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| 0369728149
| 9780369728142
| B09WKJL5H6
| 4.69
| 104
| unknown
| Nov 29, 2022
|
it was amazing
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Terrific book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The intensity and urgency are apparent as defense attorney Ellington is called to the home of
Terrific book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The intensity and urgency are apparent as defense attorney Ellington is called to the home of his brother Parker. Parker, a Chicago police officer, is accused of murdering his partner and lover, DA Jonathan Wyler. The scene there is intense, with Parker devastated and in shock, the violence of the murder, and the attitudes of the responding officers. Ellington is determined to prove Parker's innocence. Because Parker is part of the Chicago police department, headed by Jerome Black, Parker and Ellington's father, the mayor assigns a special investigator to the case. Angela is a take-no-prisoners kind of investigator. She is unbiased, intelligent, and doesn't suffer fools gladly. The book was a terrific mixture of suspense and romance. Ellington and Angela connected the first time they met and quickly realized that both wanted to find the truth. Thanks to Angela's attention to detail, I enjoyed the deeper-than-usual look at the investigative process. I loved that she was suspicious of the accusation from the beginning, and watching her tear a strip off the lead detective in the case was a pleasure to see. The realization that something is fishy is reinforced when the mayor turns around and fires Angela when she refuses to go along with his preferred scenario. Determined to see the truth exposed, Angela joins Ellington, and they combine forces on their investigation. The story intensified with each new piece of information they uncovered. There is evidence of corruption and cover-ups; the closer they get to the truth, the more danger they are in. They also discover that there is a personal element to the setup that comes as a shock to everyone. I loved seeing the unquestioning support of all family members for Parker. Their brother Mingus, the private investigator, plays a significant role in uncovering vital information. When the person behind it all makes his move, Ellington's mother and Angela are in extreme danger. The twists and turns of the resolution had me glued to the pages until it was all over. The stunning end was not what I expected, and it will be interesting to see its long-term effects in the next book. I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ellington and Angela. They are alike in their pursuit of the truth, and working together allows them to get to know each other. I like how well they connected and how easily they talked about anything. Their attraction is evident from the start and continues to grow throughout the book. I liked that neither one fought their feelings and that they were able to express them. I also loved that Angela had such a realistic view of what it takes to have a good relationship. I have no that she and Ellington will stay together, but she is determined to take it slowly enough to be sure. Her conversation with Ellington at the end was great. I loved seeing more of Ellington's family. The relationship between his parents is an excellent example for the entire family. The teasing and snarkiness among the siblings were hilarious to watch, but it all stops when it comes to supporting a brother or sister in trouble. I can't wait to see what is in store for sister Vaughan. #netgalley Merged review: Terrific book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The intensity and urgency are apparent as defense attorney Ellington is called to the home of his brother Parker. Parker, a Chicago police officer, is accused of murdering his partner and lover, DA Jonathan Wyler. The scene there is intense, with Parker devastated and in shock, the violence of the murder, and the attitudes of the responding officers. Ellington is determined to prove Parker's innocence. Because Parker is part of the Chicago police department, headed by Jerome Black, Parker and Ellington's father, the mayor assigns a special investigator to the case. Angela is a take-no-prisoners kind of investigator. She is unbiased, intelligent, and doesn't suffer fools gladly. The book was a terrific mixture of suspense and romance. Ellington and Angela connected the first time they met and quickly realized that both wanted to find the truth. Thanks to Angela's attention to detail, I enjoyed the deeper-than-usual look at the investigative process. I loved that she was suspicious of the accusation from the beginning, and watching her tear a strip off the lead detective in the case was a pleasure to see. The realization that something is fishy is reinforced when the mayor turns around and fires Angela when she refuses to go along with his preferred scenario. Determined to see the truth exposed, Angela joins Ellington, and they combine forces on their investigation. The story intensified with each new piece of information they uncovered. There is evidence of corruption and cover-ups; the closer they get to the truth, the more danger they are in. They also discover that there is a personal element to the setup that comes as a shock to everyone. I loved seeing the unquestioning support of all family members for Parker. Their brother Mingus, the private investigator, plays a significant role in uncovering vital information. When the person behind it all makes his move, Ellington's mother and Angela are in extreme danger. The twists and turns of the resolution had me glued to the pages until it was all over. The stunning end was not what I expected, and it will be interesting to see its long-term effects in the next book. I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ellington and Angela. They are alike in their pursuit of the truth, and working together allows them to get to know each other. I like how well they connected and how easily they talked about anything. Their attraction is evident from the start and continues to grow throughout the book. I liked that neither one fought their feelings and that they were able to express them. I also loved that Angela had such a realistic view of what it takes to have a good relationship. I have no that she and Ellington will stay together, but she is determined to take it slowly enough to be sure. Her conversation with Ellington at the end was great. I loved seeing more of Ellington's family. The relationship between his parents is an excellent example for the entire family. The teasing and snarkiness among the siblings were hilarious to watch, but it all stops when it comes to supporting a brother or sister in trouble. I can't wait to see what is in store for sister Vaughan. #netgalley ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Nov 28, 2022
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369727959
| 9780369727954
| B09N1PY3JL
| 4.52
| 29
| Jul 01, 2022
| Jul 26, 2022
|
really liked it
|
Excellent suspense combined with a second-chance love story. When the sheriff is called to the scene of a car crash that rapidly turns into a murder a
Excellent suspense combined with a second-chance love story. When the sheriff is called to the scene of a car crash that rapidly turns into a murder and missing persons scene, he knows he needs expert help. But calling in SAR expert Kate opens a whole raft of complications, as he and Kate have a turbulent personal and professional past. As high school sweethearts, tragedy tore them apart. Years later, they were fellow deputies until competition for the sheriff's job caused their work relationship to implode. Any interactions since then lean on the acrimonious side. The story's suspense sucked me in from the start, and didn't let go until the end. The search scene had me on the edge of my seat as Hayden and Kate searched for the mother and two little girls, only to discover them in extreme danger. I could feel Hayden and Kate's determination to save the children and injured woman. I liked the realism of this encounter, as Hayden and Kate did not emerge injury-free. The effects of those injuries are also realistically portrayed and influence the rest of the story. Following the investigation kept me glued to the pages as changing information altered perceived suspects and motivations. Several twists led to an exciting ending. I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Hayden and Kate. Eighteen years have passed since their high school romance, and neither has truly moved on. Memories of their time together and the circumstances that tore them apart are never far from the surface. It is evident that sparks of attraction still burn underneath the animosity they exhibit, but both try to ignore them. However, as they work together on the investigation and have a chance to get to know each other again, those sparks become harder to resist. Each also begins to see how youth and grief contributed to their parting. I ached for Hayden, the first to acknowledge his feelings, because Kate feared risking her heart again. It takes a deeply emotional revisiting of their past for them to be able to look to a future together. Merged review: Excellent suspense combined with a second-chance love story. When the sheriff is called to the scene of a car crash that rapidly turns into a murder and missing persons scene, he knows he needs expert help. But calling in SAR expert Kate opens a whole raft of complications, as he and Kate have a turbulent personal and professional past. As high school sweethearts, tragedy tore them apart. Years later, they were fellow deputies until competition for the sheriff's job caused their work relationship to implode. Any interactions since then lean on the acrimonious side. The story's suspense sucked me in from the start, and didn't let go until the end. The search scene had me on the edge of my seat as Hayden and Kate searched for the mother and two little girls, only to discover them in extreme danger. I could feel Hayden and Kate's determination to save the children and injured woman. I liked the realism of this encounter, as Hayden and Kate did not emerge injury-free. The effects of those injuries are also realistically portrayed and influence the rest of the story. Following the investigation kept me glued to the pages as changing information altered perceived suspects and motivations. Several twists led to an exciting ending. I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Hayden and Kate. Eighteen years have passed since their high school romance, and neither has truly moved on. Memories of their time together and the circumstances that tore them apart are never far from the surface. It is evident that sparks of attraction still burn underneath the animosity they exhibit, but both try to ignore them. However, as they work together on the investigation and have a chance to get to know each other again, those sparks become harder to resist. Each also begins to see how youth and grief contributed to their parting. I ached for Hayden, the first to acknowledge his feelings, because Kate feared risking her heart again. It takes a deeply emotional revisiting of their past for them to be able to look to a future together. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Dec 04, 2022
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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| 1488072892
| 9781488072895
| B08P3MDF33
| 4.52
| 341
| unknown
| May 25, 2021
|
really liked it
|
Good book. The book opens as Ford, on his way home after leaving the military and haunted by his experiences, comes close to ending his pain by drivin
Good book. The book opens as Ford, on his way home after leaving the military and haunted by his experiences, comes close to ending his pain by driving off a cliff. Stopped by the ringing of his cellphone, he is shocked to hear a woman scream and then a gunshot. When he realizes the call came from his college crush, Rachel (who married his best friend), he calls the cops and rushes to Rachel's side. But, when he discovers she'd been badly beaten before killing her husband, he doesn't know what to think. Henrietta, aka "Hitch," is a state medical examiner assigned to the case by the governor. Unfortunately, the dead man's father is a bigwig, and she's under a lot of pressure to solve the case quickly. Though the local sheriff believes it's a clear-cut case of self-defense, Hitch isn't so sure. Something doesn't feel right. The suspense of this story was great. Hitch considers that "butt-dial" call suspicious from the get-go, while Ford believes it was accidental. Though the two butt heads at the beginning, it isn't long before Hitch's suspicions have their effect on Ford. As Hitch uncovers more suspicious activity, Ford joins her in her pursuit of the truth. There were quite a few twists as they considered if Rachel had an accomplice and, if she did, who it was. Just when I thought I had it figured out, someone new would appear on the scene. The tension ramped up when both Hitch and Ford experienced attempts on their lives. I never suspected the person finally identified as Rachel's partner. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the very end when karma came for Rachel. I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ford and Hitch. Once they got past their initial suspicion and antagonism, both noticed sparks of another kind. I loved seeing them work together and get to know each other along the way. Ford discovered that when he was with Hitch, the numbness that he'd felt since the crash began to fade, and his emotions came roaring back. Hitch had pretty much given up on relationships. She found that she intimidates a lot of men, and her job hours are irregular at best. I loved their interchange after their first kiss: "You don't find me too scary, then?" "Oh, I wouldn't say that," he chuckled... I liked that each recognized their feelings and continued to get to know each other in the aftermath of the case. The epilogue was excellent, as Ford took Hitch home to Cardwell Ranch to meet the family. Merged review: Good book. The book opens as Ford, on his way home after leaving the military and haunted by his experiences, comes close to ending his pain by driving off a cliff. Stopped by the ringing of his cellphone, he is shocked to hear a woman scream and then a gunshot. When he realizes the call came from his college crush, Rachel (who married his best friend), he calls the cops and rushes to Rachel's side. But, when he discovers she'd been badly beaten before killing her husband, he doesn't know what to think. Henrietta, aka "Hitch," is a state medical examiner assigned to the case by the governor. Unfortunately, the dead man's father is a bigwig, and she's under a lot of pressure to solve the case quickly. Though the local sheriff believes it's a clear-cut case of self-defense, Hitch isn't so sure. Something doesn't feel right. The suspense of this story was great. Hitch considers that "butt-dial" call suspicious from the get-go, while Ford believes it was accidental. Though the two butt heads at the beginning, it isn't long before Hitch's suspicions have their effect on Ford. As Hitch uncovers more suspicious activity, Ford joins her in her pursuit of the truth. There were quite a few twists as they considered if Rachel had an accomplice and, if she did, who it was. Just when I thought I had it figured out, someone new would appear on the scene. The tension ramped up when both Hitch and Ford experienced attempts on their lives. I never suspected the person finally identified as Rachel's partner. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the very end when karma came for Rachel. I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ford and Hitch. Once they got past their initial suspicion and antagonism, both noticed sparks of another kind. I loved seeing them work together and get to know each other along the way. Ford discovered that when he was with Hitch, the numbness that he'd felt since the crash began to fade, and his emotions came roaring back. Hitch had pretty much given up on relationships. She found that she intimidates a lot of men, and her job hours are irregular at best. I loved their interchange after their first kiss: "You don't find me too scary, then?" "Oh, I wouldn't say that," he chuckled... I liked that each recognized their feelings and continued to get to know each other in the aftermath of the case. The epilogue was excellent, as Ford took Hitch home to Cardwell Ranch to meet the family. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Jun 13, 2021
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369732510
| 9780369732514
| B0B6GRBB1R
| 4.62
| 534
| May 11, 2023
| May 23, 2023
|
it was amazing
|
A fantastic book that starts with a rush and never lets up. Some questions from the earlier books are answered, while new questions pop up. The story
A fantastic book that starts with a rush and never lets up. Some questions from the earlier books are answered, while new questions pop up. The story is fast-paced, with plenty of action, suspense, and a sweet romance. The story opens as Ansley, who has recently discovered that she was adopted, is on her way to Lonesome to hire the Colt Brothers to help her find her birth mother. Her adoptive parents are unhappy with her quest, especially her mother. When Ansley arrives at the office, it is unlocked but empty. She spies a photo on the wall that startles her, and as she takes it down to look at it, she hears movement upstairs. She grabs the picture and runs after noticing the office has been ransacked. On the way out, she collides with Buck, then runs for her car. Buck is a good friend of the Colts and grew up with them. After time in the military, then as a state patrol officer, he left the state patrol after a life-threatening injury. He's at loose ends because he is trying to figure out what he wants to do. He isn't interested in ranching with his father and brother, nor does he want to go back to law enforcement. His collision with the dark-haired beauty aroused his curiosity, especially when he learned of the ransacking. A short time later, he spots the woman in the café and stops to talk to her. When he hears her story, he convinces her to return to the Colts' office and tell them what she knows. I loved his immediate feelings of protectiveness for Ansley and his suspicion that she was in more trouble than she knew. I loved how he appointed himself her bodyguard and was determined to keep her safe. I liked how they worked together to piece together what clues they had. The more time they spent together, the more the sparks of attraction between them grew. There was also a connection between them that they couldn't deny, and I loved watching them share their pasts, fears, and, eventually, hopes. Ultimately, I loved seeing Ansley find the love she had been missing all her life. The action and suspense of this book kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. There were so many twists and turns that I was never sure which direction the story would go next. The connection between Ansley and the Colt brothers was a shock to all of them and opened up a plethora of questions. I loved seeing how each of the brothers used their investigative skills to find the answers to the growing number of puzzles they had to solve. Ansley's adoptive mother was full of unpleasant surprises. The danger to Ansley grew more intense as the pieces began to come together. I was on the edge of my seat as one attacker nearly succeeded in his aim and again as I watched Ansley face down her adoptive mother in a heart-pounding confrontation. The surprises keep coming as Ansley finally gets her wish in a scene I didn't see coming. One last twist leads into the next book, and I can't wait to see how that goes. I loved seeing more of the four Colt brothers and their wives. They have much to deal with when Ansley shows up and stuns them with her quest. I liked their attitudes, and there were also some terrific scenes with Ansley and the four ladies. #netgalley Merged review: A fantastic book that starts with a rush and never lets up. Some questions from the earlier books are answered, while new questions pop up. The story is fast-paced, with plenty of action, suspense, and a sweet romance. The story opens as Ansley, who has recently discovered that she was adopted, is on her way to Lonesome to hire the Colt Brothers to help her find her birth mother. Her adoptive parents are unhappy with her quest, especially her mother. When Ansley arrives at the office, it is unlocked but empty. She spies a photo on the wall that startles her, and as she takes it down to look at it, she hears movement upstairs. She grabs the picture and runs after noticing the office has been ransacked. On the way out, she collides with Buck, then runs for her car. Buck is a good friend of the Colts and grew up with them. After time in the military, then as a state patrol officer, he left the state patrol after a life-threatening injury. He's at loose ends because he is trying to figure out what he wants to do. He isn't interested in ranching with his father and brother, nor does he want to go back to law enforcement. His collision with the dark-haired beauty aroused his curiosity, especially when he learned of the ransacking. A short time later, he spots the woman in the café and stops to talk to her. When he hears her story, he convinces her to return to the Colts' office and tell them what she knows. I loved his immediate feelings of protectiveness for Ansley and his suspicion that she was in more trouble than she knew. I loved how he appointed himself her bodyguard and was determined to keep her safe. I liked how they worked together to piece together what clues they had. The more time they spent together, the more the sparks of attraction between them grew. There was also a connection between them that they couldn't deny, and I loved watching them share their pasts, fears, and, eventually, hopes. Ultimately, I loved seeing Ansley find the love she had been missing all her life. The action and suspense of this book kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. There were so many twists and turns that I was never sure which direction the story would go next. The connection between Ansley and the Colt brothers was a shock to all of them and opened up a plethora of questions. I loved seeing how each of the brothers used their investigative skills to find the answers to the growing number of puzzles they had to solve. Ansley's adoptive mother was full of unpleasant surprises. The danger to Ansley grew more intense as the pieces began to come together. I was on the edge of my seat as one attacker nearly succeeded in his aim and again as I watched Ansley face down her adoptive mother in a heart-pounding confrontation. The surprises keep coming as Ansley finally gets her wish in a scene I didn't see coming. One last twist leads into the next book, and I can't wait to see how that goes. I loved seeing more of the four Colt brothers and their wives. They have much to deal with when Ansley shows up and stuns them with her quest. I liked their attitudes, and there were also some terrific scenes with Ansley and the four ladies. #netgalley ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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May 23, 2023
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369714040
| 9780369714046
| B09FTFK9PF
| 4.07
| 43
| Mar 01, 2022
| Mar 29, 2022
|
really liked it
|
Good book with a nice blend of romance and suspense. The book opens with a prologue, where we get an introduction to the suspense element of the story
Good book with a nice blend of romance and suspense. The book opens with a prologue, where we get an introduction to the suspense element of the story. Two intruders are doing something in one of the resort's cabins when they are interrupted by the older woman who cleans the cabins. One of the men threatens her with a gun; then, the scene fades to black. Cait is the resort's manager and welcomes the latest guests, Matt Harkney and his teenage son, Eric. Matt, a divorced father, has brought Eric to the resort for the summer to get him away from bad influences back in the city. He and Eric have a strained relationship, and he hopes to repair it while they are there. It doesn't look promising, as Eric resents the rules and restrictions Matt has laid down and makes his displeasure known. Their tension momentarily abates when they arrive at their cabin to find a dead body. Matt, a writer of true crime books and former military policeman, steps up quickly to report the problem to Cait. He also sticks around to help her deal with the fallout, lending his experience and observational skills to the police report. Cait is grateful for his presence and help and quickly moves the pair to another cabin. But that isn't the end of the trouble. When a guest is attacked and injured in that same cabin as the body was found, Cait and Matt begin investigating on their own. They quickly discover money hidden beneath the floorboards - money that matches the amount missing from her brother-in-law's construction business. I halfway wondered what the police were doing all this time as Matt and Cait started asking questions. It was interesting following their progress and seeing their conclusions. We also get a few scenes from the bad guy's point of view, letting us in on his motivations. I figured out pretty quickly who it was, though it didn't lessen my involvement in the story. I shook my head at the final confrontation as it was evident that this guy was no criminal genius. I stayed glued to the pages and waited to see what would happen. While the bad guy was no genius, he was desperate, which made him very dangerous. I loved Matt's creativity in attempting to de-escalate the situation. The resolution was satisfying. I liked seeing the relationship between Matt and Cait develop. Attraction affected them right away, but both were wary of doing anything about it. Cait had just ended a three-year relationship with a man who couldn't commit, and she wasn't ready to try again. Matt is only there for the summer, so starting something wouldn't be wise. He also has Eric to deal with and a book to write. But Matt's protective instincts are aroused, and he can't help wanting to make sure Cait is safe. He is also intrigued by the mystery and offers to help Cait investigate. The more time they spend together, the closer they get and the stronger their attraction grows. Their feelings deepen rapidly, and each starts to wonder if a future together is possible. But Cait's insecurities come between them, and she starts to pull back. I ached for Matt, who had no idea what went wrong. I was happy that he didn't give up on her and loved how he broke through those fears. The relationship between Matt and his son Eric was also a big part of the book. I liked the realism of seeing how things like deployments and divorces can affect kids. Eric's resentments leaped off the pages as he took out his unhappiness on his father. I ached for Matt and his bewilderment over why Eric was acting out. The depth of emotion when Eric broke down and confronted Matt was heart-wrenching and moving when they began to talk. I loved seeing the difference it made, though there was still work to be done. I loved how Eric came through for Matt when he needed him. Merged review: Good book with a nice blend of romance and suspense. The book opens with a prologue, where we get an introduction to the suspense element of the story. Two intruders are doing something in one of the resort's cabins when they are interrupted by the older woman who cleans the cabins. One of the men threatens her with a gun; then, the scene fades to black. Cait is the resort's manager and welcomes the latest guests, Matt Harkney and his teenage son, Eric. Matt, a divorced father, has brought Eric to the resort for the summer to get him away from bad influences back in the city. He and Eric have a strained relationship, and he hopes to repair it while they are there. It doesn't look promising, as Eric resents the rules and restrictions Matt has laid down and makes his displeasure known. Their tension momentarily abates when they arrive at their cabin to find a dead body. Matt, a writer of true crime books and former military policeman, steps up quickly to report the problem to Cait. He also sticks around to help her deal with the fallout, lending his experience and observational skills to the police report. Cait is grateful for his presence and help and quickly moves the pair to another cabin. But that isn't the end of the trouble. When a guest is attacked and injured in that same cabin as the body was found, Cait and Matt begin investigating on their own. They quickly discover money hidden beneath the floorboards - money that matches the amount missing from her brother-in-law's construction business. I halfway wondered what the police were doing all this time as Matt and Cait started asking questions. It was interesting following their progress and seeing their conclusions. We also get a few scenes from the bad guy's point of view, letting us in on his motivations. I figured out pretty quickly who it was, though it didn't lessen my involvement in the story. I shook my head at the final confrontation as it was evident that this guy was no criminal genius. I stayed glued to the pages and waited to see what would happen. While the bad guy was no genius, he was desperate, which made him very dangerous. I loved Matt's creativity in attempting to de-escalate the situation. The resolution was satisfying. I liked seeing the relationship between Matt and Cait develop. Attraction affected them right away, but both were wary of doing anything about it. Cait had just ended a three-year relationship with a man who couldn't commit, and she wasn't ready to try again. Matt is only there for the summer, so starting something wouldn't be wise. He also has Eric to deal with and a book to write. But Matt's protective instincts are aroused, and he can't help wanting to make sure Cait is safe. He is also intrigued by the mystery and offers to help Cait investigate. The more time they spend together, the closer they get and the stronger their attraction grows. Their feelings deepen rapidly, and each starts to wonder if a future together is possible. But Cait's insecurities come between them, and she starts to pull back. I ached for Matt, who had no idea what went wrong. I was happy that he didn't give up on her and loved how he broke through those fears. The relationship between Matt and his son Eric was also a big part of the book. I liked the realism of seeing how things like deployments and divorces can affect kids. Eric's resentments leaped off the pages as he took out his unhappiness on his father. I ached for Matt and his bewilderment over why Eric was acting out. The depth of emotion when Eric broke down and confronted Matt was heart-wrenching and moving when they began to talk. I loved seeing the difference it made, though there was still work to be done. I loved how Eric came through for Matt when he needed him. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
|
not set
not set
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May 12, 2022
not set
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Sep 27, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1488072817
| 9781488072819
| B08NP7DT6L
| 4.29
| 317
| Apr 01, 2021
| Apr 27, 2021
|
really liked it
|
Good start to the new series with a second chance romance. Barrett is the sheriff of Mercy Ridge, a small town in Texas. Della is a deputy in Culver C
Good start to the new series with a second chance romance. Barrett is the sheriff of Mercy Ridge, a small town in Texas. Della is a deputy in Culver Crossing, a neighboring small town. They had a "friends with benefits" arrangement that worked well for them for a long time. Two months earlier, Della ended the relationship as she is ready for marriage and family, and Barrett is adamant he will never marry or have kids of his own. Complicating matters, Della just discovered that she is pregnant with Barrett's baby. In the opening scene, Barrett received an anonymous text reporting a dead body near the border of the two towns. Shortly after he arrives on the scene, Della arrives, having received an identical text. Neither is particularly happy to see the other, but they'll work the investigation together and try to keep their personal issues out of it. That may be easier said than done. They find one dead body with a knife in his chest at the scene and one injured woman covered in blood. In addition to being the lover to the dead man, the woman also is Barrett's estranged mother. Barrett may have long-standing issues with Alice, but he has difficulty believing her capable of murder. Barrett and Della's investigation quickly uncovers multiple people with the means and motivation to kill the victim. Could it be a local rancher whose ethics and activities already spawned several investigations? Perhaps it is the "other woman" who refuses to give up the man she loves and loudly blames her rival for his affections? Or maybe the private investigator who is badly in debt and has questionable ties to another suspect? To make things worse, someone seems determined to stop Barrett and Della from investigating - permanently. Multiple attempts on their lives added intensity and kept me glued to the pages. Twists and turns and tangled threads of leads kept me guessing until close to the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the end. While the mystery of the killer was resolved, there are ongoing questions about another character that will likely continue through the series. I enjoyed seeing the progress of the relationship between Barrett and Della. Caught on the horns of a dilemma, Della knows she needs to tell Barrett about the baby, but she doesn't know how he'll take it. Barrett's issues have roots deep in his past. Twenty years earlier, Alice walked out on her three sons and her husband. Barrett's father killed himself, with Barrett finding his body. Though his grandfather moved in to raise the boys, Barrett also felt responsible for them. Though they turned out well, Barrett believes he would be a terrible father. Della didn't want to end her relationship with Barrett, but she saw no other way to achieve the future she wanted. This pregnancy was not her preferred way of doing things, but there was no doubt she wanted this baby no matter how Barrett reacted. Barrett's reaction impressed me. There were no angry words or accusations, just a little bit of stunned surprise. I liked his acceptance and growing pleasure in his impending fatherhood, with the scene at Della's ultrasound being especially moving. Della's pregnancy brought out a very protective side to Barrett, who tried to balance his protectiveness with respect for her abilities as a cop. The requirements of the case make it difficult for them to address their issues, but it quickly becomes evident that the attraction between them is as strong as ever. While Della knew the depth of her feelings for Barrett, it took him a while to realize his. I loved the ending and seeing him all-in on his new future. A big part of this book was also the relationship of Alice with her sons, especially Barrett. He understandably feels a great deal of anger and resentment over her actions even twenty years later. It amazed me that he could put those feelings aside and treat her objectively while investigating the murder. He also spent far more time in her company, and I sensed a slight softening in his attitude by the end of the book. It was easy to see that Alice regretted her past actions and did not expect forgiveness. Her efforts at the end demonstrated her love for Barrett and added to his changing feelings for her. Merged review: Good start to the new series with a second chance romance. Barrett is the sheriff of Mercy Ridge, a small town in Texas. Della is a deputy in Culver Crossing, a neighboring small town. They had a "friends with benefits" arrangement that worked well for them for a long time. Two months earlier, Della ended the relationship as she is ready for marriage and family, and Barrett is adamant he will never marry or have kids of his own. Complicating matters, Della just discovered that she is pregnant with Barrett's baby. In the opening scene, Barrett received an anonymous text reporting a dead body near the border of the two towns. Shortly after he arrives on the scene, Della arrives, having received an identical text. Neither is particularly happy to see the other, but they'll work the investigation together and try to keep their personal issues out of it. That may be easier said than done. They find one dead body with a knife in his chest at the scene and one injured woman covered in blood. In addition to being the lover to the dead man, the woman also is Barrett's estranged mother. Barrett may have long-standing issues with Alice, but he has difficulty believing her capable of murder. Barrett and Della's investigation quickly uncovers multiple people with the means and motivation to kill the victim. Could it be a local rancher whose ethics and activities already spawned several investigations? Perhaps it is the "other woman" who refuses to give up the man she loves and loudly blames her rival for his affections? Or maybe the private investigator who is badly in debt and has questionable ties to another suspect? To make things worse, someone seems determined to stop Barrett and Della from investigating - permanently. Multiple attempts on their lives added intensity and kept me glued to the pages. Twists and turns and tangled threads of leads kept me guessing until close to the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the end. While the mystery of the killer was resolved, there are ongoing questions about another character that will likely continue through the series. I enjoyed seeing the progress of the relationship between Barrett and Della. Caught on the horns of a dilemma, Della knows she needs to tell Barrett about the baby, but she doesn't know how he'll take it. Barrett's issues have roots deep in his past. Twenty years earlier, Alice walked out on her three sons and her husband. Barrett's father killed himself, with Barrett finding his body. Though his grandfather moved in to raise the boys, Barrett also felt responsible for them. Though they turned out well, Barrett believes he would be a terrible father. Della didn't want to end her relationship with Barrett, but she saw no other way to achieve the future she wanted. This pregnancy was not her preferred way of doing things, but there was no doubt she wanted this baby no matter how Barrett reacted. Barrett's reaction impressed me. There were no angry words or accusations, just a little bit of stunned surprise. I liked his acceptance and growing pleasure in his impending fatherhood, with the scene at Della's ultrasound being especially moving. Della's pregnancy brought out a very protective side to Barrett, who tried to balance his protectiveness with respect for her abilities as a cop. The requirements of the case make it difficult for them to address their issues, but it quickly becomes evident that the attraction between them is as strong as ever. While Della knew the depth of her feelings for Barrett, it took him a while to realize his. I loved the ending and seeing him all-in on his new future. A big part of this book was also the relationship of Alice with her sons, especially Barrett. He understandably feels a great deal of anger and resentment over her actions even twenty years later. It amazed me that he could put those feelings aside and treat her objectively while investigating the murder. He also spent far more time in her company, and I sensed a slight softening in his attitude by the end of the book. It was easy to see that Alice regretted her past actions and did not expect forgiveness. Her efforts at the end demonstrated her love for Barrett and added to his changing feelings for her. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Jun 04, 2021
not set
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Sep 27, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1488064113
| 9781488064111
| B082VG842W
| 4.28
| 74
| Jun 11, 2020
| Jul 01, 2020
|
really liked it
|
Good book. There are six Colton family members: Riley, his two sets of twin sisters, and an adopted brother. There is also a younger foster brother wh
Good book. There are six Colton family members: Riley, his two sets of twin sisters, and an adopted brother. There is also a younger foster brother who is the catalyst for the mystery that runs through the series. Riley is the oldest, who at thirteen years old became the surrogate caretaker for his first set of sisters, adding the second set two years later. His parents were socially and politically active and often left Riley in charge of his siblings. After his parents' deaths, he took over raising them. Now, at the age of forty-three, he has no intention of ever being a husband or father. He is done with all of it. I have to admit that Riley grated on my nerves at the beginning. He seemed to be in a constant state of self-pity over having had to care for his siblings. Yet, they all work together in some way with the family investigation business. There are also frequent scenes of the things he still does to take care of them - preparing snacks for their meetings, having pre-prepared meals in his freezer for any of them to take, etc. He fights and denies that caring nature through most of the book. As the book opens, Riley is fighting the memories of a one-night stand three months earlier. Unlike other short-term women (he doesn't do relationships, period), he hasn't been able to get Charlize off his mind. Despite that, he doesn't intend her again until fate intervenes. Her aunt is connected to a case he is working on, and on his way to see her, Riley witnesses an attack on Charlize. His protectiveness is aroused in spite of himself, especially once he finds out she is pregnant with his baby. Charlize is an independent woman who, knowing Riley's feelings, is ready to raise the baby independently. She would rather have Riley involved, both with the baby and her. She fell in love with him immediately but knows that her "fantasyland" isn't likely to come true. However, with the threats against her, she is happy to accept Riley's protection. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Riley and Charlize. The connection was there between them from that first night, though Riley tried to deny it, and is still there when they meet again. Riley freaks out at the news of his impending fatherhood though he does accept responsibility. He begins by planning minimum participation for heartbreaking reasons. As they spend time together, Charlize starts to see the caring man beneath the surface that Riley shows the world. I liked seeing Riley's changes, especially over the days that Charlize stayed at his house. But he still can't see the possibilities for a future when the danger is over, and she leaves. A visit from one of his sisters sparks an eye-opening conversation. At the same time, Charlize decides to go after what she wants. I loved the scene at the end, as she reminded him that love is not perfect because life is not perfect. The suspense of the story was terrific also, with two mysteries. The first is when the Coltons' foster brother, Brody, contacts Riley to say he's in trouble. Brody got involved in a pyramid scheme using borrowed money. Now he's on the hook to pay back the loan, and Brody can't reach anyone in the company. As Riley and the other members of the family investigate, Brody disappears. Riley delves deeper into the ReVitaYou program and discovers disturbing irregularities, combined with a product that makes some people sick. There's a twist at the end that leads into the next book and the continuing search for the ringleader and Brody. The second mystery is more immediate. As a social worker, Charlize occasionally encounters violent clients. In this case, someone first tries to run her down, which is when Riley gets involved. While she isn't panicked by the attack, Charlize is somewhat concerned. The intensity ramps up when someone takes a shot at her. It was obvious to me who was behind it, but they needed proof. The final confrontation was intense and kept me glued to the pages until it was over. Colton books are always good for family unity also. Riley is clearly the head of the family, but he also respects the others' thoughts and opinions. After all his years of going on about never being a father, it was funny to see him plotting how to drop the pregnancy bomb on them. I was impressed by their reactions. I'm looking forward to getting to know the rest of them during the other books. Merged review: Good book. There are six Colton family members: Riley, his two sets of twin sisters, and an adopted brother. There is also a younger foster brother who is the catalyst for the mystery that runs through the series. Riley is the oldest, who at thirteen years old became the surrogate caretaker for his first set of sisters, adding the second set two years later. His parents were socially and politically active and often left Riley in charge of his siblings. After his parents' deaths, he took over raising them. Now, at the age of forty-three, he has no intention of ever being a husband or father. He is done with all of it. I have to admit that Riley grated on my nerves at the beginning. He seemed to be in a constant state of self-pity over having had to care for his siblings. Yet, they all work together in some way with the family investigation business. There are also frequent scenes of the things he still does to take care of them - preparing snacks for their meetings, having pre-prepared meals in his freezer for any of them to take, etc. He fights and denies that caring nature through most of the book. As the book opens, Riley is fighting the memories of a one-night stand three months earlier. Unlike other short-term women (he doesn't do relationships, period), he hasn't been able to get Charlize off his mind. Despite that, he doesn't intend her again until fate intervenes. Her aunt is connected to a case he is working on, and on his way to see her, Riley witnesses an attack on Charlize. His protectiveness is aroused in spite of himself, especially once he finds out she is pregnant with his baby. Charlize is an independent woman who, knowing Riley's feelings, is ready to raise the baby independently. She would rather have Riley involved, both with the baby and her. She fell in love with him immediately but knows that her "fantasyland" isn't likely to come true. However, with the threats against her, she is happy to accept Riley's protection. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Riley and Charlize. The connection was there between them from that first night, though Riley tried to deny it, and is still there when they meet again. Riley freaks out at the news of his impending fatherhood though he does accept responsibility. He begins by planning minimum participation for heartbreaking reasons. As they spend time together, Charlize starts to see the caring man beneath the surface that Riley shows the world. I liked seeing Riley's changes, especially over the days that Charlize stayed at his house. But he still can't see the possibilities for a future when the danger is over, and she leaves. A visit from one of his sisters sparks an eye-opening conversation. At the same time, Charlize decides to go after what she wants. I loved the scene at the end, as she reminded him that love is not perfect because life is not perfect. The suspense of the story was terrific also, with two mysteries. The first is when the Coltons' foster brother, Brody, contacts Riley to say he's in trouble. Brody got involved in a pyramid scheme using borrowed money. Now he's on the hook to pay back the loan, and Brody can't reach anyone in the company. As Riley and the other members of the family investigate, Brody disappears. Riley delves deeper into the ReVitaYou program and discovers disturbing irregularities, combined with a product that makes some people sick. There's a twist at the end that leads into the next book and the continuing search for the ringleader and Brody. The second mystery is more immediate. As a social worker, Charlize occasionally encounters violent clients. In this case, someone first tries to run her down, which is when Riley gets involved. While she isn't panicked by the attack, Charlize is somewhat concerned. The intensity ramps up when someone takes a shot at her. It was obvious to me who was behind it, but they needed proof. The final confrontation was intense and kept me glued to the pages until it was over. Colton books are always good for family unity also. Riley is clearly the head of the family, but he also respects the others' thoughts and opinions. After all his years of going on about never being a father, it was funny to see him plotting how to drop the pregnancy bomb on them. I was impressed by their reactions. I'm looking forward to getting to know the rest of them during the other books. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Nov 2020
not set
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Sep 27, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369743571
| 9780369743572
| B0BQ3QYK2G
| 4.52
| 182
| Sep 14, 2023
| Sep 01, 2023
|
it was amazing
|
Terrific, fast-paced story that hooked me from the first page and kept me intrigued to the end. The book opens with Tiernan walking his dog Loki (perf
Terrific, fast-paced story that hooked me from the first page and kept me intrigued to the end. The book opens with Tiernan walking his dog Loki (perfect name for the pup!) on his ranch and Loki finding a dead body. A paper with a woman's name and address is found in the victim's pocket. Tiernan rides along with the sheriff to see her. Melody has just finished a job interview when she finds a mysterious note on her windshield. She's unsure if it is meant for her, or a mistake, or somehow related to her father's crimes. When she stops at home, she's met by a sheriff's deputy and Tiernan and told that she's wanted for questioning by the sheriff. She's confused and concerned but goes along with them. I already liked Tiernan at this point. His instincts tell him that there is no way Melody could be the murderer. I also appreciated his immediate protectiveness as he watched the sheriff do everything he could to pin the murder on Melody. I loved how he told her to stop answering questions while he made a phone call and got her a top-notch lawyer. He takes her back to his house, where she meets Loki. Tiernan's sensitivity to her fear of dogs and explanation of Loki's history were a good look at the kind and compassionate man he is. I ached for Melody as the truth of her trouble hit hard. The meeting with the lawyer helps some, but hearing the sheriff is searching her house adds to that feeling. Then, the twist of the victim's identity adds to the situation's complexity. I liked how Tiernan offered to let Melody stay with him when she didn't want to be alone. Though the lawyer and the sheriff have people investigating, Tiernan and Melody decide to do a little sleuthing themselves. I loved Melody's determination to be fully involved and Tiernan's desire to help and keep her safe. The twists and turns of their searches, combined with the sheriff's determination to pin the murder on Melody, kept me as deeply invested as they were. Even as the clues piled up, I was kept guessing about who was behind the attempt to frame Melody. The final confrontation surprised me and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Tiernan and Melody. They were attracted to each other from the moment they met but tried to resist because of their situation. Both also have trust issues from previous relationships, which take a little while to overcome. I especially liked Tiernan's protectiveness and the sweet way he cared for Melody. At the same time, she felt protective of him and tried to keep from being too disruptive to his life. I liked seeing the similarities in their attitudes towards wealth and privilege. I loved the ending and seeing them admit their feelings for each other. I wish there had been an epilogue because I would have liked more about Tiernan and his family. Loki was my favorite secondary character. I loved how Tiernan told Melody Loki's story and its effect on her. Tiernan's love for the dog was undeniable, and I loved seeing them together. I also liked Loki's protectiveness toward Tiernan and Melody. I've had two labs, and the author nailed the breed's personality. #netgalley Merged review: Terrific, fast-paced story that hooked me from the first page and kept me intrigued to the end. The book opens with Tiernan walking his dog Loki (perfect name for the pup!) on his ranch and Loki finding a dead body. A paper with a woman's name and address is found in the victim's pocket. Tiernan rides along with the sheriff to see her. Melody has just finished a job interview when she finds a mysterious note on her windshield. She's unsure if it is meant for her, or a mistake, or somehow related to her father's crimes. When she stops at home, she's met by a sheriff's deputy and Tiernan and told that she's wanted for questioning by the sheriff. She's confused and concerned but goes along with them. I already liked Tiernan at this point. His instincts tell him that there is no way Melody could be the murderer. I also appreciated his immediate protectiveness as he watched the sheriff do everything he could to pin the murder on Melody. I loved how he told her to stop answering questions while he made a phone call and got her a top-notch lawyer. He takes her back to his house, where she meets Loki. Tiernan's sensitivity to her fear of dogs and explanation of Loki's history were a good look at the kind and compassionate man he is. I ached for Melody as the truth of her trouble hit hard. The meeting with the lawyer helps some, but hearing the sheriff is searching her house adds to that feeling. Then, the twist of the victim's identity adds to the situation's complexity. I liked how Tiernan offered to let Melody stay with him when she didn't want to be alone. Though the lawyer and the sheriff have people investigating, Tiernan and Melody decide to do a little sleuthing themselves. I loved Melody's determination to be fully involved and Tiernan's desire to help and keep her safe. The twists and turns of their searches, combined with the sheriff's determination to pin the murder on Melody, kept me as deeply invested as they were. Even as the clues piled up, I was kept guessing about who was behind the attempt to frame Melody. The final confrontation surprised me and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Tiernan and Melody. They were attracted to each other from the moment they met but tried to resist because of their situation. Both also have trust issues from previous relationships, which take a little while to overcome. I especially liked Tiernan's protectiveness and the sweet way he cared for Melody. At the same time, she felt protective of him and tried to keep from being too disruptive to his life. I liked seeing the similarities in their attitudes towards wealth and privilege. I loved the ending and seeing them admit their feelings for each other. I wish there had been an epilogue because I would have liked more about Tiernan and his family. Loki was my favorite secondary character. I loved how Tiernan told Melody Loki's story and its effect on her. Tiernan's love for the dog was undeniable, and I loved seeing them together. I also liked Loki's protectiveness toward Tiernan and Melody. I've had two labs, and the author nailed the breed's personality. #netgalley ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Sep 26, 2023
not set
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Sep 26, 2024
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369714210
| 9780369714213
| B09N1PGNFD
| 4.40
| 30
| Jun 01, 2022
| Jun 28, 2022
|
really liked it
|
This was a very intense book. Jake and Emma married young and have grown apart in the intervening years. Emma misses the old feelings of teamwork, and
This was a very intense book. Jake and Emma married young and have grown apart in the intervening years. Emma misses the old feelings of teamwork, and her bitterness over that loss is expressed in increasingly angry confrontations with Jake. With memories of hard times always at the back of his mind, Jake spends longer hours at work, ensuring that his family never wants for anything, but deprives them of his presence. He tunes out Emma's complaints until she's had enough. Their argument in the book's opening pages is loud, angry, and unproductive. It is also overheard by their teenage daughter, Fenn, who has observed their actions with increasing dismay and blames herself for their problems. She runs away, believing that they will be better off without her, and ends up in a perilous situation. This book shows how tragically easy it is for runaways to find themselves in situations beyond their control. Fenn's uneasiness at being watched showed she had good instincts, but they weren't enough to protect her. Fenn's fear at her situation leaped off the page and kept me turning the pages as I hoped she would be rescued quickly. The scenes with Fenn and her captors were heartbreaking in their realism. Jake and Emma must put aside their differences if they are going to work together effectively to find their missing daughter. It isn't easy, and initially, they spend too much time hurling accusations at each other. I wanted to shake them both because neither was listening to the other's point of view. Their desperation to find Fenn was evident in every scene, while their issues created obstacles to true teamwork. Ultimately, they realize their love is still there and are willing to do the work to repair their marriage. The story's suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish, despite some of the issues I had with its plausibility. From the get-go, Jake and Emma ignore everything law enforcement tells them to do, haring off on their investigation. I still rooted for them all the way, as their discoveries led them closer to Fenn. A couple of lucky breaks moved them along and led to them locating Fenn. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with Jake's spur-of-the-moment plan augmented by Emma creating her backup action. I loved how it ended. At the same time, there are scenes from Fenn's point of view, and we see her doing her best to fight against her situation. I ached for her when they used threats against her family to force her cooperation. She never gave up hope that she would be found and didn't just sit back and wait for rescue. Her attitude did get her into some rough spots, and I suspect she'll be dealing with those memories for a long time. I liked the epilogue and seeing that Jake, Emma, and Fenn get the help they need to resolve their issues. I liked seeing the family all together and moving forward in a healthier atmosphere. I liked the bit about Jake and Emma's new crusade to warn young people of the dangers of human trafficking, how to recognize it, and how to avoid it. Merged review: This was a very intense book. Jake and Emma married young and have grown apart in the intervening years. Emma misses the old feelings of teamwork, and her bitterness over that loss is expressed in increasingly angry confrontations with Jake. With memories of hard times always at the back of his mind, Jake spends longer hours at work, ensuring that his family never wants for anything, but deprives them of his presence. He tunes out Emma's complaints until she's had enough. Their argument in the book's opening pages is loud, angry, and unproductive. It is also overheard by their teenage daughter, Fenn, who has observed their actions with increasing dismay and blames herself for their problems. She runs away, believing that they will be better off without her, and ends up in a perilous situation. This book shows how tragically easy it is for runaways to find themselves in situations beyond their control. Fenn's uneasiness at being watched showed she had good instincts, but they weren't enough to protect her. Fenn's fear at her situation leaped off the page and kept me turning the pages as I hoped she would be rescued quickly. The scenes with Fenn and her captors were heartbreaking in their realism. Jake and Emma must put aside their differences if they are going to work together effectively to find their missing daughter. It isn't easy, and initially, they spend too much time hurling accusations at each other. I wanted to shake them both because neither was listening to the other's point of view. Their desperation to find Fenn was evident in every scene, while their issues created obstacles to true teamwork. Ultimately, they realize their love is still there and are willing to do the work to repair their marriage. The story's suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish, despite some of the issues I had with its plausibility. From the get-go, Jake and Emma ignore everything law enforcement tells them to do, haring off on their investigation. I still rooted for them all the way, as their discoveries led them closer to Fenn. A couple of lucky breaks moved them along and led to them locating Fenn. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with Jake's spur-of-the-moment plan augmented by Emma creating her backup action. I loved how it ended. At the same time, there are scenes from Fenn's point of view, and we see her doing her best to fight against her situation. I ached for her when they used threats against her family to force her cooperation. She never gave up hope that she would be found and didn't just sit back and wait for rescue. Her attitude did get her into some rough spots, and I suspect she'll be dealing with those memories for a long time. I liked the epilogue and seeing that Jake, Emma, and Fenn get the help they need to resolve their issues. I liked seeing the family all together and moving forward in a healthier atmosphere. I liked the bit about Jake and Emma's new crusade to warn young people of the dangers of human trafficking, how to recognize it, and how to avoid it. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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May 24, 2023
not set
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Sep 26, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1335502521
| 9781335502520
| 1335502521
| 4.20
| 10
| unknown
| Sep 24, 2024
|
it was amazing
|
I made the mistake of starting this book in the evening and got so involved that I didn't put it down until I turned the last page well past my bedtim
I made the mistake of starting this book in the evening and got so involved that I didn't put it down until I turned the last page well past my bedtime. The story starts with a bang as Ava, an undercover operative of some kind, discovers her partner of four years isn't what she thought he was. The intense scene ended in a fade-to-black moment, leaving the reader wondering what happened. Fast forward five years, and we find Ava living in the tiny town of Ambrosia Falls, where she owns a bakery. She is cheerful and friendly to everyone she meets. But her favorite is probably Zach, a local mystery writer who hangs out in her shop to do his writing. Zach is the single dad of ten-year-old Chloe, the center of his life. Ava and Zach have kept their relationship strictly in the friend zone. Ava's past keeps her from getting too close to anyone, knowing she could have to disappear at a moment's notice. For Zach, the last time he loved it ended in disaster. He doesn't want to risk his friendship with Ava, so he ignores his feelings, which have been growing for years. The story opens as the town begins its yearly Apple Cider Festival. Grumpy Zach rolls his eyes at the over-the-top reactions of tourists visiting the bakery, while Ava loves interacting with them. She loves the normalcy of her new life. However, when a temporary water tower collapses in the middle of the festival, Ava has a bad feeling that things are about to change. That feeling is reinforced when the temporary stage catches fire in the early morning hours. Sure that her old partner has found her, Ava is ready to run when a panicked Zach tells her that Chloe has disappeared. Warned not to call the police, it is up to Ava and Zach to find Chloe before it's too late. Zach is stunned as Ava transforms from a bubbly baker to a deadly operative in the blink of an eye. I was glued to the pages through the twists and turns of their search. The intensity ramped up with every page until the nail-biter of the final confrontation. The intense situation brings Zach and Ava's feelings for each other to the surface. The question is, will they have the courage to take a chance on love? ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
|
Sep 25, 2024
|
Sep 25, 2024
|
Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 148807142X
| 9781488071423
| B08FYMWLQ9
| 4.50
| 129
| Feb 04, 2021
| Mar 01, 2021
|
really liked it
|
Good book with a slow burn romance and interesting suspense element. Davis Black is the youngest of the prominent Chicago family. Unlike many of his f
Good book with a slow burn romance and interesting suspense element. Davis Black is the youngest of the prominent Chicago family. Unlike many of his family, Davis chose civic involvement instead of joining law enforcement. Davis was recently elected alderman of his district and already had a reputation as a caring and honorable leader. Therefore, he isn't happy when his father, Jerome, the police superintendent, all but orders him to meet with Alexander Balducci, a man suspected of having ties to organized crime. Neema is an award-winning reporter with the city paper. Her parents own a restaurant where she frequently helps out. She witnesses the meeting between Balducci and Davis and sees a suspicious exchange of what looks like cash. Neema smells a possible story and plans to get close enough to Davis to investigate her suspicions. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Davis and Neema. They met briefly the night he met with Balducci, and the sparks between them were immediate. Davis was amusing with his blatant excitement over his upcoming meeting with Neema and her father and his happiness at securing a date with her. Neema, who also feels the sparks, accepts the date with a healthy dose of skepticism and suspicion. During their dinner out, Neema finds her doubts fading as her admiration for Davis grows. As they spend more time together, Neema feels guilty about not telling him about her job. She knows she has to come clean, but finding the right time proves difficult. The longer she waits, the harder it is, and she fears that it could destroy their growing relationship. Davis is obviously smitten, and his enjoyment of her company is evident. He finds it easy to share things with her that he usually doesn't talk about and appreciates her support during some rough times. It all comes crashing down when the truth comes out. I ached for both Neema and Davis. Davis felt betrayed and doubted her feelings for him, while Neema thought all of her fears had come true. Though it took some effort and unsolicited advice from his family, I liked the ending. I especially liked the realism that it wasn't immediately all unicorns and rainbows; instead, it took time and attention to get back to where they were. The suspense of the story was good, with a lot going on. First, there was the requested meeting with Balducci. Let me say right off that the relationship of the head of the police with a known/suspected criminal struck me as all kinds of wrong. It was explained later, but the optics were terrible. I also hated the way Jerome forced Davis into doing it. I know that Davis has a lot of respect for his father, but I would have had more respect for Davis if he'd refused. Yes, it set up the meeting with Neema, but... Then there were the attacks on Davis, one of which implicated him in a murder. Are the two events connected, or has Davis's political activities angered someone? The final confrontation was a little bit anticlimactic thanks to Davis's dog but satisfying nonetheless. I did not see the twists that went along with that event coming. The book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, leading into the next book. I liked seeing the other members of Davis's family and how close they all are. I especially liked how his siblings immediately came to him when he asked for their help. My only exceptions were Davis's father, as previously mentioned, and his sister Simone. In the previous book, Reunited by the Badge, I noted her tendency toward the melodramatic. In this book, she takes it too far in a vicious confrontation with Neema. Merged review: Good book with a slow burn romance and interesting suspense element. Davis Black is the youngest of the prominent Chicago family. Unlike many of his family, Davis chose civic involvement instead of joining law enforcement. Davis was recently elected alderman of his district and already had a reputation as a caring and honorable leader. Therefore, he isn't happy when his father, Jerome, the police superintendent, all but orders him to meet with Alexander Balducci, a man suspected of having ties to organized crime. Neema is an award-winning reporter with the city paper. Her parents own a restaurant where she frequently helps out. She witnesses the meeting between Balducci and Davis and sees a suspicious exchange of what looks like cash. Neema smells a possible story and plans to get close enough to Davis to investigate her suspicions. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Davis and Neema. They met briefly the night he met with Balducci, and the sparks between them were immediate. Davis was amusing with his blatant excitement over his upcoming meeting with Neema and her father and his happiness at securing a date with her. Neema, who also feels the sparks, accepts the date with a healthy dose of skepticism and suspicion. During their dinner out, Neema finds her doubts fading as her admiration for Davis grows. As they spend more time together, Neema feels guilty about not telling him about her job. She knows she has to come clean, but finding the right time proves difficult. The longer she waits, the harder it is, and she fears that it could destroy their growing relationship. Davis is obviously smitten, and his enjoyment of her company is evident. He finds it easy to share things with her that he usually doesn't talk about and appreciates her support during some rough times. It all comes crashing down when the truth comes out. I ached for both Neema and Davis. Davis felt betrayed and doubted her feelings for him, while Neema thought all of her fears had come true. Though it took some effort and unsolicited advice from his family, I liked the ending. I especially liked the realism that it wasn't immediately all unicorns and rainbows; instead, it took time and attention to get back to where they were. The suspense of the story was good, with a lot going on. First, there was the requested meeting with Balducci. Let me say right off that the relationship of the head of the police with a known/suspected criminal struck me as all kinds of wrong. It was explained later, but the optics were terrible. I also hated the way Jerome forced Davis into doing it. I know that Davis has a lot of respect for his father, but I would have had more respect for Davis if he'd refused. Yes, it set up the meeting with Neema, but... Then there were the attacks on Davis, one of which implicated him in a murder. Are the two events connected, or has Davis's political activities angered someone? The final confrontation was a little bit anticlimactic thanks to Davis's dog but satisfying nonetheless. I did not see the twists that went along with that event coming. The book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, leading into the next book. I liked seeing the other members of Davis's family and how close they all are. I especially liked how his siblings immediately came to him when he asked for their help. My only exceptions were Davis's father, as previously mentioned, and his sister Simone. In the previous book, Reunited by the Badge, I noted her tendency toward the melodramatic. In this book, she takes it too far in a vicious confrontation with Neema. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Mar 08, 2021
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369728491
| 9780369728494
| B0BDS56WT3
| 4.67
| 75
| Jun 01, 2023
| Jun 27, 2023
|
it was amazing
|
This was a gripping, frequently dark suspense story lightened by an often humorous romance. A serial killer is preying on high school students in New
This was a gripping, frequently dark suspense story lightened by an often humorous romance. A serial killer is preying on high school students in New Orleans, and it is Detective King Randolph's job to find out who it is and stop them. King is newly arrived in New Orleans from up North and still getting used to how things are done in the south. And nothing makes that more evident than dealing with the latest victim. Lenore Martin is a private investigator, the oldest of four daughters, all working for their mother's private investigation company. She is stubborn, controlling, and follows her own set of rules. She is also beautiful, compassionate, and intelligent. As the book opens, a family friend contacts the agency looking for help finding her missing granddaughter. Lenore is at Mama Hattie's when King arrives with the news of the girl's murder. Lenore and King notice each other, but their time is spent dealing with Mama Hattie and King's news. There is an immediate distrust between them. King doesn't know how to take the "family friend," who seems more interested in the details of the murder than in comforting her friend. Lenore distrusts a member of the police force that too often blows off calls from members of poorer communities. An encounter later that evening adds to King's frustration. His conversation with fellow detectives back at work is eye-opening and makes him realize he will have to find a way to work with her if he's going to get anywhere in his investigation. I loved seeing these two work together. They start as barely speaking, sharing only the minimum amount of information. Still, as more bodies turn up, their mutual determination to stop the killer makes them more willing to work together. Both are used to being in charge, and learning to share had a steep learning curve. Once they made that decision, there was no stopping them, and I loved watching their fantastic teamwork. Simmering under the surface of their teamwork is attraction and a fascination with each other. Lenore doesn't trust men, but it isn't long before King slips past her barriers. He is the first man she's encountered who she can respect and isn't driven off by her attitude, bossiness, and volatility. I loved watching King around Lenore. He's equally amused and frustrated by her and wholly fascinated. Even better, he understands her. Their banter was fantastic, often providing a few moments of relief from the darkness they faced during their investigation. They are cautious about getting involved with each other, wary of the intensity of their attraction, but the sparks are impossible to resist. I was impressed by their ability to separate their personal and professional actions. I loved the ending and seeing them able to trust each other with their hearts. The suspense of this story was outstanding. The intensity of the investigation sucked me in from the first pages, and didn't let go until I finished the book. I could feel Lenore and King's frustration at the beginning as they tried to find the connection between the victims. I liked how they trusted their instincts as little things began to add up. Several twists exposed the likelihood that the case was more complicated and closer to home than expected. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with Lenore in danger and an unraveling that blew me away. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. Lenore's family dynamics are fascinating. The four sisters are very close, with equal parts of support and teasing. Their parents are an intriguing pair. They are divorced but still involved in each other's lives. Claudia doesn't suffer fools gladly and keeps iron control on everything to do with her business, including her daughters. She trusts them, but they have no doubt who is boss. A shocking revelation late in the book gives the girls a new perception of her. Josiah has a background you'll have to experience for yourself. No description here would do him justice. I especially enjoyed seeing King's meeting with Josiah and Claudia. #netgalley Merged review: This was a gripping, frequently dark suspense story lightened by an often humorous romance. A serial killer is preying on high school students in New Orleans, and it is Detective King Randolph's job to find out who it is and stop them. King is newly arrived in New Orleans from up North and still getting used to how things are done in the south. And nothing makes that more evident than dealing with the latest victim. Lenore Martin is a private investigator, the oldest of four daughters, all working for their mother's private investigation company. She is stubborn, controlling, and follows her own set of rules. She is also beautiful, compassionate, and intelligent. As the book opens, a family friend contacts the agency looking for help finding her missing granddaughter. Lenore is at Mama Hattie's when King arrives with the news of the girl's murder. Lenore and King notice each other, but their time is spent dealing with Mama Hattie and King's news. There is an immediate distrust between them. King doesn't know how to take the "family friend," who seems more interested in the details of the murder than in comforting her friend. Lenore distrusts a member of the police force that too often blows off calls from members of poorer communities. An encounter later that evening adds to King's frustration. His conversation with fellow detectives back at work is eye-opening and makes him realize he will have to find a way to work with her if he's going to get anywhere in his investigation. I loved seeing these two work together. They start as barely speaking, sharing only the minimum amount of information. Still, as more bodies turn up, their mutual determination to stop the killer makes them more willing to work together. Both are used to being in charge, and learning to share had a steep learning curve. Once they made that decision, there was no stopping them, and I loved watching their fantastic teamwork. Simmering under the surface of their teamwork is attraction and a fascination with each other. Lenore doesn't trust men, but it isn't long before King slips past her barriers. He is the first man she's encountered who she can respect and isn't driven off by her attitude, bossiness, and volatility. I loved watching King around Lenore. He's equally amused and frustrated by her and wholly fascinated. Even better, he understands her. Their banter was fantastic, often providing a few moments of relief from the darkness they faced during their investigation. They are cautious about getting involved with each other, wary of the intensity of their attraction, but the sparks are impossible to resist. I was impressed by their ability to separate their personal and professional actions. I loved the ending and seeing them able to trust each other with their hearts. The suspense of this story was outstanding. The intensity of the investigation sucked me in from the first pages, and didn't let go until I finished the book. I could feel Lenore and King's frustration at the beginning as they tried to find the connection between the victims. I liked how they trusted their instincts as little things began to add up. Several twists exposed the likelihood that the case was more complicated and closer to home than expected. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with Lenore in danger and an unraveling that blew me away. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. Lenore's family dynamics are fascinating. The four sisters are very close, with equal parts of support and teasing. Their parents are an intriguing pair. They are divorced but still involved in each other's lives. Claudia doesn't suffer fools gladly and keeps iron control on everything to do with her business, including her daughters. She trusts them, but they have no doubt who is boss. A shocking revelation late in the book gives the girls a new perception of her. Josiah has a background you'll have to experience for yourself. No description here would do him justice. I especially enjoyed seeing King's meeting with Josiah and Claudia. #netgalley ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Jul 2023
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369732359
| 9780369732354
| B0B31TWJLC
| 4.57
| 453
| Mar 02, 2023
| Mar 28, 2023
|
it was amazing
|
Terrific book that sucked me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Willie Colt joined the Lonesome sheriff's department after his rodeo car
Terrific book that sucked me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Willie Colt joined the Lonesome sheriff's department after his rodeo career ended to discover more about their father's suspicious death. As the newest department member, Willie got the unenviable task of driving to Seattle to pick up a prisoner being extradited to Montana. As soon as he picked up the prisoner, Vernon claimed he'd never return to Montana alive. Within moments of leaving the police department, Willie was brutally attacked and his prisoner taken. After waking up in the hospital, Willie was determined to track down his prisoner and get him back - no matter what the local cops said. Eleanor is the high-powered attorney assigned to Vernon's case. He had little to say to her, and though she didn't want to admit it, something felt off about the case. She was happy to see him sent back to Montana. Shortly after she hears about his disappearance, she gets a phone call from him where he sounds deeply distressed. He tells her that he's in trouble and the people that have him will come after her next. That's when Willie showed up in her office, looking for answers. After hearing her story, Willie convinces Ellie that she is in danger and can trust him to keep her safe. The suspense of this story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. While Ellie is wary of Willie's claims initially, it doesn't take long before Vernon's prediction comes true. She and Willie seem to barely stay one step ahead of the bad guys as they investigate Vernon's past activities. Each new connection raises further questions and exposes them to more danger. Shootings, speeding cars, and explosions keep Willie and Ellie on their toes and watching their backs. Just when it looks like they've answered all the questions, an unexpected twist exposes the truth. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me guessing how it would end. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ellie and Willie. Their initial meeting was a little antagonistic as Willie's tolerance for lawyerly double-speak was very low, and Ellie didn't appreciate Willie's bluntness. It also took Willie saving her from an attack for Ellie to let go of her distrust. They call a truce to work together to find the answers to Vernon's disappearance. Neither expected the attraction that flared between them, and they weren't sure what to do about it. Ellie is a city girl at home in her city life, and Willie is a pure country boy who needs his wide-open spaces to breathe. It takes some time apart and brotherly intervention for Willie and Ellie to see they belong together. I loved seeing how her time with Willie changed Ellie in ways she never expected. I loved her scene with the law firm's board and what it meant for her future. The ending was fantastic. There was also an unexpected twist in the investigation into their father's death. Willie finally tracked down their father's wrecked truck and looked it over, searching for any new evidence. What he found upended the brothers' world and sent them on an additional quest. I can't wait for the next book to see what they find. Merged review: Terrific book that sucked me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Willie Colt joined the Lonesome sheriff's department after his rodeo career ended to discover more about their father's suspicious death. As the newest department member, Willie got the unenviable task of driving to Seattle to pick up a prisoner being extradited to Montana. As soon as he picked up the prisoner, Vernon claimed he'd never return to Montana alive. Within moments of leaving the police department, Willie was brutally attacked and his prisoner taken. After waking up in the hospital, Willie was determined to track down his prisoner and get him back - no matter what the local cops said. Eleanor is the high-powered attorney assigned to Vernon's case. He had little to say to her, and though she didn't want to admit it, something felt off about the case. She was happy to see him sent back to Montana. Shortly after she hears about his disappearance, she gets a phone call from him where he sounds deeply distressed. He tells her that he's in trouble and the people that have him will come after her next. That's when Willie showed up in her office, looking for answers. After hearing her story, Willie convinces Ellie that she is in danger and can trust him to keep her safe. The suspense of this story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. While Ellie is wary of Willie's claims initially, it doesn't take long before Vernon's prediction comes true. She and Willie seem to barely stay one step ahead of the bad guys as they investigate Vernon's past activities. Each new connection raises further questions and exposes them to more danger. Shootings, speeding cars, and explosions keep Willie and Ellie on their toes and watching their backs. Just when it looks like they've answered all the questions, an unexpected twist exposes the truth. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me guessing how it would end. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ellie and Willie. Their initial meeting was a little antagonistic as Willie's tolerance for lawyerly double-speak was very low, and Ellie didn't appreciate Willie's bluntness. It also took Willie saving her from an attack for Ellie to let go of her distrust. They call a truce to work together to find the answers to Vernon's disappearance. Neither expected the attraction that flared between them, and they weren't sure what to do about it. Ellie is a city girl at home in her city life, and Willie is a pure country boy who needs his wide-open spaces to breathe. It takes some time apart and brotherly intervention for Willie and Ellie to see they belong together. I loved seeing how her time with Willie changed Ellie in ways she never expected. I loved her scene with the law firm's board and what it meant for her future. The ending was fantastic. There was also an unexpected twist in the investigation into their father's death. Willie finally tracked down their father's wrecked truck and looked it over, searching for any new evidence. What he found upended the brothers' world and sent them on an additional quest. I can't wait for the next book to see what they find. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Mar 31, 2023
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369714083
| 9780369714084
| B09HXV5Q6L
| 4.54
| 61
| Apr 01, 2022
| Apr 26, 2022
|
it was amazing
|
A terrific addition to the Cavanaugh Justice series. The story opens in the small town of Calhoun, Arizona, where detective Liberty Lawrence is lookin
A terrific addition to the Cavanaugh Justice series. The story opens in the small town of Calhoun, Arizona, where detective Liberty Lawrence is looking for the man who killed her foster mother. What she finds is the trail of a serial killer. And when she links the killer's MO to a recent murder in Aurora, California, that's where she goes. I enjoyed Liberty's first encounter with Campbell. She is focused and intense when she tells him about the link between cases. Cam is a little wary initially because he thought she was too obsessed to have been thorough in her investigation. But after listening to her, he realized that she was right. Meanwhile, I could see her frustration at his attitude. I liked that he apologized for not taking her seriously. She isn't used to that, and it threw her off-kilter for a few minutes. Once Cam is convinced, he's all in and proceeds to include her in his investigation. The interactions between Cam and Liberty were fun to watch. Because the case is so personal to her, she is even more intense than usual. Thanks to her early life, she also doesn't trust easily and constantly questions Cam's motives. Cam finds her fascinating and is determined to get past the walls she has erected. His straightforward inclusion of her in the investigation goes a long way toward achieving that goal. As in many other Cavanaugh Justice books, the prevalence of Cavanaugh family members in the Aurora PD surprises the newcomer. I enjoyed how her disbelief turned to wonder as she saw how they support each other, from her meeting with the medical examiner to their conversation with computer guru Valri. Another big shock is usually attending one of Uncle Andrew's family gatherings. It went a little differently this time, with Cam taking Liberty to Andrew's for a meal. It was still an eye-opening experience for Liberty, who was deeply envious of the size and closeness of the family. I liked watching the relationship develop between Cam and Liberty. There were sparks of attraction from the start, but they buried them in favor of concentrating on the case. I liked how Cam respected her abilities as a detective. I also enjoyed seeing him work to get her to open up to him and how he began to understand what drove her. Liberty was surprised by how quickly she began to trust Cam, but it felt right, which made giving in to their attraction much easier. As they closed in on the serial killer, and Liberty proposed to use herself as bait, Cam's protective instincts took over. I felt his fear when things went south and his relief when it was all over. There was a bit of a hiccup in his expression of his feelings for her, but the Christmas Eve scene made up for it. The suspense of the story was good. Part of that came from spending some time in the killer's head, giving the reader a peek at what Liberty and Cam are up against. I ached for Liberty's link to one of the victims, but it gave excellent insight into what drives her. I liked seeing the cooperation between the two detectives as they joined forces to stop the killer. Taking the work that Liberty had already done and sharing it with Cam and his partner helped move the case along. There was a surprise addition to the information that Liberty had discovered that gave them a new direction to take. The tension ramped up as the killer escalated his attacks, leading to Liberty's decision to bait a trap with herself. I was glued to the pages as Liberty wound up in mortal danger. The resolution was a nail-biter and came way too close to disaster, but it certainly kept me turning the pages. I did not see that particular ending coming, but it was satisfying. Merged review: A terrific addition to the Cavanaugh Justice series. The story opens in the small town of Calhoun, Arizona, where detective Liberty Lawrence is looking for the man who killed her foster mother. What she finds is the trail of a serial killer. And when she links the killer's MO to a recent murder in Aurora, California, that's where she goes. I enjoyed Liberty's first encounter with Campbell. She is focused and intense when she tells him about the link between cases. Cam is a little wary initially because he thought she was too obsessed to have been thorough in her investigation. But after listening to her, he realized that she was right. Meanwhile, I could see her frustration at his attitude. I liked that he apologized for not taking her seriously. She isn't used to that, and it threw her off-kilter for a few minutes. Once Cam is convinced, he's all in and proceeds to include her in his investigation. The interactions between Cam and Liberty were fun to watch. Because the case is so personal to her, she is even more intense than usual. Thanks to her early life, she also doesn't trust easily and constantly questions Cam's motives. Cam finds her fascinating and is determined to get past the walls she has erected. His straightforward inclusion of her in the investigation goes a long way toward achieving that goal. As in many other Cavanaugh Justice books, the prevalence of Cavanaugh family members in the Aurora PD surprises the newcomer. I enjoyed how her disbelief turned to wonder as she saw how they support each other, from her meeting with the medical examiner to their conversation with computer guru Valri. Another big shock is usually attending one of Uncle Andrew's family gatherings. It went a little differently this time, with Cam taking Liberty to Andrew's for a meal. It was still an eye-opening experience for Liberty, who was deeply envious of the size and closeness of the family. I liked watching the relationship develop between Cam and Liberty. There were sparks of attraction from the start, but they buried them in favor of concentrating on the case. I liked how Cam respected her abilities as a detective. I also enjoyed seeing him work to get her to open up to him and how he began to understand what drove her. Liberty was surprised by how quickly she began to trust Cam, but it felt right, which made giving in to their attraction much easier. As they closed in on the serial killer, and Liberty proposed to use herself as bait, Cam's protective instincts took over. I felt his fear when things went south and his relief when it was all over. There was a bit of a hiccup in his expression of his feelings for her, but the Christmas Eve scene made up for it. The suspense of the story was good. Part of that came from spending some time in the killer's head, giving the reader a peek at what Liberty and Cam are up against. I ached for Liberty's link to one of the victims, but it gave excellent insight into what drives her. I liked seeing the cooperation between the two detectives as they joined forces to stop the killer. Taking the work that Liberty had already done and sharing it with Cam and his partner helped move the case along. There was a surprise addition to the information that Liberty had discovered that gave them a new direction to take. The tension ramped up as the killer escalated his attacks, leading to Liberty's decision to bait a trap with herself. I was glued to the pages as Liberty wound up in mortal danger. The resolution was a nail-biter and came way too close to disaster, but it certainly kept me turning the pages. I did not see that particular ending coming, but it was satisfying. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Jun 18, 2022
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1488067457
| 9781488067457
| B081WZT3B7
| 4.45
| 346
| Jun 11, 2020
| Jun 16, 2020
|
it was amazing
|
Fast-paced book that sucked me in from the beginning and kept me hooked to the very end. It started with Brick nearly running over a young woman who s
Fast-paced book that sucked me in from the beginning and kept me hooked to the very end. It started with Brick nearly running over a young woman who suddenly appeared in front of his pickup truck. The terrified woman, dressed only in a sheet, turned out to be a suspect in the deaths of multiple children. Brick is intrigued by the woman and the case but is forbidden to get involved. He is still on light duty, recovering from being shot in the previous book (Ambush Before Sunrise). He still suffers from nightmares, and neither the doctor nor his father, the marshal, will clear him for duty yet. That doesn't stop him, especially when he discovers a fake nurse bending over the woman in the hospital. Suspended homicide detective Mo is determined to bring Natalie to justice. She is sure that Natalie is responsible for her nephew's death, and her sister's subsequent suicide. She is shocked when Natalie claims that Trish didn't kill herself, but is interrupted by Brick before she can learn more. Mo escapes from Brick but later ends up in jail for her actions at the hospital. Brick shows up at the jail with a proposition: He'll get her out if she will share what she knows with him. I enjoyed the combination of suspense and romance. Mo accepts Brick's offer but is wary of trusting him. The feeling is mutual, as Brick refuses to let her out of his sight. They have opposing views on Natalie's guilt. Mo is convinced the woman is a heartless killer, while Brick sees a woman who is terrified that someone is after her. Both of them may be proved right when Natalie makes her escape by subduing a nurse and stealing her uniform. The action is nearly nonstop as Mo and Brick pursue Natalie. Brick ends up being impressed with Mo's instincts as they remain hot on her heels. They aren't the only ones looking for Natalie. Soon circumstances require them to decide whether to continue looking for Natalie or investigate new leads into Trish's death. I loved seeing their respect for each other grow as they worked together. I was just as intrigued as they were by the information they uncovered. An unexpected picture of Trish emerged, upending everything Mo believed about her sister. Several twists later, the truth about Trish's death came out as Mo faced the killer. I was glued to the pages as Mo fought for her life, and Brick showed up to deliver the final blow. When it was all over, Brick and Mo finally had the time to see where the sparks between them would take them. I liked that they took the time to make sure it was right. A crisis at the Cardwell ranch opened up an unexpected job opportunity for Mo. I liked catching up with Brick's siblings and parents at the end. I am curious about what the story is with Ella and her mother, Stacy. Ella was a big part of the previous book, as was her worry about her mother. I liked her and would like to see what happens. Merged review: Fast-paced book that sucked me in from the beginning and kept me hooked to the very end. It started with Brick nearly running over a young woman who suddenly appeared in front of his pickup truck. The terrified woman, dressed only in a sheet, turned out to be a suspect in the deaths of multiple children. Brick is intrigued by the woman and the case but is forbidden to get involved. He is still on light duty, recovering from being shot in the previous book (Ambush Before Sunrise). He still suffers from nightmares, and neither the doctor nor his father, the marshal, will clear him for duty yet. That doesn't stop him, especially when he discovers a fake nurse bending over the woman in the hospital. Suspended homicide detective Mo is determined to bring Natalie to justice. She is sure that Natalie is responsible for her nephew's death, and her sister's subsequent suicide. She is shocked when Natalie claims that Trish didn't kill herself, but is interrupted by Brick before she can learn more. Mo escapes from Brick but later ends up in jail for her actions at the hospital. Brick shows up at the jail with a proposition: He'll get her out if she will share what she knows with him. I enjoyed the combination of suspense and romance. Mo accepts Brick's offer but is wary of trusting him. The feeling is mutual, as Brick refuses to let her out of his sight. They have opposing views on Natalie's guilt. Mo is convinced the woman is a heartless killer, while Brick sees a woman who is terrified that someone is after her. Both of them may be proved right when Natalie makes her escape by subduing a nurse and stealing her uniform. The action is nearly nonstop as Mo and Brick pursue Natalie. Brick ends up being impressed with Mo's instincts as they remain hot on her heels. They aren't the only ones looking for Natalie. Soon circumstances require them to decide whether to continue looking for Natalie or investigate new leads into Trish's death. I loved seeing their respect for each other grow as they worked together. I was just as intrigued as they were by the information they uncovered. An unexpected picture of Trish emerged, upending everything Mo believed about her sister. Several twists later, the truth about Trish's death came out as Mo faced the killer. I was glued to the pages as Mo fought for her life, and Brick showed up to deliver the final blow. When it was all over, Brick and Mo finally had the time to see where the sparks between them would take them. I liked that they took the time to make sure it was right. A crisis at the Cardwell ranch opened up an unexpected job opportunity for Mo. I liked catching up with Brick's siblings and parents at the end. I am curious about what the story is with Ella and her mother, Stacy. Ella was a big part of the previous book, as was her worry about her mother. I liked her and would like to see what happens. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Jul 29, 2020
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 036971783X
| 9780369717832
| B0B1MYXHKH
| 4.19
| 1,711
| Feb 21, 2023
| Feb 21, 2023
|
it was amazing
|
Terrific slow-burn romance mixed with intriguing suspense. The female character, Jodi, was a secondary character in an earlier series that I have yet
Terrific slow-burn romance mixed with intriguing suspense. The female character, Jodi, was a secondary character in an earlier series that I have yet to read. I found both main characters to be easy to like and relate to. Hunter is a former park ranger haunted by the memory of a disturbing crime scene. He left his job, family, and friends to move to an isolated property in a small community. He lives alone with his dog, Turbo, for companionship and his work restoring classic cars to keep him busy. His ability to spot trouble is undiminished, and his first impression of Jodi is that she is trouble with a capital T. Jodi has moved to Triple Creek, looking for a fresh start. With the help of her friends/found family, she's started her landscaping business and is looking forward to a "normal life." She, too, is fighting the demons of a traumatic past and struggling to put it behind her. I loved the first meeting between Hunter and Jodi. He notices her while arguing with the owner of his latest car restoration, Worth Linlow. He sees her beauty first and her take-no-prisoners attitude when Linlow tries to pull the same scam on her. As soon as they meet, they recognize each other as kindred spirits thanks to their traumatic pasts. Each bought their properties to give them the peace and solitude to deal with their demons. When Hunter realizes that Jodi has moved into the property next door, he is dismayed by the loss of that prized solitude. A slow-growing friendship develops as they begin to lean on each other a little bit, but it isn't easy for either to accept help. I loved the banter between them as they got to know each other and slowly developed the trust that allowed them to share their pasts. There are some sweet scenes between them as their friendship deepens and the sparks between them grow. Hunter has a more romantic soul than I expected, and I enjoyed watching him take on Jodi's wariness. Jodi is surprisingly naïve about some things, notably her effect on Hunter. She has little experience with love, and it takes her a while to catch on to Hunter's effect on her. I loved Hunter's patience and support of Jodi as he earned her trust. The ending was terrific, and I loved seeing them realize they belonged together. When trouble comes knocking on Jodi's door, Hunter's protectiveness comes to the surface. There is some head-butting going on as Hunter wants to keep her safe, and Jodi refuses to be the helpless damsel-in-distress. Jodi is a kick-butt woman with some serious skills and more than a bit of stubbornness. Hunter refuses to let her face the trouble alone, and it takes some effort for them to hammer out a working solution. The story's suspense begins when the local crime boss discovers that the property where he's been stashing his ill-gotten gains is now occupied, making it impossible to retrieve his latest package. He's determined to drive Jodi away or put an end to her, and his minions are willing to use any method to accomplish that goal. There are tense moments as the attacks on Jodi intensify the more desperate the bad guy gets. The final confrontation was terrific, thanks to some fantastic teamwork by Hunter, Jodi, and her McKenzie "family." I loved the secondary characters of Hunter's dog, Turbo, and his brother, Memphis. Turbo was adorable with his "broken" howl and immediate fascination with Jodi. He's a bit of a goof until one of his people is threatened, then he turns super protective. I liked getting to know Hunter's brother, Memphis. The closeness of the two brothers was evident, as was Memphis's worry about Hunter's withdrawal. Memphis is the techie in the family, and I enjoyed seeing him jump in to help Hunter and Jodi deal with their problems. It was also fun to see him interact with Madison McKenzie. I'm looking forward to reading his book. Merged review: Terrific slow-burn romance mixed with intriguing suspense. The female character, Jodi, was a secondary character in an earlier series that I have yet to read. I found both main characters to be easy to like and relate to. Hunter is a former park ranger haunted by the memory of a disturbing crime scene. He left his job, family, and friends to move to an isolated property in a small community. He lives alone with his dog, Turbo, for companionship and his work restoring classic cars to keep him busy. His ability to spot trouble is undiminished, and his first impression of Jodi is that she is trouble with a capital T. Jodi has moved to Triple Creek, looking for a fresh start. With the help of her friends/found family, she's started her landscaping business and is looking forward to a "normal life." She, too, is fighting the demons of a traumatic past and struggling to put it behind her. I loved the first meeting between Hunter and Jodi. He notices her while arguing with the owner of his latest car restoration, Worth Linlow. He sees her beauty first and her take-no-prisoners attitude when Linlow tries to pull the same scam on her. As soon as they meet, they recognize each other as kindred spirits thanks to their traumatic pasts. Each bought their properties to give them the peace and solitude to deal with their demons. When Hunter realizes that Jodi has moved into the property next door, he is dismayed by the loss of that prized solitude. A slow-growing friendship develops as they begin to lean on each other a little bit, but it isn't easy for either to accept help. I loved the banter between them as they got to know each other and slowly developed the trust that allowed them to share their pasts. There are some sweet scenes between them as their friendship deepens and the sparks between them grow. Hunter has a more romantic soul than I expected, and I enjoyed watching him take on Jodi's wariness. Jodi is surprisingly naïve about some things, notably her effect on Hunter. She has little experience with love, and it takes her a while to catch on to Hunter's effect on her. I loved Hunter's patience and support of Jodi as he earned her trust. The ending was terrific, and I loved seeing them realize they belonged together. When trouble comes knocking on Jodi's door, Hunter's protectiveness comes to the surface. There is some head-butting going on as Hunter wants to keep her safe, and Jodi refuses to be the helpless damsel-in-distress. Jodi is a kick-butt woman with some serious skills and more than a bit of stubbornness. Hunter refuses to let her face the trouble alone, and it takes some effort for them to hammer out a working solution. The story's suspense begins when the local crime boss discovers that the property where he's been stashing his ill-gotten gains is now occupied, making it impossible to retrieve his latest package. He's determined to drive Jodi away or put an end to her, and his minions are willing to use any method to accomplish that goal. There are tense moments as the attacks on Jodi intensify the more desperate the bad guy gets. The final confrontation was terrific, thanks to some fantastic teamwork by Hunter, Jodi, and her McKenzie "family." I loved the secondary characters of Hunter's dog, Turbo, and his brother, Memphis. Turbo was adorable with his "broken" howl and immediate fascination with Jodi. He's a bit of a goof until one of his people is threatened, then he turns super protective. I liked getting to know Hunter's brother, Memphis. The closeness of the two brothers was evident, as was Memphis's worry about Hunter's withdrawal. Memphis is the techie in the family, and I enjoyed seeing him jump in to help Hunter and Jodi deal with their problems. It was also fun to see him interact with Madison McKenzie. I'm looking forward to reading his book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Apr 06, 2023
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369709373
| 9780369709370
| B094G4J6N6
| 4.40
| 144
| Nov 11, 2021
| Nov 30, 2021
|
really liked it
|
Good action-packed second chance romance. The book opens with a rush as Leo fights off an attempt on his life. But he's shocked and disbelieving when
Good action-packed second chance romance. The book opens with a rush as Leo fights off an attempt on his life. But he's shocked and disbelieving when his assailant claims that his ex, Olivia, paid him to take Leo out. He and Olivia are fighting over custody of their son, but he can't believe she'd go that far. When he goes to Olivia's home to talk to her, someone takes shots at both of them. Determined to keep both Olivia and Cameron safe, he takes them to his ranch. This book was full of twists and turns as Leo, Olivia, and his brothers tried to figure out who was trying to kill them and why. There was no shortage of suspects. First, there was Olivia's father, Samuel. He's never liked Leo and did his best to drive a wedge between him and Olivia. Olivia also suspects/fears that her father may have caused her mother's death. But would he put his grandson in danger to do so? Then there is Randall, a person of interest in a previous murder, who claims that Leo and his brothers are out to get him. Proving that women can be just as vicious, Samuel's housekeeper, Bernice, and his on-again-off-again girlfriend Rena claim the other is the culprit. The story takes place over just a few days with nearly non-stop action. Attacks by hired killers, a couple of dead bodies, and fire-bombed houses and vehicles keep everyone on edge. The deeper Leo and Olivia dig, the more convoluted the mystery becomes. Every time they think they might have a handle on who it is, something happens to shed suspicion on someone else. It all comes to a head when all three suspects end up at Leo's ranch. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as the killer tricked their way onto the ranch and into a position to take Olivia hostage. Though I had my suspicions of who it was, that didn't reduce the intensity. I was glued to the pages as the story of why was revealed, and Leo tried to figure out how to rescue Olivia and take down the killer safely. I loved that Olivia took matters partly into her own hands, creating the break Leo needed. I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Leo and Olivia. I never got a good feel for why they split up in the first place, though I believe it had to do with her father and that she didn't stand up to his demands. She wants to take Cameron and move to another state, and Leo doesn't want to lose easy access to his son. I liked that they were careful to keep their problems away from their child. When the trouble started, it forced Leo and Olivia into close proximity, illustrating that their attraction was as strong as ever. I loved Leo's protectiveness, not just of Cameron but also of Olivia. There are some sweet scenes of him giving her comfort, even though he knows it's a bad idea. There are also some steamy spots as the sparks between them flare hotter. It doesn't take long for each to realize that their feelings for each other have never gone away. However, it isn't until they realize that they could lose each other that they find the courage to speak of those feelings - with a little outside help. Merged review: Good action-packed second chance romance. The book opens with a rush as Leo fights off an attempt on his life. But he's shocked and disbelieving when his assailant claims that his ex, Olivia, paid him to take Leo out. He and Olivia are fighting over custody of their son, but he can't believe she'd go that far. When he goes to Olivia's home to talk to her, someone takes shots at both of them. Determined to keep both Olivia and Cameron safe, he takes them to his ranch. This book was full of twists and turns as Leo, Olivia, and his brothers tried to figure out who was trying to kill them and why. There was no shortage of suspects. First, there was Olivia's father, Samuel. He's never liked Leo and did his best to drive a wedge between him and Olivia. Olivia also suspects/fears that her father may have caused her mother's death. But would he put his grandson in danger to do so? Then there is Randall, a person of interest in a previous murder, who claims that Leo and his brothers are out to get him. Proving that women can be just as vicious, Samuel's housekeeper, Bernice, and his on-again-off-again girlfriend Rena claim the other is the culprit. The story takes place over just a few days with nearly non-stop action. Attacks by hired killers, a couple of dead bodies, and fire-bombed houses and vehicles keep everyone on edge. The deeper Leo and Olivia dig, the more convoluted the mystery becomes. Every time they think they might have a handle on who it is, something happens to shed suspicion on someone else. It all comes to a head when all three suspects end up at Leo's ranch. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as the killer tricked their way onto the ranch and into a position to take Olivia hostage. Though I had my suspicions of who it was, that didn't reduce the intensity. I was glued to the pages as the story of why was revealed, and Leo tried to figure out how to rescue Olivia and take down the killer safely. I loved that Olivia took matters partly into her own hands, creating the break Leo needed. I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Leo and Olivia. I never got a good feel for why they split up in the first place, though I believe it had to do with her father and that she didn't stand up to his demands. She wants to take Cameron and move to another state, and Leo doesn't want to lose easy access to his son. I liked that they were careful to keep their problems away from their child. When the trouble started, it forced Leo and Olivia into close proximity, illustrating that their attraction was as strong as ever. I loved Leo's protectiveness, not just of Cameron but also of Olivia. There are some sweet scenes of him giving her comfort, even though he knows it's a bad idea. There are also some steamy spots as the sparks between them flare hotter. It doesn't take long for each to realize that their feelings for each other have never gone away. However, it isn't until they realize that they could lose each other that they find the courage to speak of those feelings - with a little outside help. ...more |
Notes are private!
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3
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not set
not set
not set
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May 02, 2022
not set
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1488071543
| 9781488071546
| B08P3JLDWY
| 3.50
| 22
| Jun 29, 2021
| Jun 29, 2021
|
really liked it
|
A very emotional book. Jasmine and her brother Josh survived years of abuse at the hands of their father. As adults, they swore they would never follo
A very emotional book. Jasmine and her brother Josh survived years of abuse at the hands of their father. As adults, they swore they would never follow in his footsteps which is why Jasmine was shocked when Josh was arrested for abusing his ex-wife. Jasmine knows the abuse goes the other way; she's witnessed Heidi's abuse and manipulation herself. But Heidi convinced the judge and the police that she was the victim. To keep his daughter, Bella, safe, Josh gives custody of her to Jasmine. Jasmine, a teacher at The Lemonade Stand, a shelter for abused women, has long given up the dream of a family of her own. Three failed relationships showed her that she's drawn to authority figures who turn abusive after the "honeymoon period" wears off. When that happens, she walks away and doesn't look back. Rather than risk it again, she'll settle for the family she has. When Detective Greg Johnson shows up with questions about Josh and his relationship with Heidi, Jasmine is dismayed by the sparks of attraction she feels for him. Greg works as an investigator for the prosecutor's office assigned to Josh's case. After hearing Heidi's accusations, he believes Josh is guilty, and it's only a matter of time until he has the necessary evidence. One of the people on his list to talk to is Jasmine, who Greg believes has all the information he needs. Greg's reputation for handling witnesses gives him the confidence he needs that she'll cooperate with him. I must admit that I didn't care for Greg through much of the book. It bugged me that he had judged and convicted Josh before he started his investigation. He gets quite a shock when, not only does Jasmine not fall in with his point of view, she actively tries to get him to help her prove Josh innocent. Greg's plan to string her along made me mad, and I wanted her to see through him. I found it interesting that he kept going back to her for more details. Even when she told him how Josh protected her, what a wonderful father he was, and about Heidi's ability to lie, Greg thought Jasmine was in denial about Josh's true nature. The tension never lets up as event after event made Josh look more guilty. At the same time, the sparks of attraction between Greg and Jasmine continued to grow. Jasmine fights them because she doesn't trust her judgment when it comes to men. Greg continues to be cautious because a previous drama-filled relationship burned him. He also believes that he lacks empathy and the ability to care about other people's feelings. That begins to change the more time he spends with Jasmine. His protective instincts are aroused, even though he thinks he'll be offering comfort when Jasmine finally sees the truth. To his surprise, he begins to have some doubts. The story's suspense kept me glued to the pages as I waited to see who was right. My feeling remained on Jasmine's side the more I saw of Heidi's antics. I had a brief moment of doubt near the end, as an unexpected twist involving Josh put Jasmine in danger. I ached for her and the situation she found herself in but loved how she kept her head. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as the truth came out. I loved the ending as Greg and Jasmine faced their feelings and what they meant for the future. I loved Greg's determination to make sure that Jasmine always felt safe. I especially loved that Jasmine finally learned to trust herself, which helped her trust Greg and his love. Merged review: A very emotional book. Jasmine and her brother Josh survived years of abuse at the hands of their father. As adults, they swore they would never follow in his footsteps which is why Jasmine was shocked when Josh was arrested for abusing his ex-wife. Jasmine knows the abuse goes the other way; she's witnessed Heidi's abuse and manipulation herself. But Heidi convinced the judge and the police that she was the victim. To keep his daughter, Bella, safe, Josh gives custody of her to Jasmine. Jasmine, a teacher at The Lemonade Stand, a shelter for abused women, has long given up the dream of a family of her own. Three failed relationships showed her that she's drawn to authority figures who turn abusive after the "honeymoon period" wears off. When that happens, she walks away and doesn't look back. Rather than risk it again, she'll settle for the family she has. When Detective Greg Johnson shows up with questions about Josh and his relationship with Heidi, Jasmine is dismayed by the sparks of attraction she feels for him. Greg works as an investigator for the prosecutor's office assigned to Josh's case. After hearing Heidi's accusations, he believes Josh is guilty, and it's only a matter of time until he has the necessary evidence. One of the people on his list to talk to is Jasmine, who Greg believes has all the information he needs. Greg's reputation for handling witnesses gives him the confidence he needs that she'll cooperate with him. I must admit that I didn't care for Greg through much of the book. It bugged me that he had judged and convicted Josh before he started his investigation. He gets quite a shock when, not only does Jasmine not fall in with his point of view, she actively tries to get him to help her prove Josh innocent. Greg's plan to string her along made me mad, and I wanted her to see through him. I found it interesting that he kept going back to her for more details. Even when she told him how Josh protected her, what a wonderful father he was, and about Heidi's ability to lie, Greg thought Jasmine was in denial about Josh's true nature. The tension never lets up as event after event made Josh look more guilty. At the same time, the sparks of attraction between Greg and Jasmine continued to grow. Jasmine fights them because she doesn't trust her judgment when it comes to men. Greg continues to be cautious because a previous drama-filled relationship burned him. He also believes that he lacks empathy and the ability to care about other people's feelings. That begins to change the more time he spends with Jasmine. His protective instincts are aroused, even though he thinks he'll be offering comfort when Jasmine finally sees the truth. To his surprise, he begins to have some doubts. The story's suspense kept me glued to the pages as I waited to see who was right. My feeling remained on Jasmine's side the more I saw of Heidi's antics. I had a brief moment of doubt near the end, as an unexpected twist involving Josh put Jasmine in danger. I ached for her and the situation she found herself in but loved how she kept her head. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as the truth came out. I loved the ending as Greg and Jasmine faced their feelings and what they meant for the future. I loved Greg's determination to make sure that Jasmine always felt safe. I especially loved that Jasmine finally learned to trust herself, which helped her trust Greg and his love. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Oct 14, 2021
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369727940
| 9780369727947
| B09N1PFBW6
| 4.59
| 103
| Jul 26, 2022
| Jul 26, 2022
|
it was amazing
|
I love the Cutter's Code books, and this was no exception. I love how the author finds new storylines for Cutter and the Foxworths rather than variati
I love the Cutter's Code books, and this was no exception. I love how the author finds new storylines for Cutter and the Foxworths rather than variations on the same theme. In some earlier books, we've learned how the Foxworth Foundation got its start helping people who have been let down by or fallen through the cracks of the justice system. It all started with the theft and recovery of a little girl's locket many years ago. In Operation Alpha, sixteen-year-old Emily brought a friend to the Foxworths for help, and we learned a little more of the story. In Operation Payback, we get the story of the man who stole, and ultimately returned, Emily's locket. Trip has paid his debt to society, and now that he is out of prison, his first thought is to thank the person who stood by him while he was away. Kayley had been his girlfriend's roommate and, unbeknownst to him, had a massive crush on him. They became friends while he dated her roommate, with Kayley seeing a different side of him. When his girlfriend dumped him after his arrest, Kayley stayed his friend. I ached for Trip because of how he ended up going down the wrong path. An abusive home life made him feel accepted by a gang of criminals. Though he willingly participated in the robberies, he reached a point where his conscience started to bother him. That came too late, as he was arrested shortly after that. He never knew that the person responsible for his capture also arranged for other incarceration options. Trip is so lost when he leaves prison that he can't think past seeing Kayley. He knows he doesn't want to end up back in prison. I loved how Kayley took him in and gave him a way to adjust. I loved Cutter's appearance in her yard and how he stood there staring at Trip before leaving. I knew right then that Cutter had found his newest mission. I could feel Trip's shock when he learned who Cutter belonged to and got the story of Foxworth's continued involvement in his life. When Trip discovers that his old crime boss has put out a hit on him, his first thought is to leave to protect Kayley. Kayley has other ideas and immediately drags him to the Foxworths, and the rest is history. I loved watching Quinn and company do what they do best. Quinn and Hayley are out of the picture for most of the book, with Rafe providing most of Foxworth's support. Trip is immediately placed in a sort of protective custody at the Foxworth building, with Cutter in charge of watching over him. I loved Cutter's effect on Trip, from calming to bringing him out of his shell. The suspense builds as Trip and Rafe track down the threats and the person behind them. As the threats intensify, Trip worries about Kayley's safety. When the final confrontation came, I loved Trip's determination, willingness to accept help from Rafe and the others, and Cutter's superb acting and protection skills. As much as I enjoyed the suspense portion of the book, the development of Trip and Kayley's relationship was my favorite. Kayley had always seen the good in Trip, even when he was running with the criminals. Trip doesn't understand why she is so kind to him when he can only see the mistakes he made. She is determined to help him in any way possible, including standing by him as he deals with his troubles. As a reader familiar with Cutter's matchmaking instincts (as are Rafe and the others), it was great fun to see Cutter "nudging" Trip and Kayley together at every opportunity. With them spending so much time together, coupled with Kayley's acceptance of Trip's past, it is no surprise that Trip finally realizes that his friendship with her has grown into more. The problem is getting him to believe in himself enough to accept her love in return. When he does, there is no holding back. In keeping with the Foxworth policy of not accepting payment for their service, only that the recipients pay it forward, I loved the solution Hayley found that would help them both. I loved seeing characters from previous books. Quinn and Hayley appear only briefly, but their presence is always there. Liam and Ria help show Trip that he's safe, and Liam plays a significant role in the investigation and resolution. Gavin de Marco (Operation Notorious) lends his support. It warmed my heart when Emily showed up to see Trip. Rafe plays a central role in this book, as Quinn and Hayley leave him in charge. Rafe has grown and changed since the early books, and I can't wait until he finally gets his own story. There are further hints as to his future, but I suspect he isn't quite ready to face it. Merged review: I love the Cutter's Code books, and this was no exception. I love how the author finds new storylines for Cutter and the Foxworths rather than variations on the same theme. In some earlier books, we've learned how the Foxworth Foundation got its start helping people who have been let down by or fallen through the cracks of the justice system. It all started with the theft and recovery of a little girl's locket many years ago. In Operation Alpha, sixteen-year-old Emily brought a friend to the Foxworths for help, and we learned a little more of the story. In Operation Payback, we get the story of the man who stole, and ultimately returned, Emily's locket. Trip has paid his debt to society, and now that he is out of prison, his first thought is to thank the person who stood by him while he was away. Kayley had been his girlfriend's roommate and, unbeknownst to him, had a massive crush on him. They became friends while he dated her roommate, with Kayley seeing a different side of him. When his girlfriend dumped him after his arrest, Kayley stayed his friend. I ached for Trip because of how he ended up going down the wrong path. An abusive home life made him feel accepted by a gang of criminals. Though he willingly participated in the robberies, he reached a point where his conscience started to bother him. That came too late, as he was arrested shortly after that. He never knew that the person responsible for his capture also arranged for other incarceration options. Trip is so lost when he leaves prison that he can't think past seeing Kayley. He knows he doesn't want to end up back in prison. I loved how Kayley took him in and gave him a way to adjust. I loved Cutter's appearance in her yard and how he stood there staring at Trip before leaving. I knew right then that Cutter had found his newest mission. I could feel Trip's shock when he learned who Cutter belonged to and got the story of Foxworth's continued involvement in his life. When Trip discovers that his old crime boss has put out a hit on him, his first thought is to leave to protect Kayley. Kayley has other ideas and immediately drags him to the Foxworths, and the rest is history. I loved watching Quinn and company do what they do best. Quinn and Hayley are out of the picture for most of the book, with Rafe providing most of Foxworth's support. Trip is immediately placed in a sort of protective custody at the Foxworth building, with Cutter in charge of watching over him. I loved Cutter's effect on Trip, from calming to bringing him out of his shell. The suspense builds as Trip and Rafe track down the threats and the person behind them. As the threats intensify, Trip worries about Kayley's safety. When the final confrontation came, I loved Trip's determination, willingness to accept help from Rafe and the others, and Cutter's superb acting and protection skills. As much as I enjoyed the suspense portion of the book, the development of Trip and Kayley's relationship was my favorite. Kayley had always seen the good in Trip, even when he was running with the criminals. Trip doesn't understand why she is so kind to him when he can only see the mistakes he made. She is determined to help him in any way possible, including standing by him as he deals with his troubles. As a reader familiar with Cutter's matchmaking instincts (as are Rafe and the others), it was great fun to see Cutter "nudging" Trip and Kayley together at every opportunity. With them spending so much time together, coupled with Kayley's acceptance of Trip's past, it is no surprise that Trip finally realizes that his friendship with her has grown into more. The problem is getting him to believe in himself enough to accept her love in return. When he does, there is no holding back. In keeping with the Foxworth policy of not accepting payment for their service, only that the recipients pay it forward, I loved the solution Hayley found that would help them both. I loved seeing characters from previous books. Quinn and Hayley appear only briefly, but their presence is always there. Liam and Ria help show Trip that he's safe, and Liam plays a significant role in the investigation and resolution. Gavin de Marco (Operation Notorious) lends his support. It warmed my heart when Emily showed up to see Trip. Rafe plays a central role in this book, as Quinn and Hayley leave him in charge. Rafe has grown and changed since the early books, and I can't wait until he finally gets his own story. There are further hints as to his future, but I suspect he isn't quite ready to face it. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
|
not set
not set
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Oct 02, 2022
not set
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Sep 23, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0369728505
| 9780369728500
| B0BDS1Y1BB
| 4.72
| 18
| Jun 01, 2023
| Jun 27, 2023
|
really liked it
|
Good combination of suspense and romance. Ryan is the youngest brother who, after the loss of the family ranch, went to work as the foreman on a neigh
Good combination of suspense and romance. Ryan is the youngest brother who, after the loss of the family ranch, went to work as the foreman on a neighbor's ranch while hitting the rodeo circuit in his spare time. His goal was to earn enough money to buy his own ranch. As the book opens, he discovers that his crusty boss is missing after reportedly suffering a "medical emergency." Preston's mercenary grandson has taken control of the ranch and is throwing his weight around. The confrontation goes south quickly, with Trey firing Ryan and then shooting him in the leg. Amanda is the local real estate agent who has been looking for the right property for Ryan. She hasn't had an easy life, first growing up in foster care and then marrying a man who became abusive. When her husband disappeared, his family blamed her, even though his death was ruled accidental once his body was found. In the year since his death, Amanda began to find herself and her strength despite her mother-in-law's constant harassment. When her home is vandalized, Amanda must find proof of the vandal's identity to get it stopped. From the beginning, Ryan has done his best to support Amanda in whatever she needs. Not only is she a good friend of the family, Ryan is deeply attracted to her. I liked how he stepped up to help her deal with the vandalism and investigate who was behind it. At the same time, Amanda helps Ryan uncover the truth of Preston's whereabouts. As much time as they spend together, it is no surprise that their feelings for each other begin to grow. But Amanda's past experiences make trusting any man difficult, and Ryan's reputation with "buckle bunnies" doesn't inspire confidence. It is evident from the first that Ryan's feelings for Amanda are deep and genuine. I loved his protectiveness when she was in trouble and his kindness, patience, and compassion as she worked through her fears. Amanda is afraid to trust her judgment and tries hard to keep Ryan in the friend zone. Fortunately, the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes he is one of the good guys. But can she let go of her fears enough to let him in? I loved the ending and seeing her finally give in to hope and love. The epilogue was fantastic. The suspense of the story was good. There were two mysteries to solve: where Preston was, whether he was safe, and who was behind the vandalism of Amanda's house. I could feel Ryan's frustration at being unable to find his friend and mentor. I liked Amanda's willingness to help. The scene where they showed up at the nursing home was fantastic, and I ached for what they found there. An unexpected twist in Ryan's investigation nearly cost him his life, except for a friend's intervention. The resolution was anti-climactic but satisfying. The other mystery of who was behind the vandalism was mainly one of finding the proof. Amanda had a good idea of who it was. Complicating matters was the ongoing feud with her former mother-in-law. I loved the scene at the businesswoman's luncheon and Amanda standing up to the woman. As Amanda and Ryan began to close in on identifying the vandals, an attempt was made to abduct Amanda. It was a combination of a nail-biter and clown show, as the perpetrators were pretty bad. I wasn't surprised by their identities, but an unexpected revelation came out of it. Merged review: Good combination of suspense and romance. Ryan is the youngest brother who, after the loss of the family ranch, went to work as the foreman on a neighbor's ranch while hitting the rodeo circuit in his spare time. His goal was to earn enough money to buy his own ranch. As the book opens, he discovers that his crusty boss is missing after reportedly suffering a "medical emergency." Preston's mercenary grandson has taken control of the ranch and is throwing his weight around. The confrontation goes south quickly, with Trey firing Ryan and then shooting him in the leg. Amanda is the local real estate agent who has been looking for the right property for Ryan. She hasn't had an easy life, first growing up in foster care and then marrying a man who became abusive. When her husband disappeared, his family blamed her, even though his death was ruled accidental once his body was found. In the year since his death, Amanda began to find herself and her strength despite her mother-in-law's constant harassment. When her home is vandalized, Amanda must find proof of the vandal's identity to get it stopped. From the beginning, Ryan has done his best to support Amanda in whatever she needs. Not only is she a good friend of the family, Ryan is deeply attracted to her. I liked how he stepped up to help her deal with the vandalism and investigate who was behind it. At the same time, Amanda helps Ryan uncover the truth of Preston's whereabouts. As much time as they spend together, it is no surprise that their feelings for each other begin to grow. But Amanda's past experiences make trusting any man difficult, and Ryan's reputation with "buckle bunnies" doesn't inspire confidence. It is evident from the first that Ryan's feelings for Amanda are deep and genuine. I loved his protectiveness when she was in trouble and his kindness, patience, and compassion as she worked through her fears. Amanda is afraid to trust her judgment and tries hard to keep Ryan in the friend zone. Fortunately, the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes he is one of the good guys. But can she let go of her fears enough to let him in? I loved the ending and seeing her finally give in to hope and love. The epilogue was fantastic. The suspense of the story was good. There were two mysteries to solve: where Preston was, whether he was safe, and who was behind the vandalism of Amanda's house. I could feel Ryan's frustration at being unable to find his friend and mentor. I liked Amanda's willingness to help. The scene where they showed up at the nursing home was fantastic, and I ached for what they found there. An unexpected twist in Ryan's investigation nearly cost him his life, except for a friend's intervention. The resolution was anti-climactic but satisfying. The other mystery of who was behind the vandalism was mainly one of finding the proof. Amanda had a good idea of who it was. Complicating matters was the ongoing feud with her former mother-in-law. I loved the scene at the businesswoman's luncheon and Amanda standing up to the woman. As Amanda and Ryan began to close in on identifying the vandals, an attempt was made to abduct Amanda. It was a combination of a nail-biter and clown show, as the perpetrators were pretty bad. I wasn't surprised by their identities, but an unexpected revelation came out of it. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Dec 13, 2023
not set
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Sep 23, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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my rating |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 4.69
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it was amazing
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Nov 28, 2022
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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| 4.52
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really liked it
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Dec 04, 2022
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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| 4.52
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really liked it
|
Jun 13, 2021
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.62
|
it was amazing
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May 23, 2023
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.07
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really liked it
|
May 12, 2022
not set
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Sep 27, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.29
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really liked it
|
Jun 04, 2021
not set
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Sep 27, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.28
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really liked it
|
Nov 2020
not set
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Sep 27, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.52
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it was amazing
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Sep 26, 2023
not set
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Sep 26, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.40
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really liked it
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May 24, 2023
not set
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Sep 26, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.20
|
it was amazing
|
Sep 25, 2024
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Sep 25, 2024
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|||||
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| 4.50
|
really liked it
|
Mar 08, 2021
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.67
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it was amazing
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Jul 2023
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.57
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it was amazing
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Mar 31, 2023
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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| 4.54
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it was amazing
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Jun 18, 2022
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.45
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it was amazing
|
Jul 29, 2020
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.19
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it was amazing
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Apr 06, 2023
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.40
|
really liked it
|
May 02, 2022
not set
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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|||||
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| 3.50
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really liked it
|
Oct 14, 2021
not set
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Sep 24, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.59
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it was amazing
|
Oct 02, 2022
not set
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Sep 23, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.72
|
really liked it
|
Dec 13, 2023
not set
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Sep 23, 2024
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