Tag Archives: Lena Diaz

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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Smoky Mountains Ranger by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Smoky Mountains Ranger by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

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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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SWAT Standoff/Stranded With the Detective by Lena Diaz – Reviews

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SWAT Standoff/Stranded With the Detective by Lena Diaz – Reviews

Welcome back to Destiny, Tennessee, and the SWAT team we love so much. Author, Lena Diaz, has been hard at work and is stunning her fans with the last two installments of the series. I’ve had the good fortune to receive ARCs and I will give you brief glimpses into what can only be described as proud, fitting tributes to a police group of men and women who make reading so worthwhile! 

 

SWAT Standoff
Tennessee SWAT series
by Lena Diaz
Release Date: July 1, 2018

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Description:
A SWAT team vanishes.

Can two partners put aside their differences to save them?

Playing hero backfires on sexy SWAT team member Blake Sullivan. He infuriates his partner, Donna Waters, as much as he attracts her. But before they can resolve their differences, they discover that the rest of their team have been kidnapped by an unknown assailant. Now as they race to rescue the small Tennessee town’s real heroes, they share a growing mutual trust…and a hot, life-changing connection.

Review:

Blake, the newbie of the team, and his already-earned -her-respect partner, Donna, are coming to terms with their working relationship. Blake hasn’t yet fit in, but it’s not for lack of trying; Blake’s gut is the only logic he trusts. That mentality doesn’t sit well with their leader.

    “He’d really never accepted the blame for how things were going, always thinking it was everyone else’s fault that they refused to accept an outsider. The truth, as with most things, was probably somewhere in the middle.”

When ALL of our heroes are fiendishly ensnared, it seems Donna and Blake are in charge of rescuing their teammates/friends/family. I never saw this coming, but I am here for it! While the Destiny police and SWAT force are a formidable unit, when the core members vanish without a trace, it’s up to Donna and Blake to save their group AND uncover who’s behind the diabolical plan. If this type of investigation doesn’t solidify their bond, they might as well seek employment elsewhere.

The research and effort of such a case requires the “big guns” of the FBI, who is accustomed to ransom negotiations, but things quickly turn south. Before long, Donna and Blake are the only ones who remain stalwart to the goal of recovering their unit intact. The combined dedication allows Donna and Blake to reveal themselves in a bolder light and shed those insecurities that kept them at arm’s length. It was gratifying to see them so at ease with one another; to finally share more intimate feelings. Lena Diaz thrives in love story telling. You will undoubtedly be swept up in the romance.

SWAT Standoff is a joyful finale to a thrilling series full of memorable characters. Lena Diaz is a solid choice for action-packed, gritty, crime solving stories, lovingly entwined in all things sexy and swoon-worthy. It’s no easy feat, but she’s made her mark.

 

 

Stranded with the Detective
Tennessee SWAT series
by Lena Diaz
Release Date: June 1, 2018

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Description:
A routine investigation turns deadly

Now they’re running for survival

SWAT officer Colby Vale and horse rancher Piper Caraway are left to die in the remote wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But for Colby, death is not an option. He vows to protect Piper as they navigate the treacherous way home. Surviving against nature is difficult. Fighting their attraction is harder. But when their tormentor makes his move…living to tell their tale may be impossible.

 

Review:

    “He’s not your horse. You tricked Billy. He knows how important Gladiator is to the future of my business. He’s the last horse I’d sell, no matter how hard times get.”

     “Are times hard right now?” Colby watched her closely. A light flush colored her cheeks.

     “We’ve had a few…problems lately. Nothing we can’t weather. But they’ve taken their toll. That’s why I was out of town when Gladiator was stolen.”

Piper insists she was wronged, and her horse swindled. Colby happened upon the fracas, but his immediate liking to Piper convinced him to be extra vigilant. He’ll help Piper reclaim her animal in every way legally possible.

When Piper and Colby are kidnapped and left for dead, it’s got to be something serious to be discarded deep in the grueling conditions of the Appalachian mountains, Colby’s detective brain goes into action. Despite the frostbite threatening his wellbeing, he starts building a case; certain that he’ll see the perpetrator in prison.

Is it a grudge against Piper, a disgruntled employee or neighbor, a jealous stalker? Lena Diaz writes a terrific whodunit, within a love story, that keeps you guessing and rooting for Colby and Piper. You’ll revisit with former characters who serve to enhance the investigation and deliver the camaraderie that keeps them so loyal. You’ll wish YOU could be Stranded with the Detective, too!

Reviews by Carmen

Copies supplied for review

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Secret Stalker by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Secret Stalker by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

Secret STalkerAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
A SWAT officer must protect the woman who broke his heart 

Years ago, detective and part-time SWAT officer Max Remington proposed to the woman he loved. Her response? To flee town—and Max’s life—under a cloud of suspicion. Folks said Bexley Kane killed the man “allegedly” stalking her and got away with murder. Now Bex is back in Destiny, Tennessee, but their tense reunion is cut short when bullets start flying, and this time, they’re aimed at her. As Max fights to keep Bex safe, he’s also fighting to protect his heart. Can they unravel the secrets of the past in time to save each other? Or will Bex’s final secret destroy them both?

 

Review:

How many times have we attempted to do the right thing only to still cause heartache or grief, regardless of the best intentions? Too many to count – me, too. But when love is on the line, doesn’t it behoove you to listen to your heart, since it’s the one in need of healing? Max and Bex are flung into a hostile situation, which they handle admirably, but their 10 year separation reopens gaping wounds and wreaks havoc anew.

Bex was supposed to go unnoticed in Destiny, settle her mom’s estate and escape unscathed, but small towns have the uncanny ability of drawing attention to one of their own. Max, detective and SWAT member, is just as crazed by Bex’s unexpected presence, but two attempted threats on her life demands his professionalism (and is more dangerous to her health) than facing their failed past. Secret Stalker is book 2 in Lena Diaz‘s Tennessee SWAT series. Max was the stud in the background of book 1 (Mountain Witness available here), so jumping into his story has been deliciously anticipated.

“It was as if the universe was against her, throwing obstacles in her path to keep her from leaving.”

As if threats upon her life aren’t escalating, the death of a high school classmate haunts Bex (and the town). Destiny is small-town charming, but it has a long, unforgiving memory and Bex being back home stirs up several troubling emotions in lots of complicated people.

Bex is being harassed and Max, as a detective, is following the case closely. Closer because of his prior relationship with Bex. While the investigation unfolded, obstruction of justice nagged at me. To quote the book’s synopsis, Bex flees town “under a cloud of suspicion”. It seems unlikely that a key figure would disappear without serious repercussions. Well, attempts on Bex’s life certainly qualify, don’t they? It’s collusion at worst then. Max is brave and aware of the larger legal picture; aware that connecting the dots is the only way to secure Bex’s complete exoneration. His heart and feelings for Bex blur the lines of job execution.

Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, the heartfelt pleading, even the thrill of the head-turning chase, but Max and Bex didn’t sizzle from the onset. Oh, their bodies reacted out of proximity and space (working together doesn’t diminish attraction), but this low simmer allowed Ms. Diaz to fully flesh out her characters and develop plotlines, so who’s really complaining? The steam gradually ensued and it was a perfect union.

The pacing of the story was a bit unusual this time around. Learning the details of Bex’s “silent stalker” so late into the story felt like the build-up of animosity came too late? I wanted to rail against this guy from the beginning! Alas, interesting twists enhanced the resolution. I was banking on one suspect, but Ms. Diaz veered and spun my theory into another. Really enjoyed the action-laden finale!

Lena Diaz continues to expand on her wonderful Tennessee SWAT series with Secret Stalker. Do not miss this or her next!

Review by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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Mountain Witness by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Mountain Witness by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

Mountain WitnessAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
A woman in hiding and a man on a mission in the Smoky Mountains

Detective Chris Downing doesn’t know much about his neighbor. In the rural town of Destiny, Tennessee, Julie Webb lives a life of seclusion, rarely even offering a smile or wave. Only when Chris hears her frantic screams one night does he gain a glimpse into the life of a woman in hiding, and in saving her life, he is forced to kill her attacker. But Julie’s troubles are only beginning to unravel. When Chris learns the identity of Julie’s attacker, questions of trust are raised and suspicions run high. Together they will uncover the motives of a killerand the undeniable attraction between them.

 

Review:

Death comes to us all, but by means of murder? That’s sure to keep Julie’s guard up, fend off anyone remotely interested. “Too bad the good manners his mama had instilled in him…wouldn’t allow him to ignore her the way she ignored him.” A blessing, turns out, to live in such proximity to Detective Chris Downing. But wild thoughts invade and derail the promise of the hot, new neighbor: “That maybe Julie Webb knew she was moving next door to a cop all along. That she had planned this whole thing from beginning to end. *(In italics, please – this last line)* That she’d just used Chris as a weapon to commit murder.” Things just got very interesting in Destiny. Mountain Witness is book one in Lena Diaz‘s awesome, new series, Tennessee SWAT. It is a fast-paced, why-is-someone-hell-bent-on-killing-me story packed with intensity and swoons!

Poor Julie can’t catch a break. It’s bad enough that Julie’s marriage hit a downward spiral, but when this attack notifies the assistant district attorney, we soon discover a pending investigation from Nashville is going to reach the small town of Destiny. And here she thought she’d get away from the past; trouble seemingly follows Julie. Will Chris’s theories condemn Julie or exonerate her once and for all? Because, seriously: blaming the victim? Definitely an obstacle to hurdle with the emerging attraction.

Piecing together clues is bittersweet work for Chris because he’s good at his job; it’s gratifying to explain intentions. But, it’s the nefarious nature of the crime, of the plot, to harm Julie, that interferes with the lines of professionalism.

“There was zero doubt now that more than one person was after her, trying to kill her. Whatever was going on was bigger than a soon to be ex-husband wanting to settle the score.”

Revealing privileged information while protecting the victim is delicate business. Chris’s growing feelings for Julie keep him ever vigilant and committed to nabbing the culprit, but maintaining that balance will win you over for sure! Chris is fiercely loyal and determined to make Julie feel safe again. Let me take a moment to pause in deference to Chris’s fellow SWAT officers. Lena Diaz developed camaraderie and unflinching support within each character. Yeeessss…here’s hoping Max’s story is up next!

I loved this book. You never know what you’re made of until your mettle is challenged and I saw wonderful growth and courage in Chris and Julie. They faced tremendous odds in fearsome situations, but they never undermined each other or succumbed to the evil dogging their steps. I did feel as if the end was fast approaching without resolution and I wondered if we’d be straining toward another chapter in the unfolding disaster. I was more than thrilled with its ultimate conclusion, but wished some of the aftermath hadn’t wrapped up so curiously. I’m betting Intrigue’s page count didn’t allow for full exploration. Trust me that Ms. Diaz doesn’t skimp on the feels!

Destiny might be a small town, but its effect on Chris and Julie is transformative. Another fabulous read by Lena Diaz to be sure!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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Hostage Negotiation/Deep Cover Detective by Lena Diaz – Reviews

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Hostage Negotiation/Deep Cover Detective by Lena Diaz – Reviews

 

Hostage Negotiation

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Description:
Many women went missing outside Mystic Glades. She escaped. 

When he took the job, Zack Scott heard about the horrors waiting in the swamp. So when Kaylee Brighton dashed into the road like the devil was on her tail, the new police chief gave her a safe place to recover. Imprisoned for months, Kaylee could lead Zack to her captor. Though Zack swore to protect her, only Kaylee knew the darkness that awaited them if she returned. She couldn’t begin to understand what drove Zack, but she knew the importance of having him by her side. Because it wasn’t enough for Kaylee to have escaped. Now it was time to take back her life

Review:
Lena Diaz has remained consistent throughout her Marshland Justice series, genuine excitement and enthusiasm, so it’s a bittersweet feeling to have reached its conclusion.  Book 4, Hostage Negotiation, is a lovely tribute to the heart of the eccentric town of Mystic Glades.  Kaylee and Zach are the featured H/H in this book and their journey is one you won’t soon forget.  Leave it to Ms. Diaz to send us off with her most intense and action-packed story yet!  I knew the subject of abduction was going to make me anxious and Lena Diaz delivered.  Pulse-pounding and terror-infused descriptions gave me goosebumps, chilled me to the core.  That’s the kind of dynamic storytelling you’ll find in this swan song.

The synopsis reveals that Kaylee is recovering from being held against her will for several months, so this is not a spoiler.  What’s more vital and a testament to Kaylee’s character, is her commitment to justice.

     “And even though she desperately wanted to forget each of those sharp little pieces memory, instead she forced herself to think about them and try to put them together into a cohesive whole.”

It’s not easy for Kaylee to be under so much pressure during physical and mental recovery, and only newly appointed Chief of Police, Zach, seems to be sympathetic.  With his help and support and endless patience, Kaylee begins to trudge through the horrible memories of her captor and his twisted treatment.  It was a triumph of the spirit to say the least.  I was so proud of Kaylee’s strength and determination to hunt down “the devil”.  She showed perseverance and grace while facing her trauma.  And just as beautiful was Kaylee’s resolve to trust and love again.  It was a slow build-up of the relationship, in obvious deference to her attack, but it’s nigh impossible not to swoon for Zach.  He was her pillar of strength and partner.

When Kaylee no longer tolerates stall tactics, she vows to prevent her captor from ever endangering another person, search parties rally to retrace her steps and expand their investigation.  When tireless efforts produce new developments, could some volunteers be actually sabotaging the mission?  Hostage Negotiation introduces characters with nefarious plots who muddy up the waters of Mystic Glades.  Gators and other exotic animals native to the Everglades of Florida have nothing on the devil in this book!  Lena Diaz will show you very ugly souls.  Lena Diaz will always give you hope.  Hostage Negotiation endeavors to save the damage done.

Mystic Glades, the “land of the lost” is a fascinating location imbued with magic and unforgettable characters.  I will miss them all!

 

 

Deep Cover Detective

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Description:
A detective needed a mysterious woman’s help—even if she had secrets to spare… 

In the heart of everglade country, Detective Colton Graham lays his plans to catch a robbery kingpin. What he fails to plan for is Silver Westbrook. Proprietress of a local B and B, Silver is as sharp-witted as she is easy on the eyes. But Colton senses Silver is hiding something. Suspicious that she might be harboring the very criminals he’s tracking, Colton keeps a watchful eye on her. It doesn’t take long to learn her true motives and her involvement in the case. But unfortunately for both of them, attraction can be the deadliest distraction.

Review:

Catch the little fish in the pond to get to the bigger prize, or something to that effect, right?  What undercover detective, Colton Graham, doesn’t realize is that the waters of Mystic Glades run deep with interesting (suspicious) characters.  None more so than B&B proprietor, Silver Westbrook.  She has a way of diverting Colton’s attention, but is it all for good?  Lena Diaz will intrigue you, thrill you, and shake you up before the full reveal in Deep Cover Detective.  This is book 3 of her awesome Marshland Justice series.

While Colton is working hard to infiltrate young Eddie’s ring of thugs, Silver is sabotaging his efforts — a silent tug-of-war for Eddie’s “connections”?

       “If he ever suspected what she knew about him, and her ulterior motives for coming back to Mystic Glades, he’d disappear faster than a sandbar in high tide.  And then she’d have no way to protect him or help him out of the mess he was making of his life.”

When details unfold and turn deadly, Silver and Colton join forces.  Will Silver give Colton her full, honest support or lead him on with false hope to maintain some sort of advantage?  Secrets and truths too important eke out.  How bad is the burn when Colton is supposed to be experienced at keeping relationships professional while on a case?  Something tells me both of them knew better.

Ummm…sooo good, so enjoyable, so worthy a read!  Colton and Silver are bright and loyal individuals.  When they work together, there’s some real magic happening.  Mystic Glades won’t make life easy, being host to illegal activities, so innocence will be hard fought and lost.  Will Colton and Silver get to the head of the snake before another burglary…or worse?

Deep Cover Detective almost got away from me and I would have regretted it because this whole series is just that good.  I’m keeping this review brief to make room for the final book, Hostage Negotiation.  Oh, look at that:  It’s right above! 😉

Reviews by Carmen

 Copies provided by Author

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No Exit by Lena Diaz – a Review

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No Exit by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

No ExitAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
As an agent of the Equalizers, Jace Atwell will risk everything to destroy EXIT Inc., the corrupt antiterrorist group, before more innocent lives are lost. The only way to infiltrate EXIT is by getting close to the CEO’s beautiful daughter, but when they get a little too close, Jace finds himself falling for the woman he is duty-bound to deceive.

Whatever clandestine activities EXIT is involved in, Melissa Cardenas refuses to believe that her father is responsible and is determined to prove it. So when sexy, smooth-talking Jace comes clean about his motives, Melissa drops a bombshell of her own: she’s been investigating too—and she wants to help him find the truth.

The chemistry between Melissa and Jace is undeniable, but their opposing views of justice make teamwork tricky. With their lives on the line—and the truth something neither of them expected—the only way to survive will be to trust their hearts and each other . . . if they can.

 

Review:

When we last explored the world of Lena Diaz (EXIT Strategy review available here), it became crystal clear that the once-respected organization was anything but savory, and on the verge of being dismantled. Cyprian, the head of the snake, is under intense scrutiny and only an “inside job” can eliminate his nefarious, misconstrued plotting to salvage the company. Easy enough. Jace Atwell will get close to Melissa, Cyprian’s daughter, professionally speaking, and secure irrefutable proof to oust the bad guy permanently. When Jace and Melissa connect, however, lines blur and easy only applies to yesterday (a motto he lives by as a former Navy SEAL). Hot, I know! No Exit was a wonderful extension of a fabulous storyline with new characters (and previous studs), engaging writing and plots to enhance the overall thrilling effect. As customary, Ms. Diaz grips you in varying degrees, from swoons to sweaty upper lips! 🙂

As nonchalant as Jace purports to handle his new job as Melissa’s bodyguard, he quickly ascertained cross purposes at work; mysterious government watchdogs and rogue missions, to name a few. A worry those, but none more than underestimating Melissa (more like sure to blindside him if he doesn’t give Melissa the respect her business acumen has earned her). When Jace’s efforts are compromised (Melissa’s no wallflower), does he walk away, leaving Melissa to root out real evil or stay to collaborate and bring forth real justice?

When Lena Diaz writes a book, the action and romance don’t compete for attention. She weaves them in and sweeps you up, even when you didn’t think it would fit. I sure enjoy that feeling! Jace was written so confidently (no easy task when you compare those previously mentioned studs), I looked forward to harrowing close-calls; to see how they’d hit the ground running when up against the wall. Melissa, in her own right, has a spine of steel and it is called upon more often than not. Dreading the truth will only keep her head buried and this woman needs to live! Romance develops as ideas align. Ms. Diaz has you clutching at your heart in ecstasy and fear.

If Jace and the team succeed, will any hope of keeping Melissa’s heart end in failure?

“…Losing you, if I lost you, that would be the worst.”

     It dawned on him that it wasn’t just the rain running down her face. It was tears.

“Have I?” she whispered. “Have I lost you?”

As if I’d tell?! Ugh, so, so, good! No Exit is a line to cross…to become free. Layers of tangled secrets, lies exposed, truths faced, murder, and then some…It’s all in here!

 

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Arresting Developments by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Arresting Developments by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

Arresting DevelopmentsAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
A mysterious beauty had nursed him back to health—and attracted the attention of some very bad men… 

Somewhere over the Everglades, the airplane’s engine failed and Dex Lassiter plummeted into the swamp’s murky depths. Amber Callahan didn’t expect to find any survivors in the wreckage, but Dex was about as tough as they came. And too smart not to dig into why a woman like her had run away to settle in remote Mystic Glades. Or why a killer circled their every move. As floodwaters rose, deputizing Dex was just what this lawless small town needed. Because escape wasn’t possible. And the only thing Dex did better than starting things was defending them.

Review:

A mysterious mist engulfed the Cessna Dex was flying, killing the engine, and causing it to nosedive into a tree. Yup, we’re back in the Everglades, where the incredulous mingles with reality. We met Dex in book 1 of Lena Diaz’s Marshland Justice Series (available here) and to say I was interested is an understatement. Arresting Developments features navy pilot turned millionaire mogul, Dex Lassiter, and Amber Callahan, former healer turn hideout. When their paths cross, secrets are exposed and murder is rampant. It’s hard enough for two opposites to find common ground, but when Dex and Amber lower their guards and glimpse a better, stronger future together…what can’t they survive? Lena Diaz will keep you on edge, looking over your shoulder, in this short, sexy, dangerous story.

Most of the engine was intact. Only a few parts had been ripped away or crushed on impact. Everything looked normal.

Except for the electrical tape…

Since electric tape wasn’t standard equipment in any engine compartment, especially a brand-new plane, he could only reach one logical conclusion.

Someone had tried to kill him.

Amber doesn’t want to get involved (she’s already implicated in something enormous), but when a plane goes down, in the perilous Glades, her good heart is prompted into immediate action. In and out; drop off the city boy in town with no one the wiser. But upon arrival, Dex gets her heart pumping! This charming man can’t keep the flirtations to a minimum despite sepsis poisoning his body (and why can’t Amber stop blushing and enjoying every overture?) Because Lena Diaz wrote one hell of a leading man! That interest I referred to earlier? Far too mild a noun now that he’s developed. I loved the chemistry and temptation; the desire to give in to those impulses without regret (or too much at least, lol!)

Before you know it, Amber’s past is revealed (in parts) and it weighs as heavily as the threat (and guilt) burdening Dex. Attraction aside, Amber and Dex should run and hide back to their respective holes — is there a person who asks for more complications? That would be Dex, lol, but it’s only because their connection is so compelling; it urges them to reach for more: For Amber to stop running and for Dex to right his wrongs.

Am I sharing too many feelings instead of plot lines? This review flowed because Arresting Developments was such a forward, fast-paced read. Ms. Diaz addresses Amber’s questionable past, but she shifts center stage to make room for Dex’s arc; where his vulnerabilities are exposed, mucking up his share of the Mystic Glades waters.

Who knew crisis could forge such an unexpected kinship? Amber and Dex dig deep to offer the best of themselves and no one deserves a happier HEA! I have been inhaling this Marshland series and look forward to the third installation…and the inevitable conclusion. Get on this, my friends!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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