Taste of Danger

Secrets of Rios Azules #2

by Alexa Verde

Small-town librarian Soledad Sokolova has three days to find a hidden Russian treasure -- or she and her father will die. Out of options, she turns for help to a hunky stranger, private investigator James O'Hara. But she knows better than to let a ladies' man break her heart for the second time. Bound by his word to Soledad's father, James is ready to protect her at all costs. However, once betrayed, he's reluctant to fall in love again. Will James and Soledad escape danger and find treasures of faith, love, and hope?

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2016

About the author

Alexa Verde writes feel-good small-town romances with a smile. She'd love it if you subscribed to her newsletter https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gitieu15ex. Every subscriber gets a free Christian romance after confirming the subscription as a thank-you gift.
She penned her first literary "masterpiece" (a rhymed poem) at the ripe age of eight, and since has had over forty books and 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. Over 60 million pages of her books have been read worldwide. She has bachelor's degrees in English and Spanish, a master's in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters from diverse cultures. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, assistant, model (even one day counts!), and caretaker, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best. She hopes and prays that her stories will bring joy to her readers. Heartfelt thanks for your interest in her books!

Reviews

[Alexa Verde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I want to take this opportunity to thank readers and introduce my new book. I've given it five stars, as impartial as it might be, because this story is close to my heart. Taste of Danger is Book 2 in the Secrets of Rios Azules series, and the heroine has more of my own characteristics than any of my other heroines. I hope so much that you will enjoy reading about her journey to find love amid danger.

[Bhriv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taste of Danger, written by Alexa Verde, is the third book I’ve read by this author in this series.
This book is about one of the Danger Girls from the series, Soledad. Soledad was raised by her mother and her step-father. She was a librarian and felt very inadequate as far as being smart and discounted her beauty because of her step-father always putting her down.
Soledad finds that she does have a father and that he’s searching for her and just when he finds her he is kidnapped and in order to hopefully get him released she is sent on a wild goose chase, rather a treasure hunt that she must figure out from Russian fairy tales that are from her father’s heritage which she never grew up with because she didn’t even know she had a real father.
Long story short…each page is packed with one adventure turned into another adventure…until the end where you have to read to see if she can actually figure out what will save her father’s life or if she really is as inadequate as her step-father always told her she was. If you like treasure hunts from foreign fairy tales…If you enjoy action packed pages…if you want to know if this Danger Girl can get through the action, find the treasure and maybe even find love…you’ll love this story.
I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Coco.V]

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[Kellyn Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Taste of Danger was an awesome book, and I was deeply impressed.

Let's start with the plot.

I admit I would have liked it to go a little slower at the very beginning. I would have liked a little more background, a little more 'calm before the storm,' but first of all that's just my personal preference and secondly because it's the second book in the series. So ... I don't think that's really a problem at all. I just wanted to bring it up. Because ... I am, after all, discussing my impressions here, aren't I?

After that, the plot took off at a nice, even pace. This was an adventure novel, and those can so often go waaaay to fast, but this one didn't. It was exciting and adventurous, but it never left me unsure about what was happening.

It was cool to learn about Russian history, folklore, customs, etc. I really enjoyed that.

Let me just say that I found the clues and the way Soledad figured them out absolutely fascinating! That was my favorite part. :)

Soledad was so sweet, and I totally felt for her (although I'm not the kind of person to doubt myself ... no, not at any time, never!). It was cool to see her slowly realize that she's God's child and therefore AWESOME!

James was really cool. He was another one of those dashing knight's-in-shining-armor, but he wasn't cliché at all! Weird, right?! How did Ms. Verde manage it, may I ask? I sure can't. All my knights seem cliché to me.

Click to read the complete review!

~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews

[Traci Wooden-Carlisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Danger Girls definitely live up to their name in this suspenseful story where Russia meets Rios Azules. This fast-paced, action-filled book pulls you in from the very beginning and only slows for the awareness between Soledad Sokolova and her self-proclaimed protector, James O’Hara to turn into something…more. The only thing more heart-stopping than the danger Soledad finds herself in are the looks James gives her when he isn’t guarding his heart. It’s a practice he has worked hard in perfecting, but it leaves very little room for a future unless he can surrender his pride and open his heart to God for healing.
I think each book in this series gets better, which is saying a lot since I loved the first one. Alexa Verde has a way of gripping you by the heart with the intrigue she creates around her characters. Then she pulls you in deeper by allowing you to get to know them and their past better. I also like the significant roles some of her secondary characters play in her stories. They add depth and cause me to speculate on whose story she will tell next. This was one world I had a hard time letting go of when the book was over.

[Joelle Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like my reviews keep saying the same thing about this series, but in one word it's phenomenal. The characters keep getting better and more in depth. I found myself really visualizing scenes in this book because of the amount of detail the writer gives. It is fascinating to get glimpses into other cultures - their traditions, foods, etc. Soledad was truly an inspirational character and watching her evolve because of James was my favorite part of the book. A good reminder to not let others dictate what we believe of ourselves. The reunion of the daughter and father thought dead was great as well. Again, the friendship of the Danger girls is a good reminder that it's not how many friends you have - but the quality of those friendships. Personally, I wish I had friends like these. Alexa Verde has pulled me right in to her stories and now made me a huge fan. If you like suspense - this is the series for you~ ~~I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review... and honestly, it just doesn't get any better~~

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are with another Danger girl in trouble.
We see Soledad and James O'Hara race against time in this roller coaster ride to find a treasure and to save Soledad's father, she never knew.
We see God's grace and protection throughout the book.
If you like Christian romantic suspense then this is the book for you
I eagerly await the next book in the series.
An advance copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Alexa Verde!! This is the second book that I have read by her and will read more! This book is the second book in the series "Secrets of Rios Azules" and I want to read all of them. If you enjoy romance, suspense or Christian books....this is a must for you to read! I love how the trust and love grows between James and Soledad. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fasten your seat belts for the read of your life. Taste of Danger is a fast paced Christian suspense/romance. There is a prequel to the series. The books are so well written that you will want to read the prequel and book one. The books has a great cast of characters that's is center around a group of friends know as the Danger Girls. If you like suspense/romance books I recommend Taste of Danger.

[Katherine Karrol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It might be worth it to be in harm's way to get to hang out with James.

[Valicity Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always up for biracial romance, so when Verde queried me for a review I was definitely intrigued. With a title like, Taste of Danger, I half expected the book to be some sort of erotica novel but I was wrong—thankfully. Taste of Danger is actually a Christian romance, and its one I think is quite interesting.

The ‘danger’ in the title doesn’t refer to some sort of BDSM romance, it’s actually got a close connection to the literal danger the characters face in the storyline. There’s an actual shootout and a kidnapping in the book which sets the scene for the two love interests to begin their development.

I would like to say that this is just another damsel in distress novel but I think the characterization and the outrageous things that happen in this book safely allow me to excuse this recurring theme in romance. I mean, it definitely worked for this book so I can’t complain too much.

How does Christianity play a role in this suspenseful romance? Well the characters are taken on a wild run as they race against time and thugs to find a priceless treasure. It’s only the grace of God that saves them, protects them, and gives Soledad a peace of mind during even the most heart-pounding scenes. Verde did a wonderful job incorporating her faith and rich culture in this book. I loved how it all connected and didn’t feel forced in the least bit. I knew from the start this book would be a Christian romance but I didn’t know it would be such a thriller. This book makes me proud to call myself a Christian who loves to read love stories. It’s not your typical Christian romance and brings a new taste to the genre. I can say it’s definitely high on my list of books to recommend.

Christian readers will probably appreciate this series more than others but if you like a fast paced novel with a steady and believable romance then you will fall in love with this book. The characters are beautifully diverse and there’s an immense lesson of trust and faith to be learned from the pages of this book. I would highly recommend it to adult readers and would argue every Christian romance fan should grab a copy soon.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, you’ve got to love Alexa Verde’s byline. And it’s accurate, because Taste of Danger had a strong Christian plotline, with Soledad as a strong Christian and James falling somewhere between lapsed Christian and complete unbeliever--at least at the beginning. I would have liked to have understood his spiritual journey a little better, but I suspect that would have gotten in the way of the fast-paced plot.

And Taste of Danger was fast-paced—it felt like I was on a non-stop roller coaster from the beginning to the end as James and Soledad try and solve the clues to find her father before the three-day deadline expires. The chase provided the couple with plenty of opportunities for deep discussions, where James challenges Soledad about her inferiority complex (a gift from an abusive ex), and they get to eat some delicious sounding meals (the meals were definitely the worst part of the book, because I’M TRYING TO DIET AND THIS ISN’T HELPING. Sorry. Perhaps I should have taken the title more literally).

Seriously, I wish I lived closer to south Texas and Rios Azules, because the restaurants sounded fantastic. In fact, the whole town sounded fantastic (well, if the town didn’t feature such a dangerous criminal element).

Taste of Danger is part of a series, and while it is a standalone novel, it’s probably best to read the series in order. I didn’t, and I did sometimes feel I was missing background information because of that. Oddly enough, I now find I have read the final book, Scent of Danger, as part of the Smoke and Mirrors box set, and I found that made a better standalone novel. Go figure.

Overall, the plot was perfect romantic suspense, with solid writing, excellent Christian themes, and two wounded but realistic characters. A quick and enjoyable read for Christian romantic suspense fans. Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.

[E.Michael Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger abounds in this Tasteful Tale!

Soledad Sokolova, timid wallflower librarian of Rios Azules, Texas, has her safe, bland world turned upside down when a stranger claiming to be her real father shows up at her door. The old man, frail and sickly, is accompanied by tall, dark, and handsome hunk, PI James O'Hara. Before they've barely introduced themselves, all hell breaks loose as a black van pulls into Soledad's driveway with guns blazing. As a shootout ensues her "father" is captured, and when it's over the van has disappeared, leaving O'Hara with a serious gunshot wound to the shoulder and Soledad shaken to her core.

The kidnappers make contact, instructing Soledad that she has three days to turn over a rare piece of Russian artwork, a Faberge` egg, owned by her long-thought-dead father, Professor Sergey Eliseev. James O'Hara reveals to Soledad that her father had planned a treasure hunt for her by following clues from three Russian fairy tales contained in an old book that had been in Eliseev's family for generations. The clues would lead to the Faberge`egg, the inheritance that Soledad's father intended for her to have as his only child.

The book of tales is discovered in Eliseev's car and turned over to Soledad by the police. Despite his serious shoulder wound, James leaves the hospital and he and Soledad set out to find the treasured egg to trade for her father's life. What follows in an intriguing tale fraught with danger and suspense at every turn, and there are plenty of those to keep the reader turning the pages.

Author Alexa Verde has scored another hit in the continuing "Secrets of River Azules series," and I, for one, am looking forward to the next!

[Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my review for Taste of Danger( Secrets of Rios Azules #2) by Alexa Verde. Let me start by saying this is not normally what I prefer to read so my review will be based on the books itself not the storyline. I've encountered a new author for me by reading and reviewing this story.

This is a full action packed story where bullets flew all over the place. It's a suspenful, romantic story that was quite intriguing. It's also sweet where faith plays an important role.

Soledad's father is kidnapped so with the help of James they will try to find him before it's too late. What they have not anticipated is to fall in love. So this is their journey.

This is a fast paced, highly intriguing story that will have the adrenaline pumping through your veins. I never knew what would happen. There was never a dull moment. The only thing is that, this is the kind of story I wish I would have read the other books. In my opinion the other characters played an important role in this story so I was confused at times. But I managed to follow through. Also some of the characters names were Russian and hard to remember.

If the readers are into action, suspense romantic stories well this is the book to get. There are 2 other stories that comes before this one.

[Joyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the “Secrets of Rios Azules Series”, and it follows another character from the Texas Town of Rios Azules. Soledad Sokolova is the librarian in this small town. She learns that she and her father are in danger of losing their lives over a missing Russian Treasure. She contacts private investigator James O’Hara to help her find the treasure within a three day deadline. Soledad and James work closely together, and this makes Soledad uneasy because he’s a ladies’ man. She has no intention of him breaking her heart. Both have had their hearts broken. This book is considered a “Christian Multicultural Romantic Suspense”… Faith. Love. Murder. I enjoyed this author's style of writing. I was given a copy for an honest review.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 TASTE OF DANGER. in the SECRETS OF RIOS AZULES, by Alexa Verde.
A culture adventure, for the shy librarian, Soledad. A dad she never knew, and thought long dead. When supposedly her real dad shows up, frail and sickly. Accompanied by a private investigator. Her quiet world is further disrupted when a van pulls into her driveway and guns are blazing. Gun shot wound to the PI James shoulder. If that wasn't enough, they have 3 days to find a Faberge egg. Her world and friendship with the Danger Girls have taken on a fascinating story in book 2. Who is real Dad, and what's behind the treasure. A treat for all to enjoy. Given ARC by author for my honest opinion, of which I have given.

[Louise Pledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly awaiting this second book in the Series of Rio Azules series and was not disappointed. Excellent writing, excellent plot, excellent characters, etc. Often, when I begin a new book, if something exciting doesn't happen within the first 20 pages or so, I discontinue reading it. This was not the case with "Taste of Danger"; it started out with a bang (literally) and kept the suspense going, throughout. I enjoyed the diversity of the plot. After awhile, with as much reading as I do, a lot of the stories seem to sound alike. This one can stand on its own.

Thank you, Alexa Verde, for another great read, and hurry up with the next one in the series, please.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, and I definitely was not disappointed in this one. The author has written another suspense story filled with lots of action that I couldn't put down after I had started it. It is also a wonderful combination of faith and romance following James and Soledad as they see if they can find the way to put the hurts of the past behind to find their future together. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and I definitely recommend it to the reader who enjoys really good Christian action and suspense. I certainly will be watching for the next book in the series.

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taste of Danger is an action-packed adventure! Alexa Verde welcomes readers back to the small Texas town of Rios Azules in this story of tantalizing suspense and sweet romance. Soledad is a heroine to root for, and I really enjoyed her journey. Taste of Danger is an exciting tale and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. What a fantastic second book in the series Secrets of Rios Azules. Good, strong characters who happen to be believers. Edge of your seat thrilling ride as Soledad and James try to solve her, up to this point unknown, father's treasure hunt. Lots of danger. I highly recommend this book.

[Pat Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read them all now, for clean and exciting entertainment read on.

Soledad brings a touch of Russian Heritage I really enjoyed the fast paced suspense real descriptions. ENJOY!! Good clean reading

[M.J. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really engages the reader.

[Pearl Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

This whole series is worth reading. I really liked this 1 with Soledad taking the initiative In helping her "protector" . She's 1 spunky girl!

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Christian Multicultural Romantic Suspense, A Taste of Danger. This is the second book of the Secrets of Rios Azules. This book was sent to me as a complementary book to read. I was not required to review it but you guys really will want to read it. It's and awesome book. I hope to read more of this author. The book is well written, action packed, and full of intrigue. Not only that but has faith interwoven throughout the entire story much like a beautiful tapestry. You are going to love it.

Librarian Soledad Sokolova opens her door to find a gorgeous Private Investigator looking for her father. The only thing is her mother told her that her father was dead. This PI is to meet her father here at her home. Her father shows up a few moments later but also a car full of men with guns. The PI pushes her in the house and fires at the vehicle as they throw her father into it. Soledad grabs her gun and runs out. They have the PI pinned down and he is wounded. She start shooting and they drive off.

Private Investigator James O'Hara promised his mentor to protect his daughter now that they have found her. Her father has a very valuable Faberge` Egg that his family had smuggled out of Russia many generations ago. It is his daughter's legacy. Now men were trying to find the egg and steal the art treasure. James must keep her safe and help her find the treasure in three days or they will kill them all.

A journey of forgiveness, trust, and love. James is determined to show Soledad that she is a beautiful, unique, and talented artist. Her step father and ex-boyfriend had destroyed her self-confidence. God has a plan for these two, a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too. Give Him your heart and watch Him give you a life you never dreamed of.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed book two in this series as much as I did book one. It was full of danger, adventure, mystery, and romance. Who doesn't like that combination in a book? The best thing about this book is how Alexa Verde was able to pull me right in and feel like I was a part of the story. I could sense the danger, taste the delicious food, and feel my heart beating hard every time I turned the page. It is jam packed with action and suspense. And a delightful male lead ;)
James O'Hara. I mean, the name just sounds hunky, right? He's a good guy, even though he needs a little help in the faith department. But who doesn't from time to time. I think Alexa Verde wrote his character perfectly, and perfectly flawed. I want my hero to have a flaw now and then. I want him to be real, not perfect, and relatable. And that is exactly what James O'Hara is. You can't help but like him, and maybe even think about him protecting you from something!
Overall this book is fast paced, suspenseful, and well written. You fingers won't be able to turn the pages fast enough to see if Soledad will make it or not. (Side note - I love her name. It's so unique and different, which is something else I look for as a reader.) I recommend reading book one first. While this book probably could be read on its own, I think there is more understanding of the characters if you read the first book in advance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Soledad and James's story! James and Soledad meet when he's asked to find her by her father, and James gets to her house before her father. When her father is kidnapped, she has three days to find the treasure or she and her father will be killed. As she and James work together, they both start falling for each other, but she knows James is a player and could never be hers. James thinks he isn't good enough for her, and since he's lost his faith, they couldn't be together, anyway. When Soledad helps him to return to God, will these two be able to see themselves together, the way they both want to be? I love the way they bring out the best in each other!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa Verde is a talented writer of different genres. Even though I usually do not read mystery suspense, I enjoyed Taste of Danger because unique Russian cultural tidbits were seamlessly woven into the plot - tasty cuisine, three fairy tale clues, an exquisite Faberge Egg, stacking dolls, paintings and more. Loved that Nowa, the German Shepherd made a reappearance. Solobad and James, and the Danger Girls are relatable, yet unique, characters. The twist and turn plot kept me turning pages. The ending was believable with an epilogue. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series about the Danger Girls. This mystery was included in boxed set Dangerous Love.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Soledad meets James her whole life changes. Soledad has always been told that her father was dead, when he showed up at her house her life becomes in danger. The troubles Soledad and James finds themselves in will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. The reaction to this book is my honest reaction to this story. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.

[Lorel Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story, the second in the series as good as the first, wow. Full of intrigue and suspense keeping you guessing what will happen next the entire book. The growth and coming in to there own, the development of the major characters was fun to watch. From not feeling worthy to helping each other to become more of who they really were. Bringing the best out of each other was great. Through the hard times faith, hope and love came for as they became the best of themselves. Her faith helped him find his again and a family was reunited. Great fun story hard to put down.

[Linda Goff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitement!

This book is full of faith, intrigue, love, loyally and friendship. We met the hero of this book in the first book of this series and what a hero he is!! The cultural lives of these friends adds a great deal to the books.....it is like taking a quick history lesson. I enjoyed the fairy tales that were read in this book. Looking forward to the next book of the series!