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Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite The Killing Game - Part One - The Blood Negotiators (The Killing Game Series) (Volume 1) by The Black Rose takes us into the New York division of the FBI. Ives, the Director, must investigate the woman that he has waited a lifetime to find because she wrote a novel that is more than accurate about an Italian crime boss. The FBI takes it upon themselves to recruit her help in getting into the organization of the Mob Boss and then the plan all falls to pieces. When that happens, Ives puts himself on the line for the one woman he loves.If you want action, adventure, a little mystery and a dash of a love story, then this is the right book for you. I think that The Black Rose is into something with The Killing Game and this makes a thrilling opener to the series. I am personally looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I started this book and had some trouble putting it down once I did; I couldn’t guess when certain turns would happen in the action when reading this one, which I enjoyed. The book is well written with a flow to it that works for the story; the action is well paced throughout. One pitfall to these kinds of books is sometimes too much action at one point and not enough at others, but that doesn’t happen with The Killing Game. I would recommend this book with two thumbs way up. Lit Amri As the Director of the New York Division of the FBI, Ives Andrich is frustrated with the Bureau regarding his investigation of a novelist, Allina Kovar, whose manuscript titled Blood Negotiators is a bit too accurate about Vincent Luca, an Italian crime lord. The Bureau, against Ives' wishes, asks for her help in infiltrating Luca’s inner organization. However, the Bureau’s plan fails and Allina’s life is in danger. Ives’s frustration with the Bureau’s incompetence reaches its limit. For the sake of the woman he loves, he will risk anything to save her. Written by The Black Rose, The Killing Game is a thrilling crime novel series, with The Blood Negotiators as its first installment. It is a template for what a crime thriller should be, with all the elements laid out in the right scope, including suspense, romance, betrayal and intrigue – not forgetting the long-standing wars between the FBI and the mafia.Protagonist Ives Andrich falls in love with Allina Kovar as soon as he sees her photo; “Miss Allina Kovar, you are the woman I will marry. Somehow, I will prove to you that I am worthy of you.” The romance aspect of The Killing Game is as strong as the out-and-out roller-coaster ride of suspense and action that The Black Rose has provided for readers to enjoy. The ending promises an exciting continuation in Book Two, The Chase. All in all, this is a thrilling story that will appeal to die-hard crime thriller fans who would be happy to add The Killing Game to their collection and follow the series. Samantha Rivera In order to uncover crime, the FBI will occasionally go undercover. After all, what better way is there to make someone talk than to befriend them and convince them that you’re on their side? In Ives’ case, that means befriending the lovely Allina, author of The Blood Negotiators, a woman the FBI is positive knows the crime boss they’re looking for. But Ives isn’t happy just getting to know Allina; he wants to make her love him as he loves her, and that’s where this story takes a turn from adventure and intrigue to romance and mystery. The Killing Game by The Black Rose will keep you breathless as you turn one page after the next.I was drawn in by the first few pages of this book. The relationship between Allina and Ives is electric and the way the two relate to each other just in those first pages is something that you can almost feel for yourself. I found myself wishing for a relationship like the two of them had and a man who would do anything to protect me, just like Ives. This relationship is definitely a wild ride and there’s way more going on behind the scenes than anyone would ever know. I wanted to learn even more about these characters and that’s why I’ll be looking for the next book as soon as it comes out. The Killing Game is a book you’re going to want to read and one where you’ll be hanging onto every word. Sarah Butfield from Goodreads 5-Stars This is the second book I have read written by The Black Rose and without question it is another well written, thoroughly researched crime novel. It is a story of over ups and deceit involving The Mob and FBI, but with an underlying romantic vein. The big question is how will an FBI director investigate a criminal that potentially the new love of his life may know or be involved with! The story is told with such passion and dedication to the craft of writing. Written in such a way that it demands your complete attention to fully appreciate the intricacies and complexity of the plot and its characters particularly Allina and Ives. For me it is a book that you cannot read quickly, not that you would want to, because there are so many factually based and detailed elements crucial to the plot that you could easily lose your way. This has been achieved with and excellent use of vocabulary which oozes exquisite taste, is entertaining and makes this book a joy to read but most important to savour. It is delicate yet intense and delivers the numerous plot twists in a natural unforced manner in keeping with the pace and the characters roles within the storyline. Carolyn from Goodreads 5-Stars Another fantastic contemporary murder mystery novel. At first I thought, geez, get real. This girl was falling for his "come ons" hook, line and sinker. I've had men try that and I couldn't get away fast enough. Please! Do I look that stupid? It actually struck me as juvenile. But, as I delved further into the book and slowly learned her character (a romance author), I understood her more. Once I got past that business, the story really took off for me. And, what a story. Sleezy, huge underground criminal enterprise vs. the head of the entire East Coast Section of the FBI who was undercover and his "recruited" civilian (our romance author, Allina). Allina had also written a crime novel on illegal sports betting that had just too much real information to suit the FBI. Ives (our FBI hero) falls hard for Allina and tries to keep her safe while putting her into an untenable situation with the villein. She is told the FBI only needs her under cover help for a short time. Of course, that is far from the truth. There were all kinds of great characters in this intense and very well researched book. There were some parts that dragged on a bit, but it didn't detract from the story itself. There were lots of things I never saw coming and that always surprises me because I can usually figure things in advance. Just when you think things are settling down, you are in for more surprises. It was a real roller coaster ride. Once I got past that little bit of foolishness in the beginning (only my opinion), I really enjoyed this book. As a matter of fact, I'm already onto the next book by this talented author "The Chase" which is the second book in this series. And, there is nothing like finding a new author to read! ;) Kathryn Wright from Goodreads 5-Stars The Killing Game, Part One, the Blood Negotiators is an action filled love story that kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page. Allina is amazing character, she’s very feminine, but strong and able to take care of herself. Which is exactly why the startlingly handsome and smart Ives wants to protect her at all costs. The FBI case against Vincent Luca and Ives and Allina’s love story is set up through present day events and seamless flashbacks. This is the second book I’ve read by The Black Rose and I adore her writing style. The characters are well formed people who I would either like to be like or like to meet. The connection The Black Rose draws between the characters and the reader is what makes The Blood Negotiators so difficult to put down. I care about Ives and Allina and MUST know what happens next! I very much liked how New York City was used as a back drop. Coming from New York it was fabulous being able to picture exactly what street the action was happening on. The action sequences where well-paced and very easy to visualize. I also liked the love scenes, it was enough to know what was going on, but not so much that I was embarrassed to read the book on the train. I think my only negative comment would be that there was as awful lot of will they or won’t they, but I seem to think that of most books, I think it might be my own impatience with finding out what comes next in the story. The Blood Negotiators was a great read and I am waiting impatiently for the next instalment! I received this book from the writer for a review. JASmith82 from Amazon 5.0 out of 5 stars The Killing Game: Cat and Mouse Chase At Its Best Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2016 Verified Purchase The Killing Game: Cat and Mouse Chase At It’s Best Boy meets girl. Boy and girl fall in love. Boy keeps secret that he is part of the FBI and the chase is on. The Killing Game by The Black Rose is the first in a series. It takes what could be a predictable plot line and leads the reader on a wild and unexpected ride through a maze of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing as to who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. The story does not let up until the final sentence. Ives Aldrich, FBI Special Agent New York is investigating an organized crime ring and the woman of his dreams all at the same time. Alina is a writer who pens a very convincing book about the Mob and finds herself caught between the man she loves, criminal masterminds and secret agents. Just when the reader thinks that the bad guys have been foiled and the power couple can finally be happy, the couple is confronted with another obstacle and the game is on again. The characters on both sides of good and evil are well developed and believable. The characters and plot construction show depth and dimension that make for compelling romantic suspense. This novel is sexy and edge of your seat suspenseful that harkens back to the days of Sydney Sheldon but adds a modern twist. I enjoyed the novel immensely . While it is obviously the first in a series the reader is left with a cliffhanger. However, many of the threads developed throughout the novel are brought to a satisfying conclusion at the end. If you enjoy fast-paced suspense coupled with a sexy romance, The Killing Game should not be missed. For more Reviews on The Killing Game, visit the links below: Goodreads | Amazon Readers’ Favorite