Blaise Munro – She tossed her curly red mane, which fell past her shoulders, back over her head before donning the cap and scarf. Her stormy green eyes, normally tranquil, blazed with emotion and concern.
Gavan Drummond – Black Tiger, Gallowglass Syndicate – Tall with a muscular frame, dark hair, dark eyes, and permanent dark stubble.
Carys Mathieson – She wasn’t one of the lithe redheads or brunettes with gorgeous faces and perfect figures that he was photographed with so often. Carys didn’t think she was bad to look at, just nothing to really write home about—average, pleasingly plump her mother’s relatives had called her.
She betrayed the head of the Irish mafia years before. Now he’s the only person that can save her sister from being murdered.
Katie
For two years I worked undercover as the lover of the most ruthless man in Ireland. The night he was arrested, my betrayal became known and I ran. Now my only remaining family, my sister has been taken by rebels. If I agree to his bargain and become his can I trust he will keep his word?
I know better than most how dark and dangerous he is but I don’t have a choice …
Con The betrayal of my mate devastated me. I haven’t been with another woman since the night the feds arrested me. She thinks she can walk back into my life without reprisal?
Whether she accepts my bargain or not… she will pay for her deceit.
The Bargain is a dark suspenseful mafia romance in the Syndicate Masters series. If you like intrigue, men determined to possess their women, and the strong intelligent women who stand up to them, then you’ll love Delta James’ newest Kindle melting paranormal romance.
The Reviews
Mary Kirkland
4.0 out of 5 stars I liked this more than I thought I would
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
Con is the head of the O'Neill crime syndicate which was the Irish mob. He's also a panther shifter. He wasn't a nice guy but he had found what he thought was a kind of happiness with Moira/Katherine when he found her and realized she was his mate. But it wasn't to be because she was an undercover cop and for a while he believed that she had died...until she showed back up at a bed and breakfast and waited for him to come find her because she needed his help.
Katherine goes looking for help because her sister Christie has been kidnapped. Her sister is a nun and was teaching women of a village to read when someone kidnapped her. When her boss and the church aren't able to help her, she decides to reach out to Con, not knowing whether he'll help or kill her on the spot for betraying him.
After spending time in the witness protection agency after she had to fake her death because Con had been able to escape the charges she helped to bring against him, she thought she was free of him even though she missed him. But he agrees to help rescue her sister but she has to agree to be his wife, submissive and sign her life over to him. He's a Dom and he's mad and hurt because of how she betrayed him but now he has her and he won't be letting her ever go and she's signed a contract acknowledging that she now belongs to him.
When someone comes after Con and they find themselves in danger, they both realize just how much they care about each other. The ending was really good and I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. Con turned out to be a great guy in his own way.
VMG 💯dle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Proceed with Caution, NO BLURRED LINES
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 5, 2022
Verified Purchase
Author Delta James has a "strong creative pen 🖊️ game". Give credit where it's due for the storyline, twists & turns, intermingling the history of the Wildcats brought forth by their Ancient Goddess, the purpose, & respecting the "reader" in HOW Ms. James gave the background 💯.
The details, dialogues, business & interpersonal relationships were really Well Done 👍.
Action packed + the energy was a DEFINITE COMPLIMENT to the whole book💯💯.
Now for the WARNINGS !!!😟.
👉LISTEN Y'ALL, this relationship between KATIE & CON, the RULES of Dom/ Sub roles ??,
IS NOT 🙅. WILL NOT🙅. AT NO TIME 🙅.
be a CHOICE nor PROCLIVITY for MANY 💯💯💯.
READER INCLUDED 👈💯💯. There is a SENSUALITY & HEAT 🔥 that the Author was WISE to LAYER IN 💯👍👏🧐.
It in NO WISE detracted from the high voltage BDSM or the SHEER sexual aggressive nature of CON. DK, 🙅🤔 how much was him, his Panther, or a combination of the 2. Both craved Katie.
KATIE was BADASS in her own right without Con💅😎. She did BRING IT & HOLD HER OWN in her profession. Intelligent, quick thinking, in dealing with disrespect from others.
INCLUDING CON, believe it or not 🤦💯. Yet, it was WILLINGLY "FLEETING" on HER part when it came to Con.
The "Sub" Love dynamic, perhaps 🤷.
Not a criticism, just the fact of who this character was, imho.
However, the LOVE between them is apparent 💯.
LOYALTY is demonstrated in unconventional ways. Again, 👉 apparent 💯💯.
This read is GRAPHIC, FULL GROWN, HEAVY BDSM EROTICA folks🤦💯. NOTHING LIGHTWEIGHT.
A first venture out of "curiosity" as a reader, the subject matter ( also "1st curiosity 💯) & to check out this Author's "book work".
# Curiosities No More🙅...
# Everything isn't for Everybody 👈🤷.
Spinneretta
4.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 7, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is the first book in the Syndicate Masters series, but it is set in the same world as the author’s other books, and there is a small cameo by some of them.
It should also be noted that this is erotic fiction, with elements of BDsM, so if that is not your thing, then this book is not for you.
When Kate left Con three years ago, her job had been to betray him to Interpol, after which they faked her death.
When Kate’s sister, a nun, is kidnapped, it’s to Con she has to turn for help, and the price he is asking, is one she is more than willing to pay…
There is more to Con and his mob connections than meets the eye, however, and danger that follows him is just as deadly.
Although Con is a shifter, this is almost an incidental aspect to the story. In reality, it is more about a second chance romance between the lead characters, the heroine having betrayed him before.
There are some pretty tough scenes to start with, but everything is quickly cleared up- it is, after all, a romance!
This is a quick and dirty read, very much focused on an immediate danger to the couple in question, rather than the shifter history, or even their own back history. It makes for a fast paced, quick read, but isn’t an in-depth urban fantasy type story.
If you enjoy alpha shifters with some BDsM tendencies, then this one is for you.
Once I have her back she will understand.
I get what I want and I want her.
This is such a great story and ending to the series. The couple are ones that you can easily identify with. I could swear I saw hints in the ending of things to come in future series. That makes it so much better while I wait!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
The Reluctant Retiree
Braden Hughes is the last of a long line of illegitimate descendants from the great kings of Wales… and the syndicate kingpin of Cardiff. I know his secret and he wants me back at any cost.
Carys Five years ago I knew love until I saw something I shouldn’t have and ran! He has been hunting me since I disappeared that fateful night. But now he is not the only one hunting me…
Braden Four years, eleven months, two weeks and six days. That is how long she had been gone when we found her. But someone else found her first …
The Reviews!
Roxanne Smith 5.0 out of 5 stars End of the series Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2022 Verified Purchase This fourth book winds up the saga of the UK shifter/protectors. Again we have a Dominant alpha male and a strong willed, highly intelligent female who is anything but submissive. He's keeping secrets from her for fear of losing her but could lose her for being less than forthcoming. Still when they are united in purpose, they are a force to be reckoned with. While not a cliffhanger, the end introduces the prospect of a continuation of the characters in a new series. Gotta love Delta James for her creativity and imagination
Mom2three VINE VOICE 5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing finish Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2022 Verified Purchase I didn't want this series to end, but since it has to this was the best way it could have happened. I loved Carys and her fiestiness. I also loved Braden and his over the top Alpha-ness. The story was fantastic and had all the action and heat I've come to love about Ms. James, and the HEA was spot on. I like that the stories in this series can be read as stand alone a, but I always recommend reading them in series order
Sara B. VINE VOICE 3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but just not my favorite Delta James book. Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2022 The 4th book in the Syndicate Masters has a storyline that grabs you attention and keeps it until they very end of the book.
Both main characters have strong personalities, Braden is a very dominant alpha who when he sees what he wants, he makes sure he claims it.
Braden gradually sweeps Carys off her feet and she is later installed in his castle, and treated as if she is Mistress of his clan. Their passionate relationship blows up when Carys sees something she shouldn’t have seen and that Braden had kept secret. But she doesn’t give him the chance to explain or ask him any questions - she just runs and hides from him for years.
Due to not being open, Braden loses his fated mate for nearly 5 years. They get a second chance when Braden pulls an very alpha move that changes the dynamic of their relationship that may cost him what he really wants. Actions have consequences and Braden doesn’t realize his actions aren’t justified because those actions made him feel better. He seems to have not learned his lesson on keeping secrets from Carys and almost loses her again.
The story is compelling and the characters are engaging on the surface, but I just don’t connect with a book when authors separate a couple over miscommunication or secrets, and especially when the separation extends for several years! I’d rather the characters have a blow up fight, then cool off and discuss what’s going on or what they thought happened vs reality - ya know, actually be adults instead of running away.
My frustration with the extended separation increases when the female is presumed or said not to have any relationships while apart, and then alternatively, the male waits a short time before he just has to give in to his uncontrollable sexual urges and have sex with other women.
In this case, and in my opinion, him thinking about the love of his life while using someone else for a sexual release just boils my blood and makes it even worse. To outright use one woman while claiming another is the love of your life is just BS and demeaning. Just no. This also really does nothing to propel the storyline along, it just detracts from the sexiness of the male character
I found it almost impossible to find Braden to be a romantic or loving male. Yes, Carys ran away from Braden, but his actions and intentionally keeping secrets is what put her in the position to freak out and run. I feel he is doubly wrong and then how he reclaims her just is a step too far. As much as I wanted to like this alpha male, he just pushed too many of my buttons. Carys’ actions are also frustrating and hit some of my hit buttons.
The majority of books I’ve read by Delta James are easily solid 5-stars reads. My opinion on this book only being a 3-star is my opinion and I’ve spelled out what upset me, but this is my opinion because you may have an entirely different tolerance for those plot points.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Rhonda Hicks VINE VOICE 5.0 out of 5 stars engaging to say the least Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2022 'The Understanding' is the fourth book in Delta James' "Syndicate Masters" series. I have to admit this one had a more dramatic, adventurous feel to it. Perhaps a bit more drama. Braden, the Alpha of the Smilodon Sabretooth Clan, often referred to as the Beast of Penarth has known Carys is his fated mate but doesn't actually meet her until the day of her mother's funeral when he attends to pay his respects. For some reason that causes her mother's extended family to become rude and hostile towards the man. But as time progresses Braden maneuvers himself to be at the coffee shop where Carys goes and they wind up seeing each other. There are several miscommunications between these two and because both have such strong personalities it plays havoc on the D/s relationship Branden is trying to cultivate with Carys. Twists and turns in the story, along with a plot for murder, keep it engaging to say the least. Of course, it's a Delta James paranormal fated-mate relationship so you know the chemistry is off the chart. I was thrilled when they finally got their happy ending and then the guests showed up and we have a whole new scenario playing out. I can't wait to see where Ms. James takes us on this one
Such a wonderful story, I love these characters. Granted, I thought Peyton caved into Joshua a little bit quickly, but that’s just me. I have to admit, I love the little clues you left as to the type of shifters the last book will feature. Don’t want to spoil the ending, but I didn’t see that coming!
Reluctant Retiree
Joshua Knight—arts patron and currently the most powerful man in London.
Forget those in the monarchy or other barons of capitalism, Joshua Knight makes them look like paupers and pawns in the unseen chess game he and his friends seem to be playing. I’m a freelance reporter looking to make a name for myself. In the course of my investigation I come across damning evidence of corruption and crime.
Now I’m on the run to save my life and follow the story. The problem is that those who should be trying to protect me are part of the conspiracy to cover up the murder and get rid of the only witness… me.
The Agreement is a enemies to lovers romance with steamy heat in and out of the bedroom for mature readers only. Contains a reporter who will do anything for her story and the man who will do anything to stop her.
Redrabbitt 5.0 out of 5 stars THE KING OF THE JUNGLE Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022 The new series, Syndicate Masters, has the feel of Ms. Delta James' other unique series, with large cat shifters, but this one also mentions places you will read about in some of her other stories based in the UK area. 'The series will focus on four kingdoms—Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. Each area has a warlord that formed the Syndicate to restore all that had been lost.'
Joshua Knight is the head of the Tiamat Syndicate. While he has headquarters in London, his estate is in Devon and known as Arsalan. It had once been the ruins of a castle—but he purchased it and has brought it back to its glory—with some modernization. It set high atop a craggy cliff overlooking the city of Lion Head's Cove and the crashing sea. The name Arsalan is Muslim for lion or, more precisely, king of the jungle.
Peyton Cooper wanted answers, and since the paper refuses to give her assignment beyond fluff pieces, she has started her own in-depth look into the brutal death of an older prima ballerina, Dame Diana. When she talked with the paper, they insisted she give all her notes to a lead reporter. Now, she is going to confront Joshua Knight, a kingpin that she feels could be responsible. She enters the lion's den on her own, but she will be the one cornered before the day is over.
The story is a page-turning tale and a great addition to the series. Joshua Knight is a black lion shifter, and yes, he does have his illegal activities, but he is also a philanthropist. He also wants to know who killed Dame Diana but is shocked at how Peyton Cooper comes barging into his office. He'll have her escorted out, but as he leaves, he sees a red laser on her and saves her before the shot happens. She thinks someone was aiming for him, but he knows it was for her—but why. Now, Peyton is the 'guest' of Joshua at Arsalan. When a second near attack comes at his private home, he realizes that she is definitely the target.
"Yes, his mate had recognized her master, even if she'd yet to understand it."
Joshua: Do you have any idea who might have hired someone to kill you? The gunman was a professional with a sniper rifle and scope. You need to get that through your head. The sniper was there for you.
"The Yard has learned that it's best to follow my lead. In time, you will learn to do the same thing."
The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly. Joshua has known that Peyton was his mate since they were both members of Baker Street. She would never consent to scene with him, but he was bidding his time. He will keep her safe, even from herself and her foolishness. Why are the Bratva after her?
Joshua: Like with most things, people prefer the romantic illusion to the harsh reality. Peyton: The only thing I'd like from you, Knight, is a train ticket or a ride back to London. Joshua: You really seem to enjoy pushing that thorn into my paw. Peyton: I don't enjoy it. I'm simply unwilling to play the cooperative and nice victim for you.
Now, she is in his home, and he will come up with a solution, one to protect him—and her. Will she consent to a D/s contract and marriage? Will this be the beginning of their future? When will Joshua share the secret of his pride?
I loved the chemistry between Joshua and Peyton. A dominance/submission lifestyle is no surprise for her; they both play at Baker Street in London. Submitting to Joshua comes easier than she anticipated. When the murder mystery of Dame Diana is solved, will they end their marriage? What will happen when Peyton discovers she is among lion shifters? Will she confront Joshua, or will she run, placing her life in danger? The story is a mystery with suspense, danger, angst, dominance, submission, and surprises.
Denise DeCrescito (From In Here) 5.0 out of 5 stars Fast-paced, with plenty of drama and lots of steam Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2022 4.5
“The Agreement” is the third book in the ‘Syndicate Masters’ series by Delta James. It’s a paranormal lion-shifter romance that combines elements of suspense, organized crime, and D/s in a story that has some unexpected twists and turns. It can definitely be read as a standalone.
Joshua is the king of the jungle that is London. He runs a vast network of legitimate and illegitimate businesses, provides employment and protection for hundreds of people, and is alpha to the lion-shifters of his pride. Peyton is a news reporter who always gets assigned the fluff pieces. She wants to be an investigative reporter and is determined to make that happen. After the brutal death of an aging ballerina, she’s convinced that Joshua had something to do with the murder, Peyton is determined to confront him and somehow get the truth about his involvement. Things get particularly complicated though, when it becomes apparent that somebody is trying to kill Peyton. Joshua knows that the two of them are destined to be together, and he’s determined to protect her, whether she likes it or not.
This was a fast-paced story with some excellent, unexpected developments. The dynamic between Joshua and Peyton is intense, as is the chemistry between them. A couple of things that happened at different parts of the book would’ve bothered me if I was Peyton, but hey, it’s fiction. Aside from those things, Joshua is surprisingly sensitive gangster/Dominant. There are excellent secondary characters in this story who add a lot to the overall experience. The next book in the series sounds so extra-unusual, I’m looking forward to whatever this author has for us.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased a copy on Amazon.
Rhonda Hicks VINE VOICE 5.0 out of 5 stars left me wanting more Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2022 "In the dark mists of time, the empire was torn apart by men who valued power over principle. An ancient goddess of courage and honor called upon four great wildcats to become her familiars and impose order on the war-torn realm. Gifting each of them with the ability to shift from beast to man and back again, she dispatched them to the four kingdoms— Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. Each became a warlord and formed the Syndicate to restore all that had been lost." Delta James. The Agreement: Syndicate Masters (Kindle Locations 45-48). 'The Agreement' is the third book in Delta James' scintillating series "Syndicate Masters". If you're not familiar with the series, you're doing yourself a disservice. If you're reading this review, then the quote at the beginning gives the premise of where it all started and you won't want to miss any of it. This time we get to meet Joshua, the kingpin of the Tiamat Syndicate in England. Rich beyond belief, entrepreneur, philanthropist, highly regarded and respected Dom of Baker Street BDSM club, and black lion-shifter. Peyton is a journalist who has been assigned to fluff pieces, mostly weddings and flower shows but has a penchant for finding out the details and solving the kidnap and murder of a Prima Ballerina who happened to be a friend of her grandmother. Everything Peyton has found so far has led her to Joshua Knight and she wants answers but nothing is as easy as her original plan. The twists and turns that led to the ultimate surprise were riveting. The chemistry of a fated mate pair is tantalizing, and the characters are big, bold, and totally relatable. As usual, this one left me wanting more and I can't wait to see what Ms. James brings with 'The Understanding
I love where Ms. James seems to be taking this series. The origin of the shifters is definitely different. It’s not the first Shifter Mafia book I’ve read, but she adds a good twist on it!
Reluctant Retiree
Book Blurb:
Gavan Drummond is the most powerful man in Scotland, he is neither pure nor innocent. Can I trust him to save my company?
My family has been making single malt whiskey for centuries and has a world-renowned reputation. A rival has been trying to put us out of business and acquire both our distilling methods and our land. In an effort to save me from a forced marriage, my grandfather leaves Drummond 51 percent of the business to hold in trust until I marry.
Now my grandfather is dead and I have to deal with the distillery, the rival family wanting me dead, and Drummond – the black tiger. But I don’t know where else to turn to for help.
Gavan offers me a Pact … submit for a year or lose my legacy. If I accept, will I be sharing the bed of a man or a beast?
The Pact is a dark mafia romance in the Syndicate Masters series. If you like intrigue, men determined to possess their women, and the strong intelligent women who stand up to them, then you’ll love Delta James’ newest Kindle melting paranormal romance.
Buy The Pact today, for a growly tiger shifter, enemies-to-lovers romance with twists that will keep you guessing.
Denise DeCrescito (From In Here)
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining story about a sexy Scottish shifter!
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
“The Pact” is the second book in the ‘Syndicate Masters’ series by Delta James. Strong characters, drama, intrigue, passion and the paranormal excitement of shifters combine in this fast-paced story. You can read and enjoy this book as a standalone.
Lord Gavan Drummond is the head of the Gallogass Syndicate in Scotland. Although it’s a mafia and a criminal organization, he has his own strict moral code of right and wrong. He and his clan also have a huge ancestral secret . And, along with his vast array of properties, legitimate businesses, and not so legitimate businesses, he owns the majority interest in Club Termonn, a BDSM lifestyle club. Blaise Munro was orphaned when an accident killed her parents. She was raised by her maternal grandfather. He raised her with love and with his knowledge of the family business, the Kilted Fire distillery is on Isle of Skye in Scotland, which is also where Castle Cat-Sith is located – the ancestral home of Gavan Drummond.
A dramatic event in her life connects Gavan and Blaise in unexpected and complicated ways that increase the attraction between them from a low-key simmer to a blazing inferno. Additional drama reveals itself as unknown persons are after Blaise and her distillery. She and Gavan enter into an intense D/s relationship with wildly rough (but consensual) physical intimacy. I thought a few of the secondary characters were very good, particularly Vera, Hamish and Dougal. There is a nice balance of the predictable and the unexpected. There are also little entertaining nuggets of familiarity when mention is made of places or characters from other books in other series by the author. I’m looking forward to meeting the next Master in the Syndicate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased a
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 