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Buried Secrets #1
Fatal Exposure
Silence is her only protection
Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist B. K. ("Brynn") Elliot chronicles Baltimore's grittier side with her lens—a talent cultivated from her years as a teenage runaway. A reclusive figure, Brynn lives under everyone's radar…until a photo from her past plunges her into the crosshairs of powerful enemies.
Detective Parker McCall has devoted fifteen years to trying to solve his brother's murder, and with the release of a photo implicating Brynn as a potential suspect, he feels close to finding justice. Determined to get answers, Parker must ignore the inexplicable attraction he feels for the haunted beauty in the photo. And Brynn must decide if Parker will protect her or betray her in his hunt for a killer.
Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist B. K. ("Brynn") Elliot chronicles Baltimore's grittier side with her lens—a talent cultivated from her years as a teenage runaway. A reclusive figure, Brynn lives under everyone's radar…until a photo from her past plunges her into the crosshairs of powerful enemies.
Detective Parker McCall has devoted fifteen years to trying to solve his brother's murder, and with the release of a photo implicating Brynn as a potential suspect, he feels close to finding justice. Determined to get answers, Parker must ignore the inexplicable attraction he feels for the haunted beauty in the photo. And Brynn must decide if Parker will protect her or betray her in his hunt for a killer.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2013
4 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Gail Barrett
44 books37 followersThe nuns in my Catholic elementary school always said that each of us has a gift, a reason we were put here on earth. Our job is to discover what that purpose is. Well, I knew early on that I was meant to be a writer. Who else would spend her childhood grinding sparkling rocks into fairy dust and convince her friends it was real? Or daydream her way through elementary school, spend high school reading philosophy and playing the bagpipes, and then head off to Spain during college to live the writer's life?
After four years in Madrid I straggled back home, broke but fluent in Spanish, and discovered that I'd acquired a marketable skill. So instead of writing, I began teaching Spanish. I also married a Coast Guard Officer and followed him around the country as he rescued ships and saved lives.
The years passed. We had two sons. I earned my master's degree and continued teaching, which I really enjoyed. We met interesting people and acquired a quirky dog.
But the desire to write kept lurking in my mind. That was my dream, what I knew I'd been destined to do -- and yet, I had never done it. Then one day I made a decision. If I wanted to become a published author, I had to stop fantasizing about writing and actually do it.
So I began my first book –- and discovered that writing a saleable novel was much harder than I'd dreamed. Fortunately, I inherited a healthy dose of Irish stubbornness, a strong mid-western work ethic and a love of challenges that helped me persevere.
So here I am at last, just as the nuns instructed and right where I hoped I would be –- writing stories about characters struggling along their own paths of self-discovery. I hope you enjoy their journey home.
After four years in Madrid I straggled back home, broke but fluent in Spanish, and discovered that I'd acquired a marketable skill. So instead of writing, I began teaching Spanish. I also married a Coast Guard Officer and followed him around the country as he rescued ships and saved lives.
The years passed. We had two sons. I earned my master's degree and continued teaching, which I really enjoyed. We met interesting people and acquired a quirky dog.
But the desire to write kept lurking in my mind. That was my dream, what I knew I'd been destined to do -- and yet, I had never done it. Then one day I made a decision. If I wanted to become a published author, I had to stop fantasizing about writing and actually do it.
So I began my first book –- and discovered that writing a saleable novel was much harder than I'd dreamed. Fortunately, I inherited a healthy dose of Irish stubbornness, a strong mid-western work ethic and a love of challenges that helped me persevere.
So here I am at last, just as the nuns instructed and right where I hoped I would be –- writing stories about characters struggling along their own paths of self-discovery. I hope you enjoy their journey home.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 15, 2013
This was a fantastic book from the very beginning. Brynn is a photojournalist who zealously guards her privacy. When she was a teen runaway she witnessed a murder that put her on a hit list. With her two friends they have stayed out of the public eye to protect themselves and each other. When a reporter takes her picture and publishes it she is put back into danger. Parker recognizes her from a picture of her with his brother who had also been a runaway and drug addict and was murdered fifteen years ago. He considers Brynn to be a suspect and goes to see her for answers. But those answers only lead to more questions.
Brynn is an amazingly strong character. She had run away from home as a teen to get away from her stepfather who was sexually abusing her. She had tried reporting him, talking to counselors and other things but no one would believe her because he was a respected citizen. While living on the streets she had made friends with two other girls and Parker's brother. Tommy had done his best to protect them and they took care of him. When Brynn witnessed a murder Tommy had gotten between the murderer and Brynn and died to save her. Now she is back in the crosshairs with the murderer wanting her dead and her stepfather wanting to get his hands on her too. He has a lot more to protect now and his ways haven't changed. When Brynn is confronted by Parker she realizes that she is going to need help to save herself and bring her stepfather down. She is very wary about trusting him, since he is a cop and her experience with cops has been very bad. She is also attracted to him and that worries her even more. I loved the way that she had taken her experience as a runaway and turned it into a talent for photographing the world of Baltimore's streets. She also uses her knowledge to help as many runaways as she can. She had a hard time trusting Parker at first but he soon showed that he was as determined to find the truth as she was. She was also determined to do whatever she had to in order to stop her stepfather from harming anyone else. Her experiences on the street gave her a different viewpoint than Parker's and between the two of them they were able to get the information they needed.
Parker had been searching for his brother's killer for years. After their father's suicide Tommy had gotten into drugs and had run away. Parker had tried to help him and had felt guilty that he hadn't succeeded. When he found Brynn he thought at first that she was the killer. He soon realized that she wasn't but that she had information that could help find him. He also had the problem that her stepfather was his boss and had charged him with bringing Brynn in. His problem was that what her stepfather told him and what Brynn told him were very different and he didn't know who to believe. He was also attracted to Brynn which was messing with his objectivity. The more time he spent with Brynn the more he believed her but he still didn't want to believe that his boss was like that. Parker was deeply conflicted but the evidence was building up quickly. He also had the problem of trying to tell Brynn who his boss was without her feeling betrayed and losing her trust. I really enjoyed seeing Parker's suspicion turn to belief and then into respect for everything she had overcome.
Both Parker and Brynn had trust issues that they had to deal with in order to come to their happy ending. That trust was essential for them to be able to work together to solve the mystery of who killed Tommy and also to stop Brynn's stepfather. The action, both physical and mental, in the book was nonstop. The ending was intense with a very interesting twist. There is also a bit of the mystery left unsolved which leads into the next book.
Brynn is an amazingly strong character. She had run away from home as a teen to get away from her stepfather who was sexually abusing her. She had tried reporting him, talking to counselors and other things but no one would believe her because he was a respected citizen. While living on the streets she had made friends with two other girls and Parker's brother. Tommy had done his best to protect them and they took care of him. When Brynn witnessed a murder Tommy had gotten between the murderer and Brynn and died to save her. Now she is back in the crosshairs with the murderer wanting her dead and her stepfather wanting to get his hands on her too. He has a lot more to protect now and his ways haven't changed. When Brynn is confronted by Parker she realizes that she is going to need help to save herself and bring her stepfather down. She is very wary about trusting him, since he is a cop and her experience with cops has been very bad. She is also attracted to him and that worries her even more. I loved the way that she had taken her experience as a runaway and turned it into a talent for photographing the world of Baltimore's streets. She also uses her knowledge to help as many runaways as she can. She had a hard time trusting Parker at first but he soon showed that he was as determined to find the truth as she was. She was also determined to do whatever she had to in order to stop her stepfather from harming anyone else. Her experiences on the street gave her a different viewpoint than Parker's and between the two of them they were able to get the information they needed.
Parker had been searching for his brother's killer for years. After their father's suicide Tommy had gotten into drugs and had run away. Parker had tried to help him and had felt guilty that he hadn't succeeded. When he found Brynn he thought at first that she was the killer. He soon realized that she wasn't but that she had information that could help find him. He also had the problem that her stepfather was his boss and had charged him with bringing Brynn in. His problem was that what her stepfather told him and what Brynn told him were very different and he didn't know who to believe. He was also attracted to Brynn which was messing with his objectivity. The more time he spent with Brynn the more he believed her but he still didn't want to believe that his boss was like that. Parker was deeply conflicted but the evidence was building up quickly. He also had the problem of trying to tell Brynn who his boss was without her feeling betrayed and losing her trust. I really enjoyed seeing Parker's suspicion turn to belief and then into respect for everything she had overcome.
Both Parker and Brynn had trust issues that they had to deal with in order to come to their happy ending. That trust was essential for them to be able to work together to solve the mystery of who killed Tommy and also to stop Brynn's stepfather. The action, both physical and mental, in the book was nonstop. The ending was intense with a very interesting twist. There is also a bit of the mystery left unsolved which leads into the next book.
June 20, 2013
This story starts off with an effective hook that immediately pulled me into the story. Detective Parker McCall gets a major lead on who may have murdered his younger brother, Tommy, fifteen years ago. When a photo of the famed but reclusive photojournalist Brynn Elliot appears in the newspaper, Parker recognizes her from years ago as a runaway teen seen with Tommy. He suspects Brynn may be the one who murdered Tommy or at the very least can provide answers about his death.
Parker is a dedicated, loyal officer who takes his job seriously. He has worked hard to move up in the ranks, despite the suspicions of other officers that Parker may be just like his father, also an officer, who was found to be corrupt on the job. Although Parker is a stickler for going by the books and following the chain of command, he doesn’t want to risk that this new lead will not be pursued to the fullest extent. Therefore, he decides to find and question Brynn by himself. This first decision to break the rules of police procedure will soon lead to more decisions on how far Parker will go in his quest for justice.
Brynn has been on her own since she was a young girl, running from a gruesome past and carrying deadly secrets. She grew up surviving on the streets with her two friends Haley and Nadine, also on the run for different reasons. Now that Brynn’s identity has been exposed, she must flee again. Before she can escape, however, Parker finds and confronts her about her relationship with his brother. Brynn soon realizes Parker will not let her continue running and hiding until his brother’s murderer is brought to justice: “Everything about Parker McCall reeked of danger-from the jut of his steel-hard jaw to those penetrating black eyes that scrutinized every move. He was too smart. Too determined. And there wasn’t a chance he’d leave her alone.“
Although Brynn is distrustful of others, especially the police, she and Parker form an initially shaky alliance that leads them to investigate a secretive plot of murder, perversion, and corruption that goes farther up in the chain of command than anyone ever expected. Parker and Brynn work together in this intriguing mystery revealing random clues that they must struggle to put together while on the run from those who want them dead. I appreciated how the author frequently reiterates the connections Parker and Brynn make as well as addressing the looming questions that still need to be answered. These tactics helped me to avoid getting lost or overwhelmed by the numerous complications and conflicts that occur in this fast-paced suspense.
The romance between Brynn and Parker develops gradually and realistically as both get to know each other, and the foundation for their love is based on mutual admiration and respect. Each understands the loneliness and pain that the other endures.
Although this couple’s observations and thoughts reveal their attraction for one another, I wished for more sizzling sparks to really show that ongoing passion between them.
The protagonists, Parker and Brynn, are dynamic, well-rounded characters who gained my respect through their solid belief in doing what is right regardless of the sacrifices that must be made. Even though both characters have experienced heart-breaking betrayal and disillusionment in the past, each has emerged as a survivor, stronger than one might expect given their traumatic experiences. In addition, to the external dangers surrounding them, I enjoyed watching these two characters grow over the course of the story as they are forced to deal with and resolve their internal conflicts.
This is a well written romantic suspense that answers many questions behind the mystery but also left me wondering about further aspects of the deeply embedded corruption that will lead into the second book in the Buried Secrets trilogy. The second and third books will focus on Haley’s and Nadine’s stories, respectively.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Parker is a dedicated, loyal officer who takes his job seriously. He has worked hard to move up in the ranks, despite the suspicions of other officers that Parker may be just like his father, also an officer, who was found to be corrupt on the job. Although Parker is a stickler for going by the books and following the chain of command, he doesn’t want to risk that this new lead will not be pursued to the fullest extent. Therefore, he decides to find and question Brynn by himself. This first decision to break the rules of police procedure will soon lead to more decisions on how far Parker will go in his quest for justice.
Brynn has been on her own since she was a young girl, running from a gruesome past and carrying deadly secrets. She grew up surviving on the streets with her two friends Haley and Nadine, also on the run for different reasons. Now that Brynn’s identity has been exposed, she must flee again. Before she can escape, however, Parker finds and confronts her about her relationship with his brother. Brynn soon realizes Parker will not let her continue running and hiding until his brother’s murderer is brought to justice: “Everything about Parker McCall reeked of danger-from the jut of his steel-hard jaw to those penetrating black eyes that scrutinized every move. He was too smart. Too determined. And there wasn’t a chance he’d leave her alone.“
Although Brynn is distrustful of others, especially the police, she and Parker form an initially shaky alliance that leads them to investigate a secretive plot of murder, perversion, and corruption that goes farther up in the chain of command than anyone ever expected. Parker and Brynn work together in this intriguing mystery revealing random clues that they must struggle to put together while on the run from those who want them dead. I appreciated how the author frequently reiterates the connections Parker and Brynn make as well as addressing the looming questions that still need to be answered. These tactics helped me to avoid getting lost or overwhelmed by the numerous complications and conflicts that occur in this fast-paced suspense.
The romance between Brynn and Parker develops gradually and realistically as both get to know each other, and the foundation for their love is based on mutual admiration and respect. Each understands the loneliness and pain that the other endures.
During a passionate kiss with Parker, Brynn “had the oddest sensation as if he could see straight through to her soul.
As if he saw her.
The world fell away. She stayed trapped in his heated gaze, a riot of emotions thickening her throat. Because beyond the rampaging hunger, beyond the need erupting like a wildfire between them, was something else. Something deeper. A sense of connection. A feeling that she’d finally found a man she could depend on. A man who would guard and protect her. A man she could trust with her heart-a thought that both thrilled and terrified her.”
Although this couple’s observations and thoughts reveal their attraction for one another, I wished for more sizzling sparks to really show that ongoing passion between them.
The protagonists, Parker and Brynn, are dynamic, well-rounded characters who gained my respect through their solid belief in doing what is right regardless of the sacrifices that must be made. Even though both characters have experienced heart-breaking betrayal and disillusionment in the past, each has emerged as a survivor, stronger than one might expect given their traumatic experiences. In addition, to the external dangers surrounding them, I enjoyed watching these two characters grow over the course of the story as they are forced to deal with and resolve their internal conflicts.
This is a well written romantic suspense that answers many questions behind the mystery but also left me wondering about further aspects of the deeply embedded corruption that will lead into the second book in the Buried Secrets trilogy. The second and third books will focus on Haley’s and Nadine’s stories, respectively.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
May 19, 2013
Recommended Read! Also posted at my blog, TBR MOUNTAIN RANGE.
The first book in this romantic suspense trilogy is sure to grab readers' attention as it did mine. Highly recommended to those who love gritty suspense with well-drawn characters, promising more to come in these intriguing stories about three runaways all grown up and struggling to survive their past.
Fifteen years ago three teenagers became friends while living on the streets as runaways. Their ability to survive depended on each other and one young man who watched out for them. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time and two murders force the three young women to run, hide the evidence and keep their identities secret. Until now.
Cold case detective Parker McCall is positive that the candid shot of the woman in Baltimore's newspaper's exposé is reclusive photographer B.K. Elliot, his brother's killer. Determined to prove that the teenaged girl in the photo with his brother taken fifteen years ago is the very same woman in the exposé, Parker has the older picture professionally aged. There's no doubt that they're one and the same. Now he must find her before she disappears again.
Brynn Elliot has remained out of the spotlight even though she is well-known for her photojournalist techniques in revealing the desperation of homeless youths. Depicting the cruelty and hopelessness of the runaway lifestyle is her specialty, a subject she knows well, having been one herself.
The newspaper photo exposé followed by a cop at her door forces Brynn to consider running once again. Having just bought a home under a fake name and enjoying a prosperous career, Brynn had thought she could finally settle down. But, the cop is persistent and too close to the truth with her enemies nipping at their heels. Will she ever feel safe again?
When Brynn finds her agent almost murdered, she knows her only chance is to partially confide in Parker McCall and convince him to help her. He seems sincere and when a child turns up dead, Brynn knows she has no choice but to expose the man from her past for what he is before more children are hurt. Can she face the demons from her past and get justice for the crimes, all while keeping her two best friends, Haley and Nadine, safe?
I haven't read a romantic suspense this good in years. FATAL EXPOSURE packs in the details in a small package of 288 pages with some of the best gritty police work, where every word and sentence counts toward unmistakable believability. An unusual background for a heroine makes this one as heroic as the detective she relies on. Brynn is smart and brave, as well as never helpless. She pushes just as hard as Parker and earns his respect. Street savvy in his own right, the pair of them form a team that works beautifully in love as much as in defense.
I love the concept of this trilogy—three runaways become friends as teenagers, witness a crime, then go into hiding, working hard to realize their dreams without discovery by an unknown killer. It's the perfect set-up for a trilogy and the characters are interesting, strong and sympathetic enough to make you want to take up their cause.
Superb characterization in a true-to-life story, FATAL EXPOSURE is a thrill to read. It's modern, edgy and convincing, ramping up expectations for what's to come. Author Gail Barrett has crime writing chops proven by her wordsmithing talent.
The layering of clues is exquisite. I was so surprised by the turn of events toward the end. THE BURIED SECRETS trilogy kicks off with a gripping and heartrending story of runaways in FATAL EXPOSURE, setting the stage for readers to crave the next two installments. We won't have too long to wait because A KISS TO DIE FOR (Haley's story) releases in August 2013 and SEDUCED BY HIS TARGET (Nadine's story) releases in December 2013. I can't wait to find out what happens next! FATAL EXPOSURE earns Romance Junkies' highest rating of 5 Blue Ribbons and a Recommended Read status for packing a punch in a small package.
Book and review courtesy of Romance Junkies.
The first book in this romantic suspense trilogy is sure to grab readers' attention as it did mine. Highly recommended to those who love gritty suspense with well-drawn characters, promising more to come in these intriguing stories about three runaways all grown up and struggling to survive their past.
Fifteen years ago three teenagers became friends while living on the streets as runaways. Their ability to survive depended on each other and one young man who watched out for them. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time and two murders force the three young women to run, hide the evidence and keep their identities secret. Until now.
Cold case detective Parker McCall is positive that the candid shot of the woman in Baltimore's newspaper's exposé is reclusive photographer B.K. Elliot, his brother's killer. Determined to prove that the teenaged girl in the photo with his brother taken fifteen years ago is the very same woman in the exposé, Parker has the older picture professionally aged. There's no doubt that they're one and the same. Now he must find her before she disappears again.
Brynn Elliot has remained out of the spotlight even though she is well-known for her photojournalist techniques in revealing the desperation of homeless youths. Depicting the cruelty and hopelessness of the runaway lifestyle is her specialty, a subject she knows well, having been one herself.
The newspaper photo exposé followed by a cop at her door forces Brynn to consider running once again. Having just bought a home under a fake name and enjoying a prosperous career, Brynn had thought she could finally settle down. But, the cop is persistent and too close to the truth with her enemies nipping at their heels. Will she ever feel safe again?
When Brynn finds her agent almost murdered, she knows her only chance is to partially confide in Parker McCall and convince him to help her. He seems sincere and when a child turns up dead, Brynn knows she has no choice but to expose the man from her past for what he is before more children are hurt. Can she face the demons from her past and get justice for the crimes, all while keeping her two best friends, Haley and Nadine, safe?
I haven't read a romantic suspense this good in years. FATAL EXPOSURE packs in the details in a small package of 288 pages with some of the best gritty police work, where every word and sentence counts toward unmistakable believability. An unusual background for a heroine makes this one as heroic as the detective she relies on. Brynn is smart and brave, as well as never helpless. She pushes just as hard as Parker and earns his respect. Street savvy in his own right, the pair of them form a team that works beautifully in love as much as in defense.
I love the concept of this trilogy—three runaways become friends as teenagers, witness a crime, then go into hiding, working hard to realize their dreams without discovery by an unknown killer. It's the perfect set-up for a trilogy and the characters are interesting, strong and sympathetic enough to make you want to take up their cause.
Superb characterization in a true-to-life story, FATAL EXPOSURE is a thrill to read. It's modern, edgy and convincing, ramping up expectations for what's to come. Author Gail Barrett has crime writing chops proven by her wordsmithing talent.
The layering of clues is exquisite. I was so surprised by the turn of events toward the end. THE BURIED SECRETS trilogy kicks off with a gripping and heartrending story of runaways in FATAL EXPOSURE, setting the stage for readers to crave the next two installments. We won't have too long to wait because A KISS TO DIE FOR (Haley's story) releases in August 2013 and SEDUCED BY HIS TARGET (Nadine's story) releases in December 2013. I can't wait to find out what happens next! FATAL EXPOSURE earns Romance Junkies' highest rating of 5 Blue Ribbons and a Recommended Read status for packing a punch in a small package.
Book and review courtesy of Romance Junkies.
July 22, 2013
I enjoyed reading this. It describes the lives of young runaways and how the people they should be able to trust, don't give them the attention they deserve. Brynn is one of those runaways who was able to succeed in life. However, after hiding for 15 years, someone recognizes her bringing danger her way. Parker wants to find the murderer of his brother 15 years ago. Brynn is a major breakthrough. The romance was great as well as the suspense. Sometimes Parker irritated me with his by the book thinking but at the end, what matters is that he had good intentions. I look forward to reading the next two books in the series!
January 23, 2019
3.5 stars
Interesting book .
Interesting book .
June 18, 2013
As someone who doesn't read many suspense books I was left in awe of what Ms. Barrett has created. Fatal Exposure is a short read that packs a big whollop in its characterizations and overall storyline and the groundwork laid here provides big ramifications for future stories. By the end of this story it proves you can't run from your past forever and three young woman learn.
B.K. Elliot and her two friends were living on the streets at a young age, all of them on the run from something. For Brynn it was being sexually abused by her stepfather, a prominent member of society. As if the danger he represented wasn't bad enough, there's even more evil that got the girls caught in the crossfire which ended in bloodshed and each of them on the run. The world and career Brynn's built unfortunately comes crashing down when the man who thinks she killed his brother discovers her hideout and refuses to let her get away again without giving him answers. With blood and violence invading her life once more she must rely not only on herself but Detective Parker McCall who refuses to take no for an answer. They must trust in one another if they have any hope of escaping dangers from the past that have returned to their present. But with Brynn's mistrust in the justice system and Parker's distrust in his bosses, trust is a commodity in short supply.
Brynn is a strong-willed and immensely likable heroine who, through her experiences early in life, has made a career out of presenting the dark and dangerous world of runaways in a realistic way and helps them whenever she can. With all the darkness she's seen it's hard to admit there's any happiness to be found. Because of this she fights her attraction to Parker. Past experiences of being ignored when reporting her abuse further incites feelings of doubt where Parker's concerned so he has to work doubly hard to win her trust and love. Parker is a man on a mission who's desperate to learn the truth of what happened to his brother. He's hardworking and honest and as the truth about his bosses is slowly revealed he comes to trust in and rely on Brynn more and more to see true justice served.
Brynn and Parker make a formidable couple. They're strong both mentally and physically and as their relationship progresses they get closer to who the real criminals are. The suspenseful aspects of this story keep you on the edge of your seat and constantly guessing through some clever twists and turns. The romance took a back seat to the mystery but was no less satisfying in the intensity of its sexual tension. The HEA, once it's reached, is immensely satisfying but leaves a door open for another of Brynn's friends from the past to return and have her own story be told.
B.K. Elliot and her two friends were living on the streets at a young age, all of them on the run from something. For Brynn it was being sexually abused by her stepfather, a prominent member of society. As if the danger he represented wasn't bad enough, there's even more evil that got the girls caught in the crossfire which ended in bloodshed and each of them on the run. The world and career Brynn's built unfortunately comes crashing down when the man who thinks she killed his brother discovers her hideout and refuses to let her get away again without giving him answers. With blood and violence invading her life once more she must rely not only on herself but Detective Parker McCall who refuses to take no for an answer. They must trust in one another if they have any hope of escaping dangers from the past that have returned to their present. But with Brynn's mistrust in the justice system and Parker's distrust in his bosses, trust is a commodity in short supply.
Brynn is a strong-willed and immensely likable heroine who, through her experiences early in life, has made a career out of presenting the dark and dangerous world of runaways in a realistic way and helps them whenever she can. With all the darkness she's seen it's hard to admit there's any happiness to be found. Because of this she fights her attraction to Parker. Past experiences of being ignored when reporting her abuse further incites feelings of doubt where Parker's concerned so he has to work doubly hard to win her trust and love. Parker is a man on a mission who's desperate to learn the truth of what happened to his brother. He's hardworking and honest and as the truth about his bosses is slowly revealed he comes to trust in and rely on Brynn more and more to see true justice served.
Brynn and Parker make a formidable couple. They're strong both mentally and physically and as their relationship progresses they get closer to who the real criminals are. The suspenseful aspects of this story keep you on the edge of your seat and constantly guessing through some clever twists and turns. The romance took a back seat to the mystery but was no less satisfying in the intensity of its sexual tension. The HEA, once it's reached, is immensely satisfying but leaves a door open for another of Brynn's friends from the past to return and have her own story be told.
June 1, 2013
Despite her successful career as photojournalist, B.K. Elliot, aka Brynn, makes very sure her true identity is never revealed. As long as her stepfather is alive, she will always be looking over her shoulder, knowing the day will come when she will have to stop running and end his hold over her.
Tommy’s death has left a deep and painful scar on Detective Parker McCall’s heart, a scar that will not heal until justice is served. Although his work with cold case files has come up blank, Parker vows his brother’s murder will not go unsolved.
By chance, Parker sees a picture of the reclusive B.K. Elliot in the local paper, feeling for the first time in fifteen years that he has caught a break in Tommy’s case. If tracking her down nets Parker more bruises than answers, there is something so incredibly compelling about Brynn that he cannot get her out of his head. For the first time in…well, forever, Brynn feels like she can trust a man, which is crazy considering Parker is a cop. Right now, though, Brynn and Parker have little choice but to lean on each other, especially when they become targets of an all-out man-hunt.
Dirty cops, gangbangers and teen runaways are only the beginning to a spectacularly suspense filled trilogy. Parker and Brynn are tenuous allies at first, although it does not take long before they realize that together they may actually be able to stop a monster. Their attraction is as much admiration as it is romance, which is a nice bonus to an already excellent read. Brynn’s friends Haley and Nadine round out the next two installments, and I am certain you will not want to miss a minute of either one!
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Tommy’s death has left a deep and painful scar on Detective Parker McCall’s heart, a scar that will not heal until justice is served. Although his work with cold case files has come up blank, Parker vows his brother’s murder will not go unsolved.
By chance, Parker sees a picture of the reclusive B.K. Elliot in the local paper, feeling for the first time in fifteen years that he has caught a break in Tommy’s case. If tracking her down nets Parker more bruises than answers, there is something so incredibly compelling about Brynn that he cannot get her out of his head. For the first time in…well, forever, Brynn feels like she can trust a man, which is crazy considering Parker is a cop. Right now, though, Brynn and Parker have little choice but to lean on each other, especially when they become targets of an all-out man-hunt.
Dirty cops, gangbangers and teen runaways are only the beginning to a spectacularly suspense filled trilogy. Parker and Brynn are tenuous allies at first, although it does not take long before they realize that together they may actually be able to stop a monster. Their attraction is as much admiration as it is romance, which is a nice bonus to an already excellent read. Brynn’s friends Haley and Nadine round out the next two installments, and I am certain you will not want to miss a minute of either one!
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
August 28, 2013
Quick Review:
Description:
Silence is her only protection Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist B. K. ("Brynn") Elliot chronicles Baltimore's grittier side with her lens—a talent cultivated from her years as a teenage runaway. A reclusive figure, Brynn lives under everyone's radar…until a photo from her past plunges her into the cross hairs of powerful enemies.
Detective Parker McCall has devoted fifteen years to trying to solve his brother's murder, and with the release of a photo implicating Brynn as a potential suspect, he feels close to finding justice. Determined to get answers, Parker must ignore the inexplicable attraction he feels for the haunted beauty in the photo. And Brynn must decide if Parker will protect her or betray her in his hunt for a killer
Quick Thoughts:
Good suspense, well written..fully dimensional characters. Emotions run all over in this book of street kids, police and dangerous powerful enemies. Great plot reels you in and keeps you there.
Type: Novel
Stars: 3.5
Series: Fatal
Recommend: Yes
t'irla
tirlastalk.blogspot.ca
Description:
Silence is her only protection Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist B. K. ("Brynn") Elliot chronicles Baltimore's grittier side with her lens—a talent cultivated from her years as a teenage runaway. A reclusive figure, Brynn lives under everyone's radar…until a photo from her past plunges her into the cross hairs of powerful enemies.
Detective Parker McCall has devoted fifteen years to trying to solve his brother's murder, and with the release of a photo implicating Brynn as a potential suspect, he feels close to finding justice. Determined to get answers, Parker must ignore the inexplicable attraction he feels for the haunted beauty in the photo. And Brynn must decide if Parker will protect her or betray her in his hunt for a killer
Quick Thoughts:
Good suspense, well written..fully dimensional characters. Emotions run all over in this book of street kids, police and dangerous powerful enemies. Great plot reels you in and keeps you there.
Type: Novel
Stars: 3.5
Series: Fatal
Recommend: Yes
t'irla
tirlastalk.blogspot.ca
November 22, 2015
Fatal Exposure is a fast paced book about a women who's been hiding since she was a teenager, and now she's finally found by the wrong people. However, she may have also been found by someone "right" like Parker. Even though Parker is a cop Brynn wants to try to trust him so she can help save young girls, and so she can let him know what happened to his brother.
Parker just wants justice for what happened to his brother. He thinks Brynn may have killed him or witnessed the murder but she ran away from it. Now he is determined to find the answers. Even if finding out the truth may bring a whole lot more to light then just his brothers murder.
This book has romance, lots of action, and lots of questions that need answers. I really enjoyed this book. It was an extremely riveting read. It had me constantly wondering who did what, and to whom. I highly recommend this book, and I can not wait to read morein this series.
Parker just wants justice for what happened to his brother. He thinks Brynn may have killed him or witnessed the murder but she ran away from it. Now he is determined to find the answers. Even if finding out the truth may bring a whole lot more to light then just his brothers murder.
This book has romance, lots of action, and lots of questions that need answers. I really enjoyed this book. It was an extremely riveting read. It had me constantly wondering who did what, and to whom. I highly recommend this book, and I can not wait to read morein this series.
Read
December 29, 2014"A fresh, intriguing plot, building suspense and strong sexual tension between Parker and Brynn makes this a stellar read." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars
Miniseries: Buried Secrets
Category: Suspense
Miniseries: Buried Secrets
Category: Suspense
July 20, 2013
This book had be hooked! I couldn't wait to figure out who was behind everything that was happening. Its also a reminder that there are still good guys out there. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
March 16, 2013
A fun, quick read. I just liked it.
May 6, 2013
Exciting plot line. I enjoyed the twist at the end.
July 13, 2013
Romance Junkies book club
November 6, 2014
Fast Exposure surprised me and in a good way too. Despite the narrative fizzling out a little towards the end, losing the poetic quality that I loved in the beginning, the story was generally fast-paced, smoothly written and handled, full of whodunnit mystery and well-fleshed out characters that I grew to like immensely.
Read
July 25, 2013review coming soon
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews