The Killing Game: Part One, The Blood Negotiators: Volume 1

In order to uncover crime, the FBI will occasionally go undercover. After all, what better way is there to make someone talk than to befriend them and convince them that you’re on their side? In Ives’ case, that means befriending the lovely Allina, author of The Blood Negotiators, a woman the FBI is positive knows the crime boss they’re looking for. But Ives isn’t happy just getting to know Allina; he wants to make her love him as he loves her, and that’s where this story takes a turn from adventure and intrigue to romance and mystery. The Killing Game by The Black Rose will keep you breathless as you turn one page after the next.

I was drawn in by the first few pages of this book. The relationship between Allina and Ives is electric and the way the two relate to each other just in those first pages is something that you can almost feel for yourself. I found myself wishing for a relationship like the two of them had and a man who would do anything to protect me, just like Ives. This relationship is definitely a wild ride and there’s way more going on behind the scenes than anyone would ever know. I wanted to learn even more about these characters and that’s why I’ll be looking for the next book as soon as it comes out. The Killing Game is a book you’re going to want to read and one where you’ll be hanging onto every word. — Reviewed by Samantha Rivera for Readers’ Favorite

The Killing Game – Part One – The Blood Negotiators (The Killing Game Series) (Volume 1) by The Black Rose takes us into the New York division of the FBI. Ives, the Director, must investigate the woman that he has waited a lifetime to find because she wrote a novel that is more than accurate about an Italian crime boss. The FBI takes it upon themselves to recruit her help in getting into the organization of the Mob Boss and then the plan all falls to pieces. When that happens, Ives puts himself on the line for the one woman he loves.

If you want action, adventure, a little mystery and a dash of a love story, then this is the right book for you. I think that The Black Rose is into something with The Killing Game and this makes a thrilling opener to the series. I am personally looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I started this book and had some trouble putting it down once I did; I couldn’t guess when certain turns would happen in the action when reading this one, which I enjoyed. The book is well written with a flow to it that works for the story; the action is well paced throughout. One pitfall to these kinds of books is sometimes too much action at one point and not enough at others, but that doesn’t happen with The Killing Game. I would recommend this book with two thumbs way up. — Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers’ Favorite

As the Director of the New York Division of the FBI, Ives Andrich is frustrated with the Bureau regarding his investigation of a novelist, Allina Kovar, whose manuscript titled Blood Negotiators is a bit too accurate about Vincent Luca, an Italian crime lord. The Bureau, against Ives’ wishes, asks for her help in infiltrating Luca’s inner organization. However, the Bureau’s plan fails and Allina’s life is in danger. Ives’s frustration with the Bureau’s incompetence reaches its limit. For the sake of the woman he loves, he will risk anything to save her. Written by The Black Rose, The Killing Game is a thrilling crime novel series, with The Blood Negotiators as its first installment. It is a template for what a crime thriller should be, with all the elements laid out in the right scope, including suspense, romance, betrayal and intrigue – not forgetting the long-standing wars between the FBI and the mafia.

Protagonist Ives Andrich falls in love with Allina Kovar as soon as he sees her photo; “Miss Allina Kovar, you are the woman I will marry. Somehow, I will prove to you that I am worthy of you.” The romance aspect of The Killing Game is as strong as the out-and-out roller-coaster ride of suspense and action that The Black Rose has provided for readers to enjoy. The ending promises an exciting continuation in Book Two, The Chase. All in all, this is a thrilling story that will appeal to die-hard crime thriller fans who would be happy to add The Killing Game to their collection and follow the series. — Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers’ Favorite

The Black Rose is an author, photographer, and filmmaker. Born in Chicago, she currently residing in New York with the love her life, her Hokkaido Dog, Kuma. She began writing at the age of seven and dabbled until she woke up one day and simply had to write a novel. She has two 5-Star reviewed novels, both part of individual series. She categorizes her writing very directly – interpersonal relationships: people’s feelings, thoughts, emotions, and the intimacies between two people that truly love each other despite the circumstances surrounding them. “I write about love, honor, and doing the right thing, even when it seems disadvantageous, even when it’s not the popular path to take.” She sees her writing as a gift from God, and appreciates and learns from her stories. Her writing passion stems from her immense love for art, which began with drawing at age five and moved into oil painting by age eight. Her love and study of photography soon became a professional passion, and she spends hours photographing and laying out her book covers. Her photography can be found at theblackrosenyc.com in the Photography section. Readers can also find on the site “Privé with The Black Rose” to showcase behind-the-scenes insights into her writing, novels, characters, photography, and films. She films and produces her book trailers. And will soon produce short films (details coming on her newly created website thepenandthesword.com dedicated to screenplays, film, book trailers, book adaptations). This site also features podcasts from her radio show Live with The Black Rose.