Tag Archives: HelenKay Dimon

Running Hot / Playing Dirty (Bad Boys Undercover .5 & 1) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

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PLAYING DIRTY (Bad Boys Undercover #1) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

Playing Dirty

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 27, 2015

As an elite Alliance agent—the joint undercover operation of MI6, the British Secret Intelligence Service, and the CIA—Ford Decker lives for the adrenaline. But when he befriends sexy property manager Shay Alexander in hopes of finding her cousin, a known national security threat, Ford crosses the line, getting to know her better . . . in bed.

After being burned by her last relationship, Shay wants to take things slow. Yet she can’t keep her hands off the drop-dead gorgeous hottie who’s moved into her apartment building. So when Ford’s identity as an undercover agent is exposed, his betrayal cuts deep. Shay never wants to see him again, but Ford can’t let her go, not when her life is still in danger. He will sacrifice everything to protect her, then be prepared to walk away from the only woman he’s ever loved, even if it breaks him.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: 4.25 stars–PLAYING DIRTY is the first full length installment in HelenKay Dimon’s new contemporary adult Bad Boys Undercover action, suspense romance series focusing on an elite group of former CIA and MI6 operatives known as Alliance. This is agent Ford Decker and property manager Shay Alexander’s storyline

The storyline follows Ford’s building relationship with Shay. Undercover as an IT tech and Shay’s newest apartment resident, Ford Decker weaves a seductive trail in the hope of uncovering the whereabouts of Shay’s industrious cousin-a man suspected in the latest terrorist threat against the USA. While Ford seduces his way into Shay’s life and her bed, his team of elite Alliance agents are on the hunt for anything that will lead the Team back to Shay’s cousin. With National security at risk, Ford is willing to risk everything including his relationship with Shay-one that he knows will be destroyed when the truth about his latest assignment is revealed.

The relationship between Shay and Ford is highly sexualized, erotic and energetic but it is a relationship that was not authorized and has not been condoned by the people in charge. Everyone knows that Ford has lost his heart to the undercover mark, and there are concerns that Ford will not be able to complete the investigation and his assignment should Shay’s life be threatened.

The secondary and supporting characters include Ford’s team of operatives-all former CIA and MI6 agents whose specialties make for some dangerous friends and comrades. We also see a little more of CIA operative Ward Bennett and the love of his life Tasha Gregory whose story was told in the introductory novella RUNNING HOT (December 2014).

The world building follows the actions and military like precision of the Alliance Team whose working dynamics are compromised when one of their own turns traitor. From hidden cameras to secret warehouses, back room negotiations and hidden trackers, the men and women of the Alliance Team know their way around negotiations, terrorist threats and take downs.

HelenKay Dimon does another amazing job of introducing the players, the stakes and the behind the scenes struggles of an elite group of warriors who risk their lives to keep the world a safer place.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

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RUNNING HOT
(Bad Boys Undercover .5)
by HelenKay Dimon

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Running HotABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 16, 2014

HelenKay Dimon kicks off her hot new romantic suspense series, Bad Boys Undercover, featuring the fierce men of Alliance—and the only women capable of taming their hearts.

Camped out at a resort bar in Fiji, CIA operative Ward Bennett may look like he’s on vacation but he’s really deep undercover, hunting a dictator on the run. Ward may be on the job, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for the sexy female bartender. That is, until she drugs him.

When Tasha Gregory discovers the hottie on the barstool isn’t who he pretends to be, her MI6 training kicks into gear, and she has no choice but to take him out. Problem is, Ward’s not an easy man to put down for long. More than once, his interference almost blows her surveillance operation—and her ability to keep her heart to herself.

As the situation heats up, these two must decide whether they can trust one another—and quick. Working together might just make everyone safer, but getting close enough for comfort … might just get them killed.

•••••••••

REVIEW: RUNNING HOT is the introductory novella in HelenKay Dimon’s adult contemporary Bad Boys Undercover action, suspense, romance series. This is CIA operative Ward Bennett and MI6 agent Tasha Gregory’s storyline.

The storyline follows Ward and Tasha’s undercover assignments in Fiji. Neither is aware that other is deep undercover or that they are looking for the same evil dictator whose attempting to amass a stash of military grade weapons. What ensues is Tasha’s take down of Ward; his decision to merge information with Tasha; and their pursuit of a man who is accumulating a horde of illegal weapons and machinery. Enter fellow CIA agent Ford who aids Tasha and Ward in their search for a missing MI6 operative; add some less than cooperative gun-toting assassins whose idea of fun is torture and mutilation; and you have yourself a recipe for disaster.

RUNNING HOT is a predictable, quick and easy introductory read; an action packed story of suspense and romance. I did have some issues with the writing style-as though I was being told a story and not invited in-especially during the action and fight sequences which came across as stilted and cold-almost choreographed. Our couple take a few minutes to ‘discover’ one another’s deepest secrets which mark the beginnings of a permanent relationship-one that will result in the formation of a new Black Ops Team known as Alliance-the merging of former CIA and MI6 agents whose assignments are dangerous and deadly.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Too Far Gone (The Hanover Brothers #4) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

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TOO FAR GONE (Hanover Brothers #4) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

Too Far Gone

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2, 2014

The Hanover brothers inherited quite a legacy from their con-artist father, including a secret they never imagined…

FBI Agent Walker Reeves came to Sweetwater, Oregon looking to settle a vendetta. His career is in shambles after years spent tracking down the Hanover brothers. He hopes to tie them to the schemes of their father Charlie—the same man who ruined Walker’s life. Unfortunately, Walker’s desire for revenge blinds him to the one chance at happiness he’ll ever get…

Even knowing that her friends would worry, art store-owner Mallory Able took a risk sleeping with Walker. She succumbed to his craving for control in the bedroom, but when reality got too tough for Walker, he bolted and left her in ruins. Now he’s returned. If Walker wants her back, he’s going to have to do some smooth talking both in and out the bedroom. And this time Mallory is in charge…

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW:

SOME BACKGROUND: Charlie Hanover was a con artist who all but destroyed the small town of Sweetwater and in his wake left three sons who must now deal with the aftermath of their father’s con. Fast forward twenty years, and the now three adult men, have returned to claim their grandmother’s estate-only the house once belonged to Marc Baron. And Marc is determined to seek retribution and revenge for the sins of the father.

TOO FAR GONE is the fourth installment in HelenKay Dimon’s Hanover Brothers contemporary, adult romance series focusing on the Hanover brothers of Sweetwater, Oregon. This is FBI Agent Walker Reeves and art store owner Mallory Able’s storyline-a second chance at love trope that focuses on Walker’s connection to the Hanover brothers and his rekindling romance with Mallory Able. TOO FAR GONE is the fourth book in the series; it can be read as a stand alone but some important information is missing so I would suggest reading the series in order for cohesion and pure enjoyment.

The premise follows Walker’s return to Sweetwater, Oregon after a twenty eight day absence. Following the revelations about his vendetta and FBI criminal investigation into Callen Walker’s past, as well as the resulting emotional upheaval between Walker and the Hanover brothers, Walker leaves town without so much as a goodbye or backward glance but in doing so he destroys any hope of a continued relationship with art shop owner Mallory Able. Mallory and Walker had kept their relationship a secret and with Walker’s escape Mallory is left behind to pick up the pieces of her broken heart.

Mallory is best friends with Leah Baron (Declan Hanover’s girlfriend book 1) and has been accepted as a member of the Hanover family. With Walker’s return, Mallory’s love and desire for Walker continues to grow but Walker’s relationship with the Hanover family is causing some problems for everyone involved. Walker’s previous vendetta against the Hanover family, as he tried to prove their connection to their father’s (Charlie Hanover) con game and fraud, has resulted in a lack of trust, betrayal and broken hearts. When new information is presented, Walker, once again, disappears leaving Mallory and the Hanover’s to deal with the possible repercussions.

The relationship between Mallory and Walker is a second chance at love for two people with similar backgrounds and pasts. But Walker’s need for vengeance against the Hanover Brothers continues to build a wall between our leading couple. Walker is unable to get past his own guilt for almost destroying the Hanover family and the lingering jealousy of what could have been. He was wrong and he has come back to town to make amends. The sex scenes are seductive and hot. Walker likes to play in the bedroom; against the wall; or the living room floor.

All of the previous storyline couples including the Hanover matriarch Kim Hanover and her beloved Tom play a supporting role in the ensemble storyline. Each couple adds a familiarity and sense of family to a story that will see forgiveness and acceptance for a man who knew no love or comfort growing up. We get a glimpse into each couple’s life, their future and what it means to be in the Hanover family.

HelenKay Dimon does a fantastic job pulling the reader into a storyline about family, love, trust and betrayal. The Hanover family bond continues to grow with each storyline; their family expands with the addition of girlfriends, fiancés and lost souls with no where else to go. TOO FAR GONE reveals a little more information about Charlie Hanover-his crimes, his betrayal and his con of a small town bent on redemption and retribution, and the pain and heartbreak for one family who knew very little about his past.

READING ORDER
1. No Turning Back
2. A Simple Twist of Fate
3. Long Way Home
4. Too Far Gone

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Only (Holton Woods #2) by HelenKay Dimon-Review and Giveaway

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Only (Holton Woods #2) by HelenKay Dimon-Review and Giveaway

Only Banner

Only
Holton Woods #2
by HelenKay Dimon
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance,

Only

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2014

He’s a man who fixes difficult situations. She’s the one thing he can’t handle—and the one thing he can’t resist…

ONLY

Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.

Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.

As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…

••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ONLY is the second instalment in HelenKay Dimon’s contemporary, adult Holton Woods erotic romance series. This is lawyer Sebastian (Bast) Jameson and twenty three year old Kyra Royer’s storyline. Bast is best friends with Jarrett Holt, owner of Holton Woods – an exclusive, member’s only nightclub and the subject of book one in the series – MERCY. Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty. Any important information from the first instalment is revealed where necessary to the storyline. ONLY begins shortly after the events of MERCY.

Told from several close third person POV, the storyline focuses on the building relationship between Bast and Kyra-a relationship in which Kyra is the first to make a move. Bast is several years older than Kyra, with one disastrous marriage to his credit, and he isn’t looking for anything more than a one night stand. But something about Kyra pulls at Bast and has for a very long time. Working at Holton Woods, Kyra is hoping to earn enough money to go back to school, but both Bast and Kyra’s brother Wade become over protective when ever anyone gets too close. Bast continues to harbor emotional turmoil about his relationship with Kyra. Keeping their affair a secret is putting strain on Bast’s bond with Kyra. The sex scenes are seductive and intimate.

There is a secondary storyline, between Elijah and Wade, that continues throughout book one and two. Wade is Jarrett’s right hand man, and Kyra’s brother; Eli is the former CIA agent who had targeted Jarrett’s girlfriend and former CIA agent Becca (Mercy) in a secret government takedown months before. Eli and Wade’s relationship is tempestuous due to a misunderstanding and words spoken in anger. When Eli is hired to protect both Bast and Kyra, Wade knows it is time to put all of his cards on the table with Eli.

The premise follows another CIA operative who believes her time with the agency has come to a close. Hoping for protection and a way to avoid her possible death, Bast is called in to make ‘arrangements’ with the CIA but in doing so has placed everyone he knows and loves, including Kyra, in harm’s way. Hoping to protect Kyra, Bast begins to push Kyra away only to realize he may be pushing away the woman that he loves.

The world building continues with the familiarity of the Holton Woods nightclub and the CIA secret ops that have yet to be completely resolved. The secondary characters include all of the previous storyline players as well as the introduction of some unwelcome extended family members whose presence leads to some heartbreaking moments and potential drama for an upcoming storyline.

ONLY is a storyline of romance and love; betrayal and heartbreak; action and suspense. There is the pain of family disintegration and control when a opportunity for power and money takes center stage in a life of illegalities and running from the law. HelenKay Dimon writes a compelling and provocative story that is intelligent, spirited and will capture your imagination.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Giveaway

HelenKay’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of ONLY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK

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5. LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. LIKE HelenKay Dimon on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is U.S. only

8. Giveaway runs from October 10 – October 14, 2014

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Long Way Home (Hanover Brothers #3) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

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LONG WAY HOME (Hanover Brothers #3) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

Long Way Home

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 19, 2014

The Hanover brothers are trying to live down the con-man reputation of their late father. But they can’t blame their father for all their problems in life—or in love…

Callen Hanover has led a tough life. But after years of roaming, he’s finally settled back home in Sweetwater to reunite with his brothers, and rebuild Shadow Hill, his grandmother’s crumbling home. The last person he expected to see at his door was Grace Pruitt—ex-girlfriend and partner to the FBI agent who’s determined to put Callen away.

Grace Pruitt is in town to save the two men she cares about the most—her former partner who seems to be on a downward spiral, and Callen, the man who ran before she could explain who she really was…or tell him some shocking news. Can the secrets of the Hanover family’s past be just the thing to save them all? Or is it already too late?

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LONG WAY HOME is the third instalment in HelenKay Dimon’s adult, contemporary Hanover Brothers romance series focusing on the Hanover family and the fall out from their father’s years of scamming an entire town out of their life savings and personal belongings. This is Callen Hanover and Grace Pruitt’s storyline. LONG WAY HOME can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and the entire history, it is best to read the series in order.

The focus of the storyline is twofold: As the Hanover family continues to be ostracized and shut out for the sins of their father, the family (including brothers Declan, Beck and Callen) have had to deal with finger pointing, gossip, accusations and hostility from the town in which they now live. As information begins to fall into place, the family is thrown for another loop when the truth about Charlie Hanover’s past continues to slice away at their already fragile existence. Meanwhile, Grace Pruitt, Callen’s ex girlfriend has come to town to get Callen back. But Callen isn’t willing to forgive Grace for the lies and betrayal he faced following their four month relationship that ended with Callen walking out. Now Grace is back and she has more information that will throw Callen and the Hanover family into further turmoil.

The relationship between Callen and Grace is acrimonious and hot. Callen is in a world of hurt-not only because of the perceived betrayal by the woman with whom he had fallen in love-but by the truth about his connection to his father and the Hanover family. Callen’s need for Grace is stronger than his hatred for the information she held back, but trust must be earned and it is one thing that Callen does not give easily.

LONG WAY HOME and the Hanover Brothers is a romantic and emotional series filled with family, love, betrayal, history, anger, hate and love. This is a family who has been destroyed by the man they all considered father and husband-his legacy has turned an entire town against them and in doing so has set up his family to take the fall for everything that he had done in the past.

HelenKay Dimon pulls the reader into a dramatic and addicting series in which each successive storyline digs deeper into the life and legacy of Charlie Hanover-a man with many secrets, many sins and too many cons to count. The Hanover Brothers must shoulder the responsibility of their father’s past but it is a past that runs deeper and farther than anyone could have imagined. There are moments of humor, love, anxiety and doubt but in the end, each brother will discover a little more about themselves and about the woman with whom he has fallen in love.

Reading Order
No Turning Back
A Simple Twist of Fate
Long Way Home

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Mercy by HelenKay Dimon-a review

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MERCY by HelenKay Dimon-a review

Mercy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

RELEASE DATE: May 6, 2014

After she infiltrated his business and betrayed his trust, a disavowed CIA agent must seek sanctuary in the bedroom of a man who will either help her, kill her, or bring her to her knees

Becca Ford is on her own. Eight months after she headed up a sting operation to take down millionaire club owner Jarrett Holt, the other agents in her special ops team have been eliminated under odd circumstances, and she needs a place to hide.

Jarrett is a man who prefers darkness to light. He deals in the only truly valuable currency—information—and his supper club caters to an exclusive clientele. It was an uncharacteristic moment of weakness when he let a woman into his life. But it’s not luck that the criminal charges disappeared . . . as did the evidence.

When Becca returns to the club seeking his help, Jarrett doesn’t want to hear her story. But he does want her body, and demands that she give it to him. He’ll keep her safe—for now—but it’ll be in his bed and on his terms, until he says they’re done.

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MERCY is the latest adult, contemporary, erotic romance storyline from author HelenKay Dimon. I am unsure as to whether MERCY will be part of a continuing series, but there are so many more stories to tell-the secondary characters are colorful, intriguing and play a major role in the premise and buildup of MERCY. This is billionaire nightclub owner Jarrett Holt and former CIA operative Becca Ford’s storyline.

The focus of the story is a second chance at love following Becca’s heartbreaking betrayal and the subsequent imprisonment of Jarrett eight months earlier. As a CIA operative, Becca’s last assignment was to infiltrate Jarrett’s business but in doing so she found herself falling in love with the CIA’s target. Fast forward eight months and Becca is on the run-trying to stay one step ahead of the people trying to take her down-and her only option is the man she sent away months before.

The continuing relationship between Becca and Jarrett is sensual, sexual and emotionally heartbreaking. Jarrett lost his heart to Becca only to discover Becca’s love was all a ruse-a ruse to take down Jarrett and expose him for the drug dealing/international terrorist that she was told to believe. With a second chance to right the wrong, Becca will become Jarrett’s ‘temporary prisoner’ as part of a bargain to keep her safe. Meanwhile, Jarrett and those closest to him will begin to uncover the truth behind the set up, the fall and the on-going investigation that pits the CIA against everyone he knows and loves.

HelenKay Dimon has written an erotic storyline of mystery, romance and second chances that will keep the reader in suspense until the final page. The reader is pulled into a story where heartbreak and pain continue to follow two people who love one another but are caught in a web of lies, deceit and betrayal.

There are three interconnecting storylines in MERCY including the explosive and sensual relationship between Eli and Wade. Wade is Jarrett’s right hand man and best friend and, Eli is another CIA agent whose involvement in Jarrett’s take down eight months earlier has placed him on the same hit list as Becca and her former team.

HelenKay will capture your interest as the storyline builds. She weaves a tale using background information, the history between the characters and their emotional connection and, pulls everything together into a story of government betrayal, lies and uncovering the truth. Helen has done a fantastic job blending the past with the present so that the reader is pulled into a story that feels like part of an on going series but is only the first in what I hope will be many more. The characters are believable, captivating and seductive.

MERCY is a compelling story where eroticism is seductive; the romance is provocative; and the history between our leading couple is intense, intimate and passionate. If you are a fan of erotic romance storylines with a focus on suspense and a second chance at love then MERCY by HelenKay Dimon is the perfect read.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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No Turning Back by HelenKay Dimon-a review

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NO TURNING BACK by HelenKay Dimon-a review

no turning backABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 19, 2013

Amazon/ Barnes and Noble /

The Hanover brothers inherited some bad behavior from their con artist father. Now three strong women will make honest men out of them.

After ten years in the Army and four overseas deployments, Declan Hanover is ready for life away from a military base. Sweetwater, Oregon, a sleepy coastal town, seems like the perfect place to start over. His plan is to work out a deal with his brothers and the bank to let him keep the estate they’ve inherited, Shadow Hill. But he wasn’t prepared for Leah Baron, whose family lost everything to his father’s cons—including the house Declan intends to make his own…

Leah thinks Declan is just like his conman father. He possesses a bad boy charm that makes her heart pound, but that doesn’t mean she can trust him. All she wants is to get close to him so she can get her house back. But Declan has other ideas. He doesn’t mind being in close proximity to Leah—as long as it’s in the bedroom…

*******************

Review: The infamous ‘they’ say you can never forget the past or go home again, but in the small town of Sweetwater one man-Marc Baron-refuses to let go.

Charlie Hanover was a con artist who all but destroyed the small town of Sweetwater and in his wake left three sons who must now deal with the aftermath of their father’s con. Fast forward twenty years, and the now three adult men, have returned to claim their grandmother’s estate-only the house once belonged to Marc Baron. And Marc is determined to seek retribution and revenge for the sins of the father.

Leah Baron has grown up with the knowledge that Charlie Hanover destroyed her parent’s marriage and left most of the town bankrupt and destitute. Now it is her job to rebuild the town of Sweetwater. But Leah’s plans go awry when the Hanover men return and want to start their lives over in the house once owned by her father.

Leah and Declan were children when Charlie conned an entire town but Leah’s perception of Declan and his brothers has been tainted by her father’s need for vengeance. When Declan returns, Leah makes it her mission to run the brothers out of town, hoping to reclaim some of her father’s dignity in the process. But as Declan and Leah begin to research the documents and files, they will discover that the truth about the past has been tainted by revenge, betrayal, greed, lies and lust and, not everyone who claims to be-is a victim.

I am not sure how to explain my feelings about this particular storyline. I had a very difficult time accepting the heroine’s anger and attitude especially when she acknowledges that the Hanover sons are not responsible for their father’s betrayal, yet Leah Baron persists for a good portion of the storyline that Declan and his brothers are in the wrong and should return the family home. Another difficulty I had was that one man-Marc Baron-had the ability to sway several generations in the town of Sweetwater and sway law enforcement that the sons of Charlie Hanover were guilty by association and therefore should be held accountable for their father’s con. The Hanover sons are taunted, threatened and ignored yet most of the town does not blame the sons. There is a bit of a conundrum –no one is held accountable for the threats and we do not know who is responsible.

There are several secondary storylines building that ensure each Hanover brother has a story to tell. But it is the relationship between Leah and Declan that amped up my anxiety. The write up about the book states ‘fun, new contemporary romance’ but I did not find the fun in any of the book. The premise surrounds revenge, betrayal, lies and manipulation yet, once the truth is finally revealed, I still could not find the humor at any stage of the story. There is sex and some romance, mystery and revelation: the storyline is not dark or horrific but I must have missed something because I did not find anything funny or humorous.

The storyline felt choppy whenever Declan and Leah were together but flowed smoothly when the Hanover brothers had their stories to tell. If you are looking for a contemporary story with a little bit of sex, a little bit of romance and a little bit of mystery- NO LOOKING BACK- is the story for you.

Copy supplied by publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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HelenKay Dimon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Website

HelenKay Dimon is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. Her first single title, Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy, was excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine in August ’07 and spotlighted at E! Online. She made Cosmopolitan a second time in December 2009 with her novella “It’s Hotter At Christmas” from the Kissing Santa Claus anthology. Her books also have been published by Doubleday Book Club and Rhapsody Book Club and translated into several languages.

HelenKay’s road to publication took a few turns. She’s not one of those authors who burst out of the womb with a notepad in one hand and a pen in the other. She didn’t know she wanted to write until much later in life. She tried international travel and journalism and enjoyed careers in politics and law first. After graduating from Syracuse University with a double major in newspaper journalism and political science, she landed in Washington, D.C. A few years as a legislative assistant to a member of the House of Representatives convinced her law school might be a good idea. Three years at Wake Forest University and one bar exam later and HelenKay moved back to the D.C. metro area as a lawyer. General civil litigation gave way to a specialty in family law and an eventual partnership in a highly respected boutique firm.

After twelve years as a divorce lawyer specializing in unhappy endings, HelenKay now writes romance for a living. The sudden career change resulted from her husband getting one of those “can’t turn it down” job offers. With only a few months’ notice, his work took the family from Maryland to their current home in California. So, instead of days filled with court, clients and a great deal of whining and complaining, HelenKay now writes for a living. She thinks of herself as a “recovering lawyer” and is grateful every day for the ability to write full time.

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