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Gun Kiss
A stolen piece of history, an abducted actress and international intrigue…
When the Deringer pistol that shot Abraham Lincoln is stolen and ends up in the hands of a Russian military general, covert agent Blake Deco is tasked by the FBI to head to the Balkans to recover the historical weapon. Meanwhile, the United States media is abuzz with news of the mysterious disappearance of Hollywood movie star, Goldie St. Helen.
After Blake’s return from overseas, he receives a tip from a Mexican friend that a drug lord, obsessed with the beautiful actress, is holding her captive in Tijuana. With the help of a reluctant army friend, Blake mounts a daring rescue. What he doesn’t expect is to have feelings for Goldie—or that a killer is hunting them.
Editorial
“From Washington, D.C. to Hollywood and Veracruz, Gun Kiss by Khaled Talib is a terrific adventure involving the FBI, drug lords, movie stars, and Russian generals. Grab your copy, drop into your favorite reading chair, and prepare yourself for breathless suspense.” —Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Assassins
“ Gun Kiss is a whip-smart thriller that brings to mind Don Winslow's masterful work that includes, most recently, The Force . Khaled Talib rockets to the top of the pop culture pack with a tale in which every page is chock full of angst-riddled action and searing suspense. Gun Kiss manages to be hot and cool at the same time, a genre bender that breaks a host of rules while crafting new ones in their place. Featuring both a classic man-of-mystery hero and an equally classic femme fatale, this is reading entertainment of the highest order.” —Jon Land, USA Today bestselling author of The Rising
“Take a deep breath, because Gun Kiss 's special brand of high-octane action is on its way to market, and it's a hell of a ride especially recommended for thriller readers who like their action not only nonstop, but tempered with a bit of romance and a lot of world-hopping political confrontations…with a range of subplots designed to keep Gun Kiss unpredictable, unexpected, and sometimes unsettling as events keep on creating new connections and surprises…Readers experience a supercharged plot that grabs interest tightly and does not let go. The mark of a superior thriller lies in its ability to seamlessly transcend borders, boundaries, and special interests to provide a series of interwoven subplots that all come together in a satisfying crescendo of intrigue designed to keep readers on edge right up to the end. Take a deep breath before reading Gun Kiss . Its special brand of activity and complex personal and criminal interactions makes it hard to put down, and highly recommended for thriller and crime readers alike.” —Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“Talib’s wisecracking hero in Gun Kiss propels readers on an unforgettable ride across several continents. This blockbuster thriller offers the perfect mix of elements to satisfy any reader, including the quest for historic artifacts, a fierce battle against drug lords, and a memorable romance with a Hollywood starlet. Add it to your must-read list.” —K.J. Howe, author of The Freedom Broker
When the Deringer pistol that shot Abraham Lincoln is stolen and ends up in the hands of a Russian military general, covert agent Blake Deco is tasked by the FBI to head to the Balkans to recover the historical weapon. Meanwhile, the United States media is abuzz with news of the mysterious disappearance of Hollywood movie star, Goldie St. Helen.
After Blake’s return from overseas, he receives a tip from a Mexican friend that a drug lord, obsessed with the beautiful actress, is holding her captive in Tijuana. With the help of a reluctant army friend, Blake mounts a daring rescue. What he doesn’t expect is to have feelings for Goldie—or that a killer is hunting them.
Editorial
“From Washington, D.C. to Hollywood and Veracruz, Gun Kiss by Khaled Talib is a terrific adventure involving the FBI, drug lords, movie stars, and Russian generals. Grab your copy, drop into your favorite reading chair, and prepare yourself for breathless suspense.” —Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Assassins
“ Gun Kiss is a whip-smart thriller that brings to mind Don Winslow's masterful work that includes, most recently, The Force . Khaled Talib rockets to the top of the pop culture pack with a tale in which every page is chock full of angst-riddled action and searing suspense. Gun Kiss manages to be hot and cool at the same time, a genre bender that breaks a host of rules while crafting new ones in their place. Featuring both a classic man-of-mystery hero and an equally classic femme fatale, this is reading entertainment of the highest order.” —Jon Land, USA Today bestselling author of The Rising
“Take a deep breath, because Gun Kiss 's special brand of high-octane action is on its way to market, and it's a hell of a ride especially recommended for thriller readers who like their action not only nonstop, but tempered with a bit of romance and a lot of world-hopping political confrontations…with a range of subplots designed to keep Gun Kiss unpredictable, unexpected, and sometimes unsettling as events keep on creating new connections and surprises…Readers experience a supercharged plot that grabs interest tightly and does not let go. The mark of a superior thriller lies in its ability to seamlessly transcend borders, boundaries, and special interests to provide a series of interwoven subplots that all come together in a satisfying crescendo of intrigue designed to keep readers on edge right up to the end. Take a deep breath before reading Gun Kiss . Its special brand of activity and complex personal and criminal interactions makes it hard to put down, and highly recommended for thriller and crime readers alike.” —Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“Talib’s wisecracking hero in Gun Kiss propels readers on an unforgettable ride across several continents. This blockbuster thriller offers the perfect mix of elements to satisfy any reader, including the quest for historic artifacts, a fierce battle against drug lords, and a memorable romance with a Hollywood starlet. Add it to your must-read list.” —K.J. Howe, author of The Freedom Broker
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
20 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Khaled Talib
20 books303 followersI was born in Singapore and write thrillers shaped by observation, travel, and a lifelong habit of noticing what others overlook.
I’m the author of six thriller novels, inspired by my time spent in Australia, Cairo, Geneva, Italy, and cities like Singapore and New York, where crime, belief, power, and identity collide.
My stories draw tension from psychology and cultural fracture rather than spectacle, exploring the uneasy spaces where morality bends. I believe a thriller should unsettle as much as it entertains—and linger long after the final page.
I’m the author of six thriller novels, inspired by my time spent in Australia, Cairo, Geneva, Italy, and cities like Singapore and New York, where crime, belief, power, and identity collide.
My stories draw tension from psychology and cultural fracture rather than spectacle, exploring the uneasy spaces where morality bends. I believe a thriller should unsettle as much as it entertains—and linger long after the final page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 26, 2017
What do you get when you mix one seriously, dashing hero with a beautiful movie star in need of saving? You get this thrilling thriller - Gun Kiss.
From the moment Blake sneaks into Russia to steal back the gun that killed Lincoln to the moment he rushes into Mexico face off with a lusty drug lord, I was rooting for him to win over the bad guys.
Gun Kiss is a great read.
From the moment Blake sneaks into Russia to steal back the gun that killed Lincoln to the moment he rushes into Mexico face off with a lusty drug lord, I was rooting for him to win over the bad guys.
Gun Kiss is a great read.
December 24, 2018
Gun Kiss is a riveting read full of action, crime and suspense!
I'm not gonna lie, this book impressed me! I hadn't picked up a really good crime novel in a while, so reading this book was a nice change in flow. Following Blake and Goldie was a unique thrill that was well worth the time.
Goldie is an actress and Blake is a writer/crime fighter/Ethan Hunt-esque man. When a drug lord tries to steal Goldie, Blake comes to the rescue! Of course, along the way there is some romance and suspense (because you can't get two good looking people in a room and NOT expect them to hook up).
Along the way this ex-military hunk deals with lots of high energy level action. There are hit men after him, his girl is almost always getting abducted and he just can't seem to catch a break. Even with their bodyguards around, there are constantly bullets flying their way. Throw in trafficking, insane Russians and a famous gun and you've got one wild ride!
This book walked a fine line between thriller and suspenseful crime novel. I think it mixed in just a perfect amount of romance and mystery to fulfill all of my wishes for the book. There is even some history thrown into the mix just to spice it up. If anything, I feel like this book would do better in a series than as a stand alone. There were moments that I wished the book would have been split up into numerous novels because there was so many great plot lines and opportunities to take. For me, that would be my only downfall of the novel - there was so much good content it could have been a couple of books.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced and fun thrill ride. It's not a book for younger readers due to the blood shed, death, and R rated sequences sprinkled throughout the novel. I think an older teen would easily be able to pick this up (because, let's be honest, most television now can be pretty gore-y).
Overall, this book is a smash hit in my opinion! It was fast enough to keep me hooked, it had just enough romance to make me sigh and the action felt like Mission Impossible styled fun!
Four out of five stars!
I received this book for free from the author Khaled Talib.
I'm not gonna lie, this book impressed me! I hadn't picked up a really good crime novel in a while, so reading this book was a nice change in flow. Following Blake and Goldie was a unique thrill that was well worth the time.
Goldie is an actress and Blake is a writer/crime fighter/Ethan Hunt-esque man. When a drug lord tries to steal Goldie, Blake comes to the rescue! Of course, along the way there is some romance and suspense (because you can't get two good looking people in a room and NOT expect them to hook up).
Along the way this ex-military hunk deals with lots of high energy level action. There are hit men after him, his girl is almost always getting abducted and he just can't seem to catch a break. Even with their bodyguards around, there are constantly bullets flying their way. Throw in trafficking, insane Russians and a famous gun and you've got one wild ride!
This book walked a fine line between thriller and suspenseful crime novel. I think it mixed in just a perfect amount of romance and mystery to fulfill all of my wishes for the book. There is even some history thrown into the mix just to spice it up. If anything, I feel like this book would do better in a series than as a stand alone. There were moments that I wished the book would have been split up into numerous novels because there was so many great plot lines and opportunities to take. For me, that would be my only downfall of the novel - there was so much good content it could have been a couple of books.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced and fun thrill ride. It's not a book for younger readers due to the blood shed, death, and R rated sequences sprinkled throughout the novel. I think an older teen would easily be able to pick this up (because, let's be honest, most television now can be pretty gore-y).
Overall, this book is a smash hit in my opinion! It was fast enough to keep me hooked, it had just enough romance to make me sigh and the action felt like Mission Impossible styled fun!
Four out of five stars!
I received this book for free from the author Khaled Talib.
April 14, 2018
Gun Kiss is a romance/thriller/suspense work of fiction. Blake Deco is ex-military but still contracts out for jobs with HSI. He is sent to recover the stolen Derringer that Booth used to shoot Lincoln from the Russians. After returning from that successful mission, America's favorite movie star Goldie St. Helen, is kidnapped by the most dangerous drug lord Dai Lo, who has a sick obsession with her. Blake is called by an old friend that has a grudge against Dai, alerting Blake about the star's kidnapping, hoping that Blake will kill him in the process. Blake succeeds in rescuing Goldie, but fails to kill Dai which leads to Dai taking revenge on everyone Blake and Goldie know. Blake and Goldie fall in love, which does add to the drama.
One thing I did not like is that the book would jump from one scene or day to another without transition many times, so I would end up being confused initially who was talking, etc. and would have to go back and reread the previous paragraph thinking I had missed something. It wasn't until I would read on that I would realize, "ok, this is another day" or different people or something. If it wasn't for that, I would have rated it higher.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
One thing I did not like is that the book would jump from one scene or day to another without transition many times, so I would end up being confused initially who was talking, etc. and would have to go back and reread the previous paragraph thinking I had missed something. It wasn't until I would read on that I would realize, "ok, this is another day" or different people or something. If it wasn't for that, I would have rated it higher.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
December 28, 2017
Fast and fun. Loved that it started with a piece of history, a gun, and catapulted across continents. Nice mix of characters. Good dialog. I will read more from this author. If you like Clive Cussler, you should consider this book.
December 9, 2017
I recently had the pleasure of reading one of my favorite authors newest work. This author Khaled Talib, has become very successful in his writing of fiction after he spent many years as an international journalist. I'm sure after being in the journalism business for so long he has gotten many ideas from stories he has covered.
This newest work, GUN KISS is set mostly in the U.S. but there are scenes in other countries. The main theme is the theft of the gun that JOHN WILKES BOOTH used to kill PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCLON. The gun must be returned.
GUN KISS is a metaphor for finding love at a dangerous time. Blake Decco finds love with Goldie St. John a very famous actress. Goldie is wanted for lustful reasons by Mexico's drug lord. Blake must prevent her from being captured again. This is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you breathless. Remember to breathe. If you are from So. Cal. you will recognize several locations in this story.
This newest work, GUN KISS is set mostly in the U.S. but there are scenes in other countries. The main theme is the theft of the gun that JOHN WILKES BOOTH used to kill PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCLON. The gun must be returned.
GUN KISS is a metaphor for finding love at a dangerous time. Blake Decco finds love with Goldie St. John a very famous actress. Goldie is wanted for lustful reasons by Mexico's drug lord. Blake must prevent her from being captured again. This is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you breathless. Remember to breathe. If you are from So. Cal. you will recognize several locations in this story.
January 14, 2018
Author Khaled Talib delivers a fast-moving, action-filled thriller. Sure, it is light, almost tongue-in-cheek in some parts, with dialog that feels contrived. I’m not complaining, in fact this is what I expected from the plot description and professional reviews. I could easily see Gun Kiss as an entertaining movie—a point that Talib playfully toys with at the end of the story.
I generally enjoy thrillers with a significant tie to a historical event or mystery, or elements of science. In this case, I was disappointed that the subplot involving the Derringer never really develops, and feels as a pasted add on. A missed opportunity, but I still liked the book and give it four stars.
I generally enjoy thrillers with a significant tie to a historical event or mystery, or elements of science. In this case, I was disappointed that the subplot involving the Derringer never really develops, and feels as a pasted add on. A missed opportunity, but I still liked the book and give it four stars.
December 29, 2018
Gun Kiss by Khaled Talib is an incredibly suspenseful novel filled with twists and turns that left me flipping the pages as quickly as I could!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Phew, this book was quite a suspenseful rollercoaster ride! Right from page one of the prologue, which starts with an intense scene, I was totally sucked in. The storyline was paced so wonderfully, and the suspense really made me struggle to set the book down. While reading, I kept thinking that the storyline was going to take a certain path, but then BAM, the plot would take an unexpected turn.
I really enjoyed the two main characters, Goldie and Blake, after getting to know them! At first I thought Goldie St. Helen was annoying and I thought Blake Deco was a bit of a hot-shot. However, I wasn't very far into the book when I realized that I actually really liked them both! I also really enjoyed the supporting characters; Jack was one of my favorites!
In books similar to this, I usually find that I enjoy the action much more than the slower, more relaxed scenes. But that wasn't the case here. I simply loved each and every scene in this book, even the ones that were a bit tough to read. The action was fast-paced and intense, the violence was sprinkled in wonderfully, and the romance and friendships were really sweet.
The one element that I was a really iffy about at first was the slight insta-love. However, I ended up actually enjoying it (which rarely happens)! Though to prevent spoilers, I won't go any deeper there.
The writing was very easy to read; it's a book that you can really picture in your head as if it were a film. There were a few formatting issues here and there, and some choppy dialogue, but nothing that negatively affected my reading experience.
I really loved that there weren't any loose ends; everything ended up coming together perfectly, for better or for worse. However, while this novel had a perfect conclusion, I would still LOVE to see these characters back in a second novel!
While this was my first read by Khaled Talib, it is very clear to me that this author is very talented. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of his work soon!
My favorite passage:
"Do me a favor. Tell your men to bury their weapons in the snow. Also, take off that stupid green mask. Jesus, you look like Oscar the Grouch when you smile."
My final thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book! Once I picked it up, I was totally sucked in. If you enjoy action-packed novels with plenty of suspense and some cute semi-insta-love, you have to pick this one up!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Phew, this book was quite a suspenseful rollercoaster ride! Right from page one of the prologue, which starts with an intense scene, I was totally sucked in. The storyline was paced so wonderfully, and the suspense really made me struggle to set the book down. While reading, I kept thinking that the storyline was going to take a certain path, but then BAM, the plot would take an unexpected turn.
I really enjoyed the two main characters, Goldie and Blake, after getting to know them! At first I thought Goldie St. Helen was annoying and I thought Blake Deco was a bit of a hot-shot. However, I wasn't very far into the book when I realized that I actually really liked them both! I also really enjoyed the supporting characters; Jack was one of my favorites!
In books similar to this, I usually find that I enjoy the action much more than the slower, more relaxed scenes. But that wasn't the case here. I simply loved each and every scene in this book, even the ones that were a bit tough to read. The action was fast-paced and intense, the violence was sprinkled in wonderfully, and the romance and friendships were really sweet.
The one element that I was a really iffy about at first was the slight insta-love. However, I ended up actually enjoying it (which rarely happens)! Though to prevent spoilers, I won't go any deeper there.
The writing was very easy to read; it's a book that you can really picture in your head as if it were a film. There were a few formatting issues here and there, and some choppy dialogue, but nothing that negatively affected my reading experience.
I really loved that there weren't any loose ends; everything ended up coming together perfectly, for better or for worse. However, while this novel had a perfect conclusion, I would still LOVE to see these characters back in a second novel!
While this was my first read by Khaled Talib, it is very clear to me that this author is very talented. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of his work soon!
My favorite passage:
"Do me a favor. Tell your men to bury their weapons in the snow. Also, take off that stupid green mask. Jesus, you look like Oscar the Grouch when you smile."
My final thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book! Once I picked it up, I was totally sucked in. If you enjoy action-packed novels with plenty of suspense and some cute semi-insta-love, you have to pick this one up!
December 16, 2017
(Disclaimer: I got a copy from the Author, this does not affect my review in anyway)
Review: The main issue I had with this book was the characters. Their actions and words just felt like a contradiction to what the Author was trying to say about their character. They felt bad when someone died, or when something happened. Yet did very little to avoid hurting others. Did the most obvious, hide very very close people. Everyone else *shrugs* oh well.
Was a lot of action. Too much? Yes. I felt if half the action was gone and it focused more on the action that happened, it would have come across better. More detailed more skilled. More intense. After a while I just felt ‘oh another helicopter?’ I became immune to the action. Bit fun at the beginning and then just nothing. No feelings were involved.
(Spoilers)
Spoilers, you’ve been warned. So she just survived attempted rape and you want to ask her out? Why was everyone trying to hook them up? Like seriously days after. Every male key character was trying to hook them up. It just came across as unfeeling to the whole situation she just survived. It was brushed over too easy. Blake fell in love with her like instantly. Had seen her once, when he rescued her and now he in love.
So your agent gets killed. And your whole staff and restaurant got blown up killing 78 people. Days after your so over the moon you got a new agent, oh and your now going to start a new restaurant. It came across so callous. Someone is out to kill all your friends and anyone you care about. So why purposely make it easy. Lets have a birthday party, lets go have a dinner without bodyguards, when you know your location just got leaked. You just got a load of innocent people killed, oh well. There were no emotions involved at all it felt. Other than I love her, he loves me. Someone died, cry for a sentence and move on. Lets make a movie, director gets killed. Lets go make another movie. Whole cast and crew gets blown up? Oh well. (Sorry for saying oh well so much, just a little frustrated)
Blake is ex-delta, someone killing everything around you. Why the f has he not gone all delta on the guy’s butt?
Review: The main issue I had with this book was the characters. Their actions and words just felt like a contradiction to what the Author was trying to say about their character. They felt bad when someone died, or when something happened. Yet did very little to avoid hurting others. Did the most obvious, hide very very close people. Everyone else *shrugs* oh well.
Was a lot of action. Too much? Yes. I felt if half the action was gone and it focused more on the action that happened, it would have come across better. More detailed more skilled. More intense. After a while I just felt ‘oh another helicopter?’ I became immune to the action. Bit fun at the beginning and then just nothing. No feelings were involved.
(Spoilers)
Spoilers, you’ve been warned. So she just survived attempted rape and you want to ask her out? Why was everyone trying to hook them up? Like seriously days after. Every male key character was trying to hook them up. It just came across as unfeeling to the whole situation she just survived. It was brushed over too easy. Blake fell in love with her like instantly. Had seen her once, when he rescued her and now he in love.
So your agent gets killed. And your whole staff and restaurant got blown up killing 78 people. Days after your so over the moon you got a new agent, oh and your now going to start a new restaurant. It came across so callous. Someone is out to kill all your friends and anyone you care about. So why purposely make it easy. Lets have a birthday party, lets go have a dinner without bodyguards, when you know your location just got leaked. You just got a load of innocent people killed, oh well. There were no emotions involved at all it felt. Other than I love her, he loves me. Someone died, cry for a sentence and move on. Lets make a movie, director gets killed. Lets go make another movie. Whole cast and crew gets blown up? Oh well. (Sorry for saying oh well so much, just a little frustrated)
Blake is ex-delta, someone killing everything around you. Why the f has he not gone all delta on the guy’s butt?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2018
I read and reviewed this book at the request of the author. Gun Kiss, by Khaled Talib, is packed with non-stop action that grabs the reader and takes him/her across three countries, amid twist-and-turn subplots. Talib wove into this story the issues of sexual harassment, gender inequality, racism, and the extremism of the alt-right. For this reader, that makes the novel more current and impressive.
Gun Kiss, begins with a definite action/adventure slant, but quickly turns into a romantic suspense novel. The opening lines of the promo for the book refer to the gun that was used to shoot Abraham Lincoln being stolen, and ending up in Russia. Imagine my surprise when I researched the author and found him and Gun Kiss promoted on a romance website. That said, the book was enjoyable, just not what was expected. It was actually a sub-genre of romance novels called romantic suspense with a compelling, adventurous tale that I found difficult to put down.
