New York Times bestselling author Christie Craig returns with her next heart-stopping romantic suspense about a woman on the run and the man eager to uncover her secrets — for readers of Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti, and Mary Burton! Police detective Juan Acosta doesn’t only carry scars on the outside. He’s filled with guilt and anger ever since his undercover job led to the murder of those he … since his undercover job led to the murder of those he loved the most. Now he’s living for one thing: revenge. That is, until Juan meets his beautiful new neighbor.
Vicki Holloway prides herself on being capable and independent, but her life is turned upside down when her sister Sara is killed by an abusive ex. Fearing for the safety of her niece, Vicki and the little girl go into hiding…resurfacing in Texas with new identities.
Juan finds his once-frozen heart thawing around Vicki, but he knows she’s hiding something. Juan needs answers, but Vicki isn’t talking. She has to keep her secrets if she wants to keep Bell safe, which means resisting her growing feelings for the sexy, scarred man next door. But when Juan’s quest for justice brings danger to her door, divulging the truth might be the only thing that keeps her alive.
Includes the bonus novella Hot Target by April Hunt!
This is book 2 in the Texas Justice series but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone and still understand it. This one is about Juan Acosta and Vicki Holloway. Juan see’s the daily reminder that he didn’t save his wife and child in the scar on his face. He only lives for one thing now, revenge. Until his new neighbor moves in and he knows that something else is going on with her and her daughter. Vicki ran after she believes she saw the man she believes killed her sister, even knowing he is supposed to be dead. And with help she and her niece move to Texas with new identities and are now known as Nikki and Bell becomes her daughter. But when he finds out what they are running from, can he keep them safe and not let his own demons bring him down?
Overall, this was a good book. I just had a hard time getting into as it started off very slow for me. It also seemed to be more suspense than romantic suspense which threw me off since I was expecting more of that in there. The characters themselves were great, the story line was good, it was just slow for me to get to where it needed to. I would still read it again though since it was good read, just not my favorite!
Craig does a great job developing these characters and creating lots of tension and suspense. Because the story is told in 3rd person, you get a peek at all the characters, not just the hero and heroine. In romantic suspense, I love this approach. Vicki and Juan have a very interesting dynamic and I loved that they both had a companion (Vicki has her niece and Juan has his dog-they both add to the story well).
Bottom line: great romantic suspense!
Vicki is on the run with her niece, who she is raising after her sister was killed. Vicki thought her past was dead and buried but it is back and wants revenge. She has changed her name and has moved in next door to Juan. Juan is a cop with the cold case unit and is still trying to piece his life back together. When he was undercover his cover was blown and his wife and daughter were killed. When Juan accidentally reveals Vicki’s location, he’ll do anything to keep her and her niece safe.
First time reading this author and WOW I don’t know how I missed her. This story will have you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. Action, secrets, and heartbreak. It will grab you from the first and not let go til the end.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *