Sara Clemens Mystery Series by LR Starr-Review Tour

 

 

FIREBOMB
Sara Clemens Mystery .5
Release Date April 3, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery, suspense

FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

How does a P.I. and a rogue assassin named Hawk start working together?

Let’s just say… it involves things blowing up, an off-the-wall ex bomb specialist, and fifty five dead already.
The cause; a blonde beauty editor from Manhattan.

Can a green private investigator solve the case in time before the next bomb hits New York City?

It’s time to find out.

A suspenseful, short story of the beginnings of a beautiful friendship formed.

••••••••••

REVIEW: No better way to start a Saturday morning with a stalker case and a bomb……

And with that we are off on an adventure, a short one yes, but packed with action.

Sara has only been a P. I for six months, she has a knack for digging out things, and her last job paid well. So when she gets a new case, Sara mistakenly thinks it’s going to be an easy one……

Hawk is an assassin, not sure if he’s a good or bad guy yet! But as he works for the government who knows! He’s got a base that’s small but does the job adequately. He’s also sort of a nice guy, no attachments just a quick and satisfying hookup, no time for love……

They come together when their cases cross paths.

Hawk has the upper hand as he’s been in this game longer than Sara has, and he’s annoyed that she’s in the way, she’s going to get herself hurt!

We get a lot of background with this story, and as I already know there are at least three books after this one, the author thought they could give us a glimpse of their past without wasting pages on a new book (good plan) I liked both Hawk and Sara, I’m hoping it’s going to stay a working relationship with a possibility of heavy flirting.

I could see this as a movie, the story is straight forward, the characters are clear and concise, and the action is pretty constant.
It’s short, it’s intense, and it’s made me want more ……

?

______________

CHECKMATE
Sara Clemens Mystery 1
by LR Starr
Release Date: March 16, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery, suspense

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

A gruesome murder. Floating body parts found in the Hudson river all before breakfast on a Sunday morning. The Elliots got away with it again…

A rich family lineage ruling New York City that deemed themselves untouchable. The golden baton has been passed to the blue-eyed Robert Elliot. He’s the head of the empire now, and he’s been getting away with murder. Or so he thinks…

What he didn’t bank on is the dark horse, Sara Clemens. Clemens is a badass private investigator and she’s set to turn the tables on Elliot. Clemens has her own set of problems to deal with. Like the fact, she has to babysit a bratty supermodel and avoid becoming a pawn in Elliot’s game.

Will she let this dangerously electric attraction between her and Elliot cloud the case? Will she be able to solve the murder in time to avenge the death of her client’s son?

Get prepared for a game of cat and mouse, high wit, unlikely players, forbidden attraction, crazy model behavior, and international espionage.

••••••••••

REVIEW: Let me tell you a little story about when I fell for a bad guy…Yeah, I know right? Pretty cliché, good girl falls for bad guy. Stay with me, because it’s a helluva story and not what you think. Honestly….

Sara started out as a simple photographer, that then turned her into an investigative detective. She’s had her ups and downs of cases, but this one has to be one of her most interesting ones…..

She’s a great character, strong, independent and her witty one liners did have me chuckling. She is also a caring individual, out to right wrongs and help find justice for those who can’t fight for themselves.

Hawk is sick of having to bail out a certain P.I!! His skills as a spy have come in handy he’s for hire but at the right price. He is very selective in taking on cases and has worked for the Secret Intelligence Unit (SIS) in Britain, on occasions.And they always seem to end up chasing the same bad guy! I’d say Hawk is more methodical in his research, Sara has that knack of finding her clues. His background makes him perfect for this job, but it’s his personal life that helps him to stay grounded and focused. He’s a descendant of the native Indian, I loved Hawk, he’s a great character,

We’ve had how they met in a short prequel (Firebomb) I did think it was going to be maybe a slow burn romance, or a partner mystery.
So if your thinking this is a romance story, then it is of sorts, but the romance comes from the bad guy and Sara. The chemistry is off the charts, she knows she should be on her guard, but he’s slowly pulling her in…..

The interaction between Sara and Hawk is more big brother looking out for his little sister. And when they do interact it’s that vibe. (Still hoping they get together eventually) I love how the POV’s (Points of View) come from Sara, Robert Elliot and Hawk it’s a little confusing at first, but it’s great to have the bad guys take on a story. We get different perspectives on this case, so it reads a lot like a movie rather than a one dimensional book.

Cleverly written, very detailed and the fast moving. The suspense was nail biting, especially as secrets and a few new players pop up and Sara realizes she’s going to have to protect those people too! If your a big fan of murder/mystery this will get you thinking.

Sara thinks it’s just gathering intel, in fact it’s more than that, it’s fast turning into global espionage and terrorism! And it’s a ride right up until the end, which is a cliffhanger!!!

The only thing I didn’t like was Sara and her attraction to Robert! The attraction wasn’t a problem (people fall for the wrong person all the time) I didn’t like how she tried to rationalise it, she couldn’t think around him (I would have thought she would be extra vigilant because of who he was!)

And I have to mention Robert Eliot, a mafia bosses son, but now he’s a boss and he’s not a nice guy (think I’ve been reading too many mafia books as I know think they all have redeeming qualities) there is nothing he won’t do! And don’t think of crossing him, as it won’t even well for you!! He always seemed to be one step ahead of both Hawk and Sara. I got the impression he used Sara a little and any feelings he might have felt for our P.I was fabricated!

As I said the book does end on sort of a cliffhanger. But saying that, a few loose ends are tied up, but will our blue eyed bad guy escape Sara, Hawk and the police?

___________

PAWN
Sara Clemens Mystery 2
by LR Starr
Release Date: July 17, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery, suspense

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

Portugal, a nice European getaway. Escapism from a torrid case and a chance for private investigator Sara Clemens to lick her wounds.

But it’s not over… because when she touches down on European soil, she steps right into the middle of the chessboard. Two men are chasing her, one of them is sexy and dangerous, vying for her heart. The other wants the thrill of taking her life with his bare hands.

Elliot is a skilled player who calls himself the King. He’s out to expand his empire, and it includes Ms. Clemens. On this rollercoaster ride, the lines of justice get blurry.

Pawn; the weakest piece in the game of chess, who will fold?

Get prepared for the stakes to be raised a little higher with international kingpins, a new setting, taboo encounters, heartache and secrets that need to be taken to the grave.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Nice try, Sara. You thought it was going to be that easy? Think again. We have unfinished business. I’ll be in touch soon. Your move next. Check Mate. *

With the way book 1 ended, I hoped the pace and suspense would continue….. And it did!!

Sara is scared she’s having reoccurring nightmares about Viper!! She’s also worried about her connection with Robert Elliot (mafia guy and all round bada$$!) but the game hasn’t ended and Sara is still in the middle of this deadly game….

Robert is not out of this game yet! He still intends to expand his crime empire, and he’s had to hideout in Portugal until its safe, but while he’s here he’s going to enjoy EVERY single minute. I did have to chuckle when he tried to sleep with someone and Sara’s face kept popping up! He’s got it bad for that P.I.
But he’s not a reformed mafia boss, oh no, he’s still happy to shoot you! And he still needs his wife dead!

Hawk is now back with an old love, he’s happy at long last, but he’s worried about Sara. If it wasn’t for her he probably wouldn’t be with Evana.
He’s still a good guy, and I loved Hawk, his skills are sharp and on point, loved the fact Hawk relies on his Indian heritage and his spirit guide has never let him down and it’s the only thing that keeps him from going to help Sara.

With a second book you have to worry that it won’t be as good as the first, you don’t need to have any worries, the pace from the first is still in evidence. We get inside of everyone’s head, we get to witness Sara’s fear of being caught by the Viper! We see the emotion Robert has for Sara (which is so sweet) and yes he’s a bad guy, but if he can redeem himself then maybe they can have a future, but I get the feeling although he really likes Sara, he’s not going to give up the money and power he’s accrued…..

I have to admit although I loved the idea of Sara and Robert, I did harbour a hope they might not have gotten a happy ending, (cruel I know) and I haven’t given the plot away either, because this book ends with a cliffhanger 😉 I liked that Hawk gets a happy ending, the love of his life is back in his life and it’s going great, the only concern he has is Sara, he’s worried that this last case will be the death of his friend!

But once they get their heads together, they come up with a game plan. To keep Sara safe and to keep an eye on Robert. Oh and to help Hawk nail his target (which coincidently happens to be part of Robert’s new empire plan (see I told you it would all come together)

But when Robert and Sara meet again, it’s not harsh words and fists that are thrown….. Lets just say it gets hot and steamy, really steamy!!

And when Sara almost gets kidnapped, Robert has to choose, leave Sara to her fate, or go rescue the fair maiden and profess undying love? And what will Hawk do when he finds out?

If you like your romance with lots of action/murder/suspense/murder/sex, then pick up this book and be prepared to lose a little sleep.
So do you want to know what happens next? Well buy the book and find out, you really won’t be sorry.

?
_______________

KNIGHT TIME
Sara Clemens Mystery 3
by LR Starr
Release Date: November 14, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery, suspense

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

We’re all out of chess moves. Only the raw truth remains for Robert and Sara.

Hidden enemies, mistruths, and the misfortune of tainted love are the main dish.

All the players are back on home turf in New York for the final curtain call.

The P.I. has to come to grips with which side of the board she lands on, as her and Robert’s fate comes to a head. The decision she makes could forever change her destiny.

The devilish billionaire is hell-bent on regaining his Manhattan throne, but a dark horse and his cavalry lie in wait. He’s the one Elliot doesn’t see coming, and it’s going to be a cold New York winter before he lets Elliot get away with murder.

Evana, his now estranged wife, has a whole set of problems all her own and is busy trying to stay alive.

The stage has been set, get ready for a wild, heart-pounding ride from Paris to Norway and back to New York again.

How will the chips fall? And who will they fall with? Hold on. We’re almost there.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Possible spoilers for previous book…..

Man!!! That was intense!!

In the last book Robert (mafia boss and bad guy) realizes he’s in love with Sara (our P.I)
Hawk (assassin and gun for hire) has got the love of his life back (she was married to the mafia boss) and is trying to keep his friend Sara safe (she got drugged and almost kidnapped)

So am I ready for the next instalment? You better I am……

The final chapter in this griping series sees the players finally merging on the same playing field…….

Hawk has to keep an eye out for the enemies, they are coming in thick and fast, and people he thought he could rely on are causing his spirit guide to go crazy (Hawk is a Native American and can communicate with his grandfather) it looks like he’s on his own!

Sara knows her and Robert would never work. She might not be squeaky clean, but she’s never killed, unless In selfdefense. Her feelings for the mafia boss are so complicated, they burn the sheets up when they are together, and when he’s near, she just wants more of him, and she knows he feels the same way.
But she made a promise to take this man down, to make him pay for a murder. But if she puts him away, then there goes her only chance at happiness!!

Evana gets her say in this story. We see things from her side of the fence, she’s loved Hawk forever but got swayed by money and drugs, she then left Hawk broken hearted and married Robert! She’s been looking over her shoulder ever since, she’s hoping for a happy ever after ending with Hawk.
I did think Evana a little shallow (thought Hawk could do better!) and naive.

And we can’t forget Robert, his enemies are closing in, allies are turning against him, but he’s not down, no sir, he had a few more tricks up his sleeve!!!!!

This book keeps up the pace, and then some! If this was a movie, then I’d happily buy a ticket and watch this fast paced action/murder/suspense/romance story play out. We have arrests, escapes, planes and double dealings!

I still wasn’t sure about Robert and Sara, he’s a mafia boss and he’s thought nothing of killing people that looked at him the wrong way!! But his feelings for Sara have shocked both him and me! He wants to make her the centre of his world, he’s not romantic, he has no intention of mending his ways and helping those less fortunate than himself. But he wants to mean something to Sara.

The romance between Hawk and Evana was cute, she knows who he is, but if he doesn’t give up his job, could he lose her?

And who is still orchestrating the players? I thought I had it all figured out, then BAM!!!! I so did not see that coming……..

Now I’m glad I got to read the three books and novella together (I think the waiting would have been torture)

If you like your romance with lots of action/murder/suspense/murder/sex, then pick up this book, in fact pick up the whole set, you won’t be sorry. The writing is smooth and fluid, there is no stumbling over the scenes. Sex scenes were hot. Action was brutal in places. But the one thing I loved, Hawk and Sara, there was no love except a sibling fondness for one another. (I won’t lie, I did hold a hope they would come together) and that shows whenever they interact with each other.

A highly recommended read.

? reviews by Julie B

 

L.R. Starr is a lover of mysteries, witty dialogue, suspense, romance, and fantasy. If you like to travel through your books strap in for the ride she’ll take you across the country.

When she’s not I’m writing she’s usually exploring, and coming up with yet another devious plot or pursuing her other love which is painting and drawing. Enjoy the bedlam friends!

Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads 

$10 Amazon giftcard + ebook of Murder On the Mountain by L.R. Starr

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/sara-clemens-mysteries-book-tour-and-giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway