Wanted by Dee Tenorio – a Review

Wanted

Description:
Some secrets are worth dying for…

Undersheriff and former Marine Rick Trelane had one constant his entire life – his friendship with Whitney Peterson. Through thick and thin, she has never faltered. Never blamed. But when her former lover turns up dead, Rick must look past the walls he’s built to the woman he thought he knew inside and out…and discover he was wrong.

Whitney has secrets, deadly ones. The deeper he digs, the more he sees her as a woman he desires. And suspects. But as bodies start turning up, so does the evidence against her. Now the air is thick with secrets and shadows and giving into the longing could turn both their worlds upside down. Because this killer is just getting started…

Review:

When a less than exemplary citizen is gunned down, his chest turned into “swiss cheese”, the loss won’t drag down the town. When the suspect is your oldest friend, the woman you’ve been in love with from afar, for as far as you can remember, you’ll go as far as you can to protect her. Wanted by Dee Tenorio was an “ignorance is bliss” until you threaten to walk away forever type of love story. As if that wasn’t stressful and fabulous enough for an entire book, (Rick and Whitney don’t surrender easily), murder entanglements *grins* keep our H/H distracted. Will love conquer or suffer?

Rick is a former Marine turned undersheriff of his California hometown. He is familiar with discipline, thrives on structure, and strives to maintain a “frosty” exterior to spare himself further agony of loss. Deprivation is a more accurate assessment, but you won’t hear Rick complaining (out loud). It’s worked to a degree, he’s good at what he does, but Whitney is done maintaining distance. She’s willing to complicate Rick’s order because it would undoubtedly enhance his, their, life. If only he wasn’t terrified of ruining their 30 year friendship. *insert audible exhale*

“Life isn’t supposed to be executed like a mission plan, son. Sure, it’s good to have a direction. To aim for something that gives it meaning. But it’s also supposed to have surprises and serendipity and something else that starts with an ‘s’ that you weren’t expecting.

Now, if Whitney had any say in the matter, she’d hold on to Rick and never let go. We learn that Whitney survived an abusive relationship, her former lover is the one who turned up murdered (not mourned), but the depths of her trauma, though tenderly revealed, are harsh. Whitney uses bravado so as not to appear weak, but I was begging for her to have a meltdown and unburden herself! It is a gift to read Rick’s thoughts on Whitney’s courage.

I loved the balance Ms. Tenorio supplied to these characters. Rick and Whitney are kindred spirits who aren’t broken despite impactful histories. Their banter was a series of volleys, friendly and charged, demonstrating a vital camaraderie. Their seduction, though slow to develop, was a pulsing passion when unleashed, trouncing over indecision. Rick and Whitney are just wonderful together!

Rolling up his sleeves, he started toward her and she had to force her mouth to stay closed. He’d broken way too many bones in that sumptuous body and he still moved like a lion on the prowl. She never wanted to be a steak more in her life.

When a second connected murder links Whitney, her sullied reputation is brought up again, indicating motive. Rick intends to clear Whitney’s name by fair means or foul. Oddly romantic, save for the obstruction of justice, lol. Just when the stars were aligning, will Rick adhere to the letter of the law or protect Whitney at all costs?

Wanted earns its place amongst excellent company. This book is Wanted for a terrific summer read!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher