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Small Town Scandals #1
Millionaire's Last Stand
There are plenty of people in Serenade with motive to murder Teresa Donovan. But no one doubts that her estranged husband, Cole, killed her. No one except FBI profiler Jamie Crawford. Though their electrifying attraction threatens her objectivity, Jamie's unerring gut tells her the magnetic tycoon is innocent.Cole's disastrous marriage has shattered his trust. But in Jamie's alluring presence, his protective armor melts away. Now, as their mutual fascination ignites into a mind-melting attraction, a killer is targeting Jamie. And Cole will risk anything to protect the woman who's restored his shattered heart….
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 15, 2011
About the author
Elle Kennedy
180 books98.7k followersA New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 7, 2011
This book and its follow-up (The Heartbreak Sheriff) make up the two part Small Town Scandals romantic suspense series. Be warned--if you're about to read this book, you're going to want to have The Heartbreak Sheriff close by and ready to go, because the mystery isn't solved in this book. Luckily I had both on hand or I would've gone crazy waiting to find out who the killer was!
In Millionaire's Last Stand, 34-year-old movie star handsome multi-millionaire real estate tycoon Cole Donovan is accused of murdering his beautiful but despicable ex-wife Teresa. B**** on wheels Teresa never met a man she didn't try to seduce, or a woman she didn't try to put down. To say she had many enemies in small town Serenade, North Carolina is an understatement. But when she's found shot through the heart in the house where they once both lived, Cole becomes the prime suspect in the eyes of 30 year old Sheriff Patrick "Finn" Finnegan and the rest of the townspeople, who resent Cole for closing down the local paper mill and replacing it with a hotel. Finn asks good friend, 32-year-old FBI profiler Jamie Crawford to help him with the case. But when beautiful red head Jamie meets the number one suspect, sparks fly. Cole has been badly burned by Teresa, and doesn't want to risk his heart again, no matter how tempted he is by Jamie. Jamie wants to keep things professional (if she can). Even though in her heart (and her gut) Jamie knows Cole had nothing to do with his ex's murder (despite all the circumstantial evidence), it would be wrong to start something with a man who says he's done with relationships, no matter how wildly attracted they are to each other...right?
Good suspense in this one, and a nice dose of hot romance too. EK had me guessing in this one. Who could've killed Teresa, and why? (And really, this woman was so disliked that anyone in the town could've been a suspect!) What was the motive? I had a suspect all picked out, but then Ms. Kennedy threw a little curveball by having Jamie's life threatened too, and I had to rethink a bit. No spoilers here, but just know that the person who threatens Jamie's life is revealed, but you'll have to wait until The Heartbreak Sheriff to find out who the killer is.
About the characters? I liked Cole. He was a bit of a loner, a self-made millionaire (even though he came from great wealth) with kind of a miserable childhood. And who doesn't love a drop-dead gorgeous millionaire who can also cook?!
He felt uncomfortable as she studied the feast he prepared. He'd planned on broiling a couple of steaks and serving them with baked potatoes, but at the last moment he'd realized he didn't know if she liked red meat, so he'd promptly boiled up some fettucine, whipped up a rosé sauce and shoved some garlic bread in the oven. Then he'd questioned that choice and tossed a salad, grilling up some chicken to make it a hearty Caesar.
Wow. You can cook for me any time, Cole!
Cole...
He seemed like a smart guy, I just don't know how he was taken in by Teresa (unless he was a sucker for a pretty face)! Everyone in the whole town seemed to dislike her--you think he would've picked up on that.
I really liked Jamie. She was bright, fearless, and good at her job. She came from a poor background and worked hard to get the career she loved. Jamie and Cole together were...hot. I like how she went after what she wanted (Cole) and put herself out there.
I was not too crazy about Sheriff Finnegan. I can't say much without giving away spoilers but I don't think he was that good at his job or that open-minded. He was often reluctant to listen to reason because he had his mind made up, he had his suspect and didn't want to consider other possibilities. All I can say is thank god for Jamie. There was a scene near the end of the book where he let one of the characters confront the person threatening Jamie (with near disasterous consequences) while he waited outside...I don't know, I think he should've handled that differently.
Anyhow, for a book that's only 216 pages, Elle Kennedy sure packed a lot into it. I was very impressed with the amount of detail, descriptions, and back story for the characters, as well as the suspense plot, and the pages devoted to the romance and hot sex scenes between the H/h. It gave me a real feeling for the town and the characters, and it had me guessing all the time who would want to murder Teresa Donovan--and more importantly--why?
To find out the answer to that question--read The Heartbreak Sheriff...the answer may surprise you. 4 stars
In Millionaire's Last Stand, 34-year-old movie star handsome multi-millionaire real estate tycoon Cole Donovan is accused of murdering his beautiful but despicable ex-wife Teresa. B**** on wheels Teresa never met a man she didn't try to seduce, or a woman she didn't try to put down. To say she had many enemies in small town Serenade, North Carolina is an understatement. But when she's found shot through the heart in the house where they once both lived, Cole becomes the prime suspect in the eyes of 30 year old Sheriff Patrick "Finn" Finnegan and the rest of the townspeople, who resent Cole for closing down the local paper mill and replacing it with a hotel. Finn asks good friend, 32-year-old FBI profiler Jamie Crawford to help him with the case. But when beautiful red head Jamie meets the number one suspect, sparks fly. Cole has been badly burned by Teresa, and doesn't want to risk his heart again, no matter how tempted he is by Jamie. Jamie wants to keep things professional (if she can). Even though in her heart (and her gut) Jamie knows Cole had nothing to do with his ex's murder (despite all the circumstantial evidence), it would be wrong to start something with a man who says he's done with relationships, no matter how wildly attracted they are to each other...right?
Good suspense in this one, and a nice dose of hot romance too. EK had me guessing in this one. Who could've killed Teresa, and why? (And really, this woman was so disliked that anyone in the town could've been a suspect!) What was the motive? I had a suspect all picked out, but then Ms. Kennedy threw a little curveball by having Jamie's life threatened too, and I had to rethink a bit. No spoilers here, but just know that the person who threatens Jamie's life is revealed, but you'll have to wait until The Heartbreak Sheriff to find out who the killer is.
About the characters? I liked Cole. He was a bit of a loner, a self-made millionaire (even though he came from great wealth) with kind of a miserable childhood. And who doesn't love a drop-dead gorgeous millionaire who can also cook?!
He felt uncomfortable as she studied the feast he prepared. He'd planned on broiling a couple of steaks and serving them with baked potatoes, but at the last moment he'd realized he didn't know if she liked red meat, so he'd promptly boiled up some fettucine, whipped up a rosé sauce and shoved some garlic bread in the oven. Then he'd questioned that choice and tossed a salad, grilling up some chicken to make it a hearty Caesar.
Wow. You can cook for me any time, Cole!
Cole...
He seemed like a smart guy, I just don't know how he was taken in by Teresa (unless he was a sucker for a pretty face)! Everyone in the whole town seemed to dislike her--you think he would've picked up on that.
I really liked Jamie. She was bright, fearless, and good at her job. She came from a poor background and worked hard to get the career she loved. Jamie and Cole together were...hot. I like how she went after what she wanted (Cole) and put herself out there.
I was not too crazy about Sheriff Finnegan. I can't say much without giving away spoilers but I don't think he was that good at his job or that open-minded. He was often reluctant to listen to reason because he had his mind made up, he had his suspect and didn't want to consider other possibilities. All I can say is thank god for Jamie. There was a scene near the end of the book where he let one of the characters confront the person threatening Jamie (with near disasterous consequences) while he waited outside...I don't know, I think he should've handled that differently.
Anyhow, for a book that's only 216 pages, Elle Kennedy sure packed a lot into it. I was very impressed with the amount of detail, descriptions, and back story for the characters, as well as the suspense plot, and the pages devoted to the romance and hot sex scenes between the H/h. It gave me a real feeling for the town and the characters, and it had me guessing all the time who would want to murder Teresa Donovan--and more importantly--why?
To find out the answer to that question--read The Heartbreak Sheriff...the answer may surprise you. 4 stars
October 14, 2017
I always enjoy an Elle Kennedy read. This one was a fast read since it was from the Silhouette series. Fast paced, engaging characters. Good story. Definitely have the second one ready since the killer isn't discovered in this book.
I prefer her longer stories but this was a good read to add to my books read this year.
I prefer her longer stories but this was a good read to add to my books read this year.
July 12, 2013
Rating 3.5 stars
The heroine made it to the FBI from a trailer park childhood and now she's 32 truly dedicated to her career but feeling that she missed a lot of things. She comes to town during her leave to assist her friend Finn the Sheriff on a murder case and the prime suspect is the hero. Cole is a millionaire and the ex husband of the dead woman who was the most hated woman in town, because she was immoral, vicious and slutty. The hero just wants the nightmare of his marriage over, he fell for his wife not knowing how disgusting she was and even after the divorce and her death she haunts him.
The whole town hates him because he is the outsider who built a hotel there and the Sheriff totally believes he did it but the heroine doesn't think he is guilty. Since it's an EK book there is this intense attraction which they try to fight because the heroine is still investigating a case and the hero is still messed up by his disastrous marriage but it's a losing battle.
Then the heroine starts getting attacked. I have to say I so knew who the guilty party was. I had a problem with the Sheriff's tunnel vision the hero of the next book but I enjoyed the book. The hero's trust issues come into play but the heroine doesn't give up. The hero's ex murderer gets revealed in the next book.
The heroine made it to the FBI from a trailer park childhood and now she's 32 truly dedicated to her career but feeling that she missed a lot of things. She comes to town during her leave to assist her friend Finn the Sheriff on a murder case and the prime suspect is the hero. Cole is a millionaire and the ex husband of the dead woman who was the most hated woman in town, because she was immoral, vicious and slutty. The hero just wants the nightmare of his marriage over, he fell for his wife not knowing how disgusting she was and even after the divorce and her death she haunts him.
The whole town hates him because he is the outsider who built a hotel there and the Sheriff totally believes he did it but the heroine doesn't think he is guilty. Since it's an EK book there is this intense attraction which they try to fight because the heroine is still investigating a case and the hero is still messed up by his disastrous marriage but it's a losing battle.
Then the heroine starts getting attacked. I have to say I so knew who the guilty party was. I had a problem with the Sheriff's tunnel vision the hero of the next book but I enjoyed the book. The hero's trust issues come into play but the heroine doesn't give up. The hero's ex murderer gets revealed in the next book.
April 16, 2022
Millionaire's Last Stand (12/2011) es un SIM, el n.º 1686, y el primer libro de una bilogía llamada Small-Town Scandals. Aunque no lo parezca por su portada en español, que apuntaría a una historia juvenil, esto es suspense romántico.
Cogí este libro porque vi que era de Elle Kennedy y estaba en KU. No le hago ascos a un harlequín, sobre todo si está escrito por una autora que es de las buenas. Porque muchas de ellas han tenido un pasado en este tipo de romances genéricos (N. Roberts, S. Brown, J. A. Krentz, L. Howard... por mencionar algunas clásicas), y hay algunos muy buenos, siempre que asumas que va a ser corto y al grano.
La novela está bien, entretenida dentro de un formato corto. El millonario Cole (34) se ve acusado de la muerte de su mujer. El sheriff llama a su amiga Jamie (32), agente del FBI, para que le eche una mano extraoficialmente en la investigación. Esta perfiladora del FBI tiene claro que Cole no ha sido, y que él le gusta más que comer con los dedos.
Lo de ellos es muy instalust y casi instalove, porque el conteo de páginas no da más de sí: en pocos días se gustan, tienen sexo, peligra su vida, les pegan algún tiro y acaban enamorados, comprometiéndose y poco menos que hasta eligiendo el nombre de sus futuros churumbeles. Todo así en tamaño bonsái que oye, eso me parece bien y fue agradable de leer (tres estrellas). Lo que pasa es que...
Lo que no les cabe es RESOLVER EL CRIMEN. Y esto se supone que es suspense romántico. Para eso te tienes que leer el siguiente de la bilogía, The Heartbreak Sheriff (1/2012), SIM n.º 1690, que en español se tituló Deseo inocente. Ese ya no está en KU, y si quieres saber quién es el asesino de Teresa Donovan tienes que apoquinar, a día de hoy... 2,84 € en español, o 2,75 € en inglés...
O bien hacer como he hecho yo, leer críticas hasta encontrar quien me lo destripe. Porque a) me ha cabreado el cliffhanger; b) el segundo aunque tiene algo que me gusta (historia de second chance) también tiene cosas que no (novela con niño y alabanza de aldea).
Si no hubiera estado en KU, dudo que hubiese cogido este libro para leer. Lo cual me hace dudar si no será hora ya de dejar esa suscripción. porque los libros que más me apetece leer a día de hoy, no están ahí.
Cogí este libro porque vi que era de Elle Kennedy y estaba en KU. No le hago ascos a un harlequín, sobre todo si está escrito por una autora que es de las buenas. Porque muchas de ellas han tenido un pasado en este tipo de romances genéricos (N. Roberts, S. Brown, J. A. Krentz, L. Howard... por mencionar algunas clásicas), y hay algunos muy buenos, siempre que asumas que va a ser corto y al grano.
La novela está bien, entretenida dentro de un formato corto. El millonario Cole (34) se ve acusado de la muerte de su mujer. El sheriff llama a su amiga Jamie (32), agente del FBI, para que le eche una mano extraoficialmente en la investigación. Esta perfiladora del FBI tiene claro que Cole no ha sido, y que él le gusta más que comer con los dedos.
Lo de ellos es muy instalust y casi instalove, porque el conteo de páginas no da más de sí: en pocos días se gustan, tienen sexo, peligra su vida, les pegan algún tiro y acaban enamorados, comprometiéndose y poco menos que hasta eligiendo el nombre de sus futuros churumbeles. Todo así en tamaño bonsái que oye, eso me parece bien y fue agradable de leer (tres estrellas). Lo que pasa es que...
Lo que no les cabe es RESOLVER EL CRIMEN. Y esto se supone que es suspense romántico. Para eso te tienes que leer el siguiente de la bilogía, The Heartbreak Sheriff (1/2012), SIM n.º 1690, que en español se tituló Deseo inocente. Ese ya no está en KU, y si quieres saber quién es el asesino de Teresa Donovan tienes que apoquinar, a día de hoy... 2,84 € en español, o 2,75 € en inglés...
O bien hacer como he hecho yo, leer críticas hasta encontrar quien me lo destripe. Porque a) me ha cabreado el cliffhanger; b) el segundo aunque tiene algo que me gusta (historia de second chance) también tiene cosas que no (novela con niño y alabanza de aldea).
Si no hubiera estado en KU, dudo que hubiese cogido este libro para leer. Lo cual me hace dudar si no será hora ya de dejar esa suscripción. porque los libros que más me apetece leer a día de hoy, no están ahí.
November 14, 2011
Excellent book. Fantastic suspense, really good heat between the two main characters. Jamie is very good at what she does, and she is very sure that Cole did not kill his ex-wife. Cole is adamant that he did not kill Teresa, but no one in town believes him. He has stayed separate from the townspeople, finding it easier to just stay away. His trust issues have him not wanting to believe Jamie when some things happen to call his story into question. The conclusion to the story is heart-pounnding, but leaves the door open for the next book. I can't wait to read it!
May 3, 2026
3,5***
August 6, 2019
It took me awhile to get through this book, not because it wasn't good but because my day is full of distractions. I enjoyed the characters and the plot had a really good flow to it. Cole Donovan is the handsome millionaire of the town and has so many things going for him but the downside is he being accused of murder. The Sheriff in town calls in his friend/coworker FBI agent Jamie to come and help investigate suspects in town. The ending was quite sudden and I wish there had been a little bit more back story on what the real motive was for the murder. Especially it being in such a small town I would have thought there would have been more details and gossip involved. Overall this was an okay read.
July 17, 2020
La novela tiene muchos clichés y el romance es instantáneo, pero dejo reconocer que me ha gustado un poco más que las novelas Harlequín comunes.
Al menos mi malestar por los protagonistas masculinos machitos fue mínimo, y la protagonista femenina era una mujer bastante capaz.
.
Reconozco que hasta ahora no tengo ni la menor idea de quien puede ser el asesino, así que, otro punto a su favor.
Al menos mi malestar por los protagonistas masculinos machitos fue mínimo, y la protagonista femenina era una mujer bastante capaz.
.
Reconozco que hasta ahora no tengo ni la menor idea de quien puede ser el asesino, así que, otro punto a su favor.
April 27, 2022
Kind of predictable, frustrating at that enticing cliffhanger. Fluctuated between liking the characters and finding them annoying, the relationship moved faster than the murder investigation that didn't give me any answers besides one of the culprits that I called from first introduction. But now I need more answers and I'm not sure I care enough about the characters to read about two new ones 🤔
March 26, 2025
Format is so bad
Doesn't anyone proofread and format anymore? I didn't even read it because as a speed reader I have to be able to read smoothly and with punctuation errors in the middle of words just messes with the flow.
I usually love Elle Kennedy's books. Contact me and I would love to proofread your books. cldoran0607@icloud.com
Doesn't anyone proofread and format anymore? I didn't even read it because as a speed reader I have to be able to read smoothly and with punctuation errors in the middle of words just messes with the flow.
I usually love Elle Kennedy's books. Contact me and I would love to proofread your books. cldoran0607@icloud.com
June 18, 2020
3.5 stars!
I was so irritated after I was done with this book,
a) because I literally flew through the book so I could get to know the killer!
b) I still didn't know who the killer was at 3 a.m. ?!!
Will probably upgrade the ratings after I'm done with the follow-up.
I was so irritated after I was done with this book,
a) because I literally flew through the book so I could get to know the killer!
b) I still didn't know who the killer was at 3 a.m. ?!!
Will probably upgrade the ratings after I'm done with the follow-up.
November 3, 2025
Great book!
Terrible editing. The story pulled me in - the lack of editing unnecessary non words was extremely distracting. If you can work your way thru the horrible editing to decipher the story - the story is great.
Terrible editing. The story pulled me in - the lack of editing unnecessary non words was extremely distracting. If you can work your way thru the horrible editing to decipher the story - the story is great.
July 8, 2020
Fast paced & kkeeps you guessing!! Great read😊
December 27, 2020
Se hace muy corto :(
April 18, 2022
Nice, quick, action-packed romance/mystery!
April 8, 2023
2.5 ⭐️
November 17, 2023
Si esta muy intrigante la verdad
August 24, 2024
Easy read. Nothing earth shattering or suspenseful. Nice weekend read.
May 7, 2025
Como echaba de menos leer este tipo de libros sin sentido, es que son maravillosos 🤣
November 5, 2025
Didn't realize this was the first of two books in a series and read the second book before this one, which made this one less suspenseful but still good.
January 14, 2026
tuvo weno, lo volvería a leer, es un 3.5
May 31, 2026
Library ✅
Ebook ✅
Ebook ✅
January 20, 2026
it was fine cute but also a bit weird they knew each other for less then 2 weeks and were in love lol but i liked the plot
June 20, 2013
Jamie Crawford is a FBI profiler. She was wondering what she was going to do on her vacation when her friend, Sherriff Patrick Finnegan, asks for a favor. It seems someone has murdered the estranged wife of the local millionaire real estate developer, Cole Donovan, in the picturesque town of Serenade. There is little to no clues for the Sherriff to follow and all the circumstantial evidence points to Cole Donovan.
When Cole and Jamie meet there is an instant attraction that they each try to deny. After all, how would it look if an FBI agent gives in to attraction to the person of interest in a murder investigation? The last thing Cole Donovan is looking for is a relationship. His ex-wife wounded his pride and had given him enough grief while she was alive to have him steering clear of the opposite sex.
Then during the course of the investigation, Cole and Jamie are thrown together due to circumstances and threats aimed at Jamie. Trying to keep her safe, Cole invites her to stay at his home since there is better security than at the B&B she was staying at. Being in close quarters pushes their attraction to the breaking point and they give in to it. Then, someone takes a shot at Jamie in Cole’s backyard. Some interesting turn of events, yet they are no closer to catching the killer. Is the killer after Jamie now, or is it someone else, trying to warn her off or are there other reasons to target her?
You’ll have to read the story to figure that out….
When Cole and Jamie meet there is an instant attraction that they each try to deny. After all, how would it look if an FBI agent gives in to attraction to the person of interest in a murder investigation? The last thing Cole Donovan is looking for is a relationship. His ex-wife wounded his pride and had given him enough grief while she was alive to have him steering clear of the opposite sex.
Then during the course of the investigation, Cole and Jamie are thrown together due to circumstances and threats aimed at Jamie. Trying to keep her safe, Cole invites her to stay at his home since there is better security than at the B&B she was staying at. Being in close quarters pushes their attraction to the breaking point and they give in to it. Then, someone takes a shot at Jamie in Cole’s backyard. Some interesting turn of events, yet they are no closer to catching the killer. Is the killer after Jamie now, or is it someone else, trying to warn her off or are there other reasons to target her?
You’ll have to read the story to figure that out….
November 16, 2015
I've never really understood the category romance phrase that bloggers bandy about. However, after reading this I think I 'get' it. This was very different from Elle Kennedy's other books that I have read, the sexy is dialled down and the romance is much more old school.
Cole is a multi-millionaire/billionaire who happens to live in a small town. He moved there when he married a local girl, Teresa. Unfortunately, she was a gold-digger who only wanted what Cole's money could give her - she wanted to travel the world spending his money. After bitter recriminations and infidelity they were in the process of getting a divorce when someone shot her. Of course Cole is the main suspect but she was so universally disliked that there are no shortage of other people with motives.
The local sheriff asks his best friend, FBI profiler Jamie to help with finding the killer. She is instantly attracted to Cole but tries to remain objective.
There are lots of characters who also appear suspicious - Teresa's older sister threatens Jamie and Cole and stirs up trouble. Cole's neighbour should be Cole's alibi but for his own reasons denies seeing Cole that night.
As Jamie starts to investigate she too becomes a target.
I liked this, I don't know when it was first published but it had an old-fashioned feel to it.
Cole is a multi-millionaire/billionaire who happens to live in a small town. He moved there when he married a local girl, Teresa. Unfortunately, she was a gold-digger who only wanted what Cole's money could give her - she wanted to travel the world spending his money. After bitter recriminations and infidelity they were in the process of getting a divorce when someone shot her. Of course Cole is the main suspect but she was so universally disliked that there are no shortage of other people with motives.
The local sheriff asks his best friend, FBI profiler Jamie to help with finding the killer. She is instantly attracted to Cole but tries to remain objective.
There are lots of characters who also appear suspicious - Teresa's older sister threatens Jamie and Cole and stirs up trouble. Cole's neighbour should be Cole's alibi but for his own reasons denies seeing Cole that night.
As Jamie starts to investigate she too becomes a target.
I liked this, I don't know when it was first published but it had an old-fashioned feel to it.
November 12, 2013
Just finished this fast paced romantic suspense by Elle Kennedy.
I loved her characters and the premise.
Self-made millionaire Cole Donovan is accused of his ex wife's murder. He didn't do it but nobody in the small town of Serenade believes him. Nobody except the FBI agent brought in to help investigate.
Jamie Crawford, FBI profiler, is asked by the local sheriff to come help him investigate a murder. The first thing she does is to go interrogate the suspect Cole Donovan. Little do they know is that they are soul mates.
Cole may have come from a life of privilege and Jamie may have come from a trailer park they both have the same dreams. They want to be accepted for who they are. They want to have someone to come home to at the end of the day and a family. Will they get what they want? You will have to read and see for yourself.
I loved her characters and the premise.
Self-made millionaire Cole Donovan is accused of his ex wife's murder. He didn't do it but nobody in the small town of Serenade believes him. Nobody except the FBI agent brought in to help investigate.
Jamie Crawford, FBI profiler, is asked by the local sheriff to come help him investigate a murder. The first thing she does is to go interrogate the suspect Cole Donovan. Little do they know is that they are soul mates.
Cole may have come from a life of privilege and Jamie may have come from a trailer park they both have the same dreams. They want to be accepted for who they are. They want to have someone to come home to at the end of the day and a family. Will they get what they want? You will have to read and see for yourself.
August 29, 2012
3.5 stars
I would have probably given this book 4 stars if it hadn't been so predictable. I knew from almost the beginning who the "bad guy" was and that pretty much ruined it for me. It was well written and the characters will well developed. The plot was on the week side -- and I didn't feel much of the suspense or mystery that I expected.
Still a good read and I will continue on with the next book in the series.
I would have probably given this book 4 stars if it hadn't been so predictable. I knew from almost the beginning who the "bad guy" was and that pretty much ruined it for me. It was well written and the characters will well developed. The plot was on the week side -- and I didn't feel much of the suspense or mystery that I expected.
Still a good read and I will continue on with the next book in the series.
April 2, 2014
Well-crafted romantic suspense novel, I'm impressed for it being a Harlequin. I also enjoy this author. Really captures the best features and worst features of living in a small town. I felt bad for Cole that no one gave him any benefit of the doubt. Liked that Jamie came in with a more neutral attitude and could see through the prejudices to behave in a rational manner. You know, until they hook up. Ends satisfactorily as far as Cole is concerned, but the larger mystery carries over to book 2.
March 22, 2016
I am a big fan of Elle Kennedy's writing, but this book was a total miss for me: The characters felt two-dimensional, and the love scenes were short and lackluster. Worst of all, this was a romantic suspense novel revolving around a murder, and the book ends with the murder still unsolved. For me, that breaks the contract with the reader. Evidently, the resolution comes in the next book in the series, which I won't be reading.
October 23, 2022
Well second time around it’s still a cool story! I really like how Jamie & Finn are friends and that’s all!
And I really liked the character that Ms. James created in Jamie, she stuck to her guns, her convictions (well there was that one time . . .) and her fairy in Cole!!
Note: would like to see Anna & any other deputies have a story too! Guess I fell in love a little bit with the town of Serenade too!
And I really liked the character that Ms. James created in Jamie, she stuck to her guns, her convictions (well there was that one time . . .) and her fairy in Cole!!
Note: would like to see Anna & any other deputies have a story too! Guess I fell in love a little bit with the town of Serenade too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews