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Faces of Evil #2
Impulse
The Player is a master in the art of torture and murder. No one had ever gotten close to capturing him until Special Agent Jess Harris targeted him with her relentless determination. Jess's actions may have cost her a job with the bureau, but the Player still wants his vengeance and he'll make Jess pay in ways she never imagined. The first victim is Jess's friend-and the killer won't stop there. With each new death Jess becomes more certain that the only way to stop the Player is to give him what he really wants: her.
Chief of Police Dan Burnett is determined to give Jess her confidence and her life back. With an offer on the table, a position as deputy chief of a new division, can Jess risk staying in her hometown and putting those around her in more danger? Or will she walk away to protect everyone she loves-including Dan, who just may want her back in his arms? The stakes are high, and a single impulse will determine who survives the Player's final, deadly game . . .
Chief of Police Dan Burnett is determined to give Jess her confidence and her life back. With an offer on the table, a position as deputy chief of a new division, can Jess risk staying in her hometown and putting those around her in more danger? Or will she walk away to protect everyone she loves-including Dan, who just may want her back in his arms? The stakes are high, and a single impulse will determine who survives the Player's final, deadly game . . .
Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2011
322 people are currently reading
1240 people want to read
About the author
Debra Webb
544 books2,340 followersDEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 170 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.
With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
January 19, 2015
The story continues right where Obsession ends with the discovery of Detective Lori Wells' abduction. Jess Harris believes it's Eric Spears, who she accused of being the serial killer known as The Player. She's not only up against him but her own colleagues who aren't ready to trust her judgment.
The tension level is high with the fear that the serial killer is in Birmingham. With those connected to Jess at risk, the stakes escalated and the case took some gruesome and surprising turns. The ending was a little twisty, though not surprising but it didn't lessen my interest.
I enjoyed the story and am really looking forward to continuing this series, especially with things not resolved very neatly. And, Jess's relationship with Dan has everywhere to go.
The tension level is high with the fear that the serial killer is in Birmingham. With those connected to Jess at risk, the stakes escalated and the case took some gruesome and surprising turns. The ending was a little twisty, though not surprising but it didn't lessen my interest.
I enjoyed the story and am really looking forward to continuing this series, especially with things not resolved very neatly. And, Jess's relationship with Dan has everywhere to go.
December 10, 2011
You better plan on reading this book in one sitting because once you start - you won’t be able to stop!
A-Mazing! If I was prone to bite my nails - there would be nothing left but the nubs. After the way Ms. Webb left me and all of her readers handing at he end of book one in the Faces of Evil series, (it was very, very evil on her part), I immediately had to start this book...even though it was late and past my bedtime and there was a very good chance I would be having nightmares. I’m not one for reading nail-biting, edge of your seat thrillers before bed because once the lights go out, every creak and groan my house has my eyes popping open and my heart racing. Impulse is not the book you want to be reading before bed...I should have taken my own advise. I wasn’t going to pull an all nighter and finish this book before bed...HA! I couldn’t stop reading, even despite the threat of nightmares. Oy Vey!
Impulse picks up immediately after Obsession ends. Jess and Dan have barely closed the case after rescuing five missing girls before the next nightmare rears it’s ugly head.
Jess finds herself under investigation by the FBI for her actions involving her handling of the case involving “The Player”, being offered a new job as Deputy Chief by her ex-lover and Police Chief Dan Burnett and being tormented by none other than Eric Spears aka The Player...or is she?
Jess knows beyond all doubt that somehow Eric Spears is involved as people close to Jess go missing. The Player is a mastermind at manipulation and he knows just what buttons of Jess’s to push. But the facts aren’t adding up for this profiler and the case has Jess and the entire police task force baffled. Is The Player really behind everything that is going on? Is there an accomplish doing The Player’s dirty work? Or is a copycat trying to make a name for himself and cash in on all the media attention?
Jess is going to have to put all her fears and feeling aside and try to outwit, outlast and outplay...The Player. The lives of people close to Jess hang in the balance if Jess can’t stay one step ahead of The Player and figure out his next move.
What an ending! Can’t wait to see what the next book in this series brings. Is it February 2012 yet?
A-Mazing! If I was prone to bite my nails - there would be nothing left but the nubs. After the way Ms. Webb left me and all of her readers handing at he end of book one in the Faces of Evil series, (it was very, very evil on her part), I immediately had to start this book...even though it was late and past my bedtime and there was a very good chance I would be having nightmares. I’m not one for reading nail-biting, edge of your seat thrillers before bed because once the lights go out, every creak and groan my house has my eyes popping open and my heart racing. Impulse is not the book you want to be reading before bed...I should have taken my own advise. I wasn’t going to pull an all nighter and finish this book before bed...HA! I couldn’t stop reading, even despite the threat of nightmares. Oy Vey!
Impulse picks up immediately after Obsession ends. Jess and Dan have barely closed the case after rescuing five missing girls before the next nightmare rears it’s ugly head.
Jess finds herself under investigation by the FBI for her actions involving her handling of the case involving “The Player”, being offered a new job as Deputy Chief by her ex-lover and Police Chief Dan Burnett and being tormented by none other than Eric Spears aka The Player...or is she?
Jess knows beyond all doubt that somehow Eric Spears is involved as people close to Jess go missing. The Player is a mastermind at manipulation and he knows just what buttons of Jess’s to push. But the facts aren’t adding up for this profiler and the case has Jess and the entire police task force baffled. Is The Player really behind everything that is going on? Is there an accomplish doing The Player’s dirty work? Or is a copycat trying to make a name for himself and cash in on all the media attention?
Jess is going to have to put all her fears and feeling aside and try to outwit, outlast and outplay...The Player. The lives of people close to Jess hang in the balance if Jess can’t stay one step ahead of The Player and figure out his next move.
What an ending! Can’t wait to see what the next book in this series brings. Is it February 2012 yet?
February 25, 2019
This was the best book that I have read in 2019. It had me hooked on the first page. Despite not having read the first book in the series, I had no trouble getting into the story. This is a well written and fast paced novel with kidnappings, murder, torture, and a little romance, as well as the local police and FBI efforts to resolve the crimes. The novel was full of suspense with strong main and supporting characters. I will definitely be reading more of this series.
January 22, 2012
Alright, I said in ‘Obsession’s’ review that I can just imagine what awaits me if this book (#1) was anything to go by. I don’t need to imagine anymore. The suspense factor in ‘Impulse’ just went up, not one, but a few notches. For goodness’ sakes, how much more of this can I take? HeHe. I am barely awake in the morning and yet I find myself weaving down the passage, Kindle in hand, ready to have my first cup of coffee and read at least 10 pages. Of course, this totally goes out the window as I end up reading way more than originally planned. Won’t even refer to my nails in this review – there aren’t any left! Yep, forgot the gloves. The build up in ‘Impulse’ was so tense, I thought my neck would snap. To use two words from the author on how I felt, here goes: ‘holy guacamole’! This is 2nd book in the ‘Faces of Evil’ series and it did not disappoint. In fact, it sends you on a rollercoaster ride of note.
‘Impulse’ continues from ‘Obsession’ where Jess, Dan and the BPD had put a pair of mentally disturbed and disgusting parents behind bars, yet the most elusive one and the one Jess is so desperately trying to get her hands on (or around his neck) is still roaming around continuing his despicable evil. You will know after reading ‘Obsession’ that it ended with Detective Lori Wells being kidnapped by Eric Spears aka the Player. She’s adamant that it is Spears. The Bureau seems to think otherwise and trouble is waiting just around the corner. It seems that her home office wall was plastered with photos of Spears and in some cases, her face cut and pasted next to his along with a personal message, ‘Why did you leave me Jess’? Supervisory Special Agent Ralph Gant, her boss from Quantico, whom Jess thought she knew pretty well, as they’ve worked together for about 10 years, is somehow convinced that there is more to Jess’ involvement with Spears than she’s letting on. To further enrage her, the anonymous emails she received from the perp, were found to be sent from her home. Jess is past angry and horrified that the very people she’s worked so hard for, seem to be on Spears’ side. The inevitable investigation into her ‘state of mind’ is a given. Gant suggested she’d had a meltdown and threatened to take her into custody if she continued to be involved with the BPD investigation.
Dan has no choice but take Jess off the case - at least for appearances sakes, no need to jeopardise everyone’s career. She will still be informed of everything and anything that concerns Spears/Player. Rumours relating to their relationship are rife with insinuations that the reason she got the job as Chief is due to the fact that there’s still something going on between them and making it worse is that Dan has moved her into his house for her protection, even though she warned him against this. What else can go wrong? Because of her, Detective Wells, realtor Belinda Howard and an FBI agent have been kidnapped consecutively with horrific consequences. Spears/Player is so manically twisted that when I read these particular scenes, I felt sick. The one involving Jess, Dan and Lori Wells is so suspenseful; I clearly saw it playing out in my head.
Without saying too much, you have no choice but to be dragged along for this ride wanting Spears/Player to be caught and wishing you could be there to hand him your own punishment. I will say though that Jess starts having doubts as to whether this is really Spears/Player. What they’ve observed from evidence collected from his victims is that it’s sloppy work with one of these victims being left alive. Nobody ever makes it out alive and Spears is anything but sloppy. Could Jess have been that wrong in her assessment of Spears? Could someone else be involved? She needs to be in top form and play his game, only better, as her family, Dan, in fact anyone around her, is in imminent danger. She can’t afford to doubt herself, but, is it or isn’t it him? I don’t know. Well, I do actually, but I’m not telling. :D GAME ON.
Jess and Dan’s relationship, as mentioned previously, continues forward but is by no means resolved. What I like about this series so far is not only the way it’s so well written, gripping, suspenseful, nail biting and thrilling, it’s that issues will ultimately be resolved whether they re-connect on that particular level or just remain friends is yet to be seen, but it will be (I believe) spread over time throughout the series and not within one night.
Phew, my nerves are shattered! Even so, I am so looking forward to the third book in this series, called ‘Power’ due out in February. To follow will be ‘Rage’ in May and ‘Revenge’ in June. Meanwhile, I’ll be sure to keep looking over my shoulder ;)
Quote
“Jessie Lee Harris was here to stay and she would stop this evil.”
‘Impulse’ continues from ‘Obsession’ where Jess, Dan and the BPD had put a pair of mentally disturbed and disgusting parents behind bars, yet the most elusive one and the one Jess is so desperately trying to get her hands on (or around his neck) is still roaming around continuing his despicable evil. You will know after reading ‘Obsession’ that it ended with Detective Lori Wells being kidnapped by Eric Spears aka the Player. She’s adamant that it is Spears. The Bureau seems to think otherwise and trouble is waiting just around the corner. It seems that her home office wall was plastered with photos of Spears and in some cases, her face cut and pasted next to his along with a personal message, ‘Why did you leave me Jess’? Supervisory Special Agent Ralph Gant, her boss from Quantico, whom Jess thought she knew pretty well, as they’ve worked together for about 10 years, is somehow convinced that there is more to Jess’ involvement with Spears than she’s letting on. To further enrage her, the anonymous emails she received from the perp, were found to be sent from her home. Jess is past angry and horrified that the very people she’s worked so hard for, seem to be on Spears’ side. The inevitable investigation into her ‘state of mind’ is a given. Gant suggested she’d had a meltdown and threatened to take her into custody if she continued to be involved with the BPD investigation.
