now she’s back to attend his funeral. What she doesn’t know is that I’m aware that the real reason she’s here is to infiltrate my organization. The Organized Crime Bureau is in for a shock. I mean to claim her as my mate and they can do nothing to stop me.

The Reviews

JigsawGirl
4.0 out of 5 stars The OCB Was Immediately Sus
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 4, 2023
Saylor was a pleasant surprise. She used her strength as an analyst to protect herself, take out her adversaries, and think her way through determining their end game. I resented the OCB's plans for Saylor to infiltrate the Phoenix Syndicate. They really had no idea about Beck's possible reaction.

I did like Saylor and Beck together. As much as he wanted to protect her, he seemed to respect her talents. Beck was the Alpha and he seemed to mellow out just a touch after he connected with Saylor.

I also appreciated the touches of action, suspense, and mystery. I liked the witty banter Saylor had with not only Beck, but Joe and Mrs. C. as well.

One thing I didn't expect was the information Beck's uncle provided to Saylor. On top of that, the response and acknowledgment or lack thereof later in the book was unexpected. There were some other things I would have liked to have seen in Beck and Saylor's story, but it was an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Kiss of Luck, Midwest Syndicate
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 6, 2023
Kiss of Luck is a worthy entry into the Syndicate Masters series. I love Beck (Randall Beckett) and Saylor Keaton. For those of you who, like me, have read all the other Syndicate Masters series, the first thing you will notice is that there is absolutely no tie to any of the previous Syndicate Masters. I have become so accustomed to the intermingling and references to other Syndicates and their people that, I will admit, it rather jarred me throughout the book. But that did not stop me from thoroughly enjoying Kiss of Luck and look forward to the second book in the Midwest Syndicates series.

Beck and Saylor had been parted for ten years. Saylor caused the separation, instigated by Beck’s uncle. Saylor went to work for the FBI’s Organized Crime Bureau (OCB), which arranged for her to have a fake identity. Beck had searched for her all the time they were separated, but didn’t find her until about six months before their “reunion.” And, in typical Syndicate Master style, that “reunion” was, well, what can I say, Beck is a true Syndicate Master. ‘Nough said.

One thing I am left wondering about is the following exchange Beck had with one of Gutierrez’s goons. (Gutierrez is a man with whom Beck had had business dealings, until Beck learned that Gutierrez intended to turn over the arms to terrorists intent on targeting US cities. Gutierrez was not happy that Beck would no longer supply him with arms and, indeed, had stopped the shipment already on the way to Gutierrez. Thus, the attack on Beck’s compound.)

“You planned your attack better than I thought,” said Beck.
“We had help.”
“Who.”
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” the man with the oily hair and even greasier smile sneered.

Is this a set-up for an overarching mystery in the Midwest Syndicates series? Only time will tell, and I certainly hope that Ms. James solves that mystery in the books to come.

Highly recommend and an undisputed 5+ stars!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Donna L
5.0 out of 5 stars A SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 5, 2023
What a treat we are in for with this new series by Ms. James. A second chance romance
that she belted out of the park. She has the ability to instill passion and integrity into
her characters even when they live outside of the law.

Saylor and Beck made a perfect couple, or should I say purr- fect. If they could go back
in time and have an honest conversation than the last ten years apart would never have
happened. Even though Saylor did not believe Beck’s uncle’s story about his heritage she
ran. The OCB used Saylor to infiltrate and set Beck up with the intention of bringing down
his organization. What they did was throw her into the Leopard Den where their plan
failed. One kiss was all it took for her to forget her goal. One touch and the walls started
to crumble around her heart. I admired Sayor’s strength. Her commitment. She was sassy,
feisty and always quick with a retort, but she was a bundle of goo in Beck’s arms.

Beck may have been a gangster but one with morals who cared for his people. Oh he was
 dangerous and deadly but I loved how he cherished Saylor. He had been actively seeking
 her for six months and was ready when she attended his uncle's funeral. It didn't take him long to inform Saylor of his plans. Plans that would see them marry and mate. His enemies tried to burn him down, but they soon found out that the Phoenix would always rise again.

Beck and Saylor’s relationship was complex. They broke the rules meant to keep them apart. Who knew there was honor based in the criminal world? This book was steamy, dark, and delicious in so many ways. I loved it.