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!
Another heart racing thriller. A woman on the run and a cop who gets involved. I loved the little girl and this adventure. I didn’t want to put the book down. This book has some steam.
Love Thy Neighbor.
Cold case detective Juan Acosta is suspicious of his new neighbor. He sees all the indications that she and her young daughter are running. But who and what are they afraid of?
The blend of detectives working on a re-opened case and the day-to-day interaction of Juan with his neighbor, Nikki (or is it Vicki) makes for a page turner. The evil and greed of the villain knows no bounds and he leaves a trail of dead bodies while he hunts for Vicki (or is it Nikki)?
Vicki Holloway is a woman on the run. After her sister, Sara, is killed by her abusive ex-husband, Vicki knows the only way to protect her niece, Bell, is to disappear with the child. Vicki settles in Texas with a new identity. She knows danger still stalks them, but she’ll do anything she must to keep Bell safe.
Juan Acosta lives solely for revenge since his job as an undercover cop got those he loved killed. But then his sexy, new next-door neighbor and her cute kid worm their way into his heart. He knows Vicki has secrets, but she’s not sharing. This great suspense has a few twists that’ll keep you reading until the satisfying end. Good story!
Police detective Juan Acosta is living with some serious demons, everyday he wakes up the knowledge that his job cost him everything he once held dear. Now all he can see is revenge, he wants them men who killed his family to pay.
Then a little distraction enters his world, and suddenly all he can think about is the beautiful woman and her child next door. Vicki Holloway is breath of fresh air in his dim world, but the more he gets to know her the more he realizes she is keeping things from him… things that rattle the detective in him.
But between the danger he stirs up with his need for revenge, and the danger that is lurking around them he is determined to keep them safe, and not let history repeat itself!
With action, danger, and romance brimming on every page Don’t Breathe a Word is a can’t miss read! I loved what I found between the pages of this one, Juan and Vicki were quite the pairing. With the danger they both brought to their union, as well as some serious heat, made their story impossible to put down. Once I met these characters I just couldn’t let them go, I had to see if they could ever move on from the past and embrace the second chance they had been given. This was an edge of your seat kind of tale, there was steady stream of suspense and danger on every page, often leaving me to wonder how much more these characters could take. What a wonderful addition to the series, the words kept my nose buried between the pages, and had my heart feeling a major squeeze… highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.
Good book, but it was terrible to think that this type of thing actually happens to children.
Craig’s latest keeps you reading long after your bedtime with strong suspense and fun characters. I am a huge Craig fan and this doesn’t disappoint.
Christie Craig is an auto-buy author for me and I loved Don’t Breathe a Word. It was twisty and gritty and real and made time fly!
Outstanding!
Great characters both the main ones, supporting and even the villains were well drawn.
Speaking of M.C.’s that would not only be Juan and Nicki but also her daughter Bell and Juan’s dog, Sweetie. Sweetie is more of a supporting character and that support is where her story comes in. Support and comfort as well as cuteness is part of her story. Bell also adds sweetness to the story. She is also direct and at times wise beyond her years when it comes to pain and fear. I can see why she grabs Juan’s heart and he desires to protect her.
The emotions and the tension of hiding is well done. It kept the intensity level up throughout the book. Emotions ranged from fear, loss, guilt, nightmares, trying to recover from tragedies too. Fear is kind of a weak word for some of the people; it’s more like terror. There is also tenderness that grows between Juan, Nicki and Bell. I liked seeing how they were drawn to each other and formed a strong bond even before they really realized it.
Juan IS a good guy and the story shows it time and again. He also works with two other men in the cold case division and they are a tight group. Connor and Mark show throughout the story how well they work together with Juan. As a team they have solved supposedly unsolvable cold cases. They also show how they have Juan’s back even as they give him a “hard time” some of the time. It’s a guy thing. Now that this author is on my radar, I want to read more of her stories. That includes the stories of the men of this unit.
There were a couple of other “stories” or mysteries going on at the same time but be patient the author does a good job of fitting the puzzle together. It’s without getting too confusing either. It also leads to some really good surprises too. At least one that I didn’t see coming. I always like that.
That tenderness between Juan and Niki? It will lead to sex between them but it won’t overtake the story.
The story ramps up to more tension before another twist comes up. Another one that I didn’t see coming either. More information comes out at that time to fill in some of the questions.
A good Epilogue fills in the rest. Another plus for me is that this book was able to stand all on it’s own. That is good because this is the first one that I have read in the series.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Didn’t want to put it down. Don’t Breathe a Word is a roller coaster ride with riveting suspense, relentless emotion, and characters that will steal your heart.
The second installment of the Texas Justice Series was even better than the first. Detective Juan Acosta is suspicious of his new neighbor as much as he’s drawn to her. Nicki is running scared and a police detective is the last person she’d confide in. I found myself sucked into this story from page one. Great characters with lots of mystery, action, and romance. You’ll be on the edge of your seat till the very end!
Juan Acosta is still dealing with the guilt he feels when his police undercover job led to the death of his wife and unborn child. He is watching the video his wife urged them to make for their unborn child when his dog, Sweetie insists on going outside. Her insistent barking draws Juan to look outside and he sees someone jumping the fence into his new neighbor’s yard. Police mode kicks in and Juan rushes to stop a burglar. The potential burgler throws a rusty old charcoal grill at Juan as Juan rushes him. The grill hits Juan in the head. That’s not going to stop Juan. He starts to chase the potential burgler as he climbs the fence when Juan is yanked back and attacked. Does the perp have a partner? Nope. Turnsout the new neighbor, Nikki Hanson thought Juan was the intruder and takes Juan down, kick to the balls and all. Not the best way for two neighbors to introduce themselves. Juan has questions about this new neighbor who seems to be living in fear. Just what is her story?
Don’t Breathe a Word by Christie Craig is the second book in her Texas Justice series. Three Anniston, Texas police officers have been assigned to the police department Cold Case Unit. So far they have been quite successful at solving the cold cases they have investigated. In this story the cold case Juan Acosta and his partners are invesigating has a tie-in with Juan’s neighbor’s major problem. There’s plenty of action and mysteries to solve. Nikki and her “daughter” Bel face much danger and Juan is right there to help keep them safe. I really enjoyed reading this story and liked how Juan and “Nikki” make a go of their attraction to each other despite their baggage. Expect danger, thrilling action and lots of lovin’ in this story.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but, it definitely won’t be the last. From the beginning until the end this thriller pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. This story has action, suspense and danger. Juan and Vicki were endearing characters with great chemistry. I can’t wait to read what this talented author writes next.
I loved this new heartwarming romantic suspense from Christie Craig! The relationship between Juan and Vicki heats up the pages, but Bell, Vicki’s daughter, really warmed my heart. I always buy Craig’s books as I know I’ll never be disappointed, and Craig really delivers in this one!
Texas Justice #2, The Cold Case Unit of Anniston PD has a new case when they look into a young stripper’s disappearance, the murder of her boyfriend, and the connection they had to the gang leader/drug dealer who killed Juan Acosta’s wife and unborn baby. Juan already killed him in the line of duty but the large scar on his face serves as a daily reminder that he failed his family. Finding the person responsible for this cold case and maybe even finding the stripper alive will help, or so he hopes. But then there is his new neighbor and her daughter something just doesn’t feel right he knows they are running from something but he doesn’t know what and he’s determined to find out.
Vikki Holloway gained guardianship of her niece, Bell, after her sister died in a hit and run. Vikki always suspected her sister’s abusive husband as the culprit but never had proof and it seemed pointless to prove it after he died but then Vikki swore she saw him leave her apartment after ransacking it and then he called her threatening her. Scared for her niece she ran and with the help of AWCO they got new identities. After almost being found in Arizona they moved to Texas where she became Nikki Hanson and Bell became her daughter.
Juan felt intrigued by Nikki and her daughter and oddly protective of them too. He knew they were hiding something but the more he got to know them the more he felt inclined to help them, not even the truth scared him off it just made all the more determined to keep them safe. All the while Juan and his team mates are working his cold case which has suddenly become hot again with the only witness disappearing only to reappear and get shot at and put into a coma. Vikki is hesitant to accept any help from anyone but Juan isn’t easily put off, the sexual attraction is one thing but Vikki starts to actually trust Juan.
Overall, I loved this book. It was an exciting read with great characters, Bell is adorable. I loved the descriptive foreplay and then leaving the sex up to the reader’s imagination it was just enough to satisfy me. It is a nicely balanced romantic suspense and it can be read as a standalone. I look forward to Connor’s book next.
Juan Acosta has a new neighbor, he knows this because he saw his dog making the acquaintance of a child. Now his dog has alerted him to something else and he sees someone trying to break in the back door.
Being a cop and a good neighbor he starts to give chase. This becomes my first giggle in this book. Never underestimate the power of a woman alone with a child.
When the officers she called get there, Juan knows he’s never gonna live this down. In the aftermath, he also realizes his neighbor is hiding something.
Twists, turns and danger abound as Juan falls for his neighbor Nikki and her daughter Bell. They both have issues they need to face and work on but this journey is one best undertaken together.
I couldn’t put this book down as Juan’s past surfaces with Nikki’s present.
Don’t Breathe a Word is the first book I have read by this author and though it is second in a series (Texas Justice) it can be easily read and enjoyed as a standalone. In this book, we follow multiple points of view, by Vicki, Juan, and the bad guys as well so there is not as much drawn out suspense this way but still enough to make it an enjoyable read and there are still a few twists and turns to keep it engaging. The prologue starts the story off with a bang and really draws you in and sets up the angst and emotional turmoil for Juan that he has to overcome in the rest of the read. I really enjoyed Vicki and Juan’s first encounter – lots of laughs, poor Juan! Bell definitely captures your heart, she is adorable and there is even a deranged tiny poodle that is a constant escape artist that earns a few chuckles, as well. The mix of Juan’s cold cases and the mystery of his new neighbor intertwine during the book and add to the suspense and mystery aspect of the overall story. There are a lot of obstacles these two characters have to deal with and overcome in order to have a chance at happiness and a future together but the author does a good job of weaving the storyline in a steady paced, intriguing way that provides a satisfactory ending for all.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book that I voluntarily read and reviewed.
This is the second book in the Texas Justice series and can be read as a standalone. Christie Craig provides a fast-moving plot centered around a multitude of emotional contradictions including vengeance, trust, guilt, and love. The main characters are all superlatively developed and draw the reader’s sentiment from the first page. Craig has the narrative brimming with action the entire way through. The romantic scenes do read somewhat awkward but not enough lower any expectation of what this book has to offer. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #Forever for this ARC. #DontBreatheAWord was read and reviewed voluntarily by #wayward_readers and all thoughts and opinions are that of my own.
@GrandCentralPublishing
From heartbreaking tragedy, Juan has reclaimed most of his life back but now he is consumed by the thought of revenge against the cartel that killed his wife and unborn daughter. He is a virtual recluse within his home. When someone new moves in next door, Juan and his tiny poodle get more than they bargained for.
That tiny dog puts Harry Houdini to shame and can escape into next doors garden. One such escapade leads to Juan getting up close and personal with the new neighbour, who may be scared but she sure knows how to put on a brave front.
Vicki can’t forgive herself over the death of her sister Sara. After all she introduced her to the slimeball who killed her. Making it worse? He’s a cop with an abusive streak who took his troubles out on not only his wife but also his little girl. A little girl who has the scars to prove that abuse. But Vicki isn’t made for covert hiding and she and Bell are going to need some very specialised help when a ghost from the past comes back to haunt them!
Juans new cold-case and Vicki’s past are on a collision course. But can the burgeoning interest on both sides survive the fall-out of Juans investigation?
Juan is the perfect injured bomb survivor, carrying around a shed-load of guilt over his job causing the death of his little family. PTSD anyone? Vicki also has her own scars to carry around, although hers are more emotional and psychological. Even little Bell, bless her, needs some TLC to heal the broken dreams and mistrust of strangers she has had to come to accept as her new norm.
Brillient story and I loved the way the two separate plot entwined. Bell is just cute as a button and so trusting of Juan, who really should be the last person you’d think she’d trust. But they are bonded over their scars, visible or non-visible, and one slightly deranged miniature poodle!
Really worthwhile read!
I’ve been a Christie Craig fan for years, so I wasn’t surprised when I loved Don’t Breath A Word. Characters like only Craig can create – a guilt-filled detective out for revenge and a woman running for her life with her niece. Danger, suspense, and heartfelt emotions mingle with some sexy times to make a book I couldn’t put down.
This is the second book in Craig’s Texas Justice series, and I’m about to dive into the third one, Don’t Look Back.
This is the second book of Christie Craig’s Texas Justice series about a cold case division. The story follows Juan, a detective whose pregnant wife was killed because of his undercover work, and Vicki, a woman in hiding with her niece. The writer uses both the good guys’ and bad guys’ points of view in the story, so there isn’t a whole lot of suspense or mystery build-up. The niece is precocious but goes into “are you my new daddy” mode way early. I had a little trouble getting over the romantic/intimate conflict towards the end. I just felt like she wasn’t given an opportunity to be hurt by something that clearly would have caused some pain. I enjoyed this book, but think I liked the first one better.