Veena’s review of Betrayal Road (Torpedo Ink, Book 9) by Christine Feehan
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 20 Aug 24
Azelie Vargas has unknowingly become a mark for the Torpedo Ink club in their pursuit of a human trafficking ring. A born submissive, she appeals to the very depths of Maestro’s soul, even as he’s forced to cultivate a romance with her to get into the Adventure Club where she keeps the books. Does Azelie know that the Adventure Club is a front for human trafficking?
Maestro, by turns, dominates and gently romances Azelie to get to the bottom of what she knows and use her to get into the hidden parts of the club, where a new batch of trafficked victims are being trained for sale. I have read all the Torpedo Ink books and the details of the torture that the members of the club went through in the Russian prison where they were raised to be assassins always chills my soul. I really appreciate how Ms. Feehan has found the happy medium of alluding to what shaped Maestro and the others without going into the gory details.
Of course, Azelie’s life has been no picnic either, though she has a tribe that looks out for her. The owners of the coffee shop where she hangs out, the merry widows who have their own interesting, checkered past, and the retired Tier 1 operators who flirt with the merry widows all offer encouragement and support.
Even when you think you know it all and the story is coasting to a great finish, the author has a few surprises up her sleeve that she pulls out for a fantastic finish. I believe this might be one of my favorite books in the series. I really liked the pacing, the characters, and how the story flowed.
Grade: A
Summary:
The stranger frequenting Azelie Vargas’s local coffee shop is a sight to behold. He’s tall, dark, muscular, and a complete distraction. She’s worried one look from his striking silver eyes will have her acting a fool. But it’s not a look that sets Azelie aflame—it’s the way he boldly tells her every dark, dirty thing he’d like to do to her. She should be scandalized. Instead, all she wants to do is say yes.
Andrii “Maestro” Federoff is in San Francisco on club business. Torpedo Ink needs information to bust up a human trafficking ring, and Maestro has found his mark. After weeks of stealthy observation, he’s not sure if Azelie is involved directly, or if she’s just working for some bad people. What he does know is that he needs to get close to her fast, and soon he can’t get enough.
What began as a setup quickly turns real. But no matter how hot they burn, Maestro’s betrayal could leave their hearts smoldering in the ashes.…