Former Delta Force, Blake Deco, owns a small restaurant, from which he and his friend, Jack, run a small side business in finding lost and or stolen things. The FBI forcibly enlists him to find the gun. Meanwhile, movie star, Goldie St. Helen is kidnapped. After receiving a tip from a friend in Mexico, Blake and Jack are determined to find her.
What Makes This Book Reviewer Grumpy, (or Some Things that Need to Be Addressed):
While split infinitives and mis-use of conjunctions are a common problem for all of us, there are other things that tell me English is a 2nd language for Talib. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but for a good editor should have caught these things.
- verb tense disagreement within a sentence;
the use of a noun as if it were a verb: "...didn't commensurate...";
- split infinitives: "...to endlessly rewrite...";
- beginning sentences with the conjunctions "but" and "and".
Look for me online as The Grumpy Book Reviewer.
Gun Kiss, begins with a definite action/adventure slant, but quickly turns into a romantic suspense novel. The opening lines of the promo for the book refer to the gun that was used to shoot Abraham Lincoln being stolen, and ending up in Russia. Imagine my surprise when I researched the author and found him and Gun Kiss promoted on a romance website. That said, the book was enjoyable, just not what was expected. It was actually a sub-genre of romance novels called romantic suspense with a compelling, adventurous tale that I found difficult to put down.
Former Delta Force, Blake Deco, owns a small restaurant, from which he and his friend, Jack, run a small side business in finding lost and or stolen things. The FBI forcibly enlists him to find the gun. Meanwhile, movie star, Goldie St. Helen is kidnapped. After receiving a tip from a friend in Mexico, Blake and Jack are determined to find her.
What Makes This Book Reviewer Grumpy, (or Some Things that Need to Be Addressed):
While split infinitives and mis-use of conjunctions are a common problem for all of us, there are other things that tell me English is a 2nd language for Talib. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but for a good editor should have caught these things.
- verb tense disagreement within a sentence;
the use of a noun as if it were a verb: "...didn't commensurate...";
- split infinitives: "...to endlessly rewrite...";
- beginning sentences with the conjunctions "but" and "and".
Look for me online as The Grumpy Book Reviewer.
January 26, 2018
Blake Deco not only owns a restaurant, he also uses his special forces background to find and return stolen artifacts to the owners. He does need the money to keep that restaurant running! He usually brings along his side kick, an army buddy--willingly or not. These two will occasionally have you laughing or cringing.
After retrieving the Deringer he gets a phone call from another of his acquaintances in Mexico----a major drug lord has the kidnapped actress Goldie St. Helen--and he knows where she is being held! Deco and friend save said actress. The drug lord is anything but pleased, vows vengence (and to get her back)--a blood bath follows--He wants her back desperately--and will kill anyone who helped or tries to stop him, with whatever means he can dream up--and he has one vivid imagination. When he realizes that Deco and St. Helen have fallen in love--he really goes ballistic.
The characters in this novel are all fully developed and you can feel their emotions. The story flows beautifully--except--
You will probably be wondering throughout this intense thriller what the heck the Deringer that shot Abraham Lincoln has to do with most of this novel. At the end the author weaves it seamlessly back in with a moral that will resound with most if not all of you!
Gun Kiss
After retrieving the Deringer he gets a phone call from another of his acquaintances in Mexico----a major drug lord has the kidnapped actress Goldie St. Helen--and he knows where she is being held! Deco and friend save said actress. The drug lord is anything but pleased, vows vengence (and to get her back)--a blood bath follows--He wants her back desperately--and will kill anyone who helped or tries to stop him, with whatever means he can dream up--and he has one vivid imagination. When he realizes that Deco and St. Helen have fallen in love--he really goes ballistic.
The characters in this novel are all fully developed and you can feel their emotions. The story flows beautifully--except--
You will probably be wondering throughout this intense thriller what the heck the Deringer that shot Abraham Lincoln has to do with most of this novel. At the end the author weaves it seamlessly back in with a moral that will resound with most if not all of you!
Gun Kiss
January 30, 2018
Original review posted on briannasbookreview.weebly.com
Review: From the start of the very first scene, Gun Kiss is an action packed and thrilling novel that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can read them. We are first introduced to the male lead, Blake Deco, when he is hired by the FBI to recover the pistol that was used to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. During his encounter with the Russians, I found myself really enjoying Blake's charismatic and witty banter, all the while engaging in combat to complete the mission. Khaled did an excellent job at painting Blake as charming and handsome through character interactions and detailed descriptions. As the plot develops, Blake is introduced to Goldie. Their relationship was a lot of fun to witness and the writing surrounding their relationship was on point for helping me feel the tension between them. Regarding the plot, I found it to be somewhat similar to other action-oriented mystery thrillers. However, Khaled's use of intricately detailed scenes and great character personalities and growth set this book apart from others with added depth. I highly recommend this novel if you are looking for something that will keep you engaged throughout with action oriented scenes, fun characters, mystery, and unexpected romance.
Review: From the start of the very first scene, Gun Kiss is an action packed and thrilling novel that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can read them. We are first introduced to the male lead, Blake Deco, when he is hired by the FBI to recover the pistol that was used to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. During his encounter with the Russians, I found myself really enjoying Blake's charismatic and witty banter, all the while engaging in combat to complete the mission. Khaled did an excellent job at painting Blake as charming and handsome through character interactions and detailed descriptions. As the plot develops, Blake is introduced to Goldie. Their relationship was a lot of fun to witness and the writing surrounding their relationship was on point for helping me feel the tension between them. Regarding the plot, I found it to be somewhat similar to other action-oriented mystery thrillers. However, Khaled's use of intricately detailed scenes and great character personalities and growth set this book apart from others with added depth. I highly recommend this novel if you are looking for something that will keep you engaged throughout with action oriented scenes, fun characters, mystery, and unexpected romance.
April 10, 2018
I received an ecopy of Gun Kiss from author Khaled Talib for review.
Wow! This is an action packed book. Semi-spy meets Hollywood mega-star (How is part of the plot).
Very high body count. Graphic violence perpetrated by a truly deranged bad guy. The action just never lets up, and this may be the knock against the book. Too much nonstop violent action can lead to a kind of fatigue in the reader (it did in me).
The scope of the story covers the world and does tie the story together well. The various story lines are intertwined effectively.
The romance in the story does not get the attention it deserves in my opinion. It becomes secondary to the violent action when it is more integral to the tale. This made the book a bit unbalanced.
I did over all enjoy Gun Kiss as shoot 'em up action and the negatives I share here were mostly easily overlooked. However there was one point I couldn't get past, and I break my own rule because this is a bit of a spoiler. Toward the end of the story our author attempts to introduce a story line of racism and social justice that just doesn't fit the story as constructed. It was off-putting for me. Not because of his message, but that it was such a jarring distraction to the story.
Gun Kiss by Khaled Talib is over the top action, and if that is your bag, you'll like this book. Enjoy!
Wow! This is an action packed book. Semi-spy meets Hollywood mega-star (How is part of the plot).
Very high body count. Graphic violence perpetrated by a truly deranged bad guy. The action just never lets up, and this may be the knock against the book. Too much nonstop violent action can lead to a kind of fatigue in the reader (it did in me).
The scope of the story covers the world and does tie the story together well. The various story lines are intertwined effectively.
The romance in the story does not get the attention it deserves in my opinion. It becomes secondary to the violent action when it is more integral to the tale. This made the book a bit unbalanced.
I did over all enjoy Gun Kiss as shoot 'em up action and the negatives I share here were mostly easily overlooked. However there was one point I couldn't get past, and I break my own rule because this is a bit of a spoiler. Toward the end of the story our author attempts to introduce a story line of racism and social justice that just doesn't fit the story as constructed. It was off-putting for me. Not because of his message, but that it was such a jarring distraction to the story.
Gun Kiss by Khaled Talib is over the top action, and if that is your bag, you'll like this book. Enjoy!
May 22, 2018
Non-Stop Action, I'm Breathless!
What a great romp!! This is a fun read that will keep you turning the pages.
Blake -a hard hearted hero who turns out to be so much more...
His techno-saavy side-kick Jack - hope we see more of him!
And Goldie, a beautiful Hollywood Star loved by everyone...
Especially a dastardly Mexican Drug Cartel leader who decides to make her his...
I can't say more without a spoiler alert!
Don't miss this fast pace suspenseful action-packed ride!
What a great romp!! This is a fun read that will keep you turning the pages.
Blake -a hard hearted hero who turns out to be so much more...
His techno-saavy side-kick Jack - hope we see more of him!
And Goldie, a beautiful Hollywood Star loved by everyone...
Especially a dastardly Mexican Drug Cartel leader who decides to make her his...
I can't say more without a spoiler alert!
Don't miss this fast pace suspenseful action-packed ride!
December 4, 2019
Warning: violent and gore detail
Full of action, crime and plot twists. This book really took me by surprise as to how much I enjoyed it. Sometimes too much violence and gore can lead to really strong language which is when I tend to lose interest in the book because it's too strong for my liking, but this book wasn't like that and I thought it was great!
The two main characters, Blake Deco and Goldie St. Helen were very strong characters whom I enjoyed learning about. Blake Deco is a covert agent, who owns a restaurant called Mamas Tacos. He is a charismatic and witty man who you start to realise never gives up. Goldie is an actress. I was astounded to see that both characters, Blake and Goldie, were constantly battling against villains who wanted to capture and/or kill them, but both of them never gave up for their freedom. I thought the characters in the novel were well-developed and you definitely get a feeling for their emotions throughout the pages of action and suspense. I really enjoyed learning about the relationship between Blake and Goldie as well, it felt real and honest, especially with all the dramatic twists they had to deal with.
Khaled Talib delivers a very intense fast-paced, action thrilling story. The story flows throughout the book and I was compelled right from the very start. The only part that I didn't really understand was how the Deringer that shot Abraham Lincoln had to do with this novel.
I hope to read more of Talib's material in the future as I really enjoyed his detailed writing style. I highly recommend anyone to read this who enjoys fast-paced action and suspenseful stories that will keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat through until the end of the book.
June 10, 2019
The Deringer plays a much smaller part in the story that the description on the back makes believe. Nonetheless, it is prominently in the spotlight when we meet 2 of the main characters: Blake and Jack. The work for a U.S. government agency to recovere lost/stolen artefacts (for a large bounty).
The author drops us right in the middle of the action which would make for a slim book if that were all that ths story is about. Luckily this is not the case: it is only the beginning but it does set the tone: action, bravery, gunfire, chases, ... The second major event is the rescue of a famous Hollywood actress by a Mexican drug lord. This is out of Blake's normal line of business, but this way he meets the love of his life and a deadly enemy, both of them making up the other 2 main characters of this story.
We get a glimpse of Hollywood behind the curtains, the life of a restaurant owner (Blake's official occupation when he is not hunting lost relics), american end mexican deserts and wild nature.
With dead bodies tumbling off almost every page, this book is not for the faint-hearted. Fast-paced jumping from action scene to action scene, the book keep the readers attention glued to the pages from beginning to the end.
And a promise from the author: he feels that the main characters want another book written with them in the driving seat again. Looking forward to that!
The author drops us right in the middle of the action which would make for a slim book if that were all that ths story is about. Luckily this is not the case: it is only the beginning but it does set the tone: action, bravery, gunfire, chases, ... The second major event is the rescue of a famous Hollywood actress by a Mexican drug lord. This is out of Blake's normal line of business, but this way he meets the love of his life and a deadly enemy, both of them making up the other 2 main characters of this story.
We get a glimpse of Hollywood behind the curtains, the life of a restaurant owner (Blake's official occupation when he is not hunting lost relics), american end mexican deserts and wild nature.
With dead bodies tumbling off almost every page, this book is not for the faint-hearted. Fast-paced jumping from action scene to action scene, the book keep the readers attention glued to the pages from beginning to the end.
And a promise from the author: he feels that the main characters want another book written with them in the driving seat again. Looking forward to that!
November 30, 2019
I received my complimentary copy via VRO. I enjoyed the FBI and the ex-military sub plot in the story; however, the Hollywood aspect was quite tedious and a little far fetched. The story is not my cup of tea, but others may enjoy the book. The author did write a solid book and did a great job with character development.
May 18, 2018
Take a deep breath, because Gun Kiss's special brand of high-octane action is on its way to market, and it's a hell of a ride especially recommended for thriller readers who like their action not only nonstop, but tempered with a bit of romance and a lot of world-hopping political confrontations.
The tension begins in the first paragraph as a Lincoln re-enactment event in Washington, D.C. results in a hostage and a bomber intent on thievery. Rick achieves his goals with almost casual precision: it's clear he's not only planned his escapade down to the second, but that he's a pro.
As a missing Deringer from The Ford Theatre Museum involves a host of special interests, the story heats up to become a globe-trotting series of escapades and encounters by disparate individuals who each harbor their own special interests.
A network involved in piracy and smuggling, a monied Chinese drug trafficker who works out a deal that lands him in Tijuana, Goldie's strange party for the paparazzi, and Blake's need for a holiday away from intrigue and complications all join with a range of subplots designed to keep Gun Kiss unpredictable, unexpected, and sometimes unsettling as events keep on creating new connections and surprises.
As a stolen artifact evolves into crimes surrounding a maniacal drug lord, challenges to U.S. and Mexican government relations, and deadly escapades that involve faked deaths and real kidnappings, readers experience a supercharged plot that grabs interest tightly and does not let go.
The mark of a superior thriller lies in its ability to seamlessly transcend borders, boundaries, and special interests to provide a series of interwoven subplots that all come together in a satisfying crescendo of intrigue designed to keep readers on edge right up to the end.
Take a deep breath before reading Gun Kiss. Its special brand of activity and complex personal and criminal interactions makes it hard to put down, and highly recommended for thriller and crime readers alike.
Diane Donavan
Senior Reviewer
Midwest Book Review
The tension begins in the first paragraph as a Lincoln re-enactment event in Washington, D.C. results in a hostage and a bomber intent on thievery. Rick achieves his goals with almost casual precision: it's clear he's not only planned his escapade down to the second, but that he's a pro.
As a missing Deringer from The Ford Theatre Museum involves a host of special interests, the story heats up to become a globe-trotting series of escapades and encounters by disparate individuals who each harbor their own special interests.
A network involved in piracy and smuggling, a monied Chinese drug trafficker who works out a deal that lands him in Tijuana, Goldie's strange party for the paparazzi, and Blake's need for a holiday away from intrigue and complications all join with a range of subplots designed to keep Gun Kiss unpredictable, unexpected, and sometimes unsettling as events keep on creating new connections and surprises.
As a stolen artifact evolves into crimes surrounding a maniacal drug lord, challenges to U.S. and Mexican government relations, and deadly escapades that involve faked deaths and real kidnappings, readers experience a supercharged plot that grabs interest tightly and does not let go.
The mark of a superior thriller lies in its ability to seamlessly transcend borders, boundaries, and special interests to provide a series of interwoven subplots that all come together in a satisfying crescendo of intrigue designed to keep readers on edge right up to the end.
Take a deep breath before reading Gun Kiss. Its special brand of activity and complex personal and criminal interactions makes it hard to put down, and highly recommended for thriller and crime readers alike.
Diane Donavan
Senior Reviewer
Midwest Book Review
March 18, 2018
Title: Gun Kiss
Author: Khaled Talib
Publisher: Imajin Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Gun Kiss" by Khaled Talib
My Thoughts....
If you like a good fast packed thriller read along with some twist and turns, non stop action, some romance, friendship suspense, adventure, drama, descriptive scenery, with a interesting plot line and even some humor then you have come to the right place. 'Gun Kiss' involves Blake Deco [ex-military] who not only 'sneaks into Russia to steal back a gun that killed Abraham Lincoln' that John Wilkes Booth had used and hold on as we find him with another job and that is him getting ready to face a horrible drug lord in Mexico in a 'face off' due to his involvement with Goldie the beautiful Hollywood Star. With this gun get returned to its rightful owner and what about Miss Goldie... will Blake be able to keep her safe? To find out what all this is about you will just have to pick up "Gun Kiss" to see how well this author put this story together as all questions will be answered.
In this well written story there will be certain issues that will bring into play 'sexual harassment, gender inequality and racism.' Definitely Blake and Goldie story is quite a interesting espionage story. I also enjoyed several of the secondary characters being so well developed and Jack was indeed one that I did like in this story. In the end the reader will get a good read as the story comes together so uniquely.
Author: Khaled Talib
Publisher: Imajin Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Gun Kiss" by Khaled Talib
My Thoughts....
If you like a good fast packed thriller read along with some twist and turns, non stop action, some romance, friendship suspense, adventure, drama, descriptive scenery, with a interesting plot line and even some humor then you have come to the right place. 'Gun Kiss' involves Blake Deco [ex-military] who not only 'sneaks into Russia to steal back a gun that killed Abraham Lincoln' that John Wilkes Booth had used and hold on as we find him with another job and that is him getting ready to face a horrible drug lord in Mexico in a 'face off' due to his involvement with Goldie the beautiful Hollywood Star. With this gun get returned to its rightful owner and what about Miss Goldie... will Blake be able to keep her safe? To find out what all this is about you will just have to pick up "Gun Kiss" to see how well this author put this story together as all questions will be answered.
In this well written story there will be certain issues that will bring into play 'sexual harassment, gender inequality and racism.' Definitely Blake and Goldie story is quite a interesting espionage story. I also enjoyed several of the secondary characters being so well developed and Jack was indeed one that I did like in this story. In the end the reader will get a good read as the story comes together so uniquely.
March 22, 2018
The author gave me a copy of the book for an honest review. Blake Deco, is an ex Delta Force member who now owns a small café, Mama Tacos, and also does some side work for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), especially retrieving stolen historical objects. We see him retrieve the gun used by John Wilkes Booth to kill Abe Lincoln at the beginning of the story, then upon return to California he’s contacted by a friend in Mexico with an important message: A recently kidnapped movie star is being held in the compound of a Mexican drug lord. With his partner, Jack Rowan, he drives to Mexico and in a daring night raid rescues Goldie St. Helen; then with the help of the Mexican police they make it back to the U.S. with the actress. But now the drug lord is after him and wants the actress back, plus there may be someone else after him.
The story starts off with some really nice action, but bogs down fairly quick with a lot of dead space and nothing happening. The story didn’t know if it wanted to be a men’s action novel or a lady’s love story. There are plenty of romantic scenes between Blake and Goldie, and some humor as well. In fact, the first quarter of the book gave me the impression that Blake Deco and Jack Royan, were doing a good imitation of Jake Speed and Desmond Floyd. Anyone remember them? A men’s action adventure that made it to film, but never made it to novels that I am aware of. Jake Speed was a parody of the men’s action novels, and this romp reminded me of that parody. The book also needs a good editing. Now don’t get me wrong, the story is fun, and I enjoyed it. I was just expecting a men’s action novel and got a romance novel instead. Heck, I still watch Jake Speed at least once a year. Give GUN KISS a try. I think you’ll like it. I know I did. Highly recommended.
The story starts off with some really nice action, but bogs down fairly quick with a lot of dead space and nothing happening. The story didn’t know if it wanted to be a men’s action novel or a lady’s love story. There are plenty of romantic scenes between Blake and Goldie, and some humor as well. In fact, the first quarter of the book gave me the impression that Blake Deco and Jack Royan, were doing a good imitation of Jake Speed and Desmond Floyd. Anyone remember them? A men’s action adventure that made it to film, but never made it to novels that I am aware of. Jake Speed was a parody of the men’s action novels, and this romp reminded me of that parody. The book also needs a good editing. Now don’t get me wrong, the story is fun, and I enjoyed it. I was just expecting a men’s action novel and got a romance novel instead. Heck, I still watch Jake Speed at least once a year. Give GUN KISS a try. I think you’ll like it. I know I did. Highly recommended.
January 17, 2020
This book tells the story of Blake Deco, an ex-military man who takes side gigs as a mercenary. After recovering the gun that killed President Lincoln, he gets a call from a friend in Mexico who has info on the whereabouts of a kidnapped actress Goldie St. Helen. Blake goes to Tijuana with his friend and partner Jack to save Goldie from the evil, sadistic drug lord Dai Lo. But her rescue is only the beginning of a series of wild events, as Dai Lo will stop at nothing to get his girl back.
One of the things I enjoyed about this book was Dai Lo. His obsession with Goldie, and going through extreme lengths to get close to her made this book a page turner. Unlike a typical murderous drug lord, he didn't just kill people to get close to Goldie. He found other ways to break her mentally and emotionally, by using those close to her. He got other people to do the killing for him, but always made sure Goldie knew it was him. He wanted to keep her living in fear. Which is what stalkers do.
I did like that Goldie and Blake developed a romantic relationship, although it seemed underdeveloped at first. Some of the scenes also jumped rather quickly, which made the story feel rushed. But all in all, if you enjoy books filled with action and suspense, I recommend!
One of the things I enjoyed about this book was Dai Lo. His obsession with Goldie, and going through extreme lengths to get close to her made this book a page turner. Unlike a typical murderous drug lord, he didn't just kill people to get close to Goldie. He found other ways to break her mentally and emotionally, by using those close to her. He got other people to do the killing for him, but always made sure Goldie knew it was him. He wanted to keep her living in fear. Which is what stalkers do.
I did like that Goldie and Blake developed a romantic relationship, although it seemed underdeveloped at first. Some of the scenes also jumped rather quickly, which made the story feel rushed. But all in all, if you enjoy books filled with action and suspense, I recommend!
April 15, 2021
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a thriller enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
September 11, 2019
Great Read.
Fast-paced and interesting take on a Mexican drug lord and his obsessive desire for a Hollywood actress. Of course, there is a hero too and his best mate who rescues her from his loathsome clutches, but that is only the beginning. Well-written, good plot and easy to read. Highly recommended.
Fast-paced and interesting take on a Mexican drug lord and his obsessive desire for a Hollywood actress. Of course, there is a hero too and his best mate who rescues her from his loathsome clutches, but that is only the beginning. Well-written, good plot and easy to read. Highly recommended.
April 17, 2018
A fun, fast, entertaining read. The characters are well drawn and easy to care about and there is some very snappy dialogue. The Southern California details are spot on as I've been to many of the actual places described in the book.
March 20, 2019
What an amazing story. A gun that killed Abraham Lincoln goes missing and Blake has to go searching for it. Extremely gripping. Loved it.
April 15, 2020
I received a copy of this from the author that I won on a blog site! Didn't know what to expect as this is a new author for me. I absolutely enjoyed this fast, fun and thrilling read! I would love if the author did a sequel to this, would like to know where the characters go from here! Recommend this one!
March 2, 2018
Just returned from a mission of retrieving the infamous Dellinger, the gun that killed Abraham Lincoln, Blake Daco gets called to help rescue an actress kidnapped by a Mexican drug lord, Dai Lo. The two are back home in Hollywood but far from safe. Dai Lo fights to get the actress back, turning the street of Hollywood into a war zone.
I couldn’t get behind Gun Kiss for its action or its romance. Big bad guys and bullets with high stakes jobs are minimum in the needs of an action novel. And boy-meets-girl is only the beginning of a romance. Both fall short in the story of Gun Kiss.
The dialogue was ingenuine and lacking in connectivity.
The Characters were unrealistic. When a person falls in love with someone only because they save their life it makes for a bad love story. Helen St. James experiences something dramatic and literally a day later from being rescued she and those around her are encouraging her into a romantic relationship with her rescuer. She even goes so far as to describe Dai Lo, the Mexican Drug lord as “nice” the first few days she was with him. When can a kidnapper ever be described as nice?
Too many details are given about characters that don’t matter. The reader doesn't need to know the first and last name of all of Blake’s neighbors if they aren’t heard from again. I don’t need to know the Dillinger Thief's plan. The book also ties up a lot of loose ends before they become a problem. Characters that link the actress to Dai lo are killed off quickly and while it is dramatic it is written with little impact on the story.
Blake is too many things. Relics Finder, Delta Forces, Screenwriter, Restaurant Owner. That is all too much. The Jack-of-All-Trades character of the story is overwhelming when the details of the story are jammed into a chapter. Everything is very matter-of-fact.
Quick Transitions make for difficulty in feeling anything for the characters. There isn’t time to grasp any real emotions or complicity of the characters or the moment. The authors go from a shootout to a “passionate lovemaking scene” within a few sentences and then onto a new topic.
Gun Kiss checks all the boxes for the trope action romance novel with few transitions.
I couldn’t get behind Gun Kiss for its action or its romance. Big bad guys and bullets with high stakes jobs are minimum in the needs of an action novel. And boy-meets-girl is only the beginning of a romance. Both fall short in the story of Gun Kiss.
The dialogue was ingenuine and lacking in connectivity.
The Characters were unrealistic. When a person falls in love with someone only because they save their life it makes for a bad love story. Helen St. James experiences something dramatic and literally a day later from being rescued she and those around her are encouraging her into a romantic relationship with her rescuer. She even goes so far as to describe Dai Lo, the Mexican Drug lord as “nice” the first few days she was with him. When can a kidnapper ever be described as nice?
Too many details are given about characters that don’t matter. The reader doesn't need to know the first and last name of all of Blake’s neighbors if they aren’t heard from again. I don’t need to know the Dillinger Thief's plan. The book also ties up a lot of loose ends before they become a problem. Characters that link the actress to Dai lo are killed off quickly and while it is dramatic it is written with little impact on the story.
Blake is too many things. Relics Finder, Delta Forces, Screenwriter, Restaurant Owner. That is all too much. The Jack-of-All-Trades character of the story is overwhelming when the details of the story are jammed into a chapter. Everything is very matter-of-fact.
Quick Transitions make for difficulty in feeling anything for the characters. There isn’t time to grasp any real emotions or complicity of the characters or the moment. The authors go from a shootout to a “passionate lovemaking scene” within a few sentences and then onto a new topic.
Gun Kiss checks all the boxes for the trope action romance novel with few transitions.
August 28, 2018
This is the first book I have read of Khaled Talib and first of all, when I got the request, I was curious by the blurb and by the cover, because it all reminded me of a poster for an action movie.
With action scenes, a charming hero and a beautiful movie star, romance, drama, a drug lord seeking revenge against our lovely main character, danger, and a fast pace in the storyline. That last quality, gives the book an even more powerful tone because it truly sounded and looked (with descriptions and particular scenes) like a movie.
We first get introduced to the hero, Blake Deco, this charismatic and handsome man that is a spy/agent/whatever he is, he is good at what he does. And right after we start the book we get to follow him while he tries to recover the pistol that was used to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. That was something unique right from the very beginning and it caught my attention.
Then we get to meet Goldie, the movie star that was kidnapped and that was rescued by Blake. So, as Blake and Goldie's relationship keeps growing, there is tension, there is some romance, and of course there is drama because the drug lord that kidnapped Goldie is still alive and is after them.
Of course, as a hopeless romantic I would have love to have read more about their romance, because I feel like that could have given a good balance to the book. But that's just my personal opinion.
I did enjoy this book because it was visual, it was fun and action packed, and it was a satisfying book for a late afternoon with a cup of tea and just relaxing and enjoy this adventure, just like you would enjoy an action movie.
[I want to thank Khaled Talib for the eCopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
With action scenes, a charming hero and a beautiful movie star, romance, drama, a drug lord seeking revenge against our lovely main character, danger, and a fast pace in the storyline. That last quality, gives the book an even more powerful tone because it truly sounded and looked (with descriptions and particular scenes) like a movie.
We first get introduced to the hero, Blake Deco, this charismatic and handsome man that is a spy/agent/whatever he is, he is good at what he does. And right after we start the book we get to follow him while he tries to recover the pistol that was used to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. That was something unique right from the very beginning and it caught my attention.
Then we get to meet Goldie, the movie star that was kidnapped and that was rescued by Blake. So, as Blake and Goldie's relationship keeps growing, there is tension, there is some romance, and of course there is drama because the drug lord that kidnapped Goldie is still alive and is after them.
Of course, as a hopeless romantic I would have love to have read more about their romance, because I feel like that could have given a good balance to the book. But that's just my personal opinion.
I did enjoy this book because it was visual, it was fun and action packed, and it was a satisfying book for a late afternoon with a cup of tea and just relaxing and enjoy this adventure, just like you would enjoy an action movie.
[I want to thank Khaled Talib for the eCopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
July 18, 2018
eBooks are a weakness of mine. I agree to read so many and after all the daily free Amazon downloads and the hundreds of other ebooks on my devices, books get lost. I promise that this book did not take four months to read. I actually got about halfway through it, then for the past few months have been buried in library books, that with no strings attached always get first priority because of their due dates. Anyways, last weekend I finally found out that I never finished this book. I ended up starting it from the beginning again because it had been so long and I had finished the entire thing within 24 hours. Gun Kiss is a lighter, quick read and was full of adventure that made the time fly by.
Exceptional story line. I loved the action and fast pace of the developments constantly building off of one another. Khaled Talib fit so much into this book that it was so fun to read because there was never a dull spot. Gun Kiss held a fun, unique backstory that had you guessing what direction it would take next full of unexpected twists and turns.
I did enjoy the plot points, but the thing that held Gun Kiss from perfection was the rush that although invigorating came with some lack of depth. Points were getting introduced so rapidly and each scene would bounce to the next, when sometimes the low moments could have held the potential to carry even more epic high times. I wanted even more development. I wanted the plotting and scheming (even though they went into things with no plan the majority of the time), so that I would feel more apart of the cast and feel more involved.
Exceptional story line. I loved the action and fast pace of the developments constantly building off of one another. Khaled Talib fit so much into this book that it was so fun to read because there was never a dull spot. Gun Kiss held a fun, unique backstory that had you guessing what direction it would take next full of unexpected twists and turns.
I did enjoy the plot points, but the thing that held Gun Kiss from perfection was the rush that although invigorating came with some lack of depth. Points were getting introduced so rapidly and each scene would bounce to the next, when sometimes the low moments could have held the potential to carry even more epic high times. I wanted even more development. I wanted the plotting and scheming (even though they went into things with no plan the majority of the time), so that I would feel more apart of the cast and feel more involved.
April 6, 2018
Title – Gun Kiss
Author – Khaled Talib
Genre – Thriller
221 Amazon Pages
Rating 2 stars out of 5 Posted 4/6/2018
No. 15 - 2018
My Impressions: tongue in cheek, contrived, farfetched action.
Main Characters:
Blake Deco – Ex-Delta Force soldier, restaurateur, recover's stolen art, jewels etc.
Goldie St. Helen – American actress.
Jack – Blake's war buddy and best friend.
Dai Lo – Mexican drug cartel boss, psychopathic killer.
The story revolves around an ex-Delta Force soldier and a famous American movie star. The antagonist is a psychopathic drug lord killer who has a sick desire to kidnap and possess Goldie St. Helen. Of course, he never gets around to raping her because he wants to 'break her sprit' first. The story is fast paced and depends on the reader accepting the farfetched actions.
The action sequences are unbelievable, almost slapstick. When the drug lord attacks, everyone around Blake and Goldie die, but not them.
Picture this. A mountain top log cabin/dining room supported above the ground by stilts. Thirteen people plus severs are inside when Dai Lo's men attack. Everyone dies except Blake & Goldie. Conveniently, there is a trapdoor in the floor for them to drop down beneath the room and escape. Blake fires a rifle at other snowmobiles and they and the cabin catch fire. But lead bullets don't cause sparks. Somehow, the remaining attackers catch fire and run out of the cabin ablaze as Blake and Goldie escape on a snowmobile. It's a mountain top with snow and they didn't have time to grab their coats. I suppose their hot and heavy love will keep them warm.
Gun Kiss is too tongue in cheek and contrived to be a thriller. It is too smooth and projects little tension. In my opinion this is an action adventure genre with humorous or satirical overtones.
The editing isn't perfect but certainly not bad.
Character development is good for the main characters.
Details are lacking especially in the action scenes. Things just seem to happen without preamble.
The plot idea is okay, but the lack of details and the action snafus drag it down.
Reviewed as a thriller, it's a 3 star. Reviewed as Action Adventure with humor or satire I give it a 4 star.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – Khaled Talib
Genre – Thriller
221 Amazon Pages
Rating 2 stars out of 5 Posted 4/6/2018
No. 15 - 2018
My Impressions: tongue in cheek, contrived, farfetched action.
Main Characters:
Blake Deco – Ex-Delta Force soldier, restaurateur, recover's stolen art, jewels etc.
Goldie St. Helen – American actress.
Jack – Blake's war buddy and best friend.
Dai Lo – Mexican drug cartel boss, psychopathic killer.
The story revolves around an ex-Delta Force soldier and a famous American movie star. The antagonist is a psychopathic drug lord killer who has a sick desire to kidnap and possess Goldie St. Helen. Of course, he never gets around to raping her because he wants to 'break her sprit' first. The story is fast paced and depends on the reader accepting the farfetched actions.
The action sequences are unbelievable, almost slapstick. When the drug lord attacks, everyone around Blake and Goldie die, but not them.
Picture this. A mountain top log cabin/dining room supported above the ground by stilts. Thirteen people plus severs are inside when Dai Lo's men attack. Everyone dies except Blake & Goldie. Conveniently, there is a trapdoor in the floor for them to drop down beneath the room and escape. Blake fires a rifle at other snowmobiles and they and the cabin catch fire. But lead bullets don't cause sparks. Somehow, the remaining attackers catch fire and run out of the cabin ablaze as Blake and Goldie escape on a snowmobile. It's a mountain top with snow and they didn't have time to grab their coats. I suppose their hot and heavy love will keep them warm.
Gun Kiss is too tongue in cheek and contrived to be a thriller. It is too smooth and projects little tension. In my opinion this is an action adventure genre with humorous or satirical overtones.
The editing isn't perfect but certainly not bad.
Character development is good for the main characters.
Details are lacking especially in the action scenes. Things just seem to happen without preamble.
The plot idea is okay, but the lack of details and the action snafus drag it down.
Reviewed as a thriller, it's a 3 star. Reviewed as Action Adventure with humor or satire I give it a 4 star.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
November 13, 2018
This is an action-packed drama in the style of a spy/cop type of movie and I really enjoyed it. It has action and drama; It’s a little like a James Bond story but then…it’s not. This character is much more down to earth and has plenty of friends, the kind you can count on. It has love, a hero saving an absolutely beautiful girl, and plenty of bad guys. In fact, it leaves you wondering now and then who to trust. I will of course save the who you trust part for you to find out when you read this. You know what else this book contains? It has that strong, hard-headed, tough character that I always love, one of those with lots of personality.
I can’t say enough about this book. I was disappointed every time I had to take a break from reading it. While its characters were defined well, the most thrilling part was the descriptive scene writing. It was more like watching a movie than reading a book. Khaled Talib seemed to be able to put you right in the middle of the action with his writing. This type of genre is one of my favorites. I’d say Talib is way ahead of his counterparts.
I would suppose this review gives you an idea that I recommend this book. You are correct. He has other books with good reviews. I’m going to check them out too and I’d advise you to do the same.
***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are definitely my own.
I can’t say enough about this book. I was disappointed every time I had to take a break from reading it. While its characters were defined well, the most thrilling part was the descriptive scene writing. It was more like watching a movie than reading a book. Khaled Talib seemed to be able to put you right in the middle of the action with his writing. This type of genre is one of my favorites. I’d say Talib is way ahead of his counterparts.
I would suppose this review gives you an idea that I recommend this book. You are correct. He has other books with good reviews. I’m going to check them out too and I’d advise you to do the same.
***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are definitely my own.
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