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Hot Mess by Lynn Raye Harris

31/8/2014

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English professor Dr. Georgeanne Hayes has a problem. Her star pupil, an Army sergeant who works in a Top Secret government program, is missing—and someone tried to push her in front of a train last night.
Sam “Knight Rider” McKnight is used to looking out for Georgie. When they were kids, she was just his best friend’s baby sister. But Georgie’s not a baby anymore and Sam is getting some very male—and very dirty—thoughts about the girl he knows he can never have.
When someone threatens Georgie’s life again, Sam will do anything necessary to keep her safe. Even if it means spending the next few days locked up in a remote house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her.
Sam might be used to denying himself what he wants, but he’s about to find out that being cooped up with Georgie will push him to the limit. And maybe beyond

Oh this one was indeed a hot mess!
An alpha male, who is insecure of his worth as the man to the heroine.
A princess of a wealthy Texan family whom is an English professor, trying to prove she can cuss like a sailor when mad. I felt there was just something a bit off with the characters. Something that wasn't quite believable.
The sexual attraction was strong and steamy. Had been that way for years. The rest of the relationship developed within two days, that was just covered with 'they talked about everything'.
The suspense had great possibilities. The tension at the beginning of the tale was building, and I was expecting a great action. That never came. The situation was solved another way.
A story that had huge potential, that was cut off into a novella. It felt a bit rushed, so three spoons for this novella.

Hot Mess (A Hostile Operations Team Novella)(#2)
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No Hero by Mallory Kane

30/8/2014

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The bodies pile up… and the game goes on... In New Orleans, the bodies of murdered homeless teens have started washing up on the shores of the Mississippi River. For detective Deveraux "Dev" Gautier, these killings are way past being personal. Each one of these kids is a resident of his shelter – a kid who got a chance for a second start. And Dev’s only lead is held by the infuriating and undeniably sexy woman who flirted with him, kissed him, and then tried to ruin his life…Investigative TV reporter Reghan Connor stopped believing in heroes a long time ago. But when she discovers a potential lead in the case, she can’t sit idly by. Even if it means working with a man who hates her… and who still makes her knees weak with need. But now, everything Reghan believed in is about to be turned upside down. Because sometimes the whole story hasn’t been told. And while the good guys are willing to die for their beliefs, the bad guys are willing to kill…

This story took a hold of me from the page one, and kept it till 'the end', it is addictive and well written. Mallory Kane is a new author for me, and this will not be the last book I read by her!
The connection between Dev and Reghan is complex, the attraction and pull towards each other is tinted with distrust and leeriness from the past actions and experiences.
While Dev is trying to protect Reghan from the threats and malice, they have to work together and learn to trust each other, despite their history, to survive and save others from the serial killer. Dev didn't believe in love because of his childhood, Reghan had lost her faith in heroes, because of her past. When their eyes open to see the true self in each other, behind all the walls they had build, they find a connection that is true, genuine, and passionate.
The mystery of the killer who attacks towards people Dev care about, was intense with several surprise elements in the plot.  And even though I did figure out pretty early on, who might be the culprit, the suspense of the story kept the interest high.
Truly engaging storyline with intriguing setting, highly recommended with four big spoons and one tea spoon for a good measure!

No Hero
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Under His Protection by Katie Reus

29/8/2014

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Julieta’s stalker doesn’t play by the rules
Lingerie shop owner Julieta Mederos has worked hard to get her business off the ground. Now she’s looking forward to some quality time with her friends and her big, boisterous family. But explicit texts from random phone numbers and vandalism at her shop makes it clear someone dangerous has fixated on her. Without any solid leads, the police can’t help her and she’s forced to turn to the last man she wants to depend on.

…but neither does Ivan.
Former Army Ranger and newest Red Stone Security employee Ivan Mitchell has gotten used to being alone in the world. He never even thinks about it anymore—until he meets sexy, independent Julieta. She’s everything he could ever want…but she seems determined to keep him at arm’s length. Until now. Maybe the cops can’t do anything to protect her, but he can. When things escalate faster than even he expected, he finds himself pulling out his most extreme combat skills to protect her. He’ll do what it takes to save her life—and prove to her she belongs in his


Tension and suspense is high in the story, while Red Stone's 'viking' Ivan is trying to find who is stalking Julieta, the lady he has had intense, but hidden, feelings for over two months.
The story is told by his, hers and the villain's point of view. The villain is tormenting Julieta with disturbing, frightening text messages, until he feels forced into a more direct attack. The author paints a picture of a creepy, sick villain, that made my skin crawl, the scare factor definitely in place.
Ivan calls himself 'relationship challenged', he has never allowed himself to fall for woman. But he is helpless with the feelings he has for Julieta. It is definitely swoon worthy, when Ivan turns into a possessive protector, but at the same time showing his tender, caring side to Julieta. The way he wants them to get to know each other better, before deeper physical intimacy, is commendable.
Julieta is strong, independent woman, capable taking care of herself, and stay strong within her big family. With Ivan she finds out she can also be vulnerable and sensile, without losing herself.
The story has heart-raising suspense mixed with adorable, steamy love story with plenty of deep emotions. It was a quick read, but mainly cause I couldn't put it down before the end, four big spoons with a tiny teaspoon added for this one!!!
Even though the book is #9 in a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone story, but I do recommend the whole series if you like to read romantic suspense stories!

I was provided ARC copy of the book by publisher for honest and fair review via Net Galley

This story comes out on Monday 1st of September, pre-order link below!

Under His Protection (Red Stone Security Series Book 9)
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Seaside Dreams by Melissa Foster

28/8/2014

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Bella Abbascia has returned to Seaside Cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, as she does every summer. Only this year, Bella has more on her mind than sunbathing and skinny-dipping with her girlfriends. She’s quit her job, put her house on the market, and sworn off relationships while she builds a new life in her favorite place on earth. That is, until good-time Bella’s prank takes a bad turn and a sinfully sexy police officer appears on the scene.
Single father and police officer Caden Grant left Boston with his fourteen-year-old son, Evan, after his partner was killed in the line of duty. He hopes to find a safer life in the small resort town of Wellfleet, and when he meets Bella during a night patrol shift, he realizes he’s found the one thing he’d never allowed himself to hope for—or even realized he was missing.
After fourteen years of focusing solely on his son, Caden cannot resist the intense attraction he feels toward beautiful Bella, and Bella’s powerless to fight the heat of their budding romance. But starting over proves more difficult than either of them imagined, and when Evan gets mixed up with the wrong kids, Caden’s loyalty is put to the test. Will he give up everything to protect his son—even Bella?


Seaside Dreams is enchanting, sweet and steamy love story.
Bella and Caden's attraction is immediate and intense, and they have little power to fight against it. The way their relationship is built up, is enjoyable and fun to read. Bella and Caden are both building up new lives for themselves, facing the challenges of the new jobs and location, and now also the demands of new, strong attraction and possible relationship.
Caden's son Evan, is in that awkward place between being a child and young man, with all the angst, trials and tribulations fourteen year old faces. The storyline with Evan is real and easy to relate to.
But Seaside Dreams is more than just the love story. It's also endearing picture of lifelong friendships, and what a cornerstone those are in our lives. The secondary characters are vital part of the story. The love, support, and 'know-how' of those forever friendship is priceless.
Melissa Foster writes beautifully grafted stories, where the characters are real and authentic. It is easy to identify with their life, feelings, and challenges they face.
Seaside Dreams is delightful, satisfying, and entertaining story, highly recommended ~four spoons!

Seaside Dreams (Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers, Book One) Contemporary Romance
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Hot Pursuit Lynn Raye Harris

27/8/2014

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The last man she ever wanted to see…
Might be the only one who can save her…
Things are about to get HOT in the bayou!
Evie Baker’s luck just ran out. Thanks to an ex-partner with organized crime ties, she’s lost her restaurant, her money, and nearly all her self-respect. Forced to return to her hometown and work as a shampoo girl in her mother’s salon, she doesn’t think her luck can get any worse.
But then someone starts shooting at her, her sullen baby sister is suddenly missing, and the high school heartthrob who stole her heart—and her virginity—is the only man big enough and bad enough to help.
Captain Matt “Richie Rich” Girard can’t afford to get involved. He’s already on the verge of a court-martial after a Top Secret op gone wrong, and he’s been ordered to stay out of trouble while he’s home for his sister’s wedding.
But when Evie’s ex-partner turns up dead, staying out of trouble is the last thing on Matt’s mind. He failed Evie once before; he can’t fail her again. If he’s going to protect her from a killer, and find her sister before time runs out, he’ll have to risk his entire future—and both their lives—to do it.

