The sixth book in the Rose Gardner Investigations series.
For months, Rose has suspected her ex-brother-in-law, has a foot in the criminal world, and she’s equally sure her deceased sister had the evidence to prove it—evidence stolen days just days after Violet’s death.
Those suspicions turn concrete when a body shows up near one of Mike’s construction sites, and the concrete cracks open wide … cracks open wide when her niece and nephew go missing.
Rose might be weeks away from delivering her own baby, she that doesn’t stop her and her best friend, Neely Kate, from looking for the kids. She needs answers and fast, but her search leads her to the man who betrayed her months ago… the father of her baby.
James “Skeeter” Malcolm has been playing games with her for months—refusing to relinquish her paternity but refusing to tell her why. James knows what Mike is up to—Rose is sure of it—but can she convince him to tell help before it’s too late?
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This book blew me away. I feel like I always say that in reference to Denise Grover Swank’s work, but it’s true nonetheless. Her writing always leads me right where she wants me to go. Even when I’m sure my feelings are sorted and sure, there she goes, changing everything again. When the Bough Breaks is the epitome of this. I changed my mind about everything I loved and am so happy for Rose. While there’s still plenty unsettled in Fenton County, for once I feel like our beloved Rose has all she needs. This story was beautiful. Mysterious, immediate, the feeling of rushing, desperate importance rides most of the tale. As the gang scrambles to put the pieces together, the steadfast loyalty of Rose’s entire family is proven over and over. The ending was a perfect pause point with enough to keep us going until the next installment. It was a pleasure to read and I can’t wait for more!
Oh my heart! As with all of the Rose book I couldn’t stop reading this. I stayed up late to see what happened with Rose in her search for her niece and nephew after they go missing. Add in that she is about ready to pop that bundle of joy out and you have another amazing book added to the series.
I still remember the shock of finding out Rose was going to have a baby. I never in a million years would believe a mystery could have a pregnant leading lady. I don’t know why I even questioned it! Of course with friends that most of us can only dream of having Rose has the support she needs when life goes crazy. Murder, kidnapping, 38 weeks pregnant, exes, the Hardshaw Group, and two businesses to run…welcome to Fenton County and all of its adventures for the soon to be momma.
Wow! Here I am two full days after finishing this novel and I’m still shocked and experiencing a major book hangover. Fans of Rose most definitely don’t want to miss this one! I couldn’t put it down and was dying to know more the entire time. I went through about every emotion possible multiple times throughout the book. I laughed, cried (happy and sad), yelled, and sat there multiple times dumbstruck. I’ve just loved watching Rose become the woman she’s always meant to be! You’re going to get some huge answers in this book that will shape Rose’s future going forward and, while not the direction I was originally hoping for, I’m so glad to see Rose strive for her own HEA. Can’t wait for the next one!
Rose and NK are here for another exciting and thrilling mystery and this one tests just how fare Rose will go for her family, especially Ashley and Mikey…
When the Bough Breaks, answered a lot of questions for me and also left me asking a lot too, but that’s what I love about these books I always end up satisfied but wanting more.
Rose is about ready to pop, her false labor pains are coming on more frequently and she feels bad for having Joe rush to the hospital more than once, but hey better safe than sorry right??
Joe is excited beyond words about his impending fatherhood and he is more in love with Rose than ever but is she in love with him?
NK and Jed have some exciting news and NK, is also a bit bored she needs a new mystery to solve…
James Skeeter Malcolm is up to some big, bigger than anyone realizes I think but I don’t like that he is playing games with Rose especially when she is pregnant. James has made all his own choices now he has to live with the consequences…
When the bough breaks was a total heart-stopper from beginning to the very end. I love all the threads that were finished off and I also love the few carrots still left dangling to build my anticipation for the next book.
So many things happen in this book that I don’t even know where to start. Honestly, there was never a dull moment. In fact, I found myself holding my breath through about 90% of it. I did not see the end coming, and I was completely shocked about who was holding Ashley and Mikey. It was great to see so many familiar characters make an appearance, and the storytelling was amazing. Before you dive in, however, I suggest you grab some tissues because there is no way to make it through this book without tears. There are some major emotional revelations and encounters that will leave readers overjoyed at times and utterly heartbroken at others. The fact that Denise Grover Swank can make us feel this deeply about these characters is truly amazing. Despite the tears, there were also some downright hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud while I read. It was another great story in Rose’s world, and I can’t wait to see how the repercussions of this book play out in the next installment!
I absolutely love Rose and Neely-Kate and this book is no exception. My emotions are still on the emotional rollercoaster from it.
You will laugh, cry and gasp outloud as you are reading it.
I will not give away any spoilers, but there are parts I love, parts that made me mad and parts that mad me jumping up and down with so many mixed feelings and emotions.
Wow, this was one emotional ride and I loved every minute of this. Denise never disappoints nor hits a wrong note with this series and characters.
Rose has been through a journey in her short life and with a baby on the way she is going to have to make some tough choices. Throughout this book, you will laugh, cry and sit with anticipation as the events unfold. Trouble always finds Rose and this book is no exception and there are many moments that will have you gasping and yelling shut the front door.
All I have to say is just sit back and enjoy the ride. Don’t anticipate anything and let this story unfold before you.
********Author Provided Review Copy*****
Sometimes I just hate when a book ends. This happens more often than not when I’m reading a book by Denise Grover Swank. When the Bough Breaks is one of those times, I love this book! Rose Gardner feels like a life long friend although I only met her when she was 24 years old. Denise has allowed the reader to go through Rose’s many life experiences filled with humor, fear, abandonment, low self worth, empowerment, joys, suspicion, tears and love. And now Rose’s baby is due anytime and her niece and nephew are missing. For me, When the Bough Breaks is Rose’s coming of age and love story.
Denise once again uses humor, intrigue and suspense to advance the story line. There are twists and turns, closures and excitement that keeps the reader wondering what will happen next. Who will attend Rose’s baby shower? What is the sex and name of Rose’s baby? Will Ashley and Mikey be found safe? What has happened to Rose’s ex-brother-in-law? What is Skeeter up to?
I was enthralled from the start. There are no slow moments in this book. From the humor in the behavior of the small town cops, Rose’s visions, both sad and joyous moments fill this book. They are closer to Hardshaw than ever before. ALMOST all of the characters are present in this book and it will keep you engrossed the entire time.
There are so many emotions tied to this book. First off if you have never read any of the Rose Gardner books you need to start at the very begin. I can say that through the years these books have been all kinds of twist and turns. It is finally coming around full circle.
I am going to be honest and say I don’t know how to write this review. I feel if I say to much it will ruin the experience of the book. If I don’t say enough you won’t think it was good. Well I can say it was so good. I am so excited for Rose and her life as it is finally starting to come together. She knows she has family and friends that she has built herself. She has grown so much that I think she is starting to fell comfortable with being herself. However that may go. I can’t wait for everyone to meet the baby!! You can tell that this is where the heart is. I don’t know how Rose is going to go on investigating, keeping the nursery going and being a Mom but I am sure that she will slam it anyway it goes.
To get to the meat of the book. The mystery. Rose has so much bad luck with her niece and nephew that this was scary how they went missing and not a person anywhere knew what happened or where they went. You know Mike is a shady person but would he do anything with the kids? A man is found dead and it seems it is all tied into some shady dealings with Hardshaw. With all this going on what the hell is James doing? Oh! and Vera. ugh. Well Rose has to figure all this out while trying to have this baby. Bless it. You can see that Rose is torn between getting in there and standing back so she wouldn’t hurt her or the baby.She works all the angles she has and gets things done. There are still so much not answered that I am sure we will find them in the LAST BOOK!
Finally we get to meet the baby we have been dreaming of all this time. It comes with all kind of surprises. Just like everything for Rose. My heart melts for her and Joe as they take this first step into being a parent.
I didn’t even touch on any of the funny stuff that goes on. Ya’ll, for real. Laughing out loud storied going on in this book. I was rolling. The tears. How many times can you cry in a book? I have no ideal but it is a lot. The emotional madness is there I put my kindle in time out a few times. Suspense is there in spades. I was trying to read while not looking because I didn’t know where it was going. THAT WAS HARD. So this book you are going to want to make your survival box ahead of time. Tissue, coffee, a stiff drink, and snacks. Once you start you are not going to want to stop for anything. Except timeouts. When you have to breath from all the overwhelming emotions.
Good job writing this one. I am happy how this story is going and have always had faith you knew where we needed to go in this book. I was also thrilled to see a shout out to some of my favorite books. Thanks. It is always fun looking for the Easter eggs.
The “Rose Gardner Investigations” is my favorite Romantic Suspense / Women Sleuths series. All books are extremely well written, elicit hundreds of emotions, have remarkable plots, and, especially, show outstanding character developments.
This sixth installment is no different, but, at the same time, it’s well apart from the others.
Rose’s niece and nephew are missing, and she sets herself the task to find them although she’s tired, cranked, hormonal, and about to give birth.
In her quest, she tries to enlist the help of old friends and exes. Some of them will jump on board, some will turn their backs on her. In the process, she’ll come to a final decision about love.
In many ways, this installment is the beginning of the end, as it answers the main conflict: who she will end up with. That will elicit different responses in different readers, but it sure won’t leave you indifferent. At all.
Another Amazing Rose Adventure!
The thrill of suspense and mystery made it impossible to put this book down. It filled me with a whirlwind of emotions. I can’t stop thinking about it. I love how all of the characters change and evolve throughout the series. The depth and detail that the author has put into them and their world is fantastic. I can hardly wait to find out what happens next.
Where to even begin?! This book is absolutely incredible! What a crazy, intense, heart racing story. I think I felt every single emotion there is while reading this book from start to finish. Denise Grover Swank, you never cease to blow me away. Your writing makes me feel like I’m actually living in the story, and the entire world shuts down around me. All I can say is go read this book immediately, and don’t plan on putting it down until you’re finished.
When the Bough Breaks took me through a full range of emotions. There is comic relief, emotional turmoil, heartache, and joy.
Rose gets a few answers to some of the questions she has had from previous books, but I think she is still in the dark about so much. James knows more than he’s willing to let her in on. Many of the things he is doing is mostly in the name of trying to protect her, but it is ultimately bringing him misery.
We get to see more of Dermot in this book and it’s interesting to see how much Rose has come to trust and depend on him.
Many past characters make a reappearance, if only in name or recounting of an event. It was nice to be reacquainted if only for a moment.
The main purpose of this book is fulfilled when Rose has her baby, in probably the most ‘Rose’ fashion ever and she solves the mystery of what happened to her niece and nephew. There are still so many unresolved questions that are sure to come with the next book. I honestly don’t know how everything still lingering could be answered in one more book, but I can’t wait to find out!
I was immediately captivated with “When the Bough Breaks”. This is the sixth book in the Rose Gardner Investigation series and it is my favorite one so far.
The author does a fantastic job reeling the reader in and feeling the same emotions as the main character. You feel for the characters, and you want what’s best for them. I loved seeing Rose grow in this book. Her character has developed a lot and I absolutely love the woman she is becoming. She is such an incredible character and one that readers could relate to or inspire to live like Rose.
Y’all, I absolutely loved this book. I ugly cried so many times. The good, the bad..I loved it all. It is such a fast paced book that it was truly hard to put this book down. So set some time aside where you can read this book in one sitting. Trust me, you won’t want to put the book down!! It is epic.
Looking forward to, “It All Falls Down”.
Wow! This book was like a finale in so many ways, but even better because it’s not the end! We see Rose herself come full circle. There are moments where she’s vulnerable and lets her wounded side show. So like the girl we met back in 28. But we also see her strong, and brave, and confident. She embraces all the good things about Lady and becomes this beautiful version of herself. And a new mother. We see her bring a baby into this world in the most Rose fashion.
Old characters make appearances. Other series characters are given a shout-out. Officer Ernie does Officer Ernie things. Mildred makes you cringe. There’s surprises and heartbreaks. Tears and laughter. We reflect on the past and we get a glimpse at how beautiful the future will be!
When the Bough Breaks was everything I needed in the next Rose Gardner Investigation book. I laughed so hard through so many scenes. I felt all of Rose’s emotions: happy, frustrated, angry, loved, excited, afraid, heartbreak, and pain. This book was such a fantastic exciting and action packed book. I was glad to see more of some of the amazing secondary characters like Bruce Wayne, Witt, and even Mason. Dermot has quickly become one of my favorite characters and hope we see a lot more from him in future books. Miss Mildred’s participation in Rose’s baby shower is hilarious and you can’t miss Officer Ernie’s near death experience. I was in stitches!!
I have loved Rose since 28 1/2 Wishes. She has grown so much throughout Rose Gardner Mysteries and even more in Investigations. I was so proud of her decisions and the strong independent woman she is now. I am also extremely proud of Joe and his growth since 28 1/2 Wishes. I love Neely Kate and Jed more with each book, too and am eager for their future.
The ending of When the Bough Breaks filled my heart with so much love and excitement and fear for the future. I need January to be here.
This book is everything that I didn’t know I needed!!! I had certain hopes going into it and Denise far surpassed them. Rose does a lot of soul searching in this book. And Neely Kate is there offering support and some great advice to Rose, while also chasing down leads with the hilarity that we’ve come to know and love. I don’t want to give anything away; but will say it has its emotional raw moments that tugged on my heartstrings; along with happiness and laughter. This series has just gotten better and better. I finished very late last night and have been obsessing over it since. I can’t enough and am going to go reread it now! You don’t want to miss this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Wow! Once again Denise did not disappoint! Rose Gardner has always been one of my favorite book characters and I always enjoy catching up in her world. Rose hasn’t had her baby yet but is very close to her due date. She should be resting and getting ready for the baby’s arrival but instead when her niece and nephew disappear, Rose decides she will do anything in her power to find them. Rose has always gone above and beyond for those she cares about and it’s no different because she is pregnant. I love the support she gets from Joe, Neely Kate, Jed, and Dermot. I laughed, cried, and told my children many times to let me finish my book because I did not want to put it down! Rose has had a hard road and it hasn’t gotten any easier in this story but she is a fighter and stronger than ever! I can’t wait to see Rose raising her baby! Thank you Denise for another fantastic Rose story!
OMG, speechless, happy, curious but most of all…speechless. This was indeed the most intense of the series but holy crap it was awesome!! I give it 10 stars!!
Rose’s life and story continues with the upcoming birth of her baby. She is still struggling with her brother in law on visitation of her niece Ashley and nephew Mikey then they go missing…
The anxiety I had over them going missing tore at me. Over the past books you come to know them as well as never ever wanting to hear about a child come up missing or being taken.
This story has many different mysteries to solve and you just don’t know if they are all tied into the same problem or completely different issue altogether. It really makes it exciting.
This had a huge rollercoaster of emotions. I’m laughing, I’m close to crying, I’m biting my nails in suspense, laughing again and shaking my head, so much happiness then fear, shock, a few happy fist pumps in the air and more suspense.
I can’t tell you how much I loved this books so much, I most likely will be re-reading it again very soon. Highly recommend!