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Little Town #3
Blood Feud
Book 3 in the Little Town series. A seemingly inexplicable and shockingly violent crime in the beautiful rural locale of ‘Little Town’ has devastating personal and professional consequences for its two police officers, Senior Constable Tess Fuller and her partner, Sergeant Finn Maguire. And has Tess really seen the last of the predatory Red Bycraft?
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2012
17 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Nixon
10 books938 followersI am an indie Australian author with seven ebooks published through Smashwords: Heller, Blood Ties, Heller's Revenge, Blood Sport, Heller's Girlfriend, Heller's Punishment and Blood Feud. I'm currently working on the fifth in the Heller series, titled Heller's Decision.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 9, 2015
This is a pretty fantastic series. I'm not going to do a full review until the end or at least until I finish Blood Tears which is the last book published in this series.
But do know that I'm still loving Tess & Fiona. I still hate Red Bycraft and at the moment my feelings towards Jakey (Tessie's boyfriend) are leaning towards "you are seriously getting on my nerves and I don't know if I like you anymore"!
I adore Finn "Sarge" Maguire. He is definitely swoon worthy!! And I am really really hoping that something is going to change between Tess and him. ❤
But do know that I'm still loving Tess & Fiona. I still hate Red Bycraft and at the moment my feelings towards Jakey (Tessie's boyfriend) are leaning towards "you are seriously getting on my nerves and I don't know if I like you anymore"!
I adore Finn "Sarge" Maguire. He is definitely swoon worthy!! And I am really really hoping that something is going to change between Tess and him. ❤
November 24, 2012
Wow!! Just finished Blood Feud, the 3rd installment in the continuing (Lord... let this be!)adventures of Tess Fuller. Of the three books, this one is definitely the best of the lot, although I am not taking anything away from the first two... they were great too.
The author, JD Nixon, has perfected the 'from the frying pan into the fire into the kettle into the fire into the frying pan etc.' scenario with adroit skill. But it never gets tedious or convoluted and this is a breath of fresh air compared to most authors who try this style of writing.
I am not going to go into the storyline for fear of throwing in a spoiler by accident, but what I will say is that there are two primary subplots. One being the prison escape of Red Bycraft, the scum of the Earth, that Tess and her partner Sargent Finn Maguire, captured in a previous novel. Close calls, and even closer near death experiences happen through out the novel. The second subplot involves a barefooted mystery man who is terrorizing the burg of Little Town and causing all kinds of things to happen. Both subplots are extremely well told and you can envision everything as if you were off behind a tree watching all the happenings.
Twists and turns galore, this is one book that, if you have read no other books in the series, will easily propel you into hitting your local eBook store to pick the others up immediately following your perusal of the last page. Some who have already read the previous novels, I am sure, are already halfway through reading them once again.
JD Nixon is just one of the reasons that self-publishing is taking off and will usurp the 'power' of the printed novels if they aren't careful. She quickly became one of my favorite authors of 2012 and I read 150-200 books a year which encompasses a whale of alot of authors with different styles, formatting and basically ... storytelling.
If you are considering the purchase of this exemplary novel, do so! I assure you that you will soon be a devout fan of Nixon's Little Town series, as well as of her other series, 'Heller'.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The author, JD Nixon, has perfected the 'from the frying pan into the fire into the kettle into the fire into the frying pan etc.' scenario with adroit skill. But it never gets tedious or convoluted and this is a breath of fresh air compared to most authors who try this style of writing.
I am not going to go into the storyline for fear of throwing in a spoiler by accident, but what I will say is that there are two primary subplots. One being the prison escape of Red Bycraft, the scum of the Earth, that Tess and her partner Sargent Finn Maguire, captured in a previous novel. Close calls, and even closer near death experiences happen through out the novel. The second subplot involves a barefooted mystery man who is terrorizing the burg of Little Town and causing all kinds of things to happen. Both subplots are extremely well told and you can envision everything as if you were off behind a tree watching all the happenings.
Twists and turns galore, this is one book that, if you have read no other books in the series, will easily propel you into hitting your local eBook store to pick the others up immediately following your perusal of the last page. Some who have already read the previous novels, I am sure, are already halfway through reading them once again.
JD Nixon is just one of the reasons that self-publishing is taking off and will usurp the 'power' of the printed novels if they aren't careful. She quickly became one of my favorite authors of 2012 and I read 150-200 books a year which encompasses a whale of alot of authors with different styles, formatting and basically ... storytelling.
If you are considering the purchase of this exemplary novel, do so! I assure you that you will soon be a devout fan of Nixon's Little Town series, as well as of her other series, 'Heller'.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 10, 2014
5 STARS!!!!!
SENSATIONAL WRITING!!!!! That's all I can say. I am completely addicted to J D Nixon and all of her fabulous characters. Her writing style is like no other I've read. Her wit, her creativity, and her talent for suspense all need to be celebrated. And yes, there is romance!!! The slow building kind that keeps you pleasantly frustrated and dying for more. It's like the slow and painful torture of a talented lover, that you know will be well worth the wait. My only regret at this point is the WAIT!!! I've run out of books, and the story isn't finished. I'll be seeking therapy to deal with the ongoing frustration of waiting for the next book to be released.
I think a review like this could never do the storyline justice, so I'll leave that for the reader to discover unspoiled. What I will say is that should you decide to read this series, prepare yourself for the cornucopia of emotions coming your way. I would have loved to see my face change as I read these books... I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud, shouted at my kindle, and engaged in conversation the nearest passerby (or victim) a barrage of forceful emotion regarding the crazy actions or conversations of these characters.
And now, I must find a way to move on to another book. I feel as distraught as Tessie Until then...
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And for those of you already into the series... I'll leave you my character pics...
Senior Constable Tess Fuller
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Sergeant Finn Maguire
"I love it when you talk tough." -Tess
"I love it when you find anything to love about me." -Finn
SENSATIONAL WRITING!!!!! That's all I can say. I am completely addicted to J D Nixon and all of her fabulous characters. Her writing style is like no other I've read. Her wit, her creativity, and her talent for suspense all need to be celebrated. And yes, there is romance!!! The slow building kind that keeps you pleasantly frustrated and dying for more. It's like the slow and painful torture of a talented lover, that you know will be well worth the wait. My only regret at this point is the WAIT!!! I've run out of books, and the story isn't finished. I'll be seeking therapy to deal with the ongoing frustration of waiting for the next book to be released.
I think a review like this could never do the storyline justice, so I'll leave that for the reader to discover unspoiled. What I will say is that should you decide to read this series, prepare yourself for the cornucopia of emotions coming your way. I would have loved to see my face change as I read these books... I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud, shouted at my kindle, and engaged in conversation the nearest passerby (or victim) a barrage of forceful emotion regarding the crazy actions or conversations of these characters.
And now, I must find a way to move on to another book. I feel as distraught as Tessie Until then...
And for those of you already into the series... I'll leave you my character pics...
Senior Constable Tess Fuller
Sergeant Finn Maguire
"I love it when you talk tough." -Tess
"I love it when you find anything to love about me." -Finn
January 18, 2015
When this one first starts out with the newspaper articles I wondered why at some point the residents of Little Town didn't take things into their own hands and go after the Bycrafts. I can see where that wouldn't work in today's world, but 100 years ago people could have gotten away with it and cleaned up their town.
I was furious with the police for most of the book. I was stunned when Red somehow got free and the didn't get much support from the Super, in fact she seemed to rip Tess and Finn a new one more than once. The Super has known Tess since she was a kid, knows the history, so I wasn't sure why she didn't take the threat more serious. I also didn't expect the Super to be sort of mad at Tess and Finn when they did capture Red. Later on I found myself getting pissed right along with Tess when Finn and her were getting beat all to hell for their actions with the crazy guy. They did what they had to do to survive, yet they were punished for it. I loved that Tess tried to get the powers to be to see what a precarious position they were putting her in by making Finn leave town.
There were some surprising funny and sweet moments in this one. The hen party had me laughing, Tess's last minutes with Denny made me like him, as did Tess's letter to Tommy, I'm glad she did that.
I also loved that Finn yelled at Jake about his relationship with Tess, stating the obvious truths that are at odds with their families. It needed to be said, but I don't know it will make a difference at all.
I look forward to see what happens to Tess next, to see who this new person coming to help her out at the station and what kind of mess he will be.
I was furious with the police for most of the book. I was stunned when Red somehow got free and the didn't get much support from the Super, in fact she seemed to rip Tess and Finn a new one more than once. The Super has known Tess since she was a kid, knows the history, so I wasn't sure why she didn't take the threat more serious. I also didn't expect the Super to be sort of mad at Tess and Finn when they did capture Red. Later on I found myself getting pissed right along with Tess when Finn and her were getting beat all to hell for their actions with the crazy guy. They did what they had to do to survive, yet they were punished for it. I loved that Tess tried to get the powers to be to see what a precarious position they were putting her in by making Finn leave town.
There were some surprising funny and sweet moments in this one. The hen party had me laughing, Tess's last minutes with Denny made me like him, as did Tess's letter to Tommy, I'm glad she did that.
I also loved that Finn yelled at Jake about his relationship with Tess, stating the obvious truths that are at odds with their families. It needed to be said, but I don't know it will make a difference at all.
I look forward to see what happens to Tess next, to see who this new person coming to help her out at the station and what kind of mess he will be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2012
This series keeps on getting better! In #3 Tess and Finn yet again face off against Red Bycraft and also have to solve a violent murder of one Little Town's residents. There were several surprises throughout, and I dreaded the approach of the final page. I am truly a JD Nixon junkie and I will be avidly waiting for her next book. (Hurry PLEASE)!
December 3, 2012
I think this one might have been my favorite so far. It seemed more emotional and even though there was still quite a bit of action, there was alot going on inside Tessie's head that made me connect with her character even more. I also felt so terribly sad for her at the end of the book, I feel like she's so down that either she's going to stay within that gloom or begin to shut off some of her emotions completely. It was nice seeing the Sarge speak forth more and to show that he does have a playful side, I really, really like him lots :)Got to learn a bit more about Denny Bycraft abd lemme say I was shocked in a good way about his revelation.
Length of the book was greatly appreciated, although I think I could read about Little Town every day and not grow bored. The characters are developing even more and I think, might I dare say, that Tessie is maturing even more and it's very nice to see that!
I'm awaiting the next installment eagerly, of course! Thank you so much for the wonderful read, J.D., it was more than I anticipated. Very well done :) -- lorraine
Length of the book was greatly appreciated, although I think I could read about Little Town every day and not grow bored. The characters are developing even more and I think, might I dare say, that Tessie is maturing even more and it's very nice to see that!
I'm awaiting the next installment eagerly, of course! Thank you so much for the wonderful read, J.D., it was more than I anticipated. Very well done :) -- lorraine
September 19, 2023
Another awesome novel in the Little Town series.
I have to admit that I am prejudice. I love this series and the third one was as good as the first two. I would not recommend starting with book, but since the first one is free it makes more sense to start with Blood Ties anyway.
The story follows three primary threads, a murder mystery, the relationship between Tess and Finn, and the Bycraft story. There are enough laughs and cozy moments to balance the drama and sadness that the murder brings. Of course Fiona is there bringing her special touch to the story.
I have to admit that I am prejudice. I love this series and the third one was as good as the first two. I would not recommend starting with book, but since the first one is free it makes more sense to start with Blood Ties anyway.
The story follows three primary threads, a murder mystery, the relationship between Tess and Finn, and the Bycraft story. There are enough laughs and cozy moments to balance the drama and sadness that the murder brings. Of course Fiona is there bringing her special touch to the story.
November 20, 2012
A great third book in the Little Town series. Tess is less of a punching bag in this book, but is dealing with the increasing emotional stress in her life. Filled with suspense and action you see Tess and Finn face personal and career crisis. The end of the book literally had me in tears, which is a rarity for me. I look forward to the next book in the series (like tomorrow).
May 16, 2013
I can't make up my mind about this series, I've read all 3 now and will read the next one as I want to know what happens. I like the premise, the plots are OK, there are good characters and the Australian setting is cool, but I'm continually annoyed by how completely unrealistic everything is. Tess is supposed to be smart but constantly throws herself into danger from losing her temper and putting others at risk for her own ends. Finn's relationship is nonsense, it makes no sense for him the stay with a fiancée he doesn't even like. Fiona knows how dangerous Red is and is supposed to care about Tess but leaves her to it. And I loathe Jake and by extension despise Tess for staying with him just because he's a good shag, when all he cares about is himself and his car. I suppose a good writer makes you have feelings for the characters even if they're mostly negative, but I'd enjoy these so much more if they were believable. And I hate dream sequences.
February 20, 2015
I'm a huge fan of Nixon's other series, Heller, and because I love her quirky style, I read Little Town. While I loved the stories and writing, I have to admit Tess wasn't my favorite heroine. There was always something off about her relationship with Jake Bycraft, a member of a family that hates her. In Blood Feud, I learned a little more about about why, and I fell a little more in love with Finn.
Nixon hit her stride with Feud. The characterizations and descriptions are crisp, her characters quirky and human. The dialogue is snappy and their Super, Fiona, is hilariously crude. The pace, as always, is fast, even when they're taking care of the day to day minutiae if small town police work.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and eagerly await the next installment.
Nixon hit her stride with Feud. The characterizations and descriptions are crisp, her characters quirky and human. The dialogue is snappy and their Super, Fiona, is hilariously crude. The pace, as always, is fast, even when they're taking care of the day to day minutiae if small town police work.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and eagerly await the next installment.
December 8, 2012
After reading the third book in Little Town series, it is now on my list of favorite books and a must read at all cost!! FINN...Sigh...I'm in love! I wasn't too sure about him in the first and second book but have now grown to be just as infatuated with him as I am with Heller in the Heller series. Can he be even more enigmatic? I anticipate their relationship in the next book. You can see each of their feelings growing for one another and the relationships they are building together. Tess has always captured my attention and she has not let me down in this book. I love that she's tough and rough but is also vulnerable when called for. She has all the characteristic I want in a heroine and more! I can't wait for Blood Tears!
November 24, 2012
Loved loved loved it! Once again JD keeps tagging us along in the hoped for romance between Finn & Tess. An unlikely hero appears in this book as Tess continues in her quest for life against the Bycrafts. A murder case & a mysterious nomad are the premise for this book. Filled with intermittent swoonworthy interactions between Tess & Finn. I waited for this book with baited breath & now that's it's finished I'm back to waiting for the next one. JD did not disappoint & dare I say they only get better as we go. I don't know of anyone who didn't read this in one whole swoop & this shouldn't go on the 'to-read' shelf it should be on the 'MUST-READ' shelf!
May 9, 2013
This was a bittersweet read for me as we have no more installments of the series just yet. I have been enjoying JD,s writing that i had to start on the Heller series right after this book was finished. This story was a strong addition to story of Lil Town and Tess. Love the maturity she is developing however I am sad to see that she cant progress in her relationship with Honey boy. I really dislike the fact that Sarge is no longer in the pix. I know that is a temp. priblem but really who will keep Tess safe. Jake? I dont think so.
January 20, 2013
The saga continues. I love these characters. I must say J.D. Really shuffled the deck with this book and it will be very interesting to see where she goes with the next book in the series. A wonderful mix of a great crime story line, humor, and characters who are real. The have tempers, don't always react to things the way they should or you expect them to. In other words, they are very human.
December 16, 2014
I was checking bookstores daily for a few weeks for this book to come out and yes it was worth it!! Now I want the next book bc hello there was a big cliffhanger at the ending. This book has some mystery, great emotional pulls from laughter, joy, tears to how can they act this y...jd Nixon is a fantastic storyteller
January 9, 2014
What a read!!!! I purchased and read in a single sitting! Lots of twists and turns. I am anxiously awaiting Blood Tears!
Truly believe this is JD's best book yet! If you can't wait for b&n or amazon, you can find it at Smashwords. Don't wait - promise you won't regret it!!!!!!
Truly believe this is JD's best book yet! If you can't wait for b&n or amazon, you can find it at Smashwords. Don't wait - promise you won't regret it!!!!!!
November 25, 2012
JD Nixon delivers another great one, loved it!!
November 28, 2012
Great read! I loved Tess!! :) I just wished something would of happens when the sarge left the cave. Maybe a kiss! :) lol can't wait for the next book!!!
November 22, 2012
4.5 stars! Love this series. I was surprised where the book took the story, but once it went there it was a great ride! CANNOT WAIT for Blood Tears!
November 30, 2012
I loved it!!! JD you have done it once again!
December 4, 2012
loved it, can't wait for the next book already counting down the days
December 19, 2013
Blood Feud
This was a great book. It did not end as I wished, but I was glad to see that there will be another book coming soon. I hated that Denny Bycraft died saving Tessie.
This was a great book. It did not end as I wished, but I was glad to see that there will be another book coming soon. I hated that Denny Bycraft died saving Tessie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2013
wow this series just gets better can't wait for the next one.
Jake is more devious then he seems and I am a bit fustrated that tess doesn't see it.
Also, I understand why the sarge took the decision he did about going but however quickly it may help resolve things it was risking death for tess. You would also think that though he couldn't be there for tessa he would be close by just in case she needed him
I am not 100% sure re his relationship with melissa - I really get the idea he likes tessa but still seems to be attached to melissa.
whats with the new sarge?
I reckon the sarge's mother is the big hotshot in politics/or something and i hope by the next one we find out what.
one thing tess should do is stop sharing info with him about her and her life when he does not give her anything.
him with his cryptic comments - had no-one to share things with but he does have siblings and she doesn't even know how many but he knows and expects to know everything about her.
He did say in the first book that he wasn't ready to share because it would change how she looked at him and he wasn't ready for that? bit of a mystery
Jake is more devious then he seems and I am a bit fustrated that tess doesn't see it.
Also, I understand why the sarge took the decision he did about going but however quickly it may help resolve things it was risking death for tess. You would also think that though he couldn't be there for tessa he would be close by just in case she needed him
I am not 100% sure re his relationship with melissa - I really get the idea he likes tessa but still seems to be attached to melissa.
whats with the new sarge?
I reckon the sarge's mother is the big hotshot in politics/or something and i hope by the next one we find out what.
one thing tess should do is stop sharing info with him about her and her life when he does not give her anything.
him with his cryptic comments - had no-one to share things with but he does have siblings and she doesn't even know how many but he knows and expects to know everything about her.
He did say in the first book that he wasn't ready to share because it would change how she looked at him and he wasn't ready for that? bit of a mystery
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2017
I agree with a lot of other reviewers that this one was definitely emotional. I for one was very upset that Denny was killed and would have prefered it be Jake or Red. Denny was my favourite, I saw his as the back drop to all her memories, but I don't understand how a woman (Tess) could be so strong and smart one minute and turn in to a blubbering idiot every time Jake is in spitting distance of her. I can put up with everything else from Tess except her relationship with Jake and hope that it comes to an end In the fourth installment of the series Blood Tears. I greatly love the Supers take no prisoners attitude, but for some one who cut their teeth on Bycraft cases she shows no respect for the work it take to keep them in check and in turn none of those under her in big town have no respect for what Tess and Finn have to put up with on a daily basis and I think that it is a great disservice to them. I am praying for Finn and Tess to get together, even though the author seems to have something against making things easy for Tess. Although one can hold out a bit of hope
November 19, 2014
Update: 11-19-14 I am so glad that I do not have to wait to jump to the next book. This series is great and I love each character, even the Bycraft family. The stories flow so well together. This book was always a tear jerker for me because of all that happens towards the end!! I can't wait to jump into the next book in the series to finally see where everything heads. I am still keeping my fingers crossed that the Sarge and Tess get together, love Jakey in a way but the Sarge is just what Tess needs and he is always there for her!!! Guess will see what happens :)
Jan 15, 2013Omg!! I love this series and so going insane having to wait for the next book to come out!! I feel for Tess and all she has gone thru and I am hoping that she will eventually find peace and full happiness!!! I cant wait for the next book!!!
Jan 15, 2013Omg!! I love this series and so going insane having to wait for the next book to come out!! I feel for Tess and all she has gone thru and I am hoping that she will eventually find peace and full happiness!!! I cant wait for the next book!!!
June 8, 2024
Phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal.
This book had me laughing out loud so much that I woke up my husband who was sleeping beside me. I was in tears with the death of Denny.
The growing emotion between Finn and Tess is just brilliant as is what can be seen in the slow demise of the relationship between Tess and Jake as well as Finn and Melissa.
I honestly can not say anything negative about this book, which is a true rarity for me. Usually there will be one niggling thing about a character I don't like, or just something in general I don't like about the way the author has written the text. Not here. Not at all. Every sentence felt well thought out. The characters were incredibly well written and the as the reader I was given treat after treat in the storyline.
An incredibly well deserved 5/5.
This book had me laughing out loud so much that I woke up my husband who was sleeping beside me. I was in tears with the death of Denny.
The growing emotion between Finn and Tess is just brilliant as is what can be seen in the slow demise of the relationship between Tess and Jake as well as Finn and Melissa.
I honestly can not say anything negative about this book, which is a true rarity for me. Usually there will be one niggling thing about a character I don't like, or just something in general I don't like about the way the author has written the text. Not here. Not at all. Every sentence felt well thought out. The characters were incredibly well written and the as the reader I was given treat after treat in the storyline.
An incredibly well deserved 5/5.
December 3, 2013
Again, this book, as with the rest of the series, drives me nuts and I love it at the same time. I would give this book the same review as I did for Blood Sport. Here is the link to my review of that book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have to say that I was really feeling hopeful with the way things were headed in this book. I thought finally things might be moving forward in the relationship areas, but I should have known better. Instead of things getting better they only got worse. I really didn't like the ending of this book.
And still I want to read on. O_o
February 6, 2016
Book 3 does not disappoint. Tess and Finn have another action packed, emotionally charged week. Nixon has a unique ability to mix quirky characters, implausible conflicts, and total dysfunction with action and romance and leave the reader begging for more. This series, in much the same way as Heller, has sucked me in and continued to keep me entertained. It's not that I want to know what will happen next, but that I have to know what happens next. Can't wait for book 4, but I have to say that I am really hoping that Nixon doesn't drag this series (or Heller) out to obscurity like Evanovich has with Stephanie Plum.
Overall A, re-read 4/5
Overall A, re-read 4/5
November 24, 2013
Wow what a great book. I am huge fan of this author and this one really delivered.
The good
1) Great story. This one kept me on my toes. Not a predictable series at all. I still have so many questions also
2) A lot more development in Sarge and Tessies relationship in this book. I cant wait to see what happens in book 4.
3) I love how funny these books are. The humor is very subtle and well balanced with the moments of seriousness.
4) Very straightforward story line. There is a lot happening but the book isn't busy at all. The timing and pacing is fantastic.
The bad
1) i want more!
The good
1) Great story. This one kept me on my toes. Not a predictable series at all. I still have so many questions also
2) A lot more development in Sarge and Tessies relationship in this book. I cant wait to see what happens in book 4.
3) I love how funny these books are. The humor is very subtle and well balanced with the moments of seriousness.
4) Very straightforward story line. There is a lot happening but the book isn't busy at all. The timing and pacing is fantastic.
The bad
1) i want more!
January 11, 2013
This is the third book of my favorite series, Little Town. In Blood Feud, there's murder and mayhem brought about by a crazy man and Tess' vehemence in putting Red Bycraft behind bars. I felt that Tess was more defiant towards Finn in this book, perhaps subconsciously aware of his intense affection for her and taking advantage of it. I simply enjoyed the cast of characters in this series. Be warned you will be left absolutely heartbroken at the end of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews