Graphic designer Rachel Calloway is devastated when her father's restaurant is destroyed by an arsonist. Just when she thinks the situation can't possibly get worse, her father is charged with the unspeakable crime. Rachel knows he's innocent and sh'’ll do anything to prove it. Little does she know how soon her loyalty will be tested when she crosses paths with Nicholas Hunter, the notoriously ruthless attorney prosecuting her father’s case… Nick Hunter is thirsty for justice, a man made cynical by the horrors he experienced early in life. He believes in the absolute guilt of each criminal he prosecutes, and shows mercy to none…until he encounters Rachel Calloway, the first woman ever to make him question his convictions. From the moment they meet, a forbidden attraction sizzles between them that neither can ignore. But danger lurks in the shadows and clings to the fog that drifts in from the Eastern Shore. A stranger lies in the darkness, watching and waiting. Suddenly nothing in Rachel's world is as it seems, and it isn't long before she finds herself in the biggest fight for her heart…and her life.
I have read all of Maureen Smith's books and have been impatiently waiting on this one to be released as an eBook, so i could complete my collection. It was her first book, so I was really curious to see how good it would be. Well, I can truthfully report that she has been writing great books from the very start! This story was not as scorching hot as her subsequent novels have been, but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book.
I'm sure I've probably said it before in other reviews of her books, but Ms. Smith is a master at suspense. In fact, I'm not even a fan of suspense novels, but she weaves the romance and suspense so skillfully, that I can't resist her books. And I find that I'm seriously side-eyeing ALL of the characters, trying to figure out whodunnit. I was pretty convinced that I had it all figured out in this one, deciding that 2 of the characters were probably in cahoots, only to be dead wrong. I love that she always keeps me guessing almost until the very end, and then shocks me with the big reveal.
Great storyline, with interesting, very likable characters. I absolutely loved Rachel and Nick and thought they made a perfect couple. I love how she slowly broke Nick down, even bringing him to his knees at one point (loved that whole scene!). In addition, the story takes place in my backyard, which added an extra layer of something special for me.
If you are a Maureen Smith fan, and even if you are not, please don't miss this one.
This is only the second novel I've read by Maureen Smith. And so far she hasn't disappointed. I must say, 'Hats off to Mrs. Smith', this story captured me from the beginning to very end! The novel had me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what would happen next. It was a nice mixture of suspense and romance. Throughly enjoyed the heated attraction between Nick and Rachel. Nick was definitely a man any woman would want to get to know. And Rachel held her own, she wasn't the whiny, always crying damsel in distress, although she had every right to be, considering what she had to go through. I couldn't get through the story fast enough to find out who was causing all the drama in their lives. If you love action packed stories with a lot of romance and suspense, then this is definitely a book you MUST read!
I don't read very many romantic suspense books because my heart can't take the suspense..lol.. But you can never go wrong with a book from Maureen Smith. This was the first book Mrs. Smith wrote but my first time reading it now. Maureen kept me on the edge of my seat and had me yelling at Rachel several times and ready to kick Nick. When an author can bring out emotions in you like that, you know it's a great read.
Nothing remarkable here. An easy smooth read that kept my interest. I found myself absorbed in the characters of Nick and Rachael. The tensions between the supporting cast gave this story debth with an authentic reality I enjoyed. The plot and circumstances were totally believable. A few surprises with a somewhat predictable end. When I got to the end I decided I liked it.
This should have been the 1st book I read by Maureen Smith but I've been reading out of sequence. This was a good read and I can see through time her other books that she has gotten better with time.