Now this chapter made more sense...Maxim's acknowledged Nina getting too high on cocaine as a detriment to the mission...to be honest, I don't see how an agent high on cocaine is even trusted even without being an addict because just being high a person would tend to let their guard down...it's the reason many such drugs are controlled substances to be administered by licensed professionals...cocaine was once used as a powerful anesthetic, so it's potential to compromise the thinking of any person under it's control is high...so an agent using cocaine is clearly not at his or her best...If Nina or any agent for that matter gets hooked, how can the mission not be compromised as an addict will tend to do whatever is needed to score the next fix...since the mission is key it makes sense that an agent would either be pulled or sacrificed before the mission is compromised...otherwise the story becomes hard to believe

This mission doesn't seem to be getting anywhere to me as Nina gets only more abused. Even Maxim abuses her to keep cover. That sucks for her. At least she acknowledged the threat the drug use is to her possibly blowing her cover. Do agents get counseling once an assignment is done? They need it!  This story is only dark with no light. I hope at some point there is a payoff in stopping the monster that is Yuri.

You don't have many reviews for this book, and I think the reader only getting doom and gloom with little hope of payoff steers readers away.  If the reader is allowed some hope or a little light along the way, it would maybe keep us more invested. The story is written to seem as if Nina has no honest purpose or power in this mission other than what is between her legs. She doesn't seem to really have any training as an agent that will help her in this mission. Her colleagues are no different from Yuri and his thugs. They all play to win no matter the cost. So why do I read? Because I'm trusting you as a woman of intelligence and integrity to have a vision and purpose that will ultimately uplift Nina and maybe she will save Maxim. I just see an author dealing with deep, dark subjects to show that though tears come and pain endures for a time, joy can come...if not what really is the purpose...somehow the universe balances the perversion even if all don't see it...but that's me being hopeful...

I understand Nina's hatred for Maxim...Nina is really getting hooked...bug to what end...this story seems stuck but I am really interested because I see the conflict evolving to Maxim needing to.save Nina but somehow they will need each other...I am still reading to see where it goes...it's tough subject matter but original...good job with difficult material...

A sedative has to be given intravenously to have a more rapid effect...Nina should have know since she just hit Yuri with the syringe where she could that the effect would take longer to manifest...good story still...I'm happy that Yuri is neutralized but it would be good to see this story really mean something for Nina and the other characters instead of the constant abuse suffered over the past 16 chapters...will Nina be able to leave the agency now...will she still use drugs to numb her pain...and what of Nina and Maxim...I really hope you will delve further into the relationships between these characters...looking forward to more...

Hey, I'm glad you finally responded to one of my reviews...you chose very dark and difficult subject matter...I think now that Yuri is neutralized  you can spend time really focusing on the story as I originally thought it would be...Nina's descent further into darkness because I think with this mission over (Yuri is caught) that she won't be able to give up the drugs...she will use drugs to hide the pain from the scars she bears from the mission...Maxim and Brandon will help her deal with her pain...as Nina descends further into drug dependency, Maxim and Brandon try their best to pull her out, especially Maxim since he would feel so at fault for her condition...now you have the responsibility for how this plays out on the pages but you can do it...you started out with very good intentions to do an original piece of work...don't give up as I do like the story...but we need to see some light...in the process of watching Nina bring down Yuri, did either Maxim or Brandon (or both) develop feelings for her...what will they do as she spirals out of control...what about Nina's place in the agency...those are just a few suggestions...I'll be sad if you can't finish but I understand if you lost your muse...all the best...

Not a troll...I'm a member and a regular reader...I typically try to save my comments for authors that I really think are good and want to support them...just sayin'...and I was honestly trying to offer support...reviews should do just that offer support and constructive criticism to encourage you to hone your craft...even if you write for yourself, I would think it still helps to have an audience enjoy your work...but maybe that's just me...

Poor Nina...not the best way to reclaim herself but she just wanted to feel different in the immediate sense...not a solution by far...doesn't even seem like a step in the right direction...but her anguish has been palpable and she's just looking for a fix that is not the same physiological high as drugs...but wouldn't the agency have programs to help agents like Nina "detox" after such an incredibly cruel mission...glad you are still updating...

So good to read of Maxim taking Yuri down...now Nina has a better understanding of Maxim....good chapter...

Good story. I usually think baby mamma stories are overdone but you developed a strong, likable chararacter with integrity in Aries. Cameron needs work to be worthy of her and even his son. Aries has nothing material yet her integrity shines especially above her child's father who seems to have everythiing. Still I wonder if the money and influence of Cameron's family will try to pull Aries from her child. To early to tell but I'm along for the ride.

Interesting!  We start in the middle of problems for Yani and Nathan.  Maybe these problems explain what happened to Malcolm, too.  I look forward to learning more.  Good start!

Good chapter!  The first show of connection, emotion and intimacy between Nathan and Yani.  Nathan can't keep acting like he hates her because now she knows he feels something for her.  What's next for them?  I'm excited to find out!