On an ordinary Monday morning, Ariel Cafferty's
phone buzzes with a disturbing text message. Something’s happened. I
need to see you. Meet me under the candelabra tree ASAP. The words would be
jarring from anyone, but the sender is the only man she ever loved. And it's
been several years since she learned he died.
Seeing Drew’s name pop up is heart-stopping. Ariel’s gut says it can’t be real.
But she goes to the tree anyway. She has to.
Nobody shows. But the text upends everything she thought she knew about the day
he left her. The more questions she asks, the more sinister the answers get.
Only two things are clear: everything she was told five years ago is wrong, and
someone is still lying to her.
The truth has to be out there somewhere. To safeguard herself—and her
son—she’ll have to find it before it finds her. And with it, the answer to what
became of Drew.
With a heart-stopping romance that only Sarina Bowen can execute, The
Five Year Lie is a page-turning, spine-tingling thriller that will
have you guessing until the very end.
Ariel and Drew had a brief but intense romance several
years ago. It ended abruptly when Drew left without a goodbye. Months later,
Ariel learned of his death and while she tried to leave the past behind, she
was still plagued with questions surrounding Drew’s sudden departure. Five
years later, Ariel is a single mother, works
at the same company where she met Drew, and raises her young son Buzz. Her life
takes a sudden turn when she receives a cryptic text… from the man who died
years ago.
As Ariel begins to question who Drew was and what really
happened, truths begin to fray and unravel, and every answer leads to more
questions. With help from a co-worker, Ariel begins to uncover disturbing undercurrents
within the company founded by her father and uncle, unaware that every new
discovery puts her in the crosshairs of someone willing to kill to keep their
secrets.
As a longtime fan of Sarina Bowen, I was excited for her first foray into the mystery-thriller genre. Even from the prologue, which provided a tension-filled set-up, I was hooked. The more Ariel dug into her family’s tech company, which focused on doorbell surveillance cameras, the shadier things seemed. I loved Ariel’s determination to find answers and the dual timeline - present chapters from Ariel’s POV, past chapters from Drew’s - was the perfect way to dole out information to the reader. I had a blast developing theories and dismissing red herrings, but at the end of the day I was most invested in what happened to Drew. While the climax was executed faster than I may have liked, Bowen still delivered a thrilling and entertaining ride. The Five Year Lie is an exciting mix of thriller elements with a heavy dose of romantic suspense (and will leave you giving your doorbell camera some serious side-eye).
With the recent release of Ashes of You, Catherine Cowles has wrapped up another fantastic small-town romantic suspense series. I previously reviewed Whispers of You and Echoes of You, the first two books in the Lost & Found series, and my thoughts on the remaining three books are below. Have you read the Lost & Found series?
Caden and Grae were the best of friends – until they
weren’t. When Caden pulled away, and then moved away, Grae was hurt but refused
to let it show. Their once close friendship turned into barbed teasing and
snarky comments. Caden returned to Cedar Ridge just as Grae was dealing with a
clingy ex. When he stepped in and posed as her new boyfriend to save her from
the pushy ex, he realized they could help each other out. Her ex would move on
and leave her alone, and Caden’s father would get off his back about settling
down with someone suitable. When it became apparent that someone was gunning
for Grae, Caden was determined to stick close and keep her safe. As the
situation became ever more dangerous, their feelings for one another grew just
as intense.
It’s no surprise that even the prologue of this one had
me feeling all the feels. Cowles is Queen of the Emotional Prologues. I’m a
sucker for a couple that has a past, and getting to watch as Caden and Grae
rekindled their friendship and allowed more to develop was so satisfying. Their
history lent an ease to their relationship that I loved. As always, Cowles
delivered a solid suspense plot with escalating tension, red herrings, and a villain
in their midst. The Lost & Found series continues to be a hit for me.
Tropes: brother's best friend, fake dating, forced proximity, hate to love, small town, romantic suspense
Forced to flee with her young daughter, Aspen had made a
home for them in the small town of Cedar Ridge. She tried to put down roots but
was also ever vigilant and didn’t allow others to get too close. That changed
when she had a run-in with Roan, the grumpy, taciturn Hartley brother who had
long distanced himself from townspeople and family alike, living an almost
solitary life. Aspen’s precocious daughter Cady immediately befriended Roan and
a tentative friendship formed between Roan and Aspen as well. Roan sensed a
kindred spirit in Aspen, someone who had also been hurt in the past, and he was
determined to protect she and Cady at all costs. That determination was put to
the test when Aspen’s past caught up with her and threatened her life in Cedar
Ridge, and everything she held dear.
This was the book in the Lost & Found series that I’d
been waiting for. Roan had been an enigma from the beginning and his story did
not disappoint. Aspen’s easy acceptance of Roan went a long way in allowing him
to lower some of his walls and start to open himself up again, both to Aspen
and Cady, and his large, loving family. Speaking of Cady, the chatty six year
old stole every scene she was in. From calling Roan “Mr. Grizz” (because he was
like a grizzly bear coming out of hibernation) and declaring that they would be
“bestest friends”, to her epic friendship with Charlie (Roan’s nephew), she was
an adorable dynamo. The romance between Aspen and Roan was everything
and Cowles, as always, provided the perfect balance between romance and
suspense. Shadows of You is my absolute favorite in the Lost & Found
series.
Tropes: grumpy x sunshine, single mom, forced proximity, broken hero, heroine in hiding, suspense
Five years ago, Hallie escaped from a sadistic serial
killer. She never knew the name of the man who found her, half frozen in the
snowy woods, but she never forgot his blue eyes. They gave her hope. Years
later, trying to make a fresh start, Hallie arrives in Cedar Ridge and applies
for a job as a nanny. When she arrives for the interview all she sees is… blue.
The eyes of the man she has never forgotten. Lawson is just as shaken to see
Hallie standing before him, she and her ordeal having haunted him the last five
years. Hallie is instantly a ray of sunshine in the Hartley home, providing a
warm, comforting environment and a stable presence for Lawson’s three boys:
sweet six year old Charlie, thirteen year old charmer Drew, and surly sixteen
year old Luke. Hallie revels in being part of the rambunctious family, even as
the undeniable attraction between she and Lawson grows. But the monster from
Hallie’s past is closer that she could ever imagine.
It's been a long wait for Lawson’s story and it
definitely delivered. We finally got Lawson’s backstory, the reason for his
crippling guilt, and his desire to do right by his kids. Hallie was such a
sympathetic character and I admired her strength. Still suffering from PTSD and
panic attacks from her previous trauma, she worked hard to forge a meaningful
life for herself and reclaim what a madman had tried to take away. It was
heartwarming to see her be welcomed by the entire Hartley clan and she basked
in the love and acceptance of her found family. While Lawson’s determination to
keep his distance from Hallie seemed to flip in the blink of an eye (I
practically got whiplash from how quickly he switched from “this can’t happen
to “I’m all in”), I loved how attuned he was to Hallie, always observant and
recognizing her triggers and emotional needs. I was surprised at the identity
of the killer since I had discounted him earlier, and while the climactic scene
at the end was over in the blink of an eye, it didn’t spoil my enjoyment.
Cowles delivered a solid end to the series with an epilogue that guaranteed the
Hartley family will stay with me for a long time to come.
Tropes: single dad x nanny, age gap, serial killer, touch her and die, forced proximity, found family
Jensen had always shared a special bond with her
brother’s best friend, Tucker. They’d been in each other’s lives since they
were children, and he was a constant in her life that she could always depend
on. She squashed any other feelings she might have for him, feeling that after
two disastrous prior relationships, she obviously could not trust her own
judgement. Tuck had wanted Jensen for as long as he could remember, but his own
family issues had him convinced that she deserved better.
I’d been waiting for Tuck and Jensen’s story and it did
not disappoint. Jensen had a huge heart and took care of those around her – her
son, her employees and friends, and her beloved rescue horses. The romance that
developed between Jensen and Tuck was so natural and his bond with Jensen’s son
warmed my heart. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Catherine Cowles novel without
some sinister goings-on and it came from more than one direction, which amped
up the tension. This was a solid addition to the series and delivered all the
feels.
Tropes: small town, romantic suspense, single mom, friends to lovers
CW (highlight to view): violence/death, addiction (secondary character)
Beautifully Broken Control
by Catherine Cowles
Series: Sutter Lake #4
Pub: 2/18/2020
Format: Audio
4 stars
When Kennedy’s father was convicted in a Ponzi scheme,
the backlash against her family was so extreme she changed her name and went
into hiding. She was determined to live a different life – one of service and
gratitude – anything to alleviate the guilt she felt over her father’s crimes. After
a tragic loss, Cain has shut down almost all personal connections, determined
to keep others at a distance. But he can’t deny his feelings for Kennedy. When
she is injured and he steps in to help, their closeness only amplifies his
feelings for the young woman who guards her privacy and her past so strongly.
There were times when Cain’s protectiveness of Kennedy
(while sometimes overboard) and his care for her made my heart positively melt.
Even so, I struggled with both characters at times. Kennedy’s overwhelming
guilt was so misplaced and I wanted her to recognize her father’s crimes were
not her own. And with Cain, his unwillingness to share any of his past with
Kennedy (while digging into her past to learn what she was hiding) was
hypocritical and hurtful. Both of these issues did resolve and I was fully
onboard with their relationship. Seeing Cain finally open up about his loss (with
a positive focus on therapy) and be able to embrace a healthy relationship with
Kennedy was totally satisfying. The bad guy(s) in this one weren’t too
difficult to figure out, but that didn’t detract my enjoyment at all. Another
solid romantic suspense from Cowles!
Tropes: small town, romantic suspense, heroine on the
run, forced proximity
CW (highlight to view): grief/loss, violence/death
Beautifully Broken Redemption
by Catherine Cowles
Series: Sutter Lake #5
Pub: 11/9/2021
Format: Audio
4 stars
Anna’s trust in someone was betrayed when she was just a
teenager and it cost her her freedom. Having started over in the small town of
Sutter Lake, and now running a homeless shelter, she is slow to trust and keeps
others at a distance. When tragedy strikes and she is suddenly the caregiver
for her beloved niece and nephew, she is determined to keep them safe and give
them the childhood she never had. To her surprise it is Mason, the successful businessman
and frequent volunteer at the shelter, who steps in and offers Anna a solution:
a marriage of convenience to bolster Anna’s chance of gaining full custody of
the kids.
Anna had overcome so much and was not accustomed to
accepting help from others, having learned the hard way that trust could be
betrayed in the worst ways. Mason had suffered his own loss and was such a stalwart,
generous man. His willingness to step in and make such an extraordinary offer
to help Anna and the children was only the start of his devotion to them and
his commitment to doing whatever it took to protect them all. This was a slow
burn romance even though Anna and Mason’s chemistry was obvious from the start.
While I missed the Cole family, the family who has formed the base for most of
the other books in the series, I enjoyed their inclusion as secondary
characters. This was a solid end to the series and was filled with Catherine’s
hallmark emotion, suspense, and happily ever after.
Tropes: small town, romantic suspense, marriage of convenience
CW (highlight to view): violence/death (mostly off page), physical abuse (off
page)
Tessa has finally found a safe haven in Sutter Lake, hiding in plain sight—just
as long as no one asks too many questions.
He can’t escape…
Liam knows better than anyone how one wrong word, a single whisper can ruin a
life. After seeing the darker side of fame, he's desperate to retreat and find
his voice again.
Two people from opposite worlds, brought together by a connection neither
expected.
But the forces they’re both running from still lurk in the shadows…
And you never know when they might strike.
Liam has found great success as a singer and songwriter
but dealing with the cutthroat business side of music has dulled the shine of
his fame. That, plus an obsessive fan, has him leaving L.A. for a quiet respite
in Sutter Lake, the town where his friend Taylor recently found a new start. His
growing interest in quiet and closed-off Tessa seems to be going nowhere since
she shuts him down at every turn, even while being around her is breaking his
writers block and inspiring him to write new music. Tessa has been hiding in
Sutter Lake for over a year, on the run from an abusive ex. Always fearful,
always on-guard, she is ready to flee at the first hint of danger. Liam is the
first person that makes her want to lower her walls and form a connection, but opening
herself up could also mean putting her life at risk.
Sometimes I think I will run out of ways to gush about a
Catherine Cowles book because she is just so, so good at delivering what I
love. Tessa was instantly a character that was easy to empathize with. I wanted
so much for her to push her boundaries of loneliness and allow others in, even
while I understood her fears. Then there was Liam. Loved him! This man was so
patient, so kind, and took such care with Tessa that it melted my heart. Even
before he knew her story, he understood she was fearful and reticent, and he
showed such tenderness to her, and respect for her boundaries. (When Liam said
to Tessa, “What can I do to make you feel safe?” I thought I would expire then
and there.) One of my favorite aspects of the story was seeing all the small
ways Liam tried to help Tessa regain her power and control over her life. That
kind of selfless caretaking really did it for me. The suspense didn’t really
ratchet up until the very end, but it provided a truly satisfying wrap-up. Once
again, I’ll be diving right into the next book in the Sutter Lake series.
Tropes: small town, romantic suspense, heroine on the run, famous hero
Content warning (highlight to view): domestic violence, stalking, suicide (discussed, not on the page)
Taylor is looking for peace and quiet away from the memories of all she’s lost.
A small mountain town where no one knows her seems like the perfect escape.
A man battling the ghosts of his past.
Walker loves his life just the way it is. His town, his family, his brothers in
blue. Everything simple and easy—until a chance encounter changes it all.
When Taylor’s solitude is interrupted by the rugged cop, they find that the
very thing they were avoiding might be just what they both need. As their iron
wills clash and passion flares…a killer lurks.
And you never know who might be caught in the crosshairs.
When I read my first book by Catherine Cowles about a
year and a half ago (Tattered Stars), I connected immediately with her writing.
She made me care about her characters and become invested in their stories. Now,
nine books later, she has solidified herself as one of my favorite authors and
I’m excited to start working my way through her backlist.
Taylor is crippled by grief from the loss of her mother.
Needing a change, and time away from well-meaning friends, she spontaneously rents
a cabin for a year in the small town of Sutter Lake, Oregon. Finding a job at a
tea shop introduces her to Jensen Cole (shop owner) and the rest of the Cole
family, including Jensen’s brother Walker, the town’s deputy chief of police. Determined
to keep her new friends at arm’s length, convinced that forming bonds will only
lead to more heartache, Taylor still finds herself pulled into the loving
embrace of the Cole family. As Taylor slowly begins to let down her walls and
explore a relationship with Walker, he is dealing with a string of missing
women and the victims are getting closer and closer to home.
Everything about Beautifully Broken Pieces was right up
my alley. A heroine who was damaged but had backbone, a swoony, protective
hero, a close-knit family, strong friendships, a touch of suspense – it all
combined to form such a “me” book. I adored the Cole family, including Jensen’s
young son Noah (who started calling Taylor “Tay Tay” five minutes after meeting
her), Taylor’s friend Liam who was willing to give her a dose of tough love and
truth when she needed it, and the relationship that grew between Taylor and
Walker. The epilogue was *chef’s kiss*, the narration by Maxine Mitchell and
Aaron Shedlock was perfect, and I can’t wait to return to Sutter Lake. (Bring
on Liam’s book!)
Tropes: small town, romantic suspense, law enforcement hero
Content warning (highlight to view): grief/loss,
violence/death
Harper has just walked away from everything in her life that didn't spark joy - her job, making lists, and especially her ex. Returning to Sunrise Cove, the last place she felt truly happy, she has plans to open her own bakery and make a fresh start. Her first meeting with Bodie - bar owner and her landlord - was bumpy but they quickly developed a friendship, with the possibility of more. Finally, teenage Ivy was also new to Sunrise Cove and had come with a purpose. When she finds compassion and support, she's left uncertain about her future.
There was so much here to love. Both Harper and Bodie had issues to work through, and needed to lay down hurts of the past before they could move forward. Bodie was so open with his feelings for Harper while never pushing her beyond what she felt she could give. Bodie's family was a delight and I loved their easy acceptance of new family and friends into their fold.
The Sweetheart List is one of only three that I have read from Shalvis, but I can tell you that it is my favorite. I loved these characters. I was drawn into their lives, I felt their struggles, and I wanted the very best for them. This one delivered all the feelings and warmed my heart. 4.25 stars
Note: The Sweetheart List is part of the Sunrise Cove series but can easily be read as a standalone.
I loved returning to Cedar Ridge and reconnecting with the large, boisterous but loving Hartley family. They welcomed Maddie home and still considered her one of their own. Unfortunately, Maddie's happy homecoming was short-lived when the threats started, especially considering there was likely more than one source. Nash had some serious "who hurt you" vibes so if you love a protective hero, this one's for you. My only quibble would be that both Nash and Maddie seemed to drown in misplaced guilt. With every new development in the story, one (or both) of them was wracked with guilt for situations they had no control over. I kind of wanted to shake them both out of that habit. Beyond that, it was so easy to pull for these characters and yearn for a happy ending for them. Maddie, especially, had been through so much (she truly lost out in the family lottery) and after abuse at the hands of someone who should have protected her, it was satisfying to see her embraced by her found family. If you enjoy childhood friends to lovers, a heroine in hiding, a dash of suspense, and a small town setting, you'll love Echoes of You. 4 stars
I recently binged the last two books in the Rose Canyon series, having read the first book, Help Me Remember, last September. This series delivered some of my favorite characters and stories from Corinne Michael - emotional, suspenseful, and swoony. Even better? All three books are available in Kindle Unlimited!
Blakely and Emmett served together in the Army and agreed to a marriage of convenience in order to stay together and increase their military benefits. Things got messy when feelings became involved and their relationship became a complicated mess. When Blakely showed up unexpectedly in Emmett’s hometown after years of them not speaking, the sparks were still there, but so were the hurt feelings and mistrust. Blakely was there to follow a lead on a missing teenage girl and needed Emmett’s help. As they delved into the case, their snarky banter led to truths being shared and hearts laid bare.
Corinne
Michaels’ Rose Canyon series has a different feel than her more recent releases
because while each book does focus on a different couple, there is an
overarching plotline that continues to evolve with each book. I loved the
balance between Emmett and Blakely’s relationship and the suspense aspect. I
was sometimes frustrated with Blakely for running hot and cold. She’d insist to
Emmett they needed to talk about the past, but then be vague and combative
instead of giving him the truth. Even so, Emmett understood her fears and had
the patience to help her work through them. Corinne included a plot twist that
was so shocking I was speechless (and tempted to throw my book out the nearest
window). But I know that Michaels always breaks hearts before she heals them
and it made the outcome that much more satisfying. I loved the way this one
wrapped up and the dangling plot threads have me anxious to read the third and
final book. 4.25 stars
by Corinne Michaels Series: Rose Canyon #3 Format: Trade Paperback Source: Purchased
I can safely say that when it comes to the Rose Canyon series, Corinne Michaels saved the best for last. Keep This Promise delivered in such a big way and I flew through 300+ pages quickly, desperate to solve the mystery that has spanned the three books. Sophie arrived in Rose Canyon exhausted, confused and afraid. Sent there by the man who had been her best friend, she knew little more than she and her three-year old daughter, Eden, were in danger. Sophie was shocked to come face to face with Holden, the man she met in Las Vegas several years ago and never expected to see again – the man who is Eden’s father. As Sophie tried to get her bearings and understand why her life was in jeopardy, Holden was there to take her and Eden under his wing. As Holden and Sophie grew closer, so did the danger that threatened them all.
Corinne Michaels has a way of making me care deeply about her characters and Keep This Promise was no exception. I liked Sophie from the very start and found myself empathizing with her at every turn. Eden was so precious and really blossomed as the story progressed. And Holden – well, Holden stole my heart. He was instantly there for Sophie and Eden, willing to help and support, and protect. As his feelings for Sophie deepened, and his bond with Eden strengthened, I was practically a puddle of goo at every interaction. Corrine has written some memorable heroes and Holden is right there at the top. Beyond all the swoony feels, I was captivated as the story unfolded and the suspense amped up. My heart was in my throat through the most harrowing scenes. There were several surprises along the way, and I was more than satisfied with the ending. While I would hesitate to say the Rose Canyon books could be read as standalones, I highly recommend the series! 4.5 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense Trope(s): Brother's best friend, memory loss
Brielle woke up in a hospital and learned that her
beloved older brother, her best friend and protector, had been killed and she was
the only witness. Making matters worse, the head injury she suffered left her with
no memory of the attack. There was now a three-year gap in her memory. With no
idea of why the attack happened, or who did it, Brielle was given a security
detail to keep her safe. Her brother’s three best friends also surrounded her
and supported her, including Spencer, a world-renowned investigative journalist
who worked with Brie to uncover her past and regain her memories. As memories
started to resurface, Brie was left with more questions than answers. I don’t
want to give anything away, but I will say I was glued to this fast-paced romantic
suspense. Michaels did a great job at planting a few red herrings and I had
theories galore, only to be surprised. Fans of her earlier books will be thrilled by the appearance of several previous characters. The story is told through two points of
view – Brie’s and one other – and I will say that reading the other POV broke
my heart again and again and had me tearing up. The heartache was real. This was an entertaining yet
emotional story with a great set-up for the next book in the series.4 STARS
Former NFL quarterback Zach Bridger had a brief but tumultuous
marriage to Rachel. He’s not seen Rachel in five years so he’s shocked to
receive a call that she is on life support and, since he still has medical
power-of-attorney, he will have to make the impossible decisions about her
care. Unwilling to deal with the scrutiny of the media, and the pressure from
Rebecca’s parents, Zach walks away, allowing her parents to call the shots.
Four years later, the man responsible for Rebecca’s violent assault is released
from prison early. The privileged and spoiled son of a wealthy family, Eban has
no remorse and intends to return to his indulgent life of debauchery. That is,
until a savvy state prosecutor approaches Zach with surprising news. In the event of Rebecca’s death, Eban
could be tried for murder and receive a sentence fitting of the crime. Once
again, Zach is faced with an impossible decision. If Rebecca remains in her vegetative state, Eban walks free. In order for Eban to be tried properly for his crimes, Zach will face an unimaginable choice. Meanwhile, Eban is well aware
how precarious his freedom is, and is willing to make sure neither Zach nor
Kate will live to threaten that. This was my first by Sandra Brown and I thoroughly
enjoyed this fast-paced tale. The mix of suspense, the moral and ethical
dilemmas Zach faced, and the romantic tension between Zach and Kate all
combined for a great ride. 4 STARS
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