So this was not one of my planned to-read books, but it caught my attention the other day when I read this quote: >>>> “More like a chocolate molten lava cake. A dessert so sinful, so luscious, so filled with inner heat it made a girl want to lick each and every crumb right off the plate. That was Jack Pallas.” and I realized that I really needed to meet that man! Soooo, this became my random rainy Saturday read and I was not dissappointed! It was a delightful, fun, lighthearted read – a bit of a blend between murder mystery and romance.. so I guess that would make it romantic suspense although there isn’t anything that will put your heart in your throat. That being said, I still didn’t want to put it down.
Right from the beginning, it had me laughing… here are the opening lines of the book:
“Thirty thousand hotel rooms in the city of Chicago, and Cameron Lynde managed to find one next door to a couple having a sex marathon.
“Yes! Oh yes! YES!”
Cameron pulled the pillow over her head, thinking – as she had been thinking for the past hour and a half – that is had to end sometime.”
Trying to take a little break from her life, Cameron decides that a pampered weekend in a 5-star hotel would be just what she needs. Of course, its just her luck that she happens to be placed next door to the couple engaged in a loud, lengthy sex marathon. Unpleased, she phones the front desk to complain, but when security arrives, the guy is gone and the girl is dead. The FBI are called in and her luck keeps on coming when swoon-worthy Special Agent Jack Dallas walks through her door. With their rocky history from three years ago, neither of them are thrilled to be involved in the same case. But as things escalate with the investigation leading to scandals, hostage situations, witness protection, shootings and more, the sparks between begin to fly…
“Jack clenched his jaw. “Christ, Cameon…. What the hell am I supposed to do when you look at me like that?”
“Ignore it. Stay focused on the fact that you hate me.
“I’m trying. I’m really trying here.”
The story started out strong with the writing style being fun, smooth and catchy. It is told from multiple POVs – including the killer’s. The storyline is pretty typical mystery format – engaging but not overly surprising, but its the BANTER that flew back and forth that was gold! Fast, witty, funny – it made the pages fly by.
“Glowering”—she liked that description. It was certainly more insightful than the generic “asshole” she’d been going with for the past three years.
Cameron was a strong, independent heroine. Jack was a hot, swoony hero. The book wasn’t overly focused on the sexual aspect of their relationship, but they also thankfully didn’t have any relationship crisis. There was a bit of steam, a lot of laughs, and some mystery… if you are a fan of romance but want to try out a quick, fun mystery, this would be a great read for you 🙂
CASTING: Jack Pallas –> Click here
Rating: 4 stars
*** ABOUT THE SERIES ***
In the Chicago criminal justice system, the people are represented by two groups of confident, frequently sarcastic, and shockingly attractive people, all of whom seem to spend an inordinate amount of time at Starbucks: FBI Special Agents, who investigate crimes, and the U.S. Attorneys, who prosecute the offenders. These are the stories of what happens when they’re not out busting bad guys. Happily ever after guaranteed.
Author note: these books are a “series” in the sense that they are set in a shared world and some characters make appearances in later books. They can, however, easily be standalones. Feel free to jump in wherever you like.
Click covers to purchase. Listed in correct reading order.
