Beautiful Prey 2 (Storm) Paperback – August 14, 2014

I love this book. I absolutely adore Gianni and Natasha. I love them individually as characters and love them together as a couple. I find Natasha so relatable, with her shy, introverted personality, her insecurities, feeling that Gianni was way out of her league and that a guy like that would never be interested. I can relate. Gianni is definite boyfriend goals/husband material. Tall, sexy, gorgeous, sophisticated, cultured, worldly with a bad boy edge. He speaks at least 4 different languages, can play the piano, owns several businesses, he's a professional chef, so he can cook. The book describes him as a fantasy come true and I'd have to agree. I found myself wishing men like this existed in real life and that there was a real life Gianni Storm out there for me. Gianni is right up there with Jake (and Dev) from the Stella Rice books as my favorite male characters from a book. I love exotic men and his sexy French/Italian (Fretalian?) accent made it even better. I understood Natasha being uncomfortable around Gianni when they first met, feeling attracted to him, but like he's on a whole other level from what you're used to. Gianni asked Natasha out and she questioned if she was even his type and he took her into that empty hospital room and showed her she was exactly his type and I was like well okay. Go ahead then, G. Gianni had it bad for Natasha. He wanted her from the first time he saw her. He couldn't stop thinking about her, even when he was with other women. I thought that was cute. I thought it was funny that Gianni thinking about Natasha in her sweatshirt and jeans had him more turned on than a half naked woman standing in front of him. I love that Natasha didn't jump into bed with Gianni right away, although I wouldn't have blamed her at all if she had went home with Gianni from the club. I like that she made him work for it. I know Gianni messed up, leaving the country without so much as a word after sleeping with Natasha. He could've handled it better. There are about a thousand ways Gianni could've handled that differently that would've been better than what he did. I don't know what he was thinking. He could've told Natasha he had to go back to Paris in the morning to take care of business during the date. He could've left a note explaining everything. He could've extended their date and invited her to go to Paris with him. Considering the way she thanked him when he finally did take her to Paris, I'm thinking that would've been his best option. I give him a pass though and chalk it up to cultural differences. He said he'd left women like that before and they weren't bothered, so maybe European women aren't offended by that type of thing. To Gianni's credit, I will say I love that he always used protection. That tells me he respects himself, the woman he's with, and his body. That's my kinda man. He don't have babies & baby mama's nowhere and no nasty diseases. The only time he didn't use protection was after he married Natasha and he told her he wasn't going to use protection with his wife. The whole quickie Vegas marriage between Natasha and Gianni seemed unusual and Natasha pushing him to get married after only knowing him a few months seemed OOC. It would've been more believable if Gianni was the one pushing for marriage given the way he pursued her. I think maybe G took Natasha to Vegas with the intention of getting married but she beat him to the punch with her drunken proposal. Either way, I wasn't happy that the writer gave my couple a quickie, drunken Vegas wedding, but at least they had a real wedding at the end. Gianni screwed up again by lying to Natasha about his religion, but when she asked him why he lied and he said because he doesn't want a divorce, I really thought it was kind of sweet. When Natasha was kidnapped, G was able to make things happen to get her back. He got his private plane ready, he called up his cousin who apparently had people ready to go handle business. They had people coming in from Sicily. Gianni wasn't playing around. G.I Gianni did what he had to do to get his Queen back. When he started pulling guns and weapons out of the seat cushions of his private plane, I was low-key thinking Natasha may have accidentally married into the mob. What the hell is Gianni into that he needs weapons on his plane? Not to stereotype, but seriously. My reaction was the same as one of the officers when they saw it on the plane: wtf? I was happy when Natasha was able to give Gianni what she thought she'd never be able to give him. Natasha has been through hell and back. I'm glad she got her happy ending.Natasha had some moments where she made me laugh, like when she was gonna go to the club dressed like she was going on a job interview. When the author wrote that prostitution wasn't for Natasha, it was Victoria's expertise, I died. I don't think the writer even realized the unintentional shade at her own favorite character. I thought it was hilarious when Natasha was thinking Luca looks like he's capable of killing someone.The book kept referring to Natasha's horrible childhood, but never went into detail about what happened to her. We know her parents died in a car accident when she was young and her aunt who took her in was on drugs, but that's it. Was she abused sexually or physically? Molested? I'd love to see the author explore more of Natasha's past as well as her future with Gianni in a spin off. I'd love to see Natasha deal with her kidnapping, the rape, and possibly even pursue her singing career. I'd also love to find out if Gianni has connections to the Italian Mafia, which I think was vaguely hinted at in the book. I find this couple far more interesting than the other couple and I already find Gianni's Italian family, the Savelli's, far more entertaining than the Storm's. This author has created characters that I love with Natasha & Gianni, but it's obvious she'd rather focus on the other couple. I think Adrienne Kama, author of the Stella Rice Chronicles could write something hot and sexy for Gianni and Natasha and Mallory Monroe could write about the mob connections I'm almost certain Gianni has. I'd love to see this couple get their own spin-off series focusing on Natasha, Gianni and their extended family, the Savelli's. Maybe call it the Savelli-Storm series.I have a problem with the fact that Natasha is seen as a snitch by her department for reporting her boss sexually harassing her. I'm sorry, but to me that's not "snitching". That's what you're supposed to do. And I don't understand how the Sergeant even has a job when he's always showing up to work drunk.The author spent way too much time writing about Jack and Victoria/Veronica/Vanessa (I keep forgetting her damn name and don't care enough to be bothered to look it up). I don't need to read about their every sexual encounter. They're a married couple with an active sex life. Good for them. If it doesn't move the story line along, I don't care. They had their turn in book one. I found myself skipping or speed reading through all the Jack/Veronica segments unless it was relevant to the story. As far as I'm concerned, those could've been pages focused on Natasha and Gianni's relationship. This author seems to have a fixation for writing about girl on girl action. There are at least 3 bisexual/lesbian scenes total mentioned in both books, two of those involving Veronica. To each his own, but it's not my jam. I don't need to read that, especially not that many times. They could've left all that in book one or left it out completely.The constant appearance of Caroline got old quick. Caroline makes me think of that Fox News chick Tomi Lahren, so in my mind, the character of Caroline was played by Tomi Laren, that's just how I saw it in my head. It got annoying. Who kept inviting her everywhere? Why was she at the Storm family dinner in book one when the family didn't seem to want her there (I recall thinking the mom may have wanted to set Jack up with her, but I don't remember if that was the case). Who invited her to the Summer Camp Jack and Natasha put together for children with Sickle Cell? Why was she there? It never was explained who kept inviting her to all these events.The ending with the kidnapping of the baby was a whole mess. That could've been left out completely. I don't buy Deon's so called "love" for Vanessa at all. Seems like a reach. Deon and Steve both seemed to have nothing more than a brother/sister type of relationship with her. I don't recall Deon having any kind of romantic interest in Vanessa in either book, but I did speed read through book one towards the end, so maybe I missed it. To me, Deon seemed to have more interest in Natasha IMO. From her introduction in book one, he went on and on about how hot he thought she was from the moment he saw her. In this book at one point he was staring so hard at Natasha he literally tripped and fell over and he seemed low-key jealous when he found out she married Gianni, although he did apologize to her for how he reacted. At first I thought maybe the department had set Natasha up to get rid of her because of her lawsuit. Imagine my surprise when I found out Deon was behind it. So let me get this straight, my girl Natasha was sold into sexual slavery, beaten, gang raped, shot and almost transported to another country cause Deon had the hots for Vanessa? That makes no sense. What does Natasha have to do with that nonsense? I feel like Natasha and Steve were sacrificed to prop Vanessa, which makes me dislike the character more. She should've been kept out of the story line and Deon's motives for going after Natasha should've been because he wanted her and maybe he lost it when she married Gianni. That would've made more sense IMO. But of course the story line had to be all about Vanessa because every man that crosses her path just has to have her (insert eye roll). The fact that Deon was sleeping with Tammy and Caroline and was ogling and all but drooling over Natasha makes it harder to buy his so called "love" for the author's fave. But I'm supposed to believe he's in love and only wants Vanessa cause she's the best thing cracking? Not buying what you're selling there. Perhaps if he'd spent more time giving his attention to the woman he supposedly wanted instead of, ya know, every other woman, maybe he could've got her and she wouldn't have sold herself to another man like a whore, but that's none of my business.Trina and Luca making googly eyes at each other at the end of the book almost makes it feel like Steve was killed off just to put his girlfriend with one of the Italian guys. To me, that's unnecessary. A new character could've been brought on for Luca, maybe a friend of Natasha's. Why are none of these people married? None of Jack's siblings are married, none of Gianni's cousins are married. How likely is it that no one in the family is already married? Jack and Gianni are the only one's to get married.As much as I enjoyed this story, I was left with a ton of unanswered questions. What happened with Natasha's lawsuit? If the department settled, how much did she get in the settlement? When she was kidnapped, how did the man on the plane know Natasha was a police officer? How did he know her name? Natasha didn't recognize him. Who was he? WTF did he mean when he told her she belonged back in slavery? What was that about? When Jack told Deon Natasha had been rescued, how did he know? Gianni didn't call him, he was busy rescuing and taking care of Natasha while Jack was being held hostage by Caroline. If Caroline's racist and she and Deon are so opposed to interracial relationships why were they sleeping together? How did they even meet? How do they know each other? They don't exactly seem to run in the same circles if you know what I mean. My best guess is that maybe Caroline is connected to the Russians who kidnapped Natasha, but that still doesn't explain how Deon and Caroline would know each other. It just seems like the author randomly made these characters allies just to make the story all about Veronica. It's only book 2 and I'm already tired of her. I don't dislike the character, I'm just tired of her and the fact that this story was made to revolve around her feels forced. A word of advice to all writers, stop trying to force your favorite character(s) down the audience's throats. It's not going to make them more popular or likable. Given this author's obsession with Veronica and Jack, the other stories will likely revolve around them too, so I won't bother reading or purchasing the rest of the series, but I'd love to see a spin-off for Natasha and Gianni focused strictly on them.

This book was soo much better than the first one in this series. It started off a little slow for me and I didn't initially like the main character Natasha. As I continued to read I really grew to like Natasha and Gianna. Their relationship was a whirlwind romance and Natasha was finally able to let her guard down and love him completely. The book also gave the readers a more insight into Jack and Victoria. In this book, the readers could really see Jacks love for his wife. There were some hidden doubts in the first book such as did Jack marry Vic because of her pregnancy? In this book, there is no doubt about his feelings for Victoria. The man was overly protective, possessive and In love with his wife. I love the fact that the author gave the characters more depth and humor. The ending of the book had me on the edge of my seat. There were a lot of twists and turns in store for the reader. I will be definitely reading more of Ms. Daniels work.

That's how Tasha felt about life. Being raised by a neglecting drug-addicted aunt, she felt that she needed to be of help to others, hence her job as an undercover drug task force detective until she was forced out. She was not happy with the new assignment of the vice investigation. We see Natasha going from a shy, quiet, and reclusive woman to a self-confident woman in love with the love of her life Gianni. When they are around each other, they just could not fight the magnetism they felt for each other. He gives her the reason to take a chance on life despite what happened to her in her youth that made her believe she was worthy of love.Gianni was a beautiful playboy who professed to stay single until he saw Tasha for the first time. She was thoroughly embedded under his skin and was determined to make her his in every way possible, including tricking her into marriage in Vegas and refusing to divorce her, and accepting her just she is, warts and all.This book was full of drama, suspense, and mystery. I was surprised at the end to find out about Deon. Some people just don't take rejection well at all including Caroline. It was well written with the surprising revelations being revealed at just the right time.

This was a really good book! First of all I always like catching up with other characters from other books. I also like a continuing story. Jack and Victoria had some drama for you!! I still love the dynamic between those two and I'm glad their story continues.Gianni and Natasha 😮! I loved the chemistry of their story. Natasha's upbringing was sad and her shy personality was sweet. But she, like Victoria, was no joke. I like how she handled Coco and Caroline. Gianni was her match in all things and I'm glad that he pursued her.

This was really good! A lot of action and romance! I love the romance between Gianni and Natasha! They are truly meant for each other! And I love the way that the author includes all the other characters in the previous book and I am sure that it will continue in the next book. The family dynamic is wonderful! I am enjoying this series!

And this time I am leaving a review instead of just a rating....which I added another star from the first time. Natasha and Gianni, these two were such a delight to, from Gianni's don't take "NO" for an answer to Natasha inability to SAY "no" they were perfect. I must say these Storm men do not play about their women. First Jack coming to Victoria's rescue with Natasha's help at that then Gianni taking up the rescue mission as GI Gianni for Natasha. And what is up with this Chicago PD? They certainly didn't care for the safety of their officers and have crooked cops on the force. Sad that Deon was one of them. Can't believe he went out like that. The crazy Caroline sneaking in the cottage to get with Vic, stealing baby Jasmine man she definitely got what she deserved. I am so glad Tammy became an ally that can be trusted. I so enjoyed reading book two AGAIN and this series is being highly recommended.

Okay I finished reading book 2.We get to find out more about Victoria and Jack and their family which was great - won't give anything away.The new couple is Natasha and Gianni Storm which is Jack's cousin. I am loving this couple. Natasha is a bad-ass and she is not afraid of any man or woman. She will punch you out if you mess with her!!I loved it when she gave Coco her just deserts when she crossed the Line. Caroline got was coming to her in the Jack and Veronica story-line.Victoria and Natasha are two kick-ass women and I love that they are fearless and stand shoulder to shoulder with their men.The story was enjoyable and it made me laugh out loud in places and I enjoyed the dialogue between Natasha and Gianni in particular. Great read!

I really enjoyed catching up with the Storm characters. I love that we got more of Jack and Victoria. I loved Gianni and Natasha, Luca, Frank , Tracy and Steve and just the whole gang lol!It got really emotional, and I found myself going from having a giggle, to outbursts of anger, to outright bawling with sadness.I think I liked this one better then the 1st. Maybe its because of the sensitive topics that are touched on.However, I was wondering. How is it she got attacked by 4 men or so, shot in the head, ok well grazed, but still and not rushed to the hospital?! Wouldn't that warrant some hospital time? I think she mentions that she has some cracked ribs. But they just get on the plane to Palermo and all is fine? Well Damn she's one tough cookie. But this isn't the reason for the missing star. That's because the ending felt kind of rushed and congested, but it definitely leaves you wanting more. So I can't wait for the next instalment . Until next time y'all peace love and happy reading.

Not happy Steve killed off. Not sure why good cop and friend should turn tg e way Deon did. Caroline and Coco both crazy. Why can't some woman know when to give up.

Love this series I just could not wait to get my hands on this book. The page turned themselves. Oh what a great read this was absolutely brilliant. Have to introduce all my ladies to this brilliant author. Keep them coming please

I liked Natasha and gianni they were very well suited. Tbh maybe I liked this story because Natasha reminded me of myself. Either way I enjoyed it. It's worth a read. Read in sequence for best results