Saving Valentine

by Rae B. Lake

Being a hitman takes skill. It takes discipline and rules.

I broke my cardinal rule; never talk to the mark.

Bryn Valentine has clawed her way under my skin and now I can’t turn her away.


Dagger
Life as a hitman came easy to me. I was born a killer. Hell, even my name strikes fear in people’s hearts, at least the ones who know what’s good for them.

My reputation is flawless. I’m professional, efficient and I’ve never missed a mark. I’ve managed to rise to the top of this wicked bloody world by following a specific set of rules.

Rule number one - Never talk to the mark.

Killing Bryn Valentine should have been simple, it should have been routine. But something in those big soul-piercing brown eyes caused me to break my cardinal rule.

Now that the truth is out, I can’t follow through with the job. Killing Bryn Valentine is no longer an option. I will protect her even when dozens of my competition gun for us. Even when it feels like the entire underground is closing in on us, I’ll defend her. And when all she needs to feel safe is my body dominating hers, I will gladly provide.

I’ve spent years living as a feared killer, but now I must use all I know to save her.

Genres: Dark, Novella, Romance, Contemporary, Dark Romance

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2021

About the author

Rae is a daydreamer, nurse, bookworm, nature enthusiast, wife, momma, animal activist and an optimist. She has lived her entire life in NYC and loves to travel with her family. She believes that sweets should have a larger piece of the nutritional pyramid and that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was one of the best TV shows ever invented. When she is not working as a nurse in her community, she can either be found reading, writing, or taking a walk while listening to music. She has been writing books in her mind for as long as she can remember but decided that maybe there were others out in the world that would find joy in the words she would put down on the page.

Reviews

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Dark Romance
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual: Good
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Loner, Antihero & Sexy
Series:
Pages: loc.
Kindle Unlimited:

STORY:
If I were to come across Dagger, he would probably scare me, but the author made him dark, intense and sexy. Being a hit man, killing is all he knows and when he gets a mark, Bryn, the curious intensity for me lit up like a Christmas tree. I love that this book was to the point, with action, mystery and sex appeal. Don’t let the action aspect deter you from reading this because it really still was all about Dagger and Bryn. Dagger was so out of his element as he is a loner and doesn’t have time for anyone or wishes to be around anybody. Bryn is use to Dagger’s world but wants to keep a low profile, so much for that.


CHEMISTRY:
I love that Dagger was trying so hard with not wanting to touch Bryn. The scene with them needing to keep warm with their body heat with their clothes off, I have to give it to Dagger for his will power because the author had me anxious on that scene. Once these two got together it was good.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS
Secondary characters were not bad. They all played their positions as needed. No one stood out to me that had me drooling for an additional book.


Overall, to the point, sexy, dark, action, even more sexy and entertaining read for me.

**Triggers: I wanted to mention this one particular trigger, kidnapping, especially the way he did it.

***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sally Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dagger and Bryn were never meant be together. Everything started out as just a job for Dagger, but then he broke some of his own rules. Turns out that there is a very big problem with this job. Now they are on the run together and trying to stay alive. Read the story, I feel like you will enjoy it.


This was such a fantastic book. I wasn't sure when I first started reading it that I would be able to get through it, but by the first chapter it really got interesting and drew me in. After that they say the rest is just history and now it is. Great story, characters, and fabulous writer.

[Kacy L. Kennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Dagger joined the Croatian mafia, he took his job as a hitman seriously -- the only way to be the best is to follow a certain set of rules. And Dagger is the absolute best at what he does. He's never failed to take out his target.

But this new job may just prove to be his biggest obstacle yet. When he's hired to take out a seemingly normal woman named Bryn Valentine, he doesn't expect any problems -- a pretty woman has never once made him fail to complete his job, so it shouldn't be any different this time.

But Bryn has secrets, ones that can have deadly consequences for Dagger and his mafia family.

***************

Written exclusively in Dagger's first-person POV, "Saving Valentine" follows Dagger and Bryn as they try to decipher who they can trust in the web of lies leading to Dagger's most recent hit request. And what an exhilarating ride it is.

"Saving Valentine" is an incredibly short book, only a little over 100 pages, but it doesn't feel short to the readers. There's so much action and intrigue thrown into the book that it doesn't feel like things were resolved too quickly. And the romance between Bryn and Dagger didn't feel rushed.

Dagger is not used to long periods of human contact. He operates in the shadows alone, and it's where he feels the most at home. But there was just something about Bryn that Dagger knew he needed to break his own rules for -- and it's a good thing he did. He nearly started a war, and without Bryn, he'd meet his end far sooner than he would have wanted.

Dagger finds Bryn annoying at first, and it added a hint of comedy to an otherwise nail-biting read, and I'm glad about it. I don't think it would have come across as very believable if a loner would have enjoyed the presence of another person after being alone for years. Which made the flourishing romance between Dagger and Bryn more entertaining to read. Dagger didn't want to give into his feelings and urges with Bryn, especially since he couldn't necessarily confirm if any of what she told him was true. But they soon find it too hard to suppress their attraction to each other, and after nearly dying together, they finally give in.

And of course, the revelation at the end was shocking. We don't meet many side characters nor do we really get much knowledge into them either. But the main bad guy was revealed so easily, and yet it was heartbreaking to read who it was. You slowly begin to feel for the main couple as they struggle throughout the book and it hurts to read. And then the wrench gets thrown into their romance and you almost worry they won't end up together in the end, but thankfully, the epilogue finalizes that brief pause in Dagger and Bryn's future together.

I really enjoyed this book, and I was worried. I didn't know how I would like to read a book strictly from the perspective of a "bad" guy, but it was entertaining and different from other mafia hitman romances you may find. It was good. The romance, the conflict, the resolution, and even the steamy scenes were great. I just wish it wasn't so short and we really got to see the world around the characters more in order to really feel the betrayal from the villain of the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Valentine by Rae B. Lake is not your typical Valentine's Day romance story, but a dark, violent look at the underworld of the mafia, you will be on edge from beginning to end as we witness what happens when a killer for hire's next victim is about to turn his orderly world apart. Dagger is a disciplined trained killer who lives by order and rules. For the right price he is a highly sought after hitman known worldwide for his ruthless efficient kills. His next job is to kidnap and kill a young woman named Bryn Valentine but what transpires from their first meeting turns into lies, betrayals and violence. Dagger learns from Bryn who she really is and that Dagger is being used as a pawn to start a war between his boss Marko and Bryn's father Ilia at first Dagger thinks she is lying until all of the pieces fall into place with the doubts he had when he took this job. Can this man who is methodical when he takes on a job been easily duped? These two will go at each other with plenty of violence thrown in, until Dagger sees that Bryn just might be telling the truth. Bryn is feisty, strong and shows no fear living the kind of life under her father's rule, soon Dagger has no choice but to make Bryn his as he has no control when he is around her. The passion and chemistry between them is fast, hard, raw, edgy and full of hot steamy moments just in time for Valentine's Day which doesn't end well. Now they are both on the run as Dagger and Bryn are being hunted as a hit has been placed on both of them as Bryn shows Dagger how resourceful she can be in times of danger. Dagger to keep Bryn safe, has no choice but to turn to the one person who just might be able to help him, Kaja if he is not killed first. Dagger wants Kaja to arrange a meeting with his boss to inform him that he is being used to start a war. Things take a turn, the real person who ordered the hit on Bryn is revealed, a contract is drawn so Dagger can have Bryn as well as her father's true motive regarding Bryn's future. With all of the twists and turns in this story full of the suspense, violence and danger leading up to an ending that you won't see coming as you witness the undying love between Dagger and Bryn as well as the evil corrupt world of one of the largest crime families in Croatia. Rae B. Lake has outdone herself with this cold, dark mafia romance story. What does she have instore for her readers next? This is a must read, one that I highly recommend.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

🗝️🗝️ONE DARK AND DELECTABLE THRILL RIDE🗝️🗝️
Busting bunkers boo! Rae unleashes one helluva dark, decadent, sensational rock-my-world rollercoaster, snagging all the badassery and moxie with tantalizing sentiment, nuance and essence, jetting this hot little number to staggering heights. Anarchy and duplicity descend in a tempest full of riveting drama, gripping intrigue, spine tingling betrayal, underlying currents, escalating danger, electrifying suspense and nailbiting situations ensue, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Broken boundaries and sketchy lines solidify as limitations are amplified and exploited, igniting a fierce determination with such passion and desire, thrusting this jewel into the eye of the storm, booting it into a tailspin with a mind-blowing culmination, blasting this bad boy to life spectacularly. The magnetism, attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity, exploding with high octane emotions and infinite affections, putting our characters through their paces, uniting them together beautifully. The characters are complex, genuine and original with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity, adding enough spice for an extra punch. Throw in 100% on point realism, painting colorful scenarios so vividly descriptive with graphic detail its like you're living it with them instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Remarkable job Rae, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.

[vxhexn reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told through the eyes of Dagger, a hit man for the Croatian mafia. This unconventional love story starts with a sinister twist - kidnap and hold a mark hostage for three day, eventually killing her and collecting the payment.

Soon after suspicions arise and all isn’t as it seems. RULE #1: never talk to the mark. This rule is shattered when Dagger succumbs to the persistence of his captive, Bryn Valentine. She is unlike anyone Dagger has ever had in this same predicament. She’s calm, she maintains eye contact, she doesn’t try to escape. Instead she softly mumbles, seeking his attention. And the words that come out of her mouth floor him.

The mystery surrounding the client and mark relationship takes a turn I didn’t see coming. And the outcome is another one that shocked me. This story kept me on my toes and engrossed from the moment it began. Oh and don’t worry there’s quite a few hot & heavy moments and an HEA to this story.

TWO OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE BOOK:
“How the fuck am I supposed to put a bullet in her head if I want to make sure she isn't upset?”

““Be careful, little girl,” I warn, and instead of heeding my warning, Bryn gives me a cocky smile.”



𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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[Sara Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic novel to read! It was good from the first page. There is a lot of violence, sex, and drama involved. Dagger is a hitman for a mafia boss but takes independent contracts to make a little bit more money on the side. He takes one of these contracts and the girl he kidnaps turns out to be the daughter of a mafia boss. He was set up to kill her so that a war would happen between two mafia families. He decides to keep her alive and they go on the run together. On the way, they start to fall for each other and they learn to confide in each other the horror that was their lives. It almost feels like them actually getting together is hopeless. Either they are going to die or Bryn will end up back with her horrible father. The one thing that was different about this book was that the entire book was from Dagger's perspective. Usually we get both or we the female protagonist, but this one was from the male's perspective. I actually enjoyed getting to see this side of the story and it did not disappoint me at all. I would totally recommend this book and actually want to check out more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. I really enjoyed the love story between Bryn and Dagger. His is a hitman who is hired to take out a young woman. He does not know who but the price is right and he is a professional. When he watches Bryn, he wonders why someone would want her dead. He follows his instructions by the client except he ends up talking to her. What he learns quickly saves both their lives and puts them on the run from the mafia and other hitmen. Bryn changed everything to escape her father and being his unloved possession. Now someone wants to use her to cause a war and they dragged the wrong man into it with her. Dagger plans to keep her alive and stop the war at all costs. They fall hard for each other during their time together. Their story is full of danger, drama with twists and turns. She has to have faith that he will save her in the end. It will keep you glued to the pages. I thought it was well written. The characters were perfect for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Rae thank you for writing these characters and bringing them to life in my head. This felt like a mix of Hitman and Transporter all rolled in one. This is exciting, scary and oh so hot. Bryn seems to be an important pawn in something big and Dagger just happened to be the dark knight that gets in the way. Dagger made his choice when he was younger and is very skilled with what he does. So he thought a simple contract would go like they always do. Bryn however has different plans and is trying to do what she can to survive. So when she tells him what could actually be happening instead of what he thought was going to happen. Then everything starts to fall apart and we go on the run. We see Bryn step up and learn that she is tough in her own way. Will these two go their separate ways when everything is all said and done? Or will their feelings turn out to be true and fight for more. All I know is I loved it and I want more of these two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mafia romance has some dark edges to it. Dagger (you are 25% through the book before you learn his name!) is a mafia assassin who is hired to kidnap and kill a young woman who appears to be no one. Bryn is living her life in the shadows when she is taken. She manages to convince Dagger that he is being used to start a war between two mafia families since she is the illegitimate daughter of one of them. They end up on the run when Dagger doesn't produce the evidence that she is dead and a hit it put out on both of them. The timeline in the book is a bit off - it seams as if all of this occurs in the matter of days (no more than two weeks) and then at the conclusion its indicated that it has been several weeks. The plot is thought out, the characters well developed and there is plenty of action and steam to keep the reader interested. Good standalone read for an afternoon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

She upends his world in the most maddening ways

Saving Valentine is the first book I have read by Rae B. Lake so I was not sure what to expect. But i had gotten this book earlier this year and decided to crack it open and see what happened. This is a very fast-paced novella about Dagger and Bryn Valentine. He is a hitman whose latest job is to kidnap and kill a woman. But there is a lot more at play with this job and Bryn lets him know. Now Dagger has to figure out what to do next and keep them both alive. Plus then there is the little issue of the sizzling chemistry between these two that is really rocking his world.
I enjoyed this book but it was a bit rushed at times to me. However, the story-line is nicely crafted and the characters are interesting. I wish there had been some more depth but that is me.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Escape to the pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has a way of writing that feels like it’s a conversation in her head that she’s just typed out as it came to her, in that way lots of nuances are really lost in this story and it’s hard sometimes to determine where the story is heading. It’s also told entirely from the assassins perspective.

Dagger is a fairly likeable assassin all said, though he’s very much not blameless for the life he is leading. Bryn has tried escaping her family connections but hasn’t gone far enough and is dragged into what seems to be a turf war, one she regrets Dagger being dragged into (even though technically he got paid to kidnap her and it was his choice...)

An enjoyable story but lacking what I can only describe as experience from the writer. Still an enjoyable read though

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that draws you in from almost the first page a roller coaster of emotion that has you questioning plenty before all of the threads come together

Dagger ruthless assassin with a reputation for been the best in the game he has taken on his latest job but he does have a few niggling doubts about it. He is to take and kill a young woman Bryn Valentine the only thing is when he watches her she seems to work mind her own business and never interfere with anyone. When he takes her he discovers there is far more happening than he realises she is the daughter of Ilia and if he does the kill it will start a war between Illia and his boss Marco. Who is behind what is going on and what happens when Dagger can no longer resist and makes Valentine is Can they have a future You will have to read to see

[Opasan Ouprie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is one thing a hitman should never do? Fall for his intended target. Bryn is the target that Dagger was entrusted to do his job on. But something about Bryn takes Dagger into doing something he never does. He gets to know Bryn. Dagger is so captivated by her that he will do what it takes to keep her safe, even if it means killing his fellow hitmen. Bryn is being used. There is a lot of action, drama, hot steamy times, and love from these two. It is a mafia story (brutal) that is actually rather good with it also being a romance. So if you are interested in this kind of read, I suggest you add it to your collection and enjoy the raw action and love of this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when two groups decide they want to start a war between two families that are at peace? You kill one of the daughters. Dagger is a killer. He is hired to kill a woman and is not given much information except that he is to hide her for three days before he kills her and send daily pictures. His captive is finally allowed to talk and she tells him he has been played and will ultimately take the fall if she dies and tells him what he is missing. Follow along on their harrowing journey of evasion to stay alive? What will happen? Will he be able 5o save Brynn or will they both die? Will they fall for each other?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isabelle D'A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful read from the very beginning. I was captivated by this book and continuously found myself drawn to the characters. Nice plots and easy to follow. The characters had such chemistry that you could feel the sparks. In true Rae B. Lake form the characters and their personalities are unique with qualities and traits that balance out perfectly. The chemistry between the main characters is sizzling. I loved they way they came together so smoothly. The scenes are so graphic and vivid it's easy to picture each scenario as it plays off one another beautifully. Rae B. Lake did an excellent job bringing these stories to life flawlessly.

I voluntarily submitted an ARC review for this book.

[Danielle Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Valentine was a great story. The plot was written well, it was packed with many emotions. Not a thing about Dagger and Bryn's journey was easy but they were both fighters and from the beginning there a strong connection between them, even when there shouldn't have been. Bryn and Dagger's journey may have started out one way but it turned into something so much more and strong. They were made for each other, they were drawn to each other like a moth to a flame. The chemistry between them was off the charts, they were good together.
I enjoyed this story, it was great.
Thank you, Rae B. Lake. Great work :)

[Debs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world of the mafia is filled with violence, darkness, cruelty, and at times, betrayals. When Bryn Valentine becomes the hitman Dagger's next target, things don't add up. He has been set up to start a war between his boss and their rival, who just happens to be Bryn's father. When he doesn't fulfill his job, they are now both on the run. While running, their attraction between each other takes over as they run for their lives. A hot and dark romance, for readers of the genre, it is one not to pass up. **I was gifted "Saving Valentine" via Booksprout and leave my review based on my reading.** 4.25 Stars!

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

All she does is work and go home. She doesn't go out with friends, she doesn't bother anybody and she minds her own business, yet, Bryn Valentine has found herself in a he*#uva mess with an assassin. Dagger is a top notch assassin. He's meticulous at his job and never fails. When Bryn becomes his job, more questions than answers come to the forefront. Dagger and Bryn are in for lots of trouble during their journey, and trying to find the person who caused all the betrayal doesn't come easy. Their HEA is filled with twists, turns and surprises. Definitely an exciting journey.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dagger is tasked with hunting down and KIlling Bryn Valentine, his bad feeling about the job before hand just gets confirmed when she reveals who she is. Bryn leads and uneventful life till Dagger turns her world around. Someone wants her dead but is that really what's going on? Is Dagger being used to start a war? This is a well written steamy romance with action suspense, twists and turns, desires hotbscenes and more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dagger is a hit man who never speaks to his marks. Bryn is on the run from her Croatian Mob Father. A contract is put out for Bryan’s death, one that Dagger takes. Once he has her he quickly learns not all is as it seems. Now all the hit men on the dark web are on their heals. Will they make it out alive? Will Dagger get rid of her so her can escape? Will he be captured for killing her? Or will they run of happily ever after? You will have to read this fast paced book to find out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were incredible. Dagger is a hitman his reputation is flawless, his professional, efficient and never missed a mark. Bryn should have been a simple killing, but those big soul-piercing brown eyes caused him to break the cardinal rule. It was hot and steamy, dark desires, passion and he will protect Bryn if it is the last thing he could do the emotions to keep you guessing did he save her or not?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dagger is an assassin and he is really good at his job. He never talks to his target. So when he is hired to kidnap and kill Bryn he falls for her instead. Why would anyone want to kill Bryn was beyond me, she goes to work and goes home, no social life. This book has twists and turns and betrayal and a mystery to solve. Dagger will protect Bryn with everything he has and knows. This is a dark gritty dirty romance. It was so enjoyable and I loved every minute of the journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dagger’s latest assignment is about to get him killed when he finds out he’s been double crossed and takes his target on the run with him. But Bryn becomes more than just a target as her feisty attitude and stubborn determination draw him in. But with multiple assassins after them, Dagger is going to need to come up with a plan if they are going to make it out of this alive. But when Bryn is taken, can Dagger get back the woman who has stolen his heart?

I received an ARC of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. It is not instant love. It is a little bit dark and more of a love/hate between them until they figure some things out about one another. Then they are on fire. Their chemistry is off the charts. They are brought together under false information and then it goes from there. It is packed with danger, lies, desires and more. Never a dull moment with these two. A highly recommended read. You will not want to put it down. Love it! Can not wait for more from this author.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has seen my reviews knows I don't hand out 5 stars easily. The book has to leave an unforgettable memory or feeling, usually something between the two main characters. Saving Valentine is one of those books with both the characters and the storyline nailing it on the head. I felt like I was right there and those are the best books to read in my humble opinion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandy Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story started off slow but once it got going it was impossible to put down. There is so much action and suspense to this story as Bryn and Dagger fight for their lives and hope for their HEA. Bryn's father, Ilia, is horrible! I would love a short story about Dagger destroying Ilia and his empire. I really enjoyed this book, it is an interesting take on a Valentine's day romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark romance will keep you glued to Dagger and Brynn. He is a hit man that has set rules. when he breaks one of his rules, it draws him in, and he is captivated causing him to turn the tables whereby instead of killing his mark he is now the protector. Will he and Brynn be able to make it through this ordeal and get a happily ever after?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is not a typical Valentine love story. This involves mafia families and a daughter of one kidnapped by Dagger per contract, but he doesn't know who she is related to. Things get pretty bad for him to make things right and her to be his. Plenty of danger, depravity, secrets and finally a HEA.

[Tracy Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dagger is supposed to kill Bryn. The longer he spends with her and the more he learns makes him change his mind. Reading how their relationship evolves is extraordinary. You find yourself cheering for them to find their happily ever after. This is a bit of a dark and twisted tale but it makes it even better. This author never misses.