Fear No Evil: A Novel

Book Description

In cyberspace, no one can hear you scream.

Instead of preparing for her high school graduation, Lucy Kincaid is facing a vicious execution. Lured by an online predator, she’s destined to die horribly–live on the Internet–while hundreds of heartless viewers watch and vote on the method of her slaughter. Her family’s only hope rests with Kate Donovan, an FBI agent who took on the same sadistic killer once before . . . and lost. Blamed for another girl’s gruesome murder, Kate’s been fighting to clear her name. But she agrees to join the hunt for Lucy–and reluctantly steps back into her worst nightmare.

With time running out before the bloody webcast airs, Kate teams up with forensic psychiatrist Dillon Kincaid to get inside the head of her twisted quarry, zero in on his chamber of horrors, and reach Lucy before grim history repeats itself and another innocent’s brutal death goes hideously live.

Face the fear. Speak its name. See its face.

Customer Reviews:

deeped upsetting.......2007-10-07

Although this author writes a good story, I find the context of this novel too deeply unsettling to ever read another novel by this author. I found what happened to Lucy absolutely horrifying and was unable to put the story completely out of my mind and even had nightmares. I do read other novels about serial killers, but this was just too awful. I do not read books to have nightmares about them, so I just will not read anymore of her novels.

SIX FOR SIX.......2007-08-22

I HAVE READ 6 OF ALLISON BRENNAN'S BOOKS. THE PREY, THE HUNT (MY FAVORITE OF THE THREE) AND THE KILL. WHAT MADE ME DECIDE TO GET INTO THE EVIL SERIES, WAS THE FACT NICK THOMAS (THE HUNT) WAS THE LEAD MALE IN THE FIRST BOOK, SPEAK NO EVIL. THOUGH I REALLY ENJOYED ALL THREE BOOKS OF THE EVIL SERIES, I WANTED MORE IN THE END ABOUT PATRICK. IS HE GOING TO WAKE UP FROM THE COMA AND HAVE HIS OWN STORY? AND WHAT ABOUT JACK'S STORY.WILL WE EVER LEARN THE WHATS AND WHYS OF HIS LIFE DURING THE ELEVEN YEARS HE HAS BEEN GONE FROM THE KINCAID FAMILY. DOES CARINA AND NICK TIE THE KNOT? DOES CONNOR AND JUILA'S STORY END WITH OUT AN ENDING? HOPEFULLY THE NEW BOOK DUE OUT IN EARLY 2008, WILL PICK UP ON THESE LOOSE ENDS, LIKE SPEAK NO EVIL DID FOR THE PREY , THE HUNT AND THE KILL. IT WAS, ALSO, GOOD TO SEE QUINN PETERSON WAS STILL KEEPING THINGS AT THE FBI RUNNING AND HAVING MARINDA TO HELP LUCY. I LIKE BOOK SERIES THAT LET YOU REVISIT OTHER CHARACTERS I HAVE READ ABOUT, SO I HOPE MS BRENNAN CONTINUES TO CONNECT HER'S IN FUTURE BOOKS. IF YOU ENJOY BOOKS THAT LET YOU REVISIT AND CONNECT, PLEASE CHECK OUT MARIAH STEWERT. SHE IS ONE OF THE VERY BEST,IF NOT THE BEST, AT WRITING NEW BOOKS THAT INCORPORATE CHARACTERS FROM HER OTHER BOOKS.

Disturbing.......2007-08-13

I don't know why this book disturbed me so much, but it did. Maybe it's because we'd gotten to know the Kincaid family over the past two books, and I was a bit surprised to see the brutality leveled at so many of them. Regardless though, it made me very disturbed.

This series was my first try with Allison Brennan. However, while the books were well-written, they were way too graphic and violent for my tastes. A good story can still be told without that level of violence, or such graphic storytelling.

I don't think I'll be checking out anything more of hers.

Great.......2007-08-13

I couldn't put this one down. I only wish i had read the other books before. I can't wait to go back and read more about the characters.

Couldn't put it down!.......2007-08-09

The clock is ticking and you can't wait to know the outcome! I definitely lost myself in this novel. It was difficult to put this one down...

Average customer rating:

Great
luv it!
Loved it!!
Wonderful
Nice read

Her Only Desire: A Novel
Gaelen Foley
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345480112
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

From the exotic splendors of India to the elegant ballrooms of Regency London, celebrated author Gaelen Foley pens the enthralling tale of a luscious beauty who has sworn never to call any man her master, and the powerful marquess whose passion threatens to conquer her. . . .

Born into the wealthy British ruling class of India, Georgiana Knight is as unconventional as she is beautiful. She has sworn not to marry till she meets a man who will treat her as an equal–but that vow doesn’t appease her sensual curiosity. When Ian Prescott, the Marquess of Griffith, arrives on a mission to defuse the threat of war, she is immediately drawn to the mysterious and darkly handsome diplomat, and cannot resist provoking the hidden lust that smolders beneath his cool surface.

Ian is mesmerized by Georgie’s alluring mystique but burdened by a dark secret. And she is a temptation he cannot afford. But when she becomes entangled in his mission, she must be secreted away to England for her own safety. Georgie finds herself in the unfamiliar world of aristocratic London, where Ian becomes her guide, her confidant . . . her seducer. His incendiary kiss sets her soul on fire, and Georgie knows she will never be satisfied until she has made this magnificent man her own.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2007-08-27

This is a great book...seems to be in "classic" Foley style. I can't wait for the next two.

luv it!.......2007-08-13

I love all G.F. books. If you love battle of the sexes, wit, charm and intense emotion, Gaelen Foley is the author you've been waiting for. I just finished all of her books and have proudly cried through each one. I'm not a cryer and to read a book and cry at the same time is a world record for me, but I did it and I'm not ashamed of it because her books are worth it!!!!!

Loved it!!.......2007-08-11

This is a well written, fast paced romance. Lots of drama and excitement as well as the romantic part of the story.

Wonderful.......2007-07-30

This is yet another wonderful story by Gaelon Foley. Her attention to detail along with the sparks between the characters make this book hard to put down.

Nice read.......2007-07-21

Gaelen Foley did a nice job with this book. The first part of the book takes place in India, and it's very detailed and easy to visualize the scenes. The remainder takes place in England. Some of the storyline is a little unbelieveable, but for the most part, it is an excellent story and a fun read.

Average customer rating:

Still her fan
Just not a Dot Frank fan, I guess!
A delightful and refreshing story
Touching and funny with great characters
The Bird has the Best Lines

The Land of Mango Sunsets: A Novel
Dorothea Benton Frank
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060892382
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Book Description

Miriam Swanson is thoroughly provoked and she doesn't mind letting you know. Twenty years ago her husband Charles, a powerful attorney with one of the last remaining white shoe law firms in New York, dumped her for a younger woman nearly half her age. Obviously it happens all the time and it's not exactly news, but what's fascinating is to watch Miriam evolve from pathetic to spectacular. Perfectly proper Miriam's great metamorphosis results from the arrival of a little red neck school teacher, Liz, from Nowhere, Alabama. Liz is Miriam's tenant along with Kevin, a 50 something gay man who is Miriam's best friend. Liz is everything that Miriam is not: young and thin. They constantly clash. Then finally, she meets a man named Harrison who changes her into a gal named Mellie.

Miriam spins out from the revolving door of her postured life as a Manhattan quasi socialite while she thirsts, no, starves for recognition. How did she become what she hates the most and what does she endure to realize it? And where are the answers? It takes a few spins, dips and one spectacular fall until Miriam gets her head on straight. Then in a whoosh she's off to see her mother in the enchanted and mysterious land of Sullivans Island, deep in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

Customer Reviews:

Still her fan.......2007-09-23

This one was better than the previous one but not as good as her earlier books (Sullivan's Island, Plantation). I know you can do it, Dottie, so keep on writing! But give us more of that "South Carolina moon " atmosphere.

Just not a Dot Frank fan, I guess!.......2007-09-07

Okay, here it is...loved "Sullivan's Island," haven't liked anything she's written since. STILL too many exclamation points (see my review of "Pawley's Island). Characters and plots unbelievable (main character, Miriam, a middle-aged uptight lady, has wild naked sex on beach with someone she just met, years of estrangement from her sons are overturned in an instant with everybody loving everybody, etc., etc.) and bad editing in places (in one spot a character is called "Laura," I believe and then later in the paragraph is called "Diane." There was some line about "are they regular or decaf," that I read three times and still don't get. Mirian is irritating and selfish but overnight does a complete 180 degree turnaround. It's pretty bad when the best character in the book is a parrot. I love South Carolina and would like to love this author but I just can't. Read Mary Alice Monroe instead, folks, for a Southern author who creates believable characters in plausible situations that might actually occur in real life. Oh well, at least this one didn't have the usual black servant found in most of this author's works.

A delightful and refreshing story.......2007-08-29

Dorothea Frank has created another wonderful story and I just thought Land of Mango Sunsets was just a great read. The characters are clever and appealing especially Miriam Swanson. Actually, I felt that she gave all the variety of splendid characters real feelings that I could relate too. This is a great book to take to the beach and read. It's an easy read and with the wonderful descriptive scenes of South Carolina, that Ms. Frank portrays you feel like you are roaming around in the beautiful state. I hope I haven't given away too much of the story for those who haven't read it. In summary, it's a delightful and refreshing story with humor, romance, a bit of mystery, and some valid issues concerning our environment. Highly recommend.

Another refreshing Women's Fiction story is Gathering of Cans by Robert L. Saunders. This is a stunning Women's Fiction that gives a breathtaking view in the fascinating life of Zoie Baker. This heroine is determined to build a swimming pool for the local kids by gathering aluminum cans. Unique cans that she stumbles on, i.e., Nehi, Mountain Dew, etc., takes the reader on a glorious journey in the life of Zoie from World War II where she meets Nat, a Marine, through the 1980's. This gripping story will keep you up to read just one more chapter. Check it out it's just a wonderful story. All 530 pages. You too won't be disappointed! Bye.

Touching and funny with great characters.......2007-08-11

A story about a woman of a certain age that finds herself challenging some long-held assumptions and habits. The story is filled with quirky, fun characters and will have you both laughing and crying. A very touching story with enough twists and turns to keep your interest.

The Bird has the Best Lines.......2007-08-06

As usual, Dorothea Benton Frank, presents her readers with a colorful cast of characters (bitter ex-wife, Miriam, flamboyant Kevin, damaged Lisa, and mysterious Harrison to name a few), but this time she's also added an irrepressible parrot named Harry who adds his own brand of charm and charisma to the mix. The main character, Miriam has numerous issues with her mother, her children and the circle of friends she cultivates in New York society. She travels to her childhood home in Sullivan's Island to find some sort of peace only to find her proper southern mother's gone "back to the earth" to the point where she's raising her own goats and chickens.

Hilarious and witty as always, there's also plenty of Frank's disarming dialog and descriptive prose that her readers have come to know and appreciate.

This is one of DBF's best novels and is worthy of being read in one sitting.

Devil May Cry (A Dark-Hunter Novel, Book 11)

Average customer rating:

Answers some questions, but overall a bit average
Devil May Cry
Fantastic Read
Never a Disappointment!!!
The only DH novel I decided not to buy.... spoiler alert....

Devil May Cry (A Dark-Hunter Novel, Book 11)
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312369506
Release Date: 2007-08-07

Book Description

Kenyon became a remarkable success story with Dark Side of the Moon, which became an instant bestseller. Now, her newest, most imaginative, and most breathtaking Dark-Hunter novel yet tells the tale of an ex-god in search of revenge, a servant of Artemis out to stop him, deadly enemies at every turn and a plot that may very well end the world. Ever since the moment his godhood was taken by Artemis, Sin has done nothing but plot his revenge. But when he kidnaps a woman he believes to be the goddess, he quickly finds out that she is not Artemis, but her servant, Katra. And instead of capturing her, Katra captures him. She refuses to release him until he promises not to seek vengeance on her mistress. In spite of himself, Sin is intrigued by Katra, who is nothing like the deceitful Artemis. She's fierce and true, but also compassionate and loyal. However, Sin is not the only enemy Artemis has and it quickly becomes apparent that he must help Katra save her mistress... or life as we know it will cease to exist. What's an ex-god to do?

Customer Reviews:

Answers some questions, but overall a bit average.......2007-10-05

I started reading Kenyon's Dark Hunter series just this past year, but I have now read them all and I have to say that "Devil May Cry" was a bit disappointing.

The story was entertaining enough, but the development of the character relationships and the climax and resolution of the story were a bit weak.
The relationships of Sin and Katra and Ash and Katra were somewhat stunted, too simple. Without giving too much away the only way I can explain is to say that it took a great deal of `Suspension of Disbelief' to accept the ease with which Ash and Katra were able to overcome the circumstances of their relationship. Also, the conflicts between Sin and Katra are not resolved well. They don't really hash out any of their problems as much as they merely see a problem, separate, come together with no understanding, see a problem, separate, and come together with still no understanding etc. The only way I could take it in was by telling myself that the `saving the world' urgency story line left them little time to take a moment for some personal communication. But still, at no point at the end of the book did I feel like there was a proper relationship resolution, and they had a lot to resolve.
The story's conclusion being anti-climactic was so sad. It had so much potential but lacked the excitement `oomph' that Kenyon usually is capable of creating. Those last few chapters had me excited for some action but after that last page I was left under whelmed.
On a more positive note, a lot of questions about Acheron were answered and we were given a more personal insight to Artemis's character. No doubt this will come up in the future books (an exciting possibility). These aspects of "Devil May Cry' were perhaps what saved the book from being completely flat. And while I have so many problems with this Kenyon book, that it was just not up to par with her others, I still say that it is a must read (as it is part of the fabulous Dark Hunter series and you just can't miss a part of it).
So, potential `Devil May Cry' reader, I recommend that you check this book out from the library, or borrow it from a friend, to read and then decide for yourself if it is worth buying it to read again.

Devil May Cry.......2007-09-28

Love her books. Never disappoints in the reading. Can't wait for her next book.

Fantastic Read.......2007-09-28

very hard to put down, read it in one night, easily kept my interest throughout and would reccomend to anyone who likes the mystery and suspence of the paranormal romance

Never a Disappointment!!!.......2007-09-27

Devil May Cry is another wonderful read by Sherrilyn Kenyon! I have yet to be disappointed by any of the Dark Hunter Novels. This was another one I couldn't put down.

So many questions about a lot of the characters were answered in this book that I am more anxious than ever for the next novel to come out. I am also awaiting the series of Dream Hunter Novels.

Sherrilyn Kenyon is THE BEST in my book when it comes to Paranormal Romance!

I highly recommend the entire series.

The only DH novel I decided not to buy.... spoiler alert...........2007-09-26

I absolutely fell in love (with a half dozen different characters) the very first time I read a Dark Hunter novel. (The full length novels are much better than the anthologies) Sherrilyn Kenyon became my favorite author, and I would back up and re-read every book in the series in preparation for each new book coming out, just so I'd be 'refreshed' on everything. I LOVE THOSE BOOKS!!! If you haven't read the others, DO SO NOW!!! They are hot, exciting, well-written, sexy, and just plain good-to-their-bones books. But, for the first time, I've decided not to buy a DH book.

I've waited through a lot of books to finally get to Kats story. I know everyone was excited about Sin, but we hadn't seen him before now, and Kat I felt like I knew, and I wanted her have her own story. I'm sorry, but this was just such a let down after such a long wait. She wasn't as likable as she was in the other books. And Kat has always been a kick-a$$ kind of gal, like Tabatha in 'Seize the Night', but unlike Tabatha, who is a pistol from beginning to end, Kat went from tough girl to girly-girl. I mean, she's the child of two Gods, yet she comes across as powerless throughout the book. Her and Sins romance felt rushed and unreal, and to be honest, a bit boring. I wanted to really know Sins tortured past and be able to cry for him and root for him, like I did for Zarek in 'Dance With The Devil' (a GREAT DH book), but I never felt that close to him in this story.

And as soon as you saw Kat was the heroine and you knew she was going to be paired with Sin, then you knew the big secret was coming out, and she would be reunited with her long lost father. So I thought, okay, here it comes, the fireworks, the drama, the long awaited showdown between Ash and Artie... and it fizzled. I mean, here's this huge secret that's been what? 11 books in the making, and just a couple of pages after she announces she Ash's daughter she's calling him Daddy, like a six year old who wants to stay up past her bedtime, and Ash goes from 7 foot tall God of Destruction to 'Daddy Daycare' mode. And Ash doesn't so much as say boo to Artie. She kept a child from him for 11,000 years!!! She's physically beat him, tortured him, raped him, kept a child from him, allowed his loved ones to die... and she's still not been put in her place. I kept waiting for it, the bomb that's been sitting their ticking through all these books, but it was a dud. In the earlier books I got aggravated as Artie always getting away with being so evil, and I got frustrated because you can only sit back and watch the bully win so many times before you feel hopeless, but I figured, these stories are drawn out, it'll happen eventually. Now, I'm just sick of it.

The last really good DH book was 'Dark Side of the Moon'. I read it, and re-read it again the same week, something I hadn't done before with a book. And after it's ending, I've been waiting to hear something about what's going on with Nick and Stryker. No such luck.

So, overall, if you love a great story, with sexy characters, steamy love scenes, great writing-plot-settings, then read:
Fantasy Lover, Night Pleasures, Night Embrace, Dance with the Devil, Kiss of the Night, Night Play, Seize the Night, Sins of the Night, Unleash the Night, and Dark Side of the Moon.

All of these Kenyon books are phenomenal, but for me Devil May Cry fell far short of the rest. (So many authors seem to get overwhelmed with writing projects, or maybe tired of a series, or they just want try something new. They take a great formula and they mess it up. Julie Garwood did it with her Buchanan series. 'Heartbreaker' was Heaven, 'Mercy' was magnificent, and 'Killjoy' was... no K words, but it was one of the single best books I've ever read!!! Then she just went downhill in the series after that. And Noah Claybourn, a character you waited through over a half dozen books to get to his story, got the worst story of all. It just turns you off the whole series.)

I just hope and pray Mrs. Kenyon slows down a bit and goes back to her roots for Ash's story. After all these years and all these books, to be let down by his story will put me off her for good.

The Taste of Innocence: A Cynster Novel (Cynster Novels)

Average customer rating:

I really liked this book...
Sorry Charlie, but you didn't cut it.
Fourteenth in the Cynster series
disappionted fan
Not that Bad!!!

The Taste of Innocence: A Cynster Novel (Cynster Novels)
Stephanie Laurens
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060840862
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Book Description

For no gentleman is this more true than Charles Morwellan, the eighth Earl of Meredith. Although he's seen the many successful unions of his Cynster connections, he has also watched his father's obsessions nearly destroy their family and fortune, a mistake Charles will not repeat. But as Lord Meredith he must marry, so he offers for Sarah, the daughter of his neighbors Lord and Lady Conningham. She's intelligent enough to run his social life, beautiful enough to grace his arm, and old enough to know the value of his offer.

For most young ladies of the ton, the right marriage is the culmination of years of training, perfect deportment, and intricate plans that would impress a general. But as a lady of independent means with a life of her own, Sarah is unwilling to wed unless it is for unbounded love.

But Charles always gets what he wants. He convinces Sarah to give him two weeks to win her; if he succeeds, they will marry immediately. And so begins an intense courtship. By day, Charles and Sarah are models of decorum indulging in innocuous walks, polite conversation, sedate waltzes. Each night they steal away to the lush, moonlit gardens, where sensual embraces turn to searing kisses, and much, much more. Both are swept away on a tide of passion and feeling neither can resist.

And yet, after the wedding, despite nights of insatiable passion, Charles remains aloof, as if the near-sinful sweetness of their nights exists only in a dream. Sarah battles to prove that true love is a force that can't be contained, a gift worth fighting for, but it's only when she's engulfed in a web of increasingly dangerous incidents that Charles discovers how much he's willing to surrender to protect . . . the taste of innocence.

Customer Reviews:

I really liked this book..........2007-09-13

...Until they got married and Charlie revealed his true immaturity. I think the way he treated Sarah was shoddy and I lost all respect for him at that point. In my book, real men shouldn't be afraid to "admit" that they care for someone, and saying "I love you", (if you mean it), does not diminish ones masculinity. Charlie comes off as damaged goods and as someone with control issues in this novel and Sarah is the only grown-up in their relationship. This is a turn-off to me.
Yes, they do have a happy ending, but I feel sorry for Sarah and hope that he is there for her (emotionally and physically) when the babies start coming and afterward.

Later: Goodness! I was kind of harsh when I rated this book. The end does get better and Charlie and Sarah do resolve their differences. Maybe their anguish makes the resolution sweeter? If I can identify that much with the characters so that I (as the reader) feel emotionally involved, that may be a good thing. At least I am reacting to the story, and not bored.

Sorry Charlie, but you didn't cut it........2007-06-26

I really tried to give Charlie the benefit of the doubt but come on. How long did Charlie think he was going to have a hot time in the bed at night while he treated his new wife like dirt during the day? And the "I'm afraid to love" was a real turn-off. He never even seemed man enough to me to rate as a hero. At least the Cynster men could kick some serious a** so their struggles with love seemed macho. Charlie just seemed like a whining baby. Just because his father made bad decisions hadn't a thing to do with love in my book. He was just a weak man and left Althea to run the family. Sorry, Charlie, you just aren't grown up enough for me to lust after.

And what was it with this book saying that Portia and Simon aren't married yet? The Perfect Lover (their book) came out FOUR years before this book. That was an editing mistake that really bothered me.

I love the Cynsters but maybe this series is just tired.

Fourteenth in the Cynster series.......2007-06-10

This is the fourteenth novel in the Cynster series but it works very well as a standalone book with just occasional glimpses of characters from the other books. It gives an interesting insight into the wooing and the early days of a marriage between an Earl and a woman whom he has known his entire life. Sarah Conningham is a 23 year old woman who is part of a happy family and whose nature is warm and loving. However the reason that she has turned down several offers of marriage in the last few years is because she believes that marriage without love isn't worth it - she's only going to marry for love. The inconvenient attraction she feels for Charlie Morwellan, eighth Earl of Meredith, is something she has to ignore as he has no interest whatsoever in her.

When Charlie offers for Sarah it is because he knows she will make the perfect countess. They have grown up together and although they don't know each other well he knows that she is just what he needs. However he's surprised to find that she doesn't instantly accept his proposal but instead asks for two weeks to get to know him. Charlie decides to use the time to persuade her into the marriage and goes about this with traditional wooing mixed up with sensual experience. A lot of the first section of the book is details of their kissing and more but it's well written and it gives an idea of the characters, their thoughts and how they are getting to know each other.

The second part of the book follows their early days of marriage when Charlie realises he has fallen in love with his wife but is afraid it will cause him to make bad decisions, as his father did, and so he tries to withdraw. Although whilst reading the story this makes some kind of sense, subsequently it all seems a bit unlikely. However, Charlie and Sarah's relationship has its troubles and there are also some unfortunate events taking place at an orphanage of which Sarah is the patroness. Is there a deeper plot against the owner of the orphanage? Will Charlie come to his senses? What is the link with the railway scam and their troubles?

Stephanie Laurens' writing style is very good. Although there's a fair amount of sex in this book it's written in a pleasant and loving style and it is part of the overall plot. The characters grow and change as the story progresses, Sarah coming into her element as countess and understanding more about her husband than perhaps he does, Charlie realising that his priorities in life up to now haven't been right. The 'baddie' in this story is a rather half-hearted one and it was fairly easy to guess who it was but the plot about the attacks on the orphanage added some interest to the story. Overall it was a very enjoyable read and although sometimes Charlie seemed to speak in a rather modern American manner about emotions, it was good to have a happy ending without too much heartache in the middle.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book, www.curledup.com. © Helen Hancox 2007

disappionted fan.......2007-06-09

Let me start by saying that I am a true Laurens fan. I have every book she has written and this is the first time that I was truly not interested. The characters were really boring and almost seemed like robots to me because they had no depth. The plot was fine, I know people complain about the similarity to her other books, but I find comfort in the familiarity.

Now the reason I am truly not happy is because this book lacks passion. There I said it and I am not ashamed! I read Stephanie Laurens books because they tell a story about characters that usually have a sizzling heat between them. Her books are always well written, rich with detail, and that only adds to the romance. However, this book is all detail and very little romance....much less passion.

By the end of the book I felt like I was reading about my grandparents. I feel like Mrs.Laurens has grown almost clinical in her writing. I wish she would go back and read some of her older books like "A Rakes Vow", "All about Passion", or even more recently "A Gentleman's Honor". Not only do the characters really really like one another in those books.....I know why they do.

I have seen a trend in her most recent books leading to this one and I do not like it. I want my romance back, I want to know why the main characters like one another. There was internal dialog in this book, but that was the problem....I did not know what they were thinking because it was basically completely internal.

Most of all I want my passion back, the fiery discourse. I have always loved the exaggerated interactions in her older books....romance novels are fantasy and they give so much inspiration!

Not that Bad!!!.......2007-04-25

The other reviews were a little harsh. Even though this book was a little longer than Laurens previous cynster novels, I still liked it. It was a love story with a mystery thrown in. If this is your first Lauren's title, I wouldn't recommend it, but it was a great continuation of the Cynster stories!!!

Average customer rating:

SPEAK NO EVIL
Extremely Graphic
Speak No Evil a review by David B yers
Wow! Excellent Intense Suspense-Thriller
Almost but not quite good

Speak No Evil: A Novel
Allison Brennan
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345495020
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Book Description

Silence is deadly.

The murder of eighteen-year-old Angie Vance was exceptionally vile–her mouth was sealed with glue, an obscenity scrawledwas across her skin, and she was suffocated in a garbage bag. The killing seems personal, so police detective Carina Kincaid focuses her efforts on the victim’s much older ex-boyfriend, Steve Thomas. But without physical evidence, Carina can’t make a collar or a case. She also can’t stop Sheriff Nick Thomas, the prime suspect’s brother, from conducting his own unwelcome investigation.

Though Nick is still scarred and unsteady from a recent confrontation with a serial killer, he’s determined to prove his brother’s innocence. But his confidence is shaken when he learns of Steve’s dark side, and when a friend of the murdered girl meets a similarly gruesome fate. With no time to lose, Carina and Nick work together to trap a psychopath, before another unlucky woman faces an unspeakable end.

Evil has spoken. Now see what it can do.

Customer Reviews:

SPEAK NO EVIL.......2007-08-13

Carina Kincaid is a young detective who is investigating a disturbing string of murders. With the help of her partner and her prime suspect's brother, she links the murders to an on-line journal. The romance between Nick and Carina was ridiculously juvenile and typical of Danielle Steel, while the mystery/suspense portion was so unsettling because of Allison Brennan's over-the-top violent and graphic details. There were several times when I wanted to put the book down and never pick it up again, but I did, hence the three stars (I did finish it). Overall, for me, the book was more upsetting than entertaining.

Extremely Graphic.......2007-08-05

I thought this book would be like Mariah Stewart's trilogies, which is why I bought it. While it was very well written, I thought it was way too graphic, even for someone who loves mystery/suspense novels like I do. I won't be passing it on to my mother and grandmother as I usually do when I find a new author in this genre.

I also thought the romance between the main characters seemed forced and rushed, which made it not very believable.

Speak No Evil a review by David B yers.......2007-07-29

SPEAK NO EVIL

Allison Brennan

A Review by
David Byers

San Diego Police Detective Carina Kincaid, is investigating what turns out to be a serial rapist /murderer. With the help of Montana Sheriff Nick Thomas (who is also the brother of the prime suspect) they work to bring the committer of these heinous crimes to justice, falling in love along the way.
In this well-paced mystery with great sub-plots, the author draws us along with skill, great imagery, and a well researched use of forensics. This is a great read.

Wow! Excellent Intense Suspense-Thriller.......2007-07-28

This book was a sure page turner for me! Starts right off. There are some scenes that are not for the faint of heart. It is a seriel killer/rapist, so please keep that in mind. There is torture and scenes that just make you sick to your stomach thinking about. It's not really a romance. FYI I found it well written and nicely edited. This book kept me on the edge. It's hard not to flip to the end and see "who done it." But, worth not knowing until the writer brings it all together. Made me have "sit downs" with a few folks I know who post personal information on the Internet. Too many "wacko's" out surfing the Internet--hunting. Maybe books like this will also keep folks aware of possible dangers...It's always better to err on the side of caution.

Almost but not quite good.......2007-07-21

Albeit the main plot is awfully well written the second plot was the preview of her book "The Hunt". This book is part of a different trilogy. So I don't know why AB wanted to write that preview here. Maybe to make some advertising of the other trilogy.

The book's end was like a fairy tale, why? Because the book's main characters and lovers solved their past -books- problems so they can leave happily ever after... until you read "Fear No Evil". Now let me tell you that that's a very good book.

Average customer rating:

Actually, it's better than she's been lately
not one of my favorites
Survivor story in eastern WA
Surprisingly good book
Stock Howard

Up Close and Dangerous: A Novel
Linda Howard
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0345486528
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Book Description

A mysterious plane crash . . . a dangerous trek through the Idaho wilderness . . . a smoldering attraction . . . and a deadly game of cat and mouse. In her latest tour de force of romantic suspense, New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard blends these elements into a gripping story that will keep readers breathless–and leave them begging for more. For in Linda Howard’s world, trust can be a weapon, a kiss can be a threat, and intimacy can be deadly.

Bailey Wingate’s scheming adult stepchildren are surprised when their father’s will leaves Bailey in control of their fortune, and war ensues. A year later, while flying from Seattle to Denver in a small plane, Bailey nearly dies herself when the engine sputters–and then fails.

Cam Justice, her sexy Texan pilot, manages to crash-land the aircraft. Stranded in the wilderness, and struggling to douse her feelings for the ruggedly handsome man by her side, Bailey begins to wonder whether this was a mere accident. Who tampered with their plane? Who’s trying to reunite Bailey and her husband in the afterlife? Cut off from the world, and with little hope of rescue, Bailey must trust her life–and heart–to Cam, as they battle the harsh elements to find a way out of the unforgiving wilds and back to civilization . . . where a killer may be waiting to finish the job.

Sexy, suspenseful, and lightning fast, Up Close and Dangerous showcases a beloved author at her dazzling best.

Customer Reviews:

Actually, it's better than she's been lately.......2007-10-09

I have been SEVERELY disappointed in Linda Howard's books lately, but I actually enjoyed this book....for the most part. The ending came rather quickly and was a total surprise....and it was disappointing that some characters didn't get what was coming to them....the story just ended abruptly.

Will Seth grow up and get his own novel with his own strong woman???

not one of my favorites.......2007-09-27

this was not one of my favorite Linda Howard books and I have read them all.
The Plot was unbelievable and the characters were weak...
Hoping for a better story next time around..

Survivor story in eastern WA.......2007-09-27

I liked this book. And as some others have said, it's also a course in survival. Who would think that pine needles in hot water tastes ok as a tea? Or perhaps being able to eat the pine nuts for protein? It was a great story, exciting, probably based on tried and true survival methods and a love story as well. It was entertaining, kept me reading and very interested in what would possibly happen next. And I was surprised by the ending. So to me, it's a good book. Not the best or greatest---but good. I'd suggest it to anyone needing a book to read at the beach or on a plane.

Surprisingly good book.......2007-09-25

I made a huge mistake before I read this book. I read the many reviews on it, and many of them panned Up Close and Dangerous. Pish tosh! The reviewers need to get a review clue. Howard gives her readers a tightly plotted book. She lays a trail of crumbs for readers so that they can understand both Cameron and Bailey. Howard's point is that we can't judge people without knowing them. So Cam and Bailey come to know each other under adversity caused by a plane crash. She is more than a rich man's darling. He is more than some macho jock who despises her. Being thrown together as a result of the crash helps Bailey and Cameron to build an enduring relationship in which each has a full gauge of what the other is capable of under pressure.

Another aspect of the novel is how Howard tosses dust in her reader's eyes but casting suspicion on and then clearing Bailey's stepchildren. Though they both hate her, her stepson, because of the accident, learns to channel his hate to achieve a positive objective. In this way, he realizes his father's ambition for him. Though he learns about Bailey and understands why she is his stepmother and is in control of things, he openly acknowledges that he prefers to have the status quo remain in place in order to continue his growth and development as a responsible human being.

Howard's novel even has a surprising twist at the end. Perhaps it's not so surprising. Anyway, the novel's plot is a good one, and it works.

The reader should not expect the usual heat that can burn up characters in a Howard novel. Instead, one sees an eventual growth in relationship that comes to be based on trust rather than sheer heat. Besides, it's somewhat difficult to flame out when a guy's injured for good part of things.

I liked this novel very much, and recommend it to other readers. I read it as a library borrow, and will purchase it when the paperback comes out. Good for you, Linda. Good read, worth the money.

Stock Howard.......2007-09-23

I've been a Linda Howard reader for some time but I've seen a steady decrease in quality with a corresponding increase in price. Howard seems to sleepwalk through the novel. Three fourths of it consisting of a survival guide on what to do if you're in a plane crash in the mountains. I'm sorry but this isn't what I'm looking for in romantic suspense, especially when it doesn't advance the plot (what little there is). The main characters are barely sketched in and the ending gotcha (in the last 3 pages no less) seem an afterthought. I really don't think any of her recent novels should be hardcover with the accompanying hardcover price tag. I don't begrudge Howard making a profit on her work but really, at least make the work worth it. If you want to read an author with real character development and great plots pick up the Dirk & Steele novels by Majorie M. Liu.

Average customer rating:

Not Impressed
Good Suspense Novel
VERY good
Great Airport Book!
Excellent story teller

See No Evil: A Novel
Allison Brennan
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345495039
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Book Description

A cunning killer hides in plain sight.

A troubled teenage girl has been charged with the grisly murder of her stepfather. The evidence is damning: Emily was found alone at the scene with blood on her hands, and an incriminating e-mail she wrote outlines a murder plot identical to the method of the brutal slaying. But deputy district attorney Julia Chandler believes her niece is innocent, and she’s determined to keep the promise she made to protect her dead brother’s daughter–even if it means hiring private eye Connor Kincaid . . . the man who blames her for forcing his resignation from the police department.

Together Julia and Connor uncover a chain of unsolved violent crimes tied to an unorthodox therapist whose anonymous online patients purge their anger by posting lethal fantasies. But someone in the group has turned vigilante, turning the game of virtual murder into a flesh-and-blood vendetta.

After evil is seen, face your ultimate fear.

Customer Reviews:

Not Impressed.......2007-08-09

This trilogy is my first time reading Allison Brennan, and so far I've been less than impressed.

While not as graphic or violent as the first one, this one seemed a bit too heavy on hardcore romance for a suspense novel. It also seems in both books that the culprit ended up being someone who really wasn't part of the story, and was just kind of tossed in right before being revealed. I also thought the female part of this crime group was way too easy to figure out and identify.

I'll read the last one, but not sure if I'll purchase any others.

Good Suspense Novel.......2007-07-29

I did not enjoy "the suspense" as much as Speak No Evil and Fear No Evil. Seemed like a rush to wrap it up toward the end and characters got thrown in with different names that made it abit hard to follow. There was more "romance" in this book than the other two I mentioned. If you like a good mystery/romance you will enjoy this. It's worth reading if you are following this series because it involves some of the characters found in the other two books I mentioned.

VERY good.......2007-07-07

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was very well thought out and planned. I liked that she put in numerous twists and turns. It was a new concept of murder that I hadn't read before. It kept me interested in what was going on and thinking about who was really behind it all. I enjoyed the Kincaid family and Julia's interactions. I loved how it showed them working through things and what they were thinking. It was interesting to see how they handled the police with Emily and her mental state. I wasn't sure I would like this trilogy after the first book since it wasn't as strong as this one. However this book more than made up for it. I can't wait to read the final book in the Evil trilogy. I would highly recommend this book.

Great Airport Book! .......2007-06-27

I liked it. The story was different enough and kept me interested. It wasn't as gory as her last one, but still good. The one thing I'm not into was the love making parts....it's a suspense thriller not a romance novel. Leave that stuff out and put in more killings and it'll get a much high rating. Overall, I would buy the book again and I'm going to read here third book in this series.

Excellent story teller.......2007-06-27

Having read several of her books, I like Allison Brennan's style and the way she builds the stories. This book was no different. Mystery, suspense, with a little romance thrown in makes for an entertaining read. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery and who doesn't mind the romance aspect added to it. I will continue to read her books if that helps you decide.

The Dream-Hunter (A Dream-Hunter Novel, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Phrases only prepubescent girls might come up with
Boring...still reading it after a month just to say I finished the *&%#@% thing!
This book has received too much flak...
Hot Chocolate!
disappointed again

The Dream-Hunter (A Dream-Hunter Novel, Book 1)
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0312938810
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Book Description

In the ethereal world of dreams, there are champions who fight to protect the dreamer and there are demons who prey on them...

Arik is such a predator. Condemned by the gods to live eternity without emotions, Arik can only feel when he’s in the dreams of others. For thousands of years, he’s drifted through the human unconscious, searching for sensation. Now he’s finally found a dreamer whose vivid mind can fill his emptiness.

Dr. Megeara Kafieri watched her father ruin himself and his reputation as he searched to prove Atlantis was real. Her deathbed promise to him to salvage his reputation has now brought her to Greece where she intends to prove once and for all that the fabled island is right where her father said it was. But frustration and bad luck dog her every step. Especially the day they find a stranger floating in the sea. His is a face she’s seen many times.... in her dreams.

What she doesn’t know is that Arik holds more than the ancient secrets that can help her find the mythical isle of Atlantis. He has made a pact with the god Hades: In exchange for two weeks as a mortal man, he must return to Olympus with a human soul. Megeara’s soul.

With a secret society out to ruin her expedition, and mysterious accidents that keep threatening her life, Megeara refuses to quit. She knows she’s getting closer to Atlantis and as she does, she stumbles onto the truth of what Arik really is.

For Arik his quest is no longer simple. No human can know of a Dream-Hunter’s existence. His dream of being mortal has quickly turned into his own nightmare and the only way to save himself will be to sacrifice the very thing he wanted to be human for. The only question is, will he?

Customer Reviews:

Phrases only prepubescent girls might come up with.......2007-10-02

Dialog so bad, awkward and embarrassing it ruins what little good is in the story. And of course utterly predictable.

It is easier than a review... let me simply share phrases that would make anyone without a frontal lobotomy cringe:

His ### twitched with sweet anticipation. pg 24
.. she felt like a small plastic car trapped on a racetrack in an endless loop of frustration pg 57
(2 grown men arguing): Every time you close your eyes I'll be there beating the $$$ out of you pg 66
Now that's where I'd like to have him... down below. pg 73
(back to the 2 men): I intend to be a thorn in your side until I drive you mad with fury. pg 78
What made her gape was the hot piece of cheese who was on the dock, striding straight for them. pg 81
pgs 82-85 more unbelievable horrific dialog between the men
... women can't help staring at a train wreck. ... I am never a train wreck myself. I merely admire how you skid from the tracks and burn. pg 91
Any more brilliant apologies and you'll be able to sell icicles on the equator. pg 99

There are SOOOO many more. It really is as if there was a contest for awful dialog and phrases and she took the top 100 and inserted in the book.

Save your money.

Boring...still reading it after a month just to say I finished the *&%#@% thing!.......2007-09-26

This is not the first book of hers I've read, but consistently I've asked myself why she is so popular. It's not that the writing is bad--it's just boring. I don't care about the characters or the situation. And with Atlantis and gods/goddesses in this book, I'm surprised to find myself soapathetic!

This book has received too much flak..........2007-09-19

I thought it was a great book, and on par with other DH books in terms of storyline, action, and romance. If the hero was kinda an !%* and completely selfish at the begining, well, that is what he was supposed to be.

Hot Chocolate!.......2007-09-18

Megeara's quest for Atlantis and fantasies of chocolate and Arik hooked me. Meg is realistic and lovingly drawn, while Arik is a walking fantasy making deals with the devil. Great action scenes with an occasional drag in the plot, you'll keep reading just to find out what happens with Atlantis and Arik.

disappointed again.......2007-09-12

After putting "Sins of the Night" into my recycle bin after reading the first two pages, I swore off Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter books as being terribly written and horribly convoluted in plot. I did okay, really, until I fell for a pretty face- that wonderful guy with the magic eyes on the cover of The Dream Hunter-- and I thought, 'a new character, a new plot line... maybe Ms. Kenyon will have a rennaissance." So, fool that I am, I bought the book. 10 days later, I am still slogging through it- could it be that I have to read back constantly to figure out the numerous gods and demi-gods-from different pantheons, mind you- running around the story? Or could it be the card-board main characters- I keep lifting them up to see if there is anything more than two dimensions! Sorry, this one cured me for sure. I won't be back unless Ms. Kenyon has a guardian goddess who can 'plunk her magic twanger' and make Ms. Kenyon's writing improve a great deal.

Average customer rating:

A Good Story, Well Written
Great characters but somewhat predictable
Dark Room
Dark Room - Best book I've read this year!
An action-packed book where one tantalizing clue is revealed after another

Dark Room: A Novel
Andrea Kane
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060741341
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

Seventeen years ago, Morgan Winter was traumatized by the discovery of her parents' brutally murdered bodies in a Brooklyn basement on Christmas Eve. Now shocking new evidence overturns the killer's conviction and Morgan is confronted with the horrifying realization that the real killer is still out there.

Trapped in an emotional hell, she hires Pete "Monty" Montgomery, the former NYPD detective who first investigated her parents' homicides. Now a PI, Monty has a personal score to settle—a promise he made to Morgan, the helpless child long ago, that he'd find her parents' killer. With nothing more than an old case file and the original crime scene photos, Monty enlists the specialized skills of his son, Lane, a photojournalist whose job is a perfect cover for the clandestine image analysis he conducts for the CIA. Constantly thrill-seeking, Lane is used to gambling and putting his own life on the line—for country, for journalistic integrity, for the adrenaline rush. But this time, the stakes are different . . . and this time, he can't afford to lose.

The murderer is still at large and has never stopped watching Morgan from the shadows, making sure a dark secret remains buried. Now, Morgan's fierce determination to uncover the truth consumes her, plunging her into the dark and terrifying past and an increasingly dangerous present.

Lane is closing in on the truth. But in a cruel twist of fate, what he exposes may be far more shocking and devastating to Morgan than anyone could imagine.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Story, Well Written.......2007-08-23

As with all of Kane's stories, this one is well written and a pleasure to read. Am looking forward to her next novel.

Great characters but somewhat predictable.......2007-08-13

Nightmares have plagued Morgan Winter since discovering her parent's corpses when she was ten. During that intense time, she bonded with the detective assigned the case. With the culprit in jail, she felt a small sense of relief until it is uncovered that he confessed to the crimes in order to avoid a cop killing conviction, and the crime is once again unsolved. The now retired detective, Pete Montgomery, always felt that the wrong person was convicted, and now Morgan has hired him to find the real killer. With the aid of his son Lane, a photographer who freelances for several clandestine organizations (thus having great resources and equipment), new details in the crime scene photos pop up to provide more questions. Lane and Morgan form an instant attraction. But as the investigation gets closer to the truth, Morgan becomes a target.

In a follow up to "Wrong Place, Wrong Time" featuring Pete's daughter Devon, Kane's latest is packed with action, but it's a bit predictable (I guessed the culprit within the first couple chapters). In Morgan, she's created a heroine that's both strong and fragile at the same time, and it's nice to see a hero in a job other than police detective. Despite the flaws, readers will be enthralled with how the story plays out as, Kane is a master at creating compelling characters.

Dark Room .......2007-07-24

When Morgan Winter learns that the man convicted of her parent's murder seventeen years ago did not commit the crime, she is determined to find the real killer. Morgan hires former police detective turned PI, Pete 'Monty' Montgomery. Working with Monty is his handsome, daredevil son and top photographer, Lane.

With the killer desperate to keep his identity secret, the danger to Morgan escalates. Monty and Lane are determined to keep Morgan safe until they find the killer, and they will find the killer because failure is not an option.

Wow! Dark Room is a very intense book! Andrea Kane is an amazing author. From the first paragraph Ms. Kane drew me into the suspenseful world of Morgan Winter. I felt all of Morgan's emotions, from her sadness over losing her parents to her desire for the gorgeous Lane. Who can blame Morgan, Lane is utterly delectable. Smart, dangerous and Alpha, Lane is the full package.

I loved Dark Room! The suspense kept me on my toes and on the edge of my seat. The romance was just as thrilling. Overall I couldn't have asked for a better romantic suspense novel!

Annmarie reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Dark Room - Best book I've read this year!.......2007-05-31

This is Andrea Kane at her best. It had me hooked right from the start with great characters and a plot loaded with twists and turns. It is also a very touching story. I couldn't put it down it was such an edge of your seat page-turner. I've read all of Kane's contemporary romance books and this one is definitely her best yet. If you like reading romantic suspense from Nora Roberts, Karen Robards, Jayne Ann Krentz, Linda Howard, etc.; you will love Andrea Kane's latest novel-Dark Room.

An action-packed book where one tantalizing clue is revealed after another.......2007-05-30

When Morgan Winter was just a child, she discovered the bloody bodies of her murdered parents on Christmas Eve. Luckily, Arthur and Elyse Shore, close friends of her mother and father, were there to pick up the pieces of her life, take her in and raise her as their own along with their biological daughter, Jill, Morgan's close friend.

Now Morgan and Jill run Winshore, a top-quality matchmaking service that strives to match men and women with their true loves --- not just on a superficial level but on a deeper and more meaningful plane. Morgan has rebuilt her life and moved on, even though the murder of her parents has always loomed over her. With Christmas just ahead, however, the past surfaces to haunt her again.

Morgan is dreaming of her parents, reading her mother's old journals and studying photos of herself and them in happier days. With the killer convicted and locked away, the past should be behind her, but Morgan can't shake the experience that is always with her just below the surface.

When old friend and retired police detective Pete Montgomery shows up on the doorstep of Winshore, Morgan knows it doesn't bode well for her peace of mind. Detective Montgomery, or Monty as he's known to friends and family, tells her that the wrong man was convicted all those years ago, and the person who killed her parents and destroyed her life has been free all along.

While Morgan is shaken to her core, rather than falling apart she immediately hires Monty, now a private investigator, and determines to see for herself that the right man is caught and punished for this horrible crime. Luckily for Morgan, she is surrounded by loving family and friends. The Shores, Jill and Monty do their best to see that Morgan is supported and upheld in this turbulent time that is shaking them all to their very foundation.

Morgan also meets and is immediately attracted to Monty's son, Lane, a photojournalist who conducts undercover image analysis for the CIA. Lane is used to living life on the edge. One thrill after another suits him just fine. His previous exploits, however, are nothing compared to the adrenaline that flows through his body when he meets Morgan.

Lane is drawn into the mystery surrounding Morgan's parents when Monty asks him to enhance and scrutinize the crime scene photos of Morgan's parents. He quickly becomes confidante and protector to Morgan as well.

It's obvious that Morgan, Monty and Lane's investigation is coming too close for comfort when Morgan and Jill's home is broken into and trashed, a frightening warning is left for Morgan as a cease-and-desist order, and one of Morgan's clients is the victim of a hit and run. Is anyone close to Morgan safe now, or has she placed everyone she loves in greater danger?

Regardless of what happens, Morgan knows the only key to lasting peace and happiness is unmasking the person who killed her parents and stole her youth. The question is, will that truth set her free or will it annihilate her when she finally learns it?

DARK ROOM is an action-packed book where one tantalizing clue is revealed after another. The chemistry between the characters is warm and humorous, and they come across as real people who love and care deeply for one another. I found myself wanting to remain in their company and know what happened next even after the book ended.

--- Reviewed by Amie Taylor

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