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Hunter #1
Hunter's Way
Homicide detective Tori Hunter was used to doing things her way. But even after having six different partners in seven years, Tori isn't prepared when she's forced to team up with the hot-tempered Samantha Kennedy.
Samantha, on the other hand, is trying to juggle a new job, a demanding boyfriend, and now finds herself with an even greater challenge -- being partnered with the most difficult detective in the entire squad.
After a brief terrorist scare disrupts their serial killer investigation, the two women find themselves growing closer. Samantha begins to question the relationship with her longtime boyfriend, and Tori, never one to allow anyone to get close, begins to feel her defenses slipping in Sam’s presence.
A serial killer and drug deals gone bad; the two detectives struggle with their feelings, trying to maintain their professional relationship while keeping their nearly flammable physical relationship in check.
With Hunter’s Way, Gerri Hill masterfully blends suspense and intrigue with her unique style of romance.
Samantha, on the other hand, is trying to juggle a new job, a demanding boyfriend, and now finds herself with an even greater challenge -- being partnered with the most difficult detective in the entire squad.
After a brief terrorist scare disrupts their serial killer investigation, the two women find themselves growing closer. Samantha begins to question the relationship with her longtime boyfriend, and Tori, never one to allow anyone to get close, begins to feel her defenses slipping in Sam’s presence.
A serial killer and drug deals gone bad; the two detectives struggle with their feelings, trying to maintain their professional relationship while keeping their nearly flammable physical relationship in check.
With Hunter’s Way, Gerri Hill masterfully blends suspense and intrigue with her unique style of romance.
366 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2005
112 people are currently reading
3520 people want to read
About the author
Gerri Hill
56 books1,537 followersGerri began writing lesbian romance as a way to amuse herself while snowed in one winter in the mountains of Colorado, and hasn’t looked back. Her first published work came in 2000 with One Summer Night. Many more romances have followed, with the occasional murder mystery in the mix.
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
April 14, 2017
**SPOILERS**It’s not that I didn’t enjoy Hunter’s Way – I like crime thrillers and mysteries, and as a bi woman I love lady- love stories. But there were a couple of things that just really made me feel uncomfortable and angry, thus the penalty of less stars
1) If you’re a trans woman you will fucking hate this book. The frequent use of transphobic language and terms really pissed me off, and to be honest I was surprised that a lesbian writer didn’t know better. Especially cos this book was published in 2007. So, I’m sorry, there’s really no excuse. So when I say transphobic language, what do I mean? Basically using the words transvestite, and saying “transgendered” instead of transgender. Mainly the constant misgendering of characters (calling a murdered trans woman by her deadname and using the wrong pronoun) and basically saying that trans women are dudes in dresses. Yuck
2) The rape scene. So, there is already a high level of sexual violence in the book, towards both gay women and men. But I really did not expect one of the main characters to get raped in a horrible scenario where she has been kidnapped for information from drug dealers. And like, what the fuck really. I have to say, I am damn sick and goddamn tired of rape being used in movies, books, tv show as a throw away plot device. In my honest opinion, rape had no purpose in the story. It happened away from the main storyline of the book (the serial killer), was horrible, and then not mentioned after she spent a few days dealing with it. And then...she goes back to work. AND she starts up a new relationship, along with sexual intercourse. I’m just saying, it takes more than a week to even begin to deal with the trauma. The rape plot just ruined the story for me, and absolutely cheapened it. I hated it.
3) Samantha. Oh, Samantha. How likeable you are, and yet you don’t do much do you? Every time there was a high adrenaline, dangerous situation, Tori had to save Sam in some capacity. This woman is a COP, and yet she is treated in the story like a damsel in distress. She gets shot at, Tori takes the bullet. She gets kidnapped and raped, Tori saves her just before she’s murdered. At the climatic ending, she yet again has to be saved by Tori as she is grabbed by the serial killer. This character is just there to be a helpless victim, it feels like. I was hoping at the end of the story she would be the one to gun down the murderer and save Tori, but it didn't happen, so what am I supposed to think about her?
1) If you’re a trans woman you will fucking hate this book. The frequent use of transphobic language and terms really pissed me off, and to be honest I was surprised that a lesbian writer didn’t know better. Especially cos this book was published in 2007. So, I’m sorry, there’s really no excuse. So when I say transphobic language, what do I mean? Basically using the words transvestite, and saying “transgendered” instead of transgender. Mainly the constant misgendering of characters (calling a murdered trans woman by her deadname and using the wrong pronoun) and basically saying that trans women are dudes in dresses. Yuck
2) The rape scene. So, there is already a high level of sexual violence in the book, towards both gay women and men. But I really did not expect one of the main characters to get raped in a horrible scenario where she has been kidnapped for information from drug dealers. And like, what the fuck really. I have to say, I am damn sick and goddamn tired of rape being used in movies, books, tv show as a throw away plot device. In my honest opinion, rape had no purpose in the story. It happened away from the main storyline of the book (the serial killer), was horrible, and then not mentioned after she spent a few days dealing with it. And then...she goes back to work. AND she starts up a new relationship, along with sexual intercourse. I’m just saying, it takes more than a week to even begin to deal with the trauma. The rape plot just ruined the story for me, and absolutely cheapened it. I hated it.
3) Samantha. Oh, Samantha. How likeable you are, and yet you don’t do much do you? Every time there was a high adrenaline, dangerous situation, Tori had to save Sam in some capacity. This woman is a COP, and yet she is treated in the story like a damsel in distress. She gets shot at, Tori takes the bullet. She gets kidnapped and raped, Tori saves her just before she’s murdered. At the climatic ending, she yet again has to be saved by Tori as she is grabbed by the serial killer. This character is just there to be a helpless victim, it feels like. I was hoping at the end of the story she would be the one to gun down the murderer and save Tori, but it didn't happen, so what am I supposed to think about her?
April 11, 2019
I feel like I only have negative things to say about this book yet I couldn't put the damn thing down!
Dallas is being plagued by a serial killer targeting young lesbians. With victims piling up around them it's up to Tori and Sam to put a stop to this maniac. All they have to do is catch this glorified butcher while carrying a metric ton of emotional baggage, deal with a clingy ex boyfriend while one of them also re-discovers her sexuality and face daily bouts of sexism & homophobia from their colleagues. Oh.. and the killer is now also targeting the two of them. Good times y'all!
Throughout the entire book I had to keep reminding myself that this was published back in 2007 and maybe being politically correct wasn't such a big deal. The reason I'm saying this is because of the amount of slurs used in this book. Anything from dyke, faggot, transvestite to queer is used in a derogatory manner. Be prepared to be appalled!
Without giving too much away, there something horrific and heinous that happens to Sam in the book that has me scratching my head. I can't understand why the author would include such a graphic and explicitly disturbing act into the story when there is absolutely no need for it, aside from shock value. If that wasn't enough, Sam also spent what seems like a couple of days getting over this massively traumatic thing that happened to her. How?! Why?!
The crazy thing about this book is even though I liked both main characters, they were bloody frustrating to read about sometimes. One practically has a death wish and is a reckless female Dirty Harry while the other needs constant saving and doesn't know how to properly break up with someone. Here's a hint Einstein, stop taking their calls.
The last couple of chapters were a hurricane of names hurdling by and got a little confusing at times. For a book that covers some dark issues though, the ending is cheesier than a 6 cheese pizza. I was not expecting that contrast.
As much as I just bitched about this book, I'm also immediately starting part two. [insert epic eye roll]
Trigger warnings: A lot!!
Dallas is being plagued by a serial killer targeting young lesbians. With victims piling up around them it's up to Tori and Sam to put a stop to this maniac. All they have to do is catch this glorified butcher while carrying a metric ton of emotional baggage, deal with a clingy ex boyfriend while one of them also re-discovers her sexuality and face daily bouts of sexism & homophobia from their colleagues. Oh.. and the killer is now also targeting the two of them. Good times y'all!
Throughout the entire book I had to keep reminding myself that this was published back in 2007 and maybe being politically correct wasn't such a big deal. The reason I'm saying this is because of the amount of slurs used in this book. Anything from dyke, faggot, transvestite to queer is used in a derogatory manner. Be prepared to be appalled!
Without giving too much away, there something horrific and heinous that happens to Sam in the book that has me scratching my head. I can't understand why the author would include such a graphic and explicitly disturbing act into the story when there is absolutely no need for it, aside from shock value. If that wasn't enough, Sam also spent what seems like a couple of days getting over this massively traumatic thing that happened to her. How?! Why?!
The crazy thing about this book is even though I liked both main characters, they were bloody frustrating to read about sometimes. One practically has a death wish and is a reckless female Dirty Harry while the other needs constant saving and doesn't know how to properly break up with someone. Here's a hint Einstein, stop taking their calls.
The last couple of chapters were a hurricane of names hurdling by and got a little confusing at times. For a book that covers some dark issues though, the ending is cheesier than a 6 cheese pizza. I was not expecting that contrast.
As much as I just bitched about this book, I'm also immediately starting part two. [insert epic eye roll]
Trigger warnings: A lot!!
November 22, 2025
Oh, wow, this lady is a class writer. Puts you through the mill but you always know there will be daylight on the other side. Not really into series but with these characters and this author what can go wrong?
Love the Audio! Abbey Craden is a star!
Love the Audio! Abbey Craden is a star!
June 19, 2023
Update after 2023 listen - still fabulous.
This is one of my all-time favorite Gerri Hill books and as such, there was a very high bar for the audio version to live up to the written word. And though we know in 2019 that Abby Craden has honed her craft to where she's one of the very best narrators in the business, this was recorded in 2015. So I was thrilled to find that yes - this was utter perfection.
I HATE spoilers and there's enough reviews and synopses out there that discuss the story itself, so I'll just say that Abby's performance of this book - including one of the most difficult lesfic scenes I've ever read - was absolutely incredible. I felt every moment acutely and tears welled in my eyes. And later, Abby captured the beautifully intimate moments in a way I have found very few narrators can. As a listener, you just melt.
Gerri's writing is so ridiculously good and descriptive that you can picture every moment in your head very clearly. Now with this new layer, Abby makes it feel like you're one step closer to actually being there. Truly wonderful and certainly in my Top 10.
This is one of my all-time favorite Gerri Hill books and as such, there was a very high bar for the audio version to live up to the written word. And though we know in 2019 that Abby Craden has honed her craft to where she's one of the very best narrators in the business, this was recorded in 2015. So I was thrilled to find that yes - this was utter perfection.
I HATE spoilers and there's enough reviews and synopses out there that discuss the story itself, so I'll just say that Abby's performance of this book - including one of the most difficult lesfic scenes I've ever read - was absolutely incredible. I felt every moment acutely and tears welled in my eyes. And later, Abby captured the beautifully intimate moments in a way I have found very few narrators can. As a listener, you just melt.
Gerri's writing is so ridiculously good and descriptive that you can picture every moment in your head very clearly. Now with this new layer, Abby makes it feel like you're one step closer to actually being there. Truly wonderful and certainly in my Top 10.
March 26, 2022
5 stars.
Was it without any issues? No. But I really liked both MC's (especially Tori) and Gerri Hill's writing style is awesome and I enjoy it very much. It just clicks with me. The crime-solving part was really good as well.
I actually enjoy it more when it's known pretty soon who the bad guy is and I can enjoy the cat-and-mouse game between the cops and the criminal without feeling like the author thinks I'm an idiot (it's extremely annoying when a book is structured to have the big murderer reveal at the very end and you figure it out within the first twenty pages...).
Was it without any issues? No. But I really liked both MC's (especially Tori) and Gerri Hill's writing style is awesome and I enjoy it very much. It just clicks with me. The crime-solving part was really good as well.
I actually enjoy it more when it's known pretty soon who the bad guy is and I can enjoy the cat-and-mouse game between the cops and the criminal without feeling like the author thinks I'm an idiot (it's extremely annoying when a book is structured to have the big murderer reveal at the very end and you figure it out within the first twenty pages...).
July 26, 2017
Great series! mystery,suspense,romance,depth,intrigue,passion,good character development,realism and good storytelling..well written (paperback!)
October 28, 2019
This book, released in 2005, is the first of four in the ‘Hunter’ series. It introduces Tori Hunter, a Dallas homicide detective and the department’s newcomer, Sammantha Kennedy. Tori is abrasive with a horrible past to justify it. Sam is switching gears in her career from the assault department and looks forward to advancement. Their lieutenant pairs them together hoping that Sam will be different and make it work with the lonesome Tori. That’s the basic premise of this book, however, the story is convoluted. There is a serial killer to catch, a hit placed on a cop, death, assault, homophobia, a boat, romance, etc, etc. Oh, and Sam is engaged to a man on top of all that.
Since I’m on a roll with all that, that was probably the biggest complaint. Simply a lot going on with some neglect of one or another story line. Also, there is an assault scene for those readers that avoid these story lines. I suppose one can skip that part but this is an example of making the story more involved that what it needs to be. The character could just have been roughed up without going into a rape situation. Quite frankly, it makes me question her ability to progress into a physical relationship right away.
All that said, and if you ignore the above and embrace the romance part and all the action, this was a good story. Unfortunately, I listened to the third installment, ‘Partners’, before this one. The story of a ‘straight’ new partner falling in love with current lesbian detective was already done in my mind. If you do read this one first (like any sane person would), you will probably feel the same when reading book three.
Ok, so why 4 stars when all I have done is complaint? I sat around the car, house, even when left alone, trying to find things to do that would allow me to keep listening. It was a good audiobook. All four are narrated by Abby Craden, who is just my favorite lesfic narrator. In the spirit of the review, I will say that I couldn’t understand why Sam whispered ‘I want to make love with you’. Made it seem creepy. No need. Aside from that, Ms Craden was great and injected all the right tones to make emotions come through. I will also say, bless her for all the male voices she had to come up with!
Overall a solid action cop tale.
Since I’m on a roll with all that, that was probably the biggest complaint. Simply a lot going on with some neglect of one or another story line. Also, there is an assault scene for those readers that avoid these story lines. I suppose one can skip that part but this is an example of making the story more involved that what it needs to be. The character could just have been roughed up without going into a rape situation. Quite frankly, it makes me question her ability to progress into a physical relationship right away.
All that said, and if you ignore the above and embrace the romance part and all the action, this was a good story. Unfortunately, I listened to the third installment, ‘Partners’, before this one. The story of a ‘straight’ new partner falling in love with current lesbian detective was already done in my mind. If you do read this one first (like any sane person would), you will probably feel the same when reading book three.
Ok, so why 4 stars when all I have done is complaint? I sat around the car, house, even when left alone, trying to find things to do that would allow me to keep listening. It was a good audiobook. All four are narrated by Abby Craden, who is just my favorite lesfic narrator. In the spirit of the review, I will say that I couldn’t understand why Sam whispered ‘I want to make love with you’. Made it seem creepy. No need. Aside from that, Ms Craden was great and injected all the right tones to make emotions come through. I will also say, bless her for all the male voices she had to come up with!
Overall a solid action cop tale.
June 18, 2023
Love this Series by Gerri Hill. Hill knows how to write a Romantic Murder Mystery. I feel so much for Tori and Sam. I love watching their relationship develop from beginning to end. Tori was so closed off at first. Sam really helps her come out of her self isolating shell. Tori went through so much as a child, I loved watching her find and fall in love with Sam. Sam gets to see a side of her that nobody else gets to see. Tori helps Sam realize things she never knew about her self. She saves Sam twice. Tori is Sam’s safe space. Love them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2022
I bought this audiobook a long time ago but knew I needed to be in the right frame of mind for crime. I am now kicking myself that I waited so long to read this - it's fantastic!
Abby Craden's narration adds so much to this novel too. I adored Tori as a character - she's layered and fierce, just like a heroine needs to be. I loved the romance too, as it developed slowly over time getting to know each other.
Another great novel by Gerri Hill and I can't wait to start book two in the series!
Abby Craden's narration adds so much to this novel too. I adored Tori as a character - she's layered and fierce, just like a heroine needs to be. I loved the romance too, as it developed slowly over time getting to know each other.
Another great novel by Gerri Hill and I can't wait to start book two in the series!
December 18, 2013
This book is like the grandmother of police romance thrillers.
it does everything right from the beginning with stock characters, but so well realised that at no point did I feel the formula at work.
Pretty interesting plot and my goodness there are some hot and passionate scenes.
Will be looking for the next in the series.
it does everything right from the beginning with stock characters, but so well realised that at no point did I feel the formula at work.
Pretty interesting plot and my goodness there are some hot and passionate scenes.
Will be looking for the next in the series.
January 2, 2022
4/10
enjoyed it a bit in the beginning but i was disappointed pretty fast when i realized that i didnt like any characters, the mystery part of the story was very predictable and the romance is so rushed - i actually dont get why this is the most popular book by gerry hill i couldnt wait to be done with it already and was cringing so much while reading
transphobic comments, stereotypes, cliche unnatural conversations, two dimensional story and characters, forcing the career for no reason at all and // SPOILER //
it actually felt like i was reading a wattpad story where a tweenager author just tried too much
enjoyed it a bit in the beginning but i was disappointed pretty fast when i realized that i didnt like any characters, the mystery part of the story was very predictable and the romance is so rushed - i actually dont get why this is the most popular book by gerry hill i couldnt wait to be done with it already and was cringing so much while reading
transphobic comments, stereotypes, cliche unnatural conversations, two dimensional story and characters, forcing the career for no reason at all and // SPOILER //
it actually felt like i was reading a wattpad story where a tweenager author just tried too much
December 8, 2020
I liked how this book is half romance and half detective-mystery. It was an enjoyable read. I did not see the rape coming at all so that shocked me. But I guess it makes the book more realistic when something bad actually could happen to the main characters.
But one thing I found strange was how fast Sam actually got over it. It was as though it even happened. And she immediately picked up where she left off with Tori. Another strange thing was also how Tori was said to have such a devestating childhood and yet there was almost no mention of it after she got together with Sam.
But one thing I found strange was how fast Sam actually got over it. It was as though it even happened. And she immediately picked up where she left off with Tori. Another strange thing was also how Tori was said to have such a devestating childhood and yet there was almost no mention of it after she got together with Sam.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2019
Read the book a long time ago and recently just relisted to the audio and realized its not rated on here by me. So this is me fixing that and again singing the praises of Abby Craden as a narrator
January 15, 2021
2,5 for the first half of the book but no more than 1,5 for the second half.
This was my last attempt at a Gerri Hill book. I can't seem to get over her dreadful grammar mistakes. I'm also convinced the author's never had a conversation with a real person in her life because most of the dialog is extremely bad and unrealistic.
Still, at least the story seemed interesting enough to get me through the first half. That's when it all went downhill. Like, head-first.
These are all the grievances I had with the story (I'll add more as I remember them):
- Stalker BF not getting the hint: how does Sam sound so sick of it in the description and then is almost agreeable on the phone? I buy it once or twice, but right until the fucking end of the book he keeps doing this until she decides to throw her phone overboard instead of telling him to fuck off or warning him with a restraining order? Jesus
- The entire beginning of their relationship is totally tainted by the absolutely worst scene in the book (if you've read it, you know what I'm talking about). There's no way around it, no way to make it look less weird, or sweet, or sexy. It's closer to creepy and it made me cringe.
- Have I mentioned how horrible the dialog is? The author continuously writes "I've not" when it should be "I haven't" (even Brits don't phrase it like that all the time). And once the lead characters get involved, they start talking to each other like they're completely different characters. It's not funny and there's no chemistry, it's like they're 80 years old and have been together for 65 and can only speak in cliché.
- Way too much happening for one small team to handle, and then Hunter does even more and gets into ~unexpected~ and ~totally random~ dangerous situations/opportunities to catch bad guys. The main investigation takes forever but everything else is super quick and easy to solve.
- Sam seems like a decent, if a little naive cop in the first half, and gets worse and worse at her job as the story moves forward. Like someone else has said here, I also expected her to save Hunter in the end, but nope. Useless.
- Can't even begin to describe how I feel about the lazily written amount of homophobic, transphobic and racist comments in this book. And then how easily they're overturned/ignored/grow into inconceivable moments of sudden character growth.
- Why in the world would Malone tell Sam about Hunter's horrible past? That's a huge betrayal of trust. Which reminds me: zero wrap-up job on that insane backstory. Like, that's it? It sounds like Dexter. In fact, I think I'd enjoy this book more if Hunter had ended up like Dexter and then found love or something.
- Re: how Hunter finds Sam in the warehouse and the murderer dude at the end - this chick some sort of genius!!!!!!!!!!!!! *rolls eyes*
Honestly. My head hurts from all the eye rolling. Please find something better to do with your time.
PS: I've now read 3 books by this author that are very well rated on goodreads. Question: what are y'all smoking? Can I have some? Have you read any literature before in your life? How has this author written 40 books and my non-native English-speaking ass is better at grammar than hers?
This was my last attempt at a Gerri Hill book. I can't seem to get over her dreadful grammar mistakes. I'm also convinced the author's never had a conversation with a real person in her life because most of the dialog is extremely bad and unrealistic.
Still, at least the story seemed interesting enough to get me through the first half. That's when it all went downhill. Like, head-first.
These are all the grievances I had with the story (I'll add more as I remember them):
- Stalker BF not getting the hint: how does Sam sound so sick of it in the description and then is almost agreeable on the phone? I buy it once or twice, but right until the fucking end of the book he keeps doing this until she decides to throw her phone overboard instead of telling him to fuck off or warning him with a restraining order? Jesus
- The entire beginning of their relationship is totally tainted by the absolutely worst scene in the book (if you've read it, you know what I'm talking about). There's no way around it, no way to make it look less weird, or sweet, or sexy. It's closer to creepy and it made me cringe.
- Have I mentioned how horrible the dialog is? The author continuously writes "I've not" when it should be "I haven't" (even Brits don't phrase it like that all the time). And once the lead characters get involved, they start talking to each other like they're completely different characters. It's not funny and there's no chemistry, it's like they're 80 years old and have been together for 65 and can only speak in cliché.
- Way too much happening for one small team to handle, and then Hunter does even more and gets into ~unexpected~ and ~totally random~ dangerous situations/opportunities to catch bad guys. The main investigation takes forever but everything else is super quick and easy to solve.
- Sam seems like a decent, if a little naive cop in the first half, and gets worse and worse at her job as the story moves forward. Like someone else has said here, I also expected her to save Hunter in the end, but nope. Useless.
- Can't even begin to describe how I feel about the lazily written amount of homophobic, transphobic and racist comments in this book. And then how easily they're overturned/ignored/grow into inconceivable moments of sudden character growth.
- Why in the world would Malone tell Sam about Hunter's horrible past? That's a huge betrayal of trust. Which reminds me: zero wrap-up job on that insane backstory. Like, that's it? It sounds like Dexter. In fact, I think I'd enjoy this book more if Hunter had ended up like Dexter and then found love or something.
- Re: how Hunter finds Sam in the warehouse and the murderer dude at the end - this chick some sort of genius!!!!!!!!!!!!! *rolls eyes*
Honestly. My head hurts from all the eye rolling. Please find something better to do with your time.
PS: I've now read 3 books by this author that are very well rated on goodreads. Question: what are y'all smoking? Can I have some? Have you read any literature before in your life? How has this author written 40 books and my non-native English-speaking ass is better at grammar than hers?
August 14, 2022
It was…okay-ish?
Gerri Hill never shies away from difficult topics in detail. The book contains a high level of sexual violence. One particularly rape scene had no purpose in the story, and I don't think Gerri Hill handled the aftermath well. I tend to believe it is because this book was published in 2005...?
There are also a few editing issues. A few storylines didn't contribute to developing the plot; the worst thing is that some didn't even have a satisfactory conclusion. The ending was way too rushed. I was in the third to last chapters, and I just wondering how the big mystery would be solved. And again, the ending wasn't really satisfying.
I gave 3 stars because both MCs are lovable(who doesn't love a grumpy butch character?).
Gerri Hill never shies away from difficult topics in detail. The book contains a high level of sexual violence. One particularly rape scene had no purpose in the story, and I don't think Gerri Hill handled the aftermath well. I tend to believe it is because this book was published in 2005...?
There are also a few editing issues. A few storylines didn't contribute to developing the plot; the worst thing is that some didn't even have a satisfactory conclusion. The ending was way too rushed. I was in the third to last chapters, and I just wondering how the big mystery would be solved. And again, the ending wasn't really satisfying.
I gave 3 stars because both MCs are lovable(who doesn't love a grumpy butch character?).
March 4, 2022
You know that popular sound on tiktok that goes “This is so bad, I wanted to give you a zero, but that’s not possible, so I give you… an one”.
Exactly what in the actual fuck did I read, for all I know this book was written by the most homophobic, extremely transphobic, racist and misogynistic person in history.
Aside from the off hand remarks that painted lesbians as predatory (like fr? In lesfic?), the fact that everyone, even Tori, the other MC, doubted everyday, every night, about Samantha’s sexuality because of Robert, the most bland man in existence is not even funny, like, my homegirl Sam already said she aint into him, maybe… thrust her? Like 🤨 also, wtf with him being so fucking creepy, dude reached stalkerish levels, and Sam was supposed to be hard headed? But she was always about to shit her pants or cry us a river, aint she a cop? Lmao
Also DONT GET ME STARTED ON THAT SCENE!!! Exactly why did it happen? Im not revisiting that, iykyk, totally unnecessary, tainted the start of Sam’s relationship with Tori, and help me god, I really wish it wasn’t some kind of plot devise to push her further into the gay lifestyle (yup, those words were thrown around like nothing).
And… the sheer amount of transphobia on this book? Sickening, like, fucking sickening, actually, im surprised the amount of good reviews this hate speech book has, a book where they deadname and misgender a woman victim of a brutal hate crime, were UNDERAGE GIRLS are simply called hookers bc they were pretty much victims of human traffic cuz no, underage girls cannot consent, this… this book is atrocious, for the love of me i cannot believe this shit was written almost in the 2010’s. Mind boggling.
Also a detail i haven’t seen anyone talking about, how fucking curious that the only latino character be the one knowing how to pick locks cuz he learned how to do so in the ‘hood’, nah yall, get outta here 💀 this book is a trash fire, and the finale? All that build up for nothing, cuz they killed the guy and we never got the speech of why, so even the one reason why i fucking finished this book had me extremely disappointed, but what did i expect?
Exactly what in the actual fuck did I read, for all I know this book was written by the most homophobic, extremely transphobic, racist and misogynistic person in history.
Aside from the off hand remarks that painted lesbians as predatory (like fr? In lesfic?), the fact that everyone, even Tori, the other MC, doubted everyday, every night, about Samantha’s sexuality because of Robert, the most bland man in existence is not even funny, like, my homegirl Sam already said she aint into him, maybe… thrust her? Like 🤨 also, wtf with him being so fucking creepy, dude reached stalkerish levels, and Sam was supposed to be hard headed? But she was always about to shit her pants or cry us a river, aint she a cop? Lmao
Also DONT GET ME STARTED ON THAT SCENE!!! Exactly why did it happen? Im not revisiting that, iykyk, totally unnecessary, tainted the start of Sam’s relationship with Tori, and help me god, I really wish it wasn’t some kind of plot devise to push her further into the gay lifestyle (yup, those words were thrown around like nothing).
And… the sheer amount of transphobia on this book? Sickening, like, fucking sickening, actually, im surprised the amount of good reviews this hate speech book has, a book where they deadname and misgender a woman victim of a brutal hate crime, were UNDERAGE GIRLS are simply called hookers bc they were pretty much victims of human traffic cuz no, underage girls cannot consent, this… this book is atrocious, for the love of me i cannot believe this shit was written almost in the 2010’s. Mind boggling.
Also a detail i haven’t seen anyone talking about, how fucking curious that the only latino character be the one knowing how to pick locks cuz he learned how to do so in the ‘hood’, nah yall, get outta here 💀 this book is a trash fire, and the finale? All that build up for nothing, cuz they killed the guy and we never got the speech of why, so even the one reason why i fucking finished this book had me extremely disappointed, but what did i expect?
October 9, 2012
This was my first outing with Gerri Hill and I was very impressed. Start with a hard nosed, cantankerous detective that can't keep a partner add in a newbie detective with a boyfriend who won't let her run away from her problems and you get Tori Hunter and Sam Kennedy. To say their partnership was strained was a complete understatement. Tori has been through too many partners to name and the last thing she wants to do is babysit some rookie detective. Samantha might be new to homicide but she is determined to not let Hunter get under her skin and drive her away. What do you get when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Well you get Hunter/Kennedy!! The story that unfolds consists of a great police drama/mystery and private and personal lives of the two main characters. Tori is used to running partners and pretty much anyone else out of her life but Samantha won't take fall for her tricks, mainly because she wants to be in Homicide but also because she is as stubborn as Hunter. Frustration ensues especially when Hunter starts having feelings for her new partner, her new STRAIGHT partner. Love, hate, devotion, and protection are the main themes of this great book. Two women with nothing in common come together professionally and personally and in the end more than one life is saved.
June 22, 2018
I just finished this book on Audio. It has accompanied me to the gym and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
I hadn't read Ms Hill's work previously, but I will be looking for it now.
I hadn't read Ms Hill's work previously, but I will be looking for it now.
September 20, 2017
*English is not my native language, be warned of possible mistakes*
I needed to think hard about rating this book.
Because while many things are satisfactory in this story, one single element (which to me is important in this type of story), did not receive proper attention.
The author's writing is very fluid and easy. The romance was well thought out and the characters had the right appeal, which was easy to like.
The sex scenes ... Very well detailed, the correct amount of smut.
But the investigation, the mystery ... Could have been better explored.
In the end, I came to my senses and realized that this is much more a romance than a mystery book or police investigation. And that frustrated me because with the plot of this book, the mystery and investigation could be much more.
Anyway ... Very unfortunate that when I find a book in which the novel satisfies me the investigation and suspense disappoints me.
Still in search of the perfect book in which mystery, investigation and romance can have the correct balance (in this case in the category of lesbian books).
In addition, a great read for those who want a well-constructed romance with a bit of police invigation.
I needed to think hard about rating this book.
Because while many things are satisfactory in this story, one single element (which to me is important in this type of story), did not receive proper attention.
The author's writing is very fluid and easy. The romance was well thought out and the characters had the right appeal, which was easy to like.
The sex scenes ... Very well detailed, the correct amount of smut.
But the investigation, the mystery ... Could have been better explored.
In the end, I came to my senses and realized that this is much more a romance than a mystery book or police investigation. And that frustrated me because with the plot of this book, the mystery and investigation could be much more.
Anyway ... Very unfortunate that when I find a book in which the novel satisfies me the investigation and suspense disappoints me.
Still in search of the perfect book in which mystery, investigation and romance can have the correct balance (in this case in the category of lesbian books).
In addition, a great read for those who want a well-constructed romance with a bit of police invigation.
March 11, 2015
I don't typically write reviews for books unless asked to or unless I feel a great need to but I feel very strongly about this topic. The drug cartel subplot was really unnecessary feeling. [spoilers start here] I hate the cheap thought put into fridging (putting a female character through a tragedy, typically rape or horrifying murder) a female character that's only meant to add to the gloomy/broody feelings of another protagonist, typically a straight male but in this case the lesbian female, without wanting to put any actual effort into it. And the way the author handled the rape (Sam brushing it off) is entirely unrealistic. Not that I'm saying women getting raped is unrealistic, but if you're gonna add in such a trope you might as well try to pull it off effectively.
July 18, 2012
i stayed up until the sun rose finishing this book in one sitting. it was enthralling and i love the characters. they are good enough to have their own series. i would definitely follow it.
The plot, the mystery, is good enough by itself. Throw in the chemistry between these two characters and you wont find a boring sentence in the entire book. I love the banter and interaction between all of the characters in this book. Very engaging and fun.
The plot, the mystery, is good enough by itself. Throw in the chemistry between these two characters and you wont find a boring sentence in the entire book. I love the banter and interaction between all of the characters in this book. Very engaging and fun.
March 9, 2014
One of Gerri's best books. I don't want to give any spoilers, but this story has everything, it's a can't-put-down-romance-thriller. I'd give it 4,5 stars.
April 13, 2016
I read Gerri Hill's Snow Falls and I really liked it. I also enjoy mystery suspense so I got this book.
Unfortunately, it didn't float my boat the way Snow Falls did.
As a detective story it’s pretty good. How main character Tori goes about finding the killer did keep my interest.
There were several issues though that derailed this book for me.
I would read another of Geri Hill’s books, but probably not the Hunter series.
On a separate note, the narrator read every dialogue tag in a breathy voice, which I found very distracting.
Unfortunately, it didn't float my boat the way Snow Falls did.
As a detective story it’s pretty good. How main character Tori goes about finding the killer did keep my interest.
There were several issues though that derailed this book for me.
I would read another of Geri Hill’s books, but probably not the Hunter series.
On a separate note, the narrator read every dialogue tag in a breathy voice, which I found very distracting.
July 6, 2012
One and a half star
Disappointing. The whole police/detective thing was really ridiculous, the killings were meant to have a sick pervert criminal, at least thats what the author was trying to pRotray, however it made the whole police force seems so retarded. At the beginning, Tori was disliked by almost the whole department, and suddenly with new detective, Sam, she changed. And people started to find her nice? Childs play? I dont really know how to say this, but the whole storyline just doesnt flow.
The interaction between Tori and Sam felt kinda forced. The conversation between them makes me cringe. bland? distainful?
Disappointing. The whole police/detective thing was really ridiculous, the killings were meant to have a sick pervert criminal, at least thats what the author was trying to pRotray, however it made the whole police force seems so retarded. At the beginning, Tori was disliked by almost the whole department, and suddenly with new detective, Sam, she changed. And people started to find her nice? Childs play? I dont really know how to say this, but the whole storyline just doesnt flow.
The interaction between Tori and Sam felt kinda forced. The conversation between them makes me cringe. bland? distainful?
January 25, 2018
I love this book! The story go so well. the mystery and romance are just flow so well together. And i really love Samantha and Tori. They are so good together. One thing tho, ONE THING!, that had happened to Samantha and i was like.. banging my head against the wall and murmured “why, author? Why? Why you do dis?” Sighhh. Well i know it is a big deal but at least they didnt so being drama over what happened. I have to admit Samantha is a strong character. She kinda handle it well over what happened to her. And she had Tori by her side to support her and protect her. All things good.
I really enjoy this book!
I really enjoy this book!
February 2, 2020
This was a kind of slow burn read. The criminal investigation around the serial killings was what held my attention in this one though, not the relationship between Tori and Sam. While is was nice to see the changes in both women as the story progressed, it felt a bit watered down by the surrounding characters and the 2D boyfriend who seemed only capable of telephoning to moan at inopportune times or turning up to invite Sam to dinner.
There was quite a bit of action in this one and it kept the pages turning. I got through it pretty quickly in about 3 sittings, but not as fast as I usually do. Still, a good read.
There was quite a bit of action in this one and it kept the pages turning. I got through it pretty quickly in about 3 sittings, but not as fast as I usually do. Still, a good read.
abandoned
August 14, 2018I doubt I'm going to finish this one. it was disappointingly transphobic, tactless towards sex workers, and weirdly lesbophobic as well. it hits way too many mean and lazy lesbian stereotypes, has pretty average characterisation, and sam was an absolute damsel in distress. the "straight girl turns gay for the butch lesbian" trope really didn't do it for me, and there were a lot of character flaws, even in the side characters, that made it all feel half assed. I made it not quite half way. overall a bummer; I regret not taking a good look at the Goodreads reviews before getting this one.
May 14, 2017
One of the best romantic suspense novels that I've read in the lesbian fiction stable. It did remind me a little bit of the Nora Roberts mystery books. I had a few issues with the plot but at the end, they seem minor because I just loved the Tori-Sam relationship so much as well as the murder mystery.
October 1, 2021
Another great one by Gerri Hill. I can’t get enough of listening to her books. This is one of the better crime books. The growing love of the MCs is so wonderful. These two have great chemistry and it’s actually a pretty touching story.
Be aware this book has some trigger content as they are crimes of sexual nature.
Be aware this book has some trigger content as they are crimes of sexual nature.
August 15, 2022
This audiobook had me hooked early on and never let me go. Besides Abby Craden’s narration, I think my favorite thing about this story was the growth we witness in so many of the characters. I’ve seen how one person can affect a whole group before and I really enjoyed the way Gerri Hill showed that beautifully with the character of Samantha.
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