Book Reviews – Page 156

* Review * CAPTIVATED BY HER PARISIAN BILLIONAIRE by Andrea Bolter

June 17, 2020 Leave a Comment

Captivated by Her Parisian Billionaire by Andrea Bolter
Published by Harlequin Romance on June 1, 2020
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Paris already has Cinderella’s heart…

Can the billionaire steal it?

Interior designer Zoe wouldn’t put her heart on the line for anything like she would for Paris! Practically penniless, her only chance of staying is convincing buttoned-up billionaire Jules to hire her. But how can she work with a man who finds her joie de vivre so infuriating? Until one uncharacteristically impulsive kiss later Zoe realizes Jules isn’t as immune to her charm as he’d have her believe…

When in Paris! CAPTIVATED BY HER PARISIAN BILLIONAIRE by Andrea Bolter delights a reader with a story of love when they least expect it. The characters are intriguing and the story fast paced. The ending was a bit abrupt, but their happily ever after was fulfilling.

Zoe Gaiman is a heartwarming character. She has known hardship in her life, but she has never lost her desire for life and being in Paris is a dream come true. She needs this job in order to be able to stay, but meeting Jules is more than she bargained for.

Jules Durand is divine. He’s spent his life running from life, but has known great success in his endeavors. He’s now forced to settle in Paris and needs a home renovated quickly and love is the last thing he’s looking for.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a delve into another country with their romance. The plot was fun and the city sights were spell bounding.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * REUNION WITH HIS SURGEON PRINCESS by Karin Baine

June 15, 2020 1 Comment

Reunion with His Surgeon Princess by Karin Baine
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on June 1, 2020
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She ran from his proposal…

…but fate isn’t through with them yet!

World-renowned transplant surgeon and single dad Seth Davenport will do everything to save his royal patient. Even if that means a reunion with his patient’s daughter—Princess Kaja Alderisi, the surgeon who once ran from him…after he’d offered her a diamond ring and his heart! But one look into Kaja’s captivating gaze and it’s clear that their past isn’t so willing to be left behind…

A drama-filled reunion! REUNION WITH HIS SURGEON PRINCESS by Karin Baine delights fans who enjoy a second chance at love and a bit of a royal romance. Great characters, good connections and a solid read.

Seth Davenport is so easy to fall for and I loved every minute of his character. He never expected to hear from Kaja again after she walked out without a trace after his proposal. Years have passed and life has moved on, but he can’t resist that old pull when she calls needing his help.

Princess Kaja is kind and loving, but it’s a little hard to get over the fact that she kept secrets to such a degree and walked away without a word. She gives a solid story, she’s just slightly tainted.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a touch of a royal romance along with a medically intense plot. I enjoyed Seth and Kaja and especially their adorable sidekick.

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* Review * THE OTHER MRS. by Mary Kubica

June 15, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica
Published by Park Row on February 18, 2020
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Sadie and Will Foust have only just moved their family from bustling Chicago to small-town Maine when their neighbor Morgan Baines is found dead in her home. The murder rocks their tiny coastal island, but no one is more shaken than Sadie.

But it’s not just Morgan’s death that has Sadie on edge. And as the eyes of suspicion turn toward the new family in town, Sadie is drawn deeper into the mystery of what really happened that dark and deadly night. But Sadie must be careful, for the more she discovers about Mrs. Baines, the more she begins to realize just how much she has to lose if the truth ever comes to light.

Surprises from start to finish! THE OTHER MRS. by Mary Kubica was attention grabbing from the first page, and though slightly disjointed occasionally between characters, it takes a reader on a diabolical ride to discover who really killed the lady next door … and what’s really going on inside this new house.

Sadie Foust paints a picture of herself that keeps a reader entrenched to see what’s going on with her husband, her sons, her niece and most of all with the house that felt off from the second they moved in.

Will Foust comes across as the doting husband and father, but she hints at another side to him. Does he know more about the neighbor than he proclaims?

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a thriller that keeps you guessing from start to finish with intricate plot points, intense characters and diabolical terror!

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* Release Blast/Review * JOKES ON YOU by Lani Lynn Vale

June 10, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review * JOKES ON YOU by Lani Lynn Vale

Joke's on You by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: SWAT Generation 2.0 #6
on June 9, 2020
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Booth Pena definitely didn’t make the smartest of decisions when he was a teenager.

At eighteen, he knocked a girl up and signed up for the military all in the same day—signing his life away in more ways than one. Fast forward six weeks and he’s in bootcamp learning that he’s going to be a father while also learning that not only is he going to be deployed, but it’s going to stay that way for a year.

There weren’t a lot of things that the baby’s mother and he saw eye to eye on after that. He honestly wasn’t sure why he even slept with her in the first place.

Okay, that last part is a lie. He knows exactly why he slept with her. Because the real woman he’s in love with, her twin sister, Dillan, won’t give him the time of day.

Five years later, and he still wants her.

Now he’s home for good, being the best father and police officer that he can be, and still he’s not good enough.

***

Dillan Davidsdottir hated Booth Pena. Immensely.

She hated him because he slept with her sister, then left. Granted, she knew that he hadn’t meant to leave like he did, unknowingly and unconsciously leaving his son behind, but that didn’t change the fact that he had.

Five years later, and she still dislikes him just as much now as she did when he chose the wrong sister to take to his bed.

Maybe if he’d chosen her, her heart wouldn’t be broken, and his wouldn’t be untouchable.

But when a SWAT officer sees his life flash before his eyes, and decides that enough is enough, what’s a girl to do?

Give in, that’s what.

Forbidden love unleashed! Book six in the KPD SWAT Generation 2.0 series has Lani Lynn Vale tempting her readers with Booth and Dillan’s love story in JOKES ON YOU. It was fast paced and delicious to devour while that hint of intrigue kept us on our toes. I wanted more dramatics and justice based on the secrets we uncover, but overall it was a solid read and has me hungry for Bourne and Delanie’s story.

Booth Pena is easy to fall for as a character. He’s alpha but not in an “in your face” way, he adores his son, and he just can’t let go of the love he’s felt for years. Watching him finally reach out and grab for it after a scary incident is so satisfying!

Dillan Davidsdottir is easy to like as well. She’s kind and accomplished and does anything she can for someone she loves on a regular basis. She’s been fighting her feelings for so many years that now that they’re all coming to the surface, it seems so easy to just be.

I recommend this book and the series as a whole to anyone who loves a close-knit group of cops who go after love and family with everything they’ve got. There’s quite a connection of friendship, brotherhood and love in every book.

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz/Review * GAME CHANGER by Kelly Jamieson

June 9, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * GAME CHANGER by Kelly Jamieson

Game Changer by Kelly Jamieson
Series: Wynn Hockey #5
Published by Kelly Jamieson Inc on June 9, 2020
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I don’t want anything to do with my crazy family’s drama, which I’ve been watching unfold from a distance over the last year, but now my grandfather has Alzheimer’s and I feel I need to at least make a quick visit to see him. My hockey season’s over, all I have to do is get through my teammate Steve’s wedding, and then I’m on a plane to Los Angeles to do my family duty. After that, I’ll head home to Manitoba for some summer R&R at the family lake cottage.

Molly Flynn
Nobody’s expecting what happens at my wedding, which becomes pandemonium. I need to get out of there. Fast. Who do I turn to? Jackson Wynn, one my fiancé’s teammates. He’s been a friend to me since I met Steve. For one night, we hide out in his condo, but he’s leaving in the morning for California. I want to go with him.

Jackson
I can’t take Steve’s fiancée with me to California. He’s going to flip shit over this. But the lying cheating bastard kind of deserves it, and I’ve always had a soft spot for Molly. Or maybe not so soft…because she’s not only sweet and kind, she’s hot as hell. This is a bad idea for so many reasons, and I sure as hell don’t need more drama in my life, but I can’t say no to her.

On this nutso trip, neither of us expect Molly to bond with my bonkers family…especially my poor, confused grandpa. And neither of us expect to bond with each other…

A good deed never goes unrewarded! With the next book in her ever-popular Wynn Hockey series Kelly Jamieson delights with family black sheep Jackson’s story. The plot is quick to draw the reader in, and the connection between the two is spot on. The drama was a bit light in comparison to the earlier books in the series, but it was a fun read none-the-less. Really enjoying this family!

Jackson Wynn is an easy-going, stand-up type of guy. He loves his family, but he hates the drama that seems to be the constant when he’s around them. With his grandfather getting progressively less healthy, he feels obligated to go home for a visit now that his hockey season is over, but then he’s high-tailing it to a relaxing summer.

Molly Flynn is a strong-willed, stand up for herself character and I really liked her. She is all set to start her life with the man of her dreams when it all crumbles down around her. She needs to get out of there, and her trivia buddy Jax is just the one to help her. She needs to get away from life right now … and tagging along on his family reunion in California seems like a good way to do it.

I recommend this book and the series as a whole to anyone who enjoys a good hockey romance that’s filled with emotion, drama and passion. This family is close-knit and delightful!

He can’t say no to her…it may just be a game changer.

Game Changer by Kelly Jamieson is available now!

Amazon — https://amzn.to/2Wc22Qz

Universal — getbook.at/GameChangerKJ

Apple — https://apple.co/2YeFjWU

Nook — https://bit.ly/2SyZ6gf

Kobo — https://bit.ly/2SkLK6S

Jackson Wynn
I don’t want anything to do with my crazy family’s drama, which I’ve been watching unfold from a distance over the last year, but now my grandfather has Alzheimer’s and I feel I need to at least make a quick visit to see him. My hockey season’s over, all I have to do is get through my teammate Steve’s wedding, and then I’m on a plane to Los Angeles to do my family duty. After that, I’ll head home to Manitoba for some summer R&R at the family lake cottage.

Molly Flynn
Nobody’s expecting what happens at my wedding, which becomes pandemonium. I need to get out of there. Fast. Who do I turn to? Jackson Wynn, one my fiancé’s teammates. He’s been a friend to me since I met Steve. For one night, we hide out in his condo, but he’s leaving in the morning for California. I want to go with him.

Jackson
I can’t take Steve’s fiancée with me to California. He’s going to flip shit over this. But the lying cheating bastard kind of deserves it, and I’ve always had a soft spot for Molly. Or maybe not so soft…because she’s not only sweet and kind, she’s hot as hell. This is a bad idea for so many reasons, and I sure as hell don’t need more drama in my life, but I can’t say no to her.

On this nutso trip, neither of us expect Molly to bond with my bonkers family…especially my poor, confused grandpa. And neither of us expect to bond with each other.

About Kelly Jamieson

Kelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over 40 romance novels and novellas.

Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex”, “sweet and satisfying” and “blisteringly sexy”. She likes black coffee, white wine and high heels…and of course cheering on her Winnipeg Jets during hockey season!

Connect with Kelly

Website: www.kellyjamieson.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyJamiesonauthor

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2wkUtxp

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Ikekli

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellyJamieson

Instagram: http://instagram.com/authorkellyjamieson

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz/Review * ZAAN by Kat Mizera

June 9, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * ZAAN by Kat Mizera

ZAAN by Kat Mizera
Series: Sidewinders: Generations #1
on June 9, 2020
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First love gets a second chance...

Norwegian-born professional hockey player Zaan Hagen has only ever loved two things: Hockey and Lexi. He never imagined he’d have to choose, until he was forced to let her go.

After beating breast cancer at sixteen, Lexi Rousseau vowed to live her life with no regrets. When her singing career took off with one of the hottest pop groups in the world, her dream came true— but it cost her the only man she ever loved.

When an unexpected turn of events brings them back together, Zaan and Lexi will have to learn to balance their demanding careers and irrefutable desires before history starts repeating itself. Have they finally figured out how to play the game without losing everything?

A highly emotional reunion of first loves! With the first book in her Sidewinders: Generations spin-off series Kat Mizera brings her readers an emotional delve into the life of stardom. The characters are attention grabbing, the emotion is rich and the passion is oh so yummy. I feel like there were some holes here, in particular if the reader didn’t read the start of their story in an earlier anthology, but overall it was powerful and richly satisfying.

Zaan Hagen is perfection. He’s down to earth, he’s loyal and he’s just self-assured enough to make everything look easy. He’s loved Lexi since the day he set eyes on her, but life on the road isn’t easy. This second chance at making it work seems like a gift … will they end up throwing it all away?

Lexi Rousseau is feisty, strong and easy to like even though parts of her are selfish. Her gumption to go for what she wants in life is what makes her stand out in the crowd, but her weakness has always been Zaan. She would be on top of the world happy if they could just get their schedules to meld this time.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance with lots of emotion and a rocky road to happily ever after. I’m looking forward to more in the series.

First love gets a second chance…

Zaan (Sidewinders: Generations) by Kat Mizera is available now!

Amazon — https://amzn.to/34Ka2w5
Universal — getbook.at/ZaanGenerations
Apple — https://apple.co/3clcNGO
Nook — https://bit.ly/34Qfo9d
Kobo — https://bit.ly/34J7XRb

First love gets a second chance…Norwegian-born professional hockey player Zaan Hagen has only ever loved two things: Hockey and Lexi. He never imagined he’d have to choose, until he was forced to let her go.

After beating breast cancer at sixteen, Lexi Rousseau vowed to live her life with no regrets. When her singing career took off with one of the hottest pop groups in the world, her dream came true— but it cost her the only man she ever loved.

When an unexpected turn of events brings them back together, Zaan and Lexi will have to learn to balance their demanding careers and irrefutable desires before history starts repeating itself. Have they finally figured out how to play the game without losing everything?

Photographer: Wander Aguiar
Model: Wayne Skivington

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Kat Mizera is a South Florida native. Born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of wanderlust, she’s called Los Angeles, Long Island, upstate New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Atlanta home. She’s never been able to pick which locale is her favorite, but if pressed, she’d probably choose the west coast.

A typical PTA mom with a wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat can usually be found scrapbooking or indulging in her second love (after writing) – traveling. Greece is one of her favorite places in the world. She loves that Athens is a big city with a small-town feel. The food, beaches and culture keep her going back as often as possible.

Kat’s been a working freelance writer for nearly 30 years. She sold her first article–a review of a rock concert–for $10 in 1985. Since then she’s been an entertainment journalist, waitress, bartender, legal assistant, food critic, magazine editor, substitute teacher, and sports writer. She also spent some time working at A & M Records in Los Angeles.

As you can guess from her Las Vegas Sidewinders series, Kat loves hockey and occasionally writes articles about her favorite team, the Florida Panthers. The rest of the time, she writes novels: sexy, romantic fiction that she hopes makes you as happy as it makes her. There’s something enticing about hockey players and romance…

Connect with Kat:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkatmizera/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lzRBG6
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorKatMiz
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2li6zRe
Website: http://www.katmizera.com

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz/Review * TAKING HIS SHOT by Kendall Ryan

June 9, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * TAKING HIS SHOT by Kendall Ryan

Taking His Shot by Kendall Ryan
Series: Hot Jocks #7
on June 9, 2020
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Goodreads

She says she doesn’t date players.

She swears up and down that she’ll never handle my stick.

We’ll see about that, sweetheart.

When I win the pleasure of Harper’s company at a charity auction, I get exactly one date—one shot to win over the gorgeous and feisty brunette.

Game on. I play hard, and I love a challenge.

But just when I think I’ve finally carved out my shot . . . a huge secret implodes around us, threatening everything we’ve built.

Determination wins the game … and the lady! With the fun conclusion of her ever steamy Hot Jocks series Kendall Ryan takes us on the delectable ride of Jordie in TAKING HIS SHOT. The characters are easy to connect with, their chemistry is spot on and there’s an underlying depth to each of them that make them special.

Jordan Prescott is delightful. He’s just conceited enough to make him adorable, he’s down-to-earth and he’s got an emotional depth that not many see. His determination to date the coaches daughter makes for a humorous read.

Harper Allen is a successful, self-assured woman who doesn’t do hockey … and she most definitely doesn’t do hockey players. She’s so adamant that watching her fall for Jordie’s persistence is all the more fun.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a good hockey romance filled with a close-knit team of good guys and gals. They’ve been a great ride of laughs, passion and so much heart. Loved the series!

Taking His Shot

By Kendall Ryan

Release Day: June 9, 2020

She says she doesn’t date players.

She swears up and down that she’ll never handle my stick.

We’ll see about that, sweetheart.

When I win the pleasure of Harper’s company at a charity auction, I get exactly one date—one shot to win over the gorgeous and feisty brunette.

Game on. I play hard, and I love a challenge.

But just when I think I’ve finally carved out my shot . . . a huge secret implodes around us, threatening everything we’ve built.

Purchase Links

Amazon US ➜ https://amzn.to/36fmW6i
Amazon International ➜ https://geni.us/THSamazon
Apple ➜ https://apple.co/2SjFYDt
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2SjG1iH
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2ZmFAFF
Google Play ➜ https://bit.ly/3fZDiUV
Audible ➜ https://adbl.co/2WTJvKv

Add to Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/2rkRh35

About Kendall Ryan

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 3 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.

Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 100 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras.

Subscribe to the newsletter: http://www.kendallryanbooks.com/newsletter/

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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2VycsMi
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2Va0J7q
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EDIfBW
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2J4cIvR

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * A COTTAGE WEDDING by Leigh Duncan

June 8, 2020 Leave a Comment

A Cottage Wedding by Leigh Duncan
Series: Heart's Landing #2
Published by Hallmark Publishing on June 2, 2020
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It’s more than a charming small town—
it’s a premier wedding destination.
But will one journalist ruin Heart’s Landing forever?

Tara Stewart’s boss at Weddings Today magazine sends her to Heart’s Landing to debunk its romantic legends. This could devastate the many local businesses who cater to weddings, from Forget Me Knot Florist to Dress for a Day.

The locals convince Jason Heart, the handsome descendant of the town’s founder, to show Tara around the town. But can he persuade her to believe in the romance?

Heartwarmingly sweet! With the second book in her enchanting Heart’s Landing series Leigh Duncan delights her readers with a return visit to the cozy wedding town in A COTTAGE WEDDING.

Tara Stewart is an easy to connect with character. She’s part of the junior staff at Weddings Today magazine and is thrilled when her boss sends her on an assignment that could jump start the next phase of her career … only problem is, she’s supposed to be finding fault with Heart’s Landing but finds it nothing but delightful every where she turns.

Jason Heart is quick to jump into our heart as a town favorite. He’s self-assured and always out to help the town succeed. As a direct descendant of the town founder, he’s got a plethora of historical items that tell the story of the town … and Tara is only too happy to dig into it all in search of a story.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a tight knit small town filled with quirky characters and endearing connections.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE CEO, THE PUPPY AND ME by Jennifer Faye

June 8, 2020 2 Comments

The CEO, the Puppy and Me by Jennifer Faye
Series: The Bartolini Legacy #2
Published by Harlequin Romance on June 1, 2020
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Has the search for her past…

…guided her toward her future?

Gia Bartolini’s determinedly searching for her real father. First stop on the enchanting Italian island of Lapri? A mysterious abandoned mansion…where, rescuing a trapped puppy, she falls straight into the arms of alluring Riccardo Moretti! Her passion for the all-business CEO burns bright, leaving Gia with a question: In uncovering her true roots, has fate led her to true love?

A quest for family! With the second book in her Bartolini Legacy series Jennifer Faye brings us Gia’s story where an adorable dog brings about a meeting that will change her life forever. Interesting characters and an intriguing story line are sure to please.

If you read the first book in the series, you will already be familiar with Gia Bartolini and her desire for answers. Her insecurities of where she belongs resonate with a reader and have us pulling from her from the start.

Riccardo Moretti is accomplished and handsome with an underlying loneliness that pulls at our heartstrings. Watching him come alive with Gia and the new pup in his life is rewarding.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a bit of a family scandal mixed with romance and new connections. I’m looking forward to Enzo’s story!

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* Review * THE THIRD TO DIE by Allison Brennan

June 7, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Third to Die by Allison Brennan
Series: Mobile Response Team #1
Published by MIRA on February 4, 2020
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An edgy female police detective…An ambitious FBI special agent. Together they are at the heart of the ticking-clock investigation for a psychopathic serial killer. The bond they forge in this crucible sets the stage for high-stakes suspense.

Detective Kara Quinn, on leave from the LAPD, is on an early morning jog in her hometown of Liberty Lake when she comes upon the body of a young nurse. The manner of death shows a pattern of highly controlled rage. Meanwhile in DC, FBI special agent Mathias Costa is staffing his newly minted Mobile Response Team. Word reaches Matt that the Liberty Lake murder fits the profile of the compulsive Triple Killer. It will be the first case for the MRT. This time they have a chance to stop this zealous if elusive killer before he strikes again. But only if they can figure out who he is and where he is hiding before he disappears for another three years. The stakes are higher than ever before, because if they fail, one of their own will be next…

A web of woven secrets unite with the first book in Allison Brennan’s Mobile Response Team series and it’s sure to please suspense fans! With a powerful cast and a murder mystery that keeps getting more creepy, the story unfolds into more than we ever expected.

Kara Quinn is tough as nails and a meaningful character to pay attention to. She’s on leave from her job as a detective for the LAPD and never expected to happen upon a crime scene while out for a jog in her hometown of Liberty Lake, Washington. She’s quickly thrust into the case and neck deep in details with the feds.

Mathias Costa seems like just the guy to head up this new unit as the FBI special agent in charge. He’s powerful and sure footed in his duties and can rub elbows with the best of them when the case calls for it. He’s quick to arrive in town when it becomes clear that Kara’s crime scene is part of an elaborate serial killer they’ve been tracking for years.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful read with a bit of romance. The ah ha moment could have been a little more shocking, but overall it was a top notch story and held my attention quite well. I’m looking forward to more to come with the Mobile Response Team.

Filed Under: Book Reviews