Books & Spoons Review: SUSPECT WITNESS by Ryshia Kennie

An undercover operation is the only way to bring an innocent witness home… 

After months searching for a schoolteacher on the run from a criminal gang, CIA operative Josh Sedovich finally finds the innocent beauty in the remotest part of Malaysia.
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Eager to get Erin Argon home and into protective custody, Josh goes undercover to gain her trust and prove he isn't a threat. And although Erin claims to have witnessed the murder of a very dangerous man, Josh knows there's more to the story than she's letting on.

But getting to know Erin—in public and behind closed doors—makes Josh realize just how determined she is to keep the truth hidden. Seems he isn't the only one keeping secrets that could get them both killed…

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I had a little tough time connecting with this story, the plot and the characters. The setup was brilliant, but the case took so long to open  up and explain to the reader, that I was a bit lost a couple times.
Another thing with the characters, as they spend so much time and energy to pretend to be someone else than they really were, I felt like I didn't get to know the true person behind the undercover persona.
The caves were fascinating, the author obviously knew them, knew what she was talking about, that came clear. 
There were some confusing moments with the action, they were in a jungle, no, at the waterfront, no, in an alley running for their lives... You really have to pay attention to keep up with Erin and Josh. 
The chaotic fear, the concern about the future, and angst for Sarah, Erin's sister, are all palpable and obvious. Erin is smart, she holds the terror inside, and is doing anything and everything she can to survive. But the hunt for her is at the point, she can't stay alive without Josh's help. But can he be trusted, can anyone be trusted at this point?
Josh and Erin get along, at least the personas they pretend to be. But I didn't get any chemistry or attraction between them, when the heat comes up suddenly between them, it didn't feel natural, or real. But as they get to be themselves, with each other,  their personalities change, and there's the little spark, but is it enough, that you have to determine yourself. 
I liked the setting of the story, and the idea of the manhunt. Some of the details of suspense were brushed over, that I would have liked more fine points with. Josh and Erin made a good team as trying to escape the danger. Their getaway from the caves was intense. Overall, for me the story came up to 
~ Three Spoons

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