Spectre

This book opens introducing you to the main protagonists as individuals in such a way that you’re immediately immersed and wanting them to find their way to a happily ever after. Then the circumstances that bring them together tell you right away that Spectre is not fully the monster his father tried to make him and you’re hoping he learns that about himself. Tia, diagnosed in her late teens with Asperger’s, has difficulty acknowledging emotions and expressing her thoughts or feelings very diplomatically which adds humor but I think working to do so and the therapy she’s received and gives through art, attributes to her ability to see how Spectre hides his emotions and becomes the key his heart needs to see himself beyond his imposed rage and what life with her could be. These two are thrown together in a necessary close proximity scenario to keep her safe from the monsters that do exist in humans…which helps them grow in understanding of each other and themselves. Secondary characters and how they are woven into their lives and the plot put these two on a path of so much more than protector protected and is done so well within the story!. Love this couples growth and the erotic scenes that go beyond physical acts to opening them to trust and growth and the determination to make it work.

After reading the blurb of SPECTRE, I pre-ordered the book right then. I love stories with mismatched couples that find each other, make the strangest odd couple, but someway try to make it work. Spectre (Meric) and Tia are perfect for each other, even if no one else would ever see why.Tia Jenkins was trying to make her way in the world. She had a home, a job, and a steady routine. For a person with Asperger's this was as “normal” as her normal could get. She knew she was different. Lots of people thought she was weird. Neuro-atypical was one popular term. She couldn't help if her brain worked differently. She had a great best-friend and half-brother that adored her. They both accepted her just the way she was. She even adopted a new dog, she named Valkyrie.Spectre was unlucky to be raised by a father that was a monster. He had tried to make the young boy Meric into a monster, too. But a man named Sarge had found him, saved his life, and set him on a new path. The broken child he had been ceased to exist, but he still became an assassin. The difference being he now was hired to take out the worst of humanity. This career would end when someone hired him to take out Tia. He took it upon himself to make his new career saving Tia.Spectre and Tia had a really long road to becoming a couple. From him kidnapping her and her dog, to dealing with the people who wanted her dead for revenge. To her brother, who was an honest cop, that didn't take kindly to him kidnapping his sister. There is plenty of hot sex, but only between two willing adults. They are a mixed race couple, but they don't care, so why should we. I enjoyed their story and recommend you read their story, too.

Content note: Interracial romance and some non-neurotypical characters (yay!). Very explicit (and varied) dom/sub sex. Some dark implications regarding past child abuse.I love the characters in this book. Both Spectre and Tia have some difficulties dealing with emotions–both their own, and other people’s. The journey of discovery that they go on together is wonderful. I also particularly liked Tia’s half-brother, Mac, the police officer, and how he figures into the story. The relationship between Spectre and Tia is by no means simple or easy, but Walker makes it believable.While there’s definitely a framework of thriller to this book, it’s mostly erotic romance. The sex is lusty and hot. It beautifully shows the fact that the submissive in a dom/sub relationship has power, and that acquiring consent can be a very sexy (not to mention important) part of sexytimes (that doesn’t at all have to take away from being dominant). I really appreciate this, because some authors skirt that consent line a little hard for my tastes.Spectre and Tia make an amazingly hot couple, and I love the story they’re caught up in! If you’re looking for something tense and hot, this is a great investment.

Spectre by Shiloh Walker has the trifecta of successful stories - interesting characters, unique plot, and a meaningful theme.🔰Meric aka Spectre is an antisocial assassin with a traumatic past. I’m a total sucker for heroes with a tortured soul and a heart of gold - Meric definitely fits that mold. Tia is a smart, creative heroine who has Asperger’s Syndrome. She teaches art classes, loves her brother, and tells it like it is.🔰They meet when Spectre kidnaps Tia... And her dog. They struggle as they figure out the situation and each other. This is not your typical Stockholm Syndrome kidnapping trope. Tia is strong and sassy throughout and Spectre just can’t get enough of her!🔰Although I had an idea of where they would end up, I was kept guessing on how they’d get there. Themes of family and self-acceptance are woven throughout the story. The tension and heat between Meric and Tia sizzles. Overall, it all just works!🔰I definitely recommend this book. Anyone who likes enemies to lovers or kidnap stories, appreciates neurodiversity in romance, or is looking for something a little outside the box, should definitely give it a try!

Wow! Spectre is so many things. It’s dark. Like, tear your heart out dark. It’s sexy. So sexy it’ll burn your panties off. It’s suspenseful. My lip is bruised from biting it. I loved it.Spectre is fully developed. Lots of character work and plot building. Shiloh Walker is a master storyteller.Be advised: it’s got some kink. Thank goodness! I love a little kink with my romance.