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Blood Secrets #1
First Do No Evil
From USA Today Bestseller Carey Baldwin
"The thrills keep the pages turning!" -#1 New York Times bestselling author Nancy Allen.
Warning: Contents include: One heart-melting hero—good luck getting this delicious detective out of your head. One reluctant heroine—wielding a Glock was never on her to-do list. One crazed villain—an entire flock of baa baa black sheep won’t be enough to put you to sleep. And a lifesaving vaccine with one deadly side effect—murder.
There’s a killer lurking in Dr. Skylar Novak’s family tree: the gene for breast cancer. That’s why her brilliant brother invented the Bella vaccine. But even if the miracle drug protects her from the cancer that took her mother’s life, it can’t save Sky from the flesh and bone evil stalking her in secret.
When the killer strikes, detective Daniel Benson finds himself in the wrong place at the right time. The bold detective manages to save Sky’s life…just in time for her to return the favor. Survival leads to seduction, and Danny risks everything—his career, even his life, to keep Sky safe. But will the buried sins they uncover cost him her heart?
Danny’s strong arms may hold her close, but only Sky can stop the terror that’s coming next…
What readers like you are saying about First Do No Evil:
"One of the best books you will have the pleasure of reading! First Do No Evil deeply resonated in my soul. I am shouting my praises from the rooftops and waiting impatiently for my friends to read it so we can sit on the patio and discuss it over chilled wine and snacks."- Maxine Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"So beautifully well written with believable plot. I would say it was absolute genius!" -Wendy Oblouk Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"At times I am so deep into the story I have to remind myself to breathe!!!"- Danielle Duran Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"So riveting it takes your breath away! What makes this book such an incredible reading experience is the unique voice of the author and characters that stick with you long after you finish the story." -Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A dazzling talent!" - Rhayne for Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2012
669 people are currently reading
4704 people want to read
About the author
Carey Baldwin
28 books476 followersCreating stories and then sharing them with you so that you can shine your own light on them, reading through a lens shaped by your own perceptions, is such a joy. I hope you enjoy the books!
Carey Baldwin is a USA Today bestselling author of psychological suspense. Also a dedicated physician, she holds two doctoral degrees, one in medicine and one in psychology. Her experience in the fields of medicine and psychology often informs her writing. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. Carey lives in the southwestern United States with her amazing family. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.
www.CareyBaldwin.com
www.facebook.com/CareyBaldwinAuthor
www.twitter.com/CareyBaldwin
Carey Baldwin is a USA Today bestselling author of psychological suspense. Also a dedicated physician, she holds two doctoral degrees, one in medicine and one in psychology. Her experience in the fields of medicine and psychology often informs her writing. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. Carey lives in the southwestern United States with her amazing family. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.
www.CareyBaldwin.com
www.facebook.com/CareyBaldwinAuthor
www.twitter.com/CareyBaldwin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 26, 2012
First Do No Evil is the first book in Carey Baldwin’s Blood Secrets series. It’s an action packed, romantic, medical thriller that took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. At times I was riveted to the story and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen next, while at other times I was reading with one eye squeezed tightly shut, afraid of what might happen next.One killer is in her blood. The other is in her house.
Blurb: There’s a killer lurking in Dr. Skylar Novak’s family tree: the gene for breast cancer. That's why her brilliant brother invented the Bella vaccine. But even if the miracle drug protects her from the cancer that took her mother's life, it can't save Sky from the flesh and bone evil stalking her in secret.About her recipe for a great book, Ms. Baldwin says: “A dollop of romance + a dash of medicine + a cup of crazy. Fold into a story. Bake until it rises, and voila, you've cooked up a delicious thriller!” Well, I'm here to tell you that’s exactly what she served up with this story. While there were a few things that didn’t work well for me, there were plenty of things that did. Great characters, exciting storyline, passion and romance… this book has it all, and I’m looking forward to reading more by this very talented author.
When the killer strikes, detective Daniel Benson finds himself in the wrong place at the right time. The bold detective manages to save Sky's life…just in time for her to return the favor. Survival leads to seduction, and Danny risks everything—his career, even his life, to keep Sky safe. But will the buried sins they uncover cost him her heart?
Danny’s strong arms may hold her close, but only Sky can stop the terror that's coming next…
3.5/5 stars
My thanks to Ms. Baldwin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2018
My first book from Carey Baldwin and it is okay, not great but readable.
Danny is a single dad and this is what I like about him, since it isn't an extremely common thread in contemporary romances. He is a nice guy but a bit undeveloped as a main hero. We mostly follow Sky, our over-tortured heroine. I have some problems with attaching to her. There is some inconsistency in her actions.
The general plot is okay. Not really surprising, but good enough to follow it. The romance part... well, the romance part is quite undeveloped. It is based mostly on the chemistry between Sky and Danny appearing form the very beginning - which is quite believable. But then it goes to some strange we-are-so-in-love zone that I totally didn't get (okay, so this is basically the last chapter, but they still know each other for three weeks or so). Not really a fan of this.
Also, we are given the personality of the killer too early in my opinion. I would prefer to have some doubts in this area, to do some guessing. And the villain is a bit too obvious, I don't think it's only me who disliked the guy form the very beginning. Let's be honest, he is a prick and he is wearing a big red arrow screaming "I am a bad guy!". This is too easy, I would prefer some more complicated solution and explanation for everything.
And Sky, like many other heroines, makes some stupid decisions and does some stupid things. I was annoyed with her from time to time, not enough to dislike her but enough to not really care about her.
The book is generally okay.
Danny is a single dad and this is what I like about him, since it isn't an extremely common thread in contemporary romances. He is a nice guy but a bit undeveloped as a main hero. We mostly follow Sky, our over-tortured heroine. I have some problems with attaching to her. There is some inconsistency in her actions.
The general plot is okay. Not really surprising, but good enough to follow it. The romance part... well, the romance part is quite undeveloped. It is based mostly on the chemistry between Sky and Danny appearing form the very beginning - which is quite believable. But then it goes to some strange we-are-so-in-love zone that I totally didn't get (okay, so this is basically the last chapter, but they still know each other for three weeks or so). Not really a fan of this.
Also, we are given the personality of the killer too early in my opinion. I would prefer to have some doubts in this area, to do some guessing. And the villain is a bit too obvious, I don't think it's only me who disliked the guy form the very beginning. Let's be honest, he is a prick and he is wearing a big red arrow screaming "I am a bad guy!". This is too easy, I would prefer some more complicated solution and explanation for everything.
And Sky, like many other heroines, makes some stupid decisions and does some stupid things. I was annoyed with her from time to time, not enough to dislike her but enough to not really care about her.
The book is generally okay.
July 6, 2012
This was a group read or I might not have picked it up. Another Samhain with very little (but some) sex, yet still a really great, suspenseful story.
This is the story of Sky, a family doctor with a big heart, and Danny, the cop she meets at the very beginning of the story. Sky is meeting her brother and fiance early morning at a favorite coffee shop, and Daniel shows up before the brother and fiance and starts flirting. And then finds out about the fiance and backs off. But during that visit to the coffee shop, the shop is robbed, Sky's fiance is killed, and Danny would have died if not for Sky's medical attention.
Months later, Danny comes back to Sky asking about the robbery. Something doesn't sit right with him. When he finds out her father was killed fifteen years ago to the day, he thinks there must be some connection. And Danny inadvertently puts a target on himself with his obvious interest in Sky... and his unwillingness to let the robbery go.
We learn who the monster is early on in the story. Amazing how he could be so charming one moment and completely heartless the next, but I suppose that's the hallmark of a sociopath. And while I understood his warped logic, obviously his methods left a bit to be desired. And while we knew who the villain was, what he would do next was anybody's guess. Except him, I guess.
I have to say, I'm glad my Kindle has a built-in dictionary. This was NOT fourth grade level, lol. And hey, I learned lots of new words! Kudos to Carey Baldwin for the huge vocabulary! ;-)
This book kept me so on edge, wondering where the story would go, where it would ultimately end... and great characters in Danny and Sky. While I was sad Sky's fiance had to die -- though he turned out to be a douche -- I was glad Danny and Sky found each other. Great couple.
This is the story of Sky, a family doctor with a big heart, and Danny, the cop she meets at the very beginning of the story. Sky is meeting her brother and fiance early morning at a favorite coffee shop, and Daniel shows up before the brother and fiance and starts flirting. And then finds out about the fiance and backs off. But during that visit to the coffee shop, the shop is robbed, Sky's fiance is killed, and Danny would have died if not for Sky's medical attention.
Months later, Danny comes back to Sky asking about the robbery. Something doesn't sit right with him. When he finds out her father was killed fifteen years ago to the day, he thinks there must be some connection. And Danny inadvertently puts a target on himself with his obvious interest in Sky... and his unwillingness to let the robbery go.
We learn who the monster is early on in the story. Amazing how he could be so charming one moment and completely heartless the next, but I suppose that's the hallmark of a sociopath. And while I understood his warped logic, obviously his methods left a bit to be desired. And while we knew who the villain was, what he would do next was anybody's guess. Except him, I guess.
I have to say, I'm glad my Kindle has a built-in dictionary. This was NOT fourth grade level, lol. And hey, I learned lots of new words! Kudos to Carey Baldwin for the huge vocabulary! ;-)
This book kept me so on edge, wondering where the story would go, where it would ultimately end... and great characters in Danny and Sky. While I was sad Sky's fiance had to die -- though he turned out to be a douche -- I was glad Danny and Sky found each other. Great couple.
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September 11, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (9/11/18)!💝
Blurb:
There's a killer lurking in Dr. Skylar Novak's family tree--the gene for breast cancer. That's why her brilliant brother invented the Bella vaccine. But even if the miracle drug protects her from the cancer that took her mother's life, it can't save Sky from the flesh and bone evil stalking her in secret.
When the killer strikes, detective Daniel Benson finds himself in the wrong place at the right time. The bold detective manages to save Sky's life--just in time for her to return the favor. While Sky struggles to unearth the buried secrets of her tragic past, Danny risks everything--his career, even his life, to keep her safe. But will it be in time to stop the evil that's coming next?
Blurb:
There's a killer lurking in Dr. Skylar Novak's family tree--the gene for breast cancer. That's why her brilliant brother invented the Bella vaccine. But even if the miracle drug protects her from the cancer that took her mother's life, it can't save Sky from the flesh and bone evil stalking her in secret.
When the killer strikes, detective Daniel Benson finds himself in the wrong place at the right time. The bold detective manages to save Sky's life--just in time for her to return the favor. While Sky struggles to unearth the buried secrets of her tragic past, Danny risks everything--his career, even his life, to keep her safe. But will it be in time to stop the evil that's coming next?
June 21, 2012
A compelling, superbly written romantic thriller that hooked me from the beginning and still hasn't let me go. With a debut this outstanding, I can only imagine how good this author's future books will be!
June 24, 2012
One good turn deserves another, you save my life, I’ll save yours.
A seemingly innocent breakfast at the local breakfast watering hole in Flagstaff with her brother and finance ends in heartbreak and despair for Skylar Novak. Why was this happening to her again? Wasn’t it bad enough she had to lose her father to murder 15 years ago. Why must she suffer through another inconceivable tragedy and terrible loss?
Detective Danny Benson was also in the coffee shop that fateful day Jack Sprulock decided to rob Jolene’s and he didn’t escape unscathed. He can thank his lucky stars that Dr. Skylar Novak was in the diner that day. Danny noticed the good Dr. right away and even tried to engage her in a little harmless flirting. Now he owes his life to her.
Danny’s been through his own hardships, losing his wife, raising a teenage daughter as a single parent, coping with his own recovery and yet he can’t get the day of the robbery out of his mind. Some things just don’t add up and he can’t let it go. It doesn’t hurt that his suspicions give him a reason to reconnect with Sky and question her about that fateful day at the café. Now that he’s investigating the case, it wouldn’t be appropriate for Danny to pursue a relationship with Sky, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to.
The evil villain was revealed quite early in the story. I wasn‘t sure how I felt about that and quite frankly I had my suspicions who it was. Sometimes I also think authors like to lead us down a path, only so they can go Ah-Ha later...I fooled you. Not so in this case. Since the killer’s identity was no secret, I then became very interested to see what his endgame was and how it was going to play out given his relationship to Skylar.
First Do No Evil is a great debut novel by Carey Baldwin. As the story unfolds and the action heats up, I was on tender hooks waiting to see what was going to happen next.
After reading the author’s bio - it all makes sense now...no wonder the killer is so psychotic and the medical aspects so detailed and realistic.
A seemingly innocent breakfast at the local breakfast watering hole in Flagstaff with her brother and finance ends in heartbreak and despair for Skylar Novak. Why was this happening to her again? Wasn’t it bad enough she had to lose her father to murder 15 years ago. Why must she suffer through another inconceivable tragedy and terrible loss?
Detective Danny Benson was also in the coffee shop that fateful day Jack Sprulock decided to rob Jolene’s and he didn’t escape unscathed. He can thank his lucky stars that Dr. Skylar Novak was in the diner that day. Danny noticed the good Dr. right away and even tried to engage her in a little harmless flirting. Now he owes his life to her.
Danny’s been through his own hardships, losing his wife, raising a teenage daughter as a single parent, coping with his own recovery and yet he can’t get the day of the robbery out of his mind. Some things just don’t add up and he can’t let it go. It doesn’t hurt that his suspicions give him a reason to reconnect with Sky and question her about that fateful day at the café. Now that he’s investigating the case, it wouldn’t be appropriate for Danny to pursue a relationship with Sky, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to.
The evil villain was revealed quite early in the story. I wasn‘t sure how I felt about that and quite frankly I had my suspicions who it was. Sometimes I also think authors like to lead us down a path, only so they can go Ah-Ha later...I fooled you. Not so in this case. Since the killer’s identity was no secret, I then became very interested to see what his endgame was and how it was going to play out given his relationship to Skylar.
First Do No Evil is a great debut novel by Carey Baldwin. As the story unfolds and the action heats up, I was on tender hooks waiting to see what was going to happen next.
After reading the author’s bio - it all makes sense now...no wonder the killer is so psychotic and the medical aspects so detailed and realistic.
June 21, 2012
This fantastic debut has it all-a strong heroine, a sexy hero, a scary bone chilling villain, and lots of unexpected twists and turns. The medical aspects of the book was quite interesting as it led to lots of moral and ethical questions. It was a thrilling fast paced book that kept me turning the pages-couldn't turn it down! I absolutely loved this book and hope everyone buys it next Tuesday! :) I'm so excited for Carey and can't wait to see what's next from her!
July 6, 2012
Memorable Scenes:
- the first chapter > awesome start to a fabulous book
- Sky unraveling a part of the suspense plot and figuring out who the villain was > I was reading with bated breath
I was immediately grabbed by Carey Baldwin's writing style. It's fluent, clean and crisp with a knack for subtle humor in the dialogues. That first chapter had me at the edge of my seat, reading breathlessly.
Dr. Skylar 'Sky' Novak is suffering from survivor's guilt and not taking care of her own wellbeing. She is stubborn, careful and guarded. I loved Skylar as the heroine of this book. She wasn’t flawless but I like my heroines not to be perfect so her character worked very well for me.
Dt. Sgt. Daniel 'Danny' Benson is an awesome hero and the perfect match for Skylar. He’s direct and honest but also persistent and a real stand-up guy. As a single father he tries to do what he can and he had my undying devotion from start to finish in this book.
The fact that the first sex scene was not between the hero and heroine normally is not what I like, but I understood why the author took this path in this particular story. I really can’t say more about it though because it would be too spoilery for the plot and believe me you do not want spoilers going into this book. The unexpected twists and turns are what make this book so awesome.
I also can’t tell you about the plot without the fear of saying too much so I’ll only say that the POV of the villain was perfectly intertwined with the rest and gave me chills. Even though it made the plot take precedence over the romance between the main characters, it worked because the suspense was so mesmerizing and the characterization of the villain was so brilliantly done.
I thought with Cindy Gerard and Shannon McKenna I'd read about the evilest and most disturbed villains there were but I have to add Carey Baldwin to the list. Her villain was so evil and sick I was reading in fear and was not so secretly wishing him a painful and cruel death.
FIRST DO NO EVIL is a perfect example of a well-balanced mix between suspense, romance and strong characterization. The villain's motivation is disclosed little by little and made me speculate a lot about whom it could be. Fairly early in the story the identity of the villain is disclosed and instead of lessening the suspense it just made it even more intense. There are numerous characters killed off in this book and some of those kills literary made my heart ache in horror of seeing the villain take them out. The resolution to the plot and the culmination point of the suspense just took my breath away and I couldn't stop reading till I was done
This book made me gasp in horror, bite my nails in suspense, cry with its emotional intensity and sigh with its romance. Carey Baldwin put her characters through hell and back and wooed me with her excellent writing, heart-pounding suspense and fabulous characters. She's been added to my list of go-to authors for romantic thrillers! I was just blown away by this debut author and hope there is much more to come from her in the future because this first taste was beyond expectations.
Favorite Quotes:
“Look, I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure we’re having a moment here. And…” He paused and turned his palms up. “Please, correct me if I’m wrong, but when you’re having a moment, those rules you mentioned are suspended…momentarily. When you’re having a moment you gotta grab it by the balls, or else something wonderful might pass you by.” (Danny)
Averting his eyes from the swell of her breasts, he found himself staring at the lush fullness of her mouth, and even the remorse balling up in his stomach didn’t stop him from imagining what it would be like to lick that mouth until it opened beneath his. He raked a hand through his hair and pasted on his best choirboy face, afraid she could read the salacious thoughts running through his head. He didn’t want to burden her with that little piece of intelligence.
The sensations built and built, but Danny didn’t let up. “Look at me, Sky,” he said in rough, commanding voice that was hardly recognizable as his. And then he drove into her, so hard, so fast, so mercilessly that she was unable to stop herself from shattering.
Dropping the knife, she flung the door wide. Danny crossed the threshold. Their eyes met and held, and then she was in his arms. Wrapped and safe and floating, and for one ephemeral moment, the world was right again. Danny’s fingers wove through her hair, and heat radiated across the sensitive skin of her scalp. He tugged, and her chin tilted up. He pressed his mouth against hers, not gently, not at all softly, but the very fierceness of his kiss somehow comforted her more than any fragile brush of his lips could’ve done. His was the kiss of a warrior returned from battle.
“Do you really mean that, Sky?” The masculine timbre saturated the air with warmth, seeped through her skin and penetrated her bones. As if it were a fire blazing in the hearth, she basked in the glow of her name wafting from Danny’s lips.
Rating:
10 out of 10 - PERFECT READ!
June 3, 2012
Carey Baldwin’s debut novel, First Do No Evil, is a romantic medical thriller that starts with a kick (of unexpected desire) and a bang (literally) and never lets up until the end. By the forth page (she had me at “…what’s it going to be… coffee or cuffs?”) I’ve become so hooked and can’t wait to see how the H/H get together. He, Danny Benson, a detective and widowed father. She, Skylar Novak, a physician running a clinic for the indigent, and recently engaged to her partner. How on earth will Baldwin get them together? By the 25th page I get the idea and am now so heavily invested in the outcome of the story that I can’t put the book down until it is finished.
Skylar Novak keeps losing people she loves. First, she loses her mother to breast cancer. The she loses her father when he is murdered during a robbery. Then, fifteen years to the day, her fiancé is murdered - at yet another robbery. Only Danny sees this isn’t an every-day robbery gone badly. There are too many inconsistencies but no one is listening. The Mayor says, “Case Closed!” But, Danny and Skylar know there is a mastermind behind these killings and become determined to get answers. From here on out, the novel becomes a fast-paced, gut-clenching, page-turner. In other words, I was up to the wee hours of the morning!
One ability this author has that stood out to me was her ability to describe the setting and scenes in this book. Each scene is so minutely crafted that one in particular, felt like an out-of-body experience for me. Seconds after the first shooting scene, I swear I could hear the buzz of disbelieve resonate in my ears; feel the tingling of shock run wild throughout my body; smell the exhaust of gunpowder floating in the air; and hear Danny’s shallow breaths as he lay in a pool of blood on the floor.
Her ability to paint those scenes, bring them to living color, and imbue her H/H with characteristics we’d all aspire to (compassion, perseverance, commitment) made it so easy to identify and commiserate with her characters. I fell in love with the Hero Danny. Here's a man that is man enough to express his sorrow, admit his weaknesses and fears, and still come off as a strong, hot and sexy dream man. It is SO rare that an author will let a Hero cry in their story. Yet she did at least twice and I challenge anyone to say he doesn’t epitomize what every woman wants in a Man.
The conclusion, while bringing great sorrow to the Heroine, also brings her to the realization that happiness is something you have to choose. And when Sky asks Danny, “…how? How did you get happy?” Danny answers, “…you fake it till you make it.” A life lesson I’m sure many of us can relate to and actualize. I know it had a profound effect on me.
My only caution for this author is to lower the language of her writing a bit and be careful of the use of medical terms with characters not in the field of medicine. I had to look up a few words and while it is not a big deal for me since I love to learn new words, others may get annoyed with repeated visits to dictionary.com. That said, these few distractions did not take away my enjoyment of the story at all. I think it was fantastic and I’m looking forward to her next installment. Bravo Ms. Baldwin!
Skylar Novak keeps losing people she loves. First, she loses her mother to breast cancer. The she loses her father when he is murdered during a robbery. Then, fifteen years to the day, her fiancé is murdered - at yet another robbery. Only Danny sees this isn’t an every-day robbery gone badly. There are too many inconsistencies but no one is listening. The Mayor says, “Case Closed!” But, Danny and Skylar know there is a mastermind behind these killings and become determined to get answers. From here on out, the novel becomes a fast-paced, gut-clenching, page-turner. In other words, I was up to the wee hours of the morning!
One ability this author has that stood out to me was her ability to describe the setting and scenes in this book. Each scene is so minutely crafted that one in particular, felt like an out-of-body experience for me. Seconds after the first shooting scene, I swear I could hear the buzz of disbelieve resonate in my ears; feel the tingling of shock run wild throughout my body; smell the exhaust of gunpowder floating in the air; and hear Danny’s shallow breaths as he lay in a pool of blood on the floor.
Her ability to paint those scenes, bring them to living color, and imbue her H/H with characteristics we’d all aspire to (compassion, perseverance, commitment) made it so easy to identify and commiserate with her characters. I fell in love with the Hero Danny. Here's a man that is man enough to express his sorrow, admit his weaknesses and fears, and still come off as a strong, hot and sexy dream man. It is SO rare that an author will let a Hero cry in their story. Yet she did at least twice and I challenge anyone to say he doesn’t epitomize what every woman wants in a Man.
The conclusion, while bringing great sorrow to the Heroine, also brings her to the realization that happiness is something you have to choose. And when Sky asks Danny, “…how? How did you get happy?” Danny answers, “…you fake it till you make it.” A life lesson I’m sure many of us can relate to and actualize. I know it had a profound effect on me.
My only caution for this author is to lower the language of her writing a bit and be careful of the use of medical terms with characters not in the field of medicine. I had to look up a few words and while it is not a big deal for me since I love to learn new words, others may get annoyed with repeated visits to dictionary.com. That said, these few distractions did not take away my enjoyment of the story at all. I think it was fantastic and I’m looking forward to her next installment. Bravo Ms. Baldwin!
July 12, 2012
Loved this book. The author is a physician and boy you could tell through out this book. The first three chapters blew me away both with the introduction of the hero and heroine and with the detailed explanations of medical procedures that had to be performed. Don't say this often but I also fell in love with the hero from his first words in the book.
Dr. Skylar Novak goes through life determining the threat level and quickest escape route of every place she goes due to seeing her father killed and being both physically and almost sexually assaulted by the person that killed her father when she was a younger. She thinks she is finally happy in her life now that she has her clinic, her brother and her fiance. As she is waiting for her favorite diner to open where she is meeting her brother and fiance she runs into detective Daniel Benson who is quite the flirt and if she wasn't already engaged she would be charmed by. But everything changes in the blink of an eye. A robber comes in and destroys her happiness again by killing her fiance and shooting Daniel who was trying to defuse the hostage situation.
Skylar's brother Garth is the creator of a vaccination that cures a specific form of breast cancer. The same form that killed there mother and also the type that Skylar has test positive for. Skylar supports her brothers research and longs for the drug to be approved by the FDA so it can finally be made available to the many women that need it. She refuses to take a dose for herself until its on the market and readily available to everyone.
Three months after the shooting Daniel is still on leave due to his shoulder not being back to 100%. Daniel is the single father to a teenage girl who is going through so major issues due to her father's job and her mother's suicide when she was little. He is also having a hard time letting go of this feeling that the robbery was not all it seemed like it was. He decides he needs to ask Skylar more questions about her Fiance's death.
This starts the balling rolling on more twist and turns than you could imagine. You just sit back and hang on for the ride through every shock that comes at you. The book just flowed from beginning to end and I couldn't wait to see what the author was going to throw at us next.
Dr. Skylar Novak goes through life determining the threat level and quickest escape route of every place she goes due to seeing her father killed and being both physically and almost sexually assaulted by the person that killed her father when she was a younger. She thinks she is finally happy in her life now that she has her clinic, her brother and her fiance. As she is waiting for her favorite diner to open where she is meeting her brother and fiance she runs into detective Daniel Benson who is quite the flirt and if she wasn't already engaged she would be charmed by. But everything changes in the blink of an eye. A robber comes in and destroys her happiness again by killing her fiance and shooting Daniel who was trying to defuse the hostage situation.
Skylar's brother Garth is the creator of a vaccination that cures a specific form of breast cancer. The same form that killed there mother and also the type that Skylar has test positive for. Skylar supports her brothers research and longs for the drug to be approved by the FDA so it can finally be made available to the many women that need it. She refuses to take a dose for herself until its on the market and readily available to everyone.
Three months after the shooting Daniel is still on leave due to his shoulder not being back to 100%. Daniel is the single father to a teenage girl who is going through so major issues due to her father's job and her mother's suicide when she was little. He is also having a hard time letting go of this feeling that the robbery was not all it seemed like it was. He decides he needs to ask Skylar more questions about her Fiance's death.
This starts the balling rolling on more twist and turns than you could imagine. You just sit back and hang on for the ride through every shock that comes at you. The book just flowed from beginning to end and I couldn't wait to see what the author was going to throw at us next.
June 18, 2012
Dr. Sky Novak is no stranger to crime or the aftermath but when months later she is confronted with the idea that she may be next or her brother, Garth, she turns to the one man she hopes can help her make sense of things.
Detective Danny Benson puts his life on the line all the time as a cop but when he entered Jolene's diner that cold morning he hadn't expected to meet Sky Novak or come quite so close to death. In the aftermath, while rehabilitating, Danny starts questioning the events of that day. That day that Jack Spurlock robbed Jolene's, held Neveah Flores at gun point and threatened to kill Sky if her brother didn't sit down and shut up. For a robbery, it was all so atypical that Danny couldn't let it go.
I wish I could tell you more but if I do, I'll ruin the read for you. FIRST DO NO EVIL by Carey Baldwin is an action-packed, grab you by the throat and not let you go until the very end, story! This being her debut novel, Carey Baldwin has hit an A+ grade. She's created great characters and a plot that twists and turns so many times that when you start to see it come together, you'll smack your forehead and say, "why didn't I see that coming?" I am a little disappointed, Carey, that you actually used the word snuck ... sorry, English major in me that makes me cringe at such slang.
FIRST DO NO EVIL, Blood Secrets Book 1 by Carey Baldwin is a romantic suspense that will have you gripping your ereader while worrying if you're going to be able to sleep after turning off the light. There's nothing like a well-plotted serial killer on the lose story to give you chills and heighten your senses. Throw in a hot sexy detective and a doctor heroine whose no shrinking violet and you've got yourself one excellent, steamy romance filled spine tingling suspense that you won't soon forget.
I highly recommend FIRST DO NO EVIL by Carey Baldwin for anyone who loves suspense, a killer on the loose who when revealed makes your blood run cold and a heroine who will have you cheering when she shows her true iron self. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next in the Blood Secrets series and Carey Baldwin is definitely now on my list of authors I read.
Detective Danny Benson puts his life on the line all the time as a cop but when he entered Jolene's diner that cold morning he hadn't expected to meet Sky Novak or come quite so close to death. In the aftermath, while rehabilitating, Danny starts questioning the events of that day. That day that Jack Spurlock robbed Jolene's, held Neveah Flores at gun point and threatened to kill Sky if her brother didn't sit down and shut up. For a robbery, it was all so atypical that Danny couldn't let it go.
I wish I could tell you more but if I do, I'll ruin the read for you. FIRST DO NO EVIL by Carey Baldwin is an action-packed, grab you by the throat and not let you go until the very end, story! This being her debut novel, Carey Baldwin has hit an A+ grade. She's created great characters and a plot that twists and turns so many times that when you start to see it come together, you'll smack your forehead and say, "why didn't I see that coming?" I am a little disappointed, Carey, that you actually used the word snuck ... sorry, English major in me that makes me cringe at such slang.
FIRST DO NO EVIL, Blood Secrets Book 1 by Carey Baldwin is a romantic suspense that will have you gripping your ereader while worrying if you're going to be able to sleep after turning off the light. There's nothing like a well-plotted serial killer on the lose story to give you chills and heighten your senses. Throw in a hot sexy detective and a doctor heroine whose no shrinking violet and you've got yourself one excellent, steamy romance filled spine tingling suspense that you won't soon forget.
I highly recommend FIRST DO NO EVIL by Carey Baldwin for anyone who loves suspense, a killer on the loose who when revealed makes your blood run cold and a heroine who will have you cheering when she shows her true iron self. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next in the Blood Secrets series and Carey Baldwin is definitely now on my list of authors I read.
July 24, 2012
This is a fast-paced medical thriller that begins when single-father cop Danny Benson finds himself in the middle of a robbery at a diner that results in the death of Sky Novak's fiance and almost results in his death too. When he recovers he discovers that the investigation has been closed even though he still has questions about it. When he goes to see Sky, he quickly learns that the attack in the diner mirrors a robbery attempt at her home when she was seventeen that killed her father. Both happened on the same day. She was saved when she was seventeen because her adopted brother Garth came home in time and strangled the man who killed her father and was trying to rape her.
Garth is now famous for inventing a vaccine that repairs a damaged gene that causes women who have it to develop breast cancer. He has named the vaccine Bella for Sky's mother who rescued him from an abusive foster home situation, adopted him, and then died of breast cancer. Sky has also become a doctor and runs a free clinic. She has the gene but refuses to take the vaccine until there is enough in production for everyone who needs it. Her brother is both frustrated and angry with her because of her decision. Sky runs her clinic on a shoestring and, when her former fiance and partner is served with a malpractice suit, she has to prove that the the Bella vaccine is not the cause.
We learn who the villain is early in this one. He is a complete psychopath who always has a rational reason, at least to him, for all the murders he is committing. I personally find this kind of villain the most chilling because he doesn't see himself as evil. All of the horrible things he does are fully justified and even necessary in his mind.
I also liked the romance in this one. Both Danny and Sky have suffered losses. Sky is still letting hers influence the rest of her life. Danny has managed to come to grips with his loss at least partially because he has had to be strong for his thirteen-year-old daughter. He helps Sky come to terms with her losses too as they fall in love.
I recommend this one for fans of quick-paced thrillers. Romance lovers will also like the relationship between Sky and Danny.
Garth is now famous for inventing a vaccine that repairs a damaged gene that causes women who have it to develop breast cancer. He has named the vaccine Bella for Sky's mother who rescued him from an abusive foster home situation, adopted him, and then died of breast cancer. Sky has also become a doctor and runs a free clinic. She has the gene but refuses to take the vaccine until there is enough in production for everyone who needs it. Her brother is both frustrated and angry with her because of her decision. Sky runs her clinic on a shoestring and, when her former fiance and partner is served with a malpractice suit, she has to prove that the the Bella vaccine is not the cause.
We learn who the villain is early in this one. He is a complete psychopath who always has a rational reason, at least to him, for all the murders he is committing. I personally find this kind of villain the most chilling because he doesn't see himself as evil. All of the horrible things he does are fully justified and even necessary in his mind.
I also liked the romance in this one. Both Danny and Sky have suffered losses. Sky is still letting hers influence the rest of her life. Danny has managed to come to grips with his loss at least partially because he has had to be strong for his thirteen-year-old daughter. He helps Sky come to terms with her losses too as they fall in love.
I recommend this one for fans of quick-paced thrillers. Romance lovers will also like the relationship between Sky and Danny.
Read
June 27, 2012Rhayne's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
5 Stars
Carey Baldwin has done an exceptional job writing a very fast paced, action packed, intense medical thriller with a side of romance. This is a story full of twists and turns that are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat turning pages.
Danny is a detective, single father to one unruly teenage daughter, and the kind of hero that melts your heart. Skylar is a physician running a health care clinic. She is very caring, and the kind of heroine that you just need to cheer for. From the opening scene in this book I fell completely in love with Danny and Skylar. They have amazing chemistry together.
Skylar has lost so many people that are close to her. Her mother died of breast cancer, her father was murdered during a robbery and now 15 years later her fiancé is murdered. It seems too coincidental after looking at all the facts for these to all be random acts. Danny is determined to uncover the truth. Conflict arises once he starts putting all the pieces together. The killer is closer to home and closer to Skylar than anyone could have thought.
This book has a little different plot line for the mystery aspect. You find out early on who is responsible for the murders. As you get further in you get a better understanding of just how completely psychotic this individual is. I liked this aspect. It brings emotion to the surface as you watch this killer interact in everyday life with the people who are intended to be killed. Ms. Bradshaw has a dazzling talent for writing pure evil.
This book is the complete package. The characters are well drawn and believable, the plot is intriguing with great development, and the love story laced through all the intense action is heartwarming. This book is edgy and emotional. If you love a story that is suspenseful, that will stay with you and keep you thinking after you finish it, you won’t want to miss out on this one.
5 Stars
Carey Baldwin has done an exceptional job writing a very fast paced, action packed, intense medical thriller with a side of romance. This is a story full of twists and turns that are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat turning pages.
Danny is a detective, single father to one unruly teenage daughter, and the kind of hero that melts your heart. Skylar is a physician running a health care clinic. She is very caring, and the kind of heroine that you just need to cheer for. From the opening scene in this book I fell completely in love with Danny and Skylar. They have amazing chemistry together.
Skylar has lost so many people that are close to her. Her mother died of breast cancer, her father was murdered during a robbery and now 15 years later her fiancé is murdered. It seems too coincidental after looking at all the facts for these to all be random acts. Danny is determined to uncover the truth. Conflict arises once he starts putting all the pieces together. The killer is closer to home and closer to Skylar than anyone could have thought.
This book has a little different plot line for the mystery aspect. You find out early on who is responsible for the murders. As you get further in you get a better understanding of just how completely psychotic this individual is. I liked this aspect. It brings emotion to the surface as you watch this killer interact in everyday life with the people who are intended to be killed. Ms. Bradshaw has a dazzling talent for writing pure evil.
This book is the complete package. The characters are well drawn and believable, the plot is intriguing with great development, and the love story laced through all the intense action is heartwarming. This book is edgy and emotional. If you love a story that is suspenseful, that will stay with you and keep you thinking after you finish it, you won’t want to miss out on this one.
June 26, 2012
I'm happy to say that I've found another great new author--one I'll be looking for again in the future. This practicing physician has started off her new series with a winner in this romantic medical thriller. The opening pages catch your attention with a literal bang when a killer steps into a diner and endangers everyone inside. It's also where Danny is seriously injured---Sky has to save him---and the details and swirling emotions are so vivid you can almost feel them. But never fear, you're guaranteed many more spine tingling twists and turns as you race to the end.
There's nothing about this wonderful story that I didn't like. It's well plotted, entertaining, smooth flowing and has two unique and interesting characters in Danny and Sky. With the author being a doctor there are plenty of medical details--some a bit gruesome--but I didn't feel any of it was overdone or out of place. It all fit with the story and the personality of the villain. What to say about this guy? His identity is revealed early on in the book and he becomes the third main character. His relationship to Sky may or may not surprise you but he's a wack-job. He's crazy spooky. Cold, calculating and with little in the way of feelings--but he's not boring. I don't know what to expect with the next series release but I can't wait.
There's nothing about this wonderful story that I didn't like. It's well plotted, entertaining, smooth flowing and has two unique and interesting characters in Danny and Sky. With the author being a doctor there are plenty of medical details--some a bit gruesome--but I didn't feel any of it was overdone or out of place. It all fit with the story and the personality of the villain. What to say about this guy? His identity is revealed early on in the book and he becomes the third main character. His relationship to Sky may or may not surprise you but he's a wack-job. He's crazy spooky. Cold, calculating and with little in the way of feelings--but he's not boring. I don't know what to expect with the next series release but I can't wait.
July 15, 2012
When newly-engaged Doctor Skylar Novak walks into Jolene’s coffee shop to meet her fiancé Edmond and her brother Garth, she has no premonition that life is about to change forever.
Detective Sergeant Daniel Benson does not expect to come across a woman he can love nor does he expect his world to explode in terror and pain.
Carey Baldwin’s First Do No Evil opens with, literally, a bang and the action escalates.
I was hooked from the first chapter and have to confess that I did not pick the murderer. Baldwin reveals him early on, but far from being a spoiler, this is a master stroke. As the plot unfolds and the killer eliminates those whom he considers a danger to his life’s work, the tension grows relentlessly. I found myself holding my breath as Danny uncovers the identity of the murderer and his past.
The characters are likeable, enabling the reader to invest care in their future and the investigation is revealed without the histrionics so beloved by many authors.The pace of the plot is just right in this well-written, exciting debut novel, the reader not being permitted respite from the pressure of the chase.
Thrilling, tension-filled action and a portent of things to come from Carey Baldwin!
Detective Sergeant Daniel Benson does not expect to come across a woman he can love nor does he expect his world to explode in terror and pain.
Carey Baldwin’s First Do No Evil opens with, literally, a bang and the action escalates.
I was hooked from the first chapter and have to confess that I did not pick the murderer. Baldwin reveals him early on, but far from being a spoiler, this is a master stroke. As the plot unfolds and the killer eliminates those whom he considers a danger to his life’s work, the tension grows relentlessly. I found myself holding my breath as Danny uncovers the identity of the murderer and his past.
The characters are likeable, enabling the reader to invest care in their future and the investigation is revealed without the histrionics so beloved by many authors.The pace of the plot is just right in this well-written, exciting debut novel, the reader not being permitted respite from the pressure of the chase.
Thrilling, tension-filled action and a portent of things to come from Carey Baldwin!
October 19, 2019
First Do No Evil is book one of the Blood Secrets series by Carey Baldwin. Dr Skylar Novak life was finally changing with the love of Edmond and her free medical clinic. However, for Skylar, her life and her beliefs changed when Detective Sergeant Daniel Benson started asking questions again about the death of her fiance. The readers of First Do No Evil will follow the twists and turns of Detective Sergeant Daniel Benson investigation into the cafe shooting.
I am never disappointed when reading one of Carey Baldwin I always know that she will send me on a rollercoaster ride with her characters. I could not put the book down even though I work out halfway through the book, who was the murder. However, that did not take away from this fantastic book. I love the portrayal of the characters by Carey Baldwin and the way they intertwine with each other. First Do No Evil was well written and researched by Carey Baldwin. I like the description of the setting that allows me to imagine living in Flagstaff, Arizona.
The readers of First Do No Evil will learn about the damage that neglect and abuse have on a child. Also, the readers of First Do No Evil will learn about the importance and the role of free medical clinics for the poor.
I recommend this book.
I am never disappointed when reading one of Carey Baldwin I always know that she will send me on a rollercoaster ride with her characters. I could not put the book down even though I work out halfway through the book, who was the murder. However, that did not take away from this fantastic book. I love the portrayal of the characters by Carey Baldwin and the way they intertwine with each other. First Do No Evil was well written and researched by Carey Baldwin. I like the description of the setting that allows me to imagine living in Flagstaff, Arizona.
The readers of First Do No Evil will learn about the damage that neglect and abuse have on a child. Also, the readers of First Do No Evil will learn about the importance and the role of free medical clinics for the poor.
I recommend this book.
June 14, 2012
4 1/2 Star!
FIRST DO NO EVIL is a well written, entertaining thriller with a great love story. Baldwin creates a tale with enough suspense to have the reader sitting on the edge of their seat. Danny and Skylar are very real and likeable. I couldn’t wait for the scenes where they interacted. Baldwin’s medical experience gives her the ability to bring life and additional tension to crisis scenes with her realistic portrayal of the danger. Sky’s brother Garth could easily become just another stereotype but Baldwin makes him different and interesting. I’ve found a new writer to add to my must read list.
FIRST DO NO EVIL is a well written, entertaining thriller with a great love story. Baldwin creates a tale with enough suspense to have the reader sitting on the edge of their seat. Danny and Skylar are very real and likeable. I couldn’t wait for the scenes where they interacted. Baldwin’s medical experience gives her the ability to bring life and additional tension to crisis scenes with her realistic portrayal of the danger. Sky’s brother Garth could easily become just another stereotype but Baldwin makes him different and interesting. I’ve found a new writer to add to my must read list.
July 12, 2012
This is my first time reading anything from Carey Baldwin and I must say, what a rollercoaster ride it was!! This book was GREAT. Kept me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter. The characters were wonderful and the storyline had so many twists and turns,It made me dizzy just from reading. Anyone who likes a good romantic suspense novel, this book is most definitely for you.
April 24, 2012
This book was written by my writing partner, so of course I think it is awesome! Danny, the hero, is to die for. I can't wait until everyone has a chance to read this amazing romantic thriller!
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May 6, 202205/06/22 currently free in Dangerous Touch: Ten Utterly Addictive Novels of Romantic Suspense
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August 12, 2012
First Do No Evil by Carey Baldwin
Carey Baldwin's First Do No Evil is a cornucopia of suspense, romance with titillating elements of the very best kind. First Do No Evil captivates me from the first dramatic scene in the diner to the last page. I found it to be a robust thrill of a roller coaster ride that causes your breathe to hitch and occasionally bring a tear to the eye of the most stoic reader. Ms. Baldwin spins an adventurous story that demonstrates her awesome writing abilities with strong characters, tense moment for the rising action and conflict with a resolution that lends itself for another great story sequential. Ms. Baldwin's well-crafted storyline, setting and characters are so finely honed is amazes me that First Do No Evil is her debut novel. Her writing style is so crisp and imaginative.
First Do No Evil that deeply resonated in my soul for several reasons: The breast cancer research.
I have family members who carry the breast cancer gene and two of them loss their dynamic fight to the disease. I am thrilled to see how far medicine has advanced since their passing. The other element that impressed me was how Ms. Baldwin molds her heroine Skylar Novak into a strong, sensitive, lovable person with human frailties. One of Skylar's flaws is having difficulty discerning evil-doers that cross her path. The use of this character flaw of Skylar is a strong foundation to build a suspenseful mind-bending read for me.
Dr. Skylar Novak's positive and caring somewhat naïve personality touched me profoundly because she does not want to see people as mean-spirited and evil. Skylar's devotion to her patients and preserving her father's reputation for helping poor, struggling people receive medical attention. Skylar is a self-less person and that characteristic is manifested early in the book with the conflicts with Garth her loving, brilliant brother who wants to keep her well with his breakthrough research vaccine.
Detective Daniel Benson is a hunk and chunk of burning love with plenty of sexiness and the tenderness for an alpha male. He is appreciative of Skylar's dedication for saving his life. Danny overwhelming sense of guilt over the deaths of those in the diner makes him hellbent on solving this distressing crime. Danny's guilt is based on not following police procedures which may have saved the life of Skylar's fiance' Edmond and others. Daniel Benson embodies everything I and other readers want in a hero, strength, tenacity, protectiveness, not to mention his sensual skills important in bonding with Skylar. Danny's family, his daughter Katie, his mother, brother Christian all play key roles that move the story in various directions that kept me glued to the book. Danny possesses a robust persona, a keenly intuitive man whose perceptions of situations related to solving this strange case and those same skills are capable of decoding those carnal messages creating some very sizzling romantic scenes that cause heart palpitations.
The bond Danny and Skylar share is connected to the healing stages of grieving the deaths of people they loved so deeply and plagued by the what ifs that remain in their hearts, minds and souls.
First Do No Evil is one of the best books you will have the pleasure of reading if you relish devouring a steamy romance, high suspense, psychological twists and turns and people who love unselfishly and making life better for others. First Do No Evil is a keeper and I can hardly wait for the next installment. I am shouting my praises of this novel from the rooftops because it quenched my thirst for a well balanced highly suspenseful, sexy, read. I am waiting impatiently for my friends read First Do No Evil so we can sit on the patio and discussing it over chilled wine and snacks.
Carey Baldwin's First Do No Evil is a cornucopia of suspense, romance with titillating elements of the very best kind. First Do No Evil captivates me from the first dramatic scene in the diner to the last page. I found it to be a robust thrill of a roller coaster ride that causes your breathe to hitch and occasionally bring a tear to the eye of the most stoic reader. Ms. Baldwin spins an adventurous story that demonstrates her awesome writing abilities with strong characters, tense moment for the rising action and conflict with a resolution that lends itself for another great story sequential. Ms. Baldwin's well-crafted storyline, setting and characters are so finely honed is amazes me that First Do No Evil is her debut novel. Her writing style is so crisp and imaginative.
First Do No Evil that deeply resonated in my soul for several reasons: The breast cancer research.
I have family members who carry the breast cancer gene and two of them loss their dynamic fight to the disease. I am thrilled to see how far medicine has advanced since their passing. The other element that impressed me was how Ms. Baldwin molds her heroine Skylar Novak into a strong, sensitive, lovable person with human frailties. One of Skylar's flaws is having difficulty discerning evil-doers that cross her path. The use of this character flaw of Skylar is a strong foundation to build a suspenseful mind-bending read for me.
Dr. Skylar Novak's positive and caring somewhat naïve personality touched me profoundly because she does not want to see people as mean-spirited and evil. Skylar's devotion to her patients and preserving her father's reputation for helping poor, struggling people receive medical attention. Skylar is a self-less person and that characteristic is manifested early in the book with the conflicts with Garth her loving, brilliant brother who wants to keep her well with his breakthrough research vaccine.
Detective Daniel Benson is a hunk and chunk of burning love with plenty of sexiness and the tenderness for an alpha male. He is appreciative of Skylar's dedication for saving his life. Danny overwhelming sense of guilt over the deaths of those in the diner makes him hellbent on solving this distressing crime. Danny's guilt is based on not following police procedures which may have saved the life of Skylar's fiance' Edmond and others. Daniel Benson embodies everything I and other readers want in a hero, strength, tenacity, protectiveness, not to mention his sensual skills important in bonding with Skylar. Danny's family, his daughter Katie, his mother, brother Christian all play key roles that move the story in various directions that kept me glued to the book. Danny possesses a robust persona, a keenly intuitive man whose perceptions of situations related to solving this strange case and those same skills are capable of decoding those carnal messages creating some very sizzling romantic scenes that cause heart palpitations.
The bond Danny and Skylar share is connected to the healing stages of grieving the deaths of people they loved so deeply and plagued by the what ifs that remain in their hearts, minds and souls.
First Do No Evil is one of the best books you will have the pleasure of reading if you relish devouring a steamy romance, high suspense, psychological twists and turns and people who love unselfishly and making life better for others. First Do No Evil is a keeper and I can hardly wait for the next installment. I am shouting my praises of this novel from the rooftops because it quenched my thirst for a well balanced highly suspenseful, sexy, read. I am waiting impatiently for my friends read First Do No Evil so we can sit on the patio and discussing it over chilled wine and snacks.
March 7, 2017
First Do No Evil by Carey Baldwin was a medical thriller that I could not put down. It's also a psychological thriller, as well. The intricate plot had me turning the pages as fast as I could read. I was hooked from the first chapter when Dr. Sky Novak and Detective Sergeant Danny Benson meet.
The setting in Flagstaff, AZ was described perfectly and I should know since I live in Arizona. Her descriptions made me feel like I was right there among the towering pines and laid back lifestyle. Sky and Danny were two complex characters that were so far apart at the beginning of the book but had so much in common. Sky grew so much as the story progressed. She developed her independence and her courage as the plot unfolded. The plot was fast paced and the twists had me completed baffled until Ms. Baldwin finally revealed the evil. But she didn't stop there because we had to wait until the terrifying ending to find out why the murders were committed. I was sitting on the edge of my seat and gripping the book tightly at the end in fear for both Sky, Danny and Danny's daughter, Katie. Amazing and thought provoking with a well deserved HEA for the characters. I love this author's books and always look forward to the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The setting in Flagstaff, AZ was described perfectly and I should know since I live in Arizona. Her descriptions made me feel like I was right there among the towering pines and laid back lifestyle. Sky and Danny were two complex characters that were so far apart at the beginning of the book but had so much in common. Sky grew so much as the story progressed. She developed her independence and her courage as the plot unfolded. The plot was fast paced and the twists had me completed baffled until Ms. Baldwin finally revealed the evil. But she didn't stop there because we had to wait until the terrifying ending to find out why the murders were committed. I was sitting on the edge of my seat and gripping the book tightly at the end in fear for both Sky, Danny and Danny's daughter, Katie. Amazing and thought provoking with a well deserved HEA for the characters. I love this author's books and always look forward to the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 16, 2012
This book is edgy and emotional. If you love a story that is suspenseful, that will stay with you and keep you thinking after you finish it, you won’t want to miss out on this one.
Complete Review posted here: http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
Complete Review posted here: http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
June 30, 2012
A totally chilling romantic thriller that will make you tingle and shiver until you reach that last page. An exciting page turner with a dreamy hero ;-) Detailed review to be posted soon.
April 21, 2022
Hang on to your syringes!!! Wow, this book is one that is really hard to put down! It's a common fact that doctors take an oath to do no harm. This book focuses on the story of Dr. Skyler Novak and her brother Dr. Garth Novak. You'll love one and hate the other! There is also a hunky detective, Danny Benson, who plays a very large part as well. I don't want to give out any spoilers so I'm trying to carefully word my thoughts here. This story will stay with me awhile!
There is a vaccine that has been developed for the BRCA gene in breast cancer. "Bella" is poised to save women everywhere from having to go through the pains of having breast cancer. When three women are dead within 3 months of receiving Bella, more problems arise in Dr. Novak's life. Not that life has had a rosy beginning....
Danny is a single dad trying to do his best to raise his teenage daughter through her black lipstick stage. He's also a very respected cop. Danny is committed to finding out who the serial killer is in their midst. To what lengths will he go?
This one literally had me on the edge of my seat! I love the writing style and the story lines of each character. I look forward to more books by this author!
There is a vaccine that has been developed for the BRCA gene in breast cancer. "Bella" is poised to save women everywhere from having to go through the pains of having breast cancer. When three women are dead within 3 months of receiving Bella, more problems arise in Dr. Novak's life. Not that life has had a rosy beginning....
Danny is a single dad trying to do his best to raise his teenage daughter through her black lipstick stage. He's also a very respected cop. Danny is committed to finding out who the serial killer is in their midst. To what lengths will he go?
This one literally had me on the edge of my seat! I love the writing style and the story lines of each character. I look forward to more books by this author!
September 4, 2012
Copy received from author as a gift. My thanks is this review.
First Do No Evil was a huge surprise to me. Not because I was expecting anything I wouldn’t like, but because this is Carey Baldwin’s debut novel, and it was good, very good. She’s a ‘mild-mannered physician’ – her words, not mine, still practicing full time. Carey is also a former clinical psychologist, so writing about psychopaths comes naturally – again, her words, not mine. J She’s also a hopeless romantic. Et voilà, we have ourselves a medical/romantic suspense thriller.
From the very beginning you are introduced to the two main characters. Danny Benson, a detective, and Skylar Novak, a physician, who happen to meet outside Jolene’s coffee shop. Danny flirts and Sky parts with the information that she’s newly engaged and meeting her fiancée, Edmond, and brother, Garth. Darn. Such is life. Once inside, all hell breaks loose. This story truly starts off with a resounding bang (pun intended), and hits you between the eyes with a hostage situation followed by casualties and a death.
Danny is a widowed and single father to an ‘acting out’ teenager. Skylar is a physician who happens to run a clinic for those in dire straits. Skylar hasn’t only lost her mother to breast cancer, her father to murder, she’s now lost someone else inside this very coffee shop. I won’t say who. The strange thing about the murder that’s just taken place is that it’s exactly fifteen years to the day her father was murdered, and it also happens to be Halloween. Coincidence or not? This is what they try and figure out throughout the book, and whilst this is happening another two murders take place. Who is hiding what, and who is trying to cover it up? One thing you will know is who the killer is almost from the beginning. Here’s the thing, most people don’t like knowing these things until the very end, but I don’t have that problem. And the reason I don’t have this problem, is for the simple fact that it made things that much more interesting. That is, knowing who it is - like a secret only you know, you want to tell others in the hope of saving their life and you can’t. I found myself wanting to shake certain people and yell at them… he’s right there, in front of your face!
Sky’s brother, Garth, is also a physician. One who has developed a vaccine called Bella (named after his adopted mother Isabella), which will help prevent a form of breast cancer for those who have the bad gene. He’s desperate that Sky take it, something she refuses to do as she’d rather give it to someone more needing than herself and those less fortunate who can’t afford it. Garth is one very disturbed character, but then you will find out that he isn’t the only one.
This book delivers on everything from thrills to suspense and the ever important love not excluding life’s little trials and tribulations. It’s very well written, the story flows from one scene to the next. I really like this author’s writing style. Although she dealt her cards early on, believe me, it just keeps on going – right to the very end. Every scene is descriptive and realistic making it believable. Super stuff. The only issue I had, which is tiny, are some (not all) of the medical words. Although there are more than enough times they fit and have a place in the story, there were a few times they didn’t. I would have simply liked to have read 'spine' instead of the medical term for it (just an example). Just bear in mind that this does not affect the story in the least, just my personal preference. When I enjoy a book this much, I don't want to have to stop to look up a word. I'm probably just being silly, so don't mind me!
You would never say that this is Carey’s debut, because to me it felt like she’s been writing romantic suspense for years. I thoroughly enjoyed First Do No Evil. I will definitely read more of Carey Baldwin’s future works, and you should too!
First Do No Evil was a huge surprise to me. Not because I was expecting anything I wouldn’t like, but because this is Carey Baldwin’s debut novel, and it was good, very good. She’s a ‘mild-mannered physician’ – her words, not mine, still practicing full time. Carey is also a former clinical psychologist, so writing about psychopaths comes naturally – again, her words, not mine. J She’s also a hopeless romantic. Et voilà, we have ourselves a medical/romantic suspense thriller.
From the very beginning you are introduced to the two main characters. Danny Benson, a detective, and Skylar Novak, a physician, who happen to meet outside Jolene’s coffee shop. Danny flirts and Sky parts with the information that she’s newly engaged and meeting her fiancée, Edmond, and brother, Garth. Darn. Such is life. Once inside, all hell breaks loose. This story truly starts off with a resounding bang (pun intended), and hits you between the eyes with a hostage situation followed by casualties and a death.
Danny is a widowed and single father to an ‘acting out’ teenager. Skylar is a physician who happens to run a clinic for those in dire straits. Skylar hasn’t only lost her mother to breast cancer, her father to murder, she’s now lost someone else inside this very coffee shop. I won’t say who. The strange thing about the murder that’s just taken place is that it’s exactly fifteen years to the day her father was murdered, and it also happens to be Halloween. Coincidence or not? This is what they try and figure out throughout the book, and whilst this is happening another two murders take place. Who is hiding what, and who is trying to cover it up? One thing you will know is who the killer is almost from the beginning. Here’s the thing, most people don’t like knowing these things until the very end, but I don’t have that problem. And the reason I don’t have this problem, is for the simple fact that it made things that much more interesting. That is, knowing who it is - like a secret only you know, you want to tell others in the hope of saving their life and you can’t. I found myself wanting to shake certain people and yell at them… he’s right there, in front of your face!
Sky’s brother, Garth, is also a physician. One who has developed a vaccine called Bella (named after his adopted mother Isabella), which will help prevent a form of breast cancer for those who have the bad gene. He’s desperate that Sky take it, something she refuses to do as she’d rather give it to someone more needing than herself and those less fortunate who can’t afford it. Garth is one very disturbed character, but then you will find out that he isn’t the only one.
This book delivers on everything from thrills to suspense and the ever important love not excluding life’s little trials and tribulations. It’s very well written, the story flows from one scene to the next. I really like this author’s writing style. Although she dealt her cards early on, believe me, it just keeps on going – right to the very end. Every scene is descriptive and realistic making it believable. Super stuff. The only issue I had, which is tiny, are some (not all) of the medical words. Although there are more than enough times they fit and have a place in the story, there were a few times they didn’t. I would have simply liked to have read 'spine' instead of the medical term for it (just an example). Just bear in mind that this does not affect the story in the least, just my personal preference. When I enjoy a book this much, I don't want to have to stop to look up a word. I'm probably just being silly, so don't mind me!
You would never say that this is Carey’s debut, because to me it felt like she’s been writing romantic suspense for years. I thoroughly enjoyed First Do No Evil. I will definitely read more of Carey Baldwin’s future works, and you should too!
May 20, 2013
First Do No Evil is a fantastic medical thriller. Dr Sky Novak is a mild mannered Physician who owns and operates a free clinic with her Fiance Edmond. One morning when she walks into Jolene's coffee shop to meet her brother Garth and her fiance Edmond for breakfast, she has no idea her life is about to change forever. Det Sergeant Daniel Benson does not expect to meet a women he is willing to give his life for. Danny Benson suddenly finds himself in the muddle of a robbery at the diner that almost results in his death and the death of Edmond Sky's fiance. It takes Sky back seventeen years to the death of her father on Halloween night. When Danny recovers he finds the case has been closed . With unanswered questions he goes to see Sky and discovers the case mirrors a robbery attempt at her home when she was seventeen that killed her father. Both happened on Halloween. She was saved when Garth her adopted brother came home and strangled the man. Garth is now famous for inventing Bella a vaccine that repairs a damaged gene that causes women who have that gene to develop breast cancer. Now Sky's clinic is being sued because three patients died who had taken the vaccine. People are being murdered and its up to Danny to catch the killer. I look forward to reading more books by Carey Baldwin this was one book i just couldn,t put down.
May 21, 2013
Amazing book, a wonderful mix of drama, suspense( both murder and medical) and a touch of romance. I received the paperback yesterday and have already finished it.
The characters are great, especially like Sky and Dan. The story has many twists and turns that will keep you entertained and guessing.
I highly recommend this book, I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.
The characters are great, especially like Sky and Dan. The story has many twists and turns that will keep you entertained and guessing.
I highly recommend this book, I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.
August 26, 2012
A superbly written debut - authentic, emotional and suspenseful. There's not nearly enough good romantic suspense out there, so I'm very pleased that Carey Baldwin has joined the ranks of published authors. Look forward to her next book!
May 15, 2021
First Do No Evil was just the kind of book I love. A fast paced romantic medical thriller. It was a real page turner from the start.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. I highly recommend this "read!"
Well written debut novel. Thank you, Carey Baldwin!
I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. I highly recommend this "read!"
Well written debut novel. Thank you, Carey Baldwin!
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