Tag Archives: Melinda Leigh

Seconds to Live by Melinda Leigh – a Review

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Seconds to Live by Melinda Leigh – a Review

 

Seconds to liveAmazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett avoided his hometown of Scarlet Falls for years—too many bad memories. But when he receives the news that his father is dying, he rushes home only to discover he’s too late. Shaken, Mac retreats to his remote cabin seeking peace and solace. Instead, he crashes his jeep to narrowly avoid running over the naked body of a woman lying in the road. Even more disturbing, when he regains consciousness, the body is gone.

Police detective Stella Dane wants to believe Mac, even if his story about the vanishing body seems far-fetched. But when Mac’s description matches the missing woman she’s been searching for, it raises a disturbing question: How does a dead body disappear?

Mac and Stella will have to work together to find the answer and catch a psychotic kidnapper—and quickly. The killer has a deadly message to send, and the case is about to become personal…

 

Review:

What a spectacular read to finish a series!  Seconds to Live by Melinda Leigh keeps you on edge as she examines the mind of a psychotic killer and soothes your soul, downright restores your faith in humanity, with Mac and Stella’s burgeoning love story.  I’ve enjoyed every installment of the Scarlet Falls series and I’m bummed to see it end.  The Barrett family dynamic is bittersweet due to unconventional upbringing, bless the Colonel’s heart, but the devotion to loved ones is unequivocal and truly memorable.

Mac and Stella are facing distinct crossroads that coincide in the town of Scarlet Falls.  The setting is immediately darkened, however, by the stealthy presence of a disgruntled, unhinged kidnapper with a twisted purpose:

How could he make his message clear?  Some people were unworthy of life.  There were consequences for bad decisions.  People should be punished for their sins.  What would it take for the world to understand?

When the killer decides to showcase his depravity, Mac reacts in the most primal of ways to protect Stella (he is a wildlife biologist).  You remember Stella Dane, the police detective?  Mac’s suddenly gone deaf to Stella’s protests of knowing her job and understanding its risks.  Caveman-ish.  I loved every bit of it!  If Mac is to earn his involvement in the case, and more importantly, Stella’s life, he has to come clean about himself. 

I sort of suspected Mac’s revelation, but it was a well-preserved one.  It felt like a breath of fresh air for Mac (and the readers) to get to those inner layers of Mac’s heart.  The erratic behavior that never quite flew under the family’s radar?  They noticed, as did Stella, and Mac was finally able to unburden himself.  Ms. Leigh left Mac open and vulnerable and positively precious to Stella.  Just so well written!

A nod to Ms. Leigh for maintaining the killer’s identity a mystery.  She detailed two deviants and their warped minds.  Unsettling clues and tips pointed guilty fingers to both suspects.  As a matter of fact, there was a third dangerous character capable of horrors who will also make you cringe.  The anger and damage displayed by these individuals leant credence to proper criminal profiling and research.  Better you than me, Ms. Leigh!

I really enjoyed Seconds to Live.  Just when critical time was running out on the case, another cog of the dastardly wheel jammed progress and had you cursing the monster responsible!  The hunt will make your heart pound and keep you guessing, but the developing relationship, the sense of trust and belonging building between Mac and Stella, will inspire you — will make it all worthwhile. Melinda Leigh wrote a strong, sentimental finale to a thrilling series.  It has been my pleasure to fall in love with Scarlet Falls.

Reviewed by Carmen

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Tracks of Her Tears by Melinda Leigh – a Review

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Tracks of Her Tears by Melinda Leigh – a Review

 

Tracks of her TearsAmazon / Barnes & Noble

Description:
County investigator Seth Harding intends to spend the holidays with his newly reconciled family, but a few days before Christmas, a homicide thwarts his plan. Seth arrives at the scene and makes a painful discovery: the victim is his brother-in-law’s girlfriend. Her apartment has been ransacked and her toddler left motherless. To make matters worse, Seth’s brother-in-law, Bruce, is missing. With Solitude locked in a rare, deadly deep freeze and the temperature plummeting, the residents launch a desperate search.

Seth calls his wife, social worker Carly Taylor, to take the case so the little girl doesn’t get lost in the foster care system. With the holidays near, Carly brings the child home with them to celebrate Christmas. But when the Taylor farm is also trashed, Seth and Carly must race against time—and against a paralyzing winter storm—to find Bruce and catch a killer in the first pulse-pounding sequel to the Rogue River Novellas.

 

Review:

I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage. While I had the utter pleasure of reviewing books 1 and 2 of the Rogue River novella series by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh, I regrettably did not catch up to the last 2 books. All of a sudden, the Rogue Winter novellas (2 to be exact) are releasing, and, well…I’m in a confused frenzy. Trusting in Ms. Leigh, which I do, seems the logical place to start. Let me quit the meandering and follow the Tracks of Her Tears.

Now that he had her back in his life, he wouldn’t let anything come between them again.

Seth has reconciled with his wife, Carly, and he’s realized that love is too precious to ever take for granted. When Seth’s brother-in-law’s girlfriend turns up dead, Seth is in a near panic. Did his brother-in-law, Bruce, meet with the same fate or is Bruce suddenly the number one suspect? Either way, how is that not going to disrupt the harmony Seth’s just reestablished at home? With a supportive wife, that’s how!

This is not a “new” Carly. Seth has always admired his wife’s tenacity at home and as a social worker. Facing her brother’s disappearance on the heels of her father’s death should bring Carly to her knees, but she doesn’t cower, she perseveres. Watching Seth and Carly excel at their respective professions was impressive; collaborating to bring forth justice was inspiring. Watching Seth and Carly share a moment’s grief, or a consoling breath, was life-affirming. These two are reinvigorated and protective of their second chance no matter the mounting pressures.

At 99 pages, my initial uncertainty disintegrated immediately. Melinda Leigh will lead you down the Tracks of Her Tears with strong characters who will wrap you up in a moving and motivational story. This novella was far from mournful. I try to be impartial when reading and reviewing, but I can honestly say that Melinda Leigh engages you every time.

Stay close: November 17 will bring forth the equally compelling sequel, Dead in Her Tracks, by co-author, Kendra Elliot.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Minutes to Kill by Melinda Leigh – a Review

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Minutes to Kill by Melinda Leigh – a Review

 

Minutes to killAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Description:
After corporate attorney Hannah Barrett tries—and fails—to stop a kidnapping in Vegas, she can’t shake the haunting image of the terrified young girl she couldn’t save. She tells herself that a visit to her hometown in Scarlet Falls could be a welcome distraction. But soon, Hannah realizes the kidnappers have all the info they need to track her every move. And when chilling e-mails about the victim appear in her inbox, it’s frighteningly clear what happened in Vegas has followed her home.

Eight months after a terrible family tragedy, Hannah turns to Detective Brody McNamara once again. Brody is eager to help, though he’s embroiled in the investigation of a brutal murder. But the closer they work together, the stronger their feelings grow…and the more they stand to lose when two seemingly unrelated, but equally deadly, cases collide.

 

Review:

What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas. That’s a thing, right? It’s supposed to be a thing.;) Not in the case of Hannah in Minutes to Kill, book 2 of Melinda Leigh’s Scarlett Falls series. Mottos aside, this is that age-old scenario where you try to do the right thing yet incur the wrath of an unseen, avenging villain who is gunning after you for getting involved. This is why people look away. In Minutes to Kill, Ms. Leigh scares you and motivates you in equal measure!

Hannah (Grant’s younger sister) is on her way to the airport when she intercepts a young girl’s escape for her life. She helps her without pause/concern for her own safety, “You know me. All leap, no look.”, but gets herself knocked out in the process. Miserable bastard got away with the girl…and Hannah’s purse. CHILLS, right?!

The assault occurs right before her return visit to Scarlett Falls, but Hannah doesn’t allow it to dampen the mood of the visit: Baby Faith is turning a year old. Grant and Ellie (our happy H/H from Hour of Need) are making a real home for the kids since the tragedy (Hour of Need review available here). All Hannah wants to do is surround herself in family (and maybe a certain Detective Brody McNamara who’s made himself invaluable to her brother’s case). A haunting email arrives in Hannah’s inbox, disrupting any attempt to decompress at home.

Clues don’t exactly pour in, but Brody is a professional, willing to keep Hannah safe at all costs, and, an attraction is simmering. The love story was slow to start, but Hannah functions conservatively. Brody knows he’s attracted, would like something to come of it, but keeps himself in check (such will power, ugh!) until Hannah meets him halfway.

Complex was the only word for Hannah. She was a puzzle he wanted to solve but not in any rush. He wanted to take his time and get to know all her layers.

With alternating POVs, Ms. Leigh outlines the revenge mission against Hannah and it’s just psychotic and unnerving, but oh so compelling. There wasn’t a boundary the bad guy wouldn’t cross to “take the edge off”; cutting a violent, cruel path towards his objective.

Melinda Leigh wrote a gritty, countdown thriller with striking details. The rhyme and reason of criminals is so thoroughly fleshed out, you’re begging for justice to be doled out! I’m a big fan of her storytelling; the balance between violence and romance is deftly executed and she keeps you hungry for more. My instincts tell me Mac (the youngest Barrett sibling) gets his voice next? Whatever she’s writing – I’m reading! You should do exactly the same. 😉

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Hour of Need by Melinda Leigh – a Review

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Hour of Need by Melinda Leigh – a Review

 

Hour of NeedAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
While fighting in Afghanistan, Major Grant Barrett receives devastating news: his brother and sister-in-law have been murdered in Scarlet Falls, the sleepy suburb of Grant’s youth. Emotionally scarred from war, the career soldier returns home on emergency leave to temporarily care for his orphaned nephew and niece. But when someone tries to kidnap the kids and their teenage babysitter, Grant knows it’s not a random act?and neither were the murders.

Already devastated by her neighbors? violent deaths, Ellie Ross is shattered by the attempted abduction of her teenage daughter so she desperately turns to Grant for help. As they navigate a deadly search for the truth, they struggle with growing feelings for each other and Grant’s impending return to deployment.

But time is running out. The killer is growing bolder by the hour, and Ellie and Grant must find him before the children become his next victims.

 

Review:

Grant was pulled out of his tour of duty in Afghanistan…to battle even more villainous enemies in Scarlet Falls, NY. When his brother and sister-in-law are murdered, making orphans of his 6 year old nephew and colicky 4 month old niece, Grant recognizes how much he’s missed. And how much his family needs him. I can only imagine the anxiety an author must feel when releasing a new book. The nerves must run amuck when it’s a new series. Fear not, Melinda Leigh: Hour of Need was awesome. Not only will you impress your existing fans with this introductory novel, you’ll make new fans…many new fans.

When Grant starts to put pieces together, gathered (written) in a steady, intriguing way, he soon makes a connection to Ellie, his brother’s next door neighbor (and co-worker). Grant’s brother had just agreed to represent the family of a young skater who hung herself after being taunted and harassed by two other competitors. What new information was discovered to make Grant’s brother accept such a highly charged case in the community? Unfortunately, dead men tell no tales. Grant’s a wreck; torn in half over responsibilities.

Truth be told, Grant would like to “connect” with Ellie much more intimately, but he knows his stay is only temporary; a month’s reprieve to settle matters at home and head back to war. Hardly enough time for proper wooing. The pair fights the attraction, ever diligent of each other’s limits and insecurities. It was difficult to remain patient, retain secrets, when they clearly wanted to open up and share each other’s burdens. Like who is so desperate for the case file, Ellie is being stalked and her family threatened.

Could Grant help? In a way they were in this together. If her extortion was tied to one of Lee’s cases, the murders could likely be linked as well. Grant would focus on finding the man who’d killed his family members. Ellie wanted to keep hers alive.

Did that make them allies or adversaries?

Time to smash those personal walls and solve this case.

Bullying was a hot issue. Ms. Leigh takes us through the young girl’s thoughts and it’s nothing short of turmoil and hopelessness. It was painful yet evocative to read her pleas for help. As a mother, I mourned for the parents who suffer in her absence; the tormenting regrets of inactivity or passivity.

Hour of Need is worth every second! Ms. Leigh expertly guides you through intertwining murders and the aftereffects of a suicide that should have been prevented. I love, love, loved this book and am confident you will need to read this, too!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

 

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The Rogue River Series (Book 1 & 2) by Kendra Elliot & Melinda Leigh – Reviews

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The Rogue River Series (Book 1 & 2) by Kendra Elliot & Melinda Leigh – Reviews

 

Melinda-and-Kendra-4613-Color-Sm-300x200

Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh, amazing individual authors, have generously collaborated to gift us with the Rogue River Romance Suspense Novella Series. There are 4 novellas in which both Elliot and Leigh will do two each.  Below are the first two book in this series.

We discovered that the only thing better than having writer buddies is having one to help you plot murder. On paper, of course.

                                                            Kendra Elliot ~ Melinda Leigh

 


On Her Father’s Grave
Rogue River – Book #1
by Kendra Elliot
Release Date: October 7, 2014

On Her Father's GraveAmazon

Description:
In a small town like Solitude, Oregon, keeping a secret can be murder.

Stevie Taylor had left her sleepy Oregon hometown for a more exciting life. But after her police chief father passes away, the LAPD cop returns to Solitude and signs on as a patrol officer, hoping to heal from her loss…and from the horrific things she’s seen in the city.

In Solitude, everyone knows everyone else’s business—and, to Stevie’s dismay, local gossip soon ties her to the new police chief and a man from her past. Tragedy then shakes up the small town when a teenager dies after taking a strange new drug. Now, the seasoned LA cop must hunt down the dealer while investigating the most important case of her life, one that could divide her tranquil town.

 

Review:
Stevie’s “escaped from L.A.” to her childhood town of Solitude in the Pacific Northwest. Life was teeming with crime in the big city, so she wanted to part ways and surround herself with familiar faces. Perhaps the death of a well-known teenager (the day before her first day as a police officer), following the death of her father the local police chief (just ten days ago), was too overwhelming to be a first case? No time like the present for this as#-kicker.

The mysterious death of a popular teenager has set the small town of Solitude into an uproar. Rumors and teen shoulder shrugs (secrets) call for a swift solution to restore peace, but Zane, the new Chief of Police has yet to settle into the position (aka, gain approval from the sleepy community). When the findings of a second death too closely resembles the unsolved first murder (no visible markings of foul play), a silent killer must be brought to the light.

The investigation was intriguing, Ms. Elliot is recognized for her thrillers, but the romance was subtly intoxicating! You can sense a mutual interest, an attraction at the very least, but it’s enough to keep you hopeful. Throw in Stevie’s ex-HS-BF and things just got competitive.

“Yes, that happens, doesn’t it? Then something new shows up and that’s all you can see.”

I don’t know what their collaborative process was or how Ms. Elliot was chosen to lead, but its taken life and I’m excited to read where it’s headed. What a beginning!

 

Gone to Her Grave
Rogue River – Book #2
by Melinda Leigh
Release Date: October 21, 2014

Gone to her Grave

 Amazon

 

Description:
When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.

Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?

 

Review:
A spoiler-free sequel review requires Herculean effort to tiptoe around plotlines, but I endeavor to do so. I will have to offer some insight, but intend to keep the suspense intact.

Solitude seemed to sit right in the middle of the current drug infestation

Gone to Her Grave, written by Melinda Leigh, is book #2 in the Rogue River series, in collaboration with author, Kendra Elliot. While Ms. Elliot was a pleasant surprise for me, I’m a huge fan of Ms. Leigh’s (her Midnight novels reviews can be read here) and I expect she will continue to thread the needle of this beautiful tapestry woven in Solitude.

Drugs are the culprit. Their effects: Deadly. Who is supplying the poison remains to be unearthed. Carly is a social worker (and younger sister of Stevie from book #1) who comes to the aid of an abuser’s family, and inadvertently becomes prey. Though currently separated from her husband, Seth, a Rogue County Sheriff’s investigator, both of them will have to put personal issues aside and join forces to defeat the harm permeating Solitude.

Although their divorce is pending, love isn’t the issue — the lack of respect and appreciation has strained the marriage to a breaking point. When Seth and Carly are forced into a corner, will inventory of life’s essentials resuscitate the waning relationship or emphasize their fundamental differences?

These women knew what their vision was, played to their strengths, and wrote an intriguing series. The combination of suspense, romance, fear, and other terrific elements has fans crying out for more. The third installment, Her Grave Secrets, penned by Kendra Elliot, is released Tuesday, November 4th. Not to be outdone is the finale of the series, Walking on Her Grave, slated for November 18th with Ms. Leigh at the helm.

I’m marking the days off my calendar!

Reviews by Carmen

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Midnight Betrayal by Melinda Leigh – a Review

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Midnight Betrayal by Melinda Leigh – a Review

 

Midnight Betrayal

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Curator Dr. Louisa Hancock left behind Maine and her troubled past for Philadelphia and a job at a prominent museum. Just when it seems that Louisa’s new life is safe from her dark secrets, the body of a museum intern is found—the victim of a brutal and baffling murder.

Louisa realizes this is no random crime. And when another intern goes missing, the abduction is linked to the only man who has ever tempted Louisa’s heart—Conor Sullivan, the sexy owner of a Philly sports bar. Louisa’s past has taught her to be wary, but her heart refuses to believe Conor is guilty.

Now Conor and Louisa must dodge a police investigation—and their growing desire—as they race to find the real killer before another girl turns up dead. But trusting Conor could be deadly, especially as the evidence against him mounts…and as a merciless killer targets Louisa as the next victim.

 

Review:

Louisa cannot catch a break. Six months ago, her pleasant life in Maine took a turn for the deadly (Midnight Exposure). Now she’s in South Philadelphia trying to rebuild her career and more significantly, her social life, when her past catches up and places her in the spotlight. Midnight Betrayal is book 3 of Melinda Leigh’s Midnight series and she’s made us proud!

For the second time, items stolen from her museum had been used by a killer. Six months ago in Maine, a madman had used stolen museum pieces in bizarre Celtic rituals that killed several people. Now it was happening again. Connor Sullivan had pulled her into the investigation.

If a colleague’s murder wasn’t terrifying enough, Louisa’s young assistant has gone missing and Louisa is mad with worry. Good thing Conor lives by. Good thing Melinda Leigh loves her fans! 😀 In spite of their brief interaction in book 2, Conor and Louisa’s collaboration was effective, pivotal to a case, and laced with attraction. I knew this book, their book, would be great – Ms. Leigh tempted us and delivered! Midnight Betrayal finds Louisa seeking out Conor for his assessment of the disappearance and assistance figuring out this mystery.

But the simultaneous disappearances of the replica knife and two young women tainted his pleasure. There were too many twisted connections in the events with Louisa, her intern, and the museum for Conor’s comfort. Something was brewing.

Can I just say that I loved Conor’s no-nonsense approach to Louisa?! He was so happy she sought him out. After listening to her concerns, his inclination to just take her hand was refreshing (as was all the other steam he directed her way). Swoon. Yes, her instinctual walls came up, pretty flimsy since she’s just as interested, but his 38 year old pride wasn’t so wounded; he was confident they’d figure it out. The stars have aligned – Louisa’s swooning pretty hard herself! ;D

When Conor turns out to be the prime suspect in the disappearance of Louisa’s assistant (whaaaat?!), Louisa is unfazed. Though their relationship has not progressed to professions of love, Louisa believes in Conor’s innocence and together they initiate a private investigation. It’s the fact-finding search that leads to the actual culprit, but the process is what enables them to pursue matters of the heart. I couldn’t love this book more! Conor and Louisa aren’t from the same walks of life, an issue that will undoubtedly make you want to wring Conor’s neck, lol, but their personalities are complimentary and the results rewarding.

In the middle of solving the case, Melinda Leigh weaves in another tense subplot: Louisa’s past. A deplorable man resurfaces alongside her despicable aunt whose presence only serves to taunt Louisa. Ms. Leigh knows how to entice her readers and allowing the POV of a murderer was an exciting, albeit disturbing element. The ramblings were gripping as you tried to decipher clues!  

There are murders to solve, friends to trust, hearts to heal, a love to grow. Midnight Betrayal stands as another success in Melinda Leigh’s awesome series. We are treated to updates on the Sullivan family (Jayne and Reed as well as Danny and Mandy), but the luster of Conor and Louisa was as brilliant as their predecessors. I miss them already! Not sure if there’s a next installation, she’s busy creating a new world for us to love, but we can always hope for more…more ANYTHING by Melinda Leigh!  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

 

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She Can Scream-Interview, Blog Tour and Giveaway with Melinda Leigh

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She Can Scream-Interview, Blog Tour and Giveaway with Melinda Leigh

SHECANSCREAM_BANNER

About The author

 Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker. A life-long lover of books, she started writing when her youngest child entered first grade as a way to preserve her sanity. in 2007, she joined Romance Writers of America, learned a few things about writing a book, and decided the process was way more fun than analyzing financial statements. It was time to get serious about making her hobby a career. She began submitting her work in 2008. In 2009 she signed with an agent, who sold Melinda’s debut romantic suspense novel, SHE CAN RUN, in 2010 to Montlake Romance.

SHE CAN RUN released in November 2011 and became the #1 Bestseller in Kindle Romantic Suspense. SHE CAN RUN has been nominated for a 2012 Thriller Award for Best First Novel.

Melinda is also an avid martial artist. She holds a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and teaches women’s self-defense. She lives in a messy house in the suburbs with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs and one neurotic cat with an inexplicable fear of ceiling fans. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark and disturbing nature of her imagination

Interview

TRC: Hi Melinda and welcome to The Reading Café.  We would like to start with some background information.  Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow:  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Melinda LeighMelinda: I’m a mom, a dog lover, a martial artist, a writer, and a complete geek.

TRC: Your bio states you hold a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and teach women’s self-defense. What was the precipitating factor (for you) to study this line of martial arts?

Melinda: I actually started taking karate when my children were small. The karate studio offered a special discount for parents. A decade later, I’m the only person in the family still involved. It’s the best exercise. As a writer, I spend many hours sitting in a chair, and when I finally get up, I can’t get the story and characters out of my head. Karate is mentally and physically demanding. Full concentration is required, which makes it the perfect brain-clearing and stress-relieving exercise.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest mistake women make as it pertains to their personal physical protection?

Melinda: Complacency. Many women believe it can’t happen to them. Women need to be aware of their surroundings at all times and think about their personal security. They must realize that physically, they are the weaker sex. Women of all ages, races, and socio-economic groups are attacked every day all over the world.

She Can ScreamTRC: SHE CAN SCREAM is the latest release in your romantic suspense ‘She Can’ series.  Would you please tell us something about the premise?

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

Melinda: The plot of this book formulated as I scrolled through my Facebook feed and saw person after person “checking in” wherever they were at the moment. I immediately thought of the safety issues with reporting one’s whereabouts on a constant basis or posting personal information on any social media account. How easy does this type of posting make it for a possible attacker to find someone?

TRC: Can the books be read as stand alone storylines or do the plots and premises over lap with each successive installment?

Melinda: Every book in the She Can Series is a stand-alone read. Characters might make cameo appearances, but the plots do not overlap.

She Can HideTRC: SHE CAN HIDE is scheduled for March 2014. Will you please tell us something about the premise?

Melinda: You can’t run from your past without first facing your personal demons.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Melinda: I haven’t planned that far into the future, but I have two more books in the back of my head. We’ll see after that.

TRC: Who or what was the influence behind the ‘She Can ‘ series?

Melinda: When I wrote SHE CAN RUN, I hadn’t planned for a series of books. But I loved the characters of this small town and wanted to give them more adventures.

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Melinda: I’ve always been much more mathematically inclined than verbally gifted. As such, I approach plotting a book as a group of linear equations that must all intersect at the same point. Now everyone can see why I proudly wear my “geek” label.

TRC: How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of deadlines while still having time to raise a family?

Melinda: I’ve had a number of personal emergencies crop up while in the middle of this last contract. So far, I’ve been lucky and have been able to meet my deadlines by working pretty much nonstop for weeks at a time. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the full support of my husband and kids. Someone has to slip food under the door and remind me to shower.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen?  Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

She Can Series

Melinda: Every character must have a personal stake that readers can identify with, and it’s the writer’s responsibility to see that each character’s arc is developed throughout the course of the story. A writer has to put herself into the character’s position and think hard about how it would feel to experience that particular crisis.

TRC: Do you direct the characters or do the characters direct the storyline as you write?

Melinda: A little of each. I plan the major plot points of my books out before I write them, but sometimes characters have better ideas as the story progresses. I’ve learned not to plot out every little event and not to lock myself into the storyline I’ve plotted. Deviations from the plan are OK and often make the book stronger.

TRC: If you could select one reality TV show to be a contestant, which show would your chose and why?

Melinda: I don’t watch reality TV. I watch very little television, and when I do, I want a story. My latest obsession is Falling Skies.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with other authors, friends and family; with whom do you bounce ideas and why?

Melinda: My fifteen-year-old son has been a great help with several plot issues. I also bounce idea off my husband and my friend, Kendra Elliot, author of The Bone Secrets Novels Hidden, Chilled, and Buried.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Melinda: I’m writing two projects at once, a first for me. I’ve just started a new book starring Conor Sullivan from the Midnight Series. I’m also working on a novella for the She Can series.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: ice cream

Favorite Dessert: ice cream

Favorite TV Show: at the moment, Falling Skies

Last Movie you saw: A movie marathon with the family: Despicable Me 2 & The Sea of Monsters

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Yes

Favorite Flower: Daisy

Last Vacation Destination: The Bahamas

Secret Celebrity Crush: It’s no secret. I’ve had a crush on Tom Selleck since the Magnum PI days.

Pet Peeve: putting dishes in the sink instead of the dishwasher. Seriously, how hard it this?

TRC: Thank you Melinda for taking the time to answer our questions.  Congratulations on the release of She Can Scream.

Series Spotlight

SHE CAN RUN
She Can…#1
by Melinda Leigh
Release Date: November 2011

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

She Can RunElizabeth was a young widow with two small children when she met Congressman Richard Baker. Handsome and wealthy, with a sparkling public image, Richard seemed like the perfect man to provide the security that Beth and her kids were craving. But when she uncovers a dangerous secret about her new husband, Beth realizes he will go to any lengths—even murder—to keep it. After barely escaping with her life, she and her children flee. They eventually make their way to a secluded estate in the Pennsylvania countryside, where Beth dares to hope she has found a safe place at last…

Forced into retirement by an unexpected injury, Philadelphia homicide detective Jack O’Malley is mourning the loss of his career when his uncle abruptly dies, leaving Jack to dispose of his crumbling country house. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle engaged a caretaker just before his death, a mysterious woman with two children and a beautiful face that haunts his dreams. Determined to know her, Jack begins an investigation into Beth’s past. When he uncovers the shocking truth, and a local woman is viciously murdered, Jack puts his own life on the line to keep Beth and her children safe.

She Can Run is a sexy, satisfying debut from award-winning author Melinda Leigh, packed with enough suspense and romance to get even the tamest heart racing!

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SHE CAN TELL
She Can…#2
by Melinda Leigh
Release Date: December 2012

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She Can TellA horse trainer’s homecoming turns deadly when a vicious stalker, a cold murder case, and a hot police chief threaten to expose family secrets that a killer wants to keep buried.

After a terrible accident ends her riding career, horse trainer Rachel Parker returns to her hometown to a hostile welcome. Her efforts to rebuild the family farm are hampered by her sister’s domestic crisis and a violent vandal who threatens Rachel’s new business and her life. She is also blindsided by the undeniable and unwanted attraction she feels for hot police chief handling her case. Someone is systematically trying to destroy her. Someone who knows private things about her. Someone who’s been watching her…

As his investigation uncovers the turbulent past Rachel keeps carefully hidden, Police Chief Mike O’Connell finds himself with too many suspects and too many feelings for his fiercely independent victim. His desire for Rachel is a conflict of interest that jeopardizes everything he stands for. Long buried family secrets, a skeleton, and a corrupt local official with a grudge against Mike complicate the case, but the escalating violence against Rachel convinces him he doesn’t have much time. Whoever is watching Rachel wants her dead. Mike and Rachel race to untangle a web of deceit and lies that stretches twenty-five years into the past—before her stalker strikes again

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SHE CAN SCREAM
She Can…#3
by Melinda Leigh
Release Date: September 13, 2013

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She Can ScreamIn one moment, high school teacher and single mother Brooke Davenport interrupts a vicious assault, saves a young woman’s life, and attracts the attention of a serial killer.
Sixteen years ago, Brooke lost her roommate to a brutal murder. Now she teaches women’s self-defense, still trying to heal from the guilt and grief that plague her. Convinced the predator knows his victims and is stalking his prey online, she is determined to find him before he strikes again. Her brother’s friend, Luke has the computer expertise to help. But Brooke’s unexpected desire for Luke complicates her investigation, and her fixation with the case provokes a deadly reaction from the killer.

Injured in terrorist bombing overseas, computer expert Luke Holloway is still haunted by flashbacks of his young assistant’s death in the explosion. But Luke can’t refuse the request of a deployed friend to look after his sister, Brooke. Taking on responsibility for Brooke’s safety threatens Luke’s tenuous recovery, especially after he develops feelings for her that transcend a promise to a friend. When Brooke saves a young girl from a brutal assault and becomes a killer’s obsession, Luke vows to protect her at all costs.

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SHE CAN HIDE
She Can…#4
by Melinda Leigh
Release Date: March 2014

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She Can HideFrom the moment Officer Ethan Hale pulls Abby Foster from icy waters, he senses there’s more to her than meets the eye. Abby has no memory of the accident that submerged her car in the frozen river. Three years ago, Abby was kidnapped and abandoned in a well for a week. The botched police investigation nearly killed her. Abby had moved to the mountains of Pennsylvania for a fresh start, but when it becomes clear that this car crash wasn’t an accident, she knows the violence from her past has caught up with her.

But Abby’s former assailant was convicted and imprisoned, so who else wants her dead?

Ethan uncovers a fresh string of murders tied to Abby’s past. Someone is trying to kill her, and this time the stalker seems determined to finish the task. As the killer grows bolder, Abby begins to trust Ethan enough to share the truth, her heart, and her life. But to stop the murders, Ethan must make a decision that could jeopardize it all.

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Rafflecopter Giveaway

Melinda is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:

GRAND PRIZE: $25 Amazon card, plus a signed copy of SHE CAN SCREAM

RUNNER-UP: a signed cop of either SHE CAN RUN or SHE CAN TELL

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Blog tour Schedule

Click HERE for the complete blog tour schedule.

 

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She Can Scream (She Can… #3) by Melinda Leigh-a review

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She Can Scream (She Can … #3) by Melinda Leigh-a review

She Can Scream

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About the book: Release Date September 17, 2013

In one moment, high school teacher and single mother Brooke Davenport interrupts a vicious assault, saves a young woman’s life, and attracts the attention of a serial killer.
Sixteen years ago, Brooke lost her roommate to a brutal murder. Now she teaches women’s self-defense, still trying to heal from the guilt and grief that plague her. Convinced the predator knows his victims and is stalking his prey online, she is determined to find him before he strikes again. Her brother’s friend, Luke has the computer expertise to help. But Brooke’s unexpected desire for Luke complicates her investigation, and her fixation with the case provokes a deadly reaction from the killer.

Injured in terrorist bombing overseas, computer expert Luke Holloway is still haunted by flashbacks of his young assistant’s death in the explosion. But Luke can’t refuse the request of a deployed friend to look after his sister, Brooke. Taking on responsibility for Brooke’s safety threatens Luke’s tenuous recovery, especially after he develops feelings for her that transcend a promise to a friend. When Brooke saves a young girl from a brutal assault and becomes a killer’s obsession, Luke vows to protect her at all costs.

Review:

Once Brooke saves a young woman’s life who was being viciously attacked, she knows that her life will never be the same. Her brother is getting ready to be deployed and isn’t happy about leaving her alone. Since the police haven’t caught the attacker, and Brooke’s identity was revealed on the news, her safety is her brother’s number one concern. Thankfully, one of her brother’s best friends is home for a couple of weeks and once her brother asks him to keep an eye on Brooke and her family, Luke agrees to do it, albeit reluctantly. He has his own issues to deal with, but can’t stand the thought of someone going after Brooke. Seems he had a crush on Brooke when he was younger, and, don’t think that Brooke didn’t notice Luke either……….. Once they are reintroduced, they are immediately “smitten” with each other, but both know they can never take it to the next level.

Brooke and Luke fall into an easy routine. Brooke returns to work at the local high school, where she is a teacher, and Luke keeps an eye on things for her and her two children. Through a series of events, they realize that the attacker is now after Brooke. Not only is he after her, turns out that he is a serial killer who will do anything to get to Brooke. Once the killer gets what he needs to draw Brooke in, will Luke be able to save her? Will the two of them finally give into their true feelings for each other? Well, of course they will. This is, after all, a romance novel. But, oh, the route they have to go to be together………..

Melinda Leigh has once again written a very good, suspenseful story. I really liked the chemistry between Brooke and Luke. The suspense build up was great. Of course, there was the “obvious” choice as to who was the serial killer, which I was sure of, but then Leigh threw a curve. I love it when an author surprises me with the big reveal and she did just that. If you’re looking for a good read with suspense and two tortured souls finding each other, this is definitely for you. I can’t wait for the next in this series.

Reading Order
1. She Can Run
2. She Can Tell
3. She Can Scream
4. She Can Hide (March 2014)

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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