Release Day Review: Family Lies by Karen Rose

Family Lies is Book #4 in The San Diego Case Files series by Karen Rose!

This romantic suspense series centers around detective Kit McKittrick, her adoptive family, and love interest Dr. Sam Reeves.

Family Lies is an explosive, gripping page-turner!

Get your copy today! 

About the Book

The fourth nerve-shattering installment of the San Diego Case Files from New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose sees Kit McKittrick’s sister caught in a maelstrom of deadly family secrets.

As an infant, Kit McKittrick’s foster sister Akiko was abandoned at a firehouse. Now 32, Akiko has received an unsettling phone call from a woman who says that she knew her birth mother but refuses to divulge any details except in person. Akiko is nervous but also thrilled at the prospect of finally learning about her blood relations.

Kit has a bad feeling about this and insists on accompanying Akiko to meet the woman. Sure enough, as they stand on Mary Sherman’s doorstep, shots are fired and Kit is hit…and inside the house is a corpse: Mary Sherman herself.

Although she’s on medical leave and forbidden to work the case, Kit cannot rest. With police psychologist Sam Reeves, she undertakes a covert investigation into the mysterious Mary Sherman. Was she Akiko’s birth mother? Why did she reach out after all these years? And who had a motive to kill her?

As more bodies pile up, Kit starts to put together the pieces of the frightening puzzle that is Akiko’s birth family, and she’ll come to wonder whether some secrets should stay buried after all.

My Review

“O what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” – Sir Walter Scott

Family Lies is an explosive mystery that’ll keep you up bleary eyed into the wee morning hours until your curiosity is fully satisfied.

The story begins with a bang and quickly entangles readers in a dangerous web of lies, intrigue, and betrayal! 

There are so many mysteries! Each question answered raises even more questions.

We learn so much more about Kit’s adoptive sister Akiko, where she came from and how she ended up with the McKittricks. The McKittricks are a husband and wife who have a large home and even larger hearts and have been fostering, loving, and adopting kids for decades.

The fabric of the story is enriched by the complexities of the characters and the relationship dynamics each character has with the others. A beautifully broken melting pot of humanity.

I absolutely love the found family aspect of the storyline, not just within the McKittrick household but also at Kit’s job. Despite Kit’s stoic, prickly and standoffish persona, her fellow detectives and CO have claimed her as well. 

But even though I absolutely love this book, my love for this series wasn’t always so apparent. I admit I was frustrated with the author because the first book didn’t end in an HEA, nor did the second or third books. Where is my HEA?!!?!?!?!?

I am finally understanding and enjoying this large story arc format centered around a detective as she protects people daily, helps support her adoptive parents and their foster kids while trying to discover who murdered her sister and left her in a dumpster 17 years ago. 

And then here comes this do-gooder police psychologist with a heart of gold and the patience of a saint who sees to the heart of Kit, who’s claimed her quietly and who believes it’s an honor to hold the trust of the surly and guarded detective. 

Throughout the series as Kit and her department protect and serve, each book has Kit coming closer to finding her sister’s murderer, and opening her heart to Sam.

I really like this format because the romance is not instalove and theirs is a slow courtship where trust can be earned, appreciated, and given space for love to blossom.

Family Lies is a gripping read! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and I couldn’t read this book fast enough! I devoured the pages and had to restrain myself from skipping ahead! I could not put this book down. And definitely do not sleep on the epilogue! 

I highly recommend the entire series!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links*

Penguin Random House

About the Author

Photo by Deborah Feingold Photography

Karen Rose is the award-winning, #1 international bestselling author of over twenty-five novels, including the bestselling Baltimore and Cincinnati series. She has been translated into twenty-three languages and her books have placed on the New York Times, the Sunday Times (UK), and Germany’s der Spiegel bestseller lists. Learn more at karenrosebooks.com

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: Dead of Winter by Rebecca Zanetti

Welcome to Knife’s Edge, Alaska, where the four Osprey brothers return from military service with shadows in their eyes and secrets in their hearts. As danger looms, new romances ignite, and these rugged men must fight for love…and survival.

About the Book

Brock Osprey has spent years in the rugged Alaskan wilderness, far from civilization and even farther from his past. A former Navy Seal, Brock is now the unwilling protector of Knife’s Edge, a remote town with more secrets than residents. But when FBI agent Ophelia Spilazi arrives to investigate the unsolved murder of his guardian—and recent unexplained deaths in the area—Brock’s carefully guarded world is thrown into chaos.

Agent Ophelia Spilazi has one last chance to save her career, and Knife’s Edge is her shot. The isolated town is full of secrets, and she’s certain Brock knows more than he’s letting on. The town’s recent string of mysterious deaths only heightens her suspicion, but the more time she spends with the brooding Alaskan, the harder it becomes to ignore the dangerous chemistry between them.

As a brutal storm traps them in the isolated wilderness, Brock and Ophelia’s growing attraction ignites, even as shadows from their pasts threaten to tear them apart. But with a dangerous conspiracy and powerful enemies lurking in the shadows, their only hope is to trust each other—before the wilderness consumes them both.

Originally published 2021 in Kindle Vella

My Review

I am a huge Rebecca Zanetti fan and every time a new book or series starts, I’m first in line to read. I kinda hung back on Dead of Winter a little bit because it sounded similar to Rebecca’s Laurel Snow series. As I started reading and getting into the mystery, I was thinking that Laurel Snow could help solve these cases. I had to separate the different stories in my head so it wouldn’t color my thoughts about the new series and my review, unfortunately it was more difficult than I thought.

While the story DID start out feeling like the Laurel Snow series, the similarities began disappearing the deeper I got into the book. This Alaska small town is isolated during the cold months and the townsfolk band together and take care of each other. I love that small town feel and that everyone is in everyone else’s business. But small towns can also hold big secrets and that’s what FBI Agent Ophelia Spilazi discovers as she tries to solve a string of mysterious deaths and the murder of one of the locals. 

I sure do love a good mystery and there are plenty in Dead of Winter. Especially the mysterious Osprey brothers. I really enjoyed learning the town dynamics and meeting the unique townsfolk. Some are not what they seem and some are exactly what they appear to be. In Knife’s Edge, you’re either born there, vacationing there, or you’re hiding from something there. It’s always a thrill trying to figure out which is which!

Overall, Dead of Winter is a solid start to a promising series and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.

Purchase Links*

Rebecca Zanetti Website

About the Author

New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than sixty novels, which have been translated into several languages, with more than five million copies sold world-wide. Her books have received Publishers Weekly starred reviews and have been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Woman’s World, and Women’s Day Magazines. Her novels have also been included in Amazon best books of the year and have been favorably reviewed in both the Washington Post and the New York Times Book Reviews. Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest. Learn more at rebeccazanetti.com

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: Knife in the Back by Karen Rose

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Rose comes another "intense, complex, and unforgettable” * novel.

* James Patterson

About the Book

Officer Naomi Cranston was framed for stealing cocaine from the evidence locker and coerced—through threats to her young son—into not fighting the charges.  After five years in prison, she has tried to put the ordeal behind her, but the crooks who framed her have returned, this time demanding she move drugs along with her flower shop’s deliveries. They threaten her son once again, but this time she’s not capitulating quietly. She hires Broussard Investigations to protect her and her son, to prove her innocence, and to put the real bad guys away. 

As a former cop, Burke Broussard is well aware of the corruption in the New Orleans police department. He had always believed Naomi Cranston to be guilty and isn’t inclined to take her case. Until he sits down to listen to her side of things. Until he sees her tortured innocence written all over her beautiful face…

 A relationship born amid an investigation is a fragile thing. Will it survive the danger and the threats? Will it survive the truth?

Excerpt

 

1

The Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana

Monday, February 24, 8:45 a.m.

Burke Broussard placed the papers he'd just reviewed into a drawer in his desk at Broussard Investigations. Business completed, he wanted to spend a few minutes with the man he'd called brother since they were teenagers.

"Everything looks good, as usual, Kaleb. Thank you."

Kaleb accepted the thanks with a nod and the smile Burke had grown up seeing. It was a bittersweet connection to better times, because he and Kaleb were the only ones left now.

Burke's mother, his uncle Larry. And Kyra, of course. All gone these twenty-five years. Even Kaleb's father, Uncle Larry's dear friend and business partner, was gone now. It was just Burke and Kaleb.

"Now that the business is out of the way," Kaleb said, "how the hell are you?"

The "business" was Kaleb's quarterly presentation of their company's profit and loss statement, along with the new initiatives that kept Fontenot Industries at the top of its game. Burke didn't always understand the software that the engineers were designing, but he could read a P&L. Their company was doing very well.

Kaleb Marchand was the genius behind all the tech. As the owner, Burke mostly just signed the checks. The profits he made from Fontenot allowed him to fund the work he really loved-getting justice for those who'd been let down by the law. Some of the people he aided didn't have the money to pay them. Because of Uncle Larry and his gift that kept on giving year after year, Burke could do a lot of pro bono work.

"Oh, you know," Burke said with a shrug. "Same old, same old."

Kaleb shook his head fondly. "Meaning you have loads of cases you can't tell me anything about." He looked over his shoulder to the closed office door. "Glad to see Joy looking so healthy."

"You and me both." Burke's office administrator had been shot two years before and had taken eighteen months to come back to her job full-time. Rehab took a lot longer with age. Joy wasn't all that old-only thirteen years older than Burke's forty-three-but her body had taken a real beating.

She'd nearly died.

However, she was back at her desk, and he couldn't be happier.


"How are Juliette and the kids?"

"Juliette's got the house and the office decorated for Mardi Gras," Kaleb said with a grin. "You should come over for supper."

"I will. And those godsons of mine?" Braden was fifteen, Trent thirteen. It seemed like yesterday that he'd held them at their christenings, and now they were teenagers.

Kaleb rolled his eyes. "Braden's got a girlfriend."

Burke barely controlled his wince. "Another one?"

"Yep," Kaleb said dolefully, and then his smile was back. "But Trent's getting an award in two weeks. He developed a robot in his after-school program. Did it all on his own, without my help." Kaleb's pride was clear. "It's extremely well-done."

"Apple didn't fall far from the tree," Burke drawled. "If there's a ceremony, send me the details, and I'll be there."

"You always are."

Burke's desk phone buzzed and he checked the time. "That's Joy telling me that my nine o'clock is here."

He didn't know who the appointment was with, and that had his hackles rising. Joy normally gave him all the details on clients. That she hadn't done so this morning was both intriguing and concerning.

Kaleb rose and Burke came around his desk to give him a bear hug. Kaleb grunted, then laughed, hugging him back.

"Don't break my ribs," Kaleb said. "I might need them someday."

Burke slapped his back, then let him go. "Sorry."

Kaleb looked up at him with a smirk. Kaleb was tall, around six feet, but Burke was taller. And bigger. It had been that way since they were teenagers.

"You need to find a woman who'll appreciate those bear hugs of yours," Kaleb said. "Juliette has a new list of ladies for you."

Burke opened his office door with a good-natured groan, because Juliette never tired of trying to set him up with her friends. "Can you tell her to stop?"

"I can and I have, but you know Jules."

Burke did, and he loved her. She was the sister he'd never had. "I'll figure out a way to weasel out of anything she sets up."

Kaleb chuckled. "You can try." He walked into the lobby, leaning down to kiss Joy's cheek. "I missed you, J-Bird. Glad you're back full-time."

Joy beamed up at him. "Me too. Give my love to that wife of yours."

"I will. Thank you for rescheduling me on short notice. This trip came up last minute. I fly out in a few hours."

"Safe travels," Joy said. "Bring me something from Chicago."

Kaleb smiled at her. "Chocolate?"

Joy nodded. "You've always been a smart one."

Burke waited until Kaleb had gone before leaning against Joy's desk. "Where is my nine o'clock?"

Because the lobby was empty.

"Chilling with Antoine in the computer room. She and her friend didn't want to be out in the open."

Burke nodded. "Skittish, huh?"

"One of them is." Joy's expression became troubled. "Don't say no right away, Burke."

Burke's eyes went wide. "Why would I say no?"

"Promise me," Joy pressed. "Hear her out."

Now Burke was even more intrigued. "Okay." He turned for his office door. "Send in my appointment-and her friend-when they're done 'chilling' with Antoine.'"

"We're done," a familiar woman's voice said. "And we're ready."

Burke turned, puzzled to see Sylvi Kristiansen walking up to Joy's desk. "Sylvi? What are you doing here?"

"I need your help."

Sylvi's sister Val was one of Burke's inner circle. He'd gotten to know Sylvi over the last two years, since she and Val had healed a family rift that had kept them estranged. He and Sylvi had become friends. If she needed his help, how could he possibly say no?

Then he looked over Sylvi's head to the woman standing behind her, and the smile he'd been prepared to give disappeared like mist. Rage bubbled up, and his fists clenched.

He knew this woman, too.

Naomi Cranston.

He'd met her only once, when he was a detective and she worked in the evidence room. While he'd fought to remain honest, to retain his integrity, others took the easy way. The illegal way.

Which Naomi Cranston had done.

"No," he said, then turned on his heel and walked back into his office, shutting the door hard enough that everyone would know it was his final word.


The Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana

Monday, February 24, 9:03 a.m.

"Burke Broussard!" Sylvi shouted, her anger clear as day. "You come back out here!"

"It's okay." Naomi had known this would be Broussard's response. She'd hoped for a miracle, but . . . she'd known.

"No, it's not okay." Sylvi marched to Broussard's office door, her fist lifted and ready to knock, but the soft whir of the admin's electric wheelchair stopped her.

Joy Thomas had placed herself in front of Broussard's door. "Simmer down, Sylvi. Let me talk to him."

Sylvi swallowed hard. "Okay. Thank you."

Joy squeezed Sylvi's hand. "Good girl." Then she entered Broussard's office, closing the door behind her far more gently than Broussard had.

Naomi started for the elevator. "It's no use. I told you that."

She'd been saying that ever since Sylvi had knocked on her front door Friday evening, shortly after Naomi had gotten home, shaken and terrified.

She hadn't opened the door, but Sylvi had a key for emergencies. The petite florist had used that key, storming in on Naomi as she'd sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her loaded Glock.

Had it not been for Sylvi's arrival, Naomi wasn't sure what she might have done. Now she wasn't sure what she'd do. Burke Broussard had been her only hope.

Sylvi grabbed her hand before she had a chance to press the elevator button. "Just wait. Burke will help you. Give him a few minutes."

"He said no, Syl. I have to respect that. I might say the same thing in his place."

"No, you wouldn't. You'd bend over backward to help."

She probably would, even now. Even after her willingness to help another person had contributed to her downfall. "Well, he's not me. And he said no."

"Let Joy convince him."

"I didn't come here to cause trouble."

The door opened and the whir of Joy's wheelchair had them both turning.

Joy was pointing to the open door. "Go in, Miss Cranston. He'll listen."

"And then he'll help," Sylvi said with a confidence that Naomi did not feel.

But she followed her boss into the lion's den, flinching when Joy shut the door behind them. The admin remained in the lobby, giving them privacy.

She didn't look at Broussard, who sat behind a large mahogany desk. She merely followed Sylvi to a set of visitor chairs, lowering herself into one of them as Sylvi did the same.

Broussard said nothing. Naomi kept her eyes on her hands, clutched together in her lap. She didn't need to look at the man to know this was hopeless.

Sylvi sighed. "Burke . . ." She reached out and gently separated Naomi's hands, holding one tight. "You're going to hurt yourself," she murmured.

Yes, she would. In the end, she would.

Not with the Glock, because Sylvi had locked it away. And not with any other instrument of suicide.

She truly didn't think she had it in her. Although the alternative-prison-was a compelling argument to the contrary.

But she didn't have many choices. If Broussard turned her away, she'd accept Gaffney's drugs-but not in Sylvi's van, and she'd not take them to the address that she was sure she'd be given. She'd use her own car so that Sylvi wouldn't be implicated. And then she'd call 911 and anonymously report herself.

She'd be arrested and sent back to prison. She'd tell her ex to protect their son.

Maybe Broussard could be convinced to do so as well. Protection for Everett.

Yes. That was what she'd ask for.

"What?" Broussard finally said irritably.

Naomi glanced up to find Sylvi staring Broussard down, a tiny five-foot woman glaring defiantly at a brickhouse of a man. He had to be six-five. His dark hair was cut short, his handsome face tanned, despite it being winter.

She glanced at the bicycle leaning against one wall. Biking to work would explain it. She had the brief, insane desire to grab his bike and escape the man's hawklike gaze.

"Sylvi," she whispered. "You don't need to do this."

"Yes, I do," Sylvi snapped. "Burke, you might think you know about Naomi's situation, but I can assure you that you do not."

"I know enough," Broussard said, his deep Cajun drawl rumbling out of his chest. It was a broad chest. A strong one.

He'd be able to protect Everett. And he had the reputation for taking on hard cases. Once she was back in prison, Everett would need all the help he could get.

"Did you know she was out?" Sylvi demanded.

"I'd heard."

"Her sentence was overturned."

"On a technicality," Broussard said mildly, his Cajun accent thick. "An overturned conviction is not a declaration of innocence."

And there was the rub. Naomi would never be looked at with anything other than derision again, and that hurt. However, Everett was more important than her hurt feelings.

"I want to hire you," Naomi blurted out. "To protect my son."

Sylvi and Broussard both turned to stare at her. Sylvi was stunned. Broussard looked . . . curious.

Curiosity was better than derision.

"Naomi, no." Sylvi's eyes filled with tears. "You can't."

"I don't have a choice." Tugging her hand free of Sylvi's grip, she faced Broussard head-on. "I've been given an ultimatum. Transport illegal drugs or my son will be harmed. If I don't do what they say, they will hurt him. He's only sixteen. He's innocent of all this."

Broussard glanced at Sylvi, who was now openly crying.

Her boss had a tender heart. Which, Naomi supposed, was the reason Sylvi had given her a job to begin with.

"Why not take this to the cops?" he asked.

Naomi laughed bitterly. "Because they are the cops."

Broussard's body language abruptly changed. His arms had been locked across his chest, but he lowered them to his desk and leaned forward with narrowed eyes. "Who?"

"Do you know a cop named John Gaffney?"

Broussard nodded, his expression giving nothing away. "I do."

Naomi wanted to look away but forced herself to hold firm. Broussard wouldn't respect her if she flinched. And if he didn't respect her, he wouldn't believe her.

Do this for Everett.
"He used to report to Captain Cresswell." If she hadn't been watching, she would have missed the small twitch of Broussard's jaw. That was good. He didn't like Cresswell. They had at least that in common. "I know you worked in Cresswell's department for a few years. I know you . . . left."

"Escaped," Sylvi muttered, drying her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket. "Some people weren't as lucky."

"Sylvi." Broussard's voice softened. "Let me listen."

"She shouldn't have needed to invoke the name of Gaffney or Cresswell to get you to listen," Sylvi snapped.

Naomi laid a hand on her boss's arm. "He only knows what the media covered. He doesn't know the truth."

Broussard sat back in his chair. "Then tell me the truth."

Naomi squared her shoulders. She didn't have anything to lose. "I was an honest cop. I worked in the evidence room."

"Until you stole a kilo of cocaine."

Naomi shook her head. "I never did. They hid it in my car. It was found when I stopped at a traffic accident."

"To supposedly help a woman whose car had been wrecked."

Naomi remembered it all in sharp detail. "Her flashers were on and her car had been damaged. The front bumper was crushed and the driver's-side windows were broken. She looked so young and scared when she ran into the road, motioning me to stop. So I stopped. I wasn't on duty at the time, so I called it in as a hit-and-run and waited with her until the police arrived."

"And then?" Broussard asked.

"She'd asked to put her book bag in my back seat, because it was pouring down rain and her windows were broken. I let her stow it back there without another thought. The cops arrived, took her statement, then told her to get her book bag from my back seat. That's when she saw the evidence bag. Her exclamation was so believable. Even I believed her for a moment. Until I realized what was happening. It was an evidence bag full of cocaine I'd processed." She lifted her chin again. "I was careful, Mr. Broussard. I was meticulous, for all the years I did that job. There were two bags of cocaine confiscated in an arrest, but there was no record of the second bag being delivered to Evidence."

Excerpted from Knife in the Back by Karen Rose. Copyright © 2025 by Karen Rose. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

My Review

Knife in the Back delivers a thrilling read full of mystery, intrigue, and betrayal.

First off, I am absolutely heartbroken to know that this is the last book in this city of Karen Rose’s Romantic Suspense series. There are SO many amazing and wonderful characters who deserve the spotlight. I am hoping against hope for more stories in the future.

The final book in New Orleans focuses on Burke, the owner of Broussard Investigations. He leads a team of talented, well-trained ex-military personnel who provide a number of services from private investigations to bodyguarding and many other specializations. 

Burke has honor, integrity, loyalty, and a deep sense of justice. So when a disgraced ex-cop shows up in his office asking for help, he’s loath to provide it. Whatever Burke decides next could depend on whether he can live with the consequences. Does he trust in Naomi’s innocence despite the insurmountable evidence against her or does he believe she truly is a dirty cop and is playing them all for fools? 

Burke and the gang are brilliantly crafted characters that I have loved so much these past four years. They are an excellent team and an even better family. 

Naomi’s story is full of gut wrenching heartache, I had so much empathy for her. Naomi’s freedom and livelihood were stolen from her and her son was turned against her but her resilience is incredible and admirable.

The circumstances of Naomi’s plight hampers any real romance between her and Burke, but the chemistry is there as is the physical attraction. 

The book’s suspense is exciting, the mystery is intriguing, and the storyline kept me fully engaged. 

I tip my hat once again to Karen Rose’s craftsmanship of the villain(s). He/She/They is/are insanely evil with layers of deceit and duplicity. I didn’t see the knife in the back until it was too late! Who got hit? Who wielded the blade? Are they alive to tell the tale? Read to find out!

**Please check your trigger warnings. There are many adult themes with several types of abuse and trauma scenarios in this book that may make some readers uncomfortable. Read at your own discretion**

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Penguin Random House*

About the Author

Photo: © Michael Greene Photography

Karen Rose is the award-winning, #1 international bestselling author of over twenty-five novels, including the bestselling Baltimore and Cincinnati series. She has been translated into twenty-three languages and her books have placed on the New York Times, the Sunday Times (UK), and Germany’s der Spiegel bestseller lists. Learn more at www.karenrosebooks.com

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: Predator by Rebecca Zanetti

Enemies clash, Secrets burn, and Love defies every law…

About the Book

Emily Nightsom is a wolf shifter born to lead. Strong, fierce, and fiercely loyal, her pack has always assumed she’ll rise as their next alpha, even though she has repeatedly said otherwise. But Emily harbors a secret—a weakness buried so deeply she’s sworn no one will ever discover it. If it comes to light, it could shatter her pack’s trust and destroy the one thing she’s fought to protect: her family. She’s willing to shoulder the burden of leadership if she has to—but not until every other option is gone.

Then there’s Jackson Tryne, Alpha of the Slate Pack. Enemy. Annoyance. Predator. The wolf shifter who kissed her years ago on a reckless dare—and left her wanting more even as she swore she’d never forgive his arrogance. Jackson has wanted Emily ever since that moment, but her rejection only fueled his desire to prove himself worthy of the untouchable, untamable wolf who refuses to be claimed. Now, with a deadly assassin closing in on her, Jackson doesn’t hesitate: he takes her, hides her, and vows to protect her—even if it means breaking every law of the packs.

Emily’s fury is matched only by the fire between them. She’s spent years fighting her feelings for Jackson, but he’s done waiting. As the danger around them grows, her carefully guarded walls start to crumble, exposing not just her heart but the secret that could ruin her. Jackson is determined to have her, no matter the cost, but when the truth comes out, will he still see her as the fierce warrior he’s always loved? Or will it tear them—and their packs—apart? 

My Review

Predator is an action-packed suspenseful read with engaging characters and an exciting storyline that kept me engaged until the very end.

Jackson and Emily are brilliant together. Both of Alpha blood, they’re equally stubborn, fiercely loyal, and dutybound to their packs. I loved watching these two dance around one another and I especially loved how Jackson’s pack got in on matchmaking Jackson and Emily. It was so funny and completely heartwarming!

This book can easily be read as a standalone but I invite you to check out the entire series. Each story is just as exciting as the next.

I highly recommend the series and any book by Rebecca Zanetti.

Purchase Links

Rebecca Zanetti Website*

About the Author

New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than sixty novels, which have been translated into several languages, with more than five million copies sold world-wide.  Her books have received Publishers Weekly starred reviews and have been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Woman’s World, and Women’s Day Magazines. Her novels have also been included in Amazon best books of the year and have been favorably reviewed in both the Washington Post and the New York Times Book Reviews.  Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research.  Honest. Find Rebecca at:  www.RebeccaZanetti.com

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Blog Tour & Review: Dead Man's List by Karen Rose

Homicide Detective Kit McKittrick’s latest case exposes the dark side of San Diego’s high society in this nerve-shattering tale of romantic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose.

About the Book

On a long-anticipated second date with police psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves—right as things are getting steamy—Kit stumbles across the mutilated body of a local San Diego politician. The man was loved by many of his constituents but is hated and reviled by many more. That the suspect list is long surprises no one, but exactly who ends up on it stuns Kit and her team.

As the SDPD reveal the victim’s sinister dealings, Kit and Sam are forced to navigate the closely guarded world of the city’s richest and most powerful citizens to find answers. But time is rapidly running out, with their sources of information dropping like flies as the killer methodically eliminates loose ends—and anyone else who stands in the way.

Excerpt

 

Chapter One

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Borrego Springs, California
Saturday, January 7, 12:30 p.m.

Be careful," Sam said, pointing to a shrub next to the trail. "That's a catclaw. Its thorns are sharp."

"Okay," Kit said, giving the bush a wide berth and tugging on Snickerdoodle's leash to make sure that she kept her distance as well.

Their hike so far had been filled with similar safety callouts from Sam and not much else. It was . . .

Awkward, Kit thought with a wince. This date was not bad but just so awkward, and she had no idea what to do about it. The desert itself was beautiful in a stark way, and Sam had chosen a less traveled trail. They'd had complete solitude, not having seen another hiker for miles. The weather, while unforgiving in the summer, was perfect during the winter. The skies were clear, the cool breeze refreshing.

But as pretty as the landscape was, this day had been uncomfortable as hell.

Sam had picked her and Snickerdoodle up that morning and right away Kit had known something was wrong. Usually sweet and calm, Sam was tense and overly polite.

It was like they were strangers.

I've messed things up already, and I don't even know what I did wrong, she thought sadly.

The drive to the park had been quiet, their minimal conversation stilted. Sam had asked her a few questions in a cautious tone, and she'd replied equally cautiously in sentences that never managed to be more than a few words.

They'd started their hike in a muted mood, with Sam pointing out landmarks and plants like he was a tour guide. Brisk, efficient, but impersonal.

I have to fix this. Because not only did Sam sound impersonal, he seemed sad, which she couldn't stand. Especially if she'd caused it. Abruptly she stopped on the trail, Snickerdoodle obediently sitting at her side.

Sam had taken a few steps forward before realizing she was no longer beside him on the trail. Carefully he turned so that he and Siggy faced her. Sam's expression was blank, and Kit's heart dropped to her stomach. "Kit? You okay?"

"No." Her voice shook and she drew a breath. "I'm sorry."

His shoulders sagged, disappointment unmistakable in his eyes. "I know."

Panic flared, and she realized just how much she'd wanted this date to go well. How much she'd wanted to see Sam happy. "I did something. Ruined something. You're not happy. We're here, in the desert, and you're supposed to be happy."

He frowned. "What are you talking about? I thought . . ."

She took a step closer. "What?"

His throat worked as he swallowed. "I thought that you were going to say that this date was a mistake."

Her mouth dropped open. "What?"

He studied her face. "You're not thinking this was a mistake?"

"No. Just . . ." She kept her gaze focused on his. "I was scared of today."

"I figured you would be. I thought for sure you'd find a reason to cancel on me."

"I almost did."

One side of his mouth lifted in an almost-smile. "Not a shock. Who talked you into coming?"

"Rita," she said dolefully. "And Pop. Called me out on my bullshit. Is that why you've been so distant all day? You thought I was about to call this a mistake?"

He nodded warily. "Were you?"

She did look away then, taking in the desert around them. It really was beautiful. "I don't think so. I wanted to come here. With you. Wanted you to show me the desert and why you love it. But it's been more than six weeks since I asked you on this date. Enough time to second-guess myself. And maybe to second-guess you. You could have anyone. Everyone tells me so. I still don't know why you seem to want to be with me."

And that was the honest truth.

"Kit." He waited until she met his eyes again. "My feelings haven't changed. I want to be with you, but I don't want to rush you into anything you're not ready for. I can wait. You're worth waiting for."

She took another step forward, now so close that she could see the thick dark lashes framing his green eyes behind his Clark Kent glasses. Could see the freckles sprinkled across his nose now that he'd gotten some sun.

She could see his sincerity, the very thing that had originally drawn her to him. And suddenly she wasn't afraid anymore, because this was Sam. Other than her father, Sam was the kindest, gentlest man she knew. He would respect her limitations. And he'd protect her heart.

She needed to protect his as well.

"I'm ready for this date." She reached out, gripped his jacket, tugging him closer. "I want to know you better."

His chest expanded with the breath he drew. "Thank God," he muttered, his hands coming up to cup her face, sending a shiver down her spine and over her skin. "I've tried to give you space."

"Don't," she said simply, releasing her hold on his jacket and sliding her hands around his neck. "I . . . I missed you," she admitted.

His smile was pure delight. "You did?"

"I did. It's been too long since we went on our fishing date." She rose on her toes. "Too long since you kissed me good night."

His swallow was audible. "Thought about that, did you?"

"I did. Did you?"

"Yeah. Every night. Every morning. And maybe a few times during the day."

"Same," she whispered, their lips now brushing. An almost-kiss. If she leaned up just a little, she could kiss him for real. She closed the distance between them and then his mouth was finally on hers. His kiss was sweet and undemanding, but his hands, still cupping her face, trembled.

He wanted more.

And so do I.

Dimly the sound of barking intruded. Two different barks. Two different dogs.

Dogs.

Snickerdoodle.

Kit no longer held her leash.

Shit.

They pulled away at the same time, each looking around for their dogs because Sam had dropped Siggy's leash, too.

"Siggy!" he called.

"Snickerdoodle!" Kit shouted, then huffed a relieved breath when Snick came trotting around a cluster of small boulders, her tail wagging. But she was alone. No sign of Siggy.

Sam left the trail, taking off at a jog. Kit grabbed Snickerdoodle's leash and followed him.

Then stopped dead in her tracks.

"Dead" being the operative word.

Siggy had a shoe in his mouth. A man's wingtip, size eleven or thereabouts. The shoe's mate was half buried in the sand on a man's foot.

A very dead man, lying faceup in the desert sand.

What was left of his face, anyway. The animals of the desert had been snacking.

So gross.

The body was positioned in a hollow beneath the boulders, sheltered from the wind. Still, the sand had swept over the body, covering the legs, one foot, and part of one arm.

Accident or murder? She took a few steps closer and had her answer. The man's neck was an open gash, now home to dozens of flies. His throat had clearly been slit, ear to ear.

Be careful what you wish for, she thought, remembering how she'd hoped for a murder the night before.

Kit glanced at Sam, whose gaze was fixed on the man's face, his eyes wide, his face slack with shock. "Sam? You okay?"

He cleared his throat roughly. "Well, shit."

She nodded once. "Shit indeed. I need to call this in."

"Wait." He edged closer, gaze still fixed on the victim. "Look at his face."

"I did. There isn't enough left for a clear ID. The ME will likely have to use dental records or DNA. He-"

"No, Kit. Look at him. I know him."

Startled, Kit crouched at the dead man's side. And then she recognized him, too. Or at least the tribal-style tattoo that wound up his neck, ending behind what had been his ear. "Well, shit."

Sam huffed a mirthless laugh. "Shit indeed. That's Councilman Brooks Munro."

Of the San Diego city council.

Kit scowled down at the body. "This is not gonna be fun."

"Our second-favorite local politician," Sam said, his tone dripping with disdain.

Kit looked up at him in surprise. She'd never heard him use that caustic tone before and wondered what his experience had been with the councilman, who had a reputation of being very charismatic and charming. At the same time, Kit had heard rumors of impropriety, but nothing had ever been proven.

"Who's the first?" she asked, although she thought she knew.

He met her gaze. "Drummond."

Drummond had resigned his seat after being charged with murder, but Kit took Sam's point. She still wondered why Sam hated this councilman. "Munro has been missing for a few days," she said.

"I know," he said flatly. "I saw it on the news."

"He was reported by his wife, who's been out of town. Two officers did a welfare check and found blood on his garage floor. Enough that they assumed that he'd been seriously injured."

Sam grimaced. "I'd say he was seriously injured. Oh shit. Kit. His hands . . ."

Kit sighed. The victim's fingers were missing, as were the toes on his exposed foot. "Could have been animals."

"God, I hope so. But you don't think so."

"No, I don't." Because now that she was closer, she could also see the stab wounds in the man's chest. She counted at least twenty at first glance. Someone had really wanted this man to suffer. "But the ME will tell us for sure. Let me call it in."

She pulled her phone from her pocket, but she had no signal. "Dammit."

"Wait." Sam dropped to one knee and began rifling through his backpack, piling its contents on the sand until he found what he'd been looking for. "Here." He held out a phone. "Sat phone. You'll get a signal with that."

"Do you always carry a sat phone?"

"Yep. It's a safety thing. Siggy and I hike in remote areas. Cell signals are never a given."

She glanced down at him while she searched her phone for her boss's contact information. "Are those . . . Sam, do you have night-vision goggles?"

He looked up, expression slightly embarrassed. "Christmas present from my parents. I promised I'd carry them with me, just in case. I also packed a picnic lunch, but I don't think I have any appetite anymore." He loaded everything into his pack and stood, his expression now pained as he turned his back on the body. "Please call Lieutenant Navarro, Kit. I want to get away from here as soon as we possibly can."

Kit hated to tell him that it would likely be hours before they could leave. So she merely dialed Navarro's number.

"Navarro. Who is this?" her boss answered brusquely.

"It's Kit. We've got a situation here."


San Diego PD, San Diego, California
Saturday, January 7, 5:30 p.m.

Connor Robinson stuck his head in Lieutenant Navarro's office. "So you two just happened to find the one missing body in nearly one thousand square miles of state park?"

Kit and Sam were in her boss's office, waiting on Navarro to debrief them. They'd dropped the dogs off with Harlan and Betsy, and Kit had picked up her own car, knowing that her day was far from over. Hopefully Navarro would let Sam go home as soon as they'd reviewed his statement, but Kit had the awful feeling that her boss would keep her far longer.

Don't assign me this case. Please.

"I'd bet a week's pay that it's not the only body hidden in the park," Kit told her partner.

Sam made a pained sound, and Kit patted his hand. "You okay?"

"No," Sam grumbled. "Day's ruined. Date's ruined. And I'm never going to get the sight of his face out of my mind."

Connor made a sympathetic face. "That sucks, man. Sorry your date was ruined."

Sam made another grumbling sound that was cuter than it should have been.

"We'll have another date," Kit promised. "A no-dead-body date. I promise."

"Okay." But he still frowned, and Kit felt bad for him.

Munro's body really had been a gruesome sight, and Sam had handled it better than a lot of people would have. She knew that he'd seen bodies before, but Munro's was . . . extreme.

Even for me.

"What are you doing here today anyway?" Kit asked Connor. "It's Saturday. Did we catch another case?"

"No. I heard about the body and that it was discovered by an SDPD cop. I knew you'd headed up that way so I wanted to find out if you were the ones who'd found it."

It was Kit's turn to frown. "How did you hear about the body?"

Connor grinned. "Baz called me. He'd heard it through the station's grapevine. I have to say I'm miffed that you didn't at least text me."

Kit rolled her eyes. "Baz has been surgically grafted to the grapevine, I think." Her former partner had retired after having a heart attack nine months before. She missed him terribly, but she and Connor had found their stride together. "And I didn't text you because you were supposed to be with CeCe today."

"Her mom twisted her knee and CeCe took her to the doctor." He shrugged. "So I came in. Oh, sorry, sir." He abruptly moved to one side of the doorway, making room for Navarro, who looked unhappy. "See you later."

"No," Navarro said. "You stay."

Connor winced, and Kit had to swallow a groan. If Connor was staying, it meant they'd be working Munro's murder investigation.

Which sucked, because this was going to be a bitch of a case. The suspect list was already a mile long. His constituents seemed to love him, but few people in law enforcement liked Brooks Munro. In fact, too many people hated his guts.

Navarro pointed to her and Sam. "You two. It's always you two."

Kit bristled. "Sir?"

Sam's mouth fell open. "I beg your pardon?"

"Trouble just seems to find you," Navarro muttered, sitting down at his desk. "And you can't even deny it."

Sam sighed. "No, I guess I can't, but it's not like we found the body on purpose. It spoiled our entire day. And my appetite for the next week."

Navarro's lips twitched. "It was pretty bad." He shifted his attention to his computer. "Good initial report, Kit. All the particulars are here. Brooks Munro, age fifty-one, city councilman. Was last seen alive on Wednesday by his office administrator. He didn't show up to work on Thursday, didn't return his wife's calls. Wife, who was out of town, requested a wellness check. Cops found blood on his garage floor. Car was missing." He looked up, brows lifted. "It wasn't just a car, Kit. It was a goddamned Ferrari. Do we have footage from his home security cameras?"

Excerpted from Dead Man's List by Karen Rose. Copyright © 2025 by Karen Rose. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

My Review

Ms. Rose thrills–and chills–in this next installment of her San Diego Case Files series!

Dead Man’s List involves an incredibly complex mystery to solve for Homicide Detective Kit McKittrick and her team. All hands are on deck when a local councilman turns up dead and the mayor wants the case solved yesterday.

Dr. Sam Reeves is a psychologist who assists in police cases and is vital to Kit’s team and the community with Dr. Sam’s work at a local homeless shelter for teens. Sam has been crushing hard on the beautiful detective but Kit’s got some major emotional baggage that has often stopped her from pursuing something solid with the good doctor. It’s not that Kit doesn’t want Sam, it’s that she wants him too much, but her fear of not being able to protect the ones she loves is a real fear that keeps many in her life at arm’s length. Can Sam finally break through Kit’s defensive walls, or will she push Sam to the friend’s zone for good? 

The mystery is so exciting and had me in a chokehold the entire story! The action-packed plot got my heart racing. The characters are entertaining and I wanted to know more about everyone. The subplot(s) of the story is/are just as thrilling and is/are vital to the main storyline. I was on the edge of my seat the last 15% of the book! Don’t peek! Be patient and read from start to finish. You just might miss a minute detail that will blow the case wide open! 

I admit, the first two books in this particular series made me a little angry because the author doesn’t provide an HEA at the end of each book like she does in her other Romantic Suspense series. While the cases to solve are exciting and engaging, the chemistry between Kit and Sam has been so sloooooooooowwww! But now that we are in the third book of the series, I see a method to Ms. Rose’s madness and it’s quite brilliant. 

Kit is a strong, stubborn FMC that is exceptional at her job. She’s loyal and fiercely protective over those she calls her own. Kit’s origin story begins in the foster care system where a very young Kit and her foster sister, Wren escape a home where all types of abuse goes on. While running away, Kit and Wren find a barn to hide in where they are discovered by a gentle giant of a man. He and his wife are foster parents and they take in Kit and Wren. They are in a good foster home, but can’t yet get comfortable or trust that they are safe. When Wren is murdered, Kit is inconsolable, especially when the police deem Wren’s murder a cold case and move on. Move on? No way, not for Kit. 

Kit becomes a cop and while she works diligently to make sure others like her and her sister can get justice for their loved ones. Kit still holds out hope that she can solve Wren’s case and make sure her killer is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Kit was adopted by that nice couple and has many adopted brothers and sisters. She is loved, respected in her profession, and doesn’t have time, or the wherewithal to have a romantic relationship. But somehow, Dr. Sam Reeves has been slowly getting under Kit’s skin. It is difficult for Kit to trust, to let someone in, which is why the author is strategic in framing the series as she’s doing. I get it now. I hope readers will also give this series a chance, too.

Dead Man’s List is an exciting thriller full of action, suspense, and a damn good storyline. While it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. 

I highly recommend the book and every series by Karen Rose.

**Please check your trigger warnings. There are many adult themes with several types of abuse and trauma in this book that may make some readers uncomfortable. Read at your own discretion**

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Penguin Random House*

About the Author

Photo: © Michael Greene Photography

Karen Rose is the award-winning, #1 international bestselling author of over twenty-five novels, including the bestselling Baltimore and Cincinnati series. She has been translated into twenty-three languages and her books have placed on the New York Times, the Sunday Times (UK), and Germany’s der Spiegel bestseller lists. Learn more at www.karenrosebooks.com

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: Under The Covers by Rebecca Zanetti

Happy Re-Release Day!

Rebecca Zanetti's Maverick, Montana series from Entangled Brazen Publishing is being reissued by the author! 

The books have new pretty covers but have the same awesome stories!

The series has been rebranded Montana Mavericks.

Under The Covers stars local sheriff, Quinn Lodge and mysterious artist, Juliet Montgomery.

There's lots of mystery and even more smokin' hot chemistry!

Under The Covers is currently FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited!

About the Book

Opposites don’t attract. They ignite…

The small Montana town near the Kooskia Reserve seemed like the perfect place for Juliet Montgomery to hide from her not-so-law-abiding family. But when her peace is shattered by a break-in and threatening phone calls, it’s clear someone back in New York knows where she is. It’s time to plan her getaway and fast—but first, she needs to tie up a few loose ends and find out exactly what the town’s sexy cowboy sheriff is hiding.

Sheriff Quinn Lodge has enough demons of his own to know when someone’s hiding something, and he’s determined to uncover what’s beneath Juliet’s uptight city-girl exterior—preferably one piece of clothing at a time. But when their chemistry goes from fizzy to full-on explosive, things start getting complicated.

How can Juliet stay beneath the covers with Quinn, when doing so means blowing her cover?

**Previously published by Entangled Brazen. This is the same book with a different cover.

Excerpt

 

Juliet tensed the second the outside door clanged shut. So much for her brief reprieve. She turned around and sat on the highest rung of the ladder, her gaze on the hard wooden floor so far below her feet. Paintings still hung on the wall, and she needed to take them down. But first, she had to face the sheriff.

She’d known he’d show up after receiving her e-mail. Nerves jumped in her belly as she waited.

He strode into the main room of the art gallery and brought the scents of male and pine with him. Stopping several feet away, he looked up. “Juliet.”

“Sheriff.” She took a deep breath, trying to keep her focus on his dark eyes.

But that body deserved a second glance. Tight and packed hard, the sheriff wore faded jeans, a dark button-downed shirt, and a gun at his hip. Black hair swept away from a bronze face with rugged features. Not handsome, but definitely masculine and somehow, tough. Years ago, she’d liked tough. Many years ago.

He cocked his head to the side and studied her.

For months, he’d been studying her…that dark gaze probing deep, warming her in places she tried to control. But Quinn Lodge was all about control, and the smirk he gave promised she’d be the one relinquishing it. “Any other woman, I’d be worried about that top rung. Not you, though,” he murmured.

She smiled to mask her instant arousal from his gravelly voice and resorted to using a polite tone. “You don’t care if I fall?”

“I care. But you won’t fall. You’re the most graceful person I’ve ever met. Ever even seen.” Admiration and something deeper glimmered in his eyes.

She swallowed. “Thank you. Now perhaps we should get to the arguing part of the evening.”

“I’m not going to argue.” Stubbornness lined his jaw, at home and natural along the firm length. “Neither are you.”

While the words sounded like a peaceful overture, in truth, they were nothing but an order. She clasped her hands together and smoothed down her long skirt. When he used that tone, her panties dampened. If the boys from the private school who’d dubbed her “frigid virgin” could only see her now. “Good, no arguing. We agree.”

His grin flashed a dimple in his left cheek, and he shifted his weight. “You’re not leaving the gallery.”

“Yes, I am.” She should not look. She absolutely would not look. But she’d recognized his move when he’s shifted his weight…yes. A very impressive bulge filled out the sheriff’s worn jeans.

She swallowed, her ears ringing. Her thighs suddenly ached to part.

His eyebrows rose. “Juliet?”

Guilt flashed through her even as her eyes shot up. “Yes?”

His smile was devastating. “Would you like to finally discuss it?”

“Your erection?” The words slipped out before she could think. Oh God. She slapped a hand over her mouth.

He laughed, the sound male and free. “Here in the backcountry, ma’am, we prefer the term hard-on. But yes, let’s discuss the fact that I’m permanently erect around you. Tell me you’re finally ready to do something about it.”

Her heart bashed into her rib cage. “Like what?” she choked.

“Well now”— he tucked his thumbs in his pockets, his gaze caressing up her legs to her rapidly sharpening nipples— “I’ve never taken a woman on a ladder before, but the thought does have some possibilities. How flexible are you, darlin’?”

The spit dried up in her mouth, while warmth flowed through the rest of her. He wasn’t joking. If she gave the word, he’d be on her. Shock filled her at how badly she wanted the sheriff on her. Most men would be at least a little embarrassed by the tented jeans. Not Quinn Lodge. He wanted to explore the idea.

“While I appreciate your offer, I’d prefer we returned to settling the issue of the gallery.” Could she sound any less like a spinster from the eighteen hundreds? “I’m unable to pay the rent, and thus, I need to move on.” But where? The upcoming art show needed to be somewhere close by or nobody would attend. While she had no choice but to leave town right after the opening, at least she could leave on a triumphant note.

“I don’t need the rent. Let’s keep a running total, and after you’re hugely successful, you can pay me.” He ran a broad hand through his hair. “Stop being impossible.”

She wasn’t a charity case. Plus, the last person she wanted to owe was the sheriff. The man viewed the world in clear, unequivocal lines, and she lived in the gray area. A fact he could never know.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not taking advantage of you.” She was out of money, and no way would she stick around.

He sighed. “Juliet, I don’t need the money.”

The words from any other man would’ve been bragging. Not Quinn Lodge. He was merely being nice…and telling the truth. His family owned most of Montana, and he’d invested heavily in real estate. The guy owned many properties, including the two-story brick building that had held her gallery for the past few months, since she’d arrived in town.

She sighed. “I’m not owing you.”

His chin lowered.

Hers lifted.

A cell phone buzzed from his pocket. He drew it out, frowned at the number, and then looked back up at her. “I, ah, need to take this. Do you mind?”

“No.” Darn if his manners didn’t make her feel even more uncomfortable.

“Thanks.” He lifted the device to his ear. “Lodge here.”

He listened and slowly exhaled. “Thank you, Governor.” He shook his head. “I don’t think so… Yes, I understand what you are saying.” Dark eyes rose and warmed as they focused on Juliet’s hardened nipples. She’d cross her arms, but why hide? It wasn’t like the sheriff was concerned about the massive erection he was still sporting, and she could be just as nonchalant as he. She dragged her thoughts back to his ongoing conversation.

“I would, but I already have a date.” That dimple flashed again, this time longer. “Yes, I’m seeing someone—Juliet Montgomery. She owns the art gallery in town. Of course she’ll be at the dance as well as at the ride. Thank you very much.” He slid the phone into his pocket.

Tingles wandered down Juliet’s spine. Several of her fantasies regarding the sheriff included being part of his everyday life. Of course, many more centered on his nights. “We’re dating?”

“Well now,” only a true Montana man could drawl a sentence like that, “how about we reach an agreement?”

She frowned even as her clit sprang to attention. Her raging hormones would love to reach an agreement. “I’m not for sale, Quinn.”

He lost the smile. “I would never presume you were, darlin’. Here’s the deal—we both need help. How about we help each other?”


* * *

“Besides,” Quinn reached the bottom of the ladder and held up a hand, “aren’t you tired of dancing around this? For the last few months, we’ve danced around this.”

“That’s what responsible adults do.” Juliet automatically took his hand to descend. Electricity danced up her arm from his warm palm.

“Bullshit.” He helped her to the hard-tiled floor.

“You feel it, too.”

Yes, she did, and the crass language actually turned her on. But he didn’t know her, and he wouldn’t like her if he did. “I’ve chosen not to act on any temporary attraction.” As a tall woman, it truly unnerved her when she needed to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. “How tall are you, anyway?”

He shrugged. “Six four, last time I checked. How about you?”

“Five ten.”

He nodded. “Petite. Very petite.”

The man was crazy. She tugged her hand free. “I’m not dating you.”

“I know. We’re pretending.” He glanced around at the many paintings on the wall. “Are these from Sophie’s new collection?”

“Yes.” The damn man already knew his sister-in-law’s paintings adorned the walls.

“Didn’t you promise her an amazing showing for the opening of your gallery?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Well, then. This is the only place to have an amazing showing, right?”

Wasn’t that just like a man to go right for the kill? Sophie was Juliet’s friend, one of her only friends, and the showing meant a lot to her. “You’re not being fair.”

He reached out and ran a finger down Juliet’s cheek, his gaze following the motion.

Heat flared from his touch, through her breasts, right down between her legs. “Stop.”

His hand dropped. “I need a pretend girlfriend. You need to keep the gallery open. This is a perfect agreement.”

Darn it. Temptation had her glancing around the spectacular space. Three rooms, all containing different types of Western art, made up the gallery. The main room already held most of the paintings created by Sophie Lodge. Rich, oil-based paintings showing life in Maverick, life on the reservation, and the wickedness of Montana weather. The showing would put both Sophie’s art and Juliet’s gallery on the Western-gallery map.

She wanted on that map. Perhaps badly enough to make a deal with the sheriff. Plus, she was tired of dancing around her attraction to Quinn. Would that attraction explode or fizzle if they spent time together? Frankly, it didn’t matter. She had to leave town soon. Why not appease her curiosity? “Okay, but keep your hands to yourself.”

“But—”

“No.” She pressed her hands on her hips. The man was too dangerous, too tempting. A woman had to keep some control, or Quinn would run wild. No question. “You’re creative, and this is your idea. If we pretend to date, you keep your hands off me.”

His eyes dropped to an amused, challenging expression. He held out both hands, palms up. “Tell you what, darlin’. These hands won’t touch you until you ask nicely. Very nicely.”

“That will never happen,” she snapped.

His left eyebrow rose. “I wondered if that red hair came with a temper.” Interest darkened his eyes to midnight. “So much passion locked up in such a classy package. I thought so.” He leaned into her space. “Be careful, or I’ll make you beg.”

Excerpt copyrighted by Rebecca Zanetti

My Review

I can't get enough of these yummy cowboys!!

Rebecca Zanetti sure knows how to write sexy cowboys! This book showcases Sheriff Quinn Lodge. He is noble, honest and sexy as hell! He has his hands full with Juliet Montgomery, the fiery-haired woman who’s recently opened the art gallery in town.

You don’t want to miss the action, suspense and the explosive passion. A must read for any romance reader!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

About the Author

New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than sixty novels, which have been translated into several languages, with more than five million copies sold world-wide. Her books have received Publishers Weekly starred reviews and have been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Woman’s World, and Women’s Day Magazines. Her novels have also been included in Amazon best books of the year and have been favorably reviewed in both the Washington Post and the New York Times Book Reviews. Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest. Find Rebecca at:  www.RebeccaZanetti.com

Day 22: A Very Merry Hitman by Katie Reus

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 22 of my holiday reading recommendations.

This is Book 2 of Katie's Romantic Suspense series, Holiday With a Hitman!

These books are novella-sized but packed full of action, suspense, steamy chemistry, and holiday cheer!

Even though this is the second book, it can easily be read as a standalone. 

About the Book

She’s surrounded by hitmen…

Aileen’s parents, brother and all her neighbors have unconventional jobs to say the least. So she’s surrounded by hitmen. Is it a little strange? Sure, but so is she. And lately she finds herself looking at one of her neighbors in a new light. When the single mom asks him for a teeny tiny favor—to help her after years of being celibate—he shuts down. So she decides to throw herself back out there and start dating again.

And he’s the most intimidating of them all…

Dante has wanted Aileen for as long as he can remember, but because of her past trauma, he’s always considered her off-limits. When two different Santas try to rob her in a matter of days, then all bets are off. Something weird is going on, so he does what any good hitman would do—he takes over her protection detail. He’ll keep her under his roof, in his arms, and hopefully in his bed, while ending any and all threats to her. Too bad her nosy family keeps getting in his way. It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but danger is about to find them all.

My Review

A Very Merry Hitman is a hoot! I love the action, suspense, single mom awkwardness, steamy chemistry, and Christmas hijinks!

Aileen is a single mom to a very smart, rambunctious girl. She has a career, a home, wonderful family, and has just about everything she needs. Well, what she really needs is someone to help dust off the cobwebs and make sure her lady parts still work! And she hopes that someone is Dante, her hot neighbor, family friend, and hitman extraordinaire.

Dante has been gaga over Aileen for years! He’s dumbstruck when Aileen asks him for a little poke and tickle but before he can answer, she runs out and asks him to forget it. Forget it? Never. When Aileen falls victim to Santa trying to rob her–twice–Dante’s protective instincts are in full alpha mode as he works to keep Aileen and her daughter Nessa safe.

As Dante and Aileen spend more time together, the slow burning flame that Dante’s kept for her quickly develops into an all-consuming passion that leaves nothing but embers behind. Dante is definitely not getting coal in his stocking this year 😏

The suspense is thrilling, the romance is combustible, the dialogue is funny, and the story will melt your heart.

I highly recommend the Holiday with a Hitman series and I’ll be asking Santa for more stories in this vibrant, festive book world!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Katie Reus Website

About the Author

Katie Reus is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Ancients Rising series, the Endgame Trilogy and the Red Stone Security series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website: katiereus.com

Day 21: How the Hitman Stole Christmas by Katie Reus

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 21 of my holiday reading recommendations.

This is Book 1 of Katie's Romantic Suspense series, Holiday With a Hitman!

The story is funny, fast-paced and full of steamy passion!

You can't go wrong with a Katie Reus book!

About the Book

Tis the season for a grumpy-sunshine romance with a side of murder and mayhem!

She hates Christmas and everything that goes with it…

Explosives expert Elliana hates Christmas—and the only good thing about this holiday season is that her gorgeous neighbor seems allergic to shirts and clothes in general. She knows because she’s been watching him for months with her drone. She’s never stalked anyone before, but he not only doesn’t seem to mind, he puts on nightly strip shows just for her. When she finally works up the courage to talk to him, she stumbles right into a murder—that he’s committed.

But this holiday is one she’ll never forget…

According to him, the whole murder thing is no big deal—the dead guy needed killing. And while her hot neighbor wants her, protecting her is his main priority. So when she’s targeted, this cinnamon roll hitman kidnaps her for her own good. With a deadly threat hunting them and a hot hitman who keeps handcuffing her to him “for her own protection”, Elliana is starting to reconsider her grinchy stance on the holidays. And when everything finally comes to a head, the results are bound to be…explosive.

My Review

How the Hitman Stole Christmas is funny, steamy, inappropriately appropriate and loads of fun! The characters are loveable, the dialogue had me constantly laughing out loud, and the chemistry between Elliana and Theo is explosive!

You wouldn’t think a hitman would be able to steal Christmas-and my heart-but you’d be totally wrong! I absolutely loved it! And to find out that it’s gonna be a series?!?!?! I cannot WAIT for the next book!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Katie Reus Website

About the Author

Katie Reus is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Ancients Rising series, the Endgame Trilogy and the Red Stone Security series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website: katiereus.com