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Live by the code

Lie by the code

Die by the code

I’m known as Valentine, and the code was all I knew. After being recruited into The Company at the young age of sixteen, life as I knew it ceased to exist. Gone was the innocent girl who was terrified of her own shadow. I became something I never would have thought possible; a dangerous, lethal, killing machine. An assassin, working for the good guys…or so I thought. My world came crashing down around me, after one fateful call. Now, I’m on a mission to take down
every last one of those bastards who destroyed everything I believed in. And, I’m not alone. The only thing sweet about me, is the revenge I will serve.

Nash

I work for The Company, a private sector of our government no one knows about. If they did, it could compromise national security, and we would have to take appropriate measures. The kind that would involve elimination. It was my job as Valentine’s handler to keep her safe. We’ve never met. She’s just a voice on the phone. A low, sultry, sexy voice. She knows me only as Sentry. I pass on the assignments from my boss, and she let’s me know when it’s completed. I used to think I was pretty good at my job, until things went to hell. Now, I’m one of those people who knows too much.

Cover Model: Cassia Brightmore
Photography: LJ Photography
Cover Design: Designs by Dana

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About the author

Annelise Reynolds

37 books364 followers
I spend my days working, my evenings with my two wonderful kids, and my nights are when the characters in my head are given free reign. The tagline for Phoenix Bar, "Beauty After the Burn", holds special meaning for me and really helped to give birth to the story. Like Phoenix, I've had to rebuild my life from the ashes. It's been a long journey with a roller coaster of emotions and stresses, but I can truly say where my life is now is more beautiful than where it was

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5 stars
45 (68%)
4 stars
17 (25%)
3 stars
3 (4%)
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1 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
298 reviews33 followers
March 30, 2019
So interesting and intriguing!

I love a book that has a little mystery and a lot of romance, so this book has it all. Valentine or aka Cassia is assassin for a place they call The company she takes out bad men and Nash is her handler that she contacts when she is done, they have done this for a few years but never met, they are not suppose to meet another. Nash has a feeling for Valentine and Valentine or Cassia does to for him but it takes a assassin missing in action to connect in person because the Company that they work for is not as I seems, there action I mean Nash is a bad a$$ too and he has a friend just as bad, Cassia is very bad a$$, which I love. The sex scenes was hot, this book kept me interested and intrigued but had some sad moments, loved all the characters i mean the other assassins. I hope to read their books soon, Great job Annelise and Dawn!💗 will be recommending this book!
Profile Image for V. Kelly.
Author 21 books289 followers
March 16, 2019
I give this book four and a half stars.  (Goodreads won't let me give it a half a point) I rounded up to five stars so that it was closest to what I felt about the book. It was closer to five star for me than a four star.

I was lucky enough to proofread this book for these two amazing authors.

This book is full of action. The way these two ladies wrote their assassin scenes were perfect. I loved how believable they were. It was like I was in the head of Valentine as she made her kills. I also liked the dynamic between Nash and Valentine. Their relationship didn't seem too rushed, which I find to be off-putting in most books, and I felt their relationship built in the exact way it should have. I also enjoyed Ghost a lot.  He's a great side character and I can't wait to read his book.   

The reason I gave it four and a half stars is because there were a few places where it was a little bit predictable and I like to be surprised throughout the book. Although I'm not opposed to cliffhangers, I felt the ending came too quickly and there were a lot of things I still wanted to know. It did make me eager to read the next book in the series just so I can find out what is going on with these amazing characters.  

Overall, there wasn't much I didn't like about this book. It's the first book I've read by Dawn Sullivan, and about the third book I've read by Annelise Reynolds. I felt that the two authors perfectly melded their characters together, their collaboration was beautifully written.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an action-packed love story and who likes assassin books. This was the first book of that kind that I've read, and I know it won't be my last because they are plan on releasing more in the Alluring Assassins series. 

This book will be released on March 26th 2019.   
Profile Image for Victoria pearce.
390 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2019
What a freaking thrilling ride that was.

I knew this was going to keep me reading until the end but wow.

Cassia aka Valentine is one badass woman and her handler Sentry aka Nash is just as Badass. He compliments her perfectly and I loved thier story.

The whole Company is gonna feel the wrath of Valentine and her friends.

The whole concept is crazy good. I cannot wait for the next book in this series to find out all the things... Argh I need it now.
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews60 followers
March 27, 2019
SO loved Cassia it's written by two very talented authors and the story just drew me into what was going on with the characters and had me wanting more . I really liked the chemistry between Nash and Cassia they just clicked the way they were with one another held such a intense connection with sexual chemistry that was HOT so can't wait to read what's to come in the Alluring Assassins series .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10
Chemistry=9 steam=8 romance=5
humor=3 darkness level=4 action=4 mystery=3
enjoyment=10 angst=3 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 Blurb =10 Stars =4
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone = yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author=
Profile Image for Janice.
22 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2019
Cassia - Alluring Assassins #1 Book Review

Fantastic new series. Book #1 Cassia

This is the first book in a new series by Authors Dawn Sullivan and Annelise Reynolds. This book is the first collaboration of these two authors. I was wondering how well they would write together because I have read everything that Dawn Sullivan has written and am a big fan of her books but I have never read anything by Annelise Reynolds. Well let me tell you I am now a big fan of Annelise Reynolds as well and will be reading more of her books as well! 📚

These two authors wrote an ass kicking, action packed, edge of your seat book that I was hooked on from page #1. I started reading this book and didn't put it down until I was finished. Then I was looking for more!!

Cassia "Valentine" is an Assassin who works for The Company ". She was recruited at age 16. She was put with 6 other young girls, around the same age, and together they were trained and had formed a sisterhood bond. The training was brutal. She was taught to kill, lie and hunt down her assignment. The Company tried to destroy any emotion she felt but thankfully, for her sisters, that didn't happen.

Nash is Valentine's Handler, she knows him as "Sentry". He has given her her assignments for years. They have a working relationship but have felt a connection to each other for years. Nash is ex military. He is a kick ass fighter who protects those he considers his.

Valentine, Nash and Nash' best friend, "Ghost" have decided to work together to find out what is going on inside "The Company".

Dawn Sullivan and Annelise Reynolds have joined forces and created a world that is believable and characters one can relate to and cheer for. So if you are a fan of kick ass hero's and heroines who fight for what is right, who will get your blood pumping with their steamy, hot love and a best friend that you will want to know more about, then I highly recommend this book to you. You will not be disappointed.

I was given this ARC with the promise of an honest review.

Profile Image for Lori Hammons.
2,455 reviews20 followers
March 19, 2019
I love the thrilling suspense of this action story. Cassia and Nash loved each other before they ever see each other. This is going to be an amazing series.
Profile Image for Amy Jones.
846 reviews6 followers
March 26, 2019
Loved it!!!

OMG!!! I was TOTALLY blown away with this book!!! I love a book that literally sucks me in on the first page and continues until the very last page. The chemistry between Nash and Valentine is super HOT and you get a little bit of everything in this new Awesome Series. Annelise Reynolds and Dawn Sullivan have out done themselves with this new book and I can't wait to see what happens next in this series. Awesome Job!!!!
Profile Image for Screaming Mimi.
Author 29 books60 followers
March 21, 2019
Title:
Cassia
Code Name: Valentine
Alluring Assassins
Authors: Annelise Reynolds & Dawn Sullivan
Published: March 26, 2019
Enter a world where the only way to survive is lying and killing. That’s what Cassia “Valentine” is trained to do, what they’ve molded her to be, but she’s so much more than what they’ve created. Despite all the training she cares, especially for the man who has been the voice in her ear for the last several years. Her only link to The Company that contracts her out to kill, Nash has been the only consistent thing in her life. His voice both soothes and entices her each time they speak. They aren’t supposed to make bonds with anyone, to do so is to sign their own death warrants. Now together they are on a mission to take down The Company they once worked for and end their reign of terror.
From the two creative minds of Annelise Reynolds and Dawn Sullivan comes an epic story of murder, mayhem, and love wrapped in a sexy package. This book takes you on a journey into the world of trained killing machines known as assassins, but not just any assassins. No these are highly trained badass female assassins, who need no man to protect them and make no apologies for it. Don’t think for a second though that Nash is a pansy in this story, because this man should come with his own warning label “deadly hotness, handle with care”.
I couldn’t put this book down, it was edge of your seat, roller coaster ride kind of excitement, and I didn’t want it to stop, ever. If it weren’t for pesky sleep I would have finished this book within twenty-four hours, but of course sleep had to call my name. Warning: this story may cause you to have dreams of being a badass assassin. If you love a strong female character who can’t keep her hands off the strong male character, all while battling for their lives, well this is the book for you. My only question for the authors is, when do I get the next one!
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 30 books88 followers
January 6, 2020
Book Review: Cassia (Alluring Assassins #1)
Author: by Annelise Reynolds, Dawn Sullivan
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewer: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts

REVIEW
In this story be prepared to have many emotions. It's a roller coaster ride of them.
V is one very tough female, life for her well let's just say rats have had better lives.
Sentry has no clue what he got himself involved in when he leaves the military. He doesn't know the girls/women he talks to daily but he knows their voices especially one.
He has adored V from afar for a very long time, and when things go south big time they will finally meet eye to eye.
V as many of the other assassins are lethal. Straight up killers. Only V has a heart she may not want to admit it but she does.
We get action, twisted information comes to light and I sure hope the next story comes out soon.
Fantastic first in this new series.

**I read this book via Kindle Unlimited and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**

Cassia (Alluring Assassins #1)
Profile Image for Betty.
506 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2019
Wish I could have given this book 10 stars - that's how good it is - a blockbuster!!
Cassia Avery, aka Valentine, is a government assassin with The Company. She was heavily trained for years to be a top notch killer. She is one of The Company's best. They contract her out to kill unsavory people. Her handler, Nash Morgan, aka Sentry (also an ex-military vet) gives her the assignment and she reports to him when the assignment is done. He's been her handler for years and she loves his voice, it soothes her. Employees are forbidden to have any relationships with each other under the pain of death! Things aren't going right with assignments and it seems someone in The Company is giving out unsanctioned hits. Cassia and Nash come together and are going to try to bring The Company down with the help of some friends!
What an edge of your seat story with strong, kick ass characters. Has plenty of action, mayhem, murder and hot romance. Highly recommend this story and hope there will be more with the kick ass secondary characters! These two authors, Dawn Sullivan and Annelise Reynolds have really nailed it with this one!! Bravo ladies.
Profile Image for JodyL.
1,644 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2019
Valentine/Cassia and Sentry/Nash blew me away. I grew up in love with the TV show “Alias”. This book reminds me of that show. We have a female operative(Valentine/Cassia) who was trained as an assassin since she was taken in off the streets as a teenager. She does her jobs through a handler called Sentry who calls her with the details of the job.
There is a twist is that even though the “Company” says that they are not to form any type a relationship with anyone, seven of the girls being trained form a bond that transfers to the outside world. Valentine is also forming a bond with Sentry over the phone. When one of the seven girls go missing all heck breaks loose. The Company scrambles to get rid of their loose ends while Valentine and Sentry get to actually meet in person, find out their real names and form a loving relationship.
Nash has some “brothers” from his military days who join the cast so I am anxious and giddy about getting to read more of these books. Bring them on!
I was given a free arc copy of this book and I choose to leave a review with my honest opinion.
1,016 reviews
March 26, 2019
I absolutely enjoyed this book!!! Cassia code name Valentine joined the company when she was a teen along with several other girls near her age. They trained them to be lethal assassins the best of the best and for all intents and purposes that is exactly what they were. They were told not to make attachments but she couldn't help it when she developed feelings for her handler Nash. Even though they have only talked on the phone and never met....there was a strong connection between the two. Nash knows that there is something special about Cassia and when they meet the connection and feelings grew even stronger. When things start going awry…..she beings to question everything she has been taught and who she can trust. Nash will use all of his military training and his friends to help Cassia and protect her at all costs. This story is action packed, will leave you on the edge of your seat, and melt your kindle with all of the hot steamy moments!! I really enjoyed their story and I can't wait to read more. I highly recommend this to all....well done!!!!
Profile Image for Tianna.
220 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2019
Annelise and Dawn have completely blown me away with their new world! Cassia: Code Name Valentine is absolutely hands down amazing. I never knew where the story was going to go. This was a buckle buttercup we are going for a ride type of read. If you don’t like fast paced, heart stopping action and an assassin that can take you down faster than you can blink... then back away slowly.

Valentine is an assassin trained to kill but what happens when the waters become muddy and things around her start falling apart? Nash is a handler and is always a call away but when orders come down from above can he adhere to them?

These two are about to send everything up in smoke both in the bedroom and out. This thrill seeking world of assassins and The Company will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time and cause you to question everything you read.

The Company is coming... are you on their list?
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.2k reviews87 followers
March 25, 2019
Cassia was recruited to work for the “Company” when she was a teenager along with six other girls. They were taught to have no feelings but that didn’t translate to their feelings for each other or Cassia’s feelings for Nate, her handler. When tragedy strike Cassia begins to question everything she has been taught and the company she works for.

Nash is Cassia’s handler and although they haven’t met that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have feelings for her. He comes from a military background and with the help of his friends will do anything to protect Cassia.

This is an action packed, suspense filled story that keeps us guessing. Not only are Nash and Cassia strong characters the secondary characters were great as well. This is the beginning of a new series that leaves us wanting more stories set in this world.
Profile Image for Andrea Britton.
1,802 reviews36 followers
March 26, 2019
A new writing duo and what an action packed book. I love suspense and I love action and that’s exactly what we get with this story. Plus there is romance thrown in and swoon!

These two have only known each other’s voices, one a handler the other Ana assassin. They only heard their voices never getting too personal even though their emotions were overruling the rules.

Nash and Cassia take us on an epic journey of fighting for their lives so they can get away from the Company.

A good series and I can’t wait for the rest of the stories.
Profile Image for Imogen Dior.
562 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2021
I really enjoyed Cassia’s story! I loved her tough, fierce and loyal personality. I adored Nash he was an alpha to the bone but also knew his woman was made of tough stuff and could handle her own. I enjoyed seeing some insight into the next characters like Lotus and Ghost. It’ll be super interesting to see what happens next with the plot itself. Cassia and Nash together equals badass and loyal to death to one another and those they love.
Profile Image for Angie Petray.
159 reviews4 followers
March 27, 2019
What can I say about this book that will tell you how AMAZING it is?! Dawn and Annelise have teamed up to bring us the first book of what promises to be an epic series. Cassia and Nash have off the chart chemistry and you instantly fall in love with both characters. They give you suspense, action, heartbreak and love. I can't wait for the next story!!!
11 reviews
March 27, 2019
Assassins

Betrayal. Loyalty. Friendship. Enemy. Love. These are a few of the situations that are delivered in the writing of this book. The drama and twists and turns of the characters and their lives will keep you turning the page over and over again.
This is a must read and one to put in your library. I look forward to th
E next book and hope it will be soon.
Profile Image for Belinda.
998 reviews11 followers
September 30, 2020
A wonderful and thrilling book. I won an arc of this book and wow it was so enjoyable. Annelise and Dawn were new authors to me and wow. Book one of it his series is the start of Cassia and Nash’s story and we get glimpses of others which I am sure will get their own books as we go further into this series. A wonderful book with great chemistry and action.
699 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2019


Suspensful storyline.

This is a fast-paced, suspenseful read. It had twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a good start to a new series. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

102 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2020
Disappointed

Really enjoyed reading this book,I like to read about strong female characters. A group of females assassins is just what I was looking for. I couldn't put it down. Very disappointed that I have to wait for the second book.
Profile Image for Amanda Rodriguez.
217 reviews
February 4, 2021
Action packed

Cassia is such an amazing story full of action, love, and complications. Life as an assassin isn’t easy. I loved Nash and Cassia’s story as it kept me on my toes and wanting more. Can’t wait to see where the journey goes with the rest of the characters.
Profile Image for Michelle Clark.
5 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2019
Absolutely amazing!!! This book is awesome!! Had me from the beginning! Couldn't put it down! Recommend everyone reading this book! These authors have out done themselves. Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Adrienne Whitson.
52 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2019
Valentine's and Nash's story is just starting in this book.. Will the company regret training this killing machine? This is a compelling read that will keep the pages turning…
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,499 reviews13 followers
March 23, 2019
One heck of a ride... Valentine and Sentry only know each other by voice but you know that the connection is there. There connection when they meet is immediate!
246 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2019
I loved this book! It is definitely a page turner, as I really did not put this book down until I finished it. This is the first book in the series, and it was packed with suspense and an assassin falling in love. It ends perfectly for the book to start. I can hardly wait for more. I definitely recommend this book to everyone to read.
478 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2019
I was drawn in from the beginning and totally consumed before the end! What a ride!!!! I can't wait to see what comes next!
I highly recommend this book!
1,352 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2022
This book is so good! The story is wonderfully done and the characters are kickass. I want more and I can't find them anywhere. What am I missing?!?
Profile Image for Shannon McFadden.
Author 5 books43 followers
March 27, 2019
you really get drawn into this book fast. I loved the characters, the plot, the storyline. Loyalty, betrayal, action, sexiness, strength, courage, you get it all. Such a great read and start to a new series. I can't wait for the next book.
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