by J.A. Redmerski
Series: In the Company of Killers #1
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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…
Coffee Pot Review- short and sweet reviews done in the length of time it takes my coffee pot to brew! Today I am a sharing a thrilling romantic suspense called Killing Sarai the first in the In the Company of Killers series.
“Despite my growing fear, I still want to be right where I am, trapped in the merciless arms of a killer.” –Sarai, Killing Sarai
Holy romantic, twisted suspense! Killing Sarai is the first book In the Company of Killers series, by J.A. Redmerski, and I literally inhaled it. Assassins, a sex-slave, a drug-lord and a secret order made this an intense read. Sarai was fourteen when her mother took her to Mexico, and she ended up as a drug-lord’s pet. She is smart and when opportunity presents itself she escapes and enlists the help of a ruthless assassin and member of a secret order. Talk about suspense and high body count. Eep! There were twists and turns that kept me flipping the pages. Told from dual perspectives Killing Sarai was dark, sexy and at times tender. Victor; a cold-blooded assassin trained by the Order since he was seven and Sarai slowly develop a relationship. The forbidden romance was intense and Redmerski had me rooting for the impossible. The characters were dark, and at times ruthless. I loved them! Sarai is scared and yet so brave. She puts others before herself and I admired her steel determination. Victor has this wall around himself and is all business, and I loved watching Sarai chip away and reveal the man beneath. Redmerski made me hold my breath, grip my hands tightly around my nook, and feel the characters emotions. I fell hard for Sarai and Victor despite their damaged souls. The plot was intense, well drawn and deliciously paced.
Killing Sarai was an intense, action-packed tale with characters who made me “feel”. Read it. That is all.
“She looks defeated. Beautiful and soft and damaged standing there before me partially clothed in the light of the moon beaming through the tall window. Beautiful, but defeated. That look in her eyes, it somehow latches onto my soul and all I want is for her to turn and walk away. Because I know that if she doesn’t, if she presses me further with those soft lips and sad, vulnerable eyes that I’ll succumb to the moment and either f@ck her or kill her.” ― Victor, Killing Sarai
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lindy
Suspense, Twists, and turns?! I’m sold!!! I love J.A. Redmerski, and really want to read this one! Great coffeepot review Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
OMG Lindy..this is a must read!
Wendy Darling
I love thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, and this one sounds pretty amazing! I’ve heard such good things about this author, and this might just be the one I pick up first.
kimbacaffeinate
I totally loved this and recently listened to book two on audio..it was strong as well.
Lisa
This sounds SO good! I really don’t know why I haven’t read it yet. It’s been on my wishlist forever! Great review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo it is so good and I just finished book two this week! Read it Lisa!
Glass
Yey! I’m so happy you liked it too. Do you plan to read sequels? I still haven’t read third book.
kimbacaffeinate
I finished book two and did the audio, my review will post later this month and I have to wait for the audio in June..but yes I am all in Glass 🙂
Lily B
yea this book sounds like it’s got a lot of stuff going on o.o keep hearing awesome things about it thought, so naturally curious.
kimbacaffeinate
This was so good Lily, and I enjoyed the second as well.
tonyalee
I have been wanting to read this one for ages but keep putting it off! I am glad you loved it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo you must bump it up. I just finished book two, and really enjoyed it as well Tonyalee 🙂
Lauren
Ooh you have me wanting to read this one! I’ve seen a couple other reviews and they are also raving, so I need to buy a copy. Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Lauren, I have not spoken to a single person who did not love it 🙂
Amir
I love what you call your mini review… coffee pot reviews! So cute 🙂
I actually have this on my kindle and I bought it because Dre from Sporadic Reads recommended it. Now that I read you review, it reminded me again that I need to read this ASAP. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a negative review about this yet.
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Amir, I started these last year and enjoy doing them. Enjoy!
Jessica
Yay! I love Redmerski, and I have this already, but (once again) haven’t read it yet. Ima gonna move it my kindle right now!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, sometimes I feel like that is all I say Jessica..”it’s on my tbr pile or on my nook/kindle” confessions of a book addict for sure!
Melliane
Oh it sounds nice, with a lot of exciting elements in it! I confess I was anxious about it because I loved the edge of never but was really disappointed by the edge of always and I was afraid her other books would be the same. But I’m glad it’s not the case. thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first read by her, and I loved it. Thanks Melliane 🙂
ShootingStarsMag
wow, sounds like one intense book!! I like that they have both perspectives throughout.
kimbacaffeinate
It was Lauren! Well paced, brilly characters and I could not set it down 🙂
Naomi
I just love the sound of this book and the reviews I have read have been all highly favourable!! I just want to get to know Sarai and Victor more! Awesome review!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo yes you must Naomi! I am listening to book two now and eep!
Livia
Ohoho, one of the books **cra-cram** series **cough-cough** I’m determined to reward myself with sometime this month 😀
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, I’ve seen glowing reviews from book bloggers whose opinion I totally trust, so I’m all the more excited to sink my intensity-loving teeth into it xDDD
kimbacaffeinate
Oh it rocked my face off Livia. I consumed it all in one evening and then proceeded to tell everyone to buy it..lol Enjoy!
Livia
*twitch-twitch* OhhhMG, this is not that kind of comment I should be reading at 1.30 AM my time, lol!!
I will not jump right into that read… I will not jump… I will… I will jump right in… Weeeel, I did drink 3 large coffees today, I mean, why not bank on that caffeine, right? 😀 I fully blame your review&reply for the incoming sleepless night, just so we’re clear! My twitchy excitement might or might be playing a role here, we shall never know…
*grabs Killing Sarai*
kimbacaffeinate
hehhehe..will have coffee ready in am 🙂
Carmel
Oooh, suspense AND a high body count? Now you’re speaking my language!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah baby..this had it all 🙂
Cat
Sounds amazing! Thanks for the great review.
kimbacaffeinate
You are welcome Cat, I consumed this one 🙂
brandileigh2003
Dark and sexy that is easy to read and get lost in sounds like a read I would like and Sarai sounds like a strong main character I would root for
kimbacaffeinate
This was intense and suspenseful Brandi..I totally love Sarai 🙂
Christy
Word, homegirl. This book was off the chain.
Omg, not enough sleep has caught up to me. lol.
kimbacaffeinate
Yo homey, book two is slower, but I am still enjoying it. Waiting for it to kick up a notch 🙂
Sabina
Wow, this sounds like a very intense read! Just bought it myself, and can’t wait to start reading!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet..I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did Sabina 🙂
Heidi
sounds like a riveting read! I will have to take your advice 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..good! LOL. This was intense and I really enjoyed it, as did Christy and Berls.
Lupdilup
First I loved everything about the plot, and the enthusiasm of your review. Then I went to audible and check the author because she sounded familiar. But of course!! I have listened to one of novels before and totally enjoyed it (The Edge of Never) so you don’t have to guess what happened next..LOL I can’t wait to start listening 🙂 I’m glad I read your review, I don’t think I’d picked up this one on my own, the audio has a terrible cover IMO 🙁
Thanks Kimba!!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh good, I read book one and I am listening to book two now. I love the female narrator, but not in love with the narrator reading Victor.
Lupdilup
I always get excited about 2 narrators, but it can be a miss too. I’ve liked most of the books narrated that way, but I remember one where the male narrator was horrible and the narration felt choppy, very distracting. Not a good experience, I hope that’s not the case 🙁
Andrea
I generally like Redmerski’s writing, but hadn’t seriously considered KS bc it didn’t seem like my thing. You’ve made me rethink that!
kimbacaffeinate
It was intense and I swallowed this in one sitting Andrea 🙂
Michele-A Belle's Tales
Yes, yes, yes!! Christy had me one-clicking this one last week; and between the two of you lovelies, I am moving things around left and right so I can get to this one. You got me right in my quote feels, too!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I am so glad you are bumping this up Michele 🙂
aurian
Nope, really not for me, but glad you liked it so much.
kimbacaffeinate
It’s ok Aurian. I love assassins and suspense.
Lenore
“Read it. That is all.” You got me! I think I will 😉
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe…..my job is done. Enjoy Lenore!
Berls
I agree 100%!! Thanks again for pointing me to this book- I inhaled it too!
kimbacaffeinate
I am listening to the audio of book two, I do not like the narrator’s voice for Victor, but otherwise it is good so far.
Berls
Oh you’ll have to tell me how you like it when you finish – I read a few reviews that said it wasn’t nearly as good as book 1, but none from anyone I know, so I’m curious . I’m going to read it no matter what though!
emaginette
First off — love the remodel. Love It!
This book sounds beyond good. But you know me, I’ll wait until the last book is published. I’m such a stickler and hate waiting. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
Ah, you are a back to back series/trilogy reader? I cannot do that. I need at least 2-4 weeks in between. I am so glad you love the redesign. I am loving it 🙂
Candace
Okay… wow. I think you sold me! I’m definitely curious about this one now! I’ll have to look it up, it’s possible that I already got it because I do remember seeing other good reviews.
kimbacaffeinate
You sound like me Candace..you would not believe how often I go to one click buy a book and the system says, “It appears you already own this” Bwahaha!
Debbie Haupt
Holy Edge of your seat Batman!
This is going on my pile 🙂
Thanks
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! Enjoy Debbie 🙂
Nick
I’m so glad you loved this one. I wasn’t going to read it, but Rachel at The Readers Den convinced me to give it a shot. It was completely out of my comfort zone, but holy hell did I love it! Unfortunately, the second book was a bit of a disappointment. 🙁 I hope you’ll love it though. I seem to be a bit of a black sheep when it comes to that book. 🙂
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I am glad you loved it. I am listening to book two and it’s a little more low key.
Jenny
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book Kim, I can’t wait to read it! I love characters who are darker and straddle that line between being the kind of bad that’s redeemable and the kind of bad that makes it increasingly difficult to rationalize their behavior in my head. So looking forward to this one, thanks for your thoughts!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Jenny, I consumed this and I’m currently listening to book two.
kindlemom1
I had my doubts about this one even though I love the author but crap, you make me want to pick this one up and read it.
kimbacaffeinate
Good. Then my job is done:) LOL
Mary
Oh, wow. This certainly does sound intense! And, can I just say how much I love your new design?!? It’s SO PRETTY!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Awe, thank you Mary. I am glad you like the new look. I am over the moon happy with it. I hope you pick this up..it was fantastic 🙂
Jenea
Oooh, I think this sounds freaking awesome. Assassins and drug lords, sounds great to me! Wonderful review.
kimbacaffeinate
It was Jenea! Hope you pick it up 🙂
Katherine
This sounds intriguing and different from other books I’ve read. I’ll have to give this a try!
kimbacaffeinate
Would love to hear your thoughts if you read it Katherine 🙂
Ginny
This is a new to me author and book and it sounds intense. I’m going to add it to my wish list for when I’m in the mood for a darker romantic suspense. Thanks for sharing and as always great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Ginny 🙂
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I loved this too Kimba! I need to get to book 2 soon.
A great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am listening to book two and so far it is good Sharon:)
Franny
This sounds wonderful, Kimberly! I’ve never read anything by this author before (even though the name seems familiar). Your review is great and very passionate, so I’m definitely adding this to my pile! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Franny, I consumed this one. It was my first read by this author and I am currently listening to book two.
finley jayne
It’s on my tbr list-can’t wait to read it!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, enjoy Finley! I look forward to your thoughts on it 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
YOU DON’T EVEN UNDERSTAND!!! I bought this book awhile ago but have yet to get to it. But OMG, this is MY KIND OF BOOK. Assassins are MY thing. I am so excited. I am happy you liked it so much too.
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..it is the type of read that you consume! Enjoy Jennifer. I must admit I love assassins too 🙂
Bieke
I’m always afraid to read these kind of books because they’re so intense. I loved Captive in the Dark and Seduced in the Dark, which are I think a bit similar to this one. But I love this author so. I think I’m going to give this a go!
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first experience with author..but I am already listening to book two and loving it. Enjoy Bee!
Jeann
That’s it, this book sounds intense and I totally need to read it. I’ve only heard wonderful things and it’s really different to what I usually read. I love to be totally immersed in a book and this one sounds perfect.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes! Enjoy I consumed this one and listening to book two now 🙂
blodeuedd
Ok now this does sound really intense
kimbacaffeinate
It was Linda, I consumed this in a single evening. I am currently listening to book two