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The Bank Robbers #1
The Hostage Bargain
I was a small-town girl trapped in a desperate situation . . . and then three hunky bank robbers took me hostage.
Sure, I'd always dreamed of escaping my life, but I was thinking Greyhound bus - not getaway vehicle!
Then I started asking questions, and I found out about their rules.
These guys have more rules than a grammar class. Except their rules are shockingly dirty. And way more fun to memorize.
They're letting me stay for now, but I'm never supposed to ask their real names. Or where they're from, or why they lead this life.
And we can never, ever think about tomorrow.
Here's a secret: I'm starting to suspect my tough-as-nails outlaws might have tender-as-taffy hearts.
And every night I go to sleep wishing this didn't have to end.
Sure, I'd always dreamed of escaping my life, but I was thinking Greyhound bus - not getaway vehicle!
Then I started asking questions, and I found out about their rules.
These guys have more rules than a grammar class. Except their rules are shockingly dirty. And way more fun to memorize.
They're letting me stay for now, but I'm never supposed to ask their real names. Or where they're from, or why they lead this life.
And we can never, ever think about tomorrow.
Here's a secret: I'm starting to suspect my tough-as-nails outlaws might have tender-as-taffy hearts.
And every night I go to sleep wishing this didn't have to end.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
1506 people are currently reading
4481 people want to read
About the author
Annika Martin
47 books3,520 followersAnnika Martin is a NYT bestselling author who loves reading, taking pictures of her cats, consuming boatloads of chocolate suckers, and helping animals. She lives in the Twin Cities with her awesome husband and adorable cats.
Website: http://annikamartinbooks.com
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Website: http://annikamartinbooks.com
Amazon books: https://amzn.to/2UIYzeA
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2PkneA7
Annika on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/annik...
Instagram: instagram.com/annikamartinauthor
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2UH02SC
Google Play http://bit.ly/2UKJ45O
Nook: http://bit.ly/2Gt304m
Newsletter: https://geni.us/nwslettr
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October 19, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (10/18/2016)
Book 1. Series complete.
BLURB:
When small town girl Melinda Prescott is taken hostage by three hot bank robbers, she quickly discovers that a life of bank heists, luxury hotels, and kinky menages is way more exciting than working on the family farm. She should be scared of her dominating, fierce captors…but there’s something wicked inside her that’s craving to obey their every dark desire.
Melinda eagerly throws in with her three smoldering fugitives…and soon realizes that these are no ordinary bank robbers—and that bad guys aren’t always who they seem. But will her delicious captors overcome their own demons enough to let her in? And can these underdogs fight an evil conspiracy that’s larger than all of them?
Warning: This book contains a sexy bank-robbers-and-their-captive sandwich, light bondage, spanking, teasing hints of domination, and a little play-time in a hot tub. Oh, and some all-too-delicious alpha heroes who bend the heroine to their will.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Hostage-Bargai...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 600 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
November 29, 2020
I'm currently a little bit obsessed with this series!! They're BANK ROBBERS! In a poly relationship! The three heroes go to rob a bank where the heroine works, takes her as a willing hostage along with them, and now they all have sex together and rob more banks. It's exactly the fun and kinky read I'm in the mood for.
March 3, 2016
R-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s.
That's what this book is.
But it was also thoroughly enjoyable, fun and hawt.
At times I wanted more sexy and less inane ramblings from Isis, but for an amazon freebie, this was pretty good.
If you're able to ignore to how ludicrous most of the stuff that goes on in this actually is, it's a winner.
This gets points for lady Raahoshing. YAS. MOAR RAAHOSHING IN ALL THINGS PLZ.
I'm taking points off because there was not a foursome in this. Why have three dudes in the story.... If they aren't all going to get it on with the girl at the same time? Disappointing. Also, I'm no expert.... but I don't know if butter should be used the way it was used in this.
Leave your brain at the door and jump on in to this crazy tale of bank robberies, hostage taking, spas, hotels, sex and love.
3 paris-hilton-comforter Stars
That's what this book is.
But it was also thoroughly enjoyable, fun and hawt.
At times I wanted more sexy and less inane ramblings from Isis, but for an amazon freebie, this was pretty good.
If you're able to ignore to how ludicrous most of the stuff that goes on in this actually is, it's a winner.
This gets points for lady Raahoshing. YAS. MOAR RAAHOSHING IN ALL THINGS PLZ.
I'm taking points off because there was not a foursome in this. Why have three dudes in the story.... If they aren't all going to get it on with the girl at the same time? Disappointing. Also, I'm no expert.... but I don't know if butter should be used the way it was used in this.
Leave your brain at the door and jump on in to this crazy tale of bank robberies, hostage taking, spas, hotels, sex and love.
3 paris-hilton-comforter Stars
April 30, 2012
Review of The Hostage Bargain by Annika Martin
There are some books that have a premise that is so ridiculous, you just can't resist. (At least I can't). As soon as I saw the blurb for this book--a sheep farmer who is abducted by three bad-ass bank robbers and subjected to super pleasurable sexcapades, I thought--"I have to read this one!"
There are not many erotic romances that can weave together ridiculous humor, a complex and suspenseful story line, intriguing characters, and sex so smoky and hot you're sweating as you read it. (I'm only slightly embarrassed to admit that I was, literally, sweating. Holy Old Spice Deodorant!) And.....the other really cool thing about this book is that the sexiest part of it was not the actual physical scenes of intimacy (although, don't get me wrong, those were also super sweat-worthy), but it was the anticipation of the sex that was so thoroughly, unbelievably, smoky hot. Martin is a master at building anticipation.
This book is not really kinky. I have read erotica that is much crazier as far as sex acts and bondage. The wickedness of this story is the scenario itself....that a young woman desperate for excitement has it unexpectedly dropped into her lap in the form of three wild bank robbers. Because this story is told in first person POV, we are living the experience with Melinda. Annika Martin takes us on a very bumpy ride, creates nervous tension and anticipation, throws in some scary suspenseful moments, and manages, somehow, to end on a positive note. I really liked the fact that this book is not what you normally expect with an erotica. The only thing I can compare it to is Skin Game by Ava Gray. That was a wild, sexy ride, with truly unique characters. The Hostage Bargain takes you on the same sort of journey. I was totally mesmerized by this book.
After finishing it, I realized that the author is planning more books in this series. Yippee! (Note to self: stock up on Old Spice deodorant).
If you're looking for something outside-of-the-box of regular erotic fiction, then this one's for you. The Hostage Bargain is a delicious mix of snappy humor, wicked sexcapades and on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense. I've never read anything like it. Debut author Annika Martin has a new #1 fan.
Grade: A
Waiting for my own bank robber to fall out of the sky (preferably with a nice bushy beard),
Penelope
There are some books that have a premise that is so ridiculous, you just can't resist. (At least I can't). As soon as I saw the blurb for this book--a sheep farmer who is abducted by three bad-ass bank robbers and subjected to super pleasurable sexcapades, I thought--"I have to read this one!"
There are not many erotic romances that can weave together ridiculous humor, a complex and suspenseful story line, intriguing characters, and sex so smoky and hot you're sweating as you read it. (I'm only slightly embarrassed to admit that I was, literally, sweating. Holy Old Spice Deodorant!) And.....the other really cool thing about this book is that the sexiest part of it was not the actual physical scenes of intimacy (although, don't get me wrong, those were also super sweat-worthy), but it was the anticipation of the sex that was so thoroughly, unbelievably, smoky hot. Martin is a master at building anticipation.
This book is not really kinky. I have read erotica that is much crazier as far as sex acts and bondage. The wickedness of this story is the scenario itself....that a young woman desperate for excitement has it unexpectedly dropped into her lap in the form of three wild bank robbers. Because this story is told in first person POV, we are living the experience with Melinda. Annika Martin takes us on a very bumpy ride, creates nervous tension and anticipation, throws in some scary suspenseful moments, and manages, somehow, to end on a positive note. I really liked the fact that this book is not what you normally expect with an erotica. The only thing I can compare it to is Skin Game by Ava Gray. That was a wild, sexy ride, with truly unique characters. The Hostage Bargain takes you on the same sort of journey. I was totally mesmerized by this book.
After finishing it, I realized that the author is planning more books in this series. Yippee! (Note to self: stock up on Old Spice deodorant).
If you're looking for something outside-of-the-box of regular erotic fiction, then this one's for you. The Hostage Bargain is a delicious mix of snappy humor, wicked sexcapades and on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense. I've never read anything like it. Debut author Annika Martin has a new #1 fan.
Grade: A
Waiting for my own bank robber to fall out of the sky (preferably with a nice bushy beard),
Penelope
May 5, 2012
4+! What a crazy sexy hot book! Three hot bank robbers take Melinda as a hostage, and gives her a thrill of a lifetime. I enjoyed this one quite a bit, and look forward to more adventures staring these four. There was some good cheeky humor, intense suspense (the bad guys have more bad guys after them!), hot m/f/m sex, some light bondage, and plenty of hot tubs. This isn't the hottest erotica I've read, but I enjoyed how the author wove in a solid suspense story too. It's a pure fantasy read and a great naughty escape. I loved the heroine's obsession with 'cartoon porn', LOL. (Thanks Penny for the recommend!)
September 10, 2020
This one was certainly a fun read and I enjoyed it so much more than I was expecting to.
Its told completely from our girls POV and though it did work I would have also liked to have jumped into the men’s heads as well.
So Basically Melinda manages to get her self taken hostage by 3 bank robbers holding up the bank she works at.
Quite happy to go with them and assist just to get one over on the boss she hates and being a lot of an adrenaline junkie Melinda wants her time to last so decides to strike a deal that will not only save her family farm but also give her the adventure she craves.
These criminals go by god names Thor Odin and Zeus so Melinda takes the goddess name Isis and Ice is born.
So this was red hot with some scorching scenes it’s reverse-harem and ménage romance but because of past baggage, it takes a while for Zeus to be onboard with things despite wanting in so he just smoulders at Ice menacingly a lot.
Thor and Odin were total hotcakes and Thor be still my ovaries his mouth should have come with a warning and a bar of soup it was that dirty.
These two definitely worked as a tag team and I especially liked the sprinkling of humour that was added into there encounters together.
So not only are the boys hitting banks they are on the run from some shady organisation that wants them all dead and is chasing them halfway across the country in the process so lots of action here too.
Also, the finish was slightly open-ended with scope for further story growth and there are more books after this one with this god squad which makes the abrupt slight unresolved finish make sense.
This did actually give resolution but still left a lot unsaid I definitely want to learn more and I’m hoping Zeus is featured more heavily in the next book as I feel he’s still quite the mystery compared to Thor and Odin.
This was an easy uncomplicated read yes it was a tad tongue in cheek at times and a whole lot cheesy but it was mostly fun and humorous and very sexy but still had some serious moments as well and I did enjoy myself with this one.
It’s not my usual type of read but I picked this up as a freebie way back in 2015 and am only now getting round to it, someone suggested it in a group I’m in and I thought why not it sounds way out there and different and especially with that title.
I’m also intrigued enough here to pick up the next book in the series to see where this goes.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
January 15, 2018
Well dang. This was good!
This was actually really good. I was worried because the reviews seemed to be mixed.
A girl wanting out of her small town life. Three kinky bank robbers. Yeah there’s not much more to it. Some action. Some hot ménage. It’s honestly just a fun little read. Not too serious. A little bit of angst. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
This was actually really good. I was worried because the reviews seemed to be mixed.
A girl wanting out of her small town life. Three kinky bank robbers. Yeah there’s not much more to it. Some action. Some hot ménage. It’s honestly just a fun little read. Not too serious. A little bit of angst. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
October 22, 2016
I suppose there are girls that get excited thinking about stories of bank robbers and what a thrill it would be if they get kidnapped and held hostage by them and find true love finally.
Well, I am not one of these girls. If I see a gun point at me in real life, I will most probably faint. Or pee myself. Or both in no particular order.
Melinda is one of the girls who get excited –or maybe I dare to say also horny- with bank robbers. When a guy who is wearing a zombie mask is turning his gun to her and he is demanding the money, she is so happy that she almost giggles. The only thing she sees is not the gun, but his green eyes. And this does not go unnoticed by him or by the rest of the gang: the blue eyed guy and the brown eyed guy.
When the cops arrive, she becomes hostage. Soon the four of them will live in a “one for all, four for one” situation. In a romantic/ naughty short of way. Though, I think that maybe they jumped in the hot tab a bit too fast.
The book is quite funny, contains a plethora of sex scenes of these four people in various combinations and it is definitely entertaining. You won’t get bored reading it.
Well, I am not one of these girls. If I see a gun point at me in real life, I will most probably faint. Or pee myself. Or both in no particular order.
Melinda is one of the girls who get excited –or maybe I dare to say also horny- with bank robbers. When a guy who is wearing a zombie mask is turning his gun to her and he is demanding the money, she is so happy that she almost giggles. The only thing she sees is not the gun, but his green eyes. And this does not go unnoticed by him or by the rest of the gang: the blue eyed guy and the brown eyed guy.
When the cops arrive, she becomes hostage. Soon the four of them will live in a “one for all, four for one” situation. In a romantic/ naughty short of way. Though, I think that maybe they jumped in the hot tab a bit too fast.
The book is quite funny, contains a plethora of sex scenes of these four people in various combinations and it is definitely entertaining. You won’t get bored reading it.
February 21, 2018
DNF @ 60%
I just couldn't tolerate the total divorce from reality. I mean 50 Shades of Grey has a more realistic plot.
I just couldn't tolerate the total divorce from reality. I mean 50 Shades of Grey has a more realistic plot.
February 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this, it was a fun, exciting, sexy read.
The criminals themselves were all strong, protective alpha male types so that was a great start. They also like their sex kinky so again, that worked well for me.
There was actually more to this story than I expected. I was expecting a nice short smutty read and while there was definitely a lot of hot sex, there was an exciting plot which I really got into.
I'll definitely read more by Annika Martin, she writes steaming hot, kinky romance and I'd really recommend her!
The criminals themselves were all strong, protective alpha male types so that was a great start. They also like their sex kinky so again, that worked well for me.
There was actually more to this story than I expected. I was expecting a nice short smutty read and while there was definitely a lot of hot sex, there was an exciting plot which I really got into.
I'll definitely read more by Annika Martin, she writes steaming hot, kinky romance and I'd really recommend her!
May 27, 2016
Melinda is a cashier at her local bank, working for a boss she hates because she needs an income to look after her younger sisters. All she really wants is to escape and live her own life but her family is relying on her and she has too many obligations. She hates her life so much that when the bank is held up by three armed robbers she actually goes out of her way to make sure the guys find all the good stuff when they're raiding the safe. Then when she is taken hostage it looks like she might finally get the chance to have an adventure after all.
This is the kind of book that you need to throw away all sense of reality before you start reading, the situation that Melinda finds herself in is about as far from realistic as you can get in a contemporary setting but as long as you're prepared to just go with it you'll probably end up having fun. The story kicks off right in the action as the robbery is already underway and Melinda is immediately attracted to the gun wielding guys who are threatening her (I mean who wouldn't be turned on by a guy waving a gun at them? *insert sarcasm here*). She hates her job and her boss is an arse so she decides that helping the robbers get away with as much loot as possible is a suitable form of revenge. Later, when she's taken hostage, she actually ends up begging them to take her with them after they plan to release her, after all she's always wanted an adventure and what better way to have fun than with three sexy bank robbers who all seem to be more than a little interested in her body?
If you can ignore all that and just go with it then I'd say you should give this story a try, for an erotic read with a bit of added suspense it's actually quite fun and has a nice level of heat to it. I'd say the sex was tamer than I was expecting, there is some light bondage and a hint of domination but nothing particularly major, I'm thinking this might be built upon in later instalments though. There are some M/F/M scenes but I have to admit I was a bit disappointed that one of the guys didn't get involved at all, I mean what's the point of having three hot guys around if one is going to leave every time the good stuff starts? I think that's something that will also be addressed in later books though so I've not given up hope yet.
For an Amazon freebie this isn't a bad, there were some editing issues but nothing too major and I've seen far worse offerings. The writing is pretty decent and the story moves along at a pace that kept me reading just so I could find out what would happen next. I enjoyed this a lot while I was reading it but the trouble is that it's pretty forgettable once you put it down again, these characters didn't stick with me and I don't feel particularly invested in finding out what will happen to them. I might continue reading the series at some point but I don't feel any burning desire to buy the next book and dive into it immediately and I don't think it'll be too long before I forget I ever read this one.
This is the kind of book that you need to throw away all sense of reality before you start reading, the situation that Melinda finds herself in is about as far from realistic as you can get in a contemporary setting but as long as you're prepared to just go with it you'll probably end up having fun. The story kicks off right in the action as the robbery is already underway and Melinda is immediately attracted to the gun wielding guys who are threatening her (I mean who wouldn't be turned on by a guy waving a gun at them? *insert sarcasm here*). She hates her job and her boss is an arse so she decides that helping the robbers get away with as much loot as possible is a suitable form of revenge. Later, when she's taken hostage, she actually ends up begging them to take her with them after they plan to release her, after all she's always wanted an adventure and what better way to have fun than with three sexy bank robbers who all seem to be more than a little interested in her body?
If you can ignore all that and just go with it then I'd say you should give this story a try, for an erotic read with a bit of added suspense it's actually quite fun and has a nice level of heat to it. I'd say the sex was tamer than I was expecting, there is some light bondage and a hint of domination but nothing particularly major, I'm thinking this might be built upon in later instalments though. There are some M/F/M scenes but I have to admit I was a bit disappointed that one of the guys didn't get involved at all, I mean what's the point of having three hot guys around if one is going to leave every time the good stuff starts? I think that's something that will also be addressed in later books though so I've not given up hope yet.
For an Amazon freebie this isn't a bad, there were some editing issues but nothing too major and I've seen far worse offerings. The writing is pretty decent and the story moves along at a pace that kept me reading just so I could find out what would happen next. I enjoyed this a lot while I was reading it but the trouble is that it's pretty forgettable once you put it down again, these characters didn't stick with me and I don't feel particularly invested in finding out what will happen to them. I might continue reading the series at some point but I don't feel any burning desire to buy the next book and dive into it immediately and I don't think it'll be too long before I forget I ever read this one.
February 12, 2016
The Hostage Bargain
After friend sent me link this I download the first book free & believe not couldnt put it down ... Maybe was the fact it was free,, Maybe was the fact I like the name of the Series(Taken Hostage by Hunky Bank Robbers series)But I stay cuz of the complex and suspenseful story line, intriguing characters, and sex so smoky and hot you're sweating as you read it.
After friend sent me link this I download the first book free & believe not couldnt put it down ... Maybe was the fact it was free,, Maybe was the fact I like the name of the Series(Taken Hostage by Hunky Bank Robbers series)But I stay cuz of the complex and suspenseful story line, intriguing characters, and sex so smoky and hot you're sweating as you read it.
June 25, 2022
Just a shade too daft for me, I struggled to buy into it. Incomplete story but cba to read any more.
May 4, 2012
Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks
The Hostage Bargain is the first book in Annika Martin’s new series. Melinda is a bank teller who happens to live on her family’s sheep farm. In all seriousness, she doesn’t want to be a sheep farmer anymore but seeing that she is the oldest daughter, the responsibility of running the farm fell on her when her parents died. To help pay the bills, Melinda took a job at the bank. I have to say that I did find it a bit odd how quickly Melinda adapted to everything. Even while the bank was being robbed, she was cool and collected. Yes, she hated her boss and actually liked the idea that someone was taking his stuff, but still. You would think a certain amount of panic would occur when three armed gunmen wearing zombie masks barge into your workplace and demand that you help stuff large amounts of money into their bags. And when they take her hostage, she’s all excited! But soon enough you learn that Melinda is like this because she craves excitement and sees her ‘hostage’ situation as a perfect way to escape her reality.
Melinda is super quirky. To get the most out of her new situation, she makes herself fit into the guys’ gang. I found it was cute how she called them ‘her robbers’ even after just meeting them. The humor in the book comes from her. She is put into so many situations (and positions *wink wink*) that she has never been in but figures ‘what the hell’ and goes with the flow. She loves the crazy life that these three men lead as it is the complete opposite of what she lives now. Melinda is smart but so many of her thoughts are borderline quirky…and I liked that about her. There is an innocence about her and it made her character all the more funny and adorable.
Let’s talk about the men. Oh, the men! There is Thor, Odin and Zeus. I giggled too when I first read their names but of course, they are code names. All named after gods and fit their ‘gang’ perfectly. They are all for one and one for all and I loved the bond these guys had. You can tell that these men have been through some serious sh*t and I’m not talking about the robberies. While you are reading you are wondering what happened to them and what exactly brought them together. You don’t find everything out in this book which makes you feel two things: it makes you happy that Annika is planning three more books in this series and it makes you want the next book sooner rather than later so you can find out the whole story behind these guys.
I think Thor is my favorite. He’s the gentle one with heart. Well, I suppose ‘gentle’ isn’t really the right word to describe him seeing what some of his ‘skills’ are *nudge nudge* but in comparison to the others, he is. Odin is awesome. He’s the smarty of the gang and since I like a smart guy, he’s yum in my book. Finally there is Zeus. He is the tortured arse of the gang. He’s the one you want to know most of all because he’s the one you know nothing about! I actually found myself saying, as I’m reading about Melinda doing the nasty with Odin and Thor while Zeus is watching (told you this book was hot): “Kiss her, f*ck her, you know you want to!” Really…what is that about?! lol That’s how much these characters drew me in. And I wasn’t just drawn to them during ‘those’ scenes – their steamy chemistry was great and their ‘just sitting around chatting’ chemistry was just as good.
My concern with erotic books, and I’ve mentioned this before, is that there is too much sex and not enough substance or that they are vulgar just to say they are. I did not find this at all with this book. The story contained some incredibly steamy scenes (as I may have mentioned a few times already) but it also held a very compelling story. The robbers are being chased but we don’t know by whom or why. Then there is the added suspense of whether or not a heist will go off as planned. It’s a sexy book with a solid story and proof that it is possible to strike that balance in erotic romance.
The Hostage Bargain is a quirky steamy read with heart. I giggled a lot and smiled even more. It’s meant to be a fun read and it totally succeeds as I haven’t had this much fun reading an erotic romance in quite a while. The Hostage Bargain is definitely worth checking out. It’s the perfect weekend read.
4.5 stars
The Hostage Bargain is the first book in Annika Martin’s new series. Melinda is a bank teller who happens to live on her family’s sheep farm. In all seriousness, she doesn’t want to be a sheep farmer anymore but seeing that she is the oldest daughter, the responsibility of running the farm fell on her when her parents died. To help pay the bills, Melinda took a job at the bank. I have to say that I did find it a bit odd how quickly Melinda adapted to everything. Even while the bank was being robbed, she was cool and collected. Yes, she hated her boss and actually liked the idea that someone was taking his stuff, but still. You would think a certain amount of panic would occur when three armed gunmen wearing zombie masks barge into your workplace and demand that you help stuff large amounts of money into their bags. And when they take her hostage, she’s all excited! But soon enough you learn that Melinda is like this because she craves excitement and sees her ‘hostage’ situation as a perfect way to escape her reality.
Melinda is super quirky. To get the most out of her new situation, she makes herself fit into the guys’ gang. I found it was cute how she called them ‘her robbers’ even after just meeting them. The humor in the book comes from her. She is put into so many situations (and positions *wink wink*) that she has never been in but figures ‘what the hell’ and goes with the flow. She loves the crazy life that these three men lead as it is the complete opposite of what she lives now. Melinda is smart but so many of her thoughts are borderline quirky…and I liked that about her. There is an innocence about her and it made her character all the more funny and adorable.
Let’s talk about the men. Oh, the men! There is Thor, Odin and Zeus. I giggled too when I first read their names but of course, they are code names. All named after gods and fit their ‘gang’ perfectly. They are all for one and one for all and I loved the bond these guys had. You can tell that these men have been through some serious sh*t and I’m not talking about the robberies. While you are reading you are wondering what happened to them and what exactly brought them together. You don’t find everything out in this book which makes you feel two things: it makes you happy that Annika is planning three more books in this series and it makes you want the next book sooner rather than later so you can find out the whole story behind these guys.
I think Thor is my favorite. He’s the gentle one with heart. Well, I suppose ‘gentle’ isn’t really the right word to describe him seeing what some of his ‘skills’ are *nudge nudge* but in comparison to the others, he is. Odin is awesome. He’s the smarty of the gang and since I like a smart guy, he’s yum in my book. Finally there is Zeus. He is the tortured arse of the gang. He’s the one you want to know most of all because he’s the one you know nothing about! I actually found myself saying, as I’m reading about Melinda doing the nasty with Odin and Thor while Zeus is watching (told you this book was hot): “Kiss her, f*ck her, you know you want to!” Really…what is that about?! lol That’s how much these characters drew me in. And I wasn’t just drawn to them during ‘those’ scenes – their steamy chemistry was great and their ‘just sitting around chatting’ chemistry was just as good.
My concern with erotic books, and I’ve mentioned this before, is that there is too much sex and not enough substance or that they are vulgar just to say they are. I did not find this at all with this book. The story contained some incredibly steamy scenes (as I may have mentioned a few times already) but it also held a very compelling story. The robbers are being chased but we don’t know by whom or why. Then there is the added suspense of whether or not a heist will go off as planned. It’s a sexy book with a solid story and proof that it is possible to strike that balance in erotic romance.
The Hostage Bargain is a quirky steamy read with heart. I giggled a lot and smiled even more. It’s meant to be a fun read and it totally succeeds as I haven’t had this much fun reading an erotic romance in quite a while. The Hostage Bargain is definitely worth checking out. It’s the perfect weekend read.
4.5 stars
December 4, 2014
Thank God I got it for free on Amazon because it was a huge let down. That is why I gave it 2 stars (and I never give a books 1 star so this is as low as I go).
The idea sounded pretty cool with the whole hostage-bank robbers scenario and I love a good 1 hottie-3 guys action as much as the next girl but the writing was BAD, the characters were surreal (and I don't mean it in a good way) and the whole story was OFF.
I don't really recommend reading it. Maybe only if you are stuck in a cabin in the woods with no cell battery, Tv, etc. and this is your last unread book on your Kindle :P
The idea sounded pretty cool with the whole hostage-bank robbers scenario and I love a good 1 hottie-3 guys action as much as the next girl but the writing was BAD, the characters were surreal (and I don't mean it in a good way) and the whole story was OFF.
I don't really recommend reading it. Maybe only if you are stuck in a cabin in the woods with no cell battery, Tv, etc. and this is your last unread book on your Kindle :P
January 13, 2020
I was hooked from the beginning. Putting this down proved to be difficult to do. The characters were fun, even when you wanted to throttle them. There was mystery, intrigue, sass, and let's not forget some steamy scenes.
own-need-to-read
December 1, 2014Kindle Freebie!! (Thanks for the heads up, Viv!) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...
Blurb
When small town girl Melinda Prescott is taken hostage by three hot bank robbers, she quickly discovers that a life of bank heists, luxury hotels, and kinky menages is way more exciting than working on the family farm. She should be scared of her dominating, fierce captors...but there's something wicked inside her that's craving to obey their every dark desire.
Melinda's an all-too willing captive to three smoldering sex maniacs...but is it all too good to be true? Will her delicious captors overcome their own demons enough to let her in...or is she going to end up a victim of the world's sexiest crime spree?
Blurb
When small town girl Melinda Prescott is taken hostage by three hot bank robbers, she quickly discovers that a life of bank heists, luxury hotels, and kinky menages is way more exciting than working on the family farm. She should be scared of her dominating, fierce captors...but there's something wicked inside her that's craving to obey their every dark desire.
Melinda's an all-too willing captive to three smoldering sex maniacs...but is it all too good to be true? Will her delicious captors overcome their own demons enough to let her in...or is she going to end up a victim of the world's sexiest crime spree?
February 26, 2016
"A bank heist followed by an orgy is not typically on my daily roster."
Well, hot damn! Who would have thought that after a month of erotica failures (mostly—I did like one) I would find another winner?
This story had kind of a ridiculous setup, but I was into it. The guys were hot, especially Odin and Thor (my faves). Melinda aka Isis was a fun heroine, just the right amount of mouthy and agreeable. I think I might even finish off the series at some point! This was just so fun and delightful, and it didn't take itself too seriously.
"The rules don't apply to Melinda," Zeus said.
I wanted to hear more about these rules, and frankly, I wanted them to be really dirty.
Spoiler alert: they totally are.
Well, hot damn! Who would have thought that after a month of erotica failures (mostly—I did like one) I would find another winner?
This story had kind of a ridiculous setup, but I was into it. The guys were hot, especially Odin and Thor (my faves). Melinda aka Isis was a fun heroine, just the right amount of mouthy and agreeable. I think I might even finish off the series at some point! This was just so fun and delightful, and it didn't take itself too seriously.
"The rules don't apply to Melinda," Zeus said.
I wanted to hear more about these rules, and frankly, I wanted them to be really dirty.
Spoiler alert: they totally are.
May 12, 2022
I've had this book in my TBR for quite a very long time. Not having the privilege of reading anything by Annika Martin, this would be my first. What to say, if you want a quick read that contains a barely visible plot hidden by a whole lot of sexcapades with one woman and three men, than this is a read for you. It started off interesting but got a bit muddled as the story went along that I found myself skimming pages to get to see what happened in the end. Too much material and threesomes that it lost me and I became bored. I selected this read from a book club reader of the month. Sorry to say that this one did nothing for me.
April 13, 2020
4 Stars!
Wow, what a great read! Admittedly, I picked this one up because I was just ISO some light and kinky goodness. This book definitely delivers on that front but it packs so much more. Very solid action suspense story to go with it that kept me glued to the pages. Loved the backstory of the characters.
Can't wait to read more of these naughty bank robbers and their hostage!
Wow, what a great read! Admittedly, I picked this one up because I was just ISO some light and kinky goodness. This book definitely delivers on that front but it packs so much more. Very solid action suspense story to go with it that kept me glued to the pages. Loved the backstory of the characters.
Can't wait to read more of these naughty bank robbers and their hostage!
July 24, 2019
I really enjoyed the storyline in this one. I found it compelling and the addition of the sexy steamy scenes made it a nice little read. I found myself wanting to know more about the plot as I progressed and less interested in the sex. Overall, I think it was a good read.
June 25, 2022
Definitely a interesting read lol. I don’t know what to say.
March 15, 2017
This is quite frankly one of the most ridiculous books I have ever read. I loved it.
The most hilariously enjoyable thing about this book is the sub-title: 'Taken Hostage by Kinky Bank Robbers'. If you are interested in kink then I'm going to disappoint you now: the kinkiest thing in this book is some mild spanking and a great many scenes in which really really ridiculously good-looking men demand that the heroine must obey them in all things then order her to have a great deal of thoroughly enjoyable sex (did I mention that they're also extremely considerate and skilled lovers?) and eat room service in a series of increasingly luxurious hotel rooms. Would that we were all subject to such strictures.
This is pretty indicative of the whole tone of the story. It is a work of relentless innocence and naivety, which I happen to find adorable, but which is likely to dement the serious connoisseur of erotica. In fact, the book hardly qualifies as erotica at all. It has about three real sex scenes, and the rest is split between bank-robbing adventures and terribly sincere and heart-felt angst about everyone's feelings, which very neatly hit all the beats of a good romance on their way to the inevitable cliffhanger.
There's actually a pretty decent stab at some character development, if you like your characters to be totally implausible but utterly delightful in spite of that. It turns out that the silent and brooding bank-robber/assassin (yes, he's also a professional assassin, what of it?) is not, as one might suppose, a complete psychopath, in fact he's merely taciturn due to a wounded heart. What good news for our heroine and the bank-robber/doctor (yes, he's a bank-robber and a volunteer for international medical charities, what of it?) and the other bank-robber who is also a top hacker. Look, what can I say, these men just happen to be absolutely beautiful, great in bed, rich, talented, skilled, strictly moral, engaged in a dedicated bromance, and all in love withyou, dear reader our heroine! These things happen.
The most hilariously enjoyable thing about this book is the sub-title: 'Taken Hostage by Kinky Bank Robbers'. If you are interested in kink then I'm going to disappoint you now: the kinkiest thing in this book is some mild spanking and a great many scenes in which really really ridiculously good-looking men demand that the heroine must obey them in all things then order her to have a great deal of thoroughly enjoyable sex (did I mention that they're also extremely considerate and skilled lovers?) and eat room service in a series of increasingly luxurious hotel rooms. Would that we were all subject to such strictures.
This is pretty indicative of the whole tone of the story. It is a work of relentless innocence and naivety, which I happen to find adorable, but which is likely to dement the serious connoisseur of erotica. In fact, the book hardly qualifies as erotica at all. It has about three real sex scenes, and the rest is split between bank-robbing adventures and terribly sincere and heart-felt angst about everyone's feelings, which very neatly hit all the beats of a good romance on their way to the inevitable cliffhanger.
There's actually a pretty decent stab at some character development, if you like your characters to be totally implausible but utterly delightful in spite of that. It turns out that the silent and brooding bank-robber/assassin (yes, he's also a professional assassin, what of it?) is not, as one might suppose, a complete psychopath, in fact he's merely taciturn due to a wounded heart. What good news for our heroine and the bank-robber/doctor (yes, he's a bank-robber and a volunteer for international medical charities, what of it?) and the other bank-robber who is also a top hacker. Look, what can I say, these men just happen to be absolutely beautiful, great in bed, rich, talented, skilled, strictly moral, engaged in a dedicated bromance, and all in love with
dnf
January 30, 2016DNF - not feeling the characters
November 23, 2021
If you don't take into account the creative use of butter, it was a pleasant surprise. Steamy with lots of action and a nice twist towards the end. I think that I'll be reading the next book in the series soon!
May 30, 2012
Favorite Quote: “A bank heist followed by an orgy is not typically on my daily roster,” I said casually.
Melinda Prescott hates the owner of the bank where she works. She and her sisters own a sheep farm, and the bank owner holds the mortgage. After a barn fire a few years ago, and the death of her parents, her and her sisters were left with a big mortgage, and missed payments. So her relationship with the bank owner is rocky at best. When three masked men come in to rob the bank, she actually decides to help them out. Anything to hurt her boss. So she gives them a ton of money and even shows them where secret diamonds are stored. But things get critical towards the end, and they end up taking her hostage.
Melinda sees this as an adventure though. She is bored in her life, and this is kind of like a dream come true. It doesn’t hurt that these men seem to be nice bank robbers too. She also wants in on the next bank robbery so she can use that money to pay off her huge mortgage debts. So these three masked men, who go by the names Thor, Odin and Zeus (Melinda asks to go by the name Isis) give her this ultimatum:
“Fine then. The game is that we’re dissolute, depraved, sex-crazed bandits and the rules are, firstly, that you have sex with all of us at different times and in different combinations.” Odin paused.
My pulse fluttered. “That’s firstly?”
“Yes, Isis,” Odin said.
I imagined being pressed between them. I imagined their hands and mouths on my. Oh, he was a little evil to pause like that. This too, I richly enjoyed. “And what might be secondly?” I asked.
“That we tie you up, etcetera,” he said casually, almost bored, like it was a totally normal thing. “And we give you various commands that you must obey, within reason of course, and utterly pleasure-focused.”
So she basically has to agree to these rules to stay with them and earn the name ‘Isis.’ And she happily does.
As I read the beginning of this book, I have to admit I rolled my eyes. It is just such a silly plot. I get this book is suppose to be silly (someone on Twitter called it ‘kooky’ and that is a good word to describe it) but it was just too silly for me. This sheep farmer is going to become a sex slave of sorts to three masked bandits? But I kept reading, and actually started enjoying it more as I went. It isn’t just the four of them robbing banks and having sex, although this is a very erotic book. We learn more about the men and I started to feel bad for them that they are forced to live this life style (you learn why towards the end of the book). They live for today, because they are in such an extreme situation. Thor is more of the softie that makes Isis feel welcome, Zeus has deep dark secrets and is the more distant one, and Odin is kind of in the middle.
Bad guys are introduced, which makes it more exciting and the three men, are hot and sexy. Let me say though that this is a very quirky book, and sometimes I had a hard time finding the sex scenes hot and steamy. It was hard to get into that frame of mind for some reason. At the same time, I appreciated the humor of the situation Isis is in too. She is all for the sexin’ but it is a very new situation for her:
A knock at the door. Thor broke away from our kiss. A room service waiter entered and pushed a cart laden with booze, glasses, snacks, flowers, and linens up to a round table. “Would you like me to set you up?”
“No, just park the cart. Leave the table clear. Just in case.” The waiter parked the cart and Odin took off his glasses and gave me an amused look that had 99% pure devil in it. “Don’t you think?” he asked me.
“What?”
“That we should leave the table clear?”
“I guess,” I said.
WTF.
There is also a backstory involving a previous woman these three shared. I won’t go into too much detail because I don’t want to spoil but I’m not sure I liked that. And I also want to know why these three pick up random women to make them their sex slave of sorts but with more books in this series to come, I assume we will get more answers.
I’m still a little baffled at how I feel about this one. I think it is well written, but I’m not sure it is for me.
Rating: C+
Melinda Prescott hates the owner of the bank where she works. She and her sisters own a sheep farm, and the bank owner holds the mortgage. After a barn fire a few years ago, and the death of her parents, her and her sisters were left with a big mortgage, and missed payments. So her relationship with the bank owner is rocky at best. When three masked men come in to rob the bank, she actually decides to help them out. Anything to hurt her boss. So she gives them a ton of money and even shows them where secret diamonds are stored. But things get critical towards the end, and they end up taking her hostage.
Melinda sees this as an adventure though. She is bored in her life, and this is kind of like a dream come true. It doesn’t hurt that these men seem to be nice bank robbers too. She also wants in on the next bank robbery so she can use that money to pay off her huge mortgage debts. So these three masked men, who go by the names Thor, Odin and Zeus (Melinda asks to go by the name Isis) give her this ultimatum:
“Fine then. The game is that we’re dissolute, depraved, sex-crazed bandits and the rules are, firstly, that you have sex with all of us at different times and in different combinations.” Odin paused.
My pulse fluttered. “That’s firstly?”
“Yes, Isis,” Odin said.
I imagined being pressed between them. I imagined their hands and mouths on my. Oh, he was a little evil to pause like that. This too, I richly enjoyed. “And what might be secondly?” I asked.
“That we tie you up, etcetera,” he said casually, almost bored, like it was a totally normal thing. “And we give you various commands that you must obey, within reason of course, and utterly pleasure-focused.”
So she basically has to agree to these rules to stay with them and earn the name ‘Isis.’ And she happily does.
As I read the beginning of this book, I have to admit I rolled my eyes. It is just such a silly plot. I get this book is suppose to be silly (someone on Twitter called it ‘kooky’ and that is a good word to describe it) but it was just too silly for me. This sheep farmer is going to become a sex slave of sorts to three masked bandits? But I kept reading, and actually started enjoying it more as I went. It isn’t just the four of them robbing banks and having sex, although this is a very erotic book. We learn more about the men and I started to feel bad for them that they are forced to live this life style (you learn why towards the end of the book). They live for today, because they are in such an extreme situation. Thor is more of the softie that makes Isis feel welcome, Zeus has deep dark secrets and is the more distant one, and Odin is kind of in the middle.
Bad guys are introduced, which makes it more exciting and the three men, are hot and sexy. Let me say though that this is a very quirky book, and sometimes I had a hard time finding the sex scenes hot and steamy. It was hard to get into that frame of mind for some reason. At the same time, I appreciated the humor of the situation Isis is in too. She is all for the sexin’ but it is a very new situation for her:
A knock at the door. Thor broke away from our kiss. A room service waiter entered and pushed a cart laden with booze, glasses, snacks, flowers, and linens up to a round table. “Would you like me to set you up?”
“No, just park the cart. Leave the table clear. Just in case.” The waiter parked the cart and Odin took off his glasses and gave me an amused look that had 99% pure devil in it. “Don’t you think?” he asked me.
“What?”
“That we should leave the table clear?”
“I guess,” I said.
WTF.
There is also a backstory involving a previous woman these three shared. I won’t go into too much detail because I don’t want to spoil but I’m not sure I liked that. And I also want to know why these three pick up random women to make them their sex slave of sorts but with more books in this series to come, I assume we will get more answers.
I’m still a little baffled at how I feel about this one. I think it is well written, but I’m not sure it is for me.
Rating: C+
December 3, 2014
Honestly I'm just not sure...I'll have to read the rest of the series and get back to you.
I didn't realise this wasn't a stand-a-lone and yes that's on me since it's clearly states it's book one, I don't know why it was such a surprise but it was.
The book itself, I'm just not sure which seems harsh I know considering it had me hooked till the end,
I absolutely loved the start where the bank robbers rob a bank where all the staff hate the owners and not one of them would have tried to stop it, Melinda goes out of her way to make sure they get everything and I loved the end where everything falls into place for the next book, I'm now wondering why I didn't like it more, I'm just not sure it really worked as well for me as I'd hoped but then I'm going to read the next one so you know it can't be all bad and it's not, just somewhere in the middle I wasn't sure for a while and I don't really know why.
I loved the complete craziness of the whole thing, the God names and the whole bank robbing thing they had going on. The deeper darker parts added depth and intrigue and the guys themselves, Thor, Odin and Zeus...wow
As you've probably gathered I'm struggling to review this book and if I say so myself I'm making a bit of a mess of it, on paper it's something I should love and parts of it, most of it I did but I'm not sure I really liked the 'whole' as much as I wanted to.
It's well written, funny, completely unbelievable and silly but it does pull you in so think twice if you don't want to commit to the next two, I can't finish this review without saying I loved the guys Thor, Odin and Zeus and when I think back, trying to make sense of why this wasn't a 5 star book for me my main issue was Melinda she got on my nerves a bit at times I'll admit and I totally understand her need to escape her life but I think the ease with which she did it made it difficult for me to fully get on board with her but I appreciate she had an opportunity and she grabbed it with both hands...literally.
I was originally planning on giving this book 3 stars but when I think back it's entertaining and well written, I'm also planning on reading the remaining two books in this series so 3 stars doesn't really seem to cover it. I'll have to settle for 4 then, that seems fair and now onto 'The Wrong Turn'
I didn't realise this wasn't a stand-a-lone and yes that's on me since it's clearly states it's book one, I don't know why it was such a surprise but it was.
The book itself, I'm just not sure which seems harsh I know considering it had me hooked till the end,
I absolutely loved the start where the bank robbers rob a bank where all the staff hate the owners and not one of them would have tried to stop it, Melinda goes out of her way to make sure they get everything and I loved the end where everything falls into place for the next book, I'm now wondering why I didn't like it more, I'm just not sure it really worked as well for me as I'd hoped but then I'm going to read the next one so you know it can't be all bad and it's not, just somewhere in the middle I wasn't sure for a while and I don't really know why.
I loved the complete craziness of the whole thing, the God names and the whole bank robbing thing they had going on. The deeper darker parts added depth and intrigue and the guys themselves, Thor, Odin and Zeus...wow
As you've probably gathered I'm struggling to review this book and if I say so myself I'm making a bit of a mess of it, on paper it's something I should love and parts of it, most of it I did but I'm not sure I really liked the 'whole' as much as I wanted to.
It's well written, funny, completely unbelievable and silly but it does pull you in so think twice if you don't want to commit to the next two, I can't finish this review without saying I loved the guys Thor, Odin and Zeus and when I think back, trying to make sense of why this wasn't a 5 star book for me my main issue was Melinda she got on my nerves a bit at times I'll admit and I totally understand her need to escape her life but I think the ease with which she did it made it difficult for me to fully get on board with her but I appreciate she had an opportunity and she grabbed it with both hands...literally.
I was originally planning on giving this book 3 stars but when I think back it's entertaining and well written, I'm also planning on reading the remaining two books in this series so 3 stars doesn't really seem to cover it. I'll have to settle for 4 then, that seems fair and now onto 'The Wrong Turn'
November 8, 2018
Annika Martin’s The Hostage Bargain spent quite a bit of time sitting on my Kindle. I downloaded it because I was mildly curious, yet a part of me was never quite willing to dive in. After reading and adoring Annika Martin’s billionaire books, I decided it was finally time to give The Hostage Bargain a read.
As my experience with Annika Martin’s billionaire books had me hoping, The Hostage Bargain was an insanely additive read. It was a short one, but there was plenty packed into it. There is no doubt in my mind this is a book that will divide readers, but if you find yourself having fun you’ll be hooked to it throughout.
With a ridiculous storyline, humour, and plenty of steam, this story provided plenty of the things I enjoy. It was ridiculous in the best way possible, ensuring I’d be turning the pages to see how everything came together. It’s more than just a ridiculous notion put together in such a way that it is funny, there’s also a story here that has left me willing to pick up book two.
It seems I will be reading the rest of the books in the Taken Hostage by Kinky Bank Robbers series, as it appears I’m becoming quite the Annika Martin fan.
As my experience with Annika Martin’s billionaire books had me hoping, The Hostage Bargain was an insanely additive read. It was a short one, but there was plenty packed into it. There is no doubt in my mind this is a book that will divide readers, but if you find yourself having fun you’ll be hooked to it throughout.
With a ridiculous storyline, humour, and plenty of steam, this story provided plenty of the things I enjoy. It was ridiculous in the best way possible, ensuring I’d be turning the pages to see how everything came together. It’s more than just a ridiculous notion put together in such a way that it is funny, there’s also a story here that has left me willing to pick up book two.
It seems I will be reading the rest of the books in the Taken Hostage by Kinky Bank Robbers series, as it appears I’m becoming quite the Annika Martin fan.
April 19, 2016
Very well written and edited. Major Cliffhanger.
I had low expectations, despite the high reviews, because of the cheesy subtitle, so I was very happy to find a complex, suspenseful, sizzling story about four complicated people in circumstances they didn't plan, who are making the most of the alternatives they have.
This story has a little bit of everything: life on the run, sweet farm girl, danger junkies, hot sex, deep emotional scars, even cliché death scenes (that somehow elevate beyond cliché.) Despite the laundry list of storylines, the author manages to bring it all together in this relatively short book in an irreverent, entertaining way that draws you in and gets better the more you read.
I really hate cliffhangers, but this story wraps up many threads before opening the thread that becomes the cliffhanger, so you won't feel like you were left hanging -- just like you want to immediately purchase book 2, because these are some seriously cool characters to hang out with for a while.
Strongly recommend.
I had low expectations, despite the high reviews, because of the cheesy subtitle, so I was very happy to find a complex, suspenseful, sizzling story about four complicated people in circumstances they didn't plan, who are making the most of the alternatives they have.
This story has a little bit of everything: life on the run, sweet farm girl, danger junkies, hot sex, deep emotional scars, even cliché death scenes (that somehow elevate beyond cliché.) Despite the laundry list of storylines, the author manages to bring it all together in this relatively short book in an irreverent, entertaining way that draws you in and gets better the more you read.
I really hate cliffhangers, but this story wraps up many threads before opening the thread that becomes the cliffhanger, so you won't feel like you were left hanging -- just like you want to immediately purchase book 2, because these are some seriously cool characters to hang out with for a while.
Strongly recommend.
June 1, 2012
I enjoyed this very much. Fun, funny, clever, and sexy as sin. It's hard to write a review of this kind of book without spoilers. I'll just say that if you can suspend disbelief and lose yourself in the story you won't be disappointed.
It's fantasy at its best. Both with the sexy times and the storyline. It kept my interest and made me want more of the backstory that will slowly be revealed through the series, I think. I'm glad I found this series a little late. That means I don't have long to wait until book 2. ;)
It's fantasy at its best. Both with the sexy times and the storyline. It kept my interest and made me want more of the backstory that will slowly be revealed through the series, I think. I'm glad I found this series a little late. That means I don't have long to wait until book 2. ;)
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