What do you think?
Rate this book
Luca Bennett Bounty Hunter #3
Switchblade
Bounty Hunter Luca Bennett’s in a bind, which is nothing new, but this time it’s her feelings, not a jumper, that’s got her tangled in knots. She’s finally decided she wants to be more than a friend with benefits to cop Jessica Chance, but when hot and dangerous attorney Ronnie Moreno returns to town, a new case and an old flame threaten to interfere. When the case puts her at odds with the entire police department, Jess included, Luca is forced to make a hard choice that could change her entire world. As the lines between right and wrong blur, she faces the biggest risks of her life. Luca loves to gamble, but the stakes have never been higher. Will she win big or will she lose everything?
264 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2014
14 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Carsen Taite
51 books294 followersCarsen Taite's goal as an author is to spin plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of a dozen novels and numerous short stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 12, 2020
A pretty satisfying conclusion to the series IMO, and I liked this book the most out of all of them. This time instead of shady bondsmen, too much legalese-speak and "jumpers," the crime to solve revolves around the Dallas Police Dept, aka Jess's alma mater, so we can see how this would get complicated for Luca. As with others, the plot was secondary for me, as I just really liked the characters Ms. Taite created. Luca matures, things with Jess progress, dirty cops slither out of the woodwork, oh and two of Luca's casual sex buddies show up again on the case she's working. With Jess. Awkwaaaard.
The only that that frustrated me was the complete turnaround of Luca, from hard-ass, aloof, flawed yet fiercely loyal to her own, to a bumbling sap right after she Frustrating, but doesn't take away from the story too much.
I very much recommend this series, as my ratings never went below a 4. I have a soft spot for these kind of characters so was delighted to discover this series.
The only that that frustrated me was the complete turnaround of Luca, from hard-ass, aloof, flawed yet fiercely loyal to her own, to a bumbling sap right after she Frustrating, but doesn't take away from the story too much.
I very much recommend this series, as my ratings never went below a 4. I have a soft spot for these kind of characters so was delighted to discover this series.
March 28, 2016
I am so mad at myself, I thought this was the second book in the series. So I read it out of order thinking Battleaxe was last. It's just a pet peeve of mine, I hate reading a series out of order! Once I got past this and realized this may be the last Luca book Taite writes, (I sure hope not) I was able to settle into the story. And boy it was wonderful. I just really enjoy Taite's writing and I love the character of Luca. She is by far one of my favorite private investigators in book history. I love that shes flawed, stubborn, smart, and can still be sexy. I also think Jess is a great secondary character. While, this is a first person story, through Luca's head-space, you feel like you really know Jess. And you keep your fingers crossed that Luca will get it through her thick head, Jess is who she really needs. I know some people don't seem to like first person stories, but it really works for this series, so don't let that stop you from reading this. It's too goods to pass up! Please, Taite if you read Goodreads, we need more Luca!
June 3, 2022
Overall for the whole series: 3.8 (Maybe I'll go back and rate the earlier books but can't be bothered rn)
Aside from the first book's minor-middling (?) offense in the latina character being stereotyped as just consisting "fiery, fiesty, dark", I thought the whole series was a fun read. I'd say more, but my head's a mess so all I could sum up Luca Bennett's character is that meme "Damn girl, you live like this?!" Seriously. But I also admire her staunch stance on just living life, no matter how I disagree with the lifestyle. She lives the way she wants to. What I like about her character that she is an active participant in her own story (this may be a low bar or whatever). She moves the plot along with her active choices. Taite, ofcourse, knows the legal world, so it clearly shows in here. Anyway, thought the whole thing was a worthwhile read if this genre is kind of your thing.
Aside from the first book's minor-middling (?) offense in the latina character being stereotyped as just consisting "fiery, fiesty, dark", I thought the whole series was a fun read. I'd say more, but my head's a mess so all I could sum up Luca Bennett's character is that meme "Damn girl, you live like this?!" Seriously. But I also admire her staunch stance on just living life, no matter how I disagree with the lifestyle. She lives the way she wants to. What I like about her character that she is an active participant in her own story (this may be a low bar or whatever). She moves the plot along with her active choices. Taite, ofcourse, knows the legal world, so it clearly shows in here. Anyway, thought the whole thing was a worthwhile read if this genre is kind of your thing.
May 19, 2021
Again, I liked it a bit better than the previous one.
May 18, 2014
Dallas's intrepid female bounty hunter, Luca Bennett, is back in another adventure. Fantastic! Between her many friends and lovers, her interesting family, her fly by the seat of her pants lifestyle, and a whole host of detractors there is rarely a dull moment. Wonderful!
Luca hasn't paid her rent in a few months so she needs to get her butt down to the Bail Bond Agency to fill her coffers, which for Luca is an old coffee can. However, it is an ex-lover from last summer and hot Latina lawyer who is back in Dallas needing Luca's assistance for her brother that completely dominates Luca's time. Ronnie Morena paid big bucks for Luca to help her brother, a new detective on the Dallas police force, but this adventure and job is nothing but super major headaches for everyone but especially Luca. It is her sense of loneliness that really touched me. Luca is a puzzle, but she is also mind-boggling!
Jessica Chance was/is Luca's good friend, most consistent sex partner, and often a font of information. She also works for the Dallas police force. In the middle of all manner of chaos and life threatening stuff, Jess is really solid. Plus she can show that side of her in some most heartwarming ways. Luca finds herself inadvertently babysitting a gorgeous adult male husky dog, but it is Jess who helps Luca procure the necessities to properly and adequately take care of Jellybean, whom Luca quickly renames Cash. In fact, it is also Jess who finally cuts right to the heart of the true nature of the off again/on again nature of her relationship with Luca. I really love Jess!
Luca is a rather quirky character, but I think that is a definite plus for this series. Additionally, her really scruffy abode and appearance on occasion makes a definitive statement. This is a tension filled story with some very tender personal scenes that are particularly endearing. It might enrich your story experience, if you read the previous Luca Bennett books, but it isn't essential. From her curiously delightful appearance at her brother's wedding as his best woman, tux and all, to the final confrontation where we once again get to ride shotgun with Luca and her associates, this is one fine story that does not shy away from action-packed scenes but didn’t drown me in them either. Beautifully balanced!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Luca hasn't paid her rent in a few months so she needs to get her butt down to the Bail Bond Agency to fill her coffers, which for Luca is an old coffee can. However, it is an ex-lover from last summer and hot Latina lawyer who is back in Dallas needing Luca's assistance for her brother that completely dominates Luca's time. Ronnie Morena paid big bucks for Luca to help her brother, a new detective on the Dallas police force, but this adventure and job is nothing but super major headaches for everyone but especially Luca. It is her sense of loneliness that really touched me. Luca is a puzzle, but she is also mind-boggling!
Jessica Chance was/is Luca's good friend, most consistent sex partner, and often a font of information. She also works for the Dallas police force. In the middle of all manner of chaos and life threatening stuff, Jess is really solid. Plus she can show that side of her in some most heartwarming ways. Luca finds herself inadvertently babysitting a gorgeous adult male husky dog, but it is Jess who helps Luca procure the necessities to properly and adequately take care of Jellybean, whom Luca quickly renames Cash. In fact, it is also Jess who finally cuts right to the heart of the true nature of the off again/on again nature of her relationship with Luca. I really love Jess!
Luca is a rather quirky character, but I think that is a definite plus for this series. Additionally, her really scruffy abode and appearance on occasion makes a definitive statement. This is a tension filled story with some very tender personal scenes that are particularly endearing. It might enrich your story experience, if you read the previous Luca Bennett books, but it isn't essential. From her curiously delightful appearance at her brother's wedding as his best woman, tux and all, to the final confrontation where we once again get to ride shotgun with Luca and her associates, this is one fine story that does not shy away from action-packed scenes but didn’t drown me in them either. Beautifully balanced!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 6, 2015
I had not read the previous 2 books in this series, but feel this stands alone pretty well despite some confusion at the beginning where Jess is referred to as Luca's best friend, then f*** buddy. It's also unclear whether Luca is legally a bounty hunter AND a PI or just a bounty hunter.
The story starts off with Lucas bringing in a couple of bounties (and getting a dog during one) then gets caught up with a former lover and her brother (a cop) who's been arrested for setting up fake drug busts. Jess (a cop) ends up getting involved.
I thought the story was decent and the characters fairly likable but:
1. I immediately knew who one of the bad guys was and can't believe Luca didn't because she used to be a cop and is the friend of many.
2. I'm kind of tired of the flawed PI with the drinking, wenching (even if it's f/f here), gambling and living pay check to paycheck.
At the end of the story, Luca is set up for a change in her life and I'm mildly curious to see if it really happens or if she's going to continue drifting.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The story starts off with Lucas bringing in a couple of bounties (and getting a dog during one) then gets caught up with a former lover and her brother (a cop) who's been arrested for setting up fake drug busts. Jess (a cop) ends up getting involved.
I thought the story was decent and the characters fairly likable but:
1. I immediately knew who one of the bad guys was and can't believe Luca didn't because she used to be a cop and is the friend of many.
2. I'm kind of tired of the flawed PI with the drinking, wenching (even if it's f/f here), gambling and living pay check to paycheck.
At the end of the story, Luca is set up for a change in her life and I'm mildly curious to see if it really happens or if she's going to continue drifting.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2016
I hope there are more storys coming with Luca and Jess. Great plot, exiting story.
September 26, 2022
Final Luca Bennett trilogy book
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: established couple, not a romance, out of your comfort zone, full-time writer, unusual job, possibly other categories
Ronnie Moreno shows up asking Luca to help her brother, a cop that was set up as a fall-guy by some corrupt officers. It caused tension between Jess and her with their still fragile relationship. Luca struggles with her feelings for Jess, temptations of Ronnie, and trying to figure out what really happened with the cops and CIs that set up officer Moreno. The investigation goes much deeper than she could have ever guessed. Dots are connected from the previous books, the three lovers in Luca's life end up relying on each other, and Luca busts the investigation. Good ending for the trilogy
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: established couple, not a romance, out of your comfort zone, full-time writer, unusual job, possibly other categories
Ronnie Moreno shows up asking Luca to help her brother, a cop that was set up as a fall-guy by some corrupt officers. It caused tension between Jess and her with their still fragile relationship. Luca struggles with her feelings for Jess, temptations of Ronnie, and trying to figure out what really happened with the cops and CIs that set up officer Moreno. The investigation goes much deeper than she could have ever guessed. Dots are connected from the previous books, the three lovers in Luca's life end up relying on each other, and Luca busts the investigation. Good ending for the trilogy
May 22, 2014
Luca Bennett's decision to keep her head down and concentrate on keeping things simple doesn’t last long. As she prepares for her brother’s wedding and her sort of date with Jess, along comes trouble in the shape of her summer fling Ronnie Moreno. At which point her plans for Jess and a quiet life go up in smoke.
On the one hand she keeps trying to stick to being a bounty hunter, on the other her curiosity and loyalty keep on pushing her detective buttons. Luca finds herself on the wrong side of the whole police department for one thing. And with 2 exes hanging around things are getting way too complicated. When Jess gives her an ultimatum Luca’s choices seem very stark, will she chose right or wrong and what will she lose in the balance?
----------
Book 3 of the Luca Bennett series and another great example of the lesbian crime/American PI genre. Luca still has a huge chip on her shoulder, is still a total bad-ass and still wants to go charging off like a bull in the proverbial. But she can no longer deny her feelings and her burgeoning desire for the “happy ever after” everybody else seems to be finding.
In this story we see Luca getting caught up between trying to find out why Ronnie’s brother has been apparently used by a scapegoat, and trying to find a way to make something work between her and Jess. The plot thickens with Ronnie back on the scene, Diamond in the shadows and Nancy asking for more. The only uncomplicated thing in Luca’s world is Cash.
Here we are moving away from the pure American PI as Luca’s emotions get the better of her. Will she fight to hold on to the bad-ass persona, or let her feelings out? Will she have the courage to admit how she feels.. and will Jess reciprocate? As we delve further into the psyche of the proverbially damaged detective we can but wonder how long Jess’s patience will last.
The plot is fast and furious as always. New baddies, new allies and a great tying together of new plots with old enemies. Somebody always gets shot.. it’s just a toss up who and how badly.
I think this is my favorite of the three, definitely on my re-read list and here’s hoping Ms Taite keeps them coming.
On the one hand she keeps trying to stick to being a bounty hunter, on the other her curiosity and loyalty keep on pushing her detective buttons. Luca finds herself on the wrong side of the whole police department for one thing. And with 2 exes hanging around things are getting way too complicated. When Jess gives her an ultimatum Luca’s choices seem very stark, will she chose right or wrong and what will she lose in the balance?
----------
Book 3 of the Luca Bennett series and another great example of the lesbian crime/American PI genre. Luca still has a huge chip on her shoulder, is still a total bad-ass and still wants to go charging off like a bull in the proverbial. But she can no longer deny her feelings and her burgeoning desire for the “happy ever after” everybody else seems to be finding.
In this story we see Luca getting caught up between trying to find out why Ronnie’s brother has been apparently used by a scapegoat, and trying to find a way to make something work between her and Jess. The plot thickens with Ronnie back on the scene, Diamond in the shadows and Nancy asking for more. The only uncomplicated thing in Luca’s world is Cash.
Here we are moving away from the pure American PI as Luca’s emotions get the better of her. Will she fight to hold on to the bad-ass persona, or let her feelings out? Will she have the courage to admit how she feels.. and will Jess reciprocate? As we delve further into the psyche of the proverbially damaged detective we can but wonder how long Jess’s patience will last.
The plot is fast and furious as always. New baddies, new allies and a great tying together of new plots with old enemies. Somebody always gets shot.. it’s just a toss up who and how badly.
I think this is my favorite of the three, definitely on my re-read list and here’s hoping Ms Taite keeps them coming.
July 24, 2014
Taite, Carsen. Switchblade. Bold Strokes Books. 2014. $16.95. 231p. SC 978-1-62639-058-4.
The third book in the Luca Bennett mystery series, this novel picks up as Luca heads to the bondsman in order to get some more work so she can pay her bills. In the course of rounding up the usual suspects, Luca finds herself in possession of both a dog and a mystery involving corrupt cops, drugs, and a rookie who has taken the fall for what was obviously someone else’s work. Luca also must decide if she wants to be friends or more-than-friends with her ex-girlfriend or the new woman on the scene. Between her love life and her working life, Luca has a lot on her plate.
While this book is very much a typical mystery/private investigator story along the lines of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, this genre writing did not detract from the story itself. Luca is a very flawed, very believable main character who is struggling both with her own personal problems and with solving the case she’s taken on for work. She typifies the standard private investigator character, with a scruffy appearance, rundown apartment, and a savings account that she keeps in a coffee can. The mystery’s solution was fairly obvious from the beginning, but it was enjoyable to watch Luca struggle through the story and discover the answers on her own. The compelling pace and suspenseful tone of this book will keep readers turning the pages to see if their suspicions are correct. This book would be a great addition to a public library’s mystery collection.
The third book in the Luca Bennett mystery series, this novel picks up as Luca heads to the bondsman in order to get some more work so she can pay her bills. In the course of rounding up the usual suspects, Luca finds herself in possession of both a dog and a mystery involving corrupt cops, drugs, and a rookie who has taken the fall for what was obviously someone else’s work. Luca also must decide if she wants to be friends or more-than-friends with her ex-girlfriend or the new woman on the scene. Between her love life and her working life, Luca has a lot on her plate.
While this book is very much a typical mystery/private investigator story along the lines of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, this genre writing did not detract from the story itself. Luca is a very flawed, very believable main character who is struggling both with her own personal problems and with solving the case she’s taken on for work. She typifies the standard private investigator character, with a scruffy appearance, rundown apartment, and a savings account that she keeps in a coffee can. The mystery’s solution was fairly obvious from the beginning, but it was enjoyable to watch Luca struggle through the story and discover the answers on her own. The compelling pace and suspenseful tone of this book will keep readers turning the pages to see if their suspicions are correct. This book would be a great addition to a public library’s mystery collection.
June 16, 2014
Fast paced big bad cops and sexy lawyer romantic thriller. #3 Luca Bennett series.
I can't decide if the depths of romance between the main characters was more scary, than running down the criminals, in this well written romantic crime thriller. The relationship between Jess and Luca was what made this story more interesting. A great cast of high achieving female Cops and Big Cops and Lawyers, a real pageturner.
Carsen Taite sure knows her law and this is evident throughout. Her insight into how people feel and think in the midst of a growing relationship is also intriguing. A special mention for Cash... pretty much got the Husky spot on, a delightful addition. The most enjoyable thing for me was Carsen Taite's writing style.
Luca Bennett Series, can be read as a standalone.
Book #3 Great cover design and artwork.
I can't decide if the depths of romance between the main characters was more scary, than running down the criminals, in this well written romantic crime thriller. The relationship between Jess and Luca was what made this story more interesting. A great cast of high achieving female Cops and Big Cops and Lawyers, a real pageturner.
Carsen Taite sure knows her law and this is evident throughout. Her insight into how people feel and think in the midst of a growing relationship is also intriguing. A special mention for Cash... pretty much got the Husky spot on, a delightful addition. The most enjoyable thing for me was Carsen Taite's writing style.
Luca Bennett Series, can be read as a standalone.
Book #3 Great cover design and artwork.
December 5, 2014
Fitting comfortably into the noir PI character fold, bounty hunter Luca Bennett, is a lively creation. Sitting comfortable in the safety of my own home, I’m happy to go on reckless investigations with her through Taite’s entertaining plotting. Taite has written a cast of characters befitting the genre, from the detective girlfriend to the archenemies also on the force. This kept me enthralled for the duration. I found it hard to put the book down and highly recommend it. It’s a fun read.
July 29, 2015
I really love this series.
August 27, 2016
The last book in the series (at least as of this date).
I've had something of a running theme in my reviews, barring the one for the short story, about how much having read the short story did or did not impact my ability to read the books that came before it. Since the short story is the last thing, currently, published in the series. Well, things kind of built. First book wasn't that impacted. Sure, things were a lot different than the world the short story lived in, but, for all I knew, the events in the first book occurred years before the short story. So any differences could be pushed aside. Second book? Less easy to push things aside. Especially since the relationship, whatever it might have been would be had been, was a huge question mark in the second book between the two people who were lovey-dovey in the short story (okay, they weren't, but they were a definite couple). Spent most of the second book in a kind of 'get on with it, I know the relationship you two are going to have . . . stop being morons' haze.
Third book? It wasn't the romance, per se, that I had an issue with, it was the mystery/action part. Because I knew what would happen, since it had already happened for me - from having read the short story. 'Come on already . . come on . . . WTF? That's not how it was described in the short story. mmphs.' So - my ability to enjoy the third book was greatly undermined by having read the short story before I'd read anything else.
So. Luca Bennett came from a crap background. A broken home. Without any real desire for the work, she went to the police academy. Meet someone named Jessica Chance there. They both graduated. Were friendly towards each other. They begin their training with two experienced partners - Teresa Perez (with Jessica), and Larry Brewster (with Luca). An incident occurs, both Brewster and Luca are shot. Perez is pissed at Luca. Luca says fuck it and leaves the police force. All of this occurring before the first book in the series. She becomes a bounty hunter, licensed private investigator, and fuck-buddy with Jessica Chance.
First book involves a good mystery. On again, off again fuck buddy status with Jessica Chance. And a relationship between Luca and a lawyer named Veronica 'Ronnie' Moreno.
Second book involves an interesting enough mystery. Weirdness with Jessica Chance. Relationship between Luca and a federal agent named Diamond Collier - who Luca had apparently hooked up with in the past during a case that gets talked about in the series, but never actually detailed fully. Meanwhile Jessica Chance has hooked up with a doctor.
Third book. Ronnie's turned up for Luca's help. Her brother, a cop, is in trouble. The only reason I can fathom Ronnie turning to Luca is because Luca had worked with her in the past (and she can't turn to the police - they are the ones investigating her brother; and she can't turn to . . . apparently anyone else - apparently having grown up in the area gave her access to no other living person in Dallas except her family, and Luca Bennett - and she only meet Luca when Ronnie moved back to Dallas). Otherwise . . . going to a bounty hunter to hunt down a fugitive is one thing. Going to a bounty hunter to help your brother, who isn't missing I remind everyone, is . . . confusing. A conspiracy involving drugs, which may or may not be fake; and really really stupid cops - seriously, no one questions the fact that a newly promoted vice detective lives in a 'good' area of town, in a 'nice' house, and drives a newish corvette? What, do they need the cops to wander around handing out flyers saying 'we are corrupt, heh heh heh' for anyone to notice? (Why yes, I say to myself, people did notice - hence - stupid stupid evil corrupt cops).
So. I ran through the list of the relationships in the series for the important point of now saying - everyone who had popped up at any point in the series and had any type of physical relationship with Luca, turns up in this book. Ronnie's here, Jessica's here, as is Diamond Collier. Luca's been on something of a growing path - one involving forcing herself to recognize her feelings. And yet . . . well, it's hard to break patterns/habits, eh? Oh, and almost forgot - the flirty Nancy Walters is also in this book as well. She does everything short of pouncing onto Luca and humping her. Everyone seems to like making disparaging remarks to Luca, but they all sure want to hump her.
Teresa Perez had kind of been built up in my mind, from the short story and the first book, as being this smart woman who despises Luca. Other than running around with a, figurative, sign on her head in this book, she didn't exactly seem to be as smart as I'd expected/been lead to believe
I distracted myself and I am rambling so I'll boil things down - there's a good chance I would have rated this book at least 4 stars if not for how I screwed myself by reading the short story before the books in this series. At the moment I figure I'd give it 3.5 stars. And probably raise the rating up to 4 at some point relatively soon. Maybe.
April 27 2016
I've had something of a running theme in my reviews, barring the one for the short story, about how much having read the short story did or did not impact my ability to read the books that came before it. Since the short story is the last thing, currently, published in the series. Well, things kind of built. First book wasn't that impacted. Sure, things were a lot different than the world the short story lived in, but, for all I knew, the events in the first book occurred years before the short story. So any differences could be pushed aside. Second book? Less easy to push things aside. Especially since the relationship, whatever it might have been would be had been, was a huge question mark in the second book between the two people who were lovey-dovey in the short story (okay, they weren't, but they were a definite couple). Spent most of the second book in a kind of 'get on with it, I know the relationship you two are going to have . . . stop being morons' haze.
Third book? It wasn't the romance, per se, that I had an issue with, it was the mystery/action part. Because I knew what would happen, since it had already happened for me - from having read the short story. 'Come on already . . come on . . . WTF? That's not how it was described in the short story. mmphs.' So - my ability to enjoy the third book was greatly undermined by having read the short story before I'd read anything else.
So. Luca Bennett came from a crap background. A broken home. Without any real desire for the work, she went to the police academy. Meet someone named Jessica Chance there. They both graduated. Were friendly towards each other. They begin their training with two experienced partners - Teresa Perez (with Jessica), and Larry Brewster (with Luca). An incident occurs, both Brewster and Luca are shot. Perez is pissed at Luca. Luca says fuck it and leaves the police force. All of this occurring before the first book in the series. She becomes a bounty hunter, licensed private investigator, and fuck-buddy with Jessica Chance.
First book involves a good mystery. On again, off again fuck buddy status with Jessica Chance. And a relationship between Luca and a lawyer named Veronica 'Ronnie' Moreno.
Second book involves an interesting enough mystery. Weirdness with Jessica Chance. Relationship between Luca and a federal agent named Diamond Collier - who Luca had apparently hooked up with in the past during a case that gets talked about in the series, but never actually detailed fully. Meanwhile Jessica Chance has hooked up with a doctor.
Third book. Ronnie's turned up for Luca's help. Her brother, a cop, is in trouble. The only reason I can fathom Ronnie turning to Luca is because Luca had worked with her in the past (and she can't turn to the police - they are the ones investigating her brother; and she can't turn to . . . apparently anyone else - apparently having grown up in the area gave her access to no other living person in Dallas except her family, and Luca Bennett - and she only meet Luca when Ronnie moved back to Dallas). Otherwise . . . going to a bounty hunter to hunt down a fugitive is one thing. Going to a bounty hunter to help your brother, who isn't missing I remind everyone, is . . . confusing. A conspiracy involving drugs, which may or may not be fake; and really really stupid cops - seriously, no one questions the fact that a newly promoted vice detective lives in a 'good' area of town, in a 'nice' house, and drives a newish corvette? What, do they need the cops to wander around handing out flyers saying 'we are corrupt, heh heh heh' for anyone to notice? (Why yes, I say to myself, people did notice - hence - stupid stupid evil corrupt cops).
So. I ran through the list of the relationships in the series for the important point of now saying - everyone who had popped up at any point in the series and had any type of physical relationship with Luca, turns up in this book. Ronnie's here, Jessica's here, as is Diamond Collier. Luca's been on something of a growing path - one involving forcing herself to recognize her feelings. And yet . . . well, it's hard to break patterns/habits, eh? Oh, and almost forgot - the flirty Nancy Walters is also in this book as well. She does everything short of pouncing onto Luca and humping her. Everyone seems to like making disparaging remarks to Luca, but they all sure want to hump her.
Teresa Perez had kind of been built up in my mind, from the short story and the first book, as being this smart woman who despises Luca. Other than running around with a, figurative, sign on her head in this book, she didn't exactly seem to be as smart as I'd expected/been lead to believe
I distracted myself and I am rambling so I'll boil things down - there's a good chance I would have rated this book at least 4 stars if not for how I screwed myself by reading the short story before the books in this series. At the moment I figure I'd give it 3.5 stars. And probably raise the rating up to 4 at some point relatively soon. Maybe.
April 27 2016
May 26, 2020
I love Carsen Taite as a writer, her work is always so engaging. This was a great story, the plot makes you think and is nicely built up to the action sequence. The main characters have chemistry and I liked the first person narrative so we could really get inside Luca's head. I read this pretty much in a single sitting only taking a break for dinner. I did not want to put it down.
December 7, 2017
Enjoyed book. Liked the characters.
January 14, 2024
finally together, interesting
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews