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Romantic Suspense

Book review: The One Who Walked Away by Karen Rose

Book review: The One Who Walked Away by Karen Rose

2 min read

The One Who Walked Away by Karen Rose reminded me why I used to be such a fan of romantic suspense. I read a stack of her books back in the early 2000s, along with Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Elizabeth Lowell, Jayne Ann Krentz and Suzanne Brockmann. Although I’m not a fan of straight romance (ie. solely romance, not non-gay romance!) romantic suspense kinda ticks a few boxes for me, those books becoming a comfort-read of sorts. This is marked as Mendocino #1 so presumably the start of a new linked series… our main characters here being a family lawyer turned bounty hunter and a small town detective.

four-stars

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Book review: Family Lies by Karen Rose

Book review: Family Lies by Karen Rose

2 min read

Family Lies by Karen Rose is apparently the 33rd romantic suspense novel written by the American author and fourth in her San Diego series. I was an avid reader of Rose back in the early 2000s when I visited my local library twice weekly. Coincidentally the last book I’ve read of hers, Cheater, was part of this series, though I’d not remembered any of the characters or backstory. I very much liked [both] though and am now keen to read books one and three. For those who aren’t aware Rose writes loosely linked books, often featuring different lead characters with others on the periphery. Here cop Kit McKittrick’s sister Akiko is the focus, though everything unfolds from Kit’s point of view as well as Sam’s, her newish love interest.

four-stars

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Book review: Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts

Book review: Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts

2 min read

Several things struck me when I read Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts… firstly, how much I enjoy romantic suspense. I claim I hate romance novels but it was the romance element here I loved the most. Perhaps I enjoy romance but don’t want it shoved down my throat… I’m not sure. But [romantic suspense] is something Nora Roberts does very well.

She also is brilliant at creating and reflecting family relationships. In her novels they’re often extremely close, which Sloan’s family is here – supporting her after she’s shot on duty. Or, like Noah—big city finance guy-turned small town handyman—whose parents are toxic.

four-stars

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Book review: Cheater by Karen Rose

Book review: Cheater by Karen Rose

Cheater by Karen Rose was the first book I’d read by the popular author for quite some time. I was a Rose devotee back when I borrowed books from the library (pre-seachange) and recall at one point downloading a diagram setting out the relationship between loosely-linked books and characters. Coincidentally I noticed Rose publish something on her Facebook page just a few days ago listing her books and series for those wanting to read them in order. And certainly when I retire they are books I’d potentially read in a systematic way if I could get hold of them all.

four-stars

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Book review: Identity by Nora Roberts

Book review: Identity by Nora Roberts

2 min read

It’d been a while between Nora Roberts’ books for me. Of course I continue to read her JD Robb ‘In Death’ series but I also enjoy her romantic suspense novels and her latest, Identity, is another great read. It was perhaps a smidge longer than it needed to be but offers great characters and – though not edge-of-your-seat suspense – the inevitability of what’s to come simmers menacingly in the background.

four-stars

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Book review: Legacy by Nora Roberts

Book review: Legacy by Nora Roberts

2 min read

I was a tad worried Legacy by Nora Roberts would be a bit saga-ish. I love her romantic suspense novels and ADORE her JD Robb series, but the blurb here sounded a bit more Barbara Taylor Bradford circa 1990ish.

Thankfully it wasn’t. We do meet our lead Adrian at various stages of her childhood then on a few occasions during her adult life but it’s less about generations of women or families and their legacies and more about Adrian herself.

It takes a little while to get to the ‘suspense’ part of this book but I liked Adrian and the fact her ambition is balanced with a sense of humanity, so was happy to be along for the ride.

three-half-stars

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Book review: Crackenback by Lee Christine

Book review: Crackenback by Lee Christine

Crackenback by Lee Christine is the second book in the series featuring Sydney Homicide Squad Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t read its predecessor, Charlotte Pass that introduces Ryder and his partner Detective Flowers, along with Ryder’s love interest Vanessa.

This book is centred around ski lodge manager Eva and her delightful three year old daughter Poppy. I must confess I couldn’t remember if we’d met them in Charlotte Pass, and though reference is made to the events of that book and Vanessa, we learn that Eva is her sister.

four-stars

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Book review: Deadman’s Track by Sarah Barrie

Book review: Deadman’s Track by Sarah Barrie

2 min read

I read and reviewed Australian author Sarah Barrie’s last book The Devil’s Lair, in which we meet some of the characters here and I enjoy series (such as those by Fleur McDonald and Karen Rose) that centre around a group of characters, focusing on different ones each book while introducing new players… so they’re loosely related. It doesn’t matter if you’ve not read the predecessors but you’re offered a bit of context if you have.

Here we’re focussed on Tess, a hiking guide and Jared, a police detective. When we meet her Tess has suffered a tragic accident and grappling with a controlling wannabe boyfriend. She’s a little fragile so we can see she’s gonna make some bad decisions – namely taking hikers on a trek that she doesn’t think is a good idea.

three-half-stars

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