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Highland Obligation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

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Highland Obligation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

 

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Description:
Isobel MacLean fears she can’t protect those she loves. Due to a violent attack in her past, she’ll do anything to keep them safe–except marry the infuriating Grant MacDonald, heir to the MacDonald laird. She wants justice for her family, not a damn husband. Unfortunately, we don’t always get what we want…

Forced to wed the lass responsible for his friend’s death, Grant MacDonald is determined to tame his hellion wife. On a mission to Edinburgh to prevent war, sparks fly as they spar with each other, and Grant is starting to wonder if maybe his wife is a wee bit misunderstood.

He’ll need to use every tool in his arsenal to distract his alluring wife from her quest for vengeance…before it’s too late for them both.

Each book in the Highland Pride series is STANDALONE:
* Highland Deception
* Highland Redemption
* Highland Temptation
* Highland Salvation
* Highland Obligation

 

Review:

I read the synopsis for Highland Obligation and agreed to do a review, but truth be told, I was committed for the Highlands alone.  The setting and Scots burr are enough for this reader!  Lori Ann Bailey was just the icing on the cake. 😉  Having read the previous book from the wonderful Highland Pride series, I knew its conclusion would end triumphantly.  You will not be disappointed!

Grant is furious with Isobel, his new wife.  Not only was he forced to marry her she wasn’t in love with the idea, either, buddy, but his friend is dead because of her intrusion (an accusation he’s yet to discuss with the poor lass).  Compound the death of his first wife, though that’s hardly Isobel’s fault, Isobel is a wanted woman for her illicit activities — there’s literally a bounty on her head for battlefield exploits!  The final blow?  His heart won’t stop pounding every time he’s near her!  It truly is a heady obligation in the Highland:  How can Grant not fall in love? 🙂

Tensions are understandably high, but the more Grant and Isobel interact, the more their inner thoughts betray indifference towards each other.  Grant is rankled by Isobel’s notoriety, her prowess coveted among Scottish Royalists, but Grant wants Isobel to leave her past behind; to let him take care of her…as is his duty.  Ouch.  You can imagine how well that was received, but it’s that crackling energy that kept me interested in their dynamic.  How do two alphas attain balance?

“He tossed all night, one minute wanting Isobel, the next wanting to heave her into the sea.  How was he to survive this marriage with his sanity intact?”

But just when things were beginning to align on a personal level, none more surprised than Isobel and Grant, opportunistic, vengeful sources seek out the newlyweds, and there’s only so much evasion before confrontation is inevitable.  Does “Till death do us part” include vanquishing your partner’s enemies?  How much time to decide before it’s considered uncouth?  A test of loyalty to be sure!

Isobel and Grant are protecting each other in such a surreptitious, indirect way, the other is feeling neglected, adopting a might-as-well-fend-for-myself mentality.  If only these two realized it’s not stubbornness or spite — love is stronger than pride.  They just can’t admit it!  Hope they’re not too late to put it all out there.

We are treated to quite a pair in Highland Obligation.  Grant and Isobel’s tumultuous journey is fraught with insecurity and longing and we get to explore both perspectives.  When two people are obviously meant for each other, I can’t imagine having it any other way.  Congratulations, Ms. Bailey!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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His Rebellious Lass by Callie Hutton – a Review

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His Rebellious Lass by Callie Hutton – a Review

 

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Description:
He wants to marry her off quickly. She says absolutely not.

When the Marquess of Campbell inherits a fiery, red-headed Scottish beauty as his ward, it’s his job to marry her off. No problem. She comes with a fortune. Lady Bridget MacDuff will have suitors falling all over themselves to wed her.

Not so fast. Lady Bridget has plans for that fortune and they involve helping unfortunate women. And she has no intention of helping her devastatingly handsome guardian in his quest to get her off his hands. He doesn’t plan to marry, either. Why should she?

Bridget and Cam are now on opposite sides of a war that neither one plans to lose. Even if Cam’s rakish presence throws Bridget’s heart into turmoil and the marquess can’t deny that his ward sets his heart afire. And then Cam makes a bold proposal…

 

Review:

“Ok, so you don’t like me, or this situation, any more than I do…let’s resolve the matter expeditiously”…is what Lord Campbell SHOULD be saying to his unexpected ward, Lady Bridget, but her impertinence and quick wit have intrigued him beyond measure. All of a sudden, Cam is extolling the virtues of “guardianship” and thoroughly securing her place in society. Yeah right! :D. If only Cam had considered Bridget for himself from the onset, all of the folly surrounding Bridget’s would-be-suitors would have been unnecessary. Then again, Cam yields to no one on the notion of marriage, and it was rather scandalous to fall for your ward. Callie Hutton spins yet another spicy Regency for us to love with her new Scottish Hearts series introduction, His Rebellious Lass. Charming to no end!

Cam is inherently accustomed to respect and deference as a peer, and member of Parliament, but this notorious rake is saddled by a ward that challenges and upends his life of aristocracy. Although in complete synchronicity with Cam regarding marriage, a means of lawfully subjugating a woman’s autonomy if she were to tell it, Bridget is ambitiously working on a project for battered women. While noble as all get out, Cam’s plans to simply marry off Bridget have taken a serious turn. The more Cam exposes her to society soirees, as is his obligation, the more Bridget digs her heels in to reveal an even more fascinating layer of character. Her beauty and bountiful dowry are worthy of a few bachelors, though Cam’s standards are getting more and more stringent, who is going to indulge Bridget’s idealism and foster that spirit he finds so attractive?! Complicated indeed.

The banter between Bridget and Cam was gregarious and sharp. I howled with laughter at Bridget’s unwavering opinion towards marriage — the same one Cam purported to share! 🙂 Their sparring stemmed from genuine discourse, never petty or contrary, and it was rewarding as it engendered compromises to mutual satisfaction. The passion built as their relationship developed and it was described exquisitely. The situation was a delicate one, can they resist crossing that boundary, and Ms. Hutton strategically inserted plot twists to express varying POVs. Don’t underestimate misunderstanding and angst to complete the gamut of emotions.

Will Cam succumb to a natural call of love or will he be forced to surrender Bridget, as is his duty? Praise to Ms. Hutton for not downplaying the superficiality of the ton and the innovation, despite the time, to protect and empower women. So well done. I just loved this book!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Devil’s Way Out by Nika Dixon – a Review

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Devil’s Way Out by Nika Dixon – a Review

 

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Description:
Still angry over the death of the woman he loved, rancher Marshall Boyer wants nothing to do with women or love. But when the mysterious Emma drops into his life—barefoot, broke, and running scared—he can’t let her go.

Artist Emmaline Katz has a dangerous secret. After escaping a ruthless criminal who exploited her for years, her quest for freedom crashes to a halt in rural Montana. Out of money and options, she finds an unlikely haven with a handsome cowboy. But no matter how much she wants to believe his offer of protection, he doesn’t know the truth about her, her secret, or the man who will stop at nothing to get her back.

Time is running out. A cold-blooded killer has come to town, and Emma isn’t the only target.

 

 

Review:

Fear is running away, far away, hitching a ride with a harmless senior citizen, who recklessly drove you into a ditch, a bump on the temple as proof, and yet the second you regain your faculties, it’s back on the run again. That’s fear. That’s Emmaline’s fearful life. Marshall tags along with his sheriff brother to meet the newcomer causing a ruckus in Absolution, Montana, but one look at Emma and he’s in deep. Bewildered by the intensity, he couldn’t stop being curious. Devil’s Way Out by Nika Dixon was a story about a young woman whose gift was used against her will and the courage it took to reclaim herself.

Emmaline is desperate to escape her gilded cage, but several chapters in and I don’t know why Alan is bad news. He was controlling and violent, but I could not figure out the nature of their relationship beyond “bad”. Good thing Marshall asked questions!

Emma is gifted with foresight. She sketches images that have yet to happen based off inexplicable insight. “Her premonitions were 100% solid.” This skill was useful for Alan, a crime enforcer, to suss out an associate’s misdeeds or nefarious purpose. As a seer, Emma was his ace in the hole. “He’d never hurt her physically—he couldn’t risk any damage to her hands or eyes—but mentally, his cruelty had no bounds.”

Ms. Dixon told the story in pieces, from the culmination of her captivity to the present. It was frustrating at first, the guessing and wondering, but as the details started to formulate, the plot thickened and my interest rose.

Marshall and Emma had a slow burn relationship. They’re attracted to each other from the onset, but they’re keeping a respectful distance because of her sudden, mysterious arrival in town, and the fact that his brother, Danny, is the sheriff investigating her case. Coming from a sheltered, hostile environment, Emma isn’t comfortable with openness and trust. As such, she isn’t forthcoming with information for fear of Alan’s long reach. Feelings for Marshall, as strong as they were, would only end in his demise; his protection of Emma was a call to war for Alan.

Author Nika Dixon describes the showdown with intensity and bravery. Emma and Marshall fight for what’s theirs and only the strong survive. A good book! The H/H were compassionate and meaningful to each other’s plights. I also really enjoyed the supporting cast of characters. I’d love to read about Sheriff Danny, the single father who is ready to love again.

In the town of Absolution, will Emma earn hers for all the damage she’s done?

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Highland Salvation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

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Highland Salvation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

 

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Description:
Finlay Cameron, the bastard son of an English earl and a Scottish mother, weds stunning, outgoing Blair Macnab to ensure her clan’s loyalty to King Charles. She’s everything he’s ever wanted in a wife, but he suspects she may be plotting his murder.

Always considered to be nothing more than a pretty face, Blair Macnab yearns to prove her worth. She refuses to be used as a pawn for political gain, but when confronted by a blackmailer, her only option is to marry the brawny Finlay Cameron.

In Finlay’s arms, she feels safe for the first time ever. Until she learns that her blackmailer is hot on her trail and her secrets could soon be exposed…

Each book in the Highland Pride series is STANDALONE:
* Highland Deception
* Highland Redemption
* Highland Temptation
* Highland Salvation

 

 

Review:

Can genuine happiness be achieved even though you may have fibbed to get there in the first place? Surprisingly, BOTH of our heroes aren’t being 100% forthcoming, so let’s call it a draw, shall we? Highland Salvation by Lori-Ann Bailey is book 4 in her Highland Pride series. I’m not usually one to go out of order, but Finlay and Blair were strong characters and the book was easy enough to follow. The secondary cast was full of charming characters — do read from the very beginning for optimum joy!

 England and Scotland are in political and religious turmoil, feuding over the rule of King Charles. Finlay Cameron and Blair McNab are devout subjects, but Blair’s father’s loyalty is rumored to “bend with the favorable winds”. When Blair and Finlay wed hastily, their nuptials are naturally met with trepidation.

   “…it was the prudent decision for his clan, country, and king. She was a Royalist, and it would be a good match for the Camerons and King Charles if their union could keep the McNabs from joining the Covenanters.”

Not exactly swoon-worthy, but let’s put a pin on that for now. Aside from the sudden marriage, trouble abounds. A blackmailer is in pursuit of Blair, but she’s hesitant to lean on her new husband out of paranoia, or the very real fear of being sent away. En route to England (the king must be apprised of escalating threats), events meant to impede their purpose intensify, casting a suspicious light on Blair. She IS the only newcomer. So much for the honeymoon phase! ;D

Unconventional as it might have been, Finlay was determined to court Blair, inspired to make her a satisfied partner. Not to shame Finlay, but his desire to win over Blair was just precious. As a warrior, he’s not supposed to wonder (fret!) if a woman is interested, but this lass was special and Finlay’s anxiety to please her was a palpable, endearing sentiment. Finlay is pure of heart and Blair appreciated that from early on, but she couldn’t burden him with her secret so soon. So yes, they were both uneasy; is he enough for Blair, is her past going to ruin their future? Hardly uncommon for such an auspicious beginning, lol, but instead of allaying their fears or concerns with each other, aka good ‘ol communication, assumptions began to undermine/negate the progress they were making. Trust is earned, a back-and-forth is expected, but niggling doubts resurfacing at 86% into the book and they’re not on the same page yet?!

You know how you have to accept premises/plots, and just “go with it”, otherwise you can’t enjoy it? ME. Honest communication wasn’t just elusive, we’re talking elephant-in-the-room kind of oversight. Our H/H were intimate several times, no complaints here, but they never discussed a serious issue that hounded them both — that we the readers knew! It started to wear on me, to be honest, because they were face-palm moments; moments too incredulous not to discuss.

I like how Highland Salvation played out, a wee too rushed at the end, but I cried out for heart-to-hearts — speak your truths! Blair and Finlay may have settled for each other initially, one out of protection and the other to flee a blackmailer, but they defied the odds and became each other’s saving grace.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Smokies Special Agent by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Smokies Special Agent by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

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Description:
She was on a mission to fix the past

And he was determined to help her…

For ten years, Remi Jordan has been hunting her twin sister’s kidnapper. When baiting a killer backfires, the FBI agent’s career and freedom are suddenly on the line. Joining forces with Smoky Mountains investigator Duncan McKenzie ups the ante, unleashing treacherous desire. Now, with another woman missing, Remi’s fighting a lot more than the ghosts of the past. Is she also ready to fight for her future?

 

Review:

Do you lock up an FBI agent for committing a crime or is it intragency courtesy to look away, even if it flies against the face of everything you believe in? Special Agent Duncan McKenzie (Adam’s brother from Smoky Mountains Ranger, remember?!) is stuck between a rock and a hard place after arresting Special Agent Remi Jordan. She shot an unarmed man, what exactly was he supposed to do?! Having her in custody at least allows him to follow her train of thought: Someone was stalking her and she was super close to catching him! Now what? Work together, naturally.

Welcome to book 2 of Lena Diaz‘s Mighty McKenzies series, Smokies Special Agent. Duncan was a secondary character in the introductory novel, but he’s center stage now and thrust into a deadly case plaguing FBI Agent Remi for ten years.

At first, the profile Remi’s presented seems rather arbitrary: her working theory is based off a constellation that may plot the serial killer’s next victim. Feasible, but trust Lena Diaz at the helm, the storyline develops and takes root. Remi is nigh obsessed with tracking this particular monster after her twin sister mysteriously disappeared on their high school senior trip in the Smokies. She’s researched and tracked the victims, all but made herself bait to entice the killer! Recall her arrest, ;D — this was how they met! With Duncan as a fast ally, he’s got great instincts, Remi shares all her knowledge and they quickly collaborate; expand and hone their ideas, until a new pattern emerges.

“They had less than twenty-four hours to fit all the pieces together, to try to stop a killer from taking another victim.”

And just like that, you hit the ground running; fascinated and desperate to bring the criminal to justice.

Harlequin Intrigue delivers full stories in less than 300 pages. It is author Lena Diaz‘s deft hand that excels at driving the passion and intensity of great characters and this series is another feather in her cap. Remi was endowed with courage to pursue her sister’s killer and blessed with Duncan’s willingness to see it through. A Mighty McKenzie indeed.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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If You Knew by Barbara Meyers – Review & Giveaway

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If You Knew by Barbara Meyers – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
In a town filled with lies, is there room for one more?

When widow Devonny Campbell arrives in tiny Red Bud, Iowa, she is determined to make a new life for herself and the child she carries. But when her former career in adult films is uncovered, she becomes the catalyst for a nasty political campaign which creates a tornado of controversy.

High school coach and guidance counselor Luke Bradshaw knows one strong wind will collapse the house of cards he’s built to contain his demons. He’s falling hard for Devonny in spite of her past. And she might be what trips him up and exposes everything he’s kept hidden.

But Devonny and Luke aren’t the only citizens of Red Bud forced to face the judgment of their peers. As the campaign turns vicious, deeply-buried truths are revealed and lifelong relationships are shattered. Can Devonny and Luke stick together? Or will too much truth tear them apart?

 

Review:

After the first couple of chapters, I was reminded of the movie Safe Haven with Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel, *swoon*, and I knew it was going to be a great book. Devonny is leaving Los Angeles, and her past, behind. Luke goes with the flow, though mired in denial, but he faces his fears when his path crosses with Devonny. While their journeys are unique, the objectives are so life-affirming, it’s obvious these two are kindred spirits. If You Knew, by Barbara Meyers, is about rebuilding hope in the quaint town of Red Bud, Iowa. But don’t be misled. The cover’s catchphrase reads: In a town full of lies, is there room for one more? Make room! 😉

Right off the bat, the storyline flowed beautifully. Devonny is suffering from a loss, she’s recently widowed, but her will is mightier than she believed and there was comfort in a reassuring voice. Luke is clearly interested, but Devonny is too distraught to invest her energy in romance — she’s pregnant! The ensuing advance-and-retreat was enjoyable, nevertheless. I followed along comfortably, the unfolding story (and the writing style) guiding me blissfully. Devonny’s resolve was finally weakening, she was adjusting to small town affairs, when things got a little harder to swallow. Secrets were going to have to be revealed sooner than later. This is where the waters got muddied for me.

I’m baffled, frankly, by Devonny and Luke’s lack of urgency to reveal their pasts. Yes, the details are not for the faint of heart, addiction and the adult industry tend to evoke second thoughts, but they’re simultaneously too big to keep on the down low, especially when our H/H are moving towards intimacy. People are always going to judge and we shouldn’t measure our self-worth based on their validation, but honesty, and reaction, were notably missing. Then again, Luke is so even-keeled, so unflappable, news of Devonny’s pregnancy garnered only mere surprise. He might be the most perfect beta character you’ll ever read! And yet…what of his own reveal? I didn’t think he was facing the wrath of the community like Devonny, but he exposed his demons to take the attention off of the woman who didn’t deserve so much contempt, off of the woman he loved. Risky as hell, but honorable and healing to be sure.

I’m at odds with my review because there were equal parts amazing and superfluous. Someone discovered Devonny’s film and a dirty plan went into action, a crotchety neighbor becomes a lifeline for Devonny’s integration into town, Devonny’s mom harangues and invades, there’s a confused blackmailer, etc… I think another neutral editor should have gone over the book a final time to heighten the impact There were interesting fronts to pursue, vendettas and harmony, I loved Devonny’s empowered stance against bias, even Luke’s unwavering support, but they stretched too far, encompassing much that didn’t advance or tie up loose storylines. Hence my consternation.

If You Knew by Barbara Meyers inspires people not to hide; to shed their skin and try again. It’s a book full of hope even when you’re at your lowest. I enjoyed the main plot. Devonny and Luke are forging a new space, fighting for their place together. I would read more by this author.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

 

Barbara Meyers is graciously offering an e-copy of  IF YOU KNEW to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from April 5 – 9, 2019

 

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Smoky Mountains Ranger by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Smoky Mountains Ranger by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
A dangerous mountain escape

Adam McKenzie’s protective instincts are on overdrive, but Jody Ingram is no helpless victim. She refuses to abandon the injured ranger who saved her life despite the mysterious gunmen hot on her trail. Adam must decide Jody is worth the risk to his life and his heart….

 

 

Review:

Smoky Mountains Ranger is the introductory novel in a new series, The Mighty McKenzies, by award-winning author, Lena Diaz. Jody is a young woman caught in a blackmail scheme and Adam is the law enforcement ranger whose intervention saves Jody, but uncovers a much more nefarious plot.

Adam stumbles upon Jody’s meet-and-greet-gone-horribly-wrong and his inadvertent involvement does little to improve the messy situation. Deciding Jody is in way over her head, “Tattoo Guy” has a gun on her, Adam overtakes the explosive situation and both are suddenly on the run from the thug!

In the chase, Tattoo Guy supplements his offense with a bevy of criminals and the secrets start spilling. Hiding, and still outwitting, the gang on their tail, Jody and Adam surmise that Jody’s boss has incriminating evidence against the motley crew and they won’t stop until Jody’s given up the goods.

Lena Diaz’s writing is solid as expected. In under 300 pages, she delivers the complete package. I was gripped by the mountain chase! The detailed scenes leave you in a panic; exhausted as if you’re scrambling alongside our heroes (or just hiding in wait was torturous!). I didn’t have the luxury of passing out from the pain like Adam — his/her stitch job was gruesome and imbedded itself quite graphically onto my brain. ?

I referred to an underlying, devious plot early on, and it’s unconscionable, but I don’t want to plant any seeds on that subplot, so let’s hype up the slow burn love story. Adam is more reticent about acting on their attraction because emotions are running high, people are dying and traumatizing memories are resurfacing, but Jody is a confident woman who isn’t afraid of intimacy. The connection intensifies, bemusedly, when they communicate; they listen without judgment. Oh, there is sexy indulgence, but their support and concern for each other stems from respect. And if that doesn’t depict forever kind of love…this isn’t your story. ?

The Mighty McKenzies is off to a great start. While his role may have been minimal, Adam’s brother, Duncan, a class act, will star in the next book. Since he was categorized as being “married to his job”, I think he’s primed for HEA. Make it so, Ms. Diaz!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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Beyond Risk by Connie Mann – a Review

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Beyond Risk by Connie Mann – a Review

 

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Description:
The river runs wild …

Former Fish & Wildlife Officer Charlotte “Charlee” Tanner still carries the guilt of a tragic drowning accident that occurred on her watch. She hoped moving back home to the wilds of central Florida would provide a safe haven—until she learns the death was no accident, and she’s the intended target.

… But no wilder than their passion.

Tough and decisive, Lieutenant Hunter Boudreau loves his new job as a law enforcement officer with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Charlee is his best friend, so when she comes under fire, he’s not letting her out of his sight until the killer is caught. But Charlee won’t sit by and let anyone else die for her.

As danger closes in and Charlee and Hunter’s attraction threatens to consume them, Charlee has to decide if she can trust Hunter. And to save Charlee, Hunter will have to trust her, too.

 

 

Review:

A kayaking adventure gone horribly wrong is not only a personal failure for Florida river guide, Charlee Tanner, but when shots ring out on the anniversary of the tragic event, in the middle of a new tour, it’s open season for revenge and Charlee is the main target.  Though no slouch in defending herself, she’s a former Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer, Charlee hails from a family of law enforcement, aka overprotective siblings, who run roughshod over her limits and rally to keep her safe.  Add to that lengthy list of support is Hunter Boudreau, current Lieutenant of the FWC, and Charlee’s best friend.  Charlee leans on Hunter the most, BFF definition and all, but simmering there, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, is a deeper affection that threatens to boil over.  The risk factor heightens awareness for Hunter and Charlee, but can they stop to smell the roses while being stalked?  As a matter of fact, Author Connie Mann deems it “Beyond Risk“, ?

Start from the beginning, obviously.  Revisit the harrowing scene that haunts, and taunts, Charlee’s confidence.  The devastating drowning was avoided this trip, but the similarities begin to mirror each other soon enough.  Figures who couldn’t possibly be a threat suddenly display motive and suspicion clouds the investigation, to say nothing of judgment.  Worse, characters are dying and being used against Charlee to offer herself up as the final sacrifice. 

“He lived for her pain, actually. She’d understand, finally, what he’d been going through. She’d fully experience how one person’s actions could snatch away someone you loved, changing everything. Forever.”

I’m being painfully vague, but it’s a trail you have to follow, to explore the character dynamics, to see if you deduct who the killer is.  The turns and detours are challenging and skilled.  It’s intense and well written.

Ms. Mann knows her way with a thriller.  While I suspected who the killer might be, the chase, the leads, the motives, the deadlines…they drove me relentlessly; kept me in the fight to thwart the killer from striking again.  I puzzled along with our H/H and felt all their setbacks.  I reveled in their rare moments of “downtime” when they turned to each other for solace and hope for a future, in the bleakest of times.  Beyond Risk was layered with action, sleuthing, and romance for the complete win.  The supporting cast, all those well meaning siblings, could take the lead on a new chase if you ask me.  Thank you, Lena Diaz, for the recommendation — I’d read another book by Connie Mann anytime! 

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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