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Steele Street #4
Crazy Kisses
Professional soldier Kid Chronopolous moves in stealth and shadow to take out the world’s deadliest threats. Now, after barely surviving a hair-raising mission in South America, the Special Defense Forces agent comes home to Panama City for some sorely needed R & R…and finds a bikini bottom that can belong to only one woman.
Nikki McKinney has never forgiven Kid for vanishing from her life after the mind-blowing passion they shared. Now he’s suddenly back on the planet, where she’s rising to the top of the local art scene. But her safe, sheltered world is about to be rocked to its core. Because there’s a bounty on Kid’s head–and his enemies don’t care if they take him dead or alive. With dangerous people gunning for him, Kid’s got Nikki running for cover…and right into his arms. Keeping her safe is his latest mission. Keeping their hands off each other is out of the question….
From the Paperback edition.
Nikki McKinney has never forgiven Kid for vanishing from her life after the mind-blowing passion they shared. Now he’s suddenly back on the planet, where she’s rising to the top of the local art scene. But her safe, sheltered world is about to be rocked to its core. Because there’s a bounty on Kid’s head–and his enemies don’t care if they take him dead or alive. With dangerous people gunning for him, Kid’s got Nikki running for cover…and right into his arms. Keeping her safe is his latest mission. Keeping their hands off each other is out of the question….
From the Paperback edition.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 28, 2006
60 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 22, 2010
This was, IMO, the best one of the series so far. The most coherent story line (even though there was a little bit of a "perfect storm" of bad guys) and a romance that's been building since book 1.
Once again, though, the secondary romance became more compelling than the primary one, for me. This has happened in every book, it seems. I have no complaints about how Kid and Nikki's romance played out, so maybe I'm just fascinated with beginnings? In any case, I really enjoyed Travis's development and I'm, as with the past secondaries, really looking forward to his story.
Anyway, if Janzen's major talent is in introducing romances to be developed later, she's a genius and working them into the books. Of course I'm going to read the next one! In fact, I think I'm going to read the next one tonight since the primary romance was introduced in book 3 and drew my attention away from Creed's story.
This is a series that's full of action and implausible plotting. It's fun (although book 2 was a certified mess) and sexy and, at times, fairly emotional.
A couple of new characters are introduced in this one, which is good since the heroes all seem to want to cut way back on their crime fighting activities once they get hitched. Some new blood will be nice to get to know and will be needed to keep the action going.
So, if you're looking for something that's the equivalent of an 80's/90's action movie, this is a decently diverting series.
Once again, though, the secondary romance became more compelling than the primary one, for me. This has happened in every book, it seems. I have no complaints about how Kid and Nikki's romance played out, so maybe I'm just fascinated with beginnings? In any case, I really enjoyed Travis's development and I'm, as with the past secondaries, really looking forward to his story.
Anyway, if Janzen's major talent is in introducing romances to be developed later, she's a genius and working them into the books. Of course I'm going to read the next one! In fact, I think I'm going to read the next one tonight since the primary romance was introduced in book 3 and drew my attention away from Creed's story.
This is a series that's full of action and implausible plotting. It's fun (although book 2 was a certified mess) and sexy and, at times, fairly emotional.
A couple of new characters are introduced in this one, which is good since the heroes all seem to want to cut way back on their crime fighting activities once they get hitched. Some new blood will be nice to get to know and will be needed to keep the action going.
So, if you're looking for something that's the equivalent of an 80's/90's action movie, this is a decently diverting series.
June 26, 2008
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I agree with some of the other reviews I have seen about the series not always being logical. However, the books are very compelling and emotional. Great chemistry abounds between the hero and heroine in the four books I have read so far, and there is plenty of fast moving action. I love the way that Janzen introduces and follows some of the romances between characters in earlier books and then later gives the characters their own book. Because of this, I would strongly recommend reading the books in order. The main characters of Crazy Kisses, Kid Chronopolous and Nikki McKinney, were introduced and began their relationship in the first two books of the series. So much of their story takes place in the other books that a reader would not understand their entire relationship if they read Crazy Kisses without the rest of the series.
Crazy Kisses continues with Kid and Nikki where Crazy Cool left off. After telling Nikki McKinney he loved her, "Kid Chaos" Chronopolous disappeared for seven months. Nikki is heartbroken but finally decides she needs to move on with her life. She finds out that Kid is going to Panama, so she surprises him there, planning to give him a final goodbye. As soon as Kid and Nikki see each other, they both realize their feelings for one another have not changed. Complications arise when Kid's last mission as an SDF government agent comes back to haunt him in the form of Columbians who plan to assassinate him. Kid kills the assassins and has to get Nikki to safety before he is tracked down again. Kid wavers between feeling that he must give Nikki up for her own good, and knowing that he can't let her go.
I was so glad to read more about Kid and Nikki. I have loved their story since they were introduced in the first book. I didn't care much for the secondary story about the "Castle Rats," a gang of children. I felt that it took up time that I wanted to see spent on the relationship of Kid and Nikki. I do enjoy the character of Travis James, and I look forward to reading his story later.
Crazy Kisses continues with Kid and Nikki where Crazy Cool left off. After telling Nikki McKinney he loved her, "Kid Chaos" Chronopolous disappeared for seven months. Nikki is heartbroken but finally decides she needs to move on with her life. She finds out that Kid is going to Panama, so she surprises him there, planning to give him a final goodbye. As soon as Kid and Nikki see each other, they both realize their feelings for one another have not changed. Complications arise when Kid's last mission as an SDF government agent comes back to haunt him in the form of Columbians who plan to assassinate him. Kid kills the assassins and has to get Nikki to safety before he is tracked down again. Kid wavers between feeling that he must give Nikki up for her own good, and knowing that he can't let her go.
I was so glad to read more about Kid and Nikki. I have loved their story since they were introduced in the first book. I didn't care much for the secondary story about the "Castle Rats," a gang of children. I felt that it took up time that I wanted to see spent on the relationship of Kid and Nikki. I do enjoy the character of Travis James, and I look forward to reading his story later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2015
This is one Steele Street installment that definitely should not be read as a stand-alone. Kid and Nikki have been scene stealers since the first book, and the author has been doing a magnificent job of leaving the reader wanting more of this dynamite couple. Their book was highly anticipated, and while it wasn’t exactly the showpiece I was expecting, it didn’t necessarily disappoint, either.
Kid is a very different character to the other Steele Street heroes. His entry to the SDF (Special Defense Force) came courtesy of his big brother J.T. rather than via a life on the street and juvenile hall. He is much younger than the other guys and less experienced with women, but is their equal, maybe even at times their superior, in the face of danger. This trained sniper and warrior is one guy you definitely want covering your back.
Nikki McKinney is a prodigious young artist who gave her heart (and virginity) to Kid before he disappeared for seven months without a word. Not realizing that Kid had left his heart and soul in her keeping, she has since become engaged to another genius artist. Needing closure with Kid before she can consider moving forward with her new relationship, she waits for him in Panama having been told he is heading there following the end of his mission.
But trouble has followed Kid to Panama, and Nikki soon finds herself caught up in a dangerous game of retribution, seeing first hand how brutally efficient Kid is at his job as he does whatever it takes to keep Nikki safe.
Kid had incredible potential as a tortured hero, and I think the author missed a tremendous opportunity by not capitalizing more on this. We saw the damage wrought on him by the brutal and sadistic torture and death of his brother in previous installments, and he has exacted cold and bloody vengeance on those responsible. It was great to see that he has been able to put a lot of that behind him, but I think his character would have had more depth and complexity were he struggling with more than just how to keep Nikki with him.
Nikki is a great character, and the author has portrayed her vividly. She is a character that is easy to visualise and has great presence. I must say, however, that I didn’t buy the whole engagement to Rocky. It was never explained in a way that made sense to me as something that Nikki would have done and so it seemed a little too obvious as a plot device. I did love the epilogue-like last chapter where we got to see Kid and Nikki together and, for once, out of danger.
The suspense in this one is quite graphic and violent at times, and that’s something that works for me in terms of realism – I prefer things on the grittier side. The secondary romance in this one had potential, but wasn’t as captivating as I have found in the other books.
I also have issues with the fact that . That smacks of a blatant need to set-up future books. I’m all for this series continuing on – I’m really enjoying it – but I would prefer a more natural progression. Hopefully we will get more of an explanation along the way, because I like his character and I’m looking forward to reading his book.
That said, these problems are relatively minor in the face of what are really entertaining reads. This is such a fun series that has yet to disappoint. Fingers crossed it doesn’t do so any time soon.
Kid is a very different character to the other Steele Street heroes. His entry to the SDF (Special Defense Force) came courtesy of his big brother J.T. rather than via a life on the street and juvenile hall. He is much younger than the other guys and less experienced with women, but is their equal, maybe even at times their superior, in the face of danger. This trained sniper and warrior is one guy you definitely want covering your back.
Nikki McKinney is a prodigious young artist who gave her heart (and virginity) to Kid before he disappeared for seven months without a word. Not realizing that Kid had left his heart and soul in her keeping, she has since become engaged to another genius artist. Needing closure with Kid before she can consider moving forward with her new relationship, she waits for him in Panama having been told he is heading there following the end of his mission.
But trouble has followed Kid to Panama, and Nikki soon finds herself caught up in a dangerous game of retribution, seeing first hand how brutally efficient Kid is at his job as he does whatever it takes to keep Nikki safe.
Kid had incredible potential as a tortured hero, and I think the author missed a tremendous opportunity by not capitalizing more on this. We saw the damage wrought on him by the brutal and sadistic torture and death of his brother in previous installments, and he has exacted cold and bloody vengeance on those responsible. It was great to see that he has been able to put a lot of that behind him, but I think his character would have had more depth and complexity were he struggling with more than just how to keep Nikki with him.
Nikki is a great character, and the author has portrayed her vividly. She is a character that is easy to visualise and has great presence. I must say, however, that I didn’t buy the whole engagement to Rocky. It was never explained in a way that made sense to me as something that Nikki would have done and so it seemed a little too obvious as a plot device. I did love the epilogue-like last chapter where we got to see Kid and Nikki together and, for once, out of danger.
The suspense in this one is quite graphic and violent at times, and that’s something that works for me in terms of realism – I prefer things on the grittier side. The secondary romance in this one had potential, but wasn’t as captivating as I have found in the other books.
I also have issues with the fact that . That smacks of a blatant need to set-up future books. I’m all for this series continuing on – I’m really enjoying it – but I would prefer a more natural progression. Hopefully we will get more of an explanation along the way, because I like his character and I’m looking forward to reading his book.
That said, these problems are relatively minor in the face of what are really entertaining reads. This is such a fun series that has yet to disappoint. Fingers crossed it doesn’t do so any time soon.
November 5, 2010
I was really looking forward to Kid and Nikki's story. While not bad, it just didn't quite live up to my expectations. I'm not sure I like almost half the book being taken up with the secondary storyline in preparation for a future book. I would rather understand the main characters better with just a hint of future plot lines. Janzen pretty much splits it right down the middle. In this book, while the other story was intriguing, it really did take away from the overall interest.
April 18, 2011
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first 3 books. Kid was so detached to the point of unfeeling. I hated how he treated Nikki and felt that she should just move on. I was totally not feeling the lurve here.
The introduction to Travis and Jane thing was very intriguing though. Heading to Skeeter's story next.
The introduction to Travis and Jane thing was very intriguing though. Heading to Skeeter's story next.
October 19, 2015
Two-haiku review:
He's avenged brother
She thinks he's all done with her
Bad guys after both
Book four of series
Alternating plot, sub-plot
Setting up more books
He's avenged brother
She thinks he's all done with her
Bad guys after both
Book four of series
Alternating plot, sub-plot
Setting up more books
January 8, 2022
ngl this did take me long to read, blaming it on my english teacher😒, but it was rlllllllyyyyyy good!
March 25, 2008
I really enjoyed Kid and Nikki's story. You really feel connected to the story after having read the previous books in the series. The progression of their relationship is nice, and both are great characters in and of themselves. Plus they have a fabulous chemistry together. The plot really works for the story as well. It's fitting to them and their situations. The whole book takes place over like a 24 hour period, which is pretty much what all the books do. It sort of breaks the logic/realism barrier, but whatever.
Even though I enjoyed the book, it had it's issues. There was this whole side story with Travis, Nikki's model who we meet in book 1, and a new female character, Jane. It was a necessary side story, I guess, because it's important to the plot and how it resolves, but I think Janzen focused a little too much on it, gave it more time than she should have. I would have liked more with Nikki and Kid.
Also, Janzen did a poor job of relaying Kid and Nikki's past. Anyone who hadn't read the previous books would not understand the references and some other things. She basically wrote the book on the assumption that readers will have been reading the series. Not necessarily a good thing. But given that the books have been published fairly close together, I guess she can get away with it.
And lastly, Janzen did a bit of a crappy job resolving the relationship between Kid and Nikki. There was a lot of distance between them, and she just kind of skimmed over that and shoved them together. They said a few things to each other, did some thinking, and whammo, all's well. They really needed to have a heart to heart talk and it just didn't happened. She really short-changed the characters and their relationship in that sense.
Despite all that, I really liked the book. And that reference to the Nikki's painting of Christian Hawkins (book 2)...mmmm...what I wouldn't give to have that puppy on my wall *G*
Even though I enjoyed the book, it had it's issues. There was this whole side story with Travis, Nikki's model who we meet in book 1, and a new female character, Jane. It was a necessary side story, I guess, because it's important to the plot and how it resolves, but I think Janzen focused a little too much on it, gave it more time than she should have. I would have liked more with Nikki and Kid.
Also, Janzen did a poor job of relaying Kid and Nikki's past. Anyone who hadn't read the previous books would not understand the references and some other things. She basically wrote the book on the assumption that readers will have been reading the series. Not necessarily a good thing. But given that the books have been published fairly close together, I guess she can get away with it.
And lastly, Janzen did a bit of a crappy job resolving the relationship between Kid and Nikki. There was a lot of distance between them, and she just kind of skimmed over that and shoved them together. They said a few things to each other, did some thinking, and whammo, all's well. They really needed to have a heart to heart talk and it just didn't happened. She really short-changed the characters and their relationship in that sense.
Despite all that, I really liked the book. And that reference to the Nikki's painting of Christian Hawkins (book 2)...mmmm...what I wouldn't give to have that puppy on my wall *G*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2010
I have been dying to read this book ever since this couple was first introduced in Crazy Hot. WHENEVER these two are on the same page of a book, the book might as well burst into flames...that's how intense and passionate these two are. So much so, that any other couple in their midst is completely overshadowed.
Kid and Nikki were destined for each other since their first meeting. Since then Kid has lost his brother in a brutal fashion, they've been separated more than they've been together, and Nikki has gone and gotten herself engaged to someone else! None of this matters though the instant that they are reunited. I absolutely love this couple. Kid is the ultimate..I think one reviewer hit the nail on the head when she offered her kidneys for an introduction if Kid is based on a real guy! Nikki is totally unique, and someone I also wish was real and that I could get an introduction to.
The plot revolves around a drug lords vendeta against Kid, and his relentless pursuit to kill him. Of course Nikki gets put in the middle and Kid gets to be her rescuer!
I didn't really care for the secondary romance in this one, which is unusual. Typically Janzen even does a better job with the secondary couple than she does with the main couple. I don't know if this is a hit against Travis and Jane or if it's just another reason why NO couple would want to be compared to Kid and Nikki......there just is no comparison.
Kid and Nikki were destined for each other since their first meeting. Since then Kid has lost his brother in a brutal fashion, they've been separated more than they've been together, and Nikki has gone and gotten herself engaged to someone else! None of this matters though the instant that they are reunited. I absolutely love this couple. Kid is the ultimate..I think one reviewer hit the nail on the head when she offered her kidneys for an introduction if Kid is based on a real guy! Nikki is totally unique, and someone I also wish was real and that I could get an introduction to.
The plot revolves around a drug lords vendeta against Kid, and his relentless pursuit to kill him. Of course Nikki gets put in the middle and Kid gets to be her rescuer!
I didn't really care for the secondary romance in this one, which is unusual. Typically Janzen even does a better job with the secondary couple than she does with the main couple. I don't know if this is a hit against Travis and Jane or if it's just another reason why NO couple would want to be compared to Kid and Nikki......there just is no comparison.
April 27, 2011
Not what I wanted for Kid and Nikki, who we have been following since book one. It was a good addition to the series, but lagged in places, and the main couple was overrun by Travis and Jane. Speaking of Travis and Jane's storyline, I really liked the Rats :P
July 3, 2018
Just mehhh.....I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, just so so. All the things I loved about this series were completely absent from this book. The hero and heroine were annoying and their dialogue was lame and not realistic at ALL! But the Travis and Jane storyline was adorable and interesting and brought a new life to this series. Can't wait for Dylan Hart and Skeeter's story!!!
September 11, 2017
This series is a fun fast paced read. I've read them all - and recommeded them as well.
July 27, 2018
DNF @ 15%
Yuck. Just couldn’t force myself to read any more. Light and breezy book was code for zany and illogical and difficult to read.
Yuck. Just couldn’t force myself to read any more. Light and breezy book was code for zany and illogical and difficult to read.
March 6, 2019
Not as good as first three books but furthers the story.
March 8, 2019
Good
Love this series , I have reread it a few times now. I would recommend any of the Steele Street books as either stand alone reading or do the whole thing for a fuller story.
Love this series , I have reread it a few times now. I would recommend any of the Steele Street books as either stand alone reading or do the whole thing for a fuller story.
June 3, 2024
I didn’t care for any romance in this story and I only liked Skeeter and wish I had read her romance story instead.
April 22, 2021
I did really like this book but I’m not going to lie I really only started it so I could move on to Dylan’s book however once I started it I loved it !!
August 26, 2019
The book was so wonderful.
August 26, 2019
The book is actually terrific.
August 26, 2019
This book is so outsanding.
October 12, 2010
Alright so right away I feel myself grinning as Kid comes into the picture, he is such a great character. I can only be described as Uber excited to read this book Oooh, I dare anyone not to be moved when Janzen writes that he has two gold rings on a silver necklace around his neck. (They belong to Nikki's parents and if you read the previous stories you will understand the significance of this)
When Nikki and Kid meet up again there is instant chemistry between them and they jump right into bed or maybe you would say jump right against the wall.
When goons are chasing my favorite couple I like how Kid remembers that Nikki needs to talk when she gets nervous or stressed and lets her ramble on as he focuses on what needs to be done.
Janzen does a nice job of showing how Kid seems to be a little insecure or uncomfortable with Nikki knowing what he does. When Nikki says her fiancé could never had killed those men, he thinks then he would have been dead and you too. Kid knows what he is, but seems unable to reveal any part of the black ops sniper side to Nikki.
Oh god, I love how Kid keeps on focusing on her calling him a savage, that is how Nikki describes the "mode" he went into when he killed the three men sent to his house to kill him. Once again every problem this couple seems to have goes back to Kid not being able to connect being a soldier and being Nikki's boyfriend. Kid doesn't know how to keep Nikki but can't let her go.
Sigh, Janzen has a real problem with focusing to much on the secondary story. In this case it was Travis and Jane who seemed to be butting into what I really wanted to be reading about, Kid and Nikki.
This story wrapped up way to easily and cleanly, what about Nikki's hang ups about not knowing anything about Kid's job or him not being able to discuss anything with her? Janzen flaked out on this couple, she could have made this story incredible. Janzen had built them up to epic proportions in previous books only to fail on them in what was suppose to be their story. She focused on setting up a sequel for the character Travis (Nikki's angel model) too much. I know authors want to make money and entice the reader to buy the sequels but she didn't do Kid and Nikki justice because of this. Even so adding up all of the story written about these two, taking into consideration previous books, Kid and Nikki are definitely one powerful couple whom I completely connected with and are my favorite from the series so far. Kid Chaos and Nikki will stick with me for a long time, even if I have to expand their story in my own mind to be satisfied.
B-
When Nikki and Kid meet up again there is instant chemistry between them and they jump right into bed or maybe you would say jump right against the wall.
When goons are chasing my favorite couple I like how Kid remembers that Nikki needs to talk when she gets nervous or stressed and lets her ramble on as he focuses on what needs to be done.
Janzen does a nice job of showing how Kid seems to be a little insecure or uncomfortable with Nikki knowing what he does. When Nikki says her fiancé could never had killed those men, he thinks then he would have been dead and you too. Kid knows what he is, but seems unable to reveal any part of the black ops sniper side to Nikki.
Oh god, I love how Kid keeps on focusing on her calling him a savage, that is how Nikki describes the "mode" he went into when he killed the three men sent to his house to kill him. Once again every problem this couple seems to have goes back to Kid not being able to connect being a soldier and being Nikki's boyfriend. Kid doesn't know how to keep Nikki but can't let her go.
Sigh, Janzen has a real problem with focusing to much on the secondary story. In this case it was Travis and Jane who seemed to be butting into what I really wanted to be reading about, Kid and Nikki.
This story wrapped up way to easily and cleanly, what about Nikki's hang ups about not knowing anything about Kid's job or him not being able to discuss anything with her? Janzen flaked out on this couple, she could have made this story incredible. Janzen had built them up to epic proportions in previous books only to fail on them in what was suppose to be their story. She focused on setting up a sequel for the character Travis (Nikki's angel model) too much. I know authors want to make money and entice the reader to buy the sequels but she didn't do Kid and Nikki justice because of this. Even so adding up all of the story written about these two, taking into consideration previous books, Kid and Nikki are definitely one powerful couple whom I completely connected with and are my favorite from the series so far. Kid Chaos and Nikki will stick with me for a long time, even if I have to expand their story in my own mind to be satisfied.
B-
April 11, 2023
This one has been the most disappointing in my current re-reads of this series.
Like the previous three books, the story takes place within 24 hours. I think I'm just really not used to so many books taking place in such a short period of time. It's odd to me that four books in a row are all like that.
And once again, there are multiple chapters devoted to another couple/characters. Probably 30% of the chapters are about other people. Kid and Nikki actually were that couple in books 1 and 2. If you haven't read Crazy Hot or Crazy Cool, I'd highly recommend reading them first, or at least the chapters about Nikki and Kid. But honestly, those books are way better than this one, so I'd recommend them anyway.
I think that because I'd already read so much about Nikki and Kid that I was kinda tired of them already. So much of their "romance" was them banging and then him ditching her. He also had MAJOR baggage from his older brother being tortured and killed. I think I would have liked this story better if more than seven months had passed and Kid was actually in a place where he wasn't depressed and was actually trying to get Nikki back. I felt like he was trying to push her away but was also really possessive at the same time. I don't like that combination. I'm ok with possessive as long as the hero is making attempts to be with his woman. Not constantly telling himself he's not worth anything and she's better off without him.
They hook up in like chapter two. Then not again til about 70% in. And a final time in the last chapter/epilogue. It's somewhat detailed, but I didn't think the scenes were as long or detailed as the previous books.
There is a LOT of violence and descriptions of it. He kills two men in front of her. She gets kidnapped and tortured a little bit. There are other descriptions of violence and torture that occurred off page. You definitely shouldn't read this if you have triggers.
I read a reformatted Kindle version that I believe she self-published after she got her rights back. There are multiple times, in multiple chapters, where there should be page breaks and there isn't one. So instead of it being obvious that we were jumping from a scene about Travis and Jane to Nikki and Kid, it switches from one scene to the next with no page break, so it's super confusing. This is a formatting issue that I know could be easily fixed. But it's currently extremely distracting. Aside from that issue, it's very well written.
The next book is about Skeeter and Dylan and I'm looking forward to it! Especially after what happened between them in Crazy Wild!
Like the previous three books, the story takes place within 24 hours. I think I'm just really not used to so many books taking place in such a short period of time. It's odd to me that four books in a row are all like that.
And once again, there are multiple chapters devoted to another couple/characters. Probably 30% of the chapters are about other people. Kid and Nikki actually were that couple in books 1 and 2. If you haven't read Crazy Hot or Crazy Cool, I'd highly recommend reading them first, or at least the chapters about Nikki and Kid. But honestly, those books are way better than this one, so I'd recommend them anyway.
I think that because I'd already read so much about Nikki and Kid that I was kinda tired of them already. So much of their "romance" was them banging and then him ditching her. He also had MAJOR baggage from his older brother being tortured and killed. I think I would have liked this story better if more than seven months had passed and Kid was actually in a place where he wasn't depressed and was actually trying to get Nikki back. I felt like he was trying to push her away but was also really possessive at the same time. I don't like that combination. I'm ok with possessive as long as the hero is making attempts to be with his woman. Not constantly telling himself he's not worth anything and she's better off without him.
They hook up in like chapter two. Then not again til about 70% in. And a final time in the last chapter/epilogue. It's somewhat detailed, but I didn't think the scenes were as long or detailed as the previous books.
There is a LOT of violence and descriptions of it. He kills two men in front of her. She gets kidnapped and tortured a little bit. There are other descriptions of violence and torture that occurred off page. You definitely shouldn't read this if you have triggers.
I read a reformatted Kindle version that I believe she self-published after she got her rights back. There are multiple times, in multiple chapters, where there should be page breaks and there isn't one. So instead of it being obvious that we were jumping from a scene about Travis and Jane to Nikki and Kid, it switches from one scene to the next with no page break, so it's super confusing. This is a formatting issue that I know could be easily fixed. But it's currently extremely distracting. Aside from that issue, it's very well written.
The next book is about Skeeter and Dylan and I'm looking forward to it! Especially after what happened between them in Crazy Wild!
November 22, 2011
Every time I pick up one of Tara Janzens novels, I want to kick myself for waiting so long to read the next book in the series! They're so good! And they're great, IMO, for getting out of reading slumps ( where nothing you pick keeps your attention)!
In crazy kisses, I have to say, I loved the hero, Kid! He was awesome! So kick ass, so tough but still honorable, such a good guy, and devoted, so devoted to his heroine! I think he's one of my all around favorite heroes!
The heroine, Nikki...was an artist...and not being much of a modern art fan means I was predisposed to dislike her...in fact I hated her in the first book, But TJ does a great job building her character....despite disliking 90% of modern art, I not only liked Nikki, but think I wouldn't have hated her artwork...not sure d have loved it, but def didn't hate it...and she comes off as pretty steadfast, but not over the top....she was thrown into some situations beyond what she was used to, and all her reactions were exactly what our expect....no tstl moments, no sudden super woman abilities.
The side story lines...they suck you in, without overpowering the H and H's story, but still keep you on the edge of your seat wondering how everything was going to come together in those final moments...along with those side storylines, are the new characters....with each book it seems like TJ intros new ones, and each time. It's impossible no to like them, if not right away, then after she's built them up some....eventually I want each and everyone of their story's!
Altogether, the only bad things were 1- no Dylan ( but the next book in the series is his, so that's okay),and 2- despite all the build up in previous books, the story wasn't quite as intense as I'd expected....the book moved super quick, and now that I've finished it, as good as it was, I want more!
So 4 stars because I loved the characters so, so much, but 3.5 for the story.
On a side note, technically this could be read as a stand alone, but if you've got acess to the the first books, I'd read them in order, Crazy Hot, Crazy Cool, Crazy wild, Crazy kisses, Crazy Love.
In crazy kisses, I have to say, I loved the hero, Kid! He was awesome! So kick ass, so tough but still honorable, such a good guy, and devoted, so devoted to his heroine! I think he's one of my all around favorite heroes!
The heroine, Nikki...was an artist...and not being much of a modern art fan means I was predisposed to dislike her...in fact I hated her in the first book, But TJ does a great job building her character....despite disliking 90% of modern art, I not only liked Nikki, but think I wouldn't have hated her artwork...not sure d have loved it, but def didn't hate it...and she comes off as pretty steadfast, but not over the top....she was thrown into some situations beyond what she was used to, and all her reactions were exactly what our expect....no tstl moments, no sudden super woman abilities.
The side story lines...they suck you in, without overpowering the H and H's story, but still keep you on the edge of your seat wondering how everything was going to come together in those final moments...along with those side storylines, are the new characters....with each book it seems like TJ intros new ones, and each time. It's impossible no to like them, if not right away, then after she's built them up some....eventually I want each and everyone of their story's!
Altogether, the only bad things were 1- no Dylan ( but the next book in the series is his, so that's okay),and 2- despite all the build up in previous books, the story wasn't quite as intense as I'd expected....the book moved super quick, and now that I've finished it, as good as it was, I want more!
So 4 stars because I loved the characters so, so much, but 3.5 for the story.
On a side note, technically this could be read as a stand alone, but if you've got acess to the the first books, I'd read them in order, Crazy Hot, Crazy Cool, Crazy wild, Crazy kisses, Crazy Love.
July 23, 2010
This is the Steele Street book I was waiting for since the first book. Since my first glimpse of the electric, unforgettable connection between Kid Chaos and Nikki. These were two characters who were so different, so charismatic together, and whose love story became more weighty, more important with each book, every near miss, and every heartbreak. Forewarning, do NOT read this one without having read the others. You could, but you'd miss SO much. These two deserve the bits of their stories in the other books to be read before getting into this one.
Through the last three books we watch Kid Chaos fall apart. The young man with his game locked tight and ready to rock has been forced to face the gut wrenching loss of his brother in a violent manner that brought the vigilant beast out of him. In the midst of that there was the loss of time, the directness of purpose, and the loss of Nikki. Kid Chaos, the sniper, Marine and the man that was always ready for whatever was coming was knocked off his axis by losing JT and by meeting Nikki. Crazy, artistic, black and purple spiky haired, short skirts, motor-mouth-when-she's-nervous Nikki who paints and photographs naked men, but has only ever slept with Kid. At one point he describes her in such a perfect way that I have to quote it, "She didn't ski, or climb, or kayak, or bike, or do too damn much of anything athletic. She ordered out pizza and painted her toenails to look like windows in a house. She sewed her own clothes and painted shooting stars on her legs. She played with makeup and broke his heart with every breath" (Janzen 155).
There's something so heartbreakingly real about these two, that when you finally get to their book and watch as Nikki fights for him, heal him, as he lays it all on the line for her, and they take the leap for each other in the midst of bad guys chasing Kid with a bounty on his head, turf wars between local gangs, art shows that turn to disaster, and Kid and Nikki lighting up the page with their chemistry, as a reader you get the perfect entry to the series with a couple that completely deserved it.
Through the last three books we watch Kid Chaos fall apart. The young man with his game locked tight and ready to rock has been forced to face the gut wrenching loss of his brother in a violent manner that brought the vigilant beast out of him. In the midst of that there was the loss of time, the directness of purpose, and the loss of Nikki. Kid Chaos, the sniper, Marine and the man that was always ready for whatever was coming was knocked off his axis by losing JT and by meeting Nikki. Crazy, artistic, black and purple spiky haired, short skirts, motor-mouth-when-she's-nervous Nikki who paints and photographs naked men, but has only ever slept with Kid. At one point he describes her in such a perfect way that I have to quote it, "She didn't ski, or climb, or kayak, or bike, or do too damn much of anything athletic. She ordered out pizza and painted her toenails to look like windows in a house. She sewed her own clothes and painted shooting stars on her legs. She played with makeup and broke his heart with every breath" (Janzen 155).
There's something so heartbreakingly real about these two, that when you finally get to their book and watch as Nikki fights for him, heal him, as he lays it all on the line for her, and they take the leap for each other in the midst of bad guys chasing Kid with a bounty on his head, turf wars between local gangs, art shows that turn to disaster, and Kid and Nikki lighting up the page with their chemistry, as a reader you get the perfect entry to the series with a couple that completely deserved it.
August 28, 2016
Though a lot has happened since Crazy Hot, one thing that didn't change is the chemistry and emotion in the Kid and Nikki thread. After six months of no contact and no Kid, Nikki got engaged. A month into it, Nikki wondered how she could marry one man when the one that came into her life like a whirlwind and she never stopped wanting might just be taking a really long shower.
Actually, SDF soldier Peter Alexander 'Kid Chaos' Chronopolous spent the last seven months on several jobs in Columbia, wreaking havoc and avenging his brother's brutal and tortuous murder. Planning to skip back to Denver after a day or so relaxing and recuperating alone in his Panamanian home, Kid's shocked when he has unannounced visitors.
First is the delectable Nikki McKinney sporting a rock that angers Kid. His second visitor is even less welcome. Avenging Kid's vengeance, a notorious drug lord sends assassins Kid's home to kill him in his sleep. A silent argument puts the lovers in separate rooms when the assassins arrive but Kid's quick and deadly accurate.
Kid left plenty of dead bodies for the police to find but in their haste to leave, Nikki leaves not only clues to her identity but to their destination in plain sight. Back in Denver and unaware of their tail, Kid acknowledges to himself he's been a jerk but tries to separate from Nikki telling himself it's for her own good.
The secondary thread with Travis, Jane and the street kids was integral to the main thread but didn't capture this reader and was noticeably slower paced. However, the maniacally bloodthirsty villain was enjoyable and possible new allies or recurring characters also made a good impression, though the garage was empty.
This lightweight series is full of enjoyable characters, lots of action, a dash of romance and more than its share of alpha males is also a fun and easy series to read. Add vividly drawn characters with distinct personalities and voila an instant good time beach read!
Rating: 4stars
Actually, SDF soldier Peter Alexander 'Kid Chaos' Chronopolous spent the last seven months on several jobs in Columbia, wreaking havoc and avenging his brother's brutal and tortuous murder. Planning to skip back to Denver after a day or so relaxing and recuperating alone in his Panamanian home, Kid's shocked when he has unannounced visitors.
First is the delectable Nikki McKinney sporting a rock that angers Kid. His second visitor is even less welcome. Avenging Kid's vengeance, a notorious drug lord sends assassins Kid's home to kill him in his sleep. A silent argument puts the lovers in separate rooms when the assassins arrive but Kid's quick and deadly accurate.
Kid left plenty of dead bodies for the police to find but in their haste to leave, Nikki leaves not only clues to her identity but to their destination in plain sight. Back in Denver and unaware of their tail, Kid acknowledges to himself he's been a jerk but tries to separate from Nikki telling himself it's for her own good.
The secondary thread with Travis, Jane and the street kids was integral to the main thread but didn't capture this reader and was noticeably slower paced. However, the maniacally bloodthirsty villain was enjoyable and possible new allies or recurring characters also made a good impression, though the garage was empty.
This lightweight series is full of enjoyable characters, lots of action, a dash of romance and more than its share of alpha males is also a fun and easy series to read. Add vividly drawn characters with distinct personalities and voila an instant good time beach read!
Rating: 4stars
March 31, 2018
3+ stars
.
SPECIAL DEFENSE FORCE ~~ TARA JANZEN
.
Order Title
1 Crazy Hot
2 Crazy Cool
3 Crazy Wild
4 Crazy Kisses
5 Crazy Love
6 Crazy Sweet
7 On the Loose
8 Cutting Loose
9 Loose and Easy
10 Breaking Loose
11 Loose Ends
.
SPECIAL DEFENSE FORCE ~~ TARA JANZEN
.
Order Title
1 Crazy Hot
2 Crazy Cool
3 Crazy Wild
4 Crazy Kisses
5 Crazy Love
6 Crazy Sweet
7 On the Loose
8 Cutting Loose
9 Loose and Easy
10 Breaking Loose
11 Loose Ends
May 24, 2016
So this book was just good for me. Kid had a lot of potential but I just don't think it played out as well as I would have liked it to. I expected Kid to have more difficulty dealing with the fallout from his brother's death and his revenge and killing spree. It just seemed he was able to put it behind him and move on with Nikki a bit too easily.
This book had all the usual action and drama and gun battles and is certainly entertaining but I had a couple of issues with this book that made it not quite as good as the previous books:
1)I thought a lot of the book spent too much time on Travis and Jane and I don't really buy Travis becoming one of the Steele Street guys.
2) Nikki's engagement just didn't work for me. It didn't seem like something she would really do and was a plot device that really didn't add since it was obvious what was going to happen there.
3) Kid just expected Nikki to get over the fact that he was gone and didn't even speak to her for 7 months and well she did.
What I loved about the book were the scenes with the rats. I felt like the secondary story kind of stole the lime light from Kid and Nikki. However, if you are reading for a lot of action and a fast paced action story then this is a great series.
This book had all the usual action and drama and gun battles and is certainly entertaining but I had a couple of issues with this book that made it not quite as good as the previous books:
1)I thought a lot of the book spent too much time on Travis and Jane and I don't really buy Travis becoming one of the Steele Street guys.
2) Nikki's engagement just didn't work for me. It didn't seem like something she would really do and was a plot device that really didn't add since it was obvious what was going to happen there.
3) Kid just expected Nikki to get over the fact that he was gone and didn't even speak to her for 7 months and well she did.
What I loved about the book were the scenes with the rats. I felt like the secondary story kind of stole the lime light from Kid and Nikki. However, if you are reading for a lot of action and a fast paced action story then this is a great series.
July 29, 2008
Kid Chaos is finishing up his mission in South America. He’s been gone for seven months. Before heading back to Steele Street, he needs some R&R in Panama, to get his head back on straight. But when he arrives at his house, it doesn’t take him long to spot the little bikini that should not be there. Even quicker, he figures out who it belongs to. Nikki. Seven months, why hadn’t he called her for seven months? He is still deeply in love with her. But how does she feel? In addition to struggling with the ‘relationship’ aspect, he needs to keep her safe and safe is not going to happen if they are together, not when there is a contract out for his head.
Another fun and flirty chapter in the lives of the Steele Street gang. Mostly the story revolves around Kid and Nikki, but the reader does get introduced to a new member of Steele, a not-so creepy rodent, and closer to Travis, an angelic outsider slowly making his way to the inner circle. A quick and enjoyable read. Perfect beach reading.
Another fun and flirty chapter in the lives of the Steele Street gang. Mostly the story revolves around Kid and Nikki, but the reader does get introduced to a new member of Steele, a not-so creepy rodent, and closer to Travis, an angelic outsider slowly making his way to the inner circle. A quick and enjoyable read. Perfect beach reading.
June 12, 2014
The Steele Street series just keeps getting better and better. Each book builds on the previous ones and you really need to read in order. Fast pace and hot romance, a really great book. Lot of interesting characters and situations.
Kid Chaos and Nikki keep running into each other and each time they do, Bang!, it is straight to the sex. Kid has been out of the country taking down bad ass drug dealers in Columbia for 7 months. Nikki is tired of waiting on him, he has made no contact with her is all that time. She has met another artist and he proposed and she accepted. Nikki goes to Panama City to confront Kid and either "close the book" or move forward. Of course, the same old, same old happens within minutes of laying eyes and other body parts on each other. They do love each other, but Kid has been ridding the earth of the bad guys and that isn't pretty, he can't talk to Nikki about it. One really bad ass has discovered who Kid is and follows him, planning to kidnap Nikki and torture her and kill Kid.
Kid Chaos and Nikki keep running into each other and each time they do, Bang!, it is straight to the sex. Kid has been out of the country taking down bad ass drug dealers in Columbia for 7 months. Nikki is tired of waiting on him, he has made no contact with her is all that time. She has met another artist and he proposed and she accepted. Nikki goes to Panama City to confront Kid and either "close the book" or move forward. Of course, the same old, same old happens within minutes of laying eyes and other body parts on each other. They do love each other, but Kid has been ridding the earth of the bad guys and that isn't pretty, he can't talk to Nikki about it. One really bad ass has discovered who Kid is and follows him, planning to kidnap Nikki and torture her and kill Kid.
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