Dan has no choice but take Jess off the case - at least for appearances sakes, no need to jeopardise everyone’s career. She will still be informed of everything and anything that concerns Spears/Player. Rumours relating to their relationship are rife with insinuations that the reason she got the job as Chief is due to the fact that there’s still something going on between them and making it worse is that Dan has moved her into his house for her protection, even though she warned him against this. What else can go wrong? Because of her, Detective Wells, realtor Belinda Howard and an FBI agent have been kidnapped consecutively with horrific consequences. Spears/Player is so manically twisted that when I read these particular scenes, I felt sick. The one involving Jess, Dan and Lori Wells is so suspenseful; I clearly saw it playing out in my head.
Without saying too much, you have no choice but to be dragged along for this ride wanting Spears/Player to be caught and wishing you could be there to hand him your own punishment. I will say though that Jess starts having doubts as to whether this is really Spears/Player. What they’ve observed from evidence collected from his victims is that it’s sloppy work with one of these victims being left alive. Nobody ever makes it out alive and Spears is anything but sloppy. Could Jess have been that wrong in her assessment of Spears? Could someone else be involved? She needs to be in top form and play his game, only better, as her family, Dan, in fact anyone around her, is in imminent danger. She can’t afford to doubt herself, but, is it or isn’t it him? I don’t know. Well, I do actually, but I’m not telling. :D GAME ON.
Jess and Dan’s relationship, as mentioned previously, continues forward but is by no means resolved. What I like about this series so far is not only the way it’s so well written, gripping, suspenseful, nail biting and thrilling, it’s that issues will ultimately be resolved whether they re-connect on that particular level or just remain friends is yet to be seen, but it will be (I believe) spread over time throughout the series and not within one night.
Phew, my nerves are shattered! Even so, I am so looking forward to the third book in this series, called ‘Power’ due out in February. To follow will be ‘Rage’ in May and ‘Revenge’ in June. Meanwhile, I’ll be sure to keep looking over my shoulder ;)
Quote
“Jessie Lee Harris was here to stay and she would stop this evil.”
September 5, 2012
Impulse by Debra Webb
5 STARS
Impulse is the second book of Face's of Evil. I did not want to put the book down untill I finshed it. Next book up will be book 3 and then I will have to wait for the next ones. I read somewhere that it is a 10 or 12 book series when done.
Impulse takes up right after Obsession ends. It is nonstop action and suspense.
Can they find Detective Lori Wells before her kidnapper she turns up Dead.
Special Agent Jess Harris is getting texts from the kidnapper. She is sure it is
the Player who they had to let go of.
The kidnapper is different this time making little changes, showing his face here and thier are things happening back in Virgina that she does not know about.
Jess was asked to come and lead a new task force that would cover different cities and county on cases that don't fall into usuall catergories. Jess knows that soon her FBI badge will be taken away from her.
Thier are more kidnapped victims that are people she knows or has met.
Chief of Police Dan Burnett and the county Sheriff both want Jess to come to work for them. She saved the 5 girls that were missing in the area. Plus Dan does not want her to leave him again.
Back home for Jess her neighbor was murdered and Jess's home was broke into and a message written in blood is on her wall. Thier is also found a wall of pictures of who she suspects is the Player. with pictures of her cut into them.
Jess's FBI Boss thinks she has a fixation on Eric Spears AKA the Player. He wants her off the case. He is worried about law suits and complaints from Eric.
Eric is under watch back in Virgina how can he be their but sene here by witnesses. They eyed his photo. It has to be Eric or someone he works with.
Thier are detectives who resent that this new Deputy Chief job is being offered to Jess when they have the years in the police force in Birningham. But this new position was created with her in mind after watching her work with police and county and her skills in profiling.
Jess is being attacked which ever way she looks. She is even doubting herself.
I have been drawn to these characters. I wanted Lori to be found in time. I want Jess and Dan to work out and the Player to be caught. I need to go read the next book!
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
08/07/2012 PUB Grand Central Publishing Imprint Forever Yours
5 STARS
Impulse is the second book of Face's of Evil. I did not want to put the book down untill I finshed it. Next book up will be book 3 and then I will have to wait for the next ones. I read somewhere that it is a 10 or 12 book series when done.
Impulse takes up right after Obsession ends. It is nonstop action and suspense.
Can they find Detective Lori Wells before her kidnapper she turns up Dead.
Special Agent Jess Harris is getting texts from the kidnapper. She is sure it is
the Player who they had to let go of.
The kidnapper is different this time making little changes, showing his face here and thier are things happening back in Virgina that she does not know about.
Jess was asked to come and lead a new task force that would cover different cities and county on cases that don't fall into usuall catergories. Jess knows that soon her FBI badge will be taken away from her.
Thier are more kidnapped victims that are people she knows or has met.
Chief of Police Dan Burnett and the county Sheriff both want Jess to come to work for them. She saved the 5 girls that were missing in the area. Plus Dan does not want her to leave him again.
Back home for Jess her neighbor was murdered and Jess's home was broke into and a message written in blood is on her wall. Thier is also found a wall of pictures of who she suspects is the Player. with pictures of her cut into them.
Jess's FBI Boss thinks she has a fixation on Eric Spears AKA the Player. He wants her off the case. He is worried about law suits and complaints from Eric.
Eric is under watch back in Virgina how can he be their but sene here by witnesses. They eyed his photo. It has to be Eric or someone he works with.
Thier are detectives who resent that this new Deputy Chief job is being offered to Jess when they have the years in the police force in Birningham. But this new position was created with her in mind after watching her work with police and county and her skills in profiling.
Jess is being attacked which ever way she looks. She is even doubting herself.
I have been drawn to these characters. I wanted Lori to be found in time. I want Jess and Dan to work out and the Player to be caught. I need to go read the next book!
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
08/07/2012 PUB Grand Central Publishing Imprint Forever Yours
November 30, 2015
Much more graphic than the previous book. More suspense, creepier villain.
This book picks up where Obsession left off with the abduction of Det. Lori Wells. The chase is on to find her. Jess knows deep down this is the work of Eric Spears, the villain who cost her her career with the FBI. Her superiors at the FBI have her doubting her skills and knowledge of who is actually perpetrating the crimes, not to mention that if this is indeed Spears, his pattern has changed dramatically. The BPD go here, there, and everywhere based on clues and messages that the bad guy sends their way. Several people are murdered, others are taken, and it all ties back to who everyone thinks is Spears.
There was much more violence and graphic details in this installment compared to the last one. Definitely creepier. More of Jess and Dan's past is revealed, and they are starting to understand one another a little more. I liked the resolution. Not so much with the bad guy, but I liked how the work situation concerning Jess was resolved. I also like how this book didn't end with a giant cliffhanger like Obsession did.
This is the second installment of the Faces of Evil series, which contains 12 books. The first was Obsession. Books 3 and 4, Power and Rage, are available now. Books 5 and 6, Revenge and Ruthless, will be released July and August. I will definitely be continuing the series, as I have 3 and 4 on hand and I have preordered 5 and 6 :)
This book picks up where Obsession left off with the abduction of Det. Lori Wells. The chase is on to find her. Jess knows deep down this is the work of Eric Spears, the villain who cost her her career with the FBI. Her superiors at the FBI have her doubting her skills and knowledge of who is actually perpetrating the crimes, not to mention that if this is indeed Spears, his pattern has changed dramatically. The BPD go here, there, and everywhere based on clues and messages that the bad guy sends their way. Several people are murdered, others are taken, and it all ties back to who everyone thinks is Spears.
There was much more violence and graphic details in this installment compared to the last one. Definitely creepier. More of Jess and Dan's past is revealed, and they are starting to understand one another a little more. I liked the resolution. Not so much with the bad guy, but I liked how the work situation concerning Jess was resolved. I also like how this book didn't end with a giant cliffhanger like Obsession did.
This is the second installment of the Faces of Evil series, which contains 12 books. The first was Obsession. Books 3 and 4, Power and Rage, are available now. Books 5 and 6, Revenge and Ruthless, will be released July and August. I will definitely be continuing the series, as I have 3 and 4 on hand and I have preordered 5 and 6 :)
January 20, 2012
Impulse literally picks up where Obsession ends.Jess is ready to leave Birmingham when she is offered a deputy chief position in Birmingham at the request of Dan, her former lover .She is considering the offer when news arrives that Eric Spears has been released from prison since the FBI has no case against him due to the mess up Jess made. The result was that Jess was placed on administrative leave and she is able to return to Birmingham.
It is clear that Spears is in Birmingham because of Jess. Impulse, as its predecessor, Obsession, is fast paced. The angst between Jess and Dan continues.
Be prepared, this is a one sitting read!
I cannot wait for the next book!
Marijane Diodati
It is clear that Spears is in Birmingham because of Jess. Impulse, as its predecessor, Obsession, is fast paced. The angst between Jess and Dan continues.
Be prepared, this is a one sitting read!
I cannot wait for the next book!
Marijane Diodati
January 13, 2012
Second book in the "Faces of Evil" series just as powerfully well-written as the first. I'm loving everything about this series. Each key element that I want in my romantic suspense books is here. The author has done a fabulous job in keeping the intensity at a high level, the characters growth on a forward path, and story building steadily. One of the best new romantic suspense series I've read in a long while.
September 6, 2012
The Player is a sadistic master in the art of murder and torture. If not for a technicality and unlimited resources, hew would be locked up where he belongs, however one person did get close enough to at least make him a ‘person of interest’ in the serial killings taking place. That person was Jess Harris, a brilliant FBI profiler, whose misstep in the case not only set him free but jeopardized her career. Unfortunately, for Jess, she as well as anyone who close to her is now targeted by The Player, or could there be a copycat killer?
*** Having finished the first book OBSESSION in Webb’s fantastic Faces of Evil series, I was more than ready to immediately dive in to IMPULSE - book two of the same series. Ms. Webb kept up the same exciting pace with a lot of action and emotion as Jess’ partner Lori, and newest friend was taken by the Player in a new game to antagonize and totally shred Jess’ confidence.
In my opinion IMPULSE gets a bit more gritty in this than in OBSESSION. Although the villains in book two were deranged - the villain (The Player) in IMPULSE is true evil. His MO is that he kills and tortures with no real purpose involved in selecting his victims, other than the pure joy simply torturing and killing; at least that was his MO. Even as the author gets Jess more and more involved, something about this case doesn't ring true with Jess' original profile of The Player and Webb uses this in order to make Jess begin to doubt herself.
There is more romance in IMPULSE as well as the history behind Jess and Dan’s past which is also revealed more closely giving the reader a deeper look into the protagonists lives which makes them more alive and real. It also examines the dynamics behind the uneasy relationship between them giving the reader a very clear understanding of their motivations.
While the finale of IMPULSE was basically an edge-of-the-seat, heart-stopping event, it also left this reader wondering if there will be another altercation coming up in the next book of this series (POWER) because I am ready and willing to jump right on it. Bring it on Ms. Webb - I am loving this series and your incredible story-telling!
April 23, 2013
Wow! It's going to be hard to talk about this one and not give away any of the amazing plot. While this is book two in the Faces of Evil series - I don't think you would "need" to read the first book in order to pick up Impulse and enjoy it.
Jess has a history with a very nasty serial killer known as the Player - and now he's targeted her. He will find a way to make her feel the fear by picking off her friends and family one by one before he makes his final move. Jess and Police Chief Dan Burnett are in a race against the clock to find his victims before he can finish them off.
With lots of action and suspense - I flew through the pages constantly asking myself "oh my god - what's next?" With just enough going on that there are no dull moments, but not so much that it became overwhelming, it was the perfect combination of story and suspense.
Jess has a history with a very nasty serial killer known as the Player - and now he's targeted her. He will find a way to make her feel the fear by picking off her friends and family one by one before he makes his final move. Jess and Police Chief Dan Burnett are in a race against the clock to find his victims before he can finish them off.
With lots of action and suspense - I flew through the pages constantly asking myself "oh my god - what's next?" With just enough going on that there are no dull moments, but not so much that it became overwhelming, it was the perfect combination of story and suspense.
June 20, 2013
Jess has just been offered a job with the Birmingham PD when they discover that detective Lori Wells has been kidnapped. Jess and Dan fear that the notorious serial killer, the Player has kidnapped her in an attempt to lure Jess into his clutches.
This book is really good. It is the second in the Faces of Evil series. You could read it as a stand alone although Webb refers to events that happened in the first book. Jess and Dan as well as many of the secondary characters are well defined and seem real to me. Despite their professionalism, they all come with baggage. Lori Wells was a favorite of mine in the first book and I was really concerned about her in this one. Although there is a lot of violence towards women in this book, Webb does not dwell on long, gross descriptions. Also, though there are romances blooming, there is very little sex and no long, icky descriptions either. I am not a prude, but I don't need to see the math. So if you can stand a bit of blood but are not cool with sex scenes, this series might be for you. Although as I said the romances are blooming so the action might heat up. We shall see. I will be reading the 3rd book soon.
This book is really good. It is the second in the Faces of Evil series. You could read it as a stand alone although Webb refers to events that happened in the first book. Jess and Dan as well as many of the secondary characters are well defined and seem real to me. Despite their professionalism, they all come with baggage. Lori Wells was a favorite of mine in the first book and I was really concerned about her in this one. Although there is a lot of violence towards women in this book, Webb does not dwell on long, gross descriptions. Also, though there are romances blooming, there is very little sex and no long, icky descriptions either. I am not a prude, but I don't need to see the math. So if you can stand a bit of blood but are not cool with sex scenes, this series might be for you. Although as I said the romances are blooming so the action might heat up. We shall see. I will be reading the 3rd book soon.
July 5, 2013
Daniella‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
This was a suspenseful and powerfully written novel. More then meets the eye when I started to read this. It was such a fantastic read and a long read but I didn’t quit because it was just that good. I wanted to turn the page; yet didnt, because each page turned would bring me closer to the end but made me want to see how Special Agent Jess Harris handled the absolute face of evil, The Player, without losing herself in the process. When everyone is watching you, you gotta watch your back at all times.
Chief of Police Dan Burnett leaves himself wide open for her to read his cards, no poker face here. He wants her back. He wants her and is just wondering if he has what is needed for this to be the perfect storm of events. Stop The Player and get the girl.
An incredible combination of suspenseful and spine tingling events leading to an incredible ending that makes me say “Holy Moses Batman, where is the next book???”
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
This was a suspenseful and powerfully written novel. More then meets the eye when I started to read this. It was such a fantastic read and a long read but I didn’t quit because it was just that good. I wanted to turn the page; yet didnt, because each page turned would bring me closer to the end but made me want to see how Special Agent Jess Harris handled the absolute face of evil, The Player, without losing herself in the process. When everyone is watching you, you gotta watch your back at all times.
Chief of Police Dan Burnett leaves himself wide open for her to read his cards, no poker face here. He wants her back. He wants her and is just wondering if he has what is needed for this to be the perfect storm of events. Stop The Player and get the girl.
An incredible combination of suspenseful and spine tingling events leading to an incredible ending that makes me say “Holy Moses Batman, where is the next book???”
March 5, 2016
He can’t control his Impulses.
Impulse, book two in Debra Webb’s Faces of Evil series, picks up immediately where Obsession leaves off. Detective Lori Wells has been kidnapped by someone whose methods resemble that of The Player, only much less precise. Previously the hallmark of the Player was that he left no evidence of his crimes. Is the stress of Jess Harris’s scrutiny beginning to wear on him? Or is there something more sinister going on?
Webb takes the series to the next level in this gripping book. The focus is the Player, now targeting Jess’s colleagues. His identity is confirmed as billionaire Eric Spears. A conclusion previously only believed by Jess and a few others. Jess, now a member of the Birmingham Police Department, spends much of the book second-guessing herself and her previous conclusions. The juxtaposition of her Impulses and the Players make this a fascinating must read. Impulse deftly moves the series forward towards the inevitable showdown between Jess and the Player.
February 17, 2020
This mystery by Debra Webb was really good. I liked the main character, Jess Harris, and enjoyed the interactions between she and her former boyfriend, Chief of Police, Dan Burnett. In this one, Jess is again on the trail of a killer dubbed The Player. Her career with the FBI has tanked due to her previous investigation and attempt to capture him. Now, people close to Jess are being targeted by him and she is determined to stop this killer.
This was a riveting mystery, and I'm looking forward to continuing on in the series.
This was a riveting mystery, and I'm looking forward to continuing on in the series.
June 28, 2013
This was another great read. Couldn't wait to finish it to see what would happen next. Half way through the book, the author did make you wonder if maybe Agent Harris, who is now Chief Harris, was just a little crazy or something and maybe making up some of the things about the Player that they had been trying to convict of several gruesome murders. The FBI believed the word of the Player that she fixated on him and none of what she said was true. While in Birmingham, someone who resembled the Player was seen in public, not hiding his identity, also seen when he abducted Detective Wells,and making other mistakes, no one believed that it could be the one they called the Player because he was seen on live tv in Virginia at the time of things happening in Birmingham. At one point, one wondered if maybe Chief Harris herself might be involved somehow, perhaps a split personality or something. But, as time went on, when Chief Burnett was missing, she realized it was the work of the Player. She had also tried convincing everyone that maybe he had a protege that looked liked him doing the work and considered it a copy cat person who wanted to be like the Player. When they finally got lucky enough to find some fingerprints left behind, they realized they had a different person that was doing the work of the Player. Chief Harris sends her family away for protection, resigns from the job she just started and let Spears-aka the Player-know she was ready to meet face to face. He instructs her to a warehouse, she goes alone, comes face to face with who she believes is him. He has Chief Burnett tied, and a noose around his neck ready to let go of him if she tried anything. Then she also realizes that Detective Wells is in a vat of water being drowned as they speak. She makes a choice to shoot the suspect when she realizes it isn't Spears, but his protege. She kills him, tries to get Burnett down and runs to get Wells out of the water. Backup finally arrives, when everyone is on the way to the hospital, she is informed that Spears is no where around. His private plane had taken off, they believed him to be on board, but when it landed, he wasn't there. They finally realized he took a commercial plane to NYC, preparing to leave for Bangkok-but no actual confirmation that he is actually intending on leaving the States. Harris begins to settle in, getting a hotel room so there won't be any talk of her and Burnett and a possible romance because of their past history together and everyone thinking she only got the position because of that. He comes to her hotel room, where she puts down some rules to their what ever type of relationship they may have and the story ends with them being together. Can't wait to read the next one so I can get to the 5th one that I had won on Goodreads. Really liking this author. Her style reminds me somewhat of Patricia Cornwell, which is a good thing. I will read more by this author.
May 7, 2013
They solved the case, all five girls were returned home alive and relatively unharmed. Jess Harris thinks she has time to take a breath, relax for a moment, gather her thoughts, but she’s wrong. The Player has been watching her – and her newfound teammates – and has been plotting. When Detective Lori Wells disappears, Jess realizes that the game has only just begun and that the Player isn’t so easily fooled.
This second installment in the Faces of Death series kicks off with a bang. Picking up only hours after Obsession ended, Impulse keeps the rapid pace set in the first novel and then ratchets it up. As much as I enjoyed Obsession, this second novel was even better.
Jess Harris has been through hell and back lately and it’s only about to get worse. Being targeted by a suspected serial killer can’t be fun. I do have to say that her character was much more approachable in this installment and I really grew to sympathize with her, which was a good thing. She did what she had to still, but came across as much more relatable this time around.
Dan Burnett, Birmingham Police Chief, has only one concern and that is keeping Jess safe. Even when it antagonizes her to no end, he still puts her safety before his own. I like Dan a lot and really enjoyed the brief bit of relationship development you get between them. I really hope that they work on it more throughout the next few novels as they make a great couple. Each is strong and independent, capable of being on their own, but they each also have their own little weaknesses that the other needs to attend to.
Oddly enough, I think my favorite character in this novel was the bad guy – The Player. Sophisticated, reserved, and thoroughly evil, he fascinated me and, to a point, charmed me. He is definitely the character I want to know more about, especially his motive in doing what he does.
Impulse was a wild ride of twists and unexpected turns that kept me reading long after I knew I should have stopped. Although part of the ending was a touch predictable, I understand why it went the way it did. Despite that, this was a highly enjoyable, completely engaging thriller that thrilled me to my toes. Highly recommended to any lover of intense, sometimes graphic thrillers.
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
This second installment in the Faces of Death series kicks off with a bang. Picking up only hours after Obsession ended, Impulse keeps the rapid pace set in the first novel and then ratchets it up. As much as I enjoyed Obsession, this second novel was even better.
Jess Harris has been through hell and back lately and it’s only about to get worse. Being targeted by a suspected serial killer can’t be fun. I do have to say that her character was much more approachable in this installment and I really grew to sympathize with her, which was a good thing. She did what she had to still, but came across as much more relatable this time around.
Dan Burnett, Birmingham Police Chief, has only one concern and that is keeping Jess safe. Even when it antagonizes her to no end, he still puts her safety before his own. I like Dan a lot and really enjoyed the brief bit of relationship development you get between them. I really hope that they work on it more throughout the next few novels as they make a great couple. Each is strong and independent, capable of being on their own, but they each also have their own little weaknesses that the other needs to attend to.
Oddly enough, I think my favorite character in this novel was the bad guy – The Player. Sophisticated, reserved, and thoroughly evil, he fascinated me and, to a point, charmed me. He is definitely the character I want to know more about, especially his motive in doing what he does.
Impulse was a wild ride of twists and unexpected turns that kept me reading long after I knew I should have stopped. Although part of the ending was a touch predictable, I understand why it went the way it did. Despite that, this was a highly enjoyable, completely engaging thriller that thrilled me to my toes. Highly recommended to any lover of intense, sometimes graphic thrillers.
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
August 28, 2012
Impulse starts with the realization that Jess' past has come back to haunt her. Spears (The Player) has been released and Lori Wells (detective from case in Obsession) has been abducted. Jess knows this has something to do with Spears even though others don't completely believe her. The FBI has basically called her out on her bizarre behavior and is implying that she may be making things up. Not to say that Lori isn't abducted but they do not believe that it is the Player but is instead a copy-cat. Tension is high in this book and many others are hurt as the action ramps up. We lose a couple of side-characters but if they had listened to Jess maybe they would have survived. There also isn't a 100% resolution to the Spears case but Jess gets her good name back.
In this book the focus is on getting the case that ruined Jess' career solved plus we get a bit of release of the sexual tension that exists between Dan and Jess. You get to see that she never truly got over him and he never got over her. This is a couple that is meant to be and I find myself cheering for them to get thru all the obstacles and find the love they deserve.
I loved the side characters in both Obsession and Impulse which add a depth to the story you wouldn't have otherwise. Chet Harper and Lori Wells are a wonderful couple and I was extremely happy with the fact Lori decided to face her fears and open her heart to Chet. Watching them in the series is just as much fun as seeing Dan and Jess come together.
This book ends with Jess being named Deputy Chief of a new division which means Dan will be her boss. We have some ground rules set at the end of this which I had to laugh at since you know they won't be able to follow them.
Overall this has been a great series to read and I am waiting for the final 2 books in the series.
Special thanks to NetGalley.com and Grand Central Publishing for letting me read these in exchange for my honest review.
In this book the focus is on getting the case that ruined Jess' career solved plus we get a bit of release of the sexual tension that exists between Dan and Jess. You get to see that she never truly got over him and he never got over her. This is a couple that is meant to be and I find myself cheering for them to get thru all the obstacles and find the love they deserve.
I loved the side characters in both Obsession and Impulse which add a depth to the story you wouldn't have otherwise. Chet Harper and Lori Wells are a wonderful couple and I was extremely happy with the fact Lori decided to face her fears and open her heart to Chet. Watching them in the series is just as much fun as seeing Dan and Jess come together.
This book ends with Jess being named Deputy Chief of a new division which means Dan will be her boss. We have some ground rules set at the end of this which I had to laugh at since you know they won't be able to follow them.
Overall this has been a great series to read and I am waiting for the final 2 books in the series.
Special thanks to NetGalley.com and Grand Central Publishing for letting me read these in exchange for my honest review.
May 14, 2013
Synopsis (from bn.com):
Her nightmare isn’t over yet . . .
The Player is a master in the art of torture and murder. No one had ever gotten close to capturing him until Special Agent Jess Harris targeted him with her relentless determination. Jess’s actions may have cost her a job with the bureau, but the Player still wants his vengeance and he’ll make Jess pay in ways she never imagined. The first victim is Jess’s friend-and the killer won’t stop there. With each new death Jess becomes more certain that the only way to stop the Player is to give him what he really wants: her.
Chief of Police Dan Burnett is determined to give Jess her confidence and her life back. With an offer on the table, a position as deputy chief of a new division, can Jess risk staying in her hometown and putting those around her in more danger? Or will she walk away to protect everyone she loves-including Dan, who just may want her back in his arms? The stakes are high, and a single impulse will determine who survives the Player’s final, deadly game . . .
My thoughts: Impulse brings us the second installment in the Faces of Evil series. Special Agent Jess Harris and Police Chief Dan Burnett are back for another adventure. Jess is still in hot pursuit of The Player . . . the case that ruined her career in the FBI.
I love the characters in this series. I find that plots and the underlying mystery fast paced, intriguing, and quite a thrill ride.
I highly suggest this series for a quick read, would be great for any upcoming travel you have or a great beach read! It looks like there will be 12 books in the entire series . . . so grab your beach chair and start reading.
And remember,
Books Are Life,
Heather
Her nightmare isn’t over yet . . .
The Player is a master in the art of torture and murder. No one had ever gotten close to capturing him until Special Agent Jess Harris targeted him with her relentless determination. Jess’s actions may have cost her a job with the bureau, but the Player still wants his vengeance and he’ll make Jess pay in ways she never imagined. The first victim is Jess’s friend-and the killer won’t stop there. With each new death Jess becomes more certain that the only way to stop the Player is to give him what he really wants: her.
Chief of Police Dan Burnett is determined to give Jess her confidence and her life back. With an offer on the table, a position as deputy chief of a new division, can Jess risk staying in her hometown and putting those around her in more danger? Or will she walk away to protect everyone she loves-including Dan, who just may want her back in his arms? The stakes are high, and a single impulse will determine who survives the Player’s final, deadly game . . .
My thoughts: Impulse brings us the second installment in the Faces of Evil series. Special Agent Jess Harris and Police Chief Dan Burnett are back for another adventure. Jess is still in hot pursuit of The Player . . . the case that ruined her career in the FBI.
I love the characters in this series. I find that plots and the underlying mystery fast paced, intriguing, and quite a thrill ride.
I highly suggest this series for a quick read, would be great for any upcoming travel you have or a great beach read! It looks like there will be 12 books in the entire series . . . so grab your beach chair and start reading.
And remember,
Books Are Life,
Heather
September 2, 2012
The second in the Faces of Evil series, is just as good as the first. I loved the twists and turns of this book, when you though you had something figured out wham..... you learn you are wrong. And what really struck me as intriguing is that through out this book only a handful of days pass. You wouldn't think it was possible to pack so much into such a short time. Dan and Jess once again are great characters, while both appear to be very strong and capable to the outside world they both show to each other the vulnerability they feel. With Jess and her profiling she is beating herself up for her actions and the fact that she feels she is missing something. Dan is fearful for Jess' safety. But they do work well together. It was nice seeing Lori Wells and Chet Harper have decent sized rolles in this book also, they are a couple you cant help but root for them to have a happy ending. If you like mysteries with lots of surprises and twist thrown in you will really like this book.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all opinions are my own
Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all opinions are my own
January 20, 2012
I have a lot to say about this book, but it'll have to wait until a decent hour arrives so I can be coherent in my review.
Impulse is the continued story of Jess Harris and her fight against a serial killer who got away, only to start harassing her again. The book begins with a missing woman who is friends with Jess. She's been taken by the serial killer, and no one but the reader knows if she's alive or not. And to make life even more difficult, Jess is being investigated by her employers because of the screw-up that took place before this book began in the investigation of the serial killer.
A lot goes down, and eventually some realizations are made in how both prior crimes and current crimes by the serial killer are being done. At the same time, Jess is dealing with her first love, and she ends up working alongside him. It's well done, and will draw you in immediately.
This story can be read without reading the previous book, which is what I did, and still be entirely enjoyed.
Impulse is the continued story of Jess Harris and her fight against a serial killer who got away, only to start harassing her again. The book begins with a missing woman who is friends with Jess. She's been taken by the serial killer, and no one but the reader knows if she's alive or not. And to make life even more difficult, Jess is being investigated by her employers because of the screw-up that took place before this book began in the investigation of the serial killer.
A lot goes down, and eventually some realizations are made in how both prior crimes and current crimes by the serial killer are being done. At the same time, Jess is dealing with her first love, and she ends up working alongside him. It's well done, and will draw you in immediately.
This story can be read without reading the previous book, which is what I did, and still be entirely enjoyed.
December 8, 2018
In the second book to this series, the story continues right where we left off in the first one. Lori has been kidnapped, and it all seems to revolve around Jess.
Dan is coming to terms with his feelings about Jess, while Jess is trying to ignore them, and just worry about the case that she feels is all her fault. Not only that, she also has her old boss launching an investigation on her about her conduct in her case before she came back home.
This book was good. Not as good as the first but still good. I just got annoyed with everyone doubting Jess, and accusing her of things that she didn't do. It really drove me nuts. But I admire how Jess dealt with everything, she really is good at what she does, and it was nice to see how protective Dan is of her.
The end was also awesome, and now I can't wait to read more. I do recommend this series, if your looking for suspense, and romance all in one.
Dan is coming to terms with his feelings about Jess, while Jess is trying to ignore them, and just worry about the case that she feels is all her fault. Not only that, she also has her old boss launching an investigation on her about her conduct in her case before she came back home.
This book was good. Not as good as the first but still good. I just got annoyed with everyone doubting Jess, and accusing her of things that she didn't do. It really drove me nuts. But I admire how Jess dealt with everything, she really is good at what she does, and it was nice to see how protective Dan is of her.
The end was also awesome, and now I can't wait to read more. I do recommend this series, if your looking for suspense, and romance all in one.
June 3, 2013
I won this free book from Goodreads Firstreads and what took me so long to review it was becasue I had to read the first one and I thought that was good, This one was even better, Jess is back and better than ever with Dan and the gang. I cant wait to read 3,4, and 5. Eric is back and just as mean and nasty, this time he has kidnapped Lori Wells, Jess and Dan have to find her before Eric can do nasty things to her. Its a good read and hopefully this series will just keep getting better.
June 1, 2013
Impulse is Book #2 in the series. After FBI Agent Jess Harris has helped solved the mystery of the five missing girls with her ex-boyfriend, her new friend goes missing. Just happens the serial killer that is stalking Jess has been watching her and her new friends. Will they be able to find her friend, Detective Lori Wells before it is too late? Will she be able to catch the Player? Keep reading the series to find out!!
August 19, 2013
Impulse
"Impulse" picks up moments after "Obsession" and just gets better.
Detective Lori Wells has been kidnapped and two witnesses have identified Eric Spears as the man who took her.
Dan offers Jess a permanent position as Deputy Chief of the new major crime unit so it looks like she's here to stay.
The perfect blend of action, suspense, murder and romance. The intensity of the series is heightened and I can't wait to jump into the next book!!
"Impulse" picks up moments after "Obsession" and just gets better.
Detective Lori Wells has been kidnapped and two witnesses have identified Eric Spears as the man who took her.
Dan offers Jess a permanent position as Deputy Chief of the new major crime unit so it looks like she's here to stay.
The perfect blend of action, suspense, murder and romance. The intensity of the series is heightened and I can't wait to jump into the next book!!
May 10, 2013
Even better than Obsession, and Obsession was awesome. Is there like 'super-awesome'? Awesome squared?
Anyway, Deb nails this romantic suspense. I spent most of yesterday reading this and would've finished last night if my eyes had cooperated. Onward to book 3: POWER.
Anyway, Deb nails this romantic suspense. I spent most of yesterday reading this and would've finished last night if my eyes had cooperated. Onward to book 3: POWER.
May 28, 2013
The second in the Faces of Evil series and a good one. Special Agent Jess Harris is still on the track of the serial killer called The Player when he completely changes his MO and focuses entirely on people close to her. Now she has to stop him before he takes all her loved ones.
June 22, 2013
Ah, another Debra Webb book that did not disappoint. Again, I was totally scared. I was freaked out by every noise I heard in my house late at night.
Jess is so beyond awesome. She is one of my favorite female characters.
Now, on to the next book in the series!
Jess is so beyond awesome. She is one of my favorite female characters.
Now, on to the next book in the series!
January 15, 2012
I enjoyed this sequel to Obsession and I am looking forward to the third book in the series.
February 11, 2012
Wow, what a fast paced book. I did not want to put it down. I just wish it didn't have so much swearing. The book puts you on the edge of your seat.
October 18, 2013
“His singular motive is pleasure. The only way he can feel it is by torturing his victims in the most depraved ways” (Webb). This is the profile of Eric Spears a.k.a. ‘The Player’, a serial killer and Jess’ personal stalker. Spears was introduced to us in the first book of “Faces of Evil” series by Debra Webb. “Impulse”, the second book, takes off where the first book of the series ends. It tells the continuing the story of Jess Harris, who is hesitantly going on to the next part of her life, after leaving everything for which she had worked so hard. She was working as a profiler for the FBI, but her rogue ways led her to quit before she was dismissed. Before she knew it she had accepted the position of Birmingham’s Deputy Chief of Special Problems Unit.
“Obsession”, the series’ first book, ended with Spears kidnapping Detective Lori Wells to get Jess’ attention. In the second novel, Jess and her new unit, rush to save Detective Wells from certain death. Meanwhile, Jess and Police Chief Dan Burnett work on their personal lives together, as they work to close the case. But The Player has some tricks up his sleeve, as he tries to get them to play a dangerous game. “A grin spread across his lips. ‘Ah… So you’re ready to play, are you?’” (Webb)
Ms. Webb writes a very tight, fast paced story which grabs the reader’s imagination from the very beginning. I enjoyed this book even more than the first, and, needless to say, I am addicted to this series.
“Obsession”, the series’ first book, ended with Spears kidnapping Detective Lori Wells to get Jess’ attention. In the second novel, Jess and her new unit, rush to save Detective Wells from certain death. Meanwhile, Jess and Police Chief Dan Burnett work on their personal lives together, as they work to close the case. But The Player has some tricks up his sleeve, as he tries to get them to play a dangerous game. “A grin spread across his lips. ‘Ah… So you’re ready to play, are you?’” (Webb)
Ms. Webb writes a very tight, fast paced story which grabs the reader’s imagination from the very beginning. I enjoyed this book even more than the first, and, needless to say, I am addicted to this series.
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