It is best to read the previous books in the series to get the best from this book as although each booA fabulous addition to the Lexi Graves series.
It is best to read the previous books in the series to get the best from this book as although each book contains an independent case to be solved, the series follows the lives of Lexi and her friends and family and their relationships develop during the series. The case is discussed in the blurb for the book so I won't restate that but while she's investigating we catch up with Lily, who has baby Poppy now, and it's hilarious and so realistic and Lily is so funny, the scenes with her are fantastic.
We see how Lexi and Solomon are getting on as they progress towards wedding plans. They are obviously intimate but there is no detail or sex scenes to offend younger readers. Solomon is a dream in his treatment of Lexi, he is loving and supportive but we are no closer to really getting to know him on a personal level.
Maddox also makes an appearance, I am always a bit sad when we read about him, Lexi is very happy with Solomon and he encourages her to chase her dreams where as when Lexi and Maddox were in a relationship he became some what exasperated with her and her bee line for danger.
He and Lexi have a very interesting conversation, one that I have been wondering if they would EVER have, it raises some questions I have asked as I have read previous books. I am surprised that considering how curious Lexi is that she has not asked certain questions about Solomon and his past and some events during their relationship and sadly this is not resolved in this book. At the same time she does know him and trusts him but just not much about his past.
There are some very, very funny scenes that made me laugh out loud, her mother is funny and the quick, witty answers Lexi responds with are so clever. An interesting case as the main theme of the book, a few red herrings and although it's not rocket science it is not easy to solve until the answers are revealed. An excellent addition to the series and followers of the Lexi will not want to miss this book. Looking forward to the next one already and hoping for more details on our mysterious Solomon.
Merged review:
A fabulous addition to the Lexi Graves series.
It is best to read the previous books in the series to get the best from this book as although each book contains an independent case to be solved, the series follows the lives of Lexi and her friends and family and their relationships develop during the series. The case is discussed in the blurb for the book so I won't restate that but while she's investigating we catch up with Lily, who has baby Poppy now, and it's hilarious and so realistic and Lily is so funny, the scenes with her are fantastic.
We see how Lexi and Solomon are getting on as they progress towards wedding plans. They are obviously intimate but there is no detail or sex scenes to offend younger readers. Solomon is a dream in his treatment of Lexi, he is loving and supportive but we are no closer to really getting to know him on a personal level.
Maddox also makes an appearance, I am always a bit sad when we read about him, Lexi is very happy with Solomon and he encourages her to chase her dreams where as when Lexi and Maddox were in a relationship he became some what exasperated with her and her bee line for danger.
He and Lexi have a very interesting conversation, one that I have been wondering if they would EVER have, it raises some questions I have asked as I have read previous books. I am surprised that considering how curious Lexi is that she has not asked certain questions about Solomon and his past and some events during their relationship and sadly this is not resolved in this book. At the same time she does know him and trusts him but just not much about his past.
There are some very, very funny scenes that made me laugh out loud, her mother is funny and the quick, witty answers Lexi responds with are so clever. An interesting case as the main theme of the book, a few red herrings and although it's not rocket science it is not easy to solve until the answers are revealed. An excellent addition to the series and followers of the Lexi will not want to miss this book. Looking forward to the next one already and hoping for more details on our mysterious Solomon....more
Interesting twist to the Sherlock Holmes story. The start was odd and I almost gave up but once I got maybe half way it improved. Multiple POV at the stInteresting twist to the Sherlock Holmes story. The start was odd and I almost gave up but once I got maybe half way it improved. Multiple POV at the start. Ongoing relationship through out the series. ...more
**spoiler alert** What to say..... This is okay. Probably contrary to popular opinion but.... I'm not big on cozy mysteries but as I've read and enjoyed **spoiler alert** What to say..... This is okay. Probably contrary to popular opinion but.... I'm not big on cozy mysteries but as I've read and enjoyed some of the Winston brother's series I thought I'd give it a go.
So the good news is the couple are committed, they are at their engagement party at the start of the book. Dual POV. I liked that we get a few chapters as Cletus then a few as Jen, not switched each chapter.
I am not sure if I've just had too much Cletus, maybe? But I feel that after the initial books they have gone off the boil for me (?) I think as well I feel that with the Smartypants romance series the market has been a bit saturated, every writer seems to want to include Cletus and esp mention 'his sausage' so I'm wondering if that's why it is starting to feel a bit overdone to me. And about 'his sausage', by chapter 6 it's been mentioned several times. It's kinda like with kids, it was funny the first time but.....
Also the whole drama with her mother, in the first book it worked, the heroine had a domineering mother, but now she has cut the apron strings but hasn't, it doesn't, to me seem to fit the strong character of Cletus and who Jen has become.
I also find the whole time jump the author did a bit odd, Billy and Claire are together in the books of the Winston series but that's placed years ahead of now.
Plenty of secondary characters from the family to various families in Green Valley. A few questions raised.
I think when we were first introduced to these 2 I would have liked more but I think it's run its course for me.
I will say that Cletus is totally devoted to the heroine, Jen so if you are looking for a loyal Hero who would move heaven and earth for his woman then this will fit the bill.
HFN. Until the next mystery.
Just as a side note I started the book 3 times and put it down to read something else but once it got going it was quite good. I was tempted to skim a bit I felt both characters rambled in their inner monologue, over guilty feelings for non existent fathers and redemption, all things I felt we had in the original book. I am giving it 3.5 stars. It's not quite 4 for me but I did think it was better than book 1....more
Really enjoyed this. It can be read as a standalone as the author recaps on some events and people but probably best to read series in order. Closed dooReally enjoyed this. It can be read as a standalone as the author recaps on some events and people but probably best to read series in order. Closed door bedroom scenes. No cheating, other woman or man drama. Some humour esp with best friend Lily. Several mysteries to solve, some things were easy to put together but the motives and full involvement was good. HFN.
Married young then divorced. Lots of family interference and meddling, misunderstandings. Heroine remarried for a brief time. Both Hero and heroine been Married young then divorced. Lots of family interference and meddling, misunderstandings. Heroine remarried for a brief time. Both Hero and heroine been with others in 17 years apart. Mystery. No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine. HEA....more
Hero grew up in same street as heroine , he was star qb and **spoiler alert** Good story. Well written.
Huge ex drama.
Hero is divorced and has two kids.
Hero grew up in same street as heroine , he was star qb and dated the queen cheerleader. I think he's a couple of years older than the heroine. The heroine was a shy, nerdy, slightly over weight, puppy fat, spotty kid that ran in different circles to the Hero and the Hero's girlfriend was her bully. The Hero was oblivious to his girlfriend's not so sweet side and also never noticed the heroine. He marries his girlfriend and later they divorce. I'm not a fan of the heroine pinning for the Hero, not being noticed until she's slimmer and beautiful. The heroine does move on from it for a time but when he moved back to town then got divorced she is all hopeful again.
One thing I did think was that the heroine feels she's been in love with him since she was 7, I think it is but she doesn't really know him. She watched him from her window, they weren't friends, in fact he doesn't remember her at all, so to base a whole child/adult infatuation on how he looks isn't really a foundation for true love. Yet it basically rules her while life, she forgets about him for a bit but never really forgets. (?)
There was an incident mentioned from the previous book where the Hero apparently hit on the heroine from that book but was knocked back and she told him the heroine of this book was interested, I don't remember but it is never brought up between the Hero and heroine or resolved. But it's not exactly flattering that he didn't notice the heroine even at that point. This would be a huge no go for me... He couldnt get my friend so takes me as a consolation prize after she shoves him in my direction. No way.
What I would say is the Hero is a cop and as such should be pretty people savvy but he doesn't see what an all out b**** his ex-wife was even though half the town do. He doesn't strike me as too bright, he makes the excuse he was in high school and she put out but he continued to date her, they were on/off so obviously there were issues. Apparently she got pregnant, he says on purpose so he proposed not wanting his kids to have the life he had as a kid. There were strong resemblances to KA book Complicated. The ex is an absolute dream for angst if OTT for real life.
Also the son and daughter have active parts and there was a definite Kristen Ashley vibe. It's similar but different enough. When the Hero does mess up, the heroine doesn't say that's fine and become a doormat, she stands her ground and he works for it.
For the safety gang. The Hero is divorced. He mentions he had been with a few girls before his marriage and women after. The heroine has dated but nothing really worked out to be too serious. There is no mention of her being a virgin but there is also no sexual detail of any other partners. No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine. Once the Hero and heroine connect even though their relationship has issues there is no looking elsewhere, no flirting, no touching others. The heroine does get drunk and chat with another man but it's innocent enough.
HEA. Epilogue three months on.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series, next book is the Hero's partner from work. There is an unsolved crime thread that runs through the series....more
**spoiler alert** Book can be read as a standalone, the reader has a brief recap on the previous couple's books. Dom/sub relationship. Dual POV but prod**spoiler alert** Book can be read as a standalone, the reader has a brief recap on the previous couple's books. Dom/sub relationship. Dual POV but prodominantly the heroine's POV.
On the whole I think I like it. There is alpha OTT speech and it does feel there are too many people popping in and out to keep track of esp if you are a new reader but I like that when I got to 17% I expected it to be 50%. It feels there is something to get your teeth into. No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine. They do discuss a few past relationships etc.
Hero showed interest ( not events in this book) then gave up, he moved on. Heroine says... " Me: gun shy. And Boone had given up, full stop. I knew this because he’d been seeing some other woman now for weeks. I didn’t blame him. Though part of me did. Because honestly, he didn’t try that hard. And sorry, not sorry, I was a girl who wanted to be won. Like I said, put in the effort… Get your reward."
Also "Hero says about him and other woman. “We’re not exclusive.” Seriously? “Well, aren’t you proving with all of this you’re a keeper?”"
This is the normal formula for KA, the Hero messes up, there is some truth in what he says but he either misreads the situation or comes into strong then redeems himself. By 25% they are giving their relationship a go.
For KA fans we have appearances from Hawk. Hawk’s top lieutenant, Jorge. Boone’s colleague and bud, Mo. Mitch Lawson. And Ally Nightingale, Rush, Rhashan Banks, Knight’s right-hand man, Lee Nightingale, Hank. Then came Eddie Chavez. Brock Lucas. Rush Allen. Rhashan. Mag. Luke Stark, Lee Nightingale’s top guy. Malik, another cop friend and Hawk’s office manager, Elvira’s husband. And Carson “Joker” Steele, Boone’s bud in Chaos. Lottie, Jet etc all pop in at times.
There is some other woman drama. The Hero is initially 'seeing' another woman but when he sees an opening with the heroine he breaks things off with the other woman and claims they weren't serious and the woman was fine with it. This reminded me a bit of the book she wrote in the Chaos series about Shy and Tabby. Fans complained the other woman who Shy dumped once he got a shot at Tabby, Rosaline, was treated unfairly so it feels like KA is making this situation, which is basically the same okay for readers.
There seem to be fewer descriptions of outfits, furniture, it is there but but seemed less than previous books ramblings. There are a few cringe worthy expressions 'rad'. 'The cave of her living room was sweet.' And there are some paragraphs of conversation that is supposed to be Macho speak but I have no idea what was being said.
But on the whole it works. Has a Rock Chick feel about it. Crazy shenanigans. Girl posse. Group of men knocked over by a woman one by one.
One thing I find difficult with this author is in the past the Hero and heroine of that book have a falling out if some sort and the Hero can have quite a temper, scare the heroine or say very, very hurtful stuff and KA then had what feels to me like the heroine grovel when I don't feel she should. In this book the Hero and heroine fall out, early on, he walks away. The heroine has had a very traumatic experience, he walks away after their fight, his boy gang are involved in her protection but are very cold to her. She says 'We’d had a fight. Just a fight. And it wasn’t even a huge one. And he’d walked away and shut me out. I was trying. But he’d shut me out. So now the boys had shut me out. Even if I was trying with them too (I offered Axl breakfast every morning, and the Machismo Factor was at rocket rises around me, what with the addition of Chaos to my life, but at least every day I tried to pay for sandwiches for all the guys for lunch).' In some ways I admire the skill of the author making you feel for the heroine, she can write some emotional scenes. But... The heroine rarely cries, has had a horrible experience and due to his actions after three days it gets to her and she sobs. I would wonder at the actions of the Hero for a longtime relationship if this happened so early on. I think the fact it happens early on in the relationship helps, they do talk, he does apologize, seem genuinely sorry. But just to clarify the heroine earlier in the day of the row had her house broken in to by a criminal with a history of sexual assault, he doesn't reach her but she is very scared. The Hero is sorry and seems genuine but she gives in straight away and forgives him. I don't know I'd maybe like a bit of time for her to digest it all before taking him back. But bit of an improvement on previous books.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series. HEA....more
Good idea to read previous book first. Non man-whore Hero despite having a ONS at the start, it's a unusual thing for him to do. Some detail of violent Good idea to read previous book first. Non man-whore Hero despite having a ONS at the start, it's a unusual thing for him to do. Some detail of violent acts and mention of abuse. No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine. HEA. ...more
It's difficult to review this book without giving too much away and those details would spoil the unveiling of the story.
The main characters are a 'wiIt's difficult to review this book without giving too much away and those details would spoil the unveiling of the story.
The main characters are a 'wild man who gives his name as Lucas and Harper but there is also an agent who is working the case whose story also unfolds.
There are flashback type scenes, though at first you are not sure how they fit.
It's not difficult to work out the mystery but at the same time the author keeps you guessing about how much Lucas has done and there were a few surprises.
Lucas is a recluse, having had very limited exposure to modern living and association, as a result his perspective of things most of us consider simple and ordinary is fascinating and so sweet.
He and Harper have an instant attraction but due to the circumstances both are wary.
There is no cheating. There is a scene with another woman in his past but it doesn't go far on the Hero's part. In the present another woman shows interest but the Hero shuts it down.
The two murders are quite gruesome but there are limited details and it is told after the event as part of the investigation.
HEA. Epilogue.
There is some internal dialogue which is a huge pet peeve of mine but the writing was so good after the initial first few chapters I found I could over look it. I understood why it was written that way as the character is a recluse and even Harper is a bit of a loner and the area is so isolated it sort of works. ...more
Sweet story. Both divorced. Ex drama on both sides. No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine. No cheating. Breadcrumbs dropped for fuSweet story. Both divorced. Ex drama on both sides. No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine. No cheating. Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series and updates of previous characters from previous books. HEA....more
Sweet story. Both divorced. Ex drama on both sides. No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine. No cheating. Breadcrumbs dropped for fuSweet story. Both divorced. Ex drama on both sides. No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine. No cheating. Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series and updates of previous characters from previous books. HEA....more
**spoiler alert** This is really good. The troupe is not particularly original, it's been done many times before, boy from wrong side of town, bad fami**spoiler alert** This is really good. The troupe is not particularly original, it's been done many times before, boy from wrong side of town, bad family background, girl gets hurt leaves town, returns years later. It also wasn't difficult to work out the plot, to see it coming. But it is so well written.
Second chance romance can be really good or just not, sometimes the reasons for the breakup are not good enough. Secret child romance can be really good or just not, sometimes the reasons for keeping a secret are really not good enough. For me this works. Normally the reason the Hero had would not be enough but the emotion in the writing, the situation and the redemption the Hero showed made it work.
Ex drama on the part of the Hero.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine though in flashback the Hero has a woman straddle his lap and kiss him. Also in present time before the Hero and heroine are together the Hero is very drunk and other woman kisses him, he objects and gets away but initially does think about taking her up on the offer.
During separation they are both with other people, though both only really mention one person each in their past.
Couples are mentioned from previous books and a few details alluded to of their 'getting together' stories, so possible spoilers but I hadn't read them so can be read as a standalone.
Sweet story. Mother of 2 running from her abusive husband, working really hard to care for them under the radar. Insta for the Hero. Cute, funny kid. The Sweet story. Mother of 2 running from her abusive husband, working really hard to care for them under the radar. Insta for the Hero. Cute, funny kid. The heroine is married when we are first introduced to her in the book, though estranged from her abusive husband but there is no cheating. Although the Hero knows straight away, on meeting the heroine, she's his "one" his boom, their relationship is slow burn. The heroine is single when she starts a romantic relationship with the Hero. HEA. Epilogue.
This book is part of the Happily Ever Alpha Kindle World with Aurora Rose Reynolds.
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