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Sons of Broad #0.5
Shattered Fear
From New York Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me, writing as Tara Thomas, comes an explosive new romantic suspense series.
Welcome to the sultry streets of Charleston, where simmering desire and dark danger rule...
Forbidden love never felt so good...
She’s got a killer to catch.
He just might be it.
Undercover detective Janie Roberts needs to find out for sure if Brent Taylor is a murderer.
Handsome, wealthy, and sexy-as-sin Brent Taylor.
She’s got to get close enough to learn his secrets.
But getting this close is dangerous in more ways than one…
Welcome to the sultry streets of Charleston, where simmering desire and dark danger rule...
Forbidden love never felt so good...
She’s got a killer to catch.
He just might be it.
Undercover detective Janie Roberts needs to find out for sure if Brent Taylor is a murderer.
Handsome, wealthy, and sexy-as-sin Brent Taylor.
She’s got to get close enough to learn his secrets.
But getting this close is dangerous in more ways than one…
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2018
About the author
Tara Thomas
8 books65 followersTara Thomas’s love of books and writing started as a child and though she wanted to be an author, she decided a degree in science was more practical. After fifteen years in the pharmaceutical industry, she returned to her first love and hasn’t looked back since.
She writes erotic romance as Tara Sue Me. Her Submissive Series novels have been on both the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists. Her novel THE MASTER earned a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, was awarded Best Romance of 2016 from Best Book Awards, and is a 2017 RITA Finalist for Best Erotic Romance.
She writes erotic romance as Tara Sue Me. Her Submissive Series novels have been on both the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists. Her novel THE MASTER earned a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, was awarded Best Romance of 2016 from Best Book Awards, and is a 2017 RITA Finalist for Best Erotic Romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
January 28, 2018
Shattered Fear by Tara Thomas is the first of three prequel novellas being published in the new romantic suspense Sons of Broad series. These prequel novellas feature detective Janie Roberts who has been working undercover as a bartender while working a case searching for a killer.
As Janie is tending bar she meets the handsome and charming Brent Taylor and there is something about him that draws her in. Brent checks all the boxes of the type of man Janie should be looking for as a suspect in the crime but before Janie knows it she finds herself crossing a line that she shouldn’t.
I wasn’t familiar with this author before picking up this series but it didn’t surprise me at all to learn that she is crossing over from writing erotic stories when the steam began to rise from the pages in this little novella. Her first attempt her with romantic suspense though felt like a solid beginning to the series and had my curiosity up.
Anyone that follows my reviews at all may very well be able to guess what my complaint with this first book would be…. it’s just too short of course. It seems like as soon as the story is established and the characters introduced the book was at the end. I would give this open 3.5 stars and I do believe that all three opening novellas in this series though focus on Janie and Brent so I’ll definitely be checking out what happens to them next in Hidden Fate.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
As Janie is tending bar she meets the handsome and charming Brent Taylor and there is something about him that draws her in. Brent checks all the boxes of the type of man Janie should be looking for as a suspect in the crime but before Janie knows it she finds herself crossing a line that she shouldn’t.
I wasn’t familiar with this author before picking up this series but it didn’t surprise me at all to learn that she is crossing over from writing erotic stories when the steam began to rise from the pages in this little novella. Her first attempt her with romantic suspense though felt like a solid beginning to the series and had my curiosity up.
Anyone that follows my reviews at all may very well be able to guess what my complaint with this first book would be…. it’s just too short of course. It seems like as soon as the story is established and the characters introduced the book was at the end. I would give this open 3.5 stars and I do believe that all three opening novellas in this series though focus on Janie and Brent so I’ll definitely be checking out what happens to them next in Hidden Fate.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
January 29, 2018
This was a pretty decent super quick novella that sets up the SONS OF BROAD series. The relationship was a little too insta and fell a little flat for me but since Janie and Brent continue in other novellas and maybe the full-length books as well I went with it. I also have a reasonably good idea who the baddie is that is doing THE GENTERLMANS dirty work. Overall though, I was intrigued enough to continue with the series.
April 19, 2018
Thank you St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hmm.. I don't understand why these prequel novellas are breakdown into three parts instead of one (which I prefer). This one is about Detective Janie Roberts working as an undercover agent by bartending in a club to investigate whereabouts of girls who went missing at the said establishment and she'll hunt down the suspect. While working, she meets Brent Taylor. He's a sexy and good looking guy. Both of them are attracted to each other but Janie was wary about him and chances are he's the one responsible of these heinous crime.
Suspense/thriller wise it's good but the characters were underdeveloped. Not a fan of the romance here because everything just happened so fast. I wish these characters take their time 😂 The Gentleman was shady af. I hope the next ones are better.
Hmm.. I don't understand why these prequel novellas are breakdown into three parts instead of one (which I prefer). This one is about Detective Janie Roberts working as an undercover agent by bartending in a club to investigate whereabouts of girls who went missing at the said establishment and she'll hunt down the suspect. While working, she meets Brent Taylor. He's a sexy and good looking guy. Both of them are attracted to each other but Janie was wary about him and chances are he's the one responsible of these heinous crime.
Suspense/thriller wise it's good but the characters were underdeveloped. Not a fan of the romance here because everything just happened so fast. I wish these characters take their time 😂 The Gentleman was shady af. I hope the next ones are better.
January 2, 2018
Undercover cop Janie Roberts knows he fits the profile of the villain who is abducting women near a refined “gentlemen’s club.” Shouldn’t be a problem for Janie, except handsome charming and extremely wealthy Brent Taylor also fits as a possible love interest for the normally all-business cop. That blur of focus and his incredible skills behind closed doors could not only cost her job, but the lives of innocent victims as she gets too up close and personal with a suspect.
Only when she is caught with her hand in the proverbial cookie jar, is she forced to reveal who she is. Has Janie blown the case? Has she blown any chances with Brent if he is innocent? Someone is lurking in the shadows, pulling the strings of life and death and he may just get away with it, thanks to Janie.
SHATTERED FEAR by Tara Thomas is a short introduction to a new romantic suspense series that has all of the elements to promise some high tension reading, but acts more as a slightly erotic teaser than anything. Sure there are some very dark elements that beg to be revealed, and hopefully more depth will follow for each of the characters!
A quick read that may entice readers to want more of the meat and potatoes of a mystery/suspense with a side of steaming fluff.
I received a complimentary ARC review copy from St. Martin's Paperbacks.
Series: Sons of Broad - Book .5
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (February 6, 2018)
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Only when she is caught with her hand in the proverbial cookie jar, is she forced to reveal who she is. Has Janie blown the case? Has she blown any chances with Brent if he is innocent? Someone is lurking in the shadows, pulling the strings of life and death and he may just get away with it, thanks to Janie.
SHATTERED FEAR by Tara Thomas is a short introduction to a new romantic suspense series that has all of the elements to promise some high tension reading, but acts more as a slightly erotic teaser than anything. Sure there are some very dark elements that beg to be revealed, and hopefully more depth will follow for each of the characters!
A quick read that may entice readers to want more of the meat and potatoes of a mystery/suspense with a side of steaming fluff.
I received a complimentary ARC review copy from St. Martin's Paperbacks.
Series: Sons of Broad - Book .5
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (February 6, 2018)
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 6, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Love this novella, except: IT IS A CLIFFHANGER!! I really hate cliffhangers. I want a complete story in a book and I really don't like the format. That little rant over with, I really love the plot and the characters, and, yes, I will continue this series. I like this authors style, except for the cliffhanger.
Janie Roberts, Charleston, South Carolina police detective is undercover as a bartender and she has a kidnapper and killer to catch. When handsome, wealthy and oh-so -sexy Brent Taylor catches her eye, she has to make a decision: is he or isn't he the one. But getting close to him convinces Janie that he is definitely "the one".
Janie has made a powerful enemy, one with a lot of money and influence and one who is now targeting her.
Love this novella, except: IT IS A CLIFFHANGER!! I really hate cliffhangers. I want a complete story in a book and I really don't like the format. That little rant over with, I really love the plot and the characters, and, yes, I will continue this series. I like this authors style, except for the cliffhanger.
Janie Roberts, Charleston, South Carolina police detective is undercover as a bartender and she has a kidnapper and killer to catch. When handsome, wealthy and oh-so -sexy Brent Taylor catches her eye, she has to make a decision: is he or isn't he the one. But getting close to him convinces Janie that he is definitely "the one".
Janie has made a powerful enemy, one with a lot of money and influence and one who is now targeting her.
February 2, 2018
I'm not reading a lot of romantic suspense romance but when I first read the synopsis of Darkest night, first book in the Sons of Broad series, I was curious right away.
Shattered Fear is a novella to give you a glimpse of what's happening in the street of Charleston.
I have to admit that I should have paid more attention because I wasn't aware there would be three novellas with the same characters but that being said I still enjoyed the set up of what's to come. I'm definitely curious about the Benedict family.
As for Janie and Brent, the main characters in these three novellas, they are kind of cute but I have a problem connecting fully with them. Them together felt a little too easy, too quick but it doesn't bother all that much because to me it's not the main focus. The danger surrendering them is what keep me going. I have many questions and I hope to find some answers soon.
~I voluntary read a copy of this book provided by the publisher ~
Shattered Fear is a novella to give you a glimpse of what's happening in the street of Charleston.
I have to admit that I should have paid more attention because I wasn't aware there would be three novellas with the same characters but that being said I still enjoyed the set up of what's to come. I'm definitely curious about the Benedict family.
As for Janie and Brent, the main characters in these three novellas, they are kind of cute but I have a problem connecting fully with them. Them together felt a little too easy, too quick but it doesn't bother all that much because to me it's not the main focus. The danger surrendering them is what keep me going. I have many questions and I hope to find some answers soon.
~I voluntary read a copy of this book provided by the publisher ~
February 3, 2018
Shattered Fear was a quick, enjoyable romantic suspense read that does a great job setting up the series.
It's summertime in Charleston and undercover detective Janie Roberts has a killer to catch. Working as a bartender at a nightclub, she meets Brent Taylor who appears to match the criteria for the killer. As Janie gets to know Brent to find out if he's the killer, she unexpectedly finds herself falling her him. Could Brent really be the killer or is there someone else lurking in the shadows?
Janie is a competent detective who after discovering a link between several missing women and a nightclub, pushes to work there undercover. Janie is dedicated to her job and wouldn't know what to do in life if she wasn't a cop. Brent is a well known philanthropist who is as charming as he is handsome. As this novella is fairly short, Janie and Brent's relationship does move to the next level fairly quickly but it was well done and very sexy.
The plot with the missing women was a fairly interesting one. Then when one is murdered, the stakes are even higher. I'm curious to find out who the mysterious Gentleman is who's pulling the strings. I have a theory on who The Gentleman's helper is, so I'm excited to find out if I'm right in future books.
As the first of three prequel novellas, Shattered Fear did a great job getting me interested in the characters and the plot and I'm excited to find out what will happen in the rest of the books.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
It's summertime in Charleston and undercover detective Janie Roberts has a killer to catch. Working as a bartender at a nightclub, she meets Brent Taylor who appears to match the criteria for the killer. As Janie gets to know Brent to find out if he's the killer, she unexpectedly finds herself falling her him. Could Brent really be the killer or is there someone else lurking in the shadows?
Janie is a competent detective who after discovering a link between several missing women and a nightclub, pushes to work there undercover. Janie is dedicated to her job and wouldn't know what to do in life if she wasn't a cop. Brent is a well known philanthropist who is as charming as he is handsome. As this novella is fairly short, Janie and Brent's relationship does move to the next level fairly quickly but it was well done and very sexy.
The plot with the missing women was a fairly interesting one. Then when one is murdered, the stakes are even higher. I'm curious to find out who the mysterious Gentleman is who's pulling the strings. I have a theory on who The Gentleman's helper is, so I'm excited to find out if I'm right in future books.
As the first of three prequel novellas, Shattered Fear did a great job getting me interested in the characters and the plot and I'm excited to find out what will happen in the rest of the books.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
February 6, 2018
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Shattered Fear started out pretty strong, but as the story went on, I found Janie to be a rather weak female character. For a seasoned police officer, she acted more like a damsel in distress than someone who could take control and catch a killer.
Story:
The mystery is pretty strong in Shattered Fear, and I enjoyed how one character remained unknown until the end. Only alluded to as 'The Gentleman' the brain behind missing women and murdered dancers never showed his face. Not even to the readers. Apart from the mystery, though, I was left with wanting more. I wanted more character development. More interactions between the protagonists. More of the actual police work.
Characters:
Janie was working as an undercover police officer in a bar / gentlemen's club from where several women had been kidnapped. She was very easily distracted by Brent, though. And while their chemistry was good, I couldn't really get into that because Janie didn't really act like an experienced investigator.
Brent is a rich man, used to having things go his way. And that's about all I got to know about him.
Writing style :
Third person point of view, past tense with some good dialogues, and Shattered Fear should have blown me away. Sadly, it didn't. I am very curious about 'the Gentleman', though, and I will continue reading this series.
Feels :
I was mostly a bit frustrated. I wanted Janie to be more assertive. In charge, of herself and the situation, instead, she immediately went on to lean on Brent and let him take care of things for her.
He was classically handsome in the guy-next-door look. Of course, she had no idea where that phrase came from; none of her neighbors had ever been half as good-looking.
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Shattered Fear started out pretty strong, but as the story went on, I found Janie to be a rather weak female character. For a seasoned police officer, she acted more like a damsel in distress than someone who could take control and catch a killer.
Story:
The mystery is pretty strong in Shattered Fear, and I enjoyed how one character remained unknown until the end. Only alluded to as 'The Gentleman' the brain behind missing women and murdered dancers never showed his face. Not even to the readers. Apart from the mystery, though, I was left with wanting more. I wanted more character development. More interactions between the protagonists. More of the actual police work.
Characters:
Janie was working as an undercover police officer in a bar / gentlemen's club from where several women had been kidnapped. She was very easily distracted by Brent, though. And while their chemistry was good, I couldn't really get into that because Janie didn't really act like an experienced investigator.
Brent is a rich man, used to having things go his way. And that's about all I got to know about him.
Writing style :
Third person point of view, past tense with some good dialogues, and Shattered Fear should have blown me away. Sadly, it didn't. I am very curious about 'the Gentleman', though, and I will continue reading this series.
Feels :
I was mostly a bit frustrated. I wanted Janie to be more assertive. In charge, of herself and the situation, instead, she immediately went on to lean on Brent and let him take care of things for her.
He was classically handsome in the guy-next-door look. Of course, she had no idea where that phrase came from; none of her neighbors had ever been half as good-looking.
January 14, 2018
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Shattered Fear by Tara Thomas is a spine tingling, action packed novella that will leave you wanting more. This short story introduces you to the main characters and will leave you with a big time cliff hanger, so get ready to be hooked on this new series.
Janie Roberts is a cop who is sent undercover to solve a disturbing case of girls going missing from a gentleman’s club. While bartending, she meets someone who just might fit the suspects profile.
Brent Taylor, a wealthy, well known business man in Charleston is hard to deny when he asks Janie out while she is working undercover. She finds herself drawn to him, but knows she must keep her distance. After all, he could be the murderer they are searching for.
Resisting Brent’s sizzling good looks, while trying to investigate him, may be Janie’s undoing. Can she keep her head in the game, and solve the crime without endangering herself or those around her?
This was my first time reading Tara Thomas. I am a huge mystery and crime fiction fan, and I can tell this series is going to satisfy. A bit of sizzling romance thrown into the mix made this a fast paced, enjoyable read. I highly recommend picking this one up and settling in for some great entertainment.
4 stars for this fiery novella by Tara Thomas.
Shattered Fear by Tara Thomas is a spine tingling, action packed novella that will leave you wanting more. This short story introduces you to the main characters and will leave you with a big time cliff hanger, so get ready to be hooked on this new series.
Janie Roberts is a cop who is sent undercover to solve a disturbing case of girls going missing from a gentleman’s club. While bartending, she meets someone who just might fit the suspects profile.
Brent Taylor, a wealthy, well known business man in Charleston is hard to deny when he asks Janie out while she is working undercover. She finds herself drawn to him, but knows she must keep her distance. After all, he could be the murderer they are searching for.
Resisting Brent’s sizzling good looks, while trying to investigate him, may be Janie’s undoing. Can she keep her head in the game, and solve the crime without endangering herself or those around her?
This was my first time reading Tara Thomas. I am a huge mystery and crime fiction fan, and I can tell this series is going to satisfy. A bit of sizzling romance thrown into the mix made this a fast paced, enjoyable read. I highly recommend picking this one up and settling in for some great entertainment.
4 stars for this fiery novella by Tara Thomas.
January 20, 2018
So I knew going into this story that it was a novella designed to introduce a new series. However, I had no idea that meant it would end on a cliffhanger! Ugh! Other than that it was a great setup for a series. The story had interesting characters and what could be interesting plot twists. However, at times it seemed to focus more on the romance than the actual mystery so readers looking for more police procedural aspects may be disappointed.
February 27, 2018
Shattered Fear is a well told introduction to what looks like a very promising series.
Janie Roberts is an undercover cop investigating the disappearance of many girls. When Brent a wealthy businessman asks her out she knows she must keep her wits about her as he could be involved.
A great introduction to the characters and after that ending I can’t wait to read more.
Janie Roberts is an undercover cop investigating the disappearance of many girls. When Brent a wealthy businessman asks her out she knows she must keep her wits about her as he could be involved.
A great introduction to the characters and after that ending I can’t wait to read more.
January 20, 2018
I read this last night to see if I might want to continue into the series with the first book releasing at the end of February. I love the genre so it was my top pick to try out of about 10 options from publisher emails. Well this wasn't for me.
I realize it is a novella and while it had plot and action it was just lacking too much in character and world development. The romance happened way too quickly; I would expect it to develop over time or over continued time spent together in a full book. These were people who had just met, who by virtue of their circumstance should be very cautious. Sure they might have an instant attraction and crazy lust but I didn't feel that and why would they jut jump in?
This was not for me.
I realize it is a novella and while it had plot and action it was just lacking too much in character and world development. The romance happened way too quickly; I would expect it to develop over time or over continued time spent together in a full book. These were people who had just met, who by virtue of their circumstance should be very cautious. Sure they might have an instant attraction and crazy lust but I didn't feel that and why would they jut jump in?
This was not for me.
April 2, 2018
Shattered Fear was a short read but a great beginning to a series that I already want to know the ending too. I jumped right into the next book.
If you like a book that will have you constantly wondering 'who did it' this is for you. The chemistry between the Janie and Brent was immediate. I'm jumping right into the next book.
If you like a book that will have you constantly wondering 'who did it' this is for you. The chemistry between the Janie and Brent was immediate. I'm jumping right into the next book.
January 25, 2018
A tantalizing series of prequel novellas set the tone for the series and whet the reader’s appetite beginning with this first installment, Shattered Fear
Undercover cop, Janie, is trying to catch a serial kidnapper who preys on unattached women working a certain bar. She encounters sexy Brent Taylor and doesn't know whether to lose herself in his kisses or cuff him as chief suspect.
I enjoyed the set up. The suspense is strong where even the clever, unknown villain gets some narration time with Janie. She's a determined cop, but she is distracted- more than distracted- by sexy Brent who may or may not be more than he seems (not sure a cop of her supposed caliber would let herself get into this sort of trouble, but I'll go with it, for now). She's up against a lot once she starts to fall for Brent, but women are being taken and never seen again so she tries hard to work her case even while being in Brent's bed is the most amazing experience of her life. Whew boy that was some great sensual and steamy interludes, too.
The villain ups the stakes and this segment of the prequel series ends on an ominous note of murder, attempted murder, plans for a new kidnapping victim and Janie right in the crosshairs.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Undercover cop, Janie, is trying to catch a serial kidnapper who preys on unattached women working a certain bar. She encounters sexy Brent Taylor and doesn't know whether to lose herself in his kisses or cuff him as chief suspect.
I enjoyed the set up. The suspense is strong where even the clever, unknown villain gets some narration time with Janie. She's a determined cop, but she is distracted- more than distracted- by sexy Brent who may or may not be more than he seems (not sure a cop of her supposed caliber would let herself get into this sort of trouble, but I'll go with it, for now). She's up against a lot once she starts to fall for Brent, but women are being taken and never seen again so she tries hard to work her case even while being in Brent's bed is the most amazing experience of her life. Whew boy that was some great sensual and steamy interludes, too.
The villain ups the stakes and this segment of the prequel series ends on an ominous note of murder, attempted murder, plans for a new kidnapping victim and Janie right in the crosshairs.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2018
Shattered Fear is the first of three prequel novellas in the new Sons of Broad series by Tara Thomas and it introduces readers to Detective Janie Roberts who is currently investigating a potential serial killer. Women have been going missing from a local bar and Janie is working there undercover looking for suspects. Wealthy businessman Brent fits the profile for the murderer perfectly and is currently her number one suspect but that doesn't stop her from finding him incredibly attractive and it doesn't take long for her to blur the lines between professional and personal.
This novella started out quite well so I hate to say it but it went downhill fast, Janie is supposed to be a brilliant detective but she completely loses all common sense simply because a handsome man is interested in her. Never mind that she thinks he might be a serial killer - he's so hot she's going to sleep with him anyway! The speed at which their relationship progresses was beyond ridiculous and that completely ruined the story for me. What woman in their right mind would have sex with a man she thinks is abducting and murdering women? I don't care if he looks like David Gandy, if I think a guy might murder me I'm not hopping in bed with him!!
I've since found out that the first three novellas in this series are all about this couple so I think the author and publisher have basically chosen to split what should have been a full length book into three parts but I really don't understand the reasoning behind that. I think this could have been really good as a longer story where Tara Thomas could have taken her time developing the romance but it's like she suspected readers wouldn't buy the rest of the story if she didn't include the couple hooking up in the first instalment. This is one of the worst cases of insta-love I've seen in a romantic suspense, it might have worked in a paranormal fated mates type trope but fails spectacularly in a contemporary setting.
I have to admit if I'd bought this novella myself I probably wouldn't be interested enough to carry on reading, mainly due to the speed of the romance but also because Janie was the most unprofessional and hopeless detective I've ever come across. She has no credibility as an intelligent woman or a trained detective and I highly suspect the murderer could run at her with a knife in his hand and she wouldn't have the brains to think him dangerous. As for Brent we've not been given enough information about him for me to feel invested in him as a character so at the moment I don't really care what happens to him. Because I was given all three novellas for review from the publisher I'm going to read the rest of their story to see if Janie manages to redeem herself and if I ever find her relationship with Brent credible but unfortunately I'm nowhere near as excited for this series as I was before.
This novella started out quite well so I hate to say it but it went downhill fast, Janie is supposed to be a brilliant detective but she completely loses all common sense simply because a handsome man is interested in her. Never mind that she thinks he might be a serial killer - he's so hot she's going to sleep with him anyway! The speed at which their relationship progresses was beyond ridiculous and that completely ruined the story for me. What woman in their right mind would have sex with a man she thinks is abducting and murdering women? I don't care if he looks like David Gandy, if I think a guy might murder me I'm not hopping in bed with him!!
I've since found out that the first three novellas in this series are all about this couple so I think the author and publisher have basically chosen to split what should have been a full length book into three parts but I really don't understand the reasoning behind that. I think this could have been really good as a longer story where Tara Thomas could have taken her time developing the romance but it's like she suspected readers wouldn't buy the rest of the story if she didn't include the couple hooking up in the first instalment. This is one of the worst cases of insta-love I've seen in a romantic suspense, it might have worked in a paranormal fated mates type trope but fails spectacularly in a contemporary setting.
I have to admit if I'd bought this novella myself I probably wouldn't be interested enough to carry on reading, mainly due to the speed of the romance but also because Janie was the most unprofessional and hopeless detective I've ever come across. She has no credibility as an intelligent woman or a trained detective and I highly suspect the murderer could run at her with a knife in his hand and she wouldn't have the brains to think him dangerous. As for Brent we've not been given enough information about him for me to feel invested in him as a character so at the moment I don't really care what happens to him. Because I was given all three novellas for review from the publisher I'm going to read the rest of their story to see if Janie manages to redeem herself and if I ever find her relationship with Brent credible but unfortunately I'm nowhere near as excited for this series as I was before.
February 6, 2018
cette 1ere nouvelle pose les bases d une saga qui s avère palpitante . Tara Thomas nous invite à Charleston sur les traces d un tueur en série et Janie va devoir choisir entre sa carrière et son coeur
chronique complète https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
chronique complète https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
January 29, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Tara Sue Me (who writes some of my favourite BDSM books), was writing romantic suspense under the pen name Tara Thomas. Sign me up immediately!
Shattered Fear is a novella that sets up this new series. In it, we meet Janie, an undercover cop who is tasked with trying to solve a series of abductions. She runs into a rather distracting problem when Brent, a wealthy business man, asks her out. He's attractive and hard to stay away from - even if she knows there is a possibility he may be the man responsible for abducting the women from club she is working undercover at.
This is short and ends in a cliffhanger, but it definitely does it's job. I want to learn everything I can about Janie and I am all in for this new romantic suspense series. As soon as I finished reading this novella I was ready to jump right into the next instalment and find out where Thomas would take us.
Shattered Fear is a novella that sets up this new series. In it, we meet Janie, an undercover cop who is tasked with trying to solve a series of abductions. She runs into a rather distracting problem when Brent, a wealthy business man, asks her out. He's attractive and hard to stay away from - even if she knows there is a possibility he may be the man responsible for abducting the women from club she is working undercover at.
This is short and ends in a cliffhanger, but it definitely does it's job. I want to learn everything I can about Janie and I am all in for this new romantic suspense series. As soon as I finished reading this novella I was ready to jump right into the next instalment and find out where Thomas would take us.
December 26, 2017
Janie Roberts is posing as a bartender at a Gentleman's Club as part of her undercover assignment. She is trying to find the person who is abducting women from the Club. Brent Taylor goes to the Club one night and meets Janie. Janie begins to suspect Brent of possibly being the kidnapper. Brent convinces Janie to go out on a date with him and Janie begins to learn more about Brent. She is surprised by some of what she learns, but still keeps the fact she is really an undercover detective to herself. When circumstances force her hand, Janie is left trying to figure out who the kidnapper is from the sidelines. I don't want to give too much away since this is a prequel to the series and sets up the rest of the books. I did find the plot interesting, the story flowed pretty well and I am interested in reading the next book in this series. There were multiple POV's in this book and it did get kind of confusing at times as to what was going on. It was a nice murder/budding romance book and if that is part of the genre you like to read, I would suggest giving this one a try. I was given an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
February 5, 2018
A very quick and dirty prequel (one of three) to the Sons of Broad romantic suspense series! I enjoyed meeting both Janie and Brent and the set up for this series is excellent! Shattered Fear ends in a bit of a cliffy. More to come in Hidden Fate and Twisted End and the rest of the series! ~ Missy, 4 stars
February 3, 2018
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. This is a voluntary review; all opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
I always enjoy prequel novellas to a series because I love the world-building and context they provide. They give you a deeper understanding of the world, introduce you to the key characters and allow you to see the backstories that will me mentioned later on in the series.
I really enjoyed the flow to Shattered Fear. Having sections told from Janie's POV mixed in with scenes from the killer's POV gives this novella a thrilling momentum. You get to see what Janie is up against and it gets your brain thinking about all sorts of possibilities. I definitely have a few theories and I can't wait to see if I'm right or not.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-2sQ
Actual Rating: 4/5
I always enjoy prequel novellas to a series because I love the world-building and context they provide. They give you a deeper understanding of the world, introduce you to the key characters and allow you to see the backstories that will me mentioned later on in the series.
I really enjoyed the flow to Shattered Fear. Having sections told from Janie's POV mixed in with scenes from the killer's POV gives this novella a thrilling momentum. You get to see what Janie is up against and it gets your brain thinking about all sorts of possibilities. I definitely have a few theories and I can't wait to see if I'm right or not.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-2sQ
Actual Rating: 4/5
January 14, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, especially the Publisher, of this book, for giving me an ARC in exchange for an fair and honest review.
3.5 Stars.
I've never heard of Tara Thomas till this book but boy, this romantic suspense novella was darn good. I want to read more. I want to know what happens next!
Janie Roberts, the heroine, is working undercover as a bartender. She's a police detective and she's on the trail of a kidnapper/killer. Brent Taylor, the H, seems to be her main suspect. But is he really? Hmmm....
Warning: this is too damn short and it ends in a cliffhanger but I didn't mind because book 2 is already out!
3.5 Stars.
I've never heard of Tara Thomas till this book but boy, this romantic suspense novella was darn good. I want to read more. I want to know what happens next!
Janie Roberts, the heroine, is working undercover as a bartender. She's a police detective and she's on the trail of a kidnapper/killer. Brent Taylor, the H, seems to be her main suspect. But is he really? Hmmm....
Warning: this is too damn short and it ends in a cliffhanger but I didn't mind because book 2 is already out!
January 23, 2018
Shattered fear by tara thomas.
Janie roberts is a cop. She is working undercover after 6 girls have been found dead 4 of them connect to the club she is working in. Brent taylor is captivated by Janie. But is he a suspect?
A absolutely fantastic read with great characters. Read in a few hours as I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to next part. Highly recommended. 5*.
Janie roberts is a cop. She is working undercover after 6 girls have been found dead 4 of them connect to the club she is working in. Brent taylor is captivated by Janie. But is he a suspect?
A absolutely fantastic read with great characters. Read in a few hours as I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to next part. Highly recommended. 5*.
February 4, 2018
3.5 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 6, 2018
From New York Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me, writing as Tara Thomas, comes an explosive new romantic suspense series.
Welcome to the sultry streets of Charleston, where simmering desire and dark danger rule...
Forbidden love never felt so good...
She’s got a killer to catch.
He just might be it.
Undercover detective Janie Roberts needs to find out for sure if Brent Taylor is a murderer.
Handsome, wealthy, and sexy-as-sin Brent Taylor.
She’s got to get close enough to learn his secrets.
But getting this close is dangerous in more ways than one…
•••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--SHATTERED FEAR is first of three parts in the introductory story line of Tara Thomas’ SONS OF BROAD romantic, suspense series. This is police officer /investigator Janie Roberts, and wealthy playboy philanthropist Brent Taylor’s story line.
Told from several third person points of view including Janie and Brent SHATTERED FEAR is part one of a three-part serial that focuses on a potential serial killer, and a number of missing and murdered young women in the Charleston area. Police officer Janie Roberts is sent undercover at a local bar where most of the murdered women had last been seen but falling for her number one suspect found our heroine fired before she had a chance to set things in motion. With wealthy philanthropic playboy Brent Taylor by her side, Janie becomes the target of a killer who set his sights on the woman sent to take him down.
The relationship between Brent and Janie is quick to build; an immediate attraction that places our heroine in direct conflict with the demands of her job but a job that she no longer is able to perform. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.
SHATTERED FEAR is a quick and thrilling read that sets up the premise and introduces some of the characters in Tara Thomas’ (aka Tara Sue Me) new SONS OF BROAD romance series including Brent’s half-sister attorney Bea Jacobs; bar waitress Tilly Brock; fellow detective and Janie’s friend Alyssa Adams and her boyfriend Mac; and their boss Officer Martin. The requisite evil has yet to be identified but there is more than one player threatening the lives of the people in Charleston, and their purpose unknown. SHATTERED FEAR ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.
I will add, that in all honesty, I am not a fan of serialized novels, and my rating would have been higher if I did not have to review a little at a time. It is difficult to comment for any serialized story line, when there is little to no difference between each progressive instalment on the author’s writing style, world building etc. A serialized novel is ONE book that has been divided into several instalments with each successive instalment furthering the story-thusly-writing a myriad of reviews for a partial story tends to focus on the events and not on any particular changes to writing skill, structure and sound.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 6, 2018
From New York Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me, writing as Tara Thomas, comes an explosive new romantic suspense series.
Welcome to the sultry streets of Charleston, where simmering desire and dark danger rule...
Forbidden love never felt so good...
She’s got a killer to catch.
He just might be it.
Undercover detective Janie Roberts needs to find out for sure if Brent Taylor is a murderer.
Handsome, wealthy, and sexy-as-sin Brent Taylor.
She’s got to get close enough to learn his secrets.
But getting this close is dangerous in more ways than one…
•••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--SHATTERED FEAR is first of three parts in the introductory story line of Tara Thomas’ SONS OF BROAD romantic, suspense series. This is police officer /investigator Janie Roberts, and wealthy playboy philanthropist Brent Taylor’s story line.
Told from several third person points of view including Janie and Brent SHATTERED FEAR is part one of a three-part serial that focuses on a potential serial killer, and a number of missing and murdered young women in the Charleston area. Police officer Janie Roberts is sent undercover at a local bar where most of the murdered women had last been seen but falling for her number one suspect found our heroine fired before she had a chance to set things in motion. With wealthy philanthropic playboy Brent Taylor by her side, Janie becomes the target of a killer who set his sights on the woman sent to take him down.
The relationship between Brent and Janie is quick to build; an immediate attraction that places our heroine in direct conflict with the demands of her job but a job that she no longer is able to perform. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.
SHATTERED FEAR is a quick and thrilling read that sets up the premise and introduces some of the characters in Tara Thomas’ (aka Tara Sue Me) new SONS OF BROAD romance series including Brent’s half-sister attorney Bea Jacobs; bar waitress Tilly Brock; fellow detective and Janie’s friend Alyssa Adams and her boyfriend Mac; and their boss Officer Martin. The requisite evil has yet to be identified but there is more than one player threatening the lives of the people in Charleston, and their purpose unknown. SHATTERED FEAR ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.
I will add, that in all honesty, I am not a fan of serialized novels, and my rating would have been higher if I did not have to review a little at a time. It is difficult to comment for any serialized story line, when there is little to no difference between each progressive instalment on the author’s writing style, world building etc. A serialized novel is ONE book that has been divided into several instalments with each successive instalment furthering the story-thusly-writing a myriad of reviews for a partial story tends to focus on the events and not on any particular changes to writing skill, structure and sound.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
January 27, 2018
3.5 Stars
Romantic suspense is quickly becoming a favorite trope of mine so I jumped at the opportunity to start reading this new series by Tara Thomas. I have been an avid reader of the erotica series of books that Tara wrote under her pen name Tara Sue Me so I was anxious to read her in a new light.
Shattered Fear is one of three novellas in the Sons of Broad series that will release prior to the first full length book release at the end of February. As such, I guess I expected this first novella to spend a majority of it's time building the characters, the story, the world the reader will be living in for the duration of the series. So I was a little off kilter when events happen at an accelerated pace right out of the gate.
Janie Roberts is an undercover police officer working as a bartender in a club where multiple women have gone missing. Pretty much at the same time the reader meets her, we also meet Brent Taylor who comes to her rescue from a drunken patron. Their attraction is immediate, and after just two brief interactions in a busy club, Janie goes out on a date with Brent. Now, I don't have anything against quick connections, insta-love, lust, whatever you want to call it, but Janie is a police officer, undercover, who hasn't ruled out Brent as being the killer. She begins an intimate relationship with him, not knowing if he is the one, who could potentially kill her too?
The suspense story is intriguing, I am very invested in seeing where this part of the story goes. I feel like there are clues woven into the story that I'm just not seeing yet, but I have my suspicions on who the killer is. I am anxious to move on to the next novella to see what happens next. The mix of suspense to romance in this story felt more weighted towards the romance, and since the relationship between Janie and Brent escalated so quickly, I don't feel a connection to them yet.
Tara is an amazing author, and I have no doubt that this romantic suspense series will be a huge success for her. I am moving on to the next novella to see what's in store for Janie and Brent!
NetGalley and St. Martin's Press provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Romantic suspense is quickly becoming a favorite trope of mine so I jumped at the opportunity to start reading this new series by Tara Thomas. I have been an avid reader of the erotica series of books that Tara wrote under her pen name Tara Sue Me so I was anxious to read her in a new light.
Shattered Fear is one of three novellas in the Sons of Broad series that will release prior to the first full length book release at the end of February. As such, I guess I expected this first novella to spend a majority of it's time building the characters, the story, the world the reader will be living in for the duration of the series. So I was a little off kilter when events happen at an accelerated pace right out of the gate.
Janie Roberts is an undercover police officer working as a bartender in a club where multiple women have gone missing. Pretty much at the same time the reader meets her, we also meet Brent Taylor who comes to her rescue from a drunken patron. Their attraction is immediate, and after just two brief interactions in a busy club, Janie goes out on a date with Brent. Now, I don't have anything against quick connections, insta-love, lust, whatever you want to call it, but Janie is a police officer, undercover, who hasn't ruled out Brent as being the killer. She begins an intimate relationship with him, not knowing if he is the one, who could potentially kill her too?
The suspense story is intriguing, I am very invested in seeing where this part of the story goes. I feel like there are clues woven into the story that I'm just not seeing yet, but I have my suspicions on who the killer is. I am anxious to move on to the next novella to see what happens next. The mix of suspense to romance in this story felt more weighted towards the romance, and since the relationship between Janie and Brent escalated so quickly, I don't feel a connection to them yet.
Tara is an amazing author, and I have no doubt that this romantic suspense series will be a huge success for her. I am moving on to the next novella to see what's in store for Janie and Brent!
NetGalley and St. Martin's Press provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
February 7, 2018
3 1/2 stars
Shattered Fear is the first of three prequel novellas in the exciting new Sons of Broad series by Tara Thomas. I was intrigued by the premise of the story, as well as the series, but there were some things that I had issues with. Janie Roberts is a police officer that is working undercover at a club to try and figure out who has been abducting women in the area, most have some ties to the club. Brent Taylor is a wealthy, powerful man in the community, but he also fits the unsub's criteria perfectly.
The story started out strong, however Janie's character seemed to change from a confident officer to a needy damsel in distress who acted nothing like any police officer I've ever seen, which made it difficult to understand the changes in her, or be able to like her. I'm not one who enjoys the insta-love/feelings/etc in romance stories, but even so, I didn't feel like what was between them was anything but lust.
This obviously ends with a cliffhanger, which I absolutely hate them. If the story is long enough that it requires more than one book to complete it, that is understandable, but there wasn't any reason to split up this story into 3 novellas. Honestly, had I known that ahead of requesting this book, I wouldn't have done so. I do have all three novellas that I will continue reading to see what happens, and hopefully it will continue to get better. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy most of this story, but between not really liking Janie, and the cliffhanger, it made it difficult to want to continue the series. I'm still intrigued by the suspense aspects of the story, and I curious to see where it will lead.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Shattered Fear is the first of three prequel novellas in the exciting new Sons of Broad series by Tara Thomas. I was intrigued by the premise of the story, as well as the series, but there were some things that I had issues with. Janie Roberts is a police officer that is working undercover at a club to try and figure out who has been abducting women in the area, most have some ties to the club. Brent Taylor is a wealthy, powerful man in the community, but he also fits the unsub's criteria perfectly.
The story started out strong, however Janie's character seemed to change from a confident officer to a needy damsel in distress who acted nothing like any police officer I've ever seen, which made it difficult to understand the changes in her, or be able to like her. I'm not one who enjoys the insta-love/feelings/etc in romance stories, but even so, I didn't feel like what was between them was anything but lust.
This obviously ends with a cliffhanger, which I absolutely hate them. If the story is long enough that it requires more than one book to complete it, that is understandable, but there wasn't any reason to split up this story into 3 novellas. Honestly, had I known that ahead of requesting this book, I wouldn't have done so. I do have all three novellas that I will continue reading to see what happens, and hopefully it will continue to get better. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy most of this story, but between not really liking Janie, and the cliffhanger, it made it difficult to want to continue the series. I'm still intrigued by the suspense aspects of the story, and I curious to see where it will lead.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
February 6, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Shattered Fear is the first of three short, intense novellas introducing the Sons of Broad series in a rather intriguing manner. Janie has been working undercover in a bar she believes is connected to the disappearance of several women. She’s a cop through and through and every instinct she’s ever trusted says that the handsome as sin Brent is a man she should be keeping an eye on… for more than one reason. He fits what she believes she’s looking for in her suspect. He also fits what she’d be looking for in a man completely for herself. Lines are drawn, and crossed.
The action of the story begins very quickly and I was tossed into a mystery and a very hot relationship immediately. Nothing wrong with either of those things – and even knowing this is one of three prequel novellas I was a bit surprised at the sudden dive right in feeling to Shattered Fear. Because this is such a short beginning there really isn’t much I could safely say without giving away something. So I’ll call this novella intriguing, it caught my imagination enough to want to move on to the next story to find out what is happening.
If you love Romantic Suspense, and enjoy an almost serialized beginning to a new series then I’d recommend that you get in on the beginning of the Sons of Broad series with Shattered Fear. It will definitely grab your attention.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Shattered Fear is the first of three short, intense novellas introducing the Sons of Broad series in a rather intriguing manner. Janie has been working undercover in a bar she believes is connected to the disappearance of several women. She’s a cop through and through and every instinct she’s ever trusted says that the handsome as sin Brent is a man she should be keeping an eye on… for more than one reason. He fits what she believes she’s looking for in her suspect. He also fits what she’d be looking for in a man completely for herself. Lines are drawn, and crossed.
The action of the story begins very quickly and I was tossed into a mystery and a very hot relationship immediately. Nothing wrong with either of those things – and even knowing this is one of three prequel novellas I was a bit surprised at the sudden dive right in feeling to Shattered Fear. Because this is such a short beginning there really isn’t much I could safely say without giving away something. So I’ll call this novella intriguing, it caught my imagination enough to want to move on to the next story to find out what is happening.
If you love Romantic Suspense, and enjoy an almost serialized beginning to a new series then I’d recommend that you get in on the beginning of the Sons of Broad series with Shattered Fear. It will definitely grab your attention.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
January 3, 2018
This novella introduces the Sons of Broad romantic suspense series. The setting is Charleston where a serial killer is targeting young women without families. They have been disappearing from a local club. The Prologue introduces The Gentleman and the nameless minion who is kidnapping girls for him. The minion is a gambler who owes The Gentleman half a million. He also apparently has ties to the police department since he knows Janie has been assigned to work undercover.
Janie is a police officer who is undercover at the club working as a bartender. There she meets Brent Taylor who is a rich guy who is also really handsome. She starts dating him despite the fact that he fits the profile of the kidnapper. They are shot at and Janie is removed from the case for her relationship with Brent. However, since a homeless guy she befriended outside the club is murdered, she doesn't want to let the case go and decides to investigate on her own.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and has a few things that bothered me. First of all, Janie is awfully weepy for a police officer. Also the relationship with Brent happened very quickly. I know that things have to happen fast in a novella but I still thought the relationship got too serious too fast. I also thought that Janie going from suspended to fired in the course of a couple of days seemed pretty unrealistic and looked like a potential lawsuit for the police department.
I am eager to see where the clue that Janie smelled a minty cedar smell and has linked it to the kidnapper goes in the next novella.
Janie is a police officer who is undercover at the club working as a bartender. There she meets Brent Taylor who is a rich guy who is also really handsome. She starts dating him despite the fact that he fits the profile of the kidnapper. They are shot at and Janie is removed from the case for her relationship with Brent. However, since a homeless guy she befriended outside the club is murdered, she doesn't want to let the case go and decides to investigate on her own.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and has a few things that bothered me. First of all, Janie is awfully weepy for a police officer. Also the relationship with Brent happened very quickly. I know that things have to happen fast in a novella but I still thought the relationship got too serious too fast. I also thought that Janie going from suspended to fired in the course of a couple of days seemed pretty unrealistic and looked like a potential lawsuit for the police department.
I am eager to see where the clue that Janie smelled a minty cedar smell and has linked it to the kidnapper goes in the next novella.
January 25, 2018
A southern mystery unfolds…
This is one of three connected novellas in the Sons of Broad series, the ending is a cliff-hanger. These novellas are scheduled to release a week apart from each other.
Single women are disappearing, four of whom had a connection to a gentlemen’s club. Police Officer Janie Roberts is undercover as a bartender at the club to discover information when she meets Brent Taylor, a man who the papers label a playboy philanthropist. He takes an immediate liking to Janie and her assessment is that he fits part of the profile for the perpetrator law enforcement seeks but the man is nothing like the media have portrayed him. Drawn to him, more than she should be, and knowing that she shouldn’t Janie begins to date him though she can’t say if she does so because he’s a suspect or he’s a man that attracts her. Her decision is risky and could amount to career suicide.
This novella is a piece of a larger story that is being serialized and according to promos is an introduction to the series. I found it interesting enough that I want to see what happens next but the characters were lacking in depth, perhaps because the plot moves quickly. The story is being told through Janie’s eyes but we are also given another viewpoint, that of an accomplice to the crimes through which we learn of the man behind it all who remains in the shadows, those portions of the story were quite intriguing. The focus in this piece of the puzzle is more on the budding romance between the protagonists than investigation of the disappearances which I expect will change as the story progresses.
An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.
This is one of three connected novellas in the Sons of Broad series, the ending is a cliff-hanger. These novellas are scheduled to release a week apart from each other.
Single women are disappearing, four of whom had a connection to a gentlemen’s club. Police Officer Janie Roberts is undercover as a bartender at the club to discover information when she meets Brent Taylor, a man who the papers label a playboy philanthropist. He takes an immediate liking to Janie and her assessment is that he fits part of the profile for the perpetrator law enforcement seeks but the man is nothing like the media have portrayed him. Drawn to him, more than she should be, and knowing that she shouldn’t Janie begins to date him though she can’t say if she does so because he’s a suspect or he’s a man that attracts her. Her decision is risky and could amount to career suicide.
This novella is a piece of a larger story that is being serialized and according to promos is an introduction to the series. I found it interesting enough that I want to see what happens next but the characters were lacking in depth, perhaps because the plot moves quickly. The story is being told through Janie’s eyes but we are also given another viewpoint, that of an accomplice to the crimes through which we learn of the man behind it all who remains in the shadows, those portions of the story were quite intriguing. The focus in this piece of the puzzle is more on the budding romance between the protagonists than investigation of the disappearances which I expect will change as the story progresses.
An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.
February 13, 2018
I am super excited about this series because the prologue novella did its job and did it well, in my opinion.
I knew before starting to read the novella that it is a prelude to what is to come and not even necessary to be read to follow the series. But since Tara Thomas is a new author to me, I wanted to test the waters, so to speak, and now I am enthusiastic about what's to come...
The novella definitely whets my appetite towards the series. There was a sizzling hot attraction between two intriguing characters, that I am looking forward to getting to know better. There were intense moments of suspense, action, and death. There were human interest aspects of the homeless man, drama at the workplace when Janie brakes the rules, and the budding relationship between Janie and Brent.
Janie is an established police officer and on an undercover assignment to solve the mysterious disappearance of several young women while she meets the town's notorious playboy, Brent Taylor. They are immediately drawn to each other, and even though Brent is the perfect candidate to be the kidnapper/killer, Janie can't resist the temptation of the attraction.
Brent and Janie's ardent hookup has consequences neither of them expected, and the story ends with a cliffhanger of murder, drama, and desire.
The novella is a scary, naughty, sweet, dramatic and intriguing start to the series. It might be a bit predictable, but it does set the scene for more excitement to come and does it well.
~ Four Spoons with the teaspoon on the side
I knew before starting to read the novella that it is a prelude to what is to come and not even necessary to be read to follow the series. But since Tara Thomas is a new author to me, I wanted to test the waters, so to speak, and now I am enthusiastic about what's to come...
The novella definitely whets my appetite towards the series. There was a sizzling hot attraction between two intriguing characters, that I am looking forward to getting to know better. There were intense moments of suspense, action, and death. There were human interest aspects of the homeless man, drama at the workplace when Janie brakes the rules, and the budding relationship between Janie and Brent.
Janie is an established police officer and on an undercover assignment to solve the mysterious disappearance of several young women while she meets the town's notorious playboy, Brent Taylor. They are immediately drawn to each other, and even though Brent is the perfect candidate to be the kidnapper/killer, Janie can't resist the temptation of the attraction.
Brent and Janie's ardent hookup has consequences neither of them expected, and the story ends with a cliffhanger of murder, drama, and desire.
The novella is a scary, naughty, sweet, dramatic and intriguing start to the series. It might be a bit predictable, but it does set the scene for more excitement to come and does it well.
~ Four Spoons with the teaspoon on the side
February 1, 2018
This is a great and quick read with everything you want in a book, compact sized.
Set in the beautiful city of Charleston Janie is an undercover cop working as a bartender at a gentleman's club that seems to be the point of impact where a serial killer has been targeting women. With virtually nothing to go on, Janie is sent in to work. There she meets the handsome, hot Brent who rescues her from a drunk customer. They hit it off and while Jamie is obviously on duty starts thinking Brent may, just maybe fit a little of the serial killers profile. So while filling out one of her weekly reports she does note he may be a person of interest, without saying much more.
Meanwhile Brent and Janie grow closer and start seeing each other. One day spent together turns
Janie's world upside down. She's suspended from her job, removed from the case which she is heavily invested in and the end of this book is the perfect segue into part two.
This is a well written short story that packs a pretty decent punch. The suspense is there for sure and it's got enough sizzle to keep you happy without being distracting. I really liked Brent and Janie together, nice level playing field and none of the usual bs we too often see in other books.
**arc from NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review**
3.5 stars
Set in the beautiful city of Charleston Janie is an undercover cop working as a bartender at a gentleman's club that seems to be the point of impact where a serial killer has been targeting women. With virtually nothing to go on, Janie is sent in to work. There she meets the handsome, hot Brent who rescues her from a drunk customer. They hit it off and while Jamie is obviously on duty starts thinking Brent may, just maybe fit a little of the serial killers profile. So while filling out one of her weekly reports she does note he may be a person of interest, without saying much more.
Meanwhile Brent and Janie grow closer and start seeing each other. One day spent together turns
Janie's world upside down. She's suspended from her job, removed from the case which she is heavily invested in and the end of this book is the perfect segue into part two.
This is a well written short story that packs a pretty decent punch. The suspense is there for sure and it's got enough sizzle to keep you happy without being distracting. I really liked Brent and Janie together, nice level playing field and none of the usual bs we too often see in other books.
**arc from NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review**
3.5 stars
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