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In Death #18
Divided in Death
Reva Ewing, a former member of the Secret Service and a security specialist for Roarke Enterprises, is a prime suspect in a double homicide. She had every reason to want to kill her husband, the renowned artist Blair Bissel. Not only was he having an affair, he was having it with her best friend.
But Lieutenant Eve Dallas, who's on the case, believes Reva is innocent. Eve's instincts tell her that the murder scene looks too perfectly staged, the apparent answers too obvious. And when she digs for more, she discovers that at nearly the exact time a kitchen knife was jammed into the victim's ribs, the passcode to his art studio was changed - and all of the data on his computer deliberately corrupted.
To Roarke, it's the computer attack that poses the real threat. Signs show that this is the nightmare his company has secretly been preparing for. He and Reva have been under a code-red government contract to develop a program that would shield against a new breed of hackers, the Doomsday Group. These techno-terrorists with brilliant minds and plenty of financial backing hack into systems, steal data, and corrupt computer units on a large scale - and kill anyone who gets too close.
Eve and Roarke must infiltrate an extraordinarily secretive government agency to expose the corruption at its core, before the virus spreads from one office to a corporation to the entire country.
But Lieutenant Eve Dallas, who's on the case, believes Reva is innocent. Eve's instincts tell her that the murder scene looks too perfectly staged, the apparent answers too obvious. And when she digs for more, she discovers that at nearly the exact time a kitchen knife was jammed into the victim's ribs, the passcode to his art studio was changed - and all of the data on his computer deliberately corrupted.
To Roarke, it's the computer attack that poses the real threat. Signs show that this is the nightmare his company has secretly been preparing for. He and Reva have been under a code-red government contract to develop a program that would shield against a new breed of hackers, the Doomsday Group. These techno-terrorists with brilliant minds and plenty of financial backing hack into systems, steal data, and corrupt computer units on a large scale - and kill anyone who gets too close.
Eve and Roarke must infiltrate an extraordinarily secretive government agency to expose the corruption at its core, before the virus spreads from one office to a corporation to the entire country.
357 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2004
1291 people are currently reading
7533 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Robb
180 books35.3k followersJ.D. Robb is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series and the pseudonym for #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. The futuristic suspense series stars Eve Dallas, a New York City police lieutenant with a dark past. Initially conceived as a trilogy, readers clamored for more of Eve and the mysterious Roarke. Stolen in Death (St. Martin's Press, February 2026) will be the 62nd entry in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,118 reviews
October 10, 2018
Earlier I said this too many times but I'll said that again... Book 18 and Eve & Roarke never stops to amaze me. I just love them so much. I love their relationship and they are my all time favorite couple! :)
I highly recommend this series to you! <3
“Eve: “If you ended up naked and dead with another woman, I'd do the Rumba on your corpse.”
Roarke: “You can't do the Rumba.”
Eve: “I'd take lessons first.”
Roarke: “You might very well. Not that you'll ever get the chance, but you'd also grieve.”
Eve: “Wouldn't give you the satisfaction. You cheating f-wit putz. "
Roarke: “You'd weep in the dark and call my name.”
Eve: “Call your name alright. How are things in hell? You dickless bastard. And I'd laugh and laugh, that's how I''d call your name.”
Roarke: “Christ Jesus Eve, I love you.”
I highly recommend this series to you! <3
“Eve: “If you ended up naked and dead with another woman, I'd do the Rumba on your corpse.”
Roarke: “You can't do the Rumba.”
Eve: “I'd take lessons first.”
Roarke: “You might very well. Not that you'll ever get the chance, but you'd also grieve.”
Eve: “Wouldn't give you the satisfaction. You cheating f-wit putz. "
Roarke: “You'd weep in the dark and call my name.”
Eve: “Call your name alright. How are things in hell? You dickless bastard. And I'd laugh and laugh, that's how I''d call your name.”
Roarke: “Christ Jesus Eve, I love you.”
April 6, 2017
I honestly don't know what to say about these books. She keeps writing stellar storylines, keeps me interested, makes me want more. You would think that after 18 books I would be rolling my eyes and saying... "give me something new" - nope, not a chance in hell. Give me something more is what I am saying.
This one was a tough one to get through. Conflicts of interest. Love, protectiveness, hate, desire ... two very different personalities clashing. But, are they really that different at the end of the day? Both damaged by a past that was so fucked up. But they survived.
Eve, Eve, Eve.
I honestly don't know how Eve survived her childhood but survive it she did. There was a major conflict of interest here between Eve and Roarke. Could they bridge the chasm? FFS, it was heartbreaking. They are both strong personalities, who will not back down, will not give in. But in the end something has to give ....
Roarke will fight for his Eve, his "darling", but it is not easy. She is as stubborn as he is.
You guys know me. I love an asshole hero. But Roarke is nothing like an asshole hero. He is fucking wonderful. I adore him. He is Irish. Yep! And not a fucking stereotypical Irish hero. He is the real deal.
Eve is tough but she has her moments. They are fucking heartbreaking. I seriously want to do damage to the fuckers who did what they did to her ... so does Roarke.
I did shed a tear or two reading this one.
I will end by saying that I still cannot believe that this author is the same author that wrote Irish Hearts, which I HATED!!! I honestly do think she has some droids working away for her, pushing out 2576 books per year!! But I am a fan and I will keep reading.
Quick shout out to the secondary characters.... Peabody, McNab, Feeney, Summerset, Whitney ... LOVE THEM ALL. Especially Peabody.
Feeney - ain't that the truth.
I am not tiring of this series any time soon. Off to start the next one!!
As Roarke might say ....
Let's end with a quote from Yeats, Roarke's favourite poet. And a poet I hold close to my heart too.
"I can't step aside on this, not even for you."
"If you could step aside on this, even for me, you wouldn't be the man I fell for in the first place, would you?"
"Remember this moment, won't you, the next time you're furious with me? And I'll do the same."
This one was a tough one to get through. Conflicts of interest. Love, protectiveness, hate, desire ... two very different personalities clashing. But, are they really that different at the end of the day? Both damaged by a past that was so fucked up. But they survived.
Eve, Eve, Eve.
Two lost souls, he'd once said. So they were ...
I honestly don't know how Eve survived her childhood but survive it she did. There was a major conflict of interest here between Eve and Roarke. Could they bridge the chasm? FFS, it was heartbreaking. They are both strong personalities, who will not back down, will not give in. But in the end something has to give ....
Roarke will fight for his Eve, his "darling", but it is not easy. She is as stubborn as he is.
"I never expected anyone would love me, all of me. How would I deserve that? What would I do with it? But you do. Everything we've managed to have together, to be to each other, this is more. I'll never be able to find the words to tell you what you just gave me."
"You undo me, Eve ..."
You guys know me. I love an asshole hero. But Roarke is nothing like an asshole hero. He is fucking wonderful. I adore him. He is Irish. Yep! And not a fucking stereotypical Irish hero. He is the real deal.
"It kills me when you cry."
Eve is tough but she has her moments. They are fucking heartbreaking. I seriously want to do damage to the fuckers who did what they did to her ... so does Roarke.
"You're the love of my life."
I did shed a tear or two reading this one.
I will end by saying that I still cannot believe that this author is the same author that wrote Irish Hearts, which I HATED!!! I honestly do think she has some droids working away for her, pushing out 2576 books per year!! But I am a fan and I will keep reading.
Quick shout out to the secondary characters.... Peabody, McNab, Feeney, Summerset, Whitney ... LOVE THEM ALL. Especially Peabody.
"Flowers wouldn't work on Dallas."
Feeney - ain't that the truth.
I am not tiring of this series any time soon. Off to start the next one!!
As Roarke might say ....
Let's end with a quote from Yeats, Roarke's favourite poet. And a poet I hold close to my heart too.
August 3, 2016
A cheating husband who gets killed in bed with his mistress, the wife's best friend. They are both stabbed to death. That's justice. Kind of hard to feel sorry for them. Eve makes her feelings on the subject pretty clear:
Eve to Roarke: “If you ended up naked and dead with another woman, I’d do the rumba on your corpse.”
“You can’t do the rumba.”
“I’d take lessons first.”
He laughed, rubbed a hand over her thigh. “You might very well, not that you’ll ever get the chance. But you’d also grieve.”
“Wouldn’t give you the satisfaction,” she mumbled, half asleep. “You cheating fuckwit putz.”
“You’d weep inthe dark and call my name.”
“Call your name all right: How are things in hell, you dickless bastard? and I’d laugh and laugh. That’s how I’d call your name...Then I’d put all your precious shoes in the recycler, take your fancy suits and burn them in a celebrational fire, and kick Summerset out of my house on his bony ass. After which I’d have a party where we’d drink all your expensive wine and whiskey. And after that I’d hire two, no three, of the top LCs in the business to come over and pleasure me.”
When she noticed the car was stopped, she blinked her eyes open and saw he was staring at her. “What?”
“It just occurs to me that you’ve given this matter a great deal of thought.”
Well, if that conversation doesn't keep him faithful, I don't know what will. I approve of her plans.
So, the mystery in this book is pretty good. There are some nice twists and turns and a lot of Roarke's presence. But, the biggest part of it all is the personal side of the story because there ends up being a very big problem in their marriage. It's easy to understand both of their points-of-view, but I still think Eve is way too bitchy to Roarke most of the time.
Eve not only has RBF, but also RBM -Really Bitchy Mouth. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don't.
Eve to Roarke: “If you ended up naked and dead with another woman, I’d do the rumba on your corpse.”
“You can’t do the rumba.”
“I’d take lessons first.”
He laughed, rubbed a hand over her thigh. “You might very well, not that you’ll ever get the chance. But you’d also grieve.”
“Wouldn’t give you the satisfaction,” she mumbled, half asleep. “You cheating fuckwit putz.”
“You’d weep inthe dark and call my name.”
“Call your name all right: How are things in hell, you dickless bastard? and I’d laugh and laugh. That’s how I’d call your name...Then I’d put all your precious shoes in the recycler, take your fancy suits and burn them in a celebrational fire, and kick Summerset out of my house on his bony ass. After which I’d have a party where we’d drink all your expensive wine and whiskey. And after that I’d hire two, no three, of the top LCs in the business to come over and pleasure me.”
When she noticed the car was stopped, she blinked her eyes open and saw he was staring at her. “What?”
“It just occurs to me that you’ve given this matter a great deal of thought.”
Well, if that conversation doesn't keep him faithful, I don't know what will. I approve of her plans.
So, the mystery in this book is pretty good. There are some nice twists and turns and a lot of Roarke's presence. But, the biggest part of it all is the personal side of the story because there ends up being a very big problem in their marriage. It's easy to understand both of their points-of-view, but I still think Eve is way too bitchy to Roarke most of the time.
Eve not only has RBF, but also RBM -Really Bitchy Mouth. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don't.
September 3, 2017
I like every book J.D. Robb writes but this particular one is just brilliant. Everything I like about her books is here in spades:)
The story is slick and smart and Eve is in top form. The way she handles herself under extreme pressure is brilliant. The wicked one liners keep coming from all and sundry but especially from Peabody, Eve and Roarke. And then there are the emotional bits when life in paradise starts to come a little unglued. The make up scene is an absolute tear jerker.
I had great difficulty putting this one down at all. Loved every word of it:)
The story is slick and smart and Eve is in top form. The way she handles herself under extreme pressure is brilliant. The wicked one liners keep coming from all and sundry but especially from Peabody, Eve and Roarke. And then there are the emotional bits when life in paradise starts to come a little unglued. The make up scene is an absolute tear jerker.
I had great difficulty putting this one down at all. Loved every word of it:)
April 17, 2017
I don’t know what to say any more. I am always repeating myself. But it is true. I absolutely love these books. J.D. Robb is an amazing author. Eighteen books in and I still crave more. Thankfully I have 26 more to go.
I adore Roarke. His love for Eve is unwavering.
“I love you.” His lips formed the words against her breast. “I’m lost in love with you.”
Eve…..his cop. She loves Roarke endlessly. He is her rock.
“You’re the love of my life. I don’t care how corny that sounds. You’re the start of it, and the end of it. And you’re the best of it.”
This one was a tough one for me. I cried for both Roarke and Eve. More so for Eve because as much as she has worked at letting go of her past, it seems as though she will never be free of it. It is so heartbreaking to see such a strong woman fall apart. And Roarke, who is her protector, lover, and friend battles with the need to avenge her past. It is heartbreaking.
Love is such a complex thing for Eve. Roarke was the first person to truly love her. And she to love him. Understanding the scope of her feelings for him, the need for him, scares her. She never wants to be without this man. But when a case she is working on drives a wedge between them she struggles to find a way back to him. Both of them are determined and strong willed. What will it cost them in the end.
The plot had both Eve and Roarke working tirelessly trying to find the bastard who had killed and framed someone close to Roarke. The case was weighing on them both of them but Eve was strong as ever and determine close her case. With Peabody, McNabb and Feeney she’d get the job done.
Even though this was a hard one to read through I loved every minute of it. It is definitely one of my favorites. J.D. Robb has the knack to weave into the chaos some sweet and funny moments. There was a scene with Eve and Mavis that warmed my heart and made me laugh. You see, Mavis is pregnant and was having some doubt about being a good mom. She fell apart on Eve. Anyone who knows Eve, knows that she hasn’t a clue how to handle situations like this. But in true Eve form she powered through it and made Mavis smile. ❤
Here is one of my favorite Roarke & Eve moments.
I adore Roarke. His love for Eve is unwavering.
“I love you.” His lips formed the words against her breast. “I’m lost in love with you.”
Eve…..his cop. She loves Roarke endlessly. He is her rock.
“You’re the love of my life. I don’t care how corny that sounds. You’re the start of it, and the end of it. And you’re the best of it.”
This one was a tough one for me. I cried for both Roarke and Eve. More so for Eve because as much as she has worked at letting go of her past, it seems as though she will never be free of it. It is so heartbreaking to see such a strong woman fall apart. And Roarke, who is her protector, lover, and friend battles with the need to avenge her past. It is heartbreaking.
Love is such a complex thing for Eve. Roarke was the first person to truly love her. And she to love him. Understanding the scope of her feelings for him, the need for him, scares her. She never wants to be without this man. But when a case she is working on drives a wedge between them she struggles to find a way back to him. Both of them are determined and strong willed. What will it cost them in the end.
The plot had both Eve and Roarke working tirelessly trying to find the bastard who had killed and framed someone close to Roarke. The case was weighing on them both of them but Eve was strong as ever and determine close her case. With Peabody, McNabb and Feeney she’d get the job done.
Even though this was a hard one to read through I loved every minute of it. It is definitely one of my favorites. J.D. Robb has the knack to weave into the chaos some sweet and funny moments. There was a scene with Eve and Mavis that warmed my heart and made me laugh. You see, Mavis is pregnant and was having some doubt about being a good mom. She fell apart on Eve. Anyone who knows Eve, knows that she hasn’t a clue how to handle situations like this. But in true Eve form she powered through it and made Mavis smile. ❤
Here is one of my favorite Roarke & Eve moments.
"I never expected anyone would love me, all of me. How would I deserve that? What would I do with it? But you do. Everything we’ve managed to have together, to be to each other, this is more. I’ll never be able find the words to tell you what you just gave me. ~ Eve“You undo me Eve….”~Roarke
July 15, 2019
Number 18 in the series and still going strong! One of the best so far in this very enjoyable series with an excellent plot, all our favourite characters and new insights into Eve's early life.
When Roarke's security specialist Reva Ewing, daughter of his PA Caro, is found next to a bed containing the slaughtered bodies of her husband artist Blair Bissel and her best friend Felicity, she is immediately arrested for murder. Fortunately for her Eve and Peabody are called to the crime scene and Eve thinks it all looks just a little too staged in an attempt to frame Reva. When she discovers that Blair's computers have been fried, Roarke starts to worry that framing Reva may have been the real purpose of the murder due to the high security government project she is working on for Roarke's computer security company.
Great to see Eve working together with Roarke, alongside Peabody, McNabb and Feeney. Peabody is stepping up into her role as a newly minted detective and together with Eve they make a great team. Eve and Roarke's relationship continues to strengthen, even though they have a major disagreement over some information they discover about Eve's abusive childhood. I don't know how Robb manages to juggle so many elements - a great mystery, a continuing romance, serious issues, lighter moments and humour into an engaging read, but she sure has done it again. 4.5★
When Roarke's security specialist Reva Ewing, daughter of his PA Caro, is found next to a bed containing the slaughtered bodies of her husband artist Blair Bissel and her best friend Felicity, she is immediately arrested for murder. Fortunately for her Eve and Peabody are called to the crime scene and Eve thinks it all looks just a little too staged in an attempt to frame Reva. When she discovers that Blair's computers have been fried, Roarke starts to worry that framing Reva may have been the real purpose of the murder due to the high security government project she is working on for Roarke's computer security company.
Great to see Eve working together with Roarke, alongside Peabody, McNabb and Feeney. Peabody is stepping up into her role as a newly minted detective and together with Eve they make a great team. Eve and Roarke's relationship continues to strengthen, even though they have a major disagreement over some information they discover about Eve's abusive childhood. I don't know how Robb manages to juggle so many elements - a great mystery, a continuing romance, serious issues, lighter moments and humour into an engaging read, but she sure has done it again. 4.5★
March 11, 2020
4.5 stars**
September 20, 2012
5 Stars...this is the series that keeps on giving!! I am in awe of the fact that I am on book 18 in this series and it just keeps getting BETTER!! The plot was well thought out, fresh, exciting and held my interest throughout! I was on edge for most of the book, not only because of the suspense, but due to the rift in Roarke and Eve’s relationship. They are not perfect; they both have their flaws, and are steadfast in their belief, which has always created friction in their marriage. But, in this book it went to another level, and frankly I was scared for them. Through it all, the love they have for one another never wavers. There were circumstances that were presented in this book that had them taking a real hard look at one another, and even though they will never see eye to eye, they each gained some newfound respect.
The dialogue is amazing; the characters feel like old friends, there is nothing else out there like it…this series shines, but this book in particular burned just a little bit brighter…it was brilliant!
Nora Roberts is hit or miss for me, but when she writes under pseudonym of J D Robb, she is spot on. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!
On a final note, this audio book was narrated by the incomparable Susan Ericksen!! This was an emotional read, especially because of the issues that Roarke and Eve needed to resolve...Ms. Ericksen BROUGHT THEM TO LIFE! Not just those two…all the characters. She is an audio reader’s dream!
The dialogue is amazing; the characters feel like old friends, there is nothing else out there like it…this series shines, but this book in particular burned just a little bit brighter…it was brilliant!
Nora Roberts is hit or miss for me, but when she writes under pseudonym of J D Robb, she is spot on. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!
On a final note, this audio book was narrated by the incomparable Susan Ericksen!! This was an emotional read, especially because of the issues that Roarke and Eve needed to resolve...Ms. Ericksen BROUGHT THEM TO LIFE! Not just those two…all the characters. She is an audio reader’s dream!
February 17, 2023
"I'm lost in love with you."
"Who else would make me feel like a hero for doing nothing?"
"Roarke, my Roarke."
"Who else would make me feel like a hero for doing nothing?"
"Roarke, my Roarke."
October 20, 2024
I really enjoy this series, I think more and more as I continue to read them, and I think I enjoyed this one a little bit extra (even if the mystery was a little less twisty than normal). I love that the mystery/thriller part of these books is so well done. I also like that Eve and Roarke have difficulties in their relationship as that makes it more realistic. Roarke gets a message from an employee that another trusted employee had came across her husband and friend in bed already dead. Eve takes the case, and immediately has questions despite the seemingly simple scene. As she digs in she realizes that this one involves more than most of her cases as she squares off versus a secret government organization. This was a fun read perfect for vacation which is where I read it.
October 23, 2017
Suspense 4.5 stars / Romance 4 stars
Interesting and twisted story. My vicious side didn't feel sorry for the two victims at the beginning. Can they kill cheaters in every romance book please?!
Despite I suspected who was the actual murderer and what the twist was, I enjoyed the story.
Romance. Roarke and Eve had a fight. Don't get me wrong, I like Roarke, but Eve was/is/and always will be my highest priority. God, I love this woman!!! I understood why she didn't want the 'revenge', but I still wished it was done.
I thought for a moment to click 4, but WTH??? This series is much more better that the most books I read, it deserves more than 5 stars!
Interesting and twisted story. My vicious side didn't feel sorry for the two victims at the beginning. Can they kill cheaters in every romance book please?!
Despite I suspected who was the actual murderer and what the twist was, I enjoyed the story.
Romance. Roarke and Eve had a fight. Don't get me wrong, I like Roarke, but Eve was/is/and always will be my highest priority. God, I love this woman!!! I understood why she didn't want the 'revenge', but I still wished it was done.
I thought for a moment to click 4, but WTH??? This series is much more better that the most books I read, it deserves more than 5 stars!
January 6, 2021
I never have the words to say just how absolutely outstanding every single In Death book is. JD Robb/NR is a true magician. Every plot is interesting, and there is nothing I like better than watching Lieutenant Eve Dallas take the bad guy apart. Every single time I pick up one of these books it's like visiting beloved friends I haven't seen in a long time, I'm so glad to see them all. 😍 Even Summerset. 😁
This one was painful. For the first time since they met, Eve and Roarke were divided, on an issue where neither one of them would, could budge. The one thing never in doubt is how very much they love each other. Though for much of the book they are stiff and strained, that care is still very much in evidence. And made the issue between them that much more difficult. *sigh*
As usual, the bad guy here isn't as smart as he thinks he is. The crimes themselves are well done but the author is never too worried about hiding who the criminal is. It's just too much fun getting to see Eve slowly reeling them in. I love watching Eve's made-family digging themselves deeper into her life. She grumbles and complains, but honestly, she really kind of loves it, and I love it for her. ❤
And Roarke. *swoon* I have such a crush on both Eve and Roarke. He's her perfect match in every way, and I love how he loves Eve. He's just as fierce and relentless as she is, but also gentle and protective of Eve, as well as everybody else he cares for. Since he's met her, his main priority is making sure Eve can be herself in all things, and making sure she has what she needs to do that. He comes through here too. 🥰
This series has literally everything I could want, heat, passion, badass cops, the warmth of family and friends, wonderful, complex book-people, great dialog, fantastic humor and so, so much heart. For as long as NR wants to write them, I'll never get tired of reading. 💞
This one was painful. For the first time since they met, Eve and Roarke were divided, on an issue where neither one of them would, could budge. The one thing never in doubt is how very much they love each other. Though for much of the book they are stiff and strained, that care is still very much in evidence. And made the issue between them that much more difficult. *sigh*
As usual, the bad guy here isn't as smart as he thinks he is. The crimes themselves are well done but the author is never too worried about hiding who the criminal is. It's just too much fun getting to see Eve slowly reeling them in. I love watching Eve's made-family digging themselves deeper into her life. She grumbles and complains, but honestly, she really kind of loves it, and I love it for her. ❤
And Roarke. *swoon* I have such a crush on both Eve and Roarke. He's her perfect match in every way, and I love how he loves Eve. He's just as fierce and relentless as she is, but also gentle and protective of Eve, as well as everybody else he cares for. Since he's met her, his main priority is making sure Eve can be herself in all things, and making sure she has what she needs to do that. He comes through here too. 🥰
This series has literally everything I could want, heat, passion, badass cops, the warmth of family and friends, wonderful, complex book-people, great dialog, fantastic humor and so, so much heart. For as long as NR wants to write them, I'll never get tired of reading. 💞
February 5, 2019
One of the best stories in the series.
I will admit that the tension between Roarke and Eve had me tearing up a few times and the emotions were so strong that I had to pause and take a few breaths to calm myself. There is some new information about Eve's past as a child and she disagrees with Roarke about how to handdle things.
The crime-plot was very complicated and intricate and the stakes were very high for Eve and her team. I enjoyed seeing Peabody evolving as a detective and holding her own in an investigation.
Of course the whole gang made an appearance (even the evil Trina and gave Eve a mani-pedi, Eve was unconcious during the procedure or else she would never concede to such).
I love this series. Everytime I pick up a book it's like being reunited with old friends and they never fail to give me a good time...
I will admit that the tension between Roarke and Eve had me tearing up a few times and the emotions were so strong that I had to pause and take a few breaths to calm myself. There is some new information about Eve's past as a child and she disagrees with Roarke about how to handdle things.
The crime-plot was very complicated and intricate and the stakes were very high for Eve and her team. I enjoyed seeing Peabody evolving as a detective and holding her own in an investigation.
Of course the whole gang made an appearance (even the evil Trina and gave Eve a mani-pedi, Eve was unconcious during the procedure or else she would never concede to such).
I love this series. Everytime I pick up a book it's like being reunited with old friends and they never fail to give me a good time...
July 7, 2017
This series is the ULT (as Mavis would say)!!!
I love, love the fashion touches in all the books!!! It’s so believable! I keep seeing Ian and his crazy dresses!!!
This could be Ian’s formal dress…
… or his working uniform…
And the shoes?
these could be Mavies’
We have gel sandals, gel pumps, fish swimming in shoes!!!
dind’t know they really exist!!! O_O
And shall we look at the make up? Temporary tattoos, piercings, body art… WOW!!!
very tame… probably a classy LC…
on-stage Mavies…
And the gadgets? Double WOW! ‘Links, scanners, droids, stunners… So very SF, but, if you think a bit, could be true in a few years! Do you remember when VHS was just a dream? When floppy discs were the top? And look now!!!!
OK, this actually is not a review to the book, but since there’re ton of other reviews… LOL
I love, love the fashion touches in all the books!!! It’s so believable! I keep seeing Ian and his crazy dresses!!!
This could be Ian’s formal dress…
… or his working uniform…
And the shoes?
these could be Mavies’
We have gel sandals, gel pumps, fish swimming in shoes!!!
dind’t know they really exist!!! O_O
And shall we look at the make up? Temporary tattoos, piercings, body art… WOW!!!
very tame… probably a classy LC…
on-stage Mavies…
And the gadgets? Double WOW! ‘Links, scanners, droids, stunners… So very SF, but, if you think a bit, could be true in a few years! Do you remember when VHS was just a dream? When floppy discs were the top? And look now!!!!
OK, this actually is not a review to the book, but since there’re ton of other reviews… LOL
September 7, 2017
4.5 stars - Romantic Suspense/Futuristic/Crime Thriller
Whatever happened to me back in Dallas, I came out of it. I'm standing here because of it. Maybe I have everything that matters to me, including you, because of it. If that's true, I'd go through it all again. I'd go through every minute of the hell to have you, to have my badge, to have this life. That's enough balance for me.
Undone, he pressed his lips to the symbol of what she was, and felt the heart that thundered for him beneath it. His cop. His Eve. His miracle.
I never in my life expected anyone would love me, all of me. How would I deserve that? What would I do with it? But you do. Everything we've managed to have together, to be to each other, this is more. I'll never be able to find the words to tell you what you just gave me.
You undo me, Eve. Who else would make me feel like a hero for doing nothing.
Whatever happened to me back in Dallas, I came out of it. I'm standing here because of it. Maybe I have everything that matters to me, including you, because of it. If that's true, I'd go through it all again. I'd go through every minute of the hell to have you, to have my badge, to have this life. That's enough balance for me.
Undone, he pressed his lips to the symbol of what she was, and felt the heart that thundered for him beneath it. His cop. His Eve. His miracle.
I never in my life expected anyone would love me, all of me. How would I deserve that? What would I do with it? But you do. Everything we've managed to have together, to be to each other, this is more. I'll never be able to find the words to tell you what you just gave me.
You undo me, Eve. Who else would make me feel like a hero for doing nothing.
January 26, 2019
Don't count myself as a fan and I have mixed views on this one. Starts well, with Roarke’s security specialist, Reva – a former secret service agent and daughter of Roarke’s PA Caro - framed for the murders of her sculptor husband and her friend Felicity Kade (who introduced the couple), with Caro bringing Eve in to run the investigation.
Everything about the murders is cleverly staged, but Eve is convinced of Reva’s innocence, and as she and Roarke delve deeper they discover that the murdered pair were leading double-lives as spooks. With Roarke’s company working on a solution to a worm threatened by a Doomsday group, the suggestion falls that the deaths were a hit by the spooks (Homeland Security).
But then it goes off tangent: while hacking into HSO’s systems Roarke discovers files on surveillance of his father and Eve’s father, when 8-year old Eve was recorded being brutally raped and battered, with the authorities not intervening to keep their cover. Roarke, frothing at the mouth, wants to take them on to seek justice for Eve and his own mother, putting strain on the relationship.
Happily other bodies turn up: a naïve young woman assistant of the sculptor and a morgue attendant, and doubts are cast on the identity of one of the murdered couple. Reva and Caro are drawn into the “knitting circle” of Mavis, Trina and Mira; Summerset and Galahad are sidelined in this one, and Peabody does not waste the whole story being a goose. Eve and Roarke get over their hissy-fit and the clever villains get their just desserts.
Verdict: emotional overload.
Everything about the murders is cleverly staged, but Eve is convinced of Reva’s innocence, and as she and Roarke delve deeper they discover that the murdered pair were leading double-lives as spooks. With Roarke’s company working on a solution to a worm threatened by a Doomsday group, the suggestion falls that the deaths were a hit by the spooks (Homeland Security).
But then it goes off tangent: while hacking into HSO’s systems Roarke discovers files on surveillance of his father and Eve’s father, when 8-year old Eve was recorded being brutally raped and battered, with the authorities not intervening to keep their cover. Roarke, frothing at the mouth, wants to take them on to seek justice for Eve and his own mother, putting strain on the relationship.
Happily other bodies turn up: a naïve young woman assistant of the sculptor and a morgue attendant, and doubts are cast on the identity of one of the murdered couple. Reva and Caro are drawn into the “knitting circle” of Mavis, Trina and Mira; Summerset and Galahad are sidelined in this one, and Peabody does not waste the whole story being a goose. Eve and Roarke get over their hissy-fit and the clever villains get their just desserts.
Verdict: emotional overload.
March 15, 2020
An employee of Roarke's is implicated in the murder of her husband and his lover. The frame begins to fall apart as soon as Eve sees the set up. Now all she has to do is find the real murderer. When the victim is tied to the Homeland Security Organization, HSO, Roarke goes digging and finds very disturbing information about Eve's past which drives a wedge between them.
The mystery was great, but I had a problem with Eve's reaction to Roarke and the information he uncovered about Eve's past.
The mystery was great, but I had a problem with Eve's reaction to Roarke and the information he uncovered about Eve's past.
January 9, 2024
Intense book! One of my favorites in the series so far.
Read
November 15, 2021Nora...Nora 🤦🏻♀️Kuzum 400 küsür sayfa yazıp sonunu adam akıllı yazmaya nasıl üşendin bacım? Bir de o kadar olay yaşattıktan sonra.
Elim kalbimde okudum kitabı. Eve ile Roarke çiftine doyduk evet ama bir gülmedi yüzleri. Kitap boyu gerilim yaşatıp son dakika aralarını yapamazsın! Buna da kalp denir vicdansız yazar!
Klasik bir işleyişti. Nedense cinayet zanlısı yada yakını, sağı solu illaki Roarke yada Eve'ye dayanıyor illâ ki... Bu seferde Roarke'ın asistanı Cora'nın kızı Reva kocasını ve sevgilisini öldürmekle suçlanır. Reva aynı zamanda Roarke için de çalışır. Gizli işler felan... Doğal olarak Roarke da işin içinde. Hoş Eve ile tanıştığı andan beri hiç sevmediği polislik işini kendi işinden daha çok yapar oldu ya neyse 😂 Hayır o değil artık evleri de toplanma yeri gibi. Herkesin keyfi yerinde 🤭Ah Eve dışında. O çalışmak ister, ekibi ise yiyip içmek, biraz eğlenip çalışmak ister 😇
Kitapta polisiye yönünden aksiyon hafifti. Olay vardı ama ana tanık olmaktan çok sonucu gördük hep. Zaten ben de polisiye kısmı için değil Eve ve Roarke için okuyorum. O yüzden problem yok 🥰
Kitapta Eve ve Roarke arasının gergin olması beni üzdü ama Eve'nin yaşadıklarına tanık olup hiç bir şey yapmayan o iğrenç pislikler beni resmen sinir krizine soktu. Kendilerine nasıl insanım dediler bilemem. Çiftin geçmişlerine biraz daha ışık tutuldu. Bakalım ilerleyen kitaplarda ne olacak.
Elim kalbimde okudum kitabı. Eve ile Roarke çiftine doyduk evet ama bir gülmedi yüzleri. Kitap boyu gerilim yaşatıp son dakika aralarını yapamazsın! Buna da kalp denir vicdansız yazar!
Klasik bir işleyişti. Nedense cinayet zanlısı yada yakını, sağı solu illaki Roarke yada Eve'ye dayanıyor illâ ki... Bu seferde Roarke'ın asistanı Cora'nın kızı Reva kocasını ve sevgilisini öldürmekle suçlanır. Reva aynı zamanda Roarke için de çalışır. Gizli işler felan... Doğal olarak Roarke da işin içinde. Hoş Eve ile tanıştığı andan beri hiç sevmediği polislik işini kendi işinden daha çok yapar oldu ya neyse 😂 Hayır o değil artık evleri de toplanma yeri gibi. Herkesin keyfi yerinde 🤭Ah Eve dışında. O çalışmak ister, ekibi ise yiyip içmek, biraz eğlenip çalışmak ister 😇
Kitapta polisiye yönünden aksiyon hafifti. Olay vardı ama ana tanık olmaktan çok sonucu gördük hep. Zaten ben de polisiye kısmı için değil Eve ve Roarke için okuyorum. O yüzden problem yok 🥰
Kitapta Eve ve Roarke arasının gergin olması beni üzdü ama Eve'nin yaşadıklarına tanık olup hiç bir şey yapmayan o iğrenç pislikler beni resmen sinir krizine soktu. Kendilerine nasıl insanım dediler bilemem. Çiftin geçmişlerine biraz daha ışık tutuldu. Bakalım ilerleyen kitaplarda ne olacak.
December 18, 2020
Jerichom Barronsum mu Roerke mu sorunsalı 😍
Şu seriyi daha sık çıkartsalar ölürler sanki 😒😒
Şu seriyi daha sık çıkartsalar ölürler sanki 😒😒
April 11, 2023
I really enjoyed the spy theme of this story, and I really enjoy how as the series goes along we learn more and more about this world and how Roberts took the 90s’ idea of futuristic technology and built an entire universe on it.
As for the personal drama…I must admit that at first I didn’t fully comprehend the scale of the rift that was slowly tear Eve and Roarke apart, and once I did, I was so scared the book would end with them still at odds and in some sort of emotional limbo. But when they did make peace it was so much sweeter because of how emotional that particular moment was and how character building was for both of them.
As for the personal drama…I must admit that at first I didn’t fully comprehend the scale of the rift that was slowly tear Eve and Roarke apart, and once I did, I was so scared the book would end with them still at odds and in some sort of emotional limbo. But when they did make peace it was so much sweeter because of how emotional that particular moment was and how character building was for both of them.
December 17, 2023
Eighteenth in the In Death futuristic police procedural romantic suspense series revolving around Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her hunky gazillionaire husband. Set in September 2059 in New York City, the focus is on a security expert employed by Roarke. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the In Death books on my website.
Divided in Death was nominated in 2005 for the RITA Award by Romance Writers of America for Paranormal Romance.
My Take
This was a twister and fun — she got her own back!
It's a detective novel, a police procedural, and forensics all wrapped in with the futuristic setting and the romance between Eve and Roarke. Sigh . . . Not that it's all hearts and flowers for these two, oh no, they have plenty of battles. There's also a burgeoning love in Divided in Death.
Poor Eve. Roarke is forever giving her presents. He's also, forever, feeding her team whenever they meet at her home office. Okay, okay, he feeds them when they're working on a hot case at the police station too. The man is beyond brilliant with computers . . . and Peabody thinks Roarke would be the complete James Bond. Yeah, he's gorgeous with a heart-melting Irish accent.
I dunno. People keep thinking Eve will accept what they set up for her. If they only knew . . .
Then there's the major betrayal at the end. Wow. Yeah, it's a wow from both sides, good and evil. There's also a major confession from Dr Mira. And that sneak-around that Dallas does on the HSO. You go, girl!!
The Story
It's horrible to believe you're loved and then discover the truth.
The Characters
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is the head of Homicide at Cop Central. She's married to one of the wealthiest men on the planet — a former thief, smuggler, you name it — and Roarke is gorgeous and supportive of his cop wife. Hmm, sometimes overly supportive, lol. Galahad is their pudge of a cat. I do enjoy those scenes when Galahad tries to cop food, lol! Summerset is the majordomo Eve loves to hate. Aunt Sinead is part of Roarke's newly discovered Irish family.
Dallas' friends include Mavis Freestone, a colorful singing sensation, who is cohabbing with Leonardo, a famous fashion designer. Dr Louise DiMatto runs the Canal Street Clinic for the homeless and helpless. Nadine Furst is Channel 75's on-air ace reporter with a heart.
New York Police and Security Department (NYPSD)
The newly elevated Detective Delia Peabody is so excited about her promotion. Commander Jack Whitney is in charge of Cop Central and is Dallas' boss. Tibble is the police chief. Dr Charlotte Mira is the head profiler for the NYPSD and one of Dallas' friends . . . and a mother figure. Mira's husband, Dennis, is an absolute sweetheart, absent-minded and kind, and with whom Eve is a little bit in love. Captain Ryan Feeney is the head of the Electronic Detective Division (EDD) and just back from Bimini, a trip Dallas flipped for him and his family. Feeney says his whole family sees him as a hero, a status he expects to enjoy for the next six months. He's also been Eve's mentor and a father figure to her. Detective Ian McNab is one of his and in love with Peabody.
Dr Li Morris is the chief medical examiner and talented with the tenor sax. Marlie Drew is night shift with the AME. Joseph Powell and Sibresky are big on jokes but careful with their "cargo". Angelo was Powell's replacement. Mrs Lance was Powell's neighbor. Sally "Sal" Riser logs the bodies out from Staging. Dick Berenski is the chief lab tech and as disgusting as he is brilliant. Lieutenant Don Webster, who has a thing for Dallas, is with Internal Affairs (IAB). Lamar is a police artist.
Roarke Enterprises
Caro is Roarke's extremely trusted administrative assistant. Reva Ewing is Caro's daughter, former Secret Service, and a security expert who's questioning herself. She works for Roarke on a Code Red project in Roarke Industries Securecomp division, a contract that came through the Global Intelligence Council. She's been married for two years to Blair Bissel, a sculptor. Yoshi Tokimoto is Reva's second-in-command. Reva suggests Roarke up LaSalle to second-in-command to replace Tokimoto.
Blair's parents are Marcus Bissel and Rita Hass. Carter is Blair's younger, dissolute brother with a half interest in a Jamaican tiki bar, Waves, with Diesel Moore. Chloe McCoy was employed at Blair's art studio . . . and, ohmigod, what a drama queen! Deena Hornbock is Chloe's tolerant neighbor. Officer Nalley was first on scene. Felicity Kade, a trust fund baby and Reva's best friend, loves art, fashion, and socializing. Previous boyfriends include Fredo. LeBliss Consultants is a hide.
HSO began . . .
. .. at the end of the Urban Wars to protect the country, police the streets, and gather intel from radical factions. It's morphed into its own terrorist group. Quinn Sparrow is the assistant director of Data Resources. Operative Clark with Homeland Security had been surveilling Troy and his eight-year-old daughter, Dallas.
The Doomsday Group is a group of techno-terrorists.
Jerry is the doorman at Caro's apartment building. Anne B Foster had been president of the US when Reva saved her life. Patrick Roarke, a.k.a. Roarke O'Hara, had been Roarke's sad excuse of a father. He had been involved in "business" with Richard Troy, a.k.a. Richie Williams, William Bounty, and/or Rick Marco — Dallas' truly hideous father. Both men had been involved with Max Ricker ( Judgment in Death , 11). The results of Ricker-Troy-Roarke's dealings come out in Out of This World: "Interlude in Death", 12.5. Snooks is an Arena Ball player. The Blue Squirrel is where Mavis used to sing and is renowned for its horrible food and drink. Sheila is McNab's cousin in Scotland. Reva's absent father is Bryce Gruber.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background on the top two-thirds. A colonial blue banner divides the top from the bottom graphic and acts as the background for the title in black. At the very top of the cover is an info blurb in white with the real author's name in white with a white outline. Her pseudonym is in colonial blue behind the first name. At the bottom is a collage of events in the story from purple to gold to deep orange.
The title could refer to so many possibilities that are Divided in Death, all those betrayals from Reva and Blair and family to the HSO and Doomsday/Roarke Enterprises to friendships.
Divided in Death was nominated in 2005 for the RITA Award by Romance Writers of America for Paranormal Romance.
My Take
This was a twister and fun — she got her own back!
It's a detective novel, a police procedural, and forensics all wrapped in with the futuristic setting and the romance between Eve and Roarke. Sigh . . . Not that it's all hearts and flowers for these two, oh no, they have plenty of battles. There's also a burgeoning love in Divided in Death.
Poor Eve. Roarke is forever giving her presents. He's also, forever, feeding her team whenever they meet at her home office. Okay, okay, he feeds them when they're working on a hot case at the police station too. The man is beyond brilliant with computers . . . and Peabody thinks Roarke would be the complete James Bond. Yeah, he's gorgeous with a heart-melting Irish accent.
I dunno. People keep thinking Eve will accept what they set up for her. If they only knew . . .
"humans who didn't have a working arrangement with soap and water" . . . I can smell it now!Robb uses third person global subjective point-of-view, mostly from Dallas' perspective with Roarke second, and other characters popping in. Robb also keeps a nice rhythm going, jumping back and forth with characters and the action they're experiencing. Whew.
Then there's the major betrayal at the end. Wow. Yeah, it's a wow from both sides, good and evil. There's also a major confession from Dr Mira. And that sneak-around that Dallas does on the HSO. You go, girl!!
The Story
It's horrible to believe you're loved and then discover the truth.
The Characters
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is the head of Homicide at Cop Central. She's married to one of the wealthiest men on the planet — a former thief, smuggler, you name it — and Roarke is gorgeous and supportive of his cop wife. Hmm, sometimes overly supportive, lol. Galahad is their pudge of a cat. I do enjoy those scenes when Galahad tries to cop food, lol! Summerset is the majordomo Eve loves to hate. Aunt Sinead is part of Roarke's newly discovered Irish family.
Dallas' friends include Mavis Freestone, a colorful singing sensation, who is cohabbing with Leonardo, a famous fashion designer. Dr Louise DiMatto runs the Canal Street Clinic for the homeless and helpless. Nadine Furst is Channel 75's on-air ace reporter with a heart.
New York Police and Security Department (NYPSD)
The newly elevated Detective Delia Peabody is so excited about her promotion. Commander Jack Whitney is in charge of Cop Central and is Dallas' boss. Tibble is the police chief. Dr Charlotte Mira is the head profiler for the NYPSD and one of Dallas' friends . . . and a mother figure. Mira's husband, Dennis, is an absolute sweetheart, absent-minded and kind, and with whom Eve is a little bit in love. Captain Ryan Feeney is the head of the Electronic Detective Division (EDD) and just back from Bimini, a trip Dallas flipped for him and his family. Feeney says his whole family sees him as a hero, a status he expects to enjoy for the next six months. He's also been Eve's mentor and a father figure to her. Detective Ian McNab is one of his and in love with Peabody.
Dr Li Morris is the chief medical examiner and talented with the tenor sax. Marlie Drew is night shift with the AME. Joseph Powell and Sibresky are big on jokes but careful with their "cargo". Angelo was Powell's replacement. Mrs Lance was Powell's neighbor. Sally "Sal" Riser logs the bodies out from Staging. Dick Berenski is the chief lab tech and as disgusting as he is brilliant. Lieutenant Don Webster, who has a thing for Dallas, is with Internal Affairs (IAB). Lamar is a police artist.
Roarke Enterprises
Caro is Roarke's extremely trusted administrative assistant. Reva Ewing is Caro's daughter, former Secret Service, and a security expert who's questioning herself. She works for Roarke on a Code Red project in Roarke Industries Securecomp division, a contract that came through the Global Intelligence Council. She's been married for two years to Blair Bissel, a sculptor. Yoshi Tokimoto is Reva's second-in-command. Reva suggests Roarke up LaSalle to second-in-command to replace Tokimoto.
Blair's parents are Marcus Bissel and Rita Hass. Carter is Blair's younger, dissolute brother with a half interest in a Jamaican tiki bar, Waves, with Diesel Moore. Chloe McCoy was employed at Blair's art studio . . . and, ohmigod, what a drama queen! Deena Hornbock is Chloe's tolerant neighbor. Officer Nalley was first on scene. Felicity Kade, a trust fund baby and Reva's best friend, loves art, fashion, and socializing. Previous boyfriends include Fredo. LeBliss Consultants is a hide.
HSO began . . .
. .. at the end of the Urban Wars to protect the country, police the streets, and gather intel from radical factions. It's morphed into its own terrorist group. Quinn Sparrow is the assistant director of Data Resources. Operative Clark with Homeland Security had been surveilling Troy and his eight-year-old daughter, Dallas.
The Doomsday Group is a group of techno-terrorists.
Jerry is the doorman at Caro's apartment building. Anne B Foster had been president of the US when Reva saved her life. Patrick Roarke, a.k.a. Roarke O'Hara, had been Roarke's sad excuse of a father. He had been involved in "business" with Richard Troy, a.k.a. Richie Williams, William Bounty, and/or Rick Marco — Dallas' truly hideous father. Both men had been involved with Max Ricker ( Judgment in Death , 11). The results of Ricker-Troy-Roarke's dealings come out in Out of This World: "Interlude in Death", 12.5. Snooks is an Arena Ball player. The Blue Squirrel is where Mavis used to sing and is renowned for its horrible food and drink. Sheila is McNab's cousin in Scotland. Reva's absent father is Bryce Gruber.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background on the top two-thirds. A colonial blue banner divides the top from the bottom graphic and acts as the background for the title in black. At the very top of the cover is an info blurb in white with the real author's name in white with a white outline. Her pseudonym is in colonial blue behind the first name. At the bottom is a collage of events in the story from purple to gold to deep orange.
The title could refer to so many possibilities that are Divided in Death, all those betrayals from Reva and Blair and family to the HSO and Doomsday/Roarke Enterprises to friendships.
December 7, 2021
Eve & Roarke
love this series!!!
love this series!!!
August 11, 2022
Better than expected!
One of Roarke's employees, a security whiz named Reva Ewing, gets wind that her husband is sleeping with her best friend. In a fit of rage, she sneaks into the other woman's apartment to catch them in the act. She finds them in bed together, alright - and already dead! Can Dallas, Roarke, Peabody and the gang figure out this mystery? This one had a whiff of spydom to it, which upped my interest level considerably.
In other news... as part of the investigation into Reva's case, Roarke stumbles on the fact that his father, the Irish crook Patrick Roarke, somehow knew Eve's own POS father! Federal criminal files going back a couple decades reveal that the two met up at least once. Small world, eh?
One of Roarke's employees, a security whiz named Reva Ewing, gets wind that her husband is sleeping with her best friend. In a fit of rage, she sneaks into the other woman's apartment to catch them in the act. She finds them in bed together, alright - and already dead! Can Dallas, Roarke, Peabody and the gang figure out this mystery? This one had a whiff of spydom to it, which upped my interest level considerably.
In other news... as part of the investigation into Reva's case, Roarke stumbles on the fact that his father, the Irish crook Patrick Roarke, somehow knew Eve's own POS father! Federal criminal files going back a couple decades reveal that the two met up at least once. Small world, eh?
September 18, 2021
Well, this was a first major fight between Eve and Roarke. I was worried there for a minute, guys. Just a minute. I knew they couldn't be at odds for long and I'm glad they found a way to each other again. But, I mean even their fight was about how much they loved each other. Isn't that like golden?
I'm getting irritated on Eve's behalf about that pesky candy thief. She better catch whoever that is soon, her patience and her chocolate stash is dwindling.
Over and out
I'm getting irritated on Eve's behalf about that pesky candy thief. She better catch whoever that is soon, her patience and her chocolate stash is dwindling.
Over and out
October 19, 2021
1st read: 31 May - 14 June 2013
2nd read: 18-29 September 2015
2nd read: 18-29 September 2015
June 6, 2017
Bol Roarke içeren bir hikayeydi, doyduk valla ilk defa. Ama ilk defa da Eve ile Roarke bu kadar çatışmış olabilir, ikisi de uzun süre perişan halde dolandılar. Eve'in küçüklüğündeki o olay ile ilgili acayip bilgiler öğreniyorlar ve sizi de bir hayli sinir ediyor, Roarke'a hak vermeden edemeyeceksiniz. Seri gayet güzel gidiyor, okunacak daha çok kitap var..
May 14, 2019
The one where the wife walks in on her husband and his mistress in a rage, but they are already dead. The husband is a spy and it leads to Eve butting heads with Homeland Security.
“Those usual routines don’t apply as much when you’re Bonding.”
“Bonding? How am I bonding? I’m not interested in bonding, in fact I dislike bonding intensely.”
“No, no, Bonding. Like Bond, James Bond. You know, ult spy guy.”
“God.” Eve shot down a cross-street, and made it a block before she stalled again. “Why me?”
“I really dig the spy vids, even the old ones. Gadgets and sex and sophisticated quips. You know, Dallas, if Roarke was an actor he could completely play Bond on vid. He’s a total Bond.”
Eve plowed through the light, cast her eyes to heaven. “God, I repeat. Why me?”
I really liked Eve in this one. Her compassion for the victims really shines and it makes me see why Roarke likes her.
We are not disposable, she told herself when her hands gripped the wheel like iron. No matter how many bodies she’d stood over, no matter how many she’d ordered bagged, none of them, none of them, none of them were disposable.
Speaking of Roarke - they fight pretty badly in this one. Turns out HSO was monitoring Eve’s father and knew that Eve was being abused and raped by her dad and did nothing to stop it. He can’t go back and kill her dad, but he sure wants to go after the people who knew and did nothing.
“You can’t stand there and talk about doing murder to a murder cop and expect me to ignore it and pretend it’s nothing.”
“I’m talking to my wife.” He slammed the bottle down so water sloshed out and onto the glossy surface of the table. “A woman I vowed to cherish. There’s no cherishing, there’s no living with myself if I stand back and do bloody nothing. If I fold my hands while those responsible for what happened to you go on with their lives as if that was nothing.”
It’s heartbreaking for all involved. But they do make up by the end, especially as they are both learning to compromise. One reason why I love this series is that Eve and Roarke got married less than a year of meeting. And so there are good times, but there are also the learning what’s it like to be a couple. Most series focus on getting to the happy ever after, but being married is not a walk in the park. For all their fights, they sure are fun
“What? Damn it. Can you get in or not?”
“I don’t know why I tolerate the insults.” He glanced over his shoulder, directly into her annoyed eyes. “Maybe it’s the sex. How lowering that would be. Then again, I’m as weak and vulnerable as the next man.”
“Are you trying to piss me off?”
“Darling, it’s no effort at all.”
“Those usual routines don’t apply as much when you’re Bonding.”
“Bonding? How am I bonding? I’m not interested in bonding, in fact I dislike bonding intensely.”
“No, no, Bonding. Like Bond, James Bond. You know, ult spy guy.”
“God.” Eve shot down a cross-street, and made it a block before she stalled again. “Why me?”
“I really dig the spy vids, even the old ones. Gadgets and sex and sophisticated quips. You know, Dallas, if Roarke was an actor he could completely play Bond on vid. He’s a total Bond.”
Eve plowed through the light, cast her eyes to heaven. “God, I repeat. Why me?”
I really liked Eve in this one. Her compassion for the victims really shines and it makes me see why Roarke likes her.
We are not disposable, she told herself when her hands gripped the wheel like iron. No matter how many bodies she’d stood over, no matter how many she’d ordered bagged, none of them, none of them, none of them were disposable.
Speaking of Roarke - they fight pretty badly in this one. Turns out HSO was monitoring Eve’s father and knew that Eve was being abused and raped by her dad and did nothing to stop it. He can’t go back and kill her dad, but he sure wants to go after the people who knew and did nothing.
“You can’t stand there and talk about doing murder to a murder cop and expect me to ignore it and pretend it’s nothing.”
“I’m talking to my wife.” He slammed the bottle down so water sloshed out and onto the glossy surface of the table. “A woman I vowed to cherish. There’s no cherishing, there’s no living with myself if I stand back and do bloody nothing. If I fold my hands while those responsible for what happened to you go on with their lives as if that was nothing.”
It’s heartbreaking for all involved. But they do make up by the end, especially as they are both learning to compromise. One reason why I love this series is that Eve and Roarke got married less than a year of meeting. And so there are good times, but there are also the learning what’s it like to be a couple. Most series focus on getting to the happy ever after, but being married is not a walk in the park. For all their fights, they sure are fun
“What? Damn it. Can you get in or not?”
“I don’t know why I tolerate the insults.” He glanced over his shoulder, directly into her annoyed eyes. “Maybe it’s the sex. How lowering that would be. Then again, I’m as weak and vulnerable as the next man.”
“Are you trying to piss me off?”
“Darling, it’s no effort at all.”
September 2, 2017
*Rereading for group buddy read - Sept. 2017
Finished reread - One of the few books I can say I love more and more each time I reread it. Great plot line and police procedural and even better character relationship development. Awesome Must Read!
One of my favorites of the series! Roarke & Eve struggle with an issue that is pulling them apart, causing a rift in their marriage. The difference in what they both are, what they believe, what they can live with rises surfaces and threatens to tear them apart when an investigation leads Roarke to discover classified information about Eve as a child. He can't let it go, and Eve is terrified of what he may do. Is love really enough to hold them together? I won't say more to avoid spoilers. Great emotional suspense! A Must Read!
Finished reread - One of the few books I can say I love more and more each time I reread it. Great plot line and police procedural and even better character relationship development. Awesome Must Read!
One of my favorites of the series! Roarke & Eve struggle with an issue that is pulling them apart, causing a rift in their marriage. The difference in what they both are, what they believe, what they can live with rises surfaces and threatens to tear them apart when an investigation leads Roarke to discover classified information about Eve as a child. He can't let it go, and Eve is terrified of what he may do. Is love really enough to hold them together? I won't say more to avoid spoilers. Great emotional suspense! A Must Read!
September 21, 2022
Roarke irritated me in this one a good bit, honestly. It's funny, reading the reviews for this series, I think I'm not as gaga for Roarke as most people seem to be. I think it's because as a woman working as a high-end professional in a male-dominated field, I don't find the way he inserts himself into Eve's work, going over her head to her bosses (he did it for the second time a few books back, and I nearly quit the series over it tbh) to be cute, funny, or AT ALL acceptable. And it bugs me how self-absorbed he can be - when he wants a thing or to do a thing, he doesn't give a single fuck about what anyone else (including Eve) thinks or would be harmed by it, he just plows in.
That, imo, is a supremely shitty quality in a partner.
A nice thing about this series is both Roarke and Eve have some terrible childhood experiences that they still struggle with. Stuff from one or the other of their pasts comes up with some regularity in the series, and they have to deal with it. It generally works well. But the thing is, usually when something comes up, the other person is there to support the one whose baggage it is, and they get stronger as a couple because of it. It's generally pretty gratifying, honestly.
So a couple books ago, we had the arc with Roarke's mother. He made some mistakes and was shitty in that book, but in a totally understandable way because he was dealing with something that really kicked his legs out from under him. Eve supporting him through that was lovely, but it was Roarke who was hurting - it was his past, his trauma, and so the action (and Eve's actions) were about what Roarke needed. Her needs were secondary.
In this book, it is Eve's past that rears up. Now, I'm going to be frank here and say that while Roarke definitely had some horrible childhood experiences, Eve had it way worse. Roarke had friends who became family, and Summerset who became a father to him. Eve was alone, unloved, and wasn't just smacked around by an abusive parent, she was horribly and hideously violated repeatedly. It is frankly impressive she didn't become a sociopath. But anyway, Roarke pissed me right the fuck off in this book because he made it all about him. This is Eve's past, her trauma, horrible shit that he quite frankly can't even imagine. And he just heaped on her, because he decided that the most important thing is how HE feels about it, what HE feels has to happen.
He can fuck right off with that, frankly.
For sexual assault survivors - I say this frankly AS a sexual assault survivor - respecting the agency of the victim/survivor is paramount. EVE gets to choose what happens in regards to what was done to her. EVE gets to decide what she needs. Roarke pulling this shit just robbed her of the support and love that she had finally found, and left her to deal with all her trauma alone while he was off in Selfish Asshole Land because somehow he is the biggest victim of HER trauma?
Nope. Just a hard hell no.
The only reason this book didn't end up at one star is because Roarke finally pulled his goddamn head out of his ass and decided to support the actual victim and give her what she needs to move forward, putting his own emotional response to it as secondary. As it absolutely should be. But up until then, I wanted to punch him right in the junk for being such an asshole to her. Leaving her utterly alone, yet again, with her trauma because Mr. Big Man feels like him feeling some kind of way about it is way more important than her actual experience.
If Eve had done the same in the books about Roarke's trauma, all the Roarke fangirls out there in review-land would have burned her in effigy. But no. Eve is used to - too used to - putting her own needs in second (or third, or last) place... so much so that in books after the Roarke mother book, Eve refrained from even mentioning her own memories of her mother to Roarke for fear it would hurt him by making him think more of his own mother. Roarke is honestly NEVER that careful with Eve.
That, imo, is a supremely shitty quality in a partner.
A nice thing about this series is both Roarke and Eve have some terrible childhood experiences that they still struggle with. Stuff from one or the other of their pasts comes up with some regularity in the series, and they have to deal with it. It generally works well. But the thing is, usually when something comes up, the other person is there to support the one whose baggage it is, and they get stronger as a couple because of it. It's generally pretty gratifying, honestly.
So a couple books ago, we had the arc with Roarke's mother. He made some mistakes and was shitty in that book, but in a totally understandable way because he was dealing with something that really kicked his legs out from under him. Eve supporting him through that was lovely, but it was Roarke who was hurting - it was his past, his trauma, and so the action (and Eve's actions) were about what Roarke needed. Her needs were secondary.
In this book, it is Eve's past that rears up. Now, I'm going to be frank here and say that while Roarke definitely had some horrible childhood experiences, Eve had it way worse. Roarke had friends who became family, and Summerset who became a father to him. Eve was alone, unloved, and wasn't just smacked around by an abusive parent, she was horribly and hideously violated repeatedly. It is frankly impressive she didn't become a sociopath. But anyway, Roarke pissed me right the fuck off in this book because he made it all about him. This is Eve's past, her trauma, horrible shit that he quite frankly can't even imagine. And he just heaped on her, because he decided that the most important thing is how HE feels about it, what HE feels has to happen.
He can fuck right off with that, frankly.
For sexual assault survivors - I say this frankly AS a sexual assault survivor - respecting the agency of the victim/survivor is paramount. EVE gets to choose what happens in regards to what was done to her. EVE gets to decide what she needs. Roarke pulling this shit just robbed her of the support and love that she had finally found, and left her to deal with all her trauma alone while he was off in Selfish Asshole Land because somehow he is the biggest victim of HER trauma?
Nope. Just a hard hell no.
The only reason this book didn't end up at one star is because Roarke finally pulled his goddamn head out of his ass and decided to support the actual victim and give her what she needs to move forward, putting his own emotional response to it as secondary. As it absolutely should be. But up until then, I wanted to punch him right in the junk for being such an asshole to her. Leaving her utterly alone, yet again, with her trauma because Mr. Big Man feels like him feeling some kind of way about it is way more important than her actual experience.
If Eve had done the same in the books about Roarke's trauma, all the Roarke fangirls out there in review-land would have burned her in effigy. But no. Eve is used to - too used to - putting her own needs in second (or third, or last) place... so much so that in books after the Roarke mother book, Eve refrained from even mentioning her own memories of her mother to Roarke for fear it would hurt him by making him think more of his own mother. Roarke is honestly NEVER that careful with Eve.
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