Fatal Flaw by Marie Force

Fatal Flaw by Marie Force is book #4 in the “Fatal” romantic suspense series. Publisher: Carina Press, February 2012

Back from their honeymoon, Senator Nick Cappuano and D.C. Police Lieutenant Sam Holland are ready for some normalcy after the whirlwind of their wedding, but someone has other plans for them. When Sam discovers wedding cards containing thinly veiled death threats, she’s not sure if she or Nick is the target.

Already on edge, Sam and her team start investigating a series of baffling murders. The victims are well-liked with no known enemies, and the murders are carried out in a clean and efficient manner. Unable to find a clear motive for the deaths, she feels like she’s chasing her tail.

With no obvious connection between the victims, Sam soon suspects that she may be the ultimate prize in the killer’s clever game. When the danger starts to hit a little too close to home, she has two goals: find the elusive murderer and manage to live long enough to enjoy her happily ever after.

Just back from their honeymoon Sam is pulled into a puzzling case while dealing with a threat of her own. When the deaths multiply and the threat escalates, a connection so misguided astonishes Sam and her team and they’ll have to hurry and catch this serial killer before another death occurs. Oh man, what a great story that I did not want to see end. This fast-paced, non-stop action and thrill a minute ride kept my adrenaline pumping as Sam hurried towards an explosive conclusion. With an awesome cast and amusing banter, this fantastically romantic and entertaining series continues to warm my heart and I look forward to every adventure with Nick and Sam.

Fatal Destiny by Marie Force

Fatal Destiny by Marie Force is book #3.5 in the “Fatal” romantic suspense series. Publisher: Carina Press, September 2011

With the week of their wedding finally upon them, Washington, D.C., Police Lieutenant Sam Holland and her fiancé, Senator Nick Cappuano, are at odds. In the aftermath of a tragic loss, they struggle to reconnect as the big day draws near, but their work keeps pulling them apart. When a new clue into a cold case surfaces, Nick asks Sam not to take any foolish chances before the wedding and to leave it alone for the time being.

Sam agrees, but she can’t let it go entirely and winds up trapped in an explosive situation. Then an unwelcome visitor from her past threatens her future happiness… With trouble at every turn, will Sam survive long enough to walk down the aisle?

The event that we’ve been waiting for is finally here, the wedding of Sam to Nick and of course, like the couple, the events leading up to the big event cause some pain, mostly for Sam. Once I turned on my Kindle, I read this book non-stop anticipating the final event. This was a great read that saw the culmination of their one-night stand six years ago to their chance meeting several months ago. I enjoyed watching this relationship blossomed and the love shining in their eyes. This well-written and well-described story made me feel like I was sitting in the pews attending the wedding. This is the best book yet in this fantastic series and I can’t wait to see Sam and Nick’s next adventure.

Fatal Consequence by Marie Force

Fatal Consequence by Marie Force is book #3 in the “Fatal” romantic suspense series. Publisher: Carina Press, July 2011

Politics can be murder…

Lieutenant Sam Holland has no sooner accepted Senator Nick Cappuano’s proposal than she’s back on the job. A woman has been found brutally murdered and evidence points to Henry Lightfeather, a senator and close friend of Nick’s. While Sam investigates, Nick stands by his friend—complicating his own bid for reelection, and causing tension between the couple.

As Sam’s investigation reveals a scandal that rocks the capital, Nick and Sam discover that the biggest threat to their future might be someone from her past.

Sam is up to her elbows in a murder mystery that reeks of political mayhem and her team will pull out all the stops to solve this case. I love this series! This was an excellent read that I could not put down once I started. The mystery kept me guessing and I truly enjoy the relationship between the main characters and their friends and family. With a comfortable feel and engaging dialogue, this character-driven story is the best one yet in this charming and marvelous series.

Fatal Justice by Marie Force

Fatal Justice by Marie Force is book #2 in the “Fatal” romantic suspense series. Publisher: Carina Press, January 2011

She looked into the dead face of the man she’d dined with the night before

Standing over the body of a Supreme Court nominee, Lieutenant Sam Holland is hip-deep in another high-profile murder case. The fact that she was one of the last people to see Julian Sinclair alive just complicates things even more. On the plus side, her relationship with Senator Nick Cappuano is heating up—but it’s also attracting a lot of unwanted media attention and blinding flash bulbs.

The pressure is on for Sam to find Sinclair’s killer, but a new lead in her father’s unsolved shooting puts her in unexpected danger. When long-buried secrets threaten to derail her relationship with Nick, Sam realizes that while justice can be blind, mixing romance with politics has the potential to be fatal.

Sam and Nick are settling into their new-found relationship when another one of friend Nick’s is found murdered. Working the case, along with dealing with health issues, Sam and her co-workers use all their resources to bring the killer to justice. I could not put this book down. This story was so good and I love the banter between Sam and Nick and enjoy watching them sort out how their respective jobs will have on their love. The secondary characters were great and I liked how they all interacted with one another. I can’t wait to read the next book in this wonderful series.

Fatal Affair by Marie Force

Fatal Affair by Marie Force is the first book in the “Fatal” romantic suspense series. Publisher: Carina Press, July 2010

Washington, D.C., Metro Police Detective Sergeant Sam Holland needs a big win to salvage her career—and her confidence—after a disastrous investigation. The perfect opportunity arises when Senator John O’Connor is found brutally murdered in his bed, and Sam is assigned to the case. Matters get complicated when Sam has to team up with Nick Cappuano, O’Connor’s friend and chief of staff…and the man Sam had a memorable one-night stand with years earlier. Their sexual chemistry still sizzles, and Sam has to fight to stay focused on the case. Sleeping with a material witness is another mistake she can’t afford—especially when the bodies keep piling up.

When Sam is handed a high-profile murder case, she didn’t know it would change her life. When she runs into a someone from a past who she had a one-night stand, the sparks that was doused is ignited again as the two work to bring the killer to justice. This was an enjoyable read with characters that I want to learn more about. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. My rating: 5 stars

*new-to-me author

Available as an e-book

Cold Dawn by Carla Neggers

Cold Dawn by Carla Neggers is the third book in the “Black Falls” romantic suspense series. Publisher: Mira (Harlequin), October 2010

A NEW DAY. A NEW DANGER.

It’s a new day in Black Falls. The small Vermont town finally feels safe again—until search-and-rescue expert Rose Cameron discovers a body, burnt almost beyond recognition. Almost. Rose is certain that she knows the victim’s identity…and that his death was no accident.

Nick Martini also suspects an arsonist’s deliberate hand. Another fire killed an arson investigator in California months ago. Now the rugged smoke jumper is determined to follow the killer’s trail…even if it leads straight to Rose. Nick and Rose haven’t seen each other since they shared a single night of blind passion, but they can’t let memories and unhealed wounds get in the way of their common goal—stopping a merciless killer from taking aim straight at the heart of Black Falls.

Another fire has claimed a life and Rose is in the middle. Secrets will come out, especially one most remembered. Nick, on the trail of an arsonist, comes for the one he loves. This heart-stopping mystery and romance kept me turning the pages. I also enjoyed the updates on all the characters from the previous books in this series. This was a good read and look forward to more romantic suspense stories by the author. My rating: 4 stars

Two Lethal Lies by Annie Solomon

Two Lethal Lies by Annie Solomon. Publisher: Forever, October 2010

A love to die for…

On the run since his daughter was born, Mitch Turner has concealed a truth so dangerous, its discovery could jeopardize both their lives. But when a series of shocking murders hits their newfound home, the trail leads straight to Mitch. With the police out for blood and his daughter ripped from his arms, he has nowhere to turn—until a beautiful stranger offers her help.

Neesy Brown has made mistakes in her life, yet she refuses to believe this mysterious man is a killer. There’s a strength in his broad shoulders that draws her to him and a weariness in his eyes that she longs to ease. As the murders tear her small town apart, she vows to help Mitch find his missing child. But a cunning predator is pulling them deeper and deeper into his fatal game. And the price of losing is the child—and the future—they could both share.

What a great read. Mitch is hiding from a past to protect his daughter. When she become restless, he settles down and danger lurks which will send them both in tailspin down a road that they don’t want to travel. This was a gripping story that had me glued to the pages. Trying to keep his distance, he falls for Neesy and between the two of them, they will fight to protect their loved one. My rating: 5 stars

Last To Die by Kate Brady

Last To Die by Kate Brady is the second book in the “Sheridan” romantic suspense series. Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing), September 2010

No Warning
A ruthless killer hides in plain sight, portraying the ideal citizen while hatching a horrific plan. Sins of the past have come to light and now the time is right for revenge. Six desperate women will be brutally murdered as punishment for the secrets they’ve keep hidden.

No Escape
Detective Dani Cole is devastated to discover that a young woman viciously killed i a local park was someone whose life she’d helped redeem. Her investigation becomes even more personal when it leads her to Mitch Sheridan, a renowned photojournalist. The two shared a painful past—and an attraction that sparks as they race to find the killer. But danger is much closer than anyone imagines. For in the shadows, this calculating criminal has a new target: Dani Coles.

Women are scarred and killed and no one knows why, until Dani starts to investigate. The killer does not like the intrusion and thus has target Dani, first by going after her dog and later by giving her clues of previous victims. Mitch always remember his first love and when his mentor is found dead, he wants in. This was an action-packed thrilling ride that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed watching both Dani and Mitch first deny and then rekindle their love while working together to capture the killer before another woman become victim. My rating: 5 stars

The Chain Tree by Misa Ramirez

The Chain Tree by Misa Ramirez is the second book in the “Mexican Legends” romantic suspense series. Publisher: Diversion Books, September 2010

After a horrible night that haunts her still, Delaney West ran away from her home in San Julio, Texas, and out of Vic Vargas’ life. But now, plagued by sleepwalking and terrible dreams, she is back, working at the local vet clinic, and trying to make some sense of her screwed up life. But animals have started dying, their bodies drained of blood, and the marks on their carcasses have churned up the old legends of the chupacabra. When Delaney awakens far from home and with blood on her hands, she fears she’s turned into the monster she’s been running from all these years.

Vic Vargas sunk his life savings into buying Tierra del Oro, the land that would keep him rooted to the town he loves. He’s never forgiven Delaney West for walking out on him the night before they were to be married and he’s consoled himself the only way he knows how–with booze and women. Just when things are looking up, the son he fathered just after Delaney left him is suddenly on his doorstep, Delaney’s back in town, and ranch animals are turning up dead.

When the town curandera predicts a final–human–sacrifice, Vic and Delaney are forced to confront the past. But will they be too late?

A secret from the past haunts Delaney as she return to her hometown. Seeing Vic brings her back to a love that was lost. Soon after someone is slaughtering animals and Delaney is the catalyst. When Vic and Delaney’s passion reignites again, Vic promises that he will not lose her again. This was another suspenseful and romantic story that kept me turning the pages and again, kept me captivated to see what happens next. My rating: 5 stars

Cursed by Misa Ramirez

Cursed by Misa Ramirez is the first book in the “Mexican Legends” romantic suspense series. Publisher: Diversion Books, September 2010

Most people think the Spanish legend of la Llorona, a woman who killed her children to be with the man she loved, is just a story. High school teacher, Johanna Rios, knows the truth. A descendant of la Llorona’s one surviving child, Joanna’s mother fell victim to the curse, drowning as she tried to kill Johanna and her sister Carmen. When one of Johanna’s former students, dressed in a white peasant dress like the crying woman herself, turns up drowned in the San Julio River, Johanna’s world turns upside down.

The curse is back.

Single father Ray Vargas is filled with guilt. His daughter’s friend, a former student from the high school where he’s principal, is dead and he could have prevented it. When Johanna Rios, one of his teachers, reveals her obsession with la Llorona and thinks three more people will die, each one representing a different version of the crying woman’s story, he will do whatever it takes to stop the killings from happening.

But with danger closing in and his own daughter at risk, Ray must join forces with Johanna to confront the legend, the curse, and the man behind the killings.

Someone is killing woman according to an old legend and Jo fears that she is the final victim. When Ray discovers that she is the intended victim, he vows to keep her safe. Both leading lonely lives, cling to one another and soon passion is ignited and Ray will do everything in in power to save the woman he loves. Oh my goodness. What a ride that I did not want to get off. This was fast-paced action that kept me turning the pages and then that twist, oh man, I never saw that one coming. This is an awesome read. My rating: 5 stars