Sleight of Hand

Syndicate #2

by B.J. Bentley

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BERTIE

I grew up on the streets, a product of someone else's bad choices.
I clawed, fought, and stole in order to survive.
You'd think growing up that way would make me tough. Make me hard.
Truth was, I wanted to do good.
But doing good brought me something very, very bad.

ALEKSANDER

You could say I had it all. Money. Respect. Women.
The fear of those beneath me.
I had everything I wanted.
But I had an obsession that became a need.
I knew what I needed, and what I needed was her.

Aleksander Magnus is one-third of the Syndicate. A criminal CEO who thrives on control. So, when he meets Bertie, his sparrow, will he give in to the desire to cage his little bird, or will he open his heart and allow them both to fly free?

Genres: Dark Romance

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2018

About the author

Author. Cat mom. Coffee. Whiskey. Ambivert.

I've been reading romance novels since I was a tween back in the early 90s, and my mom had a Harlequin subscription. Now I write them too.

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Reviews

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to fall in love! This edgy continuation of the Syndicate series by BJ Bentley delivers on every level. Angst? Definitely. Chemistry? Sizzling hot. Suspense? Edge of the seat!

I could not put this book down as it held me emotionally hostage. The character development was very well done. I love both Bertie and Aleksander. Though please, dibs on Aleksander, he's my new book boyfriend. BJ Bentley however, doesn't just add character depth to her main cast; she goes that one step further with her secondary characters as well. The author's world building is phenomenal. I was right there with the characters and it kept me fully captivated.

The storyline itself is so delicious and emotionally exhausting that there's no words adequate to describe it. All I can say is I want to jump right into a reread because I love it so much.

5 stars for an edgy, sizzling and captivating read! Highly recommend!

[Cait's Creatures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright, ok, I can totally write this review and not fan girl too much. Right? Right. Ok. Here goes nothin'. 

ALEKSANDER is the devil and I freaking love it. He may not be your typical mafioso, but he is definitely uber powerful in his business. We met him in Finders Keepers, and if you read it, you know there were some super trigger warnings. Now, there aren't really triggers in this book (maybe? everyone's are different), but it really depends on your definition of safe. Aleks isn't one to believe in that love at first sight, junk. And he's not going to let a little girl that he wants more than anything, come in between him and his empire. 

*snort*

Roberta, BERTIE, is a strong independent who don't need no man, and she doesn't want one. And she's so good at her job, she sends Aleks on a merry little chase. (Yes, the Aleks that's all "I'm a big CEO, I don't want love" Aleks.) She is sassy and fierce, and she's smart as hell. She's good at running, hiding, stealing, and eating pie (trust me, that's important). She is a hell of a survivor, and learned early on she could only count on herself. But something in her says to go to Aleksander, and she firmly shuts that down in her head. 



These two burn up the sheets as much as they burn the world. I love BJ Bentley's heroines because they're not weak damsels in distress. Bertie makes sure to mark her territory (Aleks) as much as Aleks does the same. Neither are afraid of pleasure, and Aleks teaches Bertie new ways to explore her own pleasure, and the pain/pleasure combo. There are some Dom/sub vibes in here. Aleks isn't making Bertie kneel whenever he enters the room or anything, but there is a definite box their relationship is in. 

At first, because Bertie is Bertie, she resists the kind of pleasure Aleks can give her by owning every inch of her, but it just added to the dynamics of their relationship. They are both possessive of the other, which translates into some really sexy times in the sheets... and out of them. 

And good lord the drama! Bertie, just like Charlotte once did, gets herself into some nasty situations. Lucky for her, she's not part of the family, and nobody messes with the family (get it?!). Aleks fell down the same rabbit hole that Jensen did, and fell in love with a woman not afraid to get dirty. I actually think it's a necessity for me to have an epilogue or novella somewhere to show how these women are changing the Syndicate because I guarantee they help the guys... not that the guys want their girls doing any work. 

Ok, I'm getting a little talkative, and at this point I don't know what to say other than READ THE BOOK YOU WILL LOVE IT.  You may hate Aleks sometimes, and wonder what the heck Bertie is doing, but BJ Bentley keeps true to who her characters are. This work, this series so far, is authentic and bloody and I love it. I cannot wait to see what the series brings because I need it!

[Laundry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Release Day, BJ Bentley! This book was the perfect addition to the Syndicate series. Book 1, Finders Keepers, was top notch. The bar was seat extremely high for Sleight of Hand. And boy, did she deliver. In fact, she took that bar and threw it like a javelin.

Story Line: Bertie kicks off book 2 with a bang. Literally. She's pretty helpless and in need of saving. And who better to save her than Charlotte and Jensen from book 1. So, it's through Jensen that Bertie meets her true knight in shining armor - Aleksander. It's immediate attraction for him. Bertie on the other hand? She's got enough sass to fuel an army of women who aren't getting their way. But it doesn't take long for Bertie to realize she truly needs Alek to survive. Especially since she has something of great value that some super dangerous men want desperately. The road for Alek and Bertie isn't smooth. It's jagged and full of sharp turns. But it was a heck of a ride, with several scenes I truly never saw coming. I believe I had to manually lift my jaw off the floor at least three times. YEAH.

Interaction: Aleksander is this blend of mucho, macho man, borderline crazy alpha man and unexpectedly sweet and caring. Seriously. How is that even possible? But it totally works. And Bertie. Oh, Bertie. She is this little thing with the attitude 10 times her size. I love her. She fights hard. And loves harder. And Alek sees that when even I, the reader, couldn't see past it at times. He treats her with the utmost care, even when there are times it is challenging to see past his dominant alpha nature. I won't sugar coat it, he's a Dom. He doesn't hide that fact from anyone. And the interactions with Bertie start off a little hard to swallow, but by the end, everything makes sense. Every single scene is perfection.

Laundry: It's been a while since I've read a Dom/Sub laundry scene. So it took me a hot second to adjust and get into it. But man, once I did, it was incredible. Every single time these two play, it's sexy as sin. Alek is everything you could ever hop for in a sub. He's firm, does not have a single problem with withholding release, and is oh, so sweet afterwards. Most of the time. Maybe. I don't know what proper protocol is, but the way Alek is? That's exactly what I picture.

Depth: Snorts. Like I even need to explain that this book is more than laundry and love making. These Syndicate men are intense, to say the least. And Alek is no exception. He brings drama wherever he goes. Even to Barcelona. The jerk. But he makes no apologies for the business he runs. Because much like Bertie, he's a hard person. He takes zero crap from anyone. And if you're on his side? You have protection for life. And let me give you a little hint. He wants Bertie on his side. All. The. Time.

Pick up Sleight of Hand TODAY at its special release price of $1.99! That's a legit steal (pun intended!) for this book. You will LOVE it!

[Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Aleksander!
Jensen had me swooning in Finders Keepers, but Aleksander had me obeying!
What you wouldn’t give to capture that mans attention and have him wanting you, controlling you and spanking you!
I binged the heck out of this book and I loved every minute of it!

Bertie is strong, independent and takes no s**t until she meets Aleksander, but calls him Sven just to keep him on his toes.
She disappears and it isn’t until she is in trouble that she contacts him once again.
Aleksander has been searching for his little one after meeting her and starts becoming a little obsessed.

In an effort to keep her safe, he needs to find out what she is keeping from him and in order to do that they grow closer.

Can he control his little sparrow and keep her safe or will she run to protect?

Another fantastic story of these Syndicate boys! I love how Charlotte, Jensen and Rafe are still heavily involved in the story and I couldn’t get enough!

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Pickpocket Bertie is on a mission, which is witnessed by Aleksander. Aleksander is a dangerous man. He is intrigued by Bertie and is busy searching for her when Bertie needs Aleksander's protection, and she makes a deal with him. This leads them on a dangerous journey together, with lots of action, suspense, and betrayal. This is a sexy, intriguing read, with great characters, plus a visit from Jensen & Charlotte from Finders, Keepers, the first book in the Syndicate series. This book can be read as a standalone, though. Well-written, fast-paced read.

I received an arc of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.

[Chanah Dickson (The Book Whisperer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!
I absolutely loved the first in book in this series Finders Keepers so had great expectations for Sleight of Hand! Aleksander is a man on a mission and he never gives up until he gets exactly what he wants and right now he wants Bertie.
“You are mine. I will not give you up. Not for anybody or anything. Hear me well, Roberta Reynolds. I would set this world on fire before I let them take you away from me.”

Bertie is running for her life after stealing something from some very scary people but will Aleksander be her angel or the devil in disguise!

Another fantastic 5 star read I’m so excited for Book 3 now and I know the series will only get better

[Nicola Chiappinelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit from B J Bentley.
Alexander is an arrogant ass though, he's hot and sexy, but controlling aswell. He has a softer side that he rarely shows, however it's beautiful when he does. At first I didn't think these two would fit together, but they do and it's explosive. She is hot and sassy and doesnt let him get away with everything.
Great read although Jensen is still my fave. X

[Stacie McGlaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!! 5 stars!!! I absolutely loved it! I loved Finders Keepers and did not think that I would like Sleight of Hand as much. But, I was so wrong!! Sleight of Hand is incredible. I was hooked right from the beginning. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more!!! I could not put it down. I cannot wait to read more!!

[Sherry Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleight of Hand will have you wondering what will happen next while laughing at some of things Bertie says. Strong female and very dominant male characters, offer the reader just the right amount of heated moments.

[Christy Warthen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Intense, intriguing, humorous and sexy.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

[V. Theia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this cat and mouse romance in the Syndicate Series with Aleksander in the starring role this time was altogether too delicious. And with just the right amount of drama and breathtaking moments that made this book glorious to read. I didn't know I'd feel so much for this rascal hero, he's certainly testing my loyalty to Rafe!
Hot, and arrogant. Yes please! The chemistry and dialog between him and Bertie was so good.

[Yoneidis · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You are mine. I will not give you up. Not for anybody or anything. Hear me well, Roberta Reynolds. I would set this world on fire before I let them take you away from me.”
“Is that what today was all about? Treat me to a day of pampering to butter me up, so I’d agree to marry you?”“No. Today was about treating you to a day of pampering before the ceremony.” “Ceremony? Oh, shit! You actually went ahead and planned our wedding?!”“My sweet sparrow, when are you going to get it through your head? I’m never letting you go,”

During a party, Bertie takes the opportunity to steal a usb and on her way out she bumps into Aleksander Magnus, he sees her and decides that she has to spend the night with her and, when he is about to put her in his car she manages to escape. For weeks he searches for the object of his obsession but fails to find her. Until Bertie is assaulted by the men who look for the usb and decides to call him for help. What she doesn’t know is the price she will have to pay.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Durante una fiesta, Bertie tiene la oportunidad de robar un usb, y en su salida, se topa con Aleksander Magnus, que la ve y decide que tiene que pasar la noche con ella,y,cuando él está a punto de meterla en el coche ,ella aprovecha para escapar. Durante semanas busca al objeto de su obsesión pero no puede encontrarla. Hasta que Bertie es atacada por unos hombres que buscan el usb y decide llamarlo para que la ayude. Lo que ella no sabe es el precio que tendrá que pagar.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved Aleksander and Bertie!! Aleksander is a broody and dangerous man that became enraptured with Bertie the moment he lays eyes on her. He tries to snatch her up for himself but she slips through his fingers. Bertie is a survivor and a sweetheart. She had an abusive (to put it lightly!) childhood before breaking free and becoming her own woman. She finally finds herself in a bind that she can’t get herself out of and has to turn to the hot as sin Aleksander! Yay! These two are a striking and beautiful couple!
This is my first read of BJ Bentley and I just loved it. I can’t wait to read more! Sleight of Hand hooked me right away and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a single night! Intrigue, hot sex, a strong female character, and a dark alpha male that doesn’t change as the story progresses!

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this book and this is my honest review......
This is a solid addition to the Syndicate series by BJ Bentley. These guys are successful, both with legitimate and illegal businesses, alphas who expect things their way....at all times. Aleksander and Bertie have a brief, interesting history, but when she needs help from some serious bad guys, she runs to him. Some interesting twists, but overall somewhat predictable storyline. Not 5 stars because I really hate the book cover....he looks like a high school kid, not the member of a syndicate. If I were just shopping for a book, the cover would not attract me at all.

[Jessica71208 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aleksander isn't a nice man and doesn't claim to be anything else. I wasn't sure I was going to like him at the beginning of the book but by the end I loved the evil Aleksander because of his love to Bertie.
Bertie finds herself mixed up with Aleksander. Bertie is a strong willed and quirky girl. Because of one decision she makes it leads her to be connected to Aleksander. You have to read thier story to see how it ends. One thing I liked about this book is that Jenson and Charlotte from the first book.

[Barbie Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bertie is a fun heroine with a sharp wit who clearly can stand up for herself. She is feisty but also willing to submit to Aleks in the bedroom. Bertie catches Aleks attention from the beginning and never loses his focus. Aleks is an alpha male character who will do whatever it takes to protect Bertie. I enjoyed the banter between the characters. Of course Bertie has herself in a tight spot with plenty of drama to keep the storyline interesting. This also includes an epilogue which is always nice. I recommend this book.

[Sara F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story of Bertie and Aleksander. It’s an insta-lust on both their parts. The dialogue was a little stilted in the beginning, but it smooths out eventually. There’s a few eye rolling moments plot wise, but still fun. He’s a bit of a man whore, and I guess technically doesn’t cheat on the heroine, but it’s close. I guess I hoped for more character development and relationship growth between the two leads. It’s a good read and I enjoyed it, but nothing terribly memorable. I’ll read the next in the series.

[Lofty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4*
Aleksander meets Bertie at a function he witnesses her taking something from another man’s pocket but she ghosts him.
He’s desperate to find her pulling out all the stops, she now seeks him for help. These are an addictive series starting with Finders Keepers Jensen & Charlotte I’m now looking forward to reading book 3 in the series The Long Game
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Micorazonkilleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Syndicate delivered! Aleksander is powerful in his mastery over Bertie. He'd do anything to protect what's his -- and Bertie is his. He commands Bertie and everthing/one around him. He's not one to be trifled with.. This second book in the series is funny and emotionally charged. Aleksander ("Sven" as Bertie jokingly refers to him) has a soft side to him that only she can bring out in him. Can't wait for the next in the series...

[Valerie Brambila · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, is all I can say. Just finished reading Sleight of Hand and Bravo to BJ Bentley for writing another awesome story. I loved the Dynamics of Aleks and Bertie. I pretty much loved Aleks alpha self. But put it this way I started reading at 9:45 this morning and I finished it about an hour later. Could not put it down. Thanks for the awesome story telling.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting story with characters who are easy to fall in love with. Book 2 is about Aleksander and Bertie. Two people with complicated pasts and even more complicated presents. Two people who work together to overcome the odds to create a strong and loving future together. Definitely a must read and looking forward to book 3

[Blog Pink Plum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... What an incredible book! I’m in love with the Syndicate Series! Absolutely loved the characters and loved even more how the female is strong and secure of herself, I enjoyed so much how their relationship evolved and the love that they feel for each other! Can’t wait for book number 3!!! Congratulations Bj on another amazing work!

[Rebecca Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book!!!

Yes! This was a great sequel to Finders Keepers. The tension between Aleks and Bertie was delicious (just like all the steamy scenes #yum) and their banter was on point. I think they are my favorite couple in the series so far but I’m SO curious about Lacey and Rafe so I guess I’ll hold out on my final judgment until their story is in my hands!!

[Michelle Karpinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the 2nd Book of the Syndicate Series!!! B.J. Bentley did an awesome job with Book 1 and 2. The characters Alexsander and Bertie captivated me and could not wait to see what would happen to them both at the end of the book!!

[Megan Knisell · Rating 4 out of 5]

BJ Bentley has done it again! This was a perfect follow up to Finder's Keepers. The angst between these two was entertaining and HOT! I love that Bertie was able to hold her own against such a such a a strong alpha male. I can't wait for book 3!

[Written Word Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bertie is one of the best female characters I have read and Aleksander is just so flipping Alpha! This story pulled me in and hooked me til the last page. Great story, loved getting a peek at characters from the first book. This book is definitely a must read!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and great storyline! This is an amazing book with so many twist and turns that will keep you guessing and your heart pounding. You will fall in love with bad boy Aleksander.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting, wonderful story and I loved it! It's raw, edgy and angsty, with action, drama, and good loving.

[Christina Astorga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. So, I've been in a bit of book funk lately and have not been finishing my books. Now this story, I did finish.

In this story we meet Bertie and Aleksandr. He's a not so legal alpha who does not take any crap from anyone. Bertie is a slippery, tough chick who was hardened by circumstances. He can't hide his desire and obsession for her and she can't deny him. This is an engaging story from start to end. Plus, I love how Bertie loves to eat and doesn't hide it.