Killing Sarai by J. A. Redmerski

Killing Sarai (In the Company of Killers, #1)

by J. A. Redmerski

Sarai was only fourteen when her mother uprooted her to live in Mexico with a notorious drug lord. Over time she forgot what it was like to live a normal life, but she never let go of her hope to escape the compound where she has been held for the past nine years.

Victor is a cold-blooded assassin who, like Sarai, has known only death and violence since he was a young boy. When Victor arrives at the compound to collect details and payment for a hit, Sarai sees him as her only opportunity for escape. But things don’t go as planned and instead of finding transport back to Tucson, she finds herself free from one dangerous man and caught in the clutches of another.

While on the run, Victor strays from his primal nature as he succumbs to his conscience and resolves to help Sarai. As they grow closer, he finds himself willing to risk everything to keep her alive; even his relationship with his devoted brother and liaison, Niklas, who now like everyone else wants Sarai dead.

As Victor and Sarai slowly build a trust, the differences between them seem to lessen, and an unlikely attraction intensifies. But Victor’s brutal skills and experience may not be enough in the end to save her, as the power she unknowingly holds over him may ultimately be what gets her killed.

This is their story…

Reviewed by Angie on

4 of 5 stars

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I knew nothing about Killing Sarai before reading it other than it was a dark, romantic suspense. I'm actually pretty glad I went into it blind, since it was fun to just experience it without expectations! The story jumps right in with Sarai and her friend Lydia spying on a meeting between their captor, Javier, and some unknown American. Sarai sees this as her one chance to get back to the United States after being held in who-knows-where, Mexico for nine years. Turns out that the American is some kind of hit man, but she's willing to take her chances, especially since she'd rather be dead than spend more time there.

Killing Sarai is fast paced, exciting, and never dull! I did get worried since Sarai does get back home quite early on, but of course, she's not clear from danger. Javier wants her back and will stop at nothing to get her. Then at the halfway mark, the tables turn and I wasn't sure what kind of direction the story could take, but the author surprised me! Sarai knows she can't go back to a normal life after what she's had to do, so she asks Victor (the American hit man) to train her. She's seen enough death over their few days together, so perhaps she can help deal it out? Victor's job is not quite what I assumed. He does some horrible things, but then they're not so terrible, but they're still terrible. It's conflicting, but I was intrigued.

My favorite part of Killing Sarai was the lack of romance. That may seem weird coming from me, but it's true. If Sarai was all over Victor and wanting to be with him always, and he suddenly went from cold-hearted killer to tender lover, I would have to roll my eyes. It simply wouldn't have fit. That's not to say that there's not feelings and some touching, because there is. There are actually a couple of pretty steamy scenes, but they're not about everlasting insta-love. Sarai has been forced to be with a man for nine years, so she's finally finding herself attracted to someone of her choosing and wants to reclaim her sexuality. Victor isn't a heartless monster, so it's natural that he softens up to her. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing their relationship blossom into more though. Although at this point, it seems like it can only end in tragedy.

I really liked Killing Sarai. I love these darker stories, even though this one doesn't go into the darkness all the way. It was a great balance between hopeless and hopeful, since Sarai is on her way to reclaiming her life. I did think that ending could have been perfect for a standalone, but then that last page came and I can't help but be eager to see what Sarai does next!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

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  • Started reading
  • 26 April, 2014: Finished reading
  • 26 April, 2014: Reviewed