Razor's Edge

American Yakuza, Book 3

By: Isabella

Narrated by: Victoria Mei

Luce Potter lives by a code of honor. Push her, and she shoves back, harder. There’s only one problem: Luce has just found out that revenge is a knife that cuts both ways. Now that her lover Brooke has survived the attack on her life, Luce has only one thing on her mind, and his name is Frank. Unfortunately, someone walks into her life that she didn’t see coming.

Brooke Erickson has survived an attack so brutal it’s left a permanent scar on her soul. All she wants to do now is go home and finish recuperating with her lover, Luce Potter, by her side. An unexpected event puts Brooke at the head of the Yakuza family. Can she command the respect necessary to lead it through the crisis?

Luce and Brooke’s worlds are upending. Can each do what’s necessary to survive and return to a new normal?

©2017 Christine Svendsen (P)2019 Sapphire Books Publishing

An edge of your seat experience!

This third (and possibly final?) book of the American Yakuza series is filled with edge-of-your-seat angst - with Luce being in the most perilous position of her tenure as the head of the Japanese crime family. Much of the story is told in flashback. I am hesitant to give too much away in the review, but will say I wondered why she made certain choices to get herself into that predicament, considering what happened in book 2. But if she hadn't, I guess we wouldn't have had a story! Speaking of book 2, there were a few extended flashbacks of scenes from it that I felt could have been condensed. That said - I probably enjoyed this book/audiobook the most of the three. It was violent, yet exciting. And there was an interesting twist I didn't see coming. And Brooke's character evolves in a very positive, admirable way. Luce also makes progress in her feelings for Brooke, yet they are separated through the bulk of this book, so it's more "tell" than "show." This didn't have the abundant sex that the first two had, but that was due to what happens in the story. Victoria Mei seemed to have made some tweaks to her narration that her made her work a real highlight of this experience - it was the best I've heard from her! It seems like there was a door left open to continue the story and not sure if Isabella is considering that. If she is, I'm up for more! I'd like to see Brooke's character continue to develop and given the place of honor she deserves in Luce's life. It would also be interesting to see Luce grow further into her role, though I expect she will be considerably hardened after what has happened thus far. 

Book #4?

Nicely done! It’s been great seeing Luce and Brooke’s relationship develop. Book 3 was action packed and I loved it! Hoping there’s a book 4 coming soon. I really enjoyed Victoria Mei’s narration. She really bring these characters to life!

WOW

That was a real nail biter. I’m glad to see Brooke in charge. She a lot stronger than they give her credit for. I would love to know what happens to Frank the weasel. Luce needs to marry Brooke already. A fourth book would be amazing. Victoria Mei was superb as always. She really makes you feel the story.

Loveeeeeeee 100% recommend

There better be another book. Honestly what.
Victoria Mei is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrator!

Seriously enjoyable, but somewhat short.

I listened to this book immediately after finishing book 2, which I think definitely colors my opinion here. I would recommend letting things cool a little for you between book 2 and 3, otherwise you’ll hear some of the same scenes you’ve just experienced. There were a lot of flashbacks throughout this book that referenced things from both of the first two books. Those earlier scenes felt absolutely vital to where the story was going, but for me this was a slight negative. I also would've liked to see it be a bit longer, considering both of the first two were over 8 hours, but that's personal preference and had no bearing on the rating I gave this book.

With that said, the narration was once again fantastic. I feel like I’m repeating myself in the reviews from book to book in this series, but this type of story is absolutely not my usual preference. I only read the first one and didn’t care to continue them when I found out there was more to follow. That would have been a mistake, and I’m glad that I gave the audio a chance because I definitely see myself listening to this whole series again in the future.

All told, this book nicely wraps up the series enough that if it ended here I’d be happy. At the same time there were enough little trails left open that could easily continue the story, and I can’t wait to find out if we get to see more of Luce and Brooke in the future. Definitely recommend.