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Necessary Evil
“Ever do something, cop? Something . . . something you don’t like doing but you know you must?”
Detective Cassiel Garret suspects the pretty young temp worker knows more about a string of audacious bank robberies and jewel heists than she’s letting on. But there’s something about her, something that all of his training tells him is terribly wrong. An even deeper knowing makes him believe she’s more than a common thief or an accessory to the crimes that are plaguing his hometown. Does he forego all of his training to follow his heart—or will a call to duty win out?
Her question was simple, but her answer was not. Could he forgive her the unforgivable? Alana Symone will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves—even the stranger who seems hell-bent on either putting her behind bars or loving her for the rest of her life.
Detective Cassiel Garret suspects the pretty young temp worker knows more about a string of audacious bank robberies and jewel heists than she’s letting on. But there’s something about her, something that all of his training tells him is terribly wrong. An even deeper knowing makes him believe she’s more than a common thief or an accessory to the crimes that are plaguing his hometown. Does he forego all of his training to follow his heart—or will a call to duty win out?
Her question was simple, but her answer was not. Could he forgive her the unforgivable? Alana Symone will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves—even the stranger who seems hell-bent on either putting her behind bars or loving her for the rest of her life.
158 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2012
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 26, 2013
Alana is one of the strongest heroines I've read. She's a survivor in this gritty romance set deep in the underbelly of organized crime.
Caught between two men: one who ruthlessly manipulates and controls her through blackmail, threats, and violence; the other, a decent yet tortured cop too emotionally involved in trying to save her from her life he complicates it further. She doesn't make it easy for either of them.
Alana might be a reluctant pawn, but she's not powerless and her small rebellions, even when she knows the consequences will be painful, are inspiring. I found myself trying to anticipate what would happen next. How will she escape the vicious circle that snares her?
I won't tell you. You'll have to discover that for yourself - and I hope you will.
Caught between two men: one who ruthlessly manipulates and controls her through blackmail, threats, and violence; the other, a decent yet tortured cop too emotionally involved in trying to save her from her life he complicates it further. She doesn't make it easy for either of them.
Alana might be a reluctant pawn, but she's not powerless and her small rebellions, even when she knows the consequences will be painful, are inspiring. I found myself trying to anticipate what would happen next. How will she escape the vicious circle that snares her?
I won't tell you. You'll have to discover that for yourself - and I hope you will.
July 27, 2012
Captivating and heart wrenching!
I absolutely loved Necessary Evil. Stephanie Freeman’s romantic suspense hooked me from page one and had me at the edge of my seat until the very end. Edgy and heartbreaking, Freeman’s tale of good vs evil shows us that in law enforcement as in life, the players on both sides are neither all good or all bad but struggling to make sense of the world.
Stephanie Freeman weaves a compelling story of heartache and redemption. Her prose is easy and natural, her descriptions colorful and her dialogue gritty and smart. She evokes genuine emotion through her writing.
The characters are well drawn and multi-dimensional. Alana Symone is a woman haunted by her past and the sacrifices she’s had to make to keep her loved ones out of harm’s way. Detective Sergeant Cassiel Shaw has as many scars as he has commendations and ever since he lost his twin brother to the job, he’s become one of the force’s most formidable but reckless cops.
On opposite sides of the law, but bound to each other by a powerful, unspoken force, they fight to resist the attraction that joins them and that threatens both their lives.
Freeman builds the tension between Alana and Cassiel so masterfully that by the time the sex scenes happen we're really ready for them. The chemistry between the characters is intense to say the least, and their erotic encounters are that much hotter for the emotional relationship between them.
I look forward to reading more from Stephanie Freeman.
I absolutely loved Necessary Evil. Stephanie Freeman’s romantic suspense hooked me from page one and had me at the edge of my seat until the very end. Edgy and heartbreaking, Freeman’s tale of good vs evil shows us that in law enforcement as in life, the players on both sides are neither all good or all bad but struggling to make sense of the world.
Stephanie Freeman weaves a compelling story of heartache and redemption. Her prose is easy and natural, her descriptions colorful and her dialogue gritty and smart. She evokes genuine emotion through her writing.
The characters are well drawn and multi-dimensional. Alana Symone is a woman haunted by her past and the sacrifices she’s had to make to keep her loved ones out of harm’s way. Detective Sergeant Cassiel Shaw has as many scars as he has commendations and ever since he lost his twin brother to the job, he’s become one of the force’s most formidable but reckless cops.
On opposite sides of the law, but bound to each other by a powerful, unspoken force, they fight to resist the attraction that joins them and that threatens both their lives.
Freeman builds the tension between Alana and Cassiel so masterfully that by the time the sex scenes happen we're really ready for them. The chemistry between the characters is intense to say the least, and their erotic encounters are that much hotter for the emotional relationship between them.
I look forward to reading more from Stephanie Freeman.
September 4, 2012
Necessary Evil was a real page turner for me. I really enjoyed this debut release by Stephanie Freeman which I received as an Advanced Reader Copy. Stephanie Freeman hooks and reels you in from chapter one with such heart-gripping action and emotion. This wasn't your typical romance novel either. What I liked about it was that both the hero Cassiel and heroine Alana had so many imperfections throughout, including both physical scars and emotional baggage carrying around with them. Added to the intensity of the story was that he was a cop chasing after her, a suspected thief backed by a merciless villain. But eventually the two are able to find peace within themselves and love with each other. If you like suspense and action intermingled with romance, this book is for you. Rest assured, you won't be able to put it down!
July 9, 2013
Freeman told a gripping, action packed story filled with brave, honest characters and poetic, often heart-breaking prose. This is a story of star crossed lovers that goes above and beyond. Alana has survived a lifetime of suffering too horrible for most people to even imagine let alone rise above but instead of becoming hardened, or broken, she puts the well-being of others first; prepared even to sacrifice her life to protect those for whom she cares most. While Cass, a police officer tormented by the death of his twin brother, fights to find a way to keep Alana safe and still walk the line he swore to defend when he strapped on his badge. The bond they share is more than love but impossibly dangerous. To say that I was moved by Cass and Alana would be a gross understatement. Necessary Evil is an emotional roller coaster; a beautiful and heart-wrenching suspenseful drama that left me with a book hangover [fans of true romance know the kind of read I’m talking about]. Freeman possesses a rare talent.
October 15, 2012
This was a powerful, gritty, terrifyingly absorbing novel. I truly could not put it down, wanting so badly to understand the heroine. Uncertain if she would turn out to be worthy of my hope in her goodness, the horror of her plight kept me wanting to reach out and help. The writing is brilliant, the pace breathless, the hero as mysterious as he is tenacious, passionate and achingly patient. Stephanie Freeman gives voice to those caught and suffering within a dark world, made so much darker by the fact that such evil exists and thrives all too close to our own cozy homes. Very well done. I purchased this book online and have given this review freely and without monetary compensation.
June 3, 2012
Necessary Evil is a great book! I couldn’t just read one chapter. I had to know what happened next. Good story with lots of twists and turns.
Stephanie Freeman writes about the kinds of people you want as friends. Cassiel made me wish he lived next door. OMG! He could protect me anytime he wanted. Mark was funny as hell. The girl Alanna was the best. She keeps it real no matter what. She’s tough, pretty and smart.
She's gotta do a second one. If she write another one or anymore books like this one, Stephanie Freeman has got a fan for life.
Rachel Barrett
Stephanie Freeman writes about the kinds of people you want as friends. Cassiel made me wish he lived next door. OMG! He could protect me anytime he wanted. Mark was funny as hell. The girl Alanna was the best. She keeps it real no matter what. She’s tough, pretty and smart.
She's gotta do a second one. If she write another one or anymore books like this one, Stephanie Freeman has got a fan for life.
Rachel Barrett
June 4, 2012
Necessary Evil starts out fast and gets you hooked right away. Stephanie Freeman does an excellent job of keeping the characters and action moving through a gripping tale of suspense.
She is very good at developing her characters and plotting unexpected twists into the action. The emotional intensity is high in this book. A very good read.
I read the uncorrected galley and am honored to say I was one of the first to read this author's work. Stephanie has talent - I look forward to reading more of her work.
I would highly recommend this.
She is very good at developing her characters and plotting unexpected twists into the action. The emotional intensity is high in this book. A very good read.
I read the uncorrected galley and am honored to say I was one of the first to read this author's work. Stephanie has talent - I look forward to reading more of her work.
I would highly recommend this.
October 25, 2012
Once I began this book, I had trouble putting it down. Then when I put it down, I had a hard time getting it out of my mind. Cassiel and Alana will stay with you long after you finish, and you'll probably wish the author had included a epilogue so you can make sure things really did come out all right and they truly lived happily ever after.
This couple had enormous obstacles to overcome before they could be together, and toward the end, you don't see how they're ever going to make it. Stephanie Freeman provides an intense and emotional read that will engage your every sense. Enjoy!
This couple had enormous obstacles to overcome before they could be together, and toward the end, you don't see how they're ever going to make it. Stephanie Freeman provides an intense and emotional read that will engage your every sense. Enjoy!
June 23, 2013
Stephanie Freeman's novel, Necessary Evil, kept me on the edge of my seat. What a compelling, gritty, and suspenseful read! The pace is fast, yet the author has the unique ability to slow things down for a long moment, creating deep and perfect studies of her characters. She absolutely nailed her men, particularly her cop hero, Cassiel. I could see his handsome face, hear the rumble of his voice, and feel his muscles. As for Julian - he is evil incarnate. I found myself shivering at his deeds, and wondering how he would meet his well-deserved end. Stephanie's women are wonderfully complex, too, from little Monet, whose smarts belie her innocent sweetness, to Myra, the warm yet bold mama, and, of course, to her unique heroine Alana. A complex woman with a dark past, Alana possesses a heart of gold locked inside a body lithe and beautiful, yet deeply scarred. I found myself cheering her on and hoping she would find her haven. The ending of this novel made me yearn for more of Cass and Alana's story, and I was very happy to learn Ms. Freeman is writing a sequel to this work. I can hardly wait to read it!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews