Everything She Wanted
The Hunted Series #5 By: Jennifer Ryan Releasing January 5, 2016 Avon Impulse
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan returns to The Hunted series
Ben Knight has spent his life protecting those in need and helping abused women escape their terrible circumstances. He’ll stop at nothing to save the lives of his clients, especially the hauntingly beautiful Kate Morrison, a woman threatened by a man whose wealth allows him to get away with everything—including murder. Kate’s days spent as a social worker, fighting for those unable to help themselves, means she’s spent her fair share of time in a court room. She and Ben have crossed paths, but never that professional line. When he agrees to aid her in putting Evan Faraday behind bars where he belongs, she must trust the sexy lawyer with her life and that of a precious baby. Will Kate learn to trust Ben in time to save herself, and will they have a chance to explore the love blossoming between them before it’s too late?
What a thrill ride, with engaging characters and action that keeps the reader clued into the story.
I loved how well the story is balanced between the relationship developing and the action around the murders and investigation. Kate and Ben have a truly special connection, they have known each other through work, they even had a moment in a friend's wedding, that ended abruptly. But now, firmly planted into each others lives by the murder case, they are bonding, finding so much in common in their lives, and boldly embracing the amazing attraction between them. I loved them together, they are loving and caring, intriguing, stubborn, and passionate, the heat between them is flaming. Little Alex makes them the perfect little family together, and bond between them even stronger. There are many twists in the story, with the investigation, and the threat for Kate and Alex. I'm glad there wasn't a bigger conflict made between them, as the outside events were trying enough for their relationship. The story stays fresh and moves on with a smooth speed. The family of the heart and blood, that holds them close, and does what they can to help and protect Ben, Kate, and Alex is admirable. The love from them balances out the evil manipulations of the mastermind behind the murders and attacks. This story kept me up late at night, it was really hard to put down. I enjoyed the characters, all of them, the camaraderie they have in between them. Ben and Kate, with Alex, are obviously meant to be together, and watching them grow, and develop into a family unit was enthralling. Some of the long inner reflections made part of the story a bit heavier, but gave an insightful look into the development of the complex characters. Captivating tale, that I absolutely recommend ~ Five Spoons
“You have to kill him or we’ll lose everything.” Christina Faraday ignored her son’s eye roll, too distressed about the earlier argument with her husband Donald to care about Evan’s insolence.
“Mom, seriously, don’t you think you’re being overly dramatic, even for you?” “Dramatic. Really? He’s divorcing me.” “How many times have you or he threatened that over the last nearly thirty years? I mean, really, come on. He’ll come around. He always does.” “Not this time.” “What now? You slept with your yoga instructor? The Pilates guys? The guy who always remembers your coffee order at Starbucks? The waiter you met at dinner last night? Did you finally up your taste in men and drop your young pups and go for one of the stiff suits Dad calls friends? What?” “This isn’t funny.” “Well whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll work it out. You always do. You’ll go back to the usual indifference you have for each other and what you do.” “Not this time,” Christina yelled. “He served me the papers. If this goes through, it will ruin everything.” “You’ll be fine. It’s not like you love him and can’t live without him.” “The prenup I signed means I get next to nothing.” “Well, that’s your own damn fault for signing it in the first place.” “How was I supposed to know he’d take on a partner the following year and build a multimillion dollar business out of it?” “Dad’s smart, focused, and a workaholic. He probably had that partnership set up before he asked you to sign the prenup. That’s what I would have done.” Christina tried not to think Donald had been that cunning before their marriage. He’d had plans and big dreams for the business. She’d never paid much attention—then or now—and it was coming back to bite her on the ass. She desperately needed Evan’s help to get out of this mess. With his volatile temper, it wouldn’t take much to set him after his father. But would he come through for her? He’d have to if he wanted to keep his cushy lifestyle of drinking, gambling, partying, and playing. “He swore he’d cut you off for good this time. You’ll have nothing and neither will I.” “No he won’t. He always says he will, but he never does. Not really. Well, not for long anyway. I know how to change his mind.” “You’re not listening. It won’t work this time.” She fell onto the sofa and dropped her head in her hands. She stared at the plush carpet and her Jimmy Choo shoes. “Why did I sign that prenup? The one million payout isn’t even a drop in the bucket of the wealth we share now. The company is worth three hundred times that. This house is worth five times that. I’ll lose my home, my money. Everything I’ve accumulated and helped that bastard achieve will all be taken away.” “Well you shouldn’t have been so blatant about cheating on him. I’m surprised he didn’t leave you sooner.” Christina wagged her pointed finger. “Be careful, Evan. You side with him, you may find he’s not on yours anymore.” Evan narrowed his eyes and leaned forward. “What the hell are you talking about?” “You pushed him too far with that last bar fight. You nearly killed that man. Then you get a DUI and wreck your car and nearly kill yourself.” She stared at the long scar on his neck. He’d nearly bled to death before help arrived. “He deserved it. Fucking asshole thinks he can hit on my date.” “What do you care? You’d only met the woman that night. You probably don’t even remember her name.” Evan’s face took on a thoughtful, far off look. He shook his head, indicating he really didn’t remember the woman’s name. What did it matter? Her son went from one woman to the next like he changed his shirts. “It’s the principle. She was with me.” “Sometimes you’re like a spoiled child. Someone touches your toy and you punch them out.” “Maybe, but I’m never going to let my woman get away with looking at, let alone sleeping with another man right under my nose. Not the way Dad let you get away with it.” Christine huffed out an exasperated breath and rolled her eyes. “Are you going to help me or not?” “What the hell do you want me to do about this?” “Kill him before he has a chance to do anything.” The silence grew between them as Evan finally understood that she meant it. They had no other choice. A lopsided grin tilted his mouth. He shook his head, dismissing her again. “I’m not going to shoot him dead because you signed away a fortune. Hire a lawyer and fight him for more money. He’s a good guy, he’ll pay you just to make this go away.” She growled, then tried another tactic. “He has a girlfriend. Everything will go to her if he divorces me and marries her.” “Bullshit. Dad? A girlfriend? No way.” “He bought her a house ten months ago. That’s where he spends his evenings now. Not here. Not with me.” “How long has this been going on?” “I don’t know. I found out about the property when we did our taxes. He doesn’t think I read over those things, but I do. He thinks he can spend five point two million on a house and I’m not going to notice.” “You think you can spend thousands on dinner, drinks, and hotel rooms and he won’t notice. And watches. Seriously, you don’t think he knows you buy those fucks gifts. He sees the credit card bill, you know?” Evan shook his head and downed the last of his Scotch. “You two are something.” “He’s never had another woman in his life. She’s special to him if he bought her a house and spends time with her. If he marries her, we lose everything. She’ll inherit, not you.” “He won’t do that.”
Jennifer Ryan is the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted Series and The McBrides Series. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances featuring strong men and equally resilient women. Her stories are filled with love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever-after we all hope to find.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home and in how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
1 Comment
Crystal, Tasty Book Tours
12/1/2016 17:58:14
Great review! I enjoyed this one too! Thank you for hosting today!
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