I read all the critical reviews before downloading this book, but I decided to give it a try anyway. And I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed it.
The suspense is constant, tension building up with the wait game the villains are playing. Odd, unexpected factors playing into the plot on every turn. Hot military guys coming into rescue, while desperate chef is trying to help -- it wasn't only 'OMG what is happening' suspense, it made some comical situations. And the fact that Evie, the chef, was baking in the midst of it all, too funny, since I'm a chef and that's what I do when I have too much on my mind and life seems out of control...
The romance was a roll-a-coaster. Matt and Evie's childhood friendship, high school drama, small town living, were all playing parts that while brought them together, also held them apart. Both of them were at the crossroads with the professions, and future together seems unattainable. The attraction between them was electric. dynamic, rousing. But at the same time there was something so sweet, adorable in their love to each other.
Yes, at some points the story could have been a bit more 'packed' together and there was some repetition. But over all I enjoyed the story. Four spoons for this book one in the series!!
I can't wait to get to know thee other team members of the HOT better, and read about their adventures and HEA.

Hot Pursuit (A Hostile Operations Team Novel)(#1)
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Sinful Seduction by Katie Reus

26/8/2014

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Former Marine and newest Red Stone Security employee Alexander Blue is still adjusting to the civilian world after a decade spent at war, but when he sees someone in danger, nothing can take away that intrinsic need to protect. After stopping a would-be mugger, Blue finds himself being bandaged up by a sensual local artist in her Key West condo. He never expected to stay the night, even if it is on her couch. The mysterious Mina gets under his skin in a way he never thought possible. When it becomes clear that her mugging wasn’t random and she’s being targeted by deadly men, Blue has no problem stepping into the role of protector.
Tired of being coddled and treated like a child, Mina has tried to distance herself from her family. When danger finds her, she’s forced to turn to the sexy stranger who she feels a strong, unexpected connection with. In him she sees glimmers of herself; a little broken, withdrawn and wary of the world. Soon she learns that the biggest threat might not be from the men trying to kidnap her, but from the quiet warrior who poses an immediate risk to her heart.

I read the first seven books of this series what feels like ages ago, but this was one of those series, that I actually still remember after some time, and was delightfully surprised when I found new book had come out.
Sinful Seduction is not really that at all. I thought the attraction and chemistry between Alex and Mina, even though hot and steamy, was also adorable. With the insecurity they both felt with their feelings for each other, intensity of those feelings is tight. Alex's protectiveness towards Mina, how he takes care of her in the life threatening situation, and supports Mina in the events of the story is swoon worthy. Like it was said in the story 'true All-American Hero'.
The action and mystery is sharp and vivid, with enough twists in the plot, that keeps the reader on the edge, guessing.
It was a quick read, but enjoyable, with great intensity level of suspense and sweet romance, just how I like it ~ four spoons!!!


Sinful Seduction (Red Stone Security Series Book 8)
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Edge of the Heat 5 Lisa Ladew

25/8/2014

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Jerry Mansko, a fun-loving Paramedic/Firefighter is in physical therapy for a major injury to his leg. His therapist, Sara Acosta, fascinates him from the first time he sees her. But there's something unavailable and even a little dark about Sara. When she walks out on a date with him he checks her apartment to ensure she's OK. But Sara's not there ... and the words written on the walls in blood indicate a mystery far beyond his abilities to solve. Can Jerry find Sara and convince her to let him in to her life?

What a refreshing setting this book has. I've liked Jerry since the book one, and was looking forward to his story, and this didn't disappoint.
Jerry is fun, easy going guy. And when Sara is in trouble, Jerry tries his best to save her, rescue her, even though Jerry feels he's way over his head with the mission.
Without giving away anything on the plot, that is full of surprises, twists and turns, the man hunt in the story is grueling. The suspense, tension of the danger is constant, and will keep you absorbed in the story.
The attraction, love, Sara and Jerry have for each other is so sweet and endearing. The way Jerry fights for their relationship made me want to cheer.
The story is interesting, and like said, with so many new aspects in it from chapter to chapter, it is hard to say much, without giving something away and spoiling the element of surprise. But this whole series is something that has just gotten better by each book, and I can warmly recommend it to all fans of romantic suspense!

Four spoons for this story and the whole series!!

Edge of the Heat 5
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Seal the Deal  by Sharon Hamilton

24/8/2014

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Special Operator Nick Dunn gets the call he has been dreading since before his last deployment. His sister is in her final stages of cancer. He and his Team 3 roommate drive up to Sonoma County from Coronado to help her shut down her failing nursery business and tie up her final affairs.
Nick only vaguely remembers Devon Brandeburg, his sister’s best friend, but boy has she grown up. Last time he saw her was five years ago when he graduated BUD/s and completed SEAL qualification to obtain his Trident. Sparks begin to fly between the two of them, but not in the normal way for Nick. The woman wants nothing to do with him.
Devon Brandeburg has created a small financial fortune through her success in real estate. Her career is her main focus, but a closely guarded secret is her total lack of experience with men. After all, who needs them? Especially when their testosterone-stuffed egos suck all the air out of the room, like Nick’s does.

Nick’s sister requires two things of the both of them as her dying wish. 1. Nick and Devon must find a buyer for the nursery together, not allowing to her nasty winery owner neighbor next door to get his hands on her piece of heaven. 2. They date at least five times before she passes on.
What starts as a deathbed promise turns out to be a hot affair neither one expected. Nick becomes Devon’s teacher in her journey to womanhood. As she comes alive in his arms, the student brings the teacher something he’s never allowed himself to want, and now knows he needs

This story created so many emotions in me.
There was joy and amazement for the SEAL brotherhood, the fascinating and alluring way they take care of each other, always stand by each other, support each other. And this spills over also for the best friends and siblings.
There was charm and cheer for the new love. Blazing, sizzling love that was growing between Devon and Nick. And the sweet, delicate connection between Marc and Sofie.
There was sorrow, heartbreak, and anguish at the death of Sofie.
And grief, anger, torment with Nick's response for it. Even though it was expected, in a way, from other points of the story.
But at the end Devon and the story took me by surprise, in a positive way.
It was an emotional roll-a-coaster, this one, but enjoyable indeed, four spoons!!

SEAL The Deal (SEAL Brotherhood Book 4)
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Giveaway!!! 

24/8/2014

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a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Edge of the Heat 4 Lisa Ladew

22/8/2014

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Emma is marrying Craig, and Vivian is marrying Hawk. A dream come true for all of them. But their lives wouldn't be complete without a great surprise and a good shock. Too bad the night ends in devastation for someone.

A little novella to the Edge of the Heat readers, where we are invited to witness the double wedding.
The story does not go deeper than that, there isn't that much suspense,  but we do get a glimpse to the wedding extravagance.
And there are few hints of things coming in future books, cause the story doesn't end here at the double wedding.
But it does end with a cliff-hanger about Jerry. I don't like cliff-hangers, they are a huge turnoff for me. Just my opinion, nothing against the author.

But I did enjoy being part of the wedding, so three spoons for the free novella!

Edge of the Heat 4: The Double Wedding
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Edge of the Heat 3 Lisa Ladew

22/8/2014

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Emma and Craig have secured their love and put Emma's evil ex-husband behind bars, but the biggest threat still looms. Now Hawk is forced on the run and only Vivian can save him.
The Edge of the Heat series truly got better by each book!
Emma had grown into the strong, independent, capable woman I expected her to be. Her relationship with Craig was secure and mature.
The romance between Vivian and Hawk was enticing and passionate. I really like how Hawk, such a complex man, completely melts for his woman. 
The heat level was moderate, and fit very well with the storyline.
The action, suspense was brilliant. With twists and unexpected turns, the tension was building, riveting. All the previously open questions were answered, loose ends tighten up. I really enjoy how the author manages to surprise the reader with the unexpected, four spoons for part 3!


Edge of the Heat 3
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No Place to Hide by Shannon Stacey

21/8/2014

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Jack Donovan went through hell and back to save Isabelle once. Now she’s back in his life, hunted by an assassin so elusive some claim he’s only an urban legend. More than just a gun for hire, the killer is driven by a pathological need to take down his targets and, when Isabelle escapes the bullet meant for her, Jack knows he'll strike again. The only way to keep her alive is to keep her close, and Jack’s about to learn what hell really is.
In the year since Jack rescued her from a guerrilla compound and then walked away, Isabelle Arceneau has begun to put her life back on track. Now somebody wants her dead and Jack is once again her only hope for survival. As the Devlin Group races to uncover the killer’s identity and Jack and Isabelle go on the run in a desperate bid to keep her alive, she knows she can trust him with her life, but never again with her heart.

This book I've been hoping for to be published for so long, and when I found out it was coming out I did a little happy dance! AND when I got an e-mail last night that I actually won a copy of it, in a competition on the author's page... Yeah.

The emotional, psychological tension in the story is high. The team has gone through hell once before to save Isabelle's life, and Jack lost his heart to her, but had to let her go. And now a year later, she is the target of a professional serial killer, who has never missed the target.
They are on the run for Isabelle's life, and it is tense, straining, and scary. The surprises keeps coming, keeping them on the edge. The threat to her life seems constant and unavoidable. The bond in Devlin Group is tight, the camaraderie and wit admirable and entertaining. 
The love between Jack and Isabelle is raw, and profound, and so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes.
I absolutely love Shannon Stacey's voice, style, type of writing. I've read everything she has written, and she's one of the very few on my auto-buy list of authors.
And No Place to Hide was worth the wait and didn't disappoint in any way, shape or form. Yes, I'm gushing, but I can't help it. I felt the emotions the characters were feeling, there are some moments that make you smile, some that touch you heart and make you tear up and sigh... I pretty much inhaled the story on one sitting, hoping it wouldn't end just yet.
Absolutely five shiny spoons for this one, and I hope there will more stories with Devlin group in the future!


No Place to Hide (The Devlin Group Book 4)
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Stealing Justice  by Misty Evans & Adrienne Giordano

20/8/2014

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Justice “Grey” Greystone was fired from the FBI for insubordination. Now the FBI wants him to use his renegade skills to take down a serial killer who’s above the law. To trap the Lion, Grey will need to send the perfect woman undercover.
Sydney Banfield runs a women’s shelter and bends the law daily to help victims of abuse escape their painful lives. Three of the women she’s recruited for government jobs have become victims of the Lion. If Syd has her way, the vicious killer will never touch another woman again.
Grey and Sydney set a trap—with Sydney as the sexy bait—but the Lion adds a complex twist to his homicidal agenda. With Sydney’s life on the line, Grey must race against the clock to catch a killer who’s as unstoppable as he is evil.
Action packed, intense, energetic fist book of the series.
The villain in this story is smart, pure evil, the type to make your skin crawl and gives you nightmares.
Gray and Sydney are both a bit broken by their past, dealing with their issues alone, not trusting anyone to share the burden of their history, until they meet each other. The attraction is immediate, but at first Sydney uses her old survival tactics against Gray. The journey teaches them to trust in each other, and watching them fall in love is rather sweet. The heat level is moderate, and fits well with the storyline.
The banter between them is delightful and refreshing amongst all the angst of the chase after the serial killer.
The hunt is grueling and brutal, they have to take a step into the world that will hunt them with its nastiness and maliciousness.
Absolutely full of action, with circumstances constantly changing, mixed with alluring romance, and interesting secondary characters, makes this a refreshing and entertaining tale. Four shiny spoons for this one. I'll keep following this series cause I think this was a jackpot!! Can't wait to download the next one into my Kindle!


Stealing Justice (The Justice Team Book 1)
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Edge of the Heat 2 Lisa Ladew

19/8/2014

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Emma and Craig fought so hard for their love, and came together at the end of Edge of the Heat against all the odds.
Now Emma's heart is sunk at the very real chance that Craig will be taken from her for good, either by nature or by design.
Can Emma win him back in time for him to care about saving her when her ex-husband's evil plans land her tied up in the back of an RV speeding to Mexico?

The action, suspense, mystery was well written, kept me clued to my Kindle. It has some curves to it that were surprise, angles that made it all interesting. The strong point of the series!
The romance still feels a bit clumsy, but better than in book one. Heat level of the story also arises with a love scene. I don't know how it is possible to make love just few days after life treading injuries and surgery, but here they do. Good for them!
The male characters are true alpha, strong and capable, but not afraid to show their feelings (yes, they cry).
The heroine, Emma, seems to be run by her emotions, a bit excitable. Tends to forget everything and everyone else except the focus of her current emotion.
The villain is truly evil sociopath. When some parts of the story is told by his point of view, it made my skin crawl.
The book does not end with a cliff hanger, but with a possibility of more to the story.
Three spoons for part two as well.

Edge of the Heat 2
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Edge of the Heat Lisa Ladew

18/8/2014

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Emma Hill had been off the dating scene for 7 years, thanks to her crazy ex-husband. But then she falls off of a building and has a vision of the man who will change all of that. Too bad it happened just before a man who seems to be perfect for her in every way (but can't be the man in the vision) comes and sweeps her off her feet.
Craig Masterson is only supposed to be in town investigating murder and corruption at the highest levels. Only after he falls for Emma does he find out she used to be married to the dirtiest cop on the force.

The story started with a bang, from chapter one I was hooked, could not put it down.
The characters were fun, hard working EMTs and firefighters. They had close friendships, were loyal and supporting for each other.
The professional world was written in a sense that seemed real and believable, enticing.
The 'vision' was a bit awkward to me at first, a bit immature. And how Emma clung to it, made major, stupid, socially unacceptable decisions based on it -- even though everything else pointed out to her being wrong -- I just didn't get it. The person Emma was portrait as did not match to her actions and thoughts.
While the professional and suspense side of the book was appealing and captivating, the romance side was immature and awkward, even in the dialog.
I personally dislike books that end in the cliffhanger, but if the next book is readily available, I might overlook that. 
Edge of the Heat has enough promise of a good series to come, so I'll continue to the next book. Three spoons for book one!

Edge of the Heat
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