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Framed
In New York City, artist Jan Seagal is riding high on her latest success when she’s attacked by a crooked vice cop. She manages to escape in a blast of violence, but he frames her on a fabricated drug charge. Now a wanted felon, she changes her name and runs for her life.In small-town Ohio, five years later, police officer Shelly O’Brien is forced to kill a young gunman in a mass shooting at a mall. Emotionally devastated and gun-shy, she takes a leave of absence to live with her spunky Aunt Charlotte on a lake in North Carolina.When Shelly takes a summer job as a custom picture framer with Jan, who now owns a struggling art gallery, their attraction is sudden and passionate. As Jan tries to hide her past life from Shelly, the danger escalates. Neither woman realizes that Jan’s attacker has tracked her down and has arrived in North Carolina to get his revenge.Entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and violence, will Jan trust enough and will Shelly get her mojo back in time to save them all?Trigger The following book contains sensitive content that may be distressing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
316 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2023
About the author
Kate Merrill
21 books7 followersKate Merrill is an art gallery owner and real estate broker with a lifelong passion for writing. She lives with her family on a lake in North Carolina. When she is not writing, working with the art community, or selling real estate, she enjoys swimming, boating, and allowing her two strong-headed Golden Retrievers to take her for a walk.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 24, 2024
Quite the adventure!
Following being attacked by a fanatic cop, artist Jan Seagal has escaped and is living out a life with secrets of her past lurking. When Shelly, a police officer who has been forced to kill a young guy who was involved in a mass shooting, takes time out and spends time with her aunt, where she ends up meeting Jan and working in her gallery, but when an incident leads to Jan having to be honest about her past, danger lurks for them both.
This was a very intense, emotional romance with some darker themes laced throughout. I loved how Jan and Shelly were each working through their own demons yet found comfort in one another, and support to face the challenges awaiting them. Instantly they had a connection through their shared interests, but it was completely understandable why they both on edge. Kate handles the traumatic situations both Jan and Shelly found themselves in with sensitivity and care, and they really provided understanding with the bigger picture surrounding their romance.
It was a very fast paced story, with a lot happening to keep Jan and Shelly on their toes. Even though, Shelly was contemplating her future as a cop, there were hints and reminders everywhere that it was in her blood and that she was good at it. When things took an unexpected and dramatic turn, I was on the edge of my seat just hoping they’d be happiness in their future, because after years of looking over her shoulder and worried sick someone would discover the truth, Jan really deserved it.
A lovely story about how finding unexpected love and support can help you overcome any past demons.
Following being attacked by a fanatic cop, artist Jan Seagal has escaped and is living out a life with secrets of her past lurking. When Shelly, a police officer who has been forced to kill a young guy who was involved in a mass shooting, takes time out and spends time with her aunt, where she ends up meeting Jan and working in her gallery, but when an incident leads to Jan having to be honest about her past, danger lurks for them both.
This was a very intense, emotional romance with some darker themes laced throughout. I loved how Jan and Shelly were each working through their own demons yet found comfort in one another, and support to face the challenges awaiting them. Instantly they had a connection through their shared interests, but it was completely understandable why they both on edge. Kate handles the traumatic situations both Jan and Shelly found themselves in with sensitivity and care, and they really provided understanding with the bigger picture surrounding their romance.
It was a very fast paced story, with a lot happening to keep Jan and Shelly on their toes. Even though, Shelly was contemplating her future as a cop, there were hints and reminders everywhere that it was in her blood and that she was good at it. When things took an unexpected and dramatic turn, I was on the edge of my seat just hoping they’d be happiness in their future, because after years of looking over her shoulder and worried sick someone would discover the truth, Jan really deserved it.
A lovely story about how finding unexpected love and support can help you overcome any past demons.
December 11, 2023
One can not know another’s love, struggles, or pain until they walk in their shoes.
Framed has more than one meaning. After reading the synopsis you may believe you know why the title matches the storyline. Ms Merrill has expertly crafted the storyline and characters to not give away the ending. After all, what does an art class model, artist, nurse, drug addict, police officers from different cities have in common… enough to keep a reader reading!
Framed has more than one meaning. After reading the synopsis you may believe you know why the title matches the storyline. Ms Merrill has expertly crafted the storyline and characters to not give away the ending. After all, what does an art class model, artist, nurse, drug addict, police officers from different cities have in common… enough to keep a reader reading!
March 14, 2026
I liked the realistic characters as they encounter difficulties and decide how to react to them. I also enjoy books set in North Carolina. (Yes, yes, leave New York City and settle in to a slower and more peaceful way of life!)
As a fellow author (Not Hers to Possess) I enjoyed watching how this author thought to put in sights and sounds that help make a book come alive.
As a fellow author (Not Hers to Possess) I enjoyed watching how this author thought to put in sights and sounds that help make a book come alive.
April 28, 2025
3.5
this book is split into three parts but the parts don’t really make any sense. they would work better if each part focussed on a specific overarching storyline but they didn’t meaning the end felt incredibly rushed and there’s a disappointing closure.
this book is split into three parts but the parts don’t really make any sense. they would work better if each part focussed on a specific overarching storyline but they didn’t meaning the end felt incredibly rushed and there’s a disappointing closure.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews