Internal Affairs

by Alana Matthews

When the call came in over the radio, Sheriff's Deputy Rafe Franco thought he would be responding to a typical domestic dispute. But he didn't know that the perp was St. Louis's most notorious mobster-or that the victim was his college sweetheart, Lisa Tobin.Now, as Rafe is drawn into a web of crime and danger, he discovers that his feelings for Lisa are stronger than ever. And her three-year-old daughter, Chloe, is melting his heart in ways he'd never imagined possible. But Lisa's ex is a powerful sociopath who will stop at nothing to get her back-or destroy her. As Rafe's instincts as a man battle with his duty as a cop, he'll do anything to ensure their survival…and their future as a family.

Genres: Harlequin, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Fiction

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Alana Matthews can't remember a time when she didn't want to be a writer. As a child, she was a permanent fixture in her local library, and soon turned her passion for books into writing short stories and finally novels.

Alana makes her home in a small town near the coast in California, where she spends her time writing, composing and playing music, and watching her favorite movies.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I liked both Rafe and Lisa. Lisa hadn't known what her husband was really like when she married him, but when it became obvious what a monster he was she divorced him. Unfortunately, He is obsessed with her and attacks her in her own home. Rafe is the responding officer and is thrilled to be reunited with her, but not so happy when he finds out who her ex is. When he takes it upon himself to warn Oliver to stay away from Lisa, he becomes a target. Lisa knows immediately that she still loves Rafe, and feels guilty for not telling him about their daughter. I did like the fact that she didn't put it off too long even though she was worried about his reaction. I also liked the way that she had the courage to stand up for herself against her ex. I liked the way that Rafe took to Chloe right away, even before he knew she was his. I also really liked his protective instincts. Unfortunately he had a bad habit of acting before really thinking things through which got him in some hot water. I liked the way the whole family pulled together and hope to see more of them in future books. I also loved Rafe's grandmother - she was fun.

[Paula Legate · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Lisa and her college sweetheart parted ways, Lisa married Sloan. After a while Lisa found out Sloan was a dirty real-estate agent, and later found out he was in to organized crime. Slone almost choked her one night, and the police was called. That is when Lisa was reunited with her college sweetheart. The story was good.

If you or your loved ones have worked in law enforcement, there are a few places you will cringe. I know I did. There were a lot of mistakes made from people that were supposed to be police. I just had to keep saying to myself it was a fictional book. So with that being said, I am having a hard time rating this book.

[Tricia Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not only is this is my first Alana Matthews book, but this is also my first Harlequin Intrigue book. I have been very tentative to read a book from this 'genre' but I am glad I finally did. I definitely plan to read more of both Alana Matthews and this 'genre'.

The plotline is surprisingly unique and well written. I even enjoyed getting the "bad guy's" thoughts and point of view - it really helped you despise him even more.

Given that this is what most of us consider a "beach read" or a "quick read", there isn't much I would change/add. I can really only think of one thing... I feel like the ending was too quick. Most of the book spends building the relationship between the two main characters, which is abruptly brought to a conclusion. With all that development I was expecting to the ending to match.

[Debbie Heaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Matthews’ romantic suspense novel, Sheriff’s Deputy Rafe Franco responds to a domestic violence call only to find the love of his life is now married to the mob and currently being subjected to abuse from her ex-husband. The secret Lisa Tobin has kept for three years—her daughter Chloe is Rafe’s daughter.

Drawn into a web of danger, Lisa and Rafe discover their feelings remain but to pursue them, they must battle an evil that survives by infiltration throughout the justice system.

[Misha Crews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice quick read, semi-sweet (one sex scene). Lots of action and well-drawn family elements.

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4

[Cherry-Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

A read for a slow boring day.

[Gretchen Fatouros · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, fast-paced work with a good amount of action.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Second Chance Romantic Suspense. I listened to the audiobook for this book. I found this book to be an easy and quick read, but I really enjoyed the story. There are parts I just did not find to be believable, and there was a little bit too much drama for me.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐. Better than anticipated

[Harlequin Books]

Category: Suspense