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The Case Against Her
The one thing Detective Laura Carlsson fears more than an unsolved case? An unrequited love.
So when her high school sweetheart, Isabella Medina, turns up at the precinct in the form of her new partner, she’s angry. A decade of unanswered questions and heartbreak come stabbing back with the intensity only a first love can bring.
The two detectives must put their feelings aside to solve the case of the Washington Killer. An elusive serial killer preying on the young and beautiful women of New York, leaving only his calling card behind.
As the detectives hunt for the killer a devastating lie from the past is unearthed with deathly consequences. Will the killer be caught before one of their own is killed in the crosshairs? Can love triumph in a sea of secrets?
So when her high school sweetheart, Isabella Medina, turns up at the precinct in the form of her new partner, she’s angry. A decade of unanswered questions and heartbreak come stabbing back with the intensity only a first love can bring.
The two detectives must put their feelings aside to solve the case of the Washington Killer. An elusive serial killer preying on the young and beautiful women of New York, leaving only his calling card behind.
As the detectives hunt for the killer a devastating lie from the past is unearthed with deathly consequences. Will the killer be caught before one of their own is killed in the crosshairs? Can love triumph in a sea of secrets?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2023
146 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Taylor
2 books17 followersNicole is a writer and content producer living in Sydney, Australia. She loves summer and would chase the sun right around the globe if she could. When she’s not writing she enjoys coastal walks, reading in the park under the shade of a Moreton Bay Fig, watching the latest romance or true crime TV show and spending time with her partner and their family.
You can follow her on Instagram (@nltaylorbooks) for any updates on her latest projects.
You can follow her on Instagram (@nltaylorbooks) for any updates on her latest projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 30, 2023
guys i think her eyes are chocolate brown but im not sure ? (it was mentioned 35 times)
June 5, 2023
CW: Police, Violence, Alcoholism, Grief/Loss
2.5 Stars.
This is a second chance romance set against the backdrop of a homicide squad. Laura and Bella were high school sweethearts who ended badly but end up working together as partners after 10 years of not seeing or speaking to each other.
Some things that worked:
1) The banter between Laura and her coworkers and friends was generally fun.
2) I liked both of the main characters.
3) While there were a lot of flashbacks, they were presented well and woven into the story in a way that felt natural to the story progression.
Some issues:
1) The book could have done with a bit more research. The book is set in NYC but is filled with Australian general language, slang, and spelling. Why not just set it in Australia? Apart from everything else would still line up with some minor tweaks and would’ve been more fitting/believable. Additionally, the book could have done with more research of the US Criminal Justice System (it felt like a lot of research only based on tv and movies).
2) Too many twists and turns- making the book both too long and not long enough to tie up everything. Being stretched in so many directions also meant that the resolution was pretty abrupt.
3) The timeline/events weren’t solid - There are references to things that didn’t happen or leaving out information or names. Basically a more solid editing could take care of some of these issues.
4) The descriptions were a bit overdone. Halfway through the book I was struggling to get through as every page seemed to have another mention of Bella’s “chocolate eyes.” It felt cumbersome after a while.
I would read another book by this author. I think this is their first book and I could see them dialing things in from here on the next one.
2.5 Stars.
This is a second chance romance set against the backdrop of a homicide squad. Laura and Bella were high school sweethearts who ended badly but end up working together as partners after 10 years of not seeing or speaking to each other.
Some things that worked:
1) The banter between Laura and her coworkers and friends was generally fun.
2) I liked both of the main characters.
3) While there were a lot of flashbacks, they were presented well and woven into the story in a way that felt natural to the story progression.
Some issues:
1) The book could have done with a bit more research. The book is set in NYC but is filled with Australian general language, slang, and spelling. Why not just set it in Australia? Apart from everything else would still line up with some minor tweaks and would’ve been more fitting/believable. Additionally, the book could have done with more research of the US Criminal Justice System (it felt like a lot of research only based on tv and movies).
2) Too many twists and turns- making the book both too long and not long enough to tie up everything. Being stretched in so many directions also meant that the resolution was pretty abrupt.
3) The timeline/events weren’t solid - There are references to things that didn’t happen or leaving out information or names. Basically a more solid editing could take care of some of these issues.
4) The descriptions were a bit overdone. Halfway through the book I was struggling to get through as every page seemed to have another mention of Bella’s “chocolate eyes.” It felt cumbersome after a while.
I would read another book by this author. I think this is their first book and I could see them dialing things in from here on the next one.
February 26, 2024
3.5 stars - it was a cute read, i’m a sucker for a work partners romance, but im not a fan of the cheating part :(
March 4, 2024
I'm sorry, but this was one of the worst books I have ever read.
The pacing was off, the actual writing style was terrible. The book takes place in NYC yet there was AUS terminology (gaol instead of jail was a big one) - you can be a different nationality and write but like.... do research.
It really just .... wasn't good. The storyline was ALL over the place - so much happened. Even the policing part wasn't well researched because it was just so, bad. I found out half-way this was a WattPad turned novel and it shows. For example:
The biggest turn off was hearing about Isabella's CHOCOLATE BROWN EYES every 2 seconds.
The pacing was off, the actual writing style was terrible. The book takes place in NYC yet there was AUS terminology (gaol instead of jail was a big one) - you can be a different nationality and write but like.... do research.
It really just .... wasn't good. The storyline was ALL over the place - so much happened. Even the policing part wasn't well researched because it was just so, bad. I found out half-way this was a WattPad turned novel and it shows. For example:
The biggest turn off was hearing about Isabella's CHOCOLATE BROWN EYES every 2 seconds.
August 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book, and it got better in the second half. But I struggled a bit with the writing, whose perspective I was reading from or who was talking at the time. There were also quite a few errors.
I’d really liked there to have been more depth to Rachel’s character and position in Laura’s life. She was intro’d to us early on and there was no development of her character or struggle shown with how Laura’s feelings for her were being challenged. Actually, it was as if laura had immediately decided Isabella was her future again, just she hadn’t admitted it and Rachel would at some point inevitably be dropped. The author would hint at an argument brewing between Rachel and Laura and then we would jump forward in time and it would never be played out. There was just so much more that could have been explored and would have made the situation believable and more emotive. Infidelity is a hard issue to tackle and it just needed more attention.
I enjoyed the twists in the book and it definitely felt more enjoyable the more I read. Ultimately just felt like it needed a good edit and a rework in some places but I’m glad I picked it up.
I’d really liked there to have been more depth to Rachel’s character and position in Laura’s life. She was intro’d to us early on and there was no development of her character or struggle shown with how Laura’s feelings for her were being challenged. Actually, it was as if laura had immediately decided Isabella was her future again, just she hadn’t admitted it and Rachel would at some point inevitably be dropped. The author would hint at an argument brewing between Rachel and Laura and then we would jump forward in time and it would never be played out. There was just so much more that could have been explored and would have made the situation believable and more emotive. Infidelity is a hard issue to tackle and it just needed more attention.
I enjoyed the twists in the book and it definitely felt more enjoyable the more I read. Ultimately just felt like it needed a good edit and a rework in some places but I’m glad I picked it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
Good, but…
This is a very emotional read. You’re happy. You’re sad. You’re angry.
The problem I had was all the British vernacular happening in a story that takes place in New York and not one British character. I get it if it’s partly in both places. There’s bound to be slips. A little research and/or double checking would have been nice.
This is a very emotional read. You’re happy. You’re sad. You’re angry.
The problem I had was all the British vernacular happening in a story that takes place in New York and not one British character. I get it if it’s partly in both places. There’s bound to be slips. A little research and/or double checking would have been nice.
July 13, 2023
This book could have greatly benefitted from a second set of eyes, or an editor. Despite the numerous grammar, punctuation and spelling errors, I still thoroughly enjoyed this story with all its twists and turns. I especially loved that it was a story about two adult lesbian women that focused more on plot and romance rather than sex.
I really enjoyed this and will be looking for more from the author (though if she needs an editor, she can hit me up!)
I really enjoyed this and will be looking for more from the author (though if she needs an editor, she can hit me up!)
December 13, 2023
It was a let down.
It was multiple genres squished together poorly, it was anticlimactic at a pivotal scene and if I see the words ‘chocolate brown eyes’ as a descriptor ever again I might have to throw my kindle into the sea.
I did enjoy the multidimensional character relationships and was hoping for a well rounded lesbian relationship but something missed the mark. I didn’t believe in their story.
I’ll continue to search (in vain it seems) for my LGBTQ book but this wasn’t it for me.
It was multiple genres squished together poorly, it was anticlimactic at a pivotal scene and if I see the words ‘chocolate brown eyes’ as a descriptor ever again I might have to throw my kindle into the sea.
I did enjoy the multidimensional character relationships and was hoping for a well rounded lesbian relationship but something missed the mark. I didn’t believe in their story.
I’ll continue to search (in vain it seems) for my LGBTQ book but this wasn’t it for me.
October 3, 2023
I enjoyed it. It definitely had its imperfections, and at some points it felt obviously unrealistic, but isn’t done. What a fluffy romcom is all about? I actually really enjoyed the crime element to it and he definitely made it feel quicker. I liked that dynamic of coworkers that had to get along, but also could still have their feelings, etc. etc.. I also really liked the flashbacks because it centers in the present but we still get to know what happened, however, I was kind of pissed at Isabella for a tiny bit just because when I was forgiving, her more things came up and I was like bro but it was fun’s
February 20, 2024
editato malissimo, scrittura meh, ripetitivo al massimo, non mi piace il cheating trope non importa quanto carino sia la coppia che poi si va a creare (che in questo caso neanche mi faceva impazzire lol), non ho amato particolarmente il personaggio principale e bohhhh speravo si concentrasse un po’ di più sul caso da risolvere ma è stato senza senso sinc
May 5, 2024
i mean, the plot twists were good? but there were a few typos, some of the flashback sections weren’t doing the work i feel they should’ve been, and i didn’t at any point really feel connected to the characters as much as i wanted to when i first picked up the book.
June 16, 2023
Didn't know where on the map I was....
I understand and appreciate that it must be hard to write a story where your characters are from/based in one country and you're in a different one. That being said, I feel the author did not even try with the American vernacular. It's most annoying. It would've been better if she based the story in Australia.
I understand and appreciate that it must be hard to write a story where your characters are from/based in one country and you're in a different one. That being said, I feel the author did not even try with the American vernacular. It's most annoying. It would've been better if she based the story in Australia.
June 3, 2023
A Murder Mystery And A Queer Romance
Combining a murder mystery with a WLW romance is something I’ve not personally read before but the story was riveting, fast paced, yet saw these two women grappling with their past as well as the day to day pressures of their jobs as detectives. A fun read.
Note that there are a few typos throughout the book but they didn’t detract from the story, aside from the room 401/501 mixup.
Combining a murder mystery with a WLW romance is something I’ve not personally read before but the story was riveting, fast paced, yet saw these two women grappling with their past as well as the day to day pressures of their jobs as detectives. A fun read.
Note that there are a few typos throughout the book but they didn’t detract from the story, aside from the room 401/501 mixup.
October 15, 2023
3.5. Had potential.
Decent enough story, with good twists and turns, but really could have done with better editing and more research into New York, and US police procedures.
There were typos throughout, poor paragraphing, several incorrectly used words and phrases, and on multiple occasions, the wrong character name was used. A proofreader and an editor could have sorted these issues and vastly improved the book.
But, if you can cope with all that, it's an enjoyable read.
Decent enough story, with good twists and turns, but really could have done with better editing and more research into New York, and US police procedures.
There were typos throughout, poor paragraphing, several incorrectly used words and phrases, and on multiple occasions, the wrong character name was used. A proofreader and an editor could have sorted these issues and vastly improved the book.
But, if you can cope with all that, it's an enjoyable read.
June 29, 2023
3.5
this one was recommended to me on kindle unlimited and i thought why the hell not and decided to give it a go.
this book has great potential and a great premise but there are certain aspects where it falls short. for one, the whole character of rachel seemed irrelevant. it’s clear from the off she’s only there to create an obstacle for the two main characters to overcome. she’s hardly present and when she is it’s purely just to get in the way. i think the plot still would’ve worked without her there and then we wouldn’t have had any issues surrounding infidelity etc.
because that is another thing, the cheating. even if they didn’t physically cheat until like 70% into the book, they were emotionally cheating from the beginning and i really don’t like infidelity.
there were also a couple of things plot wise that i didn’t like but i understand why the author did them so i’ll let them go for now.
but other than those two things everything else in this book was good and it was a fun little read.
this one was recommended to me on kindle unlimited and i thought why the hell not and decided to give it a go.
this book has great potential and a great premise but there are certain aspects where it falls short. for one, the whole character of rachel seemed irrelevant. it’s clear from the off she’s only there to create an obstacle for the two main characters to overcome. she’s hardly present and when she is it’s purely just to get in the way. i think the plot still would’ve worked without her there and then we wouldn’t have had any issues surrounding infidelity etc.
because that is another thing, the cheating. even if they didn’t physically cheat until like 70% into the book, they were emotionally cheating from the beginning and i really don’t like infidelity.
there were also a couple of things plot wise that i didn’t like but i understand why the author did them so i’ll let them go for now.
but other than those two things everything else in this book was good and it was a fun little read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚓👮♀️🚨💵👩🏽🤝👩🏼
Ohh this book and its twists and turns! It definitely had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I enjoyed the second chance love, forced proximity, and one-bed tropes in this book, and how the author made every moment of this book dramatic. This book, being a cop-based book, definitely has some hard parts to read in this, but the author did well with what topics she chose to write about, considering it is something that happens way too much in America.
I loved the characters, everyone had their own arc and it was great to see the interactions between everyone. I loved how we went back and forth between the past and present to get the idea of what happened between our main character and her love interest, Laura and Bella. I loved the found family aspect, considering what Laura had to go through on her own.
A great debut from Nicole Taylor, and I can't wait to read more of her books.
🚓👮♀️🚨💵👩🏽🤝👩🏼
Ohh this book and its twists and turns! It definitely had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I enjoyed the second chance love, forced proximity, and one-bed tropes in this book, and how the author made every moment of this book dramatic. This book, being a cop-based book, definitely has some hard parts to read in this, but the author did well with what topics she chose to write about, considering it is something that happens way too much in America.
I loved the characters, everyone had their own arc and it was great to see the interactions between everyone. I loved how we went back and forth between the past and present to get the idea of what happened between our main character and her love interest, Laura and Bella. I loved the found family aspect, considering what Laura had to go through on her own.
A great debut from Nicole Taylor, and I can't wait to read more of her books.
August 26, 2023
Laura and Isabella
I was really excited to read this book it's also my first from the author and it could've been so much more.
I honestly believe Laura didn't deserve Issi she didn't apologize for how she treated her. Spoiler! Yes Issi left her and broke her heart but she went through such a hard time as a child herself and having been manipulated too her only concern was keeping her sister, with that aside Laura needed to deal with her own trauma too and throughout all her behaviour traits with Issi she never said sorry. Her ego was annoying she accused her friend Kyle and everyone just let her be, that's not right. I would've rather Issi POV more and more exploring their relationship now but by that time the book was finished. I would've also loved if Issi had attempted to move on so Laura could earn her back but hey.
The book can be read it's good It just needs a bit of editing but I will read more from this Author for sure
I was really excited to read this book it's also my first from the author and it could've been so much more.
I honestly believe Laura didn't deserve Issi she didn't apologize for how she treated her. Spoiler! Yes Issi left her and broke her heart but she went through such a hard time as a child herself and having been manipulated too her only concern was keeping her sister, with that aside Laura needed to deal with her own trauma too and throughout all her behaviour traits with Issi she never said sorry. Her ego was annoying she accused her friend Kyle and everyone just let her be, that's not right. I would've rather Issi POV more and more exploring their relationship now but by that time the book was finished. I would've also loved if Issi had attempted to move on so Laura could earn her back but hey.
The book can be read it's good It just needs a bit of editing but I will read more from this Author for sure
October 16, 2023
Man, this is a tough review for me. I really, really liked the story line. The complexity of the characters back story was so good. I also enjoyed the fact that it wasn't a simple, "I'M sorry," "oh okay all is forgiven" type of story. My hang ups are on the inaccuracies of the police procedure. I know different areas will have different subcultures if you will, BUT beyond that there were some things that were way off. For example, a rifle and revolver are two very different things and active shooters never wait on SWAT anymore (in the U.S.). Despite those issues this was a really cool story. Even with all the procedural issues I thought about giving it a five-star review!
It's probable also fair to note, for me, a five star is reserved for those books that are just out of this world good. (Here is the country in me) So good I want to name my dog after the main character kind of good.
It's probable also fair to note, for me, a five star is reserved for those books that are just out of this world good. (Here is the country in me) So good I want to name my dog after the main character kind of good.
September 18, 2023
This is a story that captures your attention and keeps it until it ends, and you don't want it to end. At first I thought it was going to be a typical Hallmark style story with two who don't get along because of a past. Then they get together and find love again. Instead, this story develops over time taking the reader back ten years and dribbling bits of the prior story and then coming back to the present. The story never loses its pace and the mystery is superb. There aren't seriously intimate and detailed moments between the two lead characters, but the tension of what is waiting makes this one of the very best stories I've read this year. Hopefully, Nicole will write some more mysteries of this caliber if she has not already done so.
June 11, 2024
it took my longer than it normally does to finish a book this long. the concept was super good but i dont think it was executed the greatest. the book is set in new york but there was a lot of slang from another country (i thought it was british but i saw another review say it was australian) i think it would have been better if the book was instead based in what ever country the slang is from. also the description of both isabellas and lauras eyes WERE IN EVERY PAGE. the descriptions were sooo repetitive. i also feel as though the plot got lost at times, it was either too focused on the love story or on the murders. there wasnt a great connection between the two plots.
January 19, 2024
As a debut novel for this author, this story had enormous potential. Overall, the premise and the plot were done well, and the chemistry and the dialogue were great. But the descriptions were repetitive. The setting was not really researched enough to be believable, and there were issues with the technical writing, like switching the POV within scenes. This ambitious story had a huge cast of individualised characters and a complicated plot with some issues. I read till the end because the story and the characters, despite the issues, held my interest.
April 23, 2024
4 stars only because of the grammar - everything else it's a 5 start book to me! It had be on the edge of my seat with serial killer, it had true heart and tension between the two main characters. It was any read that I devoured in just a couple of days. Again, noting there are spelling and grammar errors throughout - not enough to take away from the book or story but enough that it's noticeable.
I still completely recommend this book to anyone who the premise interests.
**I will note there is one instance of small of cheating - kissing and then recognition that it's wrong.
I still completely recommend this book to anyone who the premise interests.
**I will note there is one instance of small of cheating - kissing and then recognition that it's wrong.
June 17, 2023
Definitely an emotional roller coaster… can’t say I was thrilled that Laura forgave Isabella but I guess that’s the only way to get to the HEA… I’m not sure that’s something I would have been able to do.
I know the author was trying to show Kyle as a sexist pig and I know it’s just a story but some of his dialogue was definitely cringe worthy.
I enjoyed the rest of our characters and the chemistry they all had together… the only problem I had was Rachel getting the short end of the stick.
I know the author was trying to show Kyle as a sexist pig and I know it’s just a story but some of his dialogue was definitely cringe worthy.
I enjoyed the rest of our characters and the chemistry they all had together… the only problem I had was Rachel getting the short end of the stick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2023
Took me a while to get into it at first, but once the book got interesting, I wanted to keep reading it. Got to say, I was definitely more in it for the side story of the murder mystery than for the romance itself. The use of 'Mum' also threw in off when it was mentioned but then when I finished the book, I read that the author is from Australia so that makes sense.
I wouldn't rush to pick this one up but it is a decent read.
I wouldn't rush to pick this one up but it is a decent read.
December 7, 2023
Fun book, I enjoyed it. Could have been 4 stars with more editing. I had to read some the sentence several time way too often to know wich character was talking. The change of perspective at every moment was hard to follow and poorly managed. We could have skipped a drama in the story to get a proper end between Laura and Isabella. So many event and drama, but no time to properly wrap the reconciliation. Would recommend as a fun read, but coul definitly gain from some editing.
July 13, 2023
Who doesn’t love a crime drama, especially a sapphic one am with a sorted past. Laura and Isabella’s storyline was great! The plot twist, the pining, the heartbreak - it kept me turning the page and hoping for a happy outcome. The supporting characters were just as complex and it made for great writing.
October 16, 2023
I know a lot of people have pointed out all of the things wrong with this book and I can agree with those. But come on people Nicole Taylor wrote her first book and self published it!!! And I liked all of the characters and read it right to the end. Well done. Looking forward to the next. And the cover art was great. Not cheesy like so many.
October 24, 2023
A great read
A very good book. I had trouble putting it down. It gets... A little more than annoying around 65% in. But I just have an aversin to too much drama. But as I am told most people love drama, I am sure you will love this book. All around, well written, and overall a joy to read.
A very good book. I had trouble putting it down. It gets... A little more than annoying around 65% in. But I just have an aversin to too much drama. But as I am told most people love drama, I am sure you will love this book. All around, well written, and overall a joy to read.
September 24, 2024
Thought the reviews about how much her chocolate eyes were mentioned were exaggerating. They were not.
Also think the author forgot they were writing American dialogue, I’m British but I’m pretty sure Americans don’t say “tosser” and that they say “mom” and not “mum”. Just felt badly researched and inauthentic in a lot of areas to be honest
Also think the author forgot they were writing American dialogue, I’m British but I’m pretty sure Americans don’t say “tosser” and that they say “mom” and not “mum”. Just felt badly researched and inauthentic in a lot of areas to be honest
June 9, 2023
Very good book
I really enjoyed this book I love the characters the story line even though it was sad at times But it definitely had a great ending I hope There is a second book they gave me a little hint so hopefully. PS or series would be great
I really enjoyed this book I love the characters the story line even though it was sad at times But it definitely had a great ending I hope There is a second book they gave me a little hint so hopefully. PS or series would be great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews