#romantic crime suspense

[scarletimania99]

Reviewing Eyes by Imania Margria (Guest Review)

Jamal Johnson's Review of Eyes by Imania Margria

Aiko’s Ratings Story Rating: 10/10 Character Rating: 10/10 Mood Rating: 10/10 Uniqueness Rating: 10/10 Overall Rating: 10/10 Overall Review (This is the review we post on our review pages.) A suspenseful mafioso tale about falling in love while standing on the edge of a knife. The story is multi-layered, gripping and full of twists and turns. The mid-1900s cityscape setting is bursting…

[thewritingsofevbrowne]

Allison Halloway is a crime novelist going through a rough patch in her marriage. She is struggling with her addiction of alcoholism. Alice has thrown herself into her work after a miscarriage. After a heated fight with her husband and with him threatening divorce, she flees to a local hotel. One night at the hotel, she meets a stranger. She shares a few drinks with this stranger, named Henry, a man dealing with the aftermath of a nasty divorce. One thing leads to another. Filled with guilt, Alice is determined to forget her mistakes only to discover Henry is no stranger. Alice finds out that Henry is a man from her past, driven to make her life a living hell. Blackmailing her and threatening to ruin her career.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Peril by Kat Martin

Blood Ties: The Logans #3.5

 Three authors tackled the story of bad guys on the run that end up in three different towns creating trouble and putting three young women at risk before the criminals are finally dealt with.

 REDEMPTION by Alexandra Ivy

Tessa Ralston has spent five years investigating cold cases while following the trail of the killer that took the life of her police partner in Denver. When a tip comes in that Deke will be in Denver, she soon flies out of Wisconsin to Denver hoping to bring Deke Mitchell to justice. Detective Ian Sullivan is eagerly waiting for Tessa’s arrival as he still has feelings for her and hopes they might get a second chance for a HEA. First, though, they have a killer to find and bring to justice…if they can.

 RESCUE – HERO STYLE by Rebecca Zanetti

Ella Riverton is getting over Caden Scott at the Cattle Club when he reappears. Caden has determined that Ella and he are meant to be together and is ready to make it happen only to have Deke and his criminal cohort show up in town, make life more difficult and put Ella at risk. In this one I became curious about the men who run the Cattle Club and wondered if Ms Zanetti might have a series out about them in the future.

 ONE LAST KISS by Kat Martin

This starts out as a lost/spoiled little rich girl being sent to learn what is important by working to inherit what her uncle has for her. It sounded familiar and I felt I had read it before, and I had. It was just as good this time as the last and saw Libby remembering parts of her past while learning what she really valued in life as she fell in love with Sam Bridger. In this novella the remaining bad guys are finally receive their comeuppance with the aid of some interesting characters that I would gladly read about in spinoff stories of their own.

 The three stories segue together nicely with a satisfying conclusion and all three stories in the collection were a joy to read.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the book – This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

    BLURB

 IN THE PATH OF A KILLER . . .When a cop killer resurfaces in Denver, enlisting the help of a pair of local lowlifes, it marks the beginning of a violent crime spree that will wreak havoc and endanger lives. Law enforcement is on alert from the first sighting of the cold-blooded trio. To take down this brutal gang, only those willing to risk everything they hold dear stand a chance . . . First, a pair of Denver police officers facing each other for the first time after one night of abandon find themselves working together to stop an ambitious bank heist. In Wyoming, a string of robberies marks the gang's arrival, and the local sheriff springs into action when the criminals discover his estranged fiancée can identify them. Finally, in the mountains of Colorado, the gang takes shelter on a peaceful guest ranch, where a fiercely protective rancher is hellbent on roping the fugitives up for good. Trusting their sharply honed instincts, three rugged men will fight to stop the rampage before the women they'd die for become the next victims . . .

[blogmollylane]

Newly acquired:

The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

[cf-377]

A NEW SERIE IM MAKING!!

Title: Love and Lies

Detective + singer (Ruthless diva)

(14) 16+ - "it's rated 16+ due to mature themes like violence, adult language, and sensitive topics. It’s intended for older teens who can handle complex subjects, but without explicit or overly graphic content."

Category: Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Drama, noir, Thriller.

Down you'll see what it's about!

UNDER CUT

The story follows a young, ambitious singer who is desperate for fame but doesn’t know how to get there. She’s been struggling in the shadows, overlooked and stuck in a life she can't escape. When she crosses paths with a ruthless mafia leader who offers her an easy way out, she doesn’t hesitate. His proposition? Steal from her parents to fund her dream, and in return, he’ll help her climb the ladder to superstardom. She does it, and true to his word, he helps her secure her place at the top.

But there’s a catch: he falls in love with her. She doesn’t feel the same way—he’s just a means to an end, someone too blinded by his own obsession with her to see the truth. He proposes, and she says yes—not out of love, but because his power guarantees her safety, wealth, and influence. The marriage is a business deal, and she uses him like a puppet, playing the role of a dutiful wife while secretly pursuing her own desires.

Years pass, and she becomes an untouchable icon. The number one singer, adored by millions, with a perfect life on the surface—fans worship her, and she has a boyfriend, but he means nothing. He's just a cover to keep people from knowing the truth: she’s married to a mafia kingpin. She’s cold, calculating, and ruthless. Money and power are her only true loves. She’s addicted to the thrill of her success, to the high of drugs and the feeling of being untouchable. She’ll do anything to keep it all.

But what she doesn’t know is that someone’s been watching her all along. A private detective, hired by someone from her past, has been following her every move. He knows about her theft, her dark dealings, and the lies she’s living. He’s been gathering evidence, waiting for the right moment to expose her.

As the story unfolds, the detective closes in on her, and she starts to feel the weight of her actions. Her perfect life begins to unravel as cracks start to appear in her empire of lies. The mafia husband she used to climb the ladder begins to show signs of losing control, and her relationship with him grows more toxic. She’s no longer sure if the man she’s married to is the one who’s protecting her or the one who might destroy everything she’s built.

Her addiction to money, fame, and power continues to grow, but so does the threat of exposure. The detective, having gathered enough evidence, is closing in. He knows she’s dangerous, and the more he uncovers about her, the more he realizes she’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect her empire, no matter who she destroys in the process.

The climax could reveal her slowly starting to lose control over her own life. As the detective prepares to confront her, she’ll have to make a choice: fight to keep her empire intact and risk everything, or come clean and face the consequences of her actions. Will the mafia kingpin still protect her, or will he finally turn on her when the truth comes to light? And in the end, will she learn that the cost of fame and power is higher than she ever imagined?

As the detective continues his covert investigation into the singer's life, he begins to observe more than just her criminal behavior. At first, he sees her as nothing more than a target, a person to be exposed for her actions. He’s hired by her parents, who want their money back and justice for what she’s done. But as the days go by, something unexpected happens—he starts to notice the little things that no one else sees.

It starts with the way she moves, the flicker of vulnerability in her eyes when she thinks no one is watching. He notices how, despite her cold exterior, she sometimes pauses before a performance, a moment of quiet hesitation where she seems like a lost girl rather than a star. He catches the way she tenses when a fan gets too close, or how she quickly hides her face in public, always careful to keep up her image. She’s guarded, always putting on a perfect façade, yet there's a sadness behind her smile, a loneliness that even her fame can’t fill.

But it’s more than just these small gestures. The detective sees the subtle kindnesses she shows to those she doesn’t have to—like when she quietly donates to a charity or the rare moments she lets her guard down with her few trusted people. He sees her addiction, her need for control, but he also sees her desperation. It’s as if she’s trapped in her own life, unable to escape the monster she’s become. She’s a prisoner of her fame, and despite all the power, wealth, and attention she has, she seems hollow.

There’s a moment that shakes him to the core—he’s following her one night, watching from a distance as she’s at a private gathering. He sees her laugh with her friends, a genuine laugh, and for the first time, the detective wonders: Is there anyone in her life who sees her for who she really is? In that moment, it dawns on him that maybe she’s not just a criminal, not just a cold, calculated person, but someone who’s been broken by the very system that made her successful.

He starts to empathize with her, maybe even pity her. The more he observes, the more he feels like he’s falling for the person he was supposed to expose. Her mask begins to slip, and he realizes that her evil might just be a consequence of a life she never really chose, of a need to survive in a world that doesn’t care about the cost of success.

Then, the twist deepens: the detective’s connection to her parents isn’t just professional—he’s a long-lost relative. Her parents, desperate to get their money back, knew he was the only one who could get close to her without her realizing his true intentions. His heart is torn. He wasn’t just hired to expose her; he was brought in because he’s connected to the very people she betrayed.

As the investigation goes deeper, so does his struggle. He can’t help but feel sympathy for her, and the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. He finds himself questioning his own motives—should he finish what he started and bring her down, or does she deserve a chance to redeem herself?

Her life starts to spiral in ways he hadn’t expected. Her mafia husband, who’s become increasingly paranoid, begins to notice the detective’s presence. In a moment of weakness, she confides in him, not knowing he’s the one who’s been following her. She tells him the truth about the man she married—the lies, the manipulation, the cost of it all. The detective is now caught between loyalty to his family, his growing feelings for her, and the realization that exposing her might destroy her completely.

In the end, he makes a decision. Instead of taking her down, he goes to her with a choice. He can expose her—destroy everything she’s built—or help her escape, but only if she’s willing to change. She’s at a crossroads too. Her addiction, her obsession with fame and money, has pushed everyone away, and now she’s left with nothing but the twisted life she’s built.

But the question remains: Can she change?

She’ll have to choose between redemption and keeping her empire. But can she truly escape the darkness she’s created for herself?

[danielleurbansblog]

Review: One Last Shot

Synopsis: When country music star Oaken Fox joins survivalist Mike Grizz’s new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness, he just wants to boost his fan base. But when tragedy strikes and Air One Rescue must save them, Oaken wants to quit. Too bad his producer has other plans–signing him on with Air One Rescue as a recruit and making a reality show. EMT Boo Kingston did not join Air One Rescue…

[nickyfrancis24]

If Tomorrow Comes – Sidney Sheldon

If Tomorrow Comes – Sidney Sheldon Book Title: If Tomorrow Comes Author: Sidney SheldonPublisher: January 1, 1985 by William Morrow and Co., IncGenres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Romance, Suspense, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Novels, Drama More Books by Sidney Sheldon My Review “If Tomorrow Comes – Is what you do when life gives you a second chance. The end of something bad is the…

[dcomeaux]

[mjumlandauthor]

A tense scene from Willow Lake. Sage, unaware of the danger lurking, heads to town. John follows a safe distance behind, fully aware of the events about to unfold.

[carlaswafford]

Newsletter: Author Carla Swafford - Short One

I’ve decided I need a friend called Sam. They’re loyal. They’ll follow you into danger and protect your back, tell you when you’re wrong, support you when you’re right, and so much more. Why do I say that? You may have already guessed. As many of you have done, years ago, I’d watched all of the Lord of The Rings movies. Now, I’m watching the Game of Thrones series. When it was originally on, I…

[sylviahubbard]

#SampleWednesday with🔥 Wicked Chances. Re-Release 📚on eBook and newly release paperback NOW AVAILABLE🗓️ #syllit #intriguesuspense #blackmailmarriage #multicultural #realestateromance #heartofdetroit companion novel

book info | about author | more books by author | buy direct from author Themes and Tropes Blackmail Romance Suspenseful Thriller Forbidden Love Story Family Drama Fiction Survival Suspense Novel Multicultural /Interracial Strong Female Protagonist Emotional Romantic Suspense book info | about author | more books by author | buy direct from author About this story: A woman with her…

[mishacrews]

Her Secret Bodyguard is Free on Kindle for 5 Days!

Free on Kindle today and tomorrow! When a Special Forces veteran is hired to protect a Malibu playgirl, sparks fly faster than bullets. But will they live long enough to realize they’re falling in love? Get it now on Kindle ★★★★★ “Perfect combination of romance, intrigue, suspense, action.”★★★★★ “A wonderful, quick, fast paced book. I completely enjoyed it. There was just enough romance with…

[bookdivareads]

Book Showcase: THE LAST CLOSE CALL by Laura Griffin

Read an #excerpt from THE LAST CLOSE CALL by @LauraGriffinAuthor in today's showcase. #fiction #releaseday #crimefiction #romanticsuspense #suspensethriller #BerkleyBooks

The Last Close Call by Laura GriffinISBN: 9780593546734 (Paperback)ISBN: 9780593546741 (eBook)ISBN: 9781666646283 (Audiobook)ASIN: B0BT1CVB15 (Kindle edition)ASIN: B0C7RM2DBP (Audible audiobook)Page Count: 336Publication Date: October 24, 2023Publisher: Berkley BooksGenre: Fiction | Crime Fiction | Romantic Suspense | Suspense Thriller A talented genetic analyst and a detective who’s haunted by…

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Nowhere to Hide by Margaret Watson

Blackhawk Security #11

What would you do if your sibling suddenly disappeared, and you feared they might be dead? Anne is NOT willing to let it go…she needs to know…so sets off to find out exactly where Celia is…no matter what.

What I liked: * Anne Remington: loving sister, chef, difficult childhood, protective, caring, creative, strong, resilient, and rather attracted to Noah

* Noah Brewster: ex-SEAL, ex-FBI, works for Blackhawk Security, good friend, protective, strong, knows Anne is the woman for him

* Celia Remington: loving sister, chef, survivor, trying to stay under the radar after nearly killed, intriguing and will be in the next book

* Hiram Blake: owner of The Trailhead, in need of a cook, ex-SEAL, protective, caring, strong, wise, might be interested in Mary who runs the homeless shelter

* Nick Doyle: conflicted, difficult backstory, doesn’t want to follow his father in the gangster lifestyle, rather taken with Celia, ready to leave but wants to survive if he does

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* That it was easy to dislike the bad guys and want them dealt with

* The relationships and how strong they were between Celia and Ann, Hiram and Noah, and the way the four grew stronger in trust and friendship through the book

* That I could see Anne and Noah being happy together

* Knowing that Celia’s story is coming up next

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like

* Thinking about what the mind of a cold-blooded killer might be like – never could quite grasp that

* Knowing that Bobby Doyle is still alive at the end of this book

Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

BLURB

When Anne Remington's weekly calls to her sister go unanswered, she knows something is terribly wrong. Celia, a chef for a ruthless Las Vegas mob boss, has vanished, and Anne fears the worst. Desperate, she heads to Helena, Montana -- their agreed-upon safe haven if either ever needed help. But Celia isn’t there. While searching for clues, Anne takes a job as a cook at a local bar, the same one she and Celia visited on a long-ago vacation. She quickly befriends the bar's owner, Hiram, who becomes a father figure, and Noah, a rugged Blackhawk Security operative, whose presence stirs unexpected sparks. But when the mob boss's son arrives in Helena, hunting for Anne, her worst fears take shape -- Celia may be dead. The danger escalates when a hitman shows up, also tracking Anne down. With her life now in jeopardy, Anne must decide if she’s willing to risk everything to uncover the truth.

[therealimintobooks]

Those We Trust by Marie Jones @MarieJones14057 @SDBookTours #giveaway

While seeking safe haven at a friend’s home in Scotland, a troubled young computer programmer finds herself implicated in a fraud scheme she took no part in. She soon finds herself swept up in the case and falling for the detective assigned to investigate her. Those We Trust Those We Trust Book 1 by Marie Jones Genre: Romantic Thriller, Suspense, Crime   Broken and humiliated by her husband of…

[karihighman]

part 3 -- aka, the final book in the trilogy -- is now on wattpad!

PS: @bookish-taurus if you read the first two & wanna know what happens next, here it is