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Finding Justice #2
Abandoned
There is nothing more dangerous than desire . . . Emma McKinley is a bright young lawyer with a very dark She's the daughter of an assassin. Twenty years ago, her father shot and killed the president and Emma has been desperate to understand why ever since. She's changed her name, moved around . . . but the past keeps hunting her down. First came an irresistible job offer, luring her back where the assassination occurred. And now Emma is receiving mysterious newspaper clippings about the shooting as a terrible reminder-and a deadly threat . . . Sheriff Conner Kavanaugh has been burned before. But from the moment he meets Emma, there's something about her he can't resist. Something is haunting her-that much is clear. And as the threats against her mount, he'll do anything to protect her and win her trust. If the past doesn't catch up to them first.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2017
9 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Pollero
15 books86 followersRhonda Pollero also writes under the name Kelsey Roberts.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 22, 2017
ARC REVIEW
Book two of the Finding Justice series, Abandoned centers around the Kavanaugh brother Conner the Sheriff of the small town Purdue, Florida whose claim to fame is that an assassination of the President of the United States took place there. My only issue is that I read it too fast, 272 pages and I inhaled it, once it got the ball rolling it went by so quickly and when I got to the end I didn't want it to end just yet.
The main characters are likeable, Emma is one of the public defenders in Purdue, she just moved from New York and is way over qualified for the job but she has other reasons for moving to Purdue, Florida. Conner is the Sheriff, he's divorced and kind of got screwed over in the divorce all because he was a cop, his wife cheated on him and got full custody of their daughter because her new husband was rich and Conner's schedule was erratic. But things are looking up for him; his daughter, Sam, chose to spend a couple of months with him. Conner is immediately attracted to Emma, even if she was a bit prickly to him when they first met and a couple of times after that. Conner liked that about her and she knows her way around a courtroom and actually seems to care. Emma's reasons for being in Purdue have to do with her father who was the assassin in the President's assassination. Emma and her family accepted the fact that for some unknown reason her father went to Florida and killed a man, but some weeks ago Emma started to receive newspaper clippings all about the assassination that started to raise question about her father's innocence. Right off the bat weird things start happening and Conner is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Overall, it's a really good read, I loved where the story went and how it got there just not how quickly it did it. It gives more information on what happened to the Kavanaugh brother who is in jail and hopefully one of the up coming books is his HEA. It's not necessary to read the first book in the series, all the characters are new, but I really loved the first one and I would recommend reading them both.
Book two of the Finding Justice series, Abandoned centers around the Kavanaugh brother Conner the Sheriff of the small town Purdue, Florida whose claim to fame is that an assassination of the President of the United States took place there. My only issue is that I read it too fast, 272 pages and I inhaled it, once it got the ball rolling it went by so quickly and when I got to the end I didn't want it to end just yet.
The main characters are likeable, Emma is one of the public defenders in Purdue, she just moved from New York and is way over qualified for the job but she has other reasons for moving to Purdue, Florida. Conner is the Sheriff, he's divorced and kind of got screwed over in the divorce all because he was a cop, his wife cheated on him and got full custody of their daughter because her new husband was rich and Conner's schedule was erratic. But things are looking up for him; his daughter, Sam, chose to spend a couple of months with him. Conner is immediately attracted to Emma, even if she was a bit prickly to him when they first met and a couple of times after that. Conner liked that about her and she knows her way around a courtroom and actually seems to care. Emma's reasons for being in Purdue have to do with her father who was the assassin in the President's assassination. Emma and her family accepted the fact that for some unknown reason her father went to Florida and killed a man, but some weeks ago Emma started to receive newspaper clippings all about the assassination that started to raise question about her father's innocence. Right off the bat weird things start happening and Conner is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Overall, it's a really good read, I loved where the story went and how it got there just not how quickly it did it. It gives more information on what happened to the Kavanaugh brother who is in jail and hopefully one of the up coming books is his HEA. It's not necessary to read the first book in the series, all the characters are new, but I really loved the first one and I would recommend reading them both.
November 18, 2017
These Kavanaugh men, wooeee. They're tall, dark and handsome and oh so loveable. In Abandoned, Rhonda Pollero gives us another nail-biting tale with thrills and chills, a sweet love story, stereotypical teenagers, slimy politicians and small-town southern life. I really liked Emma and I loved Conner. Honestly, I'll take any of the Kavanaughs.
Trying to solve the murder her father was accused of twenty years earlier Emma is thrown into her own life or death political thriller. While her life is full of danger and stress she finds herself incredibly attracted to and falling for Conner.
The cast of characters in this books is diverse and well written. There are so many people from so many tracks of life and Pollero gives them all interesting and unique personalities. Like the other books in the series, Abandoned is a nail-biting thriller, sweet love story and interesting study of people.
Trying to solve the murder her father was accused of twenty years earlier Emma is thrown into her own life or death political thriller. While her life is full of danger and stress she finds herself incredibly attracted to and falling for Conner.
The cast of characters in this books is diverse and well written. There are so many people from so many tracks of life and Pollero gives them all interesting and unique personalities. Like the other books in the series, Abandoned is a nail-biting thriller, sweet love story and interesting study of people.
June 4, 2017
So many little twists. I did not expect all that went down. Although I should because Rhonda Pollero is great at putting in twists and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Emma is not what I thought she would be. She is smart and cunning. Kind and caring. When she is lured down to where her life changed one fateful night all those years ago you wonder what will be revealed. Will she really get answers or will it be a wild goose chase. At first it feels goose chase but as little more is found out and seen we get a lot of danger and coincidences. We also get a little romance with her and the sheriff.
I do like how Emma helps those who are down in their luck. Some of it was for her own gain but she still took a chance when no one else would. I hated how she had a secret that between her and Conner. It was necessary due to what the secret was but still hated to see.
Conner is a stand up guy. He fights for justice and is fair and honest. His love for his daughter is immense and it was sad that she wasn’t around him as much as he would like. When we first see him he is meeting Emma and she is showing her spunk. Next thing we see them at the courthouse and he is still as flirty as ever but also kind.
their relationship grows as they get to know one another and Emma is in more and more danger. As things are revealed we see Conner become more protective and the two of them need to trust one another. Emma helps Conner with his brother and his custody situation and Conner is always there for Emma when she needs it.
When Emma’s sister is in trouble Conner is there and helps all he can. He also is the one she opens up to about her past as well at that point and he doesn’t judge or run. He is angry and hurt but doesn’t run. And the wrinkle on who lured her there wow just wow.
As all slowly is revealed and unraveled, you are sitting on the edge of the seat needing more. Why was Emma’s dad there? What really went down? Did her dad do as they said? Why if her dad did what they said was someone trying to harm Emma? But we also get a sweet romance that isn’t a focus but a beginning to something more for Conner and Emma.
The story is alluring and intriguing filled with twists and reveals you don’t expect. The characters are honest and caring. The town small and like grandmas at bingo gossiping and finding out everything but also close knit. Some characters are not nice and downright manipulative but that helps keep you wondering what is going on. the chemistry between Conner and Emma is great and their interactions keep you coming back for more as they unravel what happened on that fateful night Emma’s dad was shot and accused of killing the president.
Emma is not what I thought she would be. She is smart and cunning. Kind and caring. When she is lured down to where her life changed one fateful night all those years ago you wonder what will be revealed. Will she really get answers or will it be a wild goose chase. At first it feels goose chase but as little more is found out and seen we get a lot of danger and coincidences. We also get a little romance with her and the sheriff.
I do like how Emma helps those who are down in their luck. Some of it was for her own gain but she still took a chance when no one else would. I hated how she had a secret that between her and Conner. It was necessary due to what the secret was but still hated to see.
Conner is a stand up guy. He fights for justice and is fair and honest. His love for his daughter is immense and it was sad that she wasn’t around him as much as he would like. When we first see him he is meeting Emma and she is showing her spunk. Next thing we see them at the courthouse and he is still as flirty as ever but also kind.
their relationship grows as they get to know one another and Emma is in more and more danger. As things are revealed we see Conner become more protective and the two of them need to trust one another. Emma helps Conner with his brother and his custody situation and Conner is always there for Emma when she needs it.
When Emma’s sister is in trouble Conner is there and helps all he can. He also is the one she opens up to about her past as well at that point and he doesn’t judge or run. He is angry and hurt but doesn’t run. And the wrinkle on who lured her there wow just wow.
As all slowly is revealed and unraveled, you are sitting on the edge of the seat needing more. Why was Emma’s dad there? What really went down? Did her dad do as they said? Why if her dad did what they said was someone trying to harm Emma? But we also get a sweet romance that isn’t a focus but a beginning to something more for Conner and Emma.
The story is alluring and intriguing filled with twists and reveals you don’t expect. The characters are honest and caring. The town small and like grandmas at bingo gossiping and finding out everything but also close knit. Some characters are not nice and downright manipulative but that helps keep you wondering what is going on. the chemistry between Conner and Emma is great and their interactions keep you coming back for more as they unravel what happened on that fateful night Emma’s dad was shot and accused of killing the president.
June 6, 2017
Abandoned by Rhonda Pollero was an intense, fast-paced story of intrigue. I enjoyed Emma's character. She stood out with her superb knowledge and use of the law. Her ability to see the potential in others, and inner strength added depth to this suspense. Trying to unravel the secrets of the past will prove a very dangerous en-devour. Emma will find herself stalked and cornered by an evil past that destroyed her family. With the help of Conner, Emma will finally find the answers she so desperately needed. Abandoned is a passionate read, Emma and Conner, the perfect pairing. A must read this summer.
July 29, 2017
Emma moves to Florida to figure out a family mystery. While in Florida, she takes a job as a public defender. Someone wants her out of town as soon as she arrives. Will she pack up and go home? Can she let the mystery go?
There are lots of mini stories in this book. I simply adore the main character--Emma. There are smart courtroom scenes, terror, romance, and old-fashioned mystery.
The characters are great. The plot is strong. The romance is sweet. This is a perfect book.
There are lots of mini stories in this book. I simply adore the main character--Emma. There are smart courtroom scenes, terror, romance, and old-fashioned mystery.
The characters are great. The plot is strong. The romance is sweet. This is a perfect book.
May 27, 2017
Emma McKinley is determined to learn what happened twenty years ago when her father assassinated the President of the United States, which is why she's moved to the town where the assassination occurred. Except with someone sending her mysterious letters and the threats she's receiving, there's only one person she can turn to. But in turning to the sheriff, Conner Kavanaugh for help, Emma will have to tell him everything about her past. Will the sheriff still be willing to help, or will he turn his back on her just as so many others did long ago?
This story had all the makings of a 5-Star read such as the wonderful characters, great plots twists that had me wanting to know what else the hero and heroine would go through to achieve their happy ever after, and then I got to the end and the trouble the main characters face. It just didn't work for me, especially with the bad guys being so meticulous when it came to the assassination of the president, and yet, so careless when it came to silencing one of the main characters. However, in saying that, I really enjoyed the rest of this book, especially the way it started, because what happens sets the fast-pace of the story and had me wanting to discover more about why the heroine's dad did what he did. Yet, it was chapter one where things really became exciting due to how the hero and heroine meet. Certainly, Emma shows Conner she can take care of herself.
Both the main characters are really good and I loved the dialogue whether it was intense due to their back stories or teasing when they're actually getting along. Certainly, the moment the hero and heroine meet drew me into this story even more, as Conner thinks he's doing the heroine a favor, and yet, she has this very stay-away-from-me-I-don't-need-your-help vibe and I liked what she did to warn him away, although it could have gotten her into serious trouble considering his profession.
Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave the way she's able to handle everything thrown her way including the things being sent to her, which make her even more determined to discover the truth of her father's motives. I also liked how she proved her worth as a lawyer, because her skills show she's a fighter and never gives up on anyone or anything. Yet, what I liked most about the heroine is how she helped various townspeople turn their lives around. It reveals her kind and caring nature and illustrates that she likes to see the best in people, despite what has happened in their pasts. And besides, she has the means to help them, so why shouldn't she? While Conner, he's confident, a good guy that would do anything to help someone, and I liked how he gained Emma's trust, even though it isn't easy because of the secrets she's keeping. I also liked how far he was willing to go to protect the heroine, as she needs the support of someone when things begin to happen that are beyond what Emma can handle.
Overall, Ms. Pollero has penned a really good read in this book, although I was disappointed by the ending with the bad guys. However, I loved how things worked out for the hero and heroine, because Emma needed Conner after her loss and I loved how she was willing to help him solve his problems when it came to his brother's imprisonment and the custody battle with his ex-wife. I would recommend Abandoned by Rhonda Pollero, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Anne Calhoun, D.D Ayres, Incy Black or Cate Beauman.
October 16, 2017
One of the best things about being on a romantic suspense kick is returning to a series that I love. Abandoned, the second book in Pollero's Finding Justice series was not as creepy as the first book, but the character background blew me away. I loved Emma's history. Being the daughter of an assassin isn't something I've come across before and now I wonder why. It gave her a very interesting past and a vivid connection with the town, which I loved. Conner was no slouch, either. I wondered if there was going to be a character connection with the first book, then it dawned on me that Connor is the brother of the hero in the previous book. Connor was just as intriguing as Emma. I loved the little moments between them. You know, those moments between threats and keeping a secret from everyone.
As much as I enjoyed reading Abandoned, I will say that it felt as if some pieces were missing which left awkward time jumps. There was one instance where it starts off at point A, but the next scene was point C. I was expecting a little bit more after a certain event and it felt like there was a step missing. It also made some points feel a bit rushed. Obviously I can't explain it in detail because of spoilers, so I hope this makes sense. This really only happened twice in the book, so it wasn't too distracting. I still loved the time I spent reading the book, which was pretty quick. I enjoyed Rhonda's writing style just as much as I did in the previous book. I loved her characters, especially how intriguing and well developed they are. I'm hoping this turns out to be a 4 book series, once they're able to get the 4th brother out of trouble of course. Overall, Abandoned was a thoroughly enjoyable and quick book that kept me guessing throughout.
I received an advance copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
As much as I enjoyed reading Abandoned, I will say that it felt as if some pieces were missing which left awkward time jumps. There was one instance where it starts off at point A, but the next scene was point C. I was expecting a little bit more after a certain event and it felt like there was a step missing. It also made some points feel a bit rushed. Obviously I can't explain it in detail because of spoilers, so I hope this makes sense. This really only happened twice in the book, so it wasn't too distracting. I still loved the time I spent reading the book, which was pretty quick. I enjoyed Rhonda's writing style just as much as I did in the previous book. I loved her characters, especially how intriguing and well developed they are. I'm hoping this turns out to be a 4 book series, once they're able to get the 4th brother out of trouble of course. Overall, Abandoned was a thoroughly enjoyable and quick book that kept me guessing throughout.
I received an advance copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 26, 2017
I found Emma to be a good female lead. She is strong, smart, and likable. Even when she was being threatened, Emma was never truly afraid. In fact, she had spunk about her. Which I liked a lot. In regards to Connor, who doesn't love a good strong man that is easy on the eyes. Emma keeps Connor on his toes. Yet, when it came to the romance, it was "fine". It was not earth shattering or fog up your glasses type of hot but Connor and Emma did have sparks. The scenes were quick and short. As if the author did not want the romance between Emma and Connor to get too much in the way of the overall story. A quick read. I did enjoy this book but not as much as the first one.
January 19, 2018
Really enjoying this series. Loved Emma and her spunk, the town she moved to was quirky and very South Florida, and Conner was alternately maddening and amazing.
May 18, 2022
Another great book
July 31, 2017
This was a super romantic suspense that started with Emma being lured back to the little town she had left 20 years earlier after her father had assassinated the U.S. President. Her mother moved her and her twin away changed their names and gave them a quiet, normal life. But when Emma started to get newspaper clippings about the shooting, she wanted to find out why they were being sent and by who. So when she got a job offer from the Public Defenders office in the small town, she accepted it right away. Little did she know, she would be walking into a dangerous situation.
When Conner met Emma, he was immediately attracted to her, even though she was not the least bit friendly to him. She's was really quite snippy. You see, she was annoyed that he hadn't told her that he was the sheriff. Even though he wanted to get to know Emma, she wasn't making it easy on him. Factoring in his bad feelings about relationships because of his cheating wife and subsequent divorce, this relationship did not start off well.
Emma was a very smart woman and a terrific lawyer. She knew the law so well that she was able to get her clients off in such a way that she made it look easy. For her, it was. She was kind to people that most thought of as losers. She could see their potential and gave them a chance to make their lives better.
I didn't want to put this intriguing mystery down. With all the surprising twists, I hated for it to end. But the ending was great leaving me surprised to find out who the villain was. The only thing that bothered me about this story was that it took so long to find out why she left New York and went to Florida.
I was lucky to have won this book in a giveaway and highly recommend it.
When Conner met Emma, he was immediately attracted to her, even though she was not the least bit friendly to him. She's was really quite snippy. You see, she was annoyed that he hadn't told her that he was the sheriff. Even though he wanted to get to know Emma, she wasn't making it easy on him. Factoring in his bad feelings about relationships because of his cheating wife and subsequent divorce, this relationship did not start off well.
Emma was a very smart woman and a terrific lawyer. She knew the law so well that she was able to get her clients off in such a way that she made it look easy. For her, it was. She was kind to people that most thought of as losers. She could see their potential and gave them a chance to make their lives better.
I didn't want to put this intriguing mystery down. With all the surprising twists, I hated for it to end. But the ending was great leaving me surprised to find out who the villain was. The only thing that bothered me about this story was that it took so long to find out why she left New York and went to Florida.
I was lucky to have won this book in a giveaway and highly recommend it.
November 19, 2017
Emma McKinley wants answers and she is certain the only way she will find them is by going to the scene of the crime and start digging into her father's past, but someone isn't so happy about her unearthing the past and they will do just about anything to keep it buried. Twenty years ago Emma's father assassinated the President, and she can't fathom why he would do such a thing, a small part of her knows he is innocent, but in order to prove it, she is going to have to re-open the case and start retracing his steps. But when she starts to get close to the truth the threats coming at her left and right, and now she must turn to the police... question is will Sheriff Conner Kavanaugh want to help her once he learns her identity and what she is getting involved in?
Once again Ms. Pollero has dazzled me with her literary talents, and created a spine tingling read that had me addicted in a matter of minutes, I could not put this one down!! The story line was inventive, engrossing, and had a good mix of mystery and romance, I loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Emma and Conner, Emma was a stand out heroine, that measured up easily against her alpha male counterpart, the chemistry between these two was palpable and it created some serious heat between the pages!! Highly recommend this one, it is one of those stories that will grab a hold of you from the first page, and not let go until the last page is turned!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
Once again Ms. Pollero has dazzled me with her literary talents, and created a spine tingling read that had me addicted in a matter of minutes, I could not put this one down!! The story line was inventive, engrossing, and had a good mix of mystery and romance, I loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Emma and Conner, Emma was a stand out heroine, that measured up easily against her alpha male counterpart, the chemistry between these two was palpable and it created some serious heat between the pages!! Highly recommend this one, it is one of those stories that will grab a hold of you from the first page, and not let go until the last page is turned!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
May 3, 2017
Well-written book full of snappy dialogue.
I absolutely loved all the court room scenes as the heroine, Emma McKinley who is a lawyer, who excelled at being able to readily read her clients and able to think of quick solutions to problems and unique situations. She put both the prosecutor and his witnesses to shame.
As the series name states this series is about finding Justice. Emma has moved to the small Florida town in hopes of finding out any information on why her dad 20 years ago killed the President of the United States. She had been getting anonymous clippings in the mail that prompted her to seek the town out and take a job with the Public Defenders office. On her first night in town she has an interesting encounter with a man at a bar who later she finds out is the Sheriff of the town.
This series is about the Kavanaugh brothers. The first book was about Jack who is also a lawyer, now Conner who is a Sheriff, then there is Declan who is a PI and the last brother has been in jail for 15 years for manslaughter for the death of his abusive father and the accidental death of his mother.
Conner and Emma had quite lively dialogue going on between them for most of the book. I have to say Emma's strong personalty and tenacity stole most of the scenes and some of the spotlight from Conner – not saying that as a bad thing, she was just a great heroine that at times out shown her hero..
This author was new to me and I've really enjoyed both books so far in this series. My only nit-picking thing about the writing is how fast the wrap up and endings come. These would be 5 star books if those things were extended a bit.
I absolutely loved all the court room scenes as the heroine, Emma McKinley who is a lawyer, who excelled at being able to readily read her clients and able to think of quick solutions to problems and unique situations. She put both the prosecutor and his witnesses to shame.
As the series name states this series is about finding Justice. Emma has moved to the small Florida town in hopes of finding out any information on why her dad 20 years ago killed the President of the United States. She had been getting anonymous clippings in the mail that prompted her to seek the town out and take a job with the Public Defenders office. On her first night in town she has an interesting encounter with a man at a bar who later she finds out is the Sheriff of the town.
This series is about the Kavanaugh brothers. The first book was about Jack who is also a lawyer, now Conner who is a Sheriff, then there is Declan who is a PI and the last brother has been in jail for 15 years for manslaughter for the death of his abusive father and the accidental death of his mother.
Conner and Emma had quite lively dialogue going on between them for most of the book. I have to say Emma's strong personalty and tenacity stole most of the scenes and some of the spotlight from Conner – not saying that as a bad thing, she was just a great heroine that at times out shown her hero..
This author was new to me and I've really enjoyed both books so far in this series. My only nit-picking thing about the writing is how fast the wrap up and endings come. These would be 5 star books if those things were extended a bit.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews