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Cold Justice #5
Cold in the Shadows
Working in the shadows, CIA Officer Patrick Killion needs to figure out if feisty frog biologist, Audrey Lockhart, is a deadly assassin or an innocent scapegoat. And the only way to do that is to gain her trust.
Attacked and left for dead, Audrey is forced to put her trust in an enigmatic stranger who saves her from certain death. Then Audrey discovers her rescue was actually an abduction, and the man she thought was her savior is her captor.
Killion is falling hard and fast for his target and suddenly he has his hands full, dealing with a smart, beautiful woman who is furious at his deception. Betrayal is everywhere and Killion doesn't know who to trust. The organization he works for? Or the woman he's falling in love with?
Attacked and left for dead, Audrey is forced to put her trust in an enigmatic stranger who saves her from certain death. Then Audrey discovers her rescue was actually an abduction, and the man she thought was her savior is her captor.
Killion is falling hard and fast for his target and suddenly he has his hands full, dealing with a smart, beautiful woman who is furious at his deception. Betrayal is everywhere and Killion doesn't know who to trust. The organization he works for? Or the woman he's falling in love with?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2015
1141 people are currently reading
1856 people want to read
About the author
Toni Anderson
71 books3,236 followersNext Release: COLD TRUTH
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
"A perfect blend of danger, mystery, and heart," --Amazon bestselling author Isabel Jolie.
BUY LINKS:
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Toni Anderson® writes gritty, sexy, FBI Romantic Thrillers, and is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Readers' Choice, Aspen Gold, Book Buyers' Best, Golden Quill, and National Excellence in Romance Fiction awards. She’s been a finalist in The Vivian Contest and the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, and also in the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Thrillers.
Her books have been downloaded more than three million times.
Best known for her Cold Justice® books perhaps it’s not surprising to discover Toni lives in one of the most extreme climates on earth--Manitoba, Canada. Formerly a Marine Biologist, she still misses the ocean.
In January 2016, she visited FBI Headquarters in Washington DC, including a tour of the Strategic Information and Operations Center.
For more information about Toni:
Website: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com
Store: https://toniandersonshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonianderson...
TikTok: tiktok.com/@toni_anderson_author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toni_anders...
Newsletter: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Start reading Toni's award-winning, bestselling Cold Justice® series with A COLD DARK PLACE.
If you want to know when Toni's next book will be out, visit her website https://www.toniandersonauthor.com or sign up for her newsletter https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
"A perfect blend of danger, mystery, and heart," --Amazon bestselling author Isabel Jolie.
BUY LINKS:
Put it on your "To Read" shelf.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Toni Anderson® writes gritty, sexy, FBI Romantic Thrillers, and is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Readers' Choice, Aspen Gold, Book Buyers' Best, Golden Quill, and National Excellence in Romance Fiction awards. She’s been a finalist in The Vivian Contest and the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, and also in the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Thrillers.
Her books have been downloaded more than three million times.
Best known for her Cold Justice® books perhaps it’s not surprising to discover Toni lives in one of the most extreme climates on earth--Manitoba, Canada. Formerly a Marine Biologist, she still misses the ocean.
In January 2016, she visited FBI Headquarters in Washington DC, including a tour of the Strategic Information and Operations Center.
For more information about Toni:
Website: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com
Store: https://toniandersonshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonianderson...
TikTok: tiktok.com/@toni_anderson_author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toni_anders...
Newsletter: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Start reading Toni's award-winning, bestselling Cold Justice® series with A COLD DARK PLACE.
If you want to know when Toni's next book will be out, visit her website https://www.toniandersonauthor.com or sign up for her newsletter https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/ne...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
May 26, 2016
Remember Vice President Burger's murder? Where a female assassin was able to enter his residence dressed as his maid and poison him? Well, based on the poison that was used, CIA intelligence officer Patrick Killion has narrowed the suspect down to Audrey Lockhart, a scientist and frog biologist who has access to the type of poison used. He couldn't be more wrong.
The journey Killion takes us and Audrey on is long and dangerous before he realizes he could be wrong. Theirs is an interesting relationship as he struggles against internal and external forces that compromise his ability to keep Audrey safe. She's feisty and holds her own throughout the story. He's a bit of a jerk for most of the story but has some serious skills!
Typical of the stories in this series, the action is dangerous and has some pretty ruthless adversaries. But, it's what I like about them. This was my first time listening and I liked the narration. I enjoyed Audrey and Killion and it was satisfying to see her take him down. Their ending couldn't be more fitting. Still loving this series.
The journey Killion takes us and Audrey on is long and dangerous before he realizes he could be wrong. Theirs is an interesting relationship as he struggles against internal and external forces that compromise his ability to keep Audrey safe. She's feisty and holds her own throughout the story. He's a bit of a jerk for most of the story but has some serious skills!
Typical of the stories in this series, the action is dangerous and has some pretty ruthless adversaries. But, it's what I like about them. This was my first time listening and I liked the narration. I enjoyed Audrey and Killion and it was satisfying to see her take him down. Their ending couldn't be more fitting. Still loving this series.
August 9, 2017
Oh, just another fantastic book by one of my favorite authors. Everything I could ever want in a romantic-suspense: mystery, romance, lovely damsel in distress, flawed hero to the rescue. This book has it all.
Audrey Lockhart is a nerdy biologist whose specialty is frogs, poisonous frogs. When an important government official is found dead and the poison from one of Audrey's frogs is the means and they find $500,000 in a Cayman's account, they dispatch CIA Agent Patrick Killion to find out who paid her.
Killion arrives just in time to save Audrey from a knife attack by the enforce of the nastiest drug cartel in Columbia. Now he has to keep her alive so he can find out what he needs to know. While saving her life and nursing her back to health, he falls for her and begins to think that he has the wrong person. If that's true, the real assassin is still out there and is not going to let Audrey or Killion get away.
Audrey Lockhart is a nerdy biologist whose specialty is frogs, poisonous frogs. When an important government official is found dead and the poison from one of Audrey's frogs is the means and they find $500,000 in a Cayman's account, they dispatch CIA Agent Patrick Killion to find out who paid her.
Killion arrives just in time to save Audrey from a knife attack by the enforce of the nastiest drug cartel in Columbia. Now he has to keep her alive so he can find out what he needs to know. While saving her life and nursing her back to health, he falls for her and begins to think that he has the wrong person. If that's true, the real assassin is still out there and is not going to let Audrey or Killion get away.
March 9, 2020
Cold In The Shadows by Toni Anderson is book 5 in the Cold Justice series and they get more exciting with each book.
This one is a little more James Bond(ish) with more action and country jumping (from Colombia, Jamaica and back to America) than the others.
It still is the perfect recipe for a romantic thriller The hot CIA(spook) agent the damsel in danger ( who's no wet drip 👍) the edge of your seat exciting moments and the Steamy part's oh and the HEA.
If you want easy,fun,fast and addictive then this is a series or even a standalone book worth reading 📖
This one is a little more James Bond(ish) with more action and country jumping (from Colombia, Jamaica and back to America) than the others.
It still is the perfect recipe for a romantic thriller The hot CIA(spook) agent the damsel in danger ( who's no wet drip 👍) the edge of your seat exciting moments and the Steamy part's oh and the HEA.
If you want easy,fun,fast and addictive then this is a series or even a standalone book worth reading 📖
November 1, 2019
Re-read 10/31/2019
5 stars
Toni Anderson writes the best romantic suspense. This was terrific.
This was filled with smart dialogue, action,a smart heroine, dreamy hero, steamy sex and a love story that made sense. Keeper Shelf!
5 stars
Toni Anderson writes the best romantic suspense. This was terrific.
This was filled with smart dialogue, action,a smart heroine, dreamy hero, steamy sex and a love story that made sense. Keeper Shelf!
June 15, 2017
The fifth book in the Cold Justice series by Toni Anderson. Patrick Killion is in Columbia to find an assassin. But biologist Audrey Lockhart isn't the cold blooded killer he expects and he is having doubts about her being the assassin. Audrey is just a biologist studying frogs and doesn't understand why she is suddenly in danger.
I have yet to read a bad book by Toni Anderson. Her stories are written in a way that grabs you from page one. There are no dull moments. I highly recommend Toni Anderson to all Romantic Suspense fans.
I have yet to read a bad book by Toni Anderson. Her stories are written in a way that grabs you from page one. There are no dull moments. I highly recommend Toni Anderson to all Romantic Suspense fans.
November 21, 2015
CIA agent Patrick Killion is on a mission sanctioned by the President himself, well, sanctioned to the extent where the President would have room for plausible deniability if shit were to hit the fan. Killion has been meticulous in his hunt, edging slowly towards the persons responsible for devastation that had rippled through his country when their Vice President had been murdered. All clues point towards the frog scientist Audrey Lockhart, who seems to project all the characteristics of someone well versed in the art of deceiving anyone who might be looking at her too closely. Or so Killion believes until he learns otherwise.
Audrey’s life as she had known it and the work she had been doing at the Amazon Research Institute at the Colombian rainforest comes to a screeching halt when she is attacked, leaving her life hanging by a mere thread. Killion tries to look on objectively at the “criminal” that he nurses back to health in the time period that follows, until he learns that Audrey is innocent by the time which he wants to, no needs to put as much distance between her and himself. Once the realization dawns that someone has been very clever at leaving tantalizing clues that points directly towards an innocent woman, Killion swears that he would do everything that he possibly can to restore whatever semblance of normalcy that he can to Audrey’s life, a woman who seems to have gotten under his skin in between being a patient on sickbed and running for their lives afterwards.
With the sort of humor that I haven’t encountered in any of her books before, Toni delivers a read that bears all the trademarks of a wonderful one. Killion races against whatever forces are working against him, while Audrey herself won’t stay put without willingly painting a target on her back to lure the very people who had gone to such lengths to frame her and do away with her. The plot twists served to be what made the story stand out and I believe that Toni has done an amazing job out of creating Killion’s story.
I immensely enjoyed everything about Cold in the Shadows. The suspense part was well done. I love a novel that can surprise me, all in a good way, and Cold in the Shadows did that and more. I loved this book that much more for delivering the angst factor, something that is missing in most books these days. The reluctance on Killion’s part to be in a relationship together with his strong determination not to make himself vulnerable to his enemies is as much a part of himself as his charm and considerable good looks. But with the very first encounter and onwards, Audrey changes all that, and breaks down the walls that he had perfected in a lifetime, with every moment they spend together.
Killion the name has always held a fascination for me, ever since after reading the legendary Anne Stuart’s novel Ice Storm, a book that I positively adored. The Killion in the Cold Justice series has proved to be as alluring in his own right, a character that has intrigued me ever since I encountered him in the novels prior to this in the series. Killion has always been in the background, biding his time for his own story, and what a story this has proven to be. Sexy, smart, ruthless and protective. The man is THE package even though he infuriates you as much as he makes you want him. And that I believe is the genius behind his creation. Killion’s wicked sense of humor got to me – big time! There is just something about a man who can give as good as he gets verbally, and that was a huge turn-on for me when it came to Killion’s character.
I loved Audrey for her simplicity, the fact she wasn’t one prone to theatrics, that she was brave enough to walk away and leave it up to Killion to decide where their “relationship” was headed towards. That, in my opinion, takes guts of the kind that few of us have. Beautiful, brainy and bold; loved the fact that she was insightful enough to weather the storm that was Killion. No wonder it took someone special like Audrey to penetrate that thick skin of Killion’s. The man in my opinion deserves nothing but the best and I believe Audrey was just that.
If you are a fan of romantic suspense and haven’t been reading Toni Anderson, you haven’t been reading right. Please go rectify that, as soon as possible. Thank you.
Rating = 4.5/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit, www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
Audrey’s life as she had known it and the work she had been doing at the Amazon Research Institute at the Colombian rainforest comes to a screeching halt when she is attacked, leaving her life hanging by a mere thread. Killion tries to look on objectively at the “criminal” that he nurses back to health in the time period that follows, until he learns that Audrey is innocent by the time which he wants to, no needs to put as much distance between her and himself. Once the realization dawns that someone has been very clever at leaving tantalizing clues that points directly towards an innocent woman, Killion swears that he would do everything that he possibly can to restore whatever semblance of normalcy that he can to Audrey’s life, a woman who seems to have gotten under his skin in between being a patient on sickbed and running for their lives afterwards.
With the sort of humor that I haven’t encountered in any of her books before, Toni delivers a read that bears all the trademarks of a wonderful one. Killion races against whatever forces are working against him, while Audrey herself won’t stay put without willingly painting a target on her back to lure the very people who had gone to such lengths to frame her and do away with her. The plot twists served to be what made the story stand out and I believe that Toni has done an amazing job out of creating Killion’s story.
I immensely enjoyed everything about Cold in the Shadows. The suspense part was well done. I love a novel that can surprise me, all in a good way, and Cold in the Shadows did that and more. I loved this book that much more for delivering the angst factor, something that is missing in most books these days. The reluctance on Killion’s part to be in a relationship together with his strong determination not to make himself vulnerable to his enemies is as much a part of himself as his charm and considerable good looks. But with the very first encounter and onwards, Audrey changes all that, and breaks down the walls that he had perfected in a lifetime, with every moment they spend together.
Killion the name has always held a fascination for me, ever since after reading the legendary Anne Stuart’s novel Ice Storm, a book that I positively adored. The Killion in the Cold Justice series has proved to be as alluring in his own right, a character that has intrigued me ever since I encountered him in the novels prior to this in the series. Killion has always been in the background, biding his time for his own story, and what a story this has proven to be. Sexy, smart, ruthless and protective. The man is THE package even though he infuriates you as much as he makes you want him. And that I believe is the genius behind his creation. Killion’s wicked sense of humor got to me – big time! There is just something about a man who can give as good as he gets verbally, and that was a huge turn-on for me when it came to Killion’s character.
I loved Audrey for her simplicity, the fact she wasn’t one prone to theatrics, that she was brave enough to walk away and leave it up to Killion to decide where their “relationship” was headed towards. That, in my opinion, takes guts of the kind that few of us have. Beautiful, brainy and bold; loved the fact that she was insightful enough to weather the storm that was Killion. No wonder it took someone special like Audrey to penetrate that thick skin of Killion’s. The man in my opinion deserves nothing but the best and I believe Audrey was just that.
If you are a fan of romantic suspense and haven’t been reading Toni Anderson, you haven’t been reading right. Please go rectify that, as soon as possible. Thank you.
Rating = 4.5/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit, www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
June 4, 2017
Nice addition to a really good RS series. The long running thread throughout the series about the murder of the (fictional) Vice President is finally wrapped up; with enough recap so new readers to the series won't be lost. The witty, barbed banter between Audrey and Killion while they are on the run is a plus.
This is an exciting, action-packed RS series by an author who knows how to do it right. I'd recommend Toni Anderson to all fans of the genre; especially those who like the paramilitary and shadow ops type stories.
The first book of the series, A Cold Dark Place is currently free at Amazon.
This is an exciting, action-packed RS series by an author who knows how to do it right. I'd recommend Toni Anderson to all fans of the genre; especially those who like the paramilitary and shadow ops type stories.
The first book of the series, A Cold Dark Place is currently free at Amazon.
October 25, 2015
Thrilling wrap up of a plot thread that was started in the first book of the series. We finally get the answer to who killed the Vice President and why and in typical Toni Anderson form nothing is as it seems.
Little recap previous books have contained assassins and a secret group that takes justice in their own hands, a terrorist group and bombing on US soil, Russian spies and espionage and two twisted serial killers. Serious stuff, right? So when the main suspect of killing the VP turns out to be a sweet biologist who studies poisonous frogs the addition of humor is added to the list.
Audrey Lockhart wants nothing more than to just study her amphibious creatures and be left alone. She's finally returning to Columbia to do just that after a family emergency when she is attacked more than once and the second attack almost takes her life.
Patrick Killion has worked undercover for the CIA for years. Now he is doing the President a favor and trying to find out who killed the VP. All evidence points to Audrey. After meeting her though there is this tiny little nagging feeling that maybe she was set up.
From here these two go on the run with plenty of past characters helping as they try to figure out whats really going on. I really enjoyed that this book brought things full circle back to the ending of A Cold Dark Place and gave us a conclusion to that story arc.
As always once I start a Toni Anderson book I dont want to put it down until I'm finished. Patrick Killion was another character like Lincoln Frazier who presented himself as this cold unfeeling agent but we get to watch when he finds his mate those walls he thought were impenetrable come slowly crumbling down.
Little recap previous books have contained assassins and a secret group that takes justice in their own hands, a terrorist group and bombing on US soil, Russian spies and espionage and two twisted serial killers. Serious stuff, right? So when the main suspect of killing the VP turns out to be a sweet biologist who studies poisonous frogs the addition of humor is added to the list.
Audrey Lockhart wants nothing more than to just study her amphibious creatures and be left alone. She's finally returning to Columbia to do just that after a family emergency when she is attacked more than once and the second attack almost takes her life.
Patrick Killion has worked undercover for the CIA for years. Now he is doing the President a favor and trying to find out who killed the VP. All evidence points to Audrey. After meeting her though there is this tiny little nagging feeling that maybe she was set up.
From here these two go on the run with plenty of past characters helping as they try to figure out whats really going on. I really enjoyed that this book brought things full circle back to the ending of A Cold Dark Place and gave us a conclusion to that story arc.
As always once I start a Toni Anderson book I dont want to put it down until I'm finished. Patrick Killion was another character like Lincoln Frazier who presented himself as this cold unfeeling agent but we get to watch when he finds his mate those walls he thought were impenetrable come slowly crumbling down.
July 12, 2025
Cold in the Shadows by Toni Anderson
Genres: Adult, Crime, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
4 Stars
While there is some very low key steam, the 'Adult' part of the romance needed the heat turned up. There were plenty of opportunities for this to happen, but for some reason Ms. Anderson kept it very mild. She had to hot characters that just never really delivered in that department. So keep your expectations very low on that part.
Loaded with action, suspense and mystery.
It was a fun read and I enjoyed it, but quite frankly I ended up just a bit disappointed.
Started out with a fast paced. Pretty good flow. I loved the main characters. If it had taken their 'intimate connection' to a higher level and quite puttering around in other areas it would have been much better.
I'm back on the fence with this series.
Seems like every other one is great and then the next leaves you scratching your head wondering if this is an 'Adult' series or a 'Young Adult' series.
Genres: Adult, Crime, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
4 Stars
While there is some very low key steam, the 'Adult' part of the romance needed the heat turned up. There were plenty of opportunities for this to happen, but for some reason Ms. Anderson kept it very mild. She had to hot characters that just never really delivered in that department. So keep your expectations very low on that part.
Loaded with action, suspense and mystery.
It was a fun read and I enjoyed it, but quite frankly I ended up just a bit disappointed.
Started out with a fast paced. Pretty good flow. I loved the main characters. If it had taken their 'intimate connection' to a higher level and quite puttering around in other areas it would have been much better.
I'm back on the fence with this series.
Seems like every other one is great and then the next leaves you scratching your head wondering if this is an 'Adult' series or a 'Young Adult' series.
November 18, 2019
Besides book three which I love, I was really excited to read about Killion and this turned out to be another favorite. I really enjoy reading this series.
Action-packed book with the likable leading protagonist.
If you enjoy good romantic suspense reads look no more and read this. Every book can be read as standalone but overall, there are some common threads throughout the series. So I suggest you dive into this series.
Action-packed book with the likable leading protagonist.
If you enjoy good romantic suspense reads look no more and read this. Every book can be read as standalone but overall, there are some common threads throughout the series. So I suggest you dive into this series.
June 10, 2017
3.5 stars
I really liked this one!
I really liked this one!
May 11, 2022
Just as I expected 😌
July 1, 2022
3.5 stars
I've read this book several times now and I like it more every time. I like Ms. Anderson's stories; her characters, her plots, her sense of humor. The men are confident, cocky, but not usually assholes. Killion was a bit of an exception. I didn't like him at first but I warmed up to him. It took him way too long to figure out the truth about Audrey and I just wanted to smack him. To be fair, Audrey was a little slow at understanding what was going on though she had ignorance as an excuse. And when things got too heavy, Anderson would lighten up scenes with humor, especially with lots of frog jokes. They made me laugh.
"Cold in the Shadows" was fast-paced, intense, steamy, and tender. Audrey is a smart, sassy nerd. Killion is patriotic, loyal, caring, and a master at compartmentalizing his feelings. They bring out the best in each other, though there are a few missteps along the way. Trust is a challenge for both of them; it's both instinctive and hard-won and vital to the health of their relationship.
Although the inciting event to this story occurs in a previous book, you can read this as a stand alone. Anderson provides enough backstory to keep things moving smoothly. The villains are ruthless, a little OTT at times, and the good guys are tough, funny, raunchy, and responsible. I cursed, I laughed, I cheered, and I didn't want to put the book down.
I've read this book several times now and I like it more every time. I like Ms. Anderson's stories; her characters, her plots, her sense of humor. The men are confident, cocky, but not usually assholes. Killion was a bit of an exception. I didn't like him at first but I warmed up to him. It took him way too long to figure out the truth about Audrey and I just wanted to smack him. To be fair, Audrey was a little slow at understanding what was going on though she had ignorance as an excuse. And when things got too heavy, Anderson would lighten up scenes with humor, especially with lots of frog jokes. They made me laugh.
"Cold in the Shadows" was fast-paced, intense, steamy, and tender. Audrey is a smart, sassy nerd. Killion is patriotic, loyal, caring, and a master at compartmentalizing his feelings. They bring out the best in each other, though there are a few missteps along the way. Trust is a challenge for both of them; it's both instinctive and hard-won and vital to the health of their relationship.
Although the inciting event to this story occurs in a previous book, you can read this as a stand alone. Anderson provides enough backstory to keep things moving smoothly. The villains are ruthless, a little OTT at times, and the good guys are tough, funny, raunchy, and responsible. I cursed, I laughed, I cheered, and I didn't want to put the book down.
January 24, 2021
Q: Why don’t frogs get bummed out?
A: Because they eat whatever bugs them.
Q: Why couldn’t the frog tell the truth?
A: It’s an am-FIB-ian.
Q: What did the frog say when he entered the busy restaurant?
A: Wow- this place is hopping.
And for all you Star Trek Nerd Aficionados:
Q: What do Klingon frogs use as camouflage?
A: A croaking device.
Hey I guess I better stop now before someone from PETA gets too offended and has me croaked and Hop-tied.
Slick romance thriller with plenty of action and cute frog jokes. 🐸🐸🐸🐸
A: Because they eat whatever bugs them.
Q: Why couldn’t the frog tell the truth?
A: It’s an am-FIB-ian.
Q: What did the frog say when he entered the busy restaurant?
A: Wow- this place is hopping.
And for all you Star Trek Nerd Aficionados:
Q: What do Klingon frogs use as camouflage?
A: A croaking device.
Hey I guess I better stop now before someone from PETA gets too offended and has me croaked and Hop-tied.
Slick romance thriller with plenty of action and cute frog jokes. 🐸🐸🐸🐸
December 9, 2015
Two-haiku review:
She's a scientist
Framed as suspect in murder
CIA watching
Love all the action
Really enjoying series
This could stand alone
She's a scientist
Framed as suspect in murder
CIA watching
Love all the action
Really enjoying series
This could stand alone
May 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this 5th novel in Toni Anderson's "Cold Justice" series.
June 7, 2019
This was good! I liked Killion, who was a mysterious character from a previous book. Audrey held it together in impossible situations and I really liked her. Pretty smart dialogue between these two. Turning out to be a very enjoyable series. Onto the next one! ;)
November 2, 2022
Love love loveeeee Patrick and Aud ❤️ you could feel the chemistry through the pages or in my case via audio.
Great suspenseful story full of heat. Highly recommend
Great suspenseful story full of heat. Highly recommend
October 27, 2015
Cold in the Shadows is the 5th Book in the Cold Justice Series and while it could be read as a stand alone it does have a plot thread that has been carried through from the earlier books and many of the characters that play a small role in this book are from previous books.
In the 5th book we finally find out who killed the Vice President and why. As with all the books in this series, there is a lot of action, suspense and a nice romance. However, this book also had humor in it and I really liked that. Of course anytime there's a Dean Winchester comment I'm smiling!
This book centers Audrey Lockhart who studies poisoness frogs and is doing research in Columbia. She just wants to be left alone to do her thing but life takes a turn when she is attacked twice within days of each other.
Patrick Killion is an undercover CIA agent. He is working on a special task force to track down the VP's killer and all evidence points to Audrey. However, watching her he is starting to have doubts about her complicity. Once Audrey is attacked and almost killed he takes her on the run so that if she is guilty he can get the information he needs from her.
While on the run Patrick calls in a few favors from characters from the past books. There is plenty of danger and action while Patrick and Audrey are on the run. Patrick is attracted to Audrey and has doubts about her guilt but it won't stop him from doing what he has to in order to find the person he's after.
Although, I thought the villian was pretty obvious the why was not and I found in interesting. The book kept me reading from the moment I picked it up and I read until the early hours of the morning. I really liked both Audrey's and Patrick's characters. Audrey was tough and a really strong female but she also understood her capabilities and let Patrick do what he was trained to do. No TSTL moments in this book. Patrick was a tough hero who put on a front of having no feelings and he didn't let others get close to him. However, while on the run with Audrey he couldn't help from letting her in and taking down some of those walls.
This was a great conclusion to a story started in A Cold Dark Place and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters, action, suspense, humor and romance were well written and compelling. If you've read this series you won't want to miss this one and if you haven't pick up A Cold Dark Place and start from the beginning, you'll be glad you did.
In the 5th book we finally find out who killed the Vice President and why. As with all the books in this series, there is a lot of action, suspense and a nice romance. However, this book also had humor in it and I really liked that. Of course anytime there's a Dean Winchester comment I'm smiling!
This book centers Audrey Lockhart who studies poisoness frogs and is doing research in Columbia. She just wants to be left alone to do her thing but life takes a turn when she is attacked twice within days of each other.
Patrick Killion is an undercover CIA agent. He is working on a special task force to track down the VP's killer and all evidence points to Audrey. However, watching her he is starting to have doubts about her complicity. Once Audrey is attacked and almost killed he takes her on the run so that if she is guilty he can get the information he needs from her.
While on the run Patrick calls in a few favors from characters from the past books. There is plenty of danger and action while Patrick and Audrey are on the run. Patrick is attracted to Audrey and has doubts about her guilt but it won't stop him from doing what he has to in order to find the person he's after.
Although, I thought the villian was pretty obvious the why was not and I found in interesting. The book kept me reading from the moment I picked it up and I read until the early hours of the morning. I really liked both Audrey's and Patrick's characters. Audrey was tough and a really strong female but she also understood her capabilities and let Patrick do what he was trained to do. No TSTL moments in this book. Patrick was a tough hero who put on a front of having no feelings and he didn't let others get close to him. However, while on the run with Audrey he couldn't help from letting her in and taking down some of those walls.
This was a great conclusion to a story started in A Cold Dark Place and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters, action, suspense, humor and romance were well written and compelling. If you've read this series you won't want to miss this one and if you haven't pick up A Cold Dark Place and start from the beginning, you'll be glad you did.
November 14, 2015
Review – COLD IN THE SHADOWS by Toni Anderson
I would rate this book 6 stars if I could ~ COLD IN THE SHADOWS is the 5th book in the Cold Justice series and it is another incredible story.
Patrick Killion is a CIA Officer on a secret mission in the Colombian rain forest and Audrey Lockhart is a biologist studying poison dart frogs. Too bad the first time they meet she is his primary suspect in a murder.
Like all of Toni’s books, this story is incredibly well written and the deeper into the story you get the faster you will be turning pages. Each time you think you have it figured out Toni thows in another plot twist, bringing more questions as the story unfolds.
Toni Anderson is a romantic suspense author who creates stories with believable characters and storylines that could have been ripped from today's headline news. She tackles complex issues with intelligence and depth while adding so many twists and turns in the story until you are drawn in to both the emotion and the suspense and cannot put the book down!
The tumultuous roller coaster of emotions, passion, action and suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat! In this book there is also an element of humor and quirkiness that I absolutely loved! I could not put the book down. The tug-and-pull between Patrick and Audrey was palpable and very real. And the plot twists! Wowza. They just kept coming! Also, the hot romance increased layer by layer and I loved it!
COLD IN THE SHADOWS was incredibly well written and I highly recommend reading it.
I was provided the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion with other readers. It is with great respect for the author and story, as well as my pleasure as a reader, to rate COLD IN THE SHADOWS five stars. Thank you for another amazing story, Toni
I would rate this book 6 stars if I could ~ COLD IN THE SHADOWS is the 5th book in the Cold Justice series and it is another incredible story.
Patrick Killion is a CIA Officer on a secret mission in the Colombian rain forest and Audrey Lockhart is a biologist studying poison dart frogs. Too bad the first time they meet she is his primary suspect in a murder.
Like all of Toni’s books, this story is incredibly well written and the deeper into the story you get the faster you will be turning pages. Each time you think you have it figured out Toni thows in another plot twist, bringing more questions as the story unfolds.
Toni Anderson is a romantic suspense author who creates stories with believable characters and storylines that could have been ripped from today's headline news. She tackles complex issues with intelligence and depth while adding so many twists and turns in the story until you are drawn in to both the emotion and the suspense and cannot put the book down!
The tumultuous roller coaster of emotions, passion, action and suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat! In this book there is also an element of humor and quirkiness that I absolutely loved! I could not put the book down. The tug-and-pull between Patrick and Audrey was palpable and very real. And the plot twists! Wowza. They just kept coming! Also, the hot romance increased layer by layer and I loved it!
COLD IN THE SHADOWS was incredibly well written and I highly recommend reading it.
I was provided the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion with other readers. It is with great respect for the author and story, as well as my pleasure as a reader, to rate COLD IN THE SHADOWS five stars. Thank you for another amazing story, Toni
November 6, 2015
"Romancing The Stone" meets "The Equalizer" - Toni Anderson does it again with this fifth book in her "Cold Justice" series. Heroine Dr. Audrey Lockhart specializes in studying poison frogs in the Colombia rain forest while hero Patrick Killion of the CIA is hunting for the female assassin of the Vice President. Evidence is pointing to Audrey due to the use of poison from a particular frog species. Killion was a hard hero to pull off: a loner, against relationships, an angsty-Alpha male with only one desire - prove Audrey's guilt and bring her back to the States. We find out a few twists about him at the same time as Audrey does and Toni Anderson does a brilliant job of mixing up their romance while keeping the life-threatening action going strong. This was my favourite book of the series, and while it can be read as a stand-alone there are a couple of characters from the previous books who make appearances to bring the story arc full circle. It was a strong balance of humour, action, and sexy romance. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves action-packed romantic suspense with high stakes and love and lives on the line.
December 11, 2015
This was not my favorite in the series. (audible review)
This has been a fantastic series so far. Even though this wasn't my favorite, I liked it, just didn't love it.
The story line and plot were okay, not as good as the previous books. Frog biologist? That was a bit odd. The fact that Killion was after the assassin who was hired to kill the Vice President didn't seem to be part of the story, it turned into Killion keeping the Frog Biologist Audrey alive.
There was a couple of twists and turns, but the end game seemed a bit off to me.
The chemistry between Killion and Audrey was okay. There were a couple hot and steamy, nicely written sex scenes.
As for the narration. Well Eric G. Dove is fantastic so you can't go wrong there. He does the women's voices great. Reads with emotion and has a very nice reading voice. Highly recommend Eric Dove as a narrator.
I will read the next book in this series of course. They were all fantastic. (just this one that was just okay for me) I recommend this series for sure!
This has been a fantastic series so far. Even though this wasn't my favorite, I liked it, just didn't love it.
The story line and plot were okay, not as good as the previous books. Frog biologist? That was a bit odd. The fact that Killion was after the assassin who was hired to kill the Vice President didn't seem to be part of the story, it turned into Killion keeping the Frog Biologist Audrey alive.
There was a couple of twists and turns, but the end game seemed a bit off to me.
The chemistry between Killion and Audrey was okay. There were a couple hot and steamy, nicely written sex scenes.
As for the narration. Well Eric G. Dove is fantastic so you can't go wrong there. He does the women's voices great. Reads with emotion and has a very nice reading voice. Highly recommend Eric Dove as a narrator.
I will read the next book in this series of course. They were all fantastic. (just this one that was just okay for me) I recommend this series for sure!
October 16, 2019
Cold in the Shadows
4 Stars
Tasked by the president to unmask a deadly assassin, CIA agent Patrick Killion must determine if feisty biologist Audrey Lockhart is a seasoned killer or an innocent scapegoat.
The on-the-run suspense plot is exciting from the get-go, and the climax and resolution are intense and satisfying. Audrey and Killion's romance also has both the steam and the emotion sorely lacking in the previous book.
The secondary cast is fantastic with several particularly nasty villains (although it is easy to figure out the mastermind's identity), and a couple of gorgeous former SAS operatives who will hopefully get their own books sometime soon.
One thing that did come across as strange is the description of Audrey as a frog biologist. A scientist who studies amphibians is called a batrachologist, and as Anderson is a marine biologist one would expect her to use the correct terminology . . . nevermind, the rest of the book is wonderful!
4 Stars
Tasked by the president to unmask a deadly assassin, CIA agent Patrick Killion must determine if feisty biologist Audrey Lockhart is a seasoned killer or an innocent scapegoat.
The on-the-run suspense plot is exciting from the get-go, and the climax and resolution are intense and satisfying. Audrey and Killion's romance also has both the steam and the emotion sorely lacking in the previous book.
The secondary cast is fantastic with several particularly nasty villains (although it is easy to figure out the mastermind's identity), and a couple of gorgeous former SAS operatives who will hopefully get their own books sometime soon.
One thing that did come across as strange is the description of Audrey as a frog biologist. A scientist who studies amphibians is called a batrachologist, and as Anderson is a marine biologist one would expect her to use the correct terminology . . . nevermind, the rest of the book is wonderful!
June 29, 2024
3.5 stars.
February 15, 2016
Another thrilling ride that is suspenseful, exciting and new from a very talented author. I haven’t read/listen to one of Ms. Andersons books that I haven’t loved. She gives you the thrills and excitement of a fast pace action packed story that has an outstanding plot with wonderful characters. The vice president is killed with every fact pointing to biologist, Audrey Lockhart who is minding her own business and gets attacked in her lab. The man tells her to back off and scares the crap out of her. She doesn’t run and hide she runs to the police who are in with the cartel. The next attack against her isn’t so friendly and things get real interesting and very dangerous. Ms. Anderson has a way of pulling you in from the first page which always starts with excitement and suspense. This is one story you do not want to miss.
I just love Eric G. Dove as a narrator he pulls you in with a very strong and powerful voice. There are no background noises or any breaks in his audios just a clean clear and power listen. His tones are outstanding you can feel the passion, excitement coming right out of your speakers. His male voices are a wonderful as his female. You are never left guessing who is speaking or what they are feeling. His Performance is one of the best narrators I have listened to. I know when I see his name it is going to be a wild exciting ride.
Audrey is a very strong character who is scared but doesn’t let that stand in her way. She is shocked to find out people are after her. She doesn’t know why everyone is after her or why anyone would want her dead she is just a biologist studying frogs trying to keep them from dying out. After being attacked she is on the run for her life with a mad man who she isn’t sure is there to protect her or kill her. I really liked this character she is strong and stands up for herself. She is hurt that maybe the people she cares about are after her. Who would set her up like this she hasn’t a clue but is going to find out. She is one bullheaded lady who is about to take down the people who are trying to take her down…that is with a little help….
If was so nice to see Patrick get his own story he is a sweet heart who has given up his life to serve and protect the USA. He does the jobs no one talks about some are not even legal but that doesn’t stop him when the bad people get in the way he takes them out. He stops crimes no one knows about and even some they do. He always gets his man or woman never looking back just take life and danger as it comes. For once he has to stop and put the pieces together that just do not fit. Audrey sure doesn’t act like an assassin until he knows for sure he isn’t letting her out of his site.
The author gives a compelling and powerful read full of action, thrills and tons of excitement. She gives you exciting passion that will burn up your pages. She twists a tale like you have never seen leaving you guessing which way she will go. She had me fooled for a little while things just didn’t add up. You will be so surprised to find out who is behind the crime and why they wanted Audrey to take the fall. Her life is about to change as she knows it. If you haven’t read any of Toni’s books you do not know what you are missing. Toni has been one of my go to author from her very first book she pulled me in scaring the crap out of me. Her plots are to live for she always gives you a page turner that you do not want to put down. If you are looking for an action packed thrilling read full of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat you have found it. I highly recommend this story or any that Toni as written. You are in for a wild ride.
I just love Eric G. Dove as a narrator he pulls you in with a very strong and powerful voice. There are no background noises or any breaks in his audios just a clean clear and power listen. His tones are outstanding you can feel the passion, excitement coming right out of your speakers. His male voices are a wonderful as his female. You are never left guessing who is speaking or what they are feeling. His Performance is one of the best narrators I have listened to. I know when I see his name it is going to be a wild exciting ride.
Audrey is a very strong character who is scared but doesn’t let that stand in her way. She is shocked to find out people are after her. She doesn’t know why everyone is after her or why anyone would want her dead she is just a biologist studying frogs trying to keep them from dying out. After being attacked she is on the run for her life with a mad man who she isn’t sure is there to protect her or kill her. I really liked this character she is strong and stands up for herself. She is hurt that maybe the people she cares about are after her. Who would set her up like this she hasn’t a clue but is going to find out. She is one bullheaded lady who is about to take down the people who are trying to take her down…that is with a little help….
If was so nice to see Patrick get his own story he is a sweet heart who has given up his life to serve and protect the USA. He does the jobs no one talks about some are not even legal but that doesn’t stop him when the bad people get in the way he takes them out. He stops crimes no one knows about and even some they do. He always gets his man or woman never looking back just take life and danger as it comes. For once he has to stop and put the pieces together that just do not fit. Audrey sure doesn’t act like an assassin until he knows for sure he isn’t letting her out of his site.
The author gives a compelling and powerful read full of action, thrills and tons of excitement. She gives you exciting passion that will burn up your pages. She twists a tale like you have never seen leaving you guessing which way she will go. She had me fooled for a little while things just didn’t add up. You will be so surprised to find out who is behind the crime and why they wanted Audrey to take the fall. Her life is about to change as she knows it. If you haven’t read any of Toni’s books you do not know what you are missing. Toni has been one of my go to author from her very first book she pulled me in scaring the crap out of me. Her plots are to live for she always gives you a page turner that you do not want to put down. If you are looking for an action packed thrilling read full of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat you have found it. I highly recommend this story or any that Toni as written. You are in for a wild ride.
March 6, 2017
This is one of those books that I don't feel was a waste of time but won't read again. I liked Audrey in the beginning but she was a back and forth doormat. There were moments when I felt that she was strong enough to stand up for herself and make him work for it, then she turned around forgave him and forgot all about his deception and judgement of her. The whole book was a result of his actions and I was waiting for a big blowout that would make her see that everything that happened was because of him and would force him to open his eyes in what she was worth and that he'd have to gain her forgiveness. That's not what we got, instead it was her going back and forth yes to no while he just took whatever she threw at him good or bad and accepted it. I saw many efforts made on her part but none whatsoever on his and that made me doubt his sincerity in his feelings for her. He refused to listen to reason and doubted her several times which would have made any other woman with a brain hesitant to trust him.
I liked Killian at times but most of it I couldn't stand him. He was hard to like. I wanted to see him put in some effort because to me it seems like everything came easy to him and he got exactly what he wanted when he didn't deserve it. Sure he came around in the end but by then it was too late for me. The damage was already done. He turned her down several times throughout the book. He threw the hand that reached out to him back in her face. His apology was weak and lame.
Her brilliant way of telling him she loved him, I was embarrassed for her. It was kind of pathetic that she'd throw away the last bit of pride she had for a guy that dismissed her the way she did whether he felt something for her or not. Have some dignity woman! If a guy is too much of a coward because he's scared of admitting his feelings, he's not worth fighting for. Why would you want a "man" who runs away from the best thing to ever happen to him? Not to mention while her sister is held hostage and she's being shot at, they're having a full heart to heart conversation about how she loves him and she just KNOWS he loves her in return because you know, every girl knows how a man feels deep down inside even though he's never said it and has made it a point to kick you to the curb right?
The book had potential to be amazing and it started off promising but halfway is probably when it started going downhill with how she'd be angry with him and ten minutes later she gets over it and they're right back to joking. I wouldn't have minded the back and forth so much if this was buildup to the big blowout or the final straw of how much she could take before giving up on him and him having to work for her forgiveness or chase after her in other words. He knew enough by her actions and words that she wanted more if he allowed it. I just didn't like how easily he got away with his lies, pushing her away, especially his mistrust and earning her forgiveness back like it was no big deal. I needed more from him and it didn't happen. I'm disappointed because this was the book I was looking forward to most in this series and while it wasn't terrible or bad, the romance didn't deliver for me in the end. The storyline was great as a matter of fact but the romance dragged down the book as a whole and in order to keep my short fuse in check I'm gonna have to pass on reading this again in the future, once was enough for me.
I liked Killian at times but most of it I couldn't stand him. He was hard to like. I wanted to see him put in some effort because to me it seems like everything came easy to him and he got exactly what he wanted when he didn't deserve it. Sure he came around in the end but by then it was too late for me. The damage was already done. He turned her down several times throughout the book. He threw the hand that reached out to him back in her face. His apology was weak and lame.
Her brilliant way of telling him she loved him, I was embarrassed for her. It was kind of pathetic that she'd throw away the last bit of pride she had for a guy that dismissed her the way she did whether he felt something for her or not. Have some dignity woman! If a guy is too much of a coward because he's scared of admitting his feelings, he's not worth fighting for. Why would you want a "man" who runs away from the best thing to ever happen to him? Not to mention while her sister is held hostage and she's being shot at, they're having a full heart to heart conversation about how she loves him and she just KNOWS he loves her in return because you know, every girl knows how a man feels deep down inside even though he's never said it and has made it a point to kick you to the curb right?
The book had potential to be amazing and it started off promising but halfway is probably when it started going downhill with how she'd be angry with him and ten minutes later she gets over it and they're right back to joking. I wouldn't have minded the back and forth so much if this was buildup to the big blowout or the final straw of how much she could take before giving up on him and him having to work for her forgiveness or chase after her in other words. He knew enough by her actions and words that she wanted more if he allowed it. I just didn't like how easily he got away with his lies, pushing her away, especially his mistrust and earning her forgiveness back like it was no big deal. I needed more from him and it didn't happen. I'm disappointed because this was the book I was looking forward to most in this series and while it wasn't terrible or bad, the romance didn't deliver for me in the end. The storyline was great as a matter of fact but the romance dragged down the book as a whole and in order to keep my short fuse in check I'm gonna have to pass on reading this again in the future, once was enough for me.
January 30, 2016
This book of the series is definitely with a higher degree of fun. It has less the 'cold' atmosphere and is even sunny and hot, with it taking place in South America and the Carribean.
I had a little difficulty getting into the plot because I was reading only a few paragraphs at a time after work, and I was wasting time trying to remember who each character was and what I knew about them on the previous books. Then I decided to give it a kick and focus on Killion and Audrey.
When I reached 27%, which is the point where we have the explanation of the title, I was locked to the story and I couldn't let the book down (I read till 5:30 am - 2 hours before the alarm would sound).
I like very very much this volume. It could be my preferred one after #4. Both Killion and Audrey are very attaching.
I had a little difficulty getting into the plot because I was reading only a few paragraphs at a time after work, and I was wasting time trying to remember who each character was and what I knew about them on the previous books. Then I decided to give it a kick and focus on Killion and Audrey.
When I reached 27%, which is the point where we have the explanation of the title, I was locked to the story and I couldn't let the book down (I read till 5:30 am - 2 hours before the alarm would sound).
I like very very much this volume. It could be my preferred one after #4. Both Killion and Audrey are very attaching.
January 31, 2016
I KNEW Killion's story wouldn't disappoint. I was hooked from the first chapter. Audrey was strong and smart and didn't do stupid shit. She defered to the experts to save her life and to keep her alive. I loved Logan and Noah, I hope Toni Anderson has a spin off planned for those guys.
The story was engaging and never dull. Patrick Killion was every bit as kickass as I thought him to be. I didn't get the sexy vibe from him in the other stories but wow was that rectified in this book. Danger, suspense, sex, oh my!!!
Now seriously I NEED to go back and listen to Alex's story, the little tidbits from books 2-5 lead me to believe that his story is EXPLOSIVE.
This was a great book for this awesome series.
Story 3.5
Narrator 4
Erik Dove is an amazing narrator, great job.
The story was engaging and never dull. Patrick Killion was every bit as kickass as I thought him to be. I didn't get the sexy vibe from him in the other stories but wow was that rectified in this book. Danger, suspense, sex, oh my!!!
Now seriously I NEED to go back and listen to Alex's story, the little tidbits from books 2-5 lead me to believe that his story is EXPLOSIVE.
This was a great book for this awesome series.
Story 3.5
Narrator 4
Erik Dove is an amazing narrator, great job.
November 11, 2015
I love Toni Anderson....and when I say love, I mean LOVE!!
Toni writes intelligent, mature, insightful and well-researched suspense with a healthy dose of heat and a very credible love story. Her characters are adult, not usually prone to game-playing and relatable.
I discovered Toni when I was still blogging and have just about read every book she's written, all with the same result: absolute and unequivocal page-turners. Un-put-downable (a borrowed term, I lay no claim) and intriguing, clever and insightful.
I highly recommend this book, the entire Cold Justice series and anything else written by this phenomenal author. I bet you even her grocery list is spell-binding!
Toni writes intelligent, mature, insightful and well-researched suspense with a healthy dose of heat and a very credible love story. Her characters are adult, not usually prone to game-playing and relatable.
I discovered Toni when I was still blogging and have just about read every book she's written, all with the same result: absolute and unequivocal page-turners. Un-put-downable (a borrowed term, I lay no claim) and intriguing, clever and insightful.
I highly recommend this book, the entire Cold Justice series and anything else written by this phenomenal author. I bet you even her grocery list is spell-binding!
November 1, 2015
I love spending time with Toni Anderson's characters and I was thoroughly entertained with the frog biologist and the CIA agent! I do appreciate strong, intelligent and capable female lead characters and I know that I can rely on Dr Anderson for that. The plot moves along from page one, no slow build up. Peril, suspense, bad times, surprising plot turns all kept me up late and reading at lunchtime.
It is good to encounter favourite characters from previous books in the series but you can read these books in any order as they are stand alone stories.
It is good to encounter favourite characters from previous books in the series but you can read these books in any order as they are stand alone stories.
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