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Dark Secrets #1
Not My Daughter
Please note this book was previously published as Never Coming Home
The worst thing any mother can endure. Now, a glimmer of hope — but what if it’s a cruel trick?
Six months ago Kaz’s beautiful four-year-old daughter Jamie was killed in a car accident while visiting her father in the US.
The worst thing imaginable.
Then a handsome stranger turns up on Kaz’s doorstep. He says he held her little girl in his arms as she died.
But when he sees a picture of Jamie, he’s stunned. ‘That wasn’t the little girl in the crash.’
Finally there is hope. But will anyone believe a grieving mother except for this mysterious stranger who may have his own agenda?
Winner of the RNA’s Joan Hessayon Award.
The worst thing any mother can endure. Now, a glimmer of hope — but what if it’s a cruel trick?
Six months ago Kaz’s beautiful four-year-old daughter Jamie was killed in a car accident while visiting her father in the US.
The worst thing imaginable.
Then a handsome stranger turns up on Kaz’s doorstep. He says he held her little girl in his arms as she died.
But when he sees a picture of Jamie, he’s stunned. ‘That wasn’t the little girl in the crash.’
Finally there is hope. But will anyone believe a grieving mother except for this mysterious stranger who may have his own agenda?
Winner of the RNA’s Joan Hessayon Award.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2012
717 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Evonne Wareham
11 books45 followersEvonne Wareham writes romantic suspense set in her native Wales and in favourite holiday destinations in Europe. She lives on the South Wales coast, where she walks on the beach, watches the rain and procrastinates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 26, 2018
Kaz Elmore was devastated at the news that her five-year-old daughter, Jamie, was killed in a car wreck while visiting her father in the United States. Kaz's ex-husband identified the body. Six months later, a security consultant named Devlin arrived on her doorstep. Devlin explained that he had arrived shortly after the terrible accident and had held Kaz's daughter while she died. But when he spies a picture of Jamie, he realizes that the little girl who died in his arms was not Kaz's daughter. Is Jamie still alive? Now Kaz has hope that she will someday find her daughter alive.
This book started out with a bang when Kaz and Devlin both realize that it wasn't Jamie who died in the accident. Now the questions are where is Jamie, and who was the young girl who died? I guessed what had happened to Jamie early in the book and I was right. The story was interesting right up to the last 40 pages. That was when I thought the actions Kaz just became too absurd. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I will stop there. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This book started out with a bang when Kaz and Devlin both realize that it wasn't Jamie who died in the accident. Now the questions are where is Jamie, and who was the young girl who died? I guessed what had happened to Jamie early in the book and I was right. The story was interesting right up to the last 40 pages. That was when I thought the actions Kaz just became too absurd. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I will stop there. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
February 3, 2019
Never Coming Home is about revenge, jealousy and greed. Devlin was driving home after a job ended in disaster, he came across a road accident, and a young girl died in his arms. After six months Devlin still could not let it go and decided to go and visit the mother of the young girl. However, this decision brought back bad memories for Devlin and changed is life and people around him forever. The readers of Never Coming Home will follow the twist and turns to see what happens to Devlin.
Never Coming Home is fantastic debut novel and I enjoyed reading it. I like Evonne Wareham writing style, so I will differently read more of Evonne Wareham books. Never Coming Home was well written and researched by Evonne Wareham and she did a fantastic job to ensure that I felt involved with the plot of Never Coming Home. I love the way, Evonne Wareham portrays her characters and intertwine them all the characters together throughout Never Coming Home.
The readers of Never Coming Home will start to understand the problems that families and parents have when a child dies or goes missing. Also, the readers of Never Coming Home will learn about the issues and consequences of jealousy and revenge on everyone involved.
I recommend this book
Never Coming Home is fantastic debut novel and I enjoyed reading it. I like Evonne Wareham writing style, so I will differently read more of Evonne Wareham books. Never Coming Home was well written and researched by Evonne Wareham and she did a fantastic job to ensure that I felt involved with the plot of Never Coming Home. I love the way, Evonne Wareham portrays her characters and intertwine them all the characters together throughout Never Coming Home.
The readers of Never Coming Home will start to understand the problems that families and parents have when a child dies or goes missing. Also, the readers of Never Coming Home will learn about the issues and consequences of jealousy and revenge on everyone involved.
I recommend this book
July 22, 2012
I read this as one of my book club's choices, as this is not something I would normally have picked up, however that is the very point of joining a book club! We initially chose it as a crime thriller which it is, to an extent, but I do agree with the reviews on here that it is probably just as comfortable in the romance section.
As a crime thriller it's an enjoyable enough romp: plenty of action and intrigue from the off with many a twist along the way. Every time you think we have reached the climax of the story, there is another blindsider to throw the reader off course. The key protagonist, Devlin, has an unspecified background in dark and dangerous goings on, which ups the ante of the journey. Throw in mistaken identities, a couple of psychopaths and the obligatory location changes which take us to the relatively unchallenging streets of Italy and the USA and you have a recipe for a good old fashioned 'how's it all going to work out?' style plot.
However, as the we get drawn deeper into the story and the threads continue to unravel, one can't help but begin to feel that this is all a bit TOO fantastical while at the same time, not really giving enough meat to its bones. To give an example: there are references to a character named only as 'Luce' peppered throughout the earlier chapters but even when he is brought into the main action, it is never clear who he is or what his motivation is. Similarly, other secondary characters such as Kaz's ex-husband do not really flesh out in any satisfying conclusion. The actual climax of the story, where we finally learn the truth behind the rollercoaster plot, had something of a 'Scooby Doo ending' feel to it. There is a rather unbelievable account of the reason for the masterplan, and the reader is left feeling that it was all wrapped up just a bit too neatly.
Moving on to the romance side of the novel, this is where I really struggled. Admittedly, I actively avoid most modern literature in this category, although I am not immune to a good love story within an over-arching plot. Unfortunately it felt as though the relationship between Devlin and Kaz detracted too much from the drive of the storyline. For a recently bereaved mother meeting a stranger who rakes up the most painful event of her life, she appeared to easily dismiss her grief in favour of fantasising about Devlin! Furthermore, the speed with which the two characters got it on eradicated any sexual tension that could have been mentioned, despite the author's avid attempts to create it. There is only so much one can take of 'Christ he was getting hard just thinking about it.' Yes, you fancy each other, we get it! Can we just get on with the story please?
It is fair to say that Devlin's character develops at a sound pace and we can clearly see how his character arc transforms. Kaz is slightly more ambiguous and other than physical attraction, is is not always apparent what the draw is for Devlin. Additionally, Kaz's response to some of Devlin's behaviour in their relationship is nothing short of masochistic. It's a kind of 'fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me' scenario. Again (and I don't think this will spoil the book for people) it all seems to wrap up a bit too neatly in the end.
Perhaps this is merely confirmation that this genre isn't for me - I like a bit more realism with my romantic heroes! - and as a poolside book for your holidays it would certainly spice up the sangria. For the grittier crime thriller fan, I would steer you back towards Ian Rankin!
As a crime thriller it's an enjoyable enough romp: plenty of action and intrigue from the off with many a twist along the way. Every time you think we have reached the climax of the story, there is another blindsider to throw the reader off course. The key protagonist, Devlin, has an unspecified background in dark and dangerous goings on, which ups the ante of the journey. Throw in mistaken identities, a couple of psychopaths and the obligatory location changes which take us to the relatively unchallenging streets of Italy and the USA and you have a recipe for a good old fashioned 'how's it all going to work out?' style plot.
However, as the we get drawn deeper into the story and the threads continue to unravel, one can't help but begin to feel that this is all a bit TOO fantastical while at the same time, not really giving enough meat to its bones. To give an example: there are references to a character named only as 'Luce' peppered throughout the earlier chapters but even when he is brought into the main action, it is never clear who he is or what his motivation is. Similarly, other secondary characters such as Kaz's ex-husband do not really flesh out in any satisfying conclusion. The actual climax of the story, where we finally learn the truth behind the rollercoaster plot, had something of a 'Scooby Doo ending' feel to it. There is a rather unbelievable account of the reason for the masterplan, and the reader is left feeling that it was all wrapped up just a bit too neatly.
Moving on to the romance side of the novel, this is where I really struggled. Admittedly, I actively avoid most modern literature in this category, although I am not immune to a good love story within an over-arching plot. Unfortunately it felt as though the relationship between Devlin and Kaz detracted too much from the drive of the storyline. For a recently bereaved mother meeting a stranger who rakes up the most painful event of her life, she appeared to easily dismiss her grief in favour of fantasising about Devlin! Furthermore, the speed with which the two characters got it on eradicated any sexual tension that could have been mentioned, despite the author's avid attempts to create it. There is only so much one can take of 'Christ he was getting hard just thinking about it.' Yes, you fancy each other, we get it! Can we just get on with the story please?
It is fair to say that Devlin's character develops at a sound pace and we can clearly see how his character arc transforms. Kaz is slightly more ambiguous and other than physical attraction, is is not always apparent what the draw is for Devlin. Additionally, Kaz's response to some of Devlin's behaviour in their relationship is nothing short of masochistic. It's a kind of 'fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me' scenario. Again (and I don't think this will spoil the book for people) it all seems to wrap up a bit too neatly in the end.
Perhaps this is merely confirmation that this genre isn't for me - I like a bit more realism with my romantic heroes! - and as a poolside book for your holidays it would certainly spice up the sangria. For the grittier crime thriller fan, I would steer you back towards Ian Rankin!
August 24, 2013
Kaz Elmore has lost her five year old daughter in a car crash. She's still struggling to accept that she will never see Jamie again when a witness reveals to her that the child in the car may not have been her daughter. Security consultant Devlin saw the accident and has his suspicions about what really happened.
As the police won't investigate further, Devlin and Kaz take on the job themselves. The search leads them into danger, not only because of what happened to Jamie, but also because of a threat from Devlin's shadowy past.
I enjoyed this romantic thriller even though I guessed various plot developments pretty early. It is well-paced, the characters are engaging and the ending is suitably dramatic. If you like your thrillers with a generous dose of romance, you should enjoy Never Coming Home.
As the police won't investigate further, Devlin and Kaz take on the job themselves. The search leads them into danger, not only because of what happened to Jamie, but also because of a threat from Devlin's shadowy past.
I enjoyed this romantic thriller even though I guessed various plot developments pretty early. It is well-paced, the characters are engaging and the ending is suitably dramatic. If you like your thrillers with a generous dose of romance, you should enjoy Never Coming Home.
September 18, 2012
This book was just okay. I liked the mystery part of it, but did not like the heroine. Kaz thinks her daughter has died in a car crash until Devlin arrives and tells her that he thinks it was another child who died. Her reaction, to me, is strange. I would be over the moon and thinking of nothing else but finding out the truth. Kaz's reaction was to think how hot Devlin is, and how mysterious and blah blah blah. They set out to find the little girl, and that's where the mystery comes in, which to be fair, was pretty good. I just think that there was little attention paid to Kaz's thoughts about her daughter, when that was all I would have been thinking of. Maybe the author is not a mother and does not understand a mother's heart?
March 9, 2012
My original review was posted at: http://www.booksbiscuitsandtea.com/20...
Do you know that feeling when even though you have to go to school or work in the morning, you still stay up until 2 a.m in order to finish a book? Now, that's what happens when you find something fantastic. And that's how it was with Never Coming Home. When I picked it up, I expected to read a romance or maybe a family drama. But boy, was I wrong. What I thought would be a family saga with a bit of suspense and with some romance on top turned out to be a gripping romantic thriller. It just blew me away.
Evonne Wareham's masterpiece was thoroughly gripping and full of suspense from the very first page. You literally cannot guess what's going to happen next which makes Wareham's book even more brilliant. To make it even better, it was quite easy to connect to to the characters. I wasn't really keen on Kaz if I'm completely honest, but Devlin and Kaz's mother's characters definitely make up for this. It was interesting to see that even though they're both grown ups, Kaz still behaved like an angry and rebellious child at times and her mother was the one who made sense of everything and tried to calm her down or make her think logically.
As for Devlin, I think he was the most interesting character in the story and definitely my favourite one. Apart from the fact that he's good looking, there's something about him that makes you love him even more. What I liked the most was that we don't know much about his past and he's full of secrets. We know nothing about his family or his life in general and it's as if he himself doesn't want to remember either. He built up a cold and confident exterior but at the same time, you can't help feeling that there's something in there, deep down, a vulnerable side to him that he tries to control. I'm always drawn to these types of characters so naturally, Devlin was a first-class addition to the novel.
I could go on and on about how sensational Never Coming Home was but I think you'll believe me if I say it's a must read. I've ready a lot of mysteries in my life but Evonne Wareham takes suspense to a whole new level. It's shocking, it's dark, but at the same time quite hopeful and optimistic - you'll love it.
Do you know that feeling when even though you have to go to school or work in the morning, you still stay up until 2 a.m in order to finish a book? Now, that's what happens when you find something fantastic. And that's how it was with Never Coming Home. When I picked it up, I expected to read a romance or maybe a family drama. But boy, was I wrong. What I thought would be a family saga with a bit of suspense and with some romance on top turned out to be a gripping romantic thriller. It just blew me away.
Evonne Wareham's masterpiece was thoroughly gripping and full of suspense from the very first page. You literally cannot guess what's going to happen next which makes Wareham's book even more brilliant. To make it even better, it was quite easy to connect to to the characters. I wasn't really keen on Kaz if I'm completely honest, but Devlin and Kaz's mother's characters definitely make up for this. It was interesting to see that even though they're both grown ups, Kaz still behaved like an angry and rebellious child at times and her mother was the one who made sense of everything and tried to calm her down or make her think logically.
As for Devlin, I think he was the most interesting character in the story and definitely my favourite one. Apart from the fact that he's good looking, there's something about him that makes you love him even more. What I liked the most was that we don't know much about his past and he's full of secrets. We know nothing about his family or his life in general and it's as if he himself doesn't want to remember either. He built up a cold and confident exterior but at the same time, you can't help feeling that there's something in there, deep down, a vulnerable side to him that he tries to control. I'm always drawn to these types of characters so naturally, Devlin was a first-class addition to the novel.
I could go on and on about how sensational Never Coming Home was but I think you'll believe me if I say it's a must read. I've ready a lot of mysteries in my life but Evonne Wareham takes suspense to a whole new level. It's shocking, it's dark, but at the same time quite hopeful and optimistic - you'll love it.
April 9, 2018
This was a terrific story but was let down by some unforgiveable errors that passed the editing and proofreading process ! And I'm no professional but if I spotted them, then someone else should have before this was published.
I really liked her characters and her story pacing.....I had sweaty hands as we approached the end myself !! It annoys me so much when an author does such a great job and then the presentation lets it down. She did go a little overboard with the constant sex-on-the-brain from both parties, too. Considering the tragic background to their meeting, I felt they could have restrained themselves now and then !!
Damned is not spelt dammed, hanger shouldn't be written as hangar nor wring as ring, bar tender is usually one word and so is mind set. Boy's Own should have been capitalised, also.
There were a LOT of missed commas, fullstops and apostrophe mistakes as well. "As husband's go" doesn't need one at all, either !! Many words were missed from sentences-"They sat for moment" or "where kept his cigarettes" or "she added after second".....this type of thing should smack an editor in the face !! However, the truly unforgiveable mistakes for me are when a character's name gets altered, and it happened twice that I noticed here. She suddenly changed Suzanne to Susanne !!! This alone easily cost it one star in this review.....it's just sloppy.
I'd never heard the expression 'sending cat's paws shimmering' and Googled it but the only hit was from this book !! Hehehe......
I'll try another from this author but I have to say I'm not rushing, which is a pity......presentation matters, though, to this reader.
I really liked her characters and her story pacing.....I had sweaty hands as we approached the end myself !! It annoys me so much when an author does such a great job and then the presentation lets it down. She did go a little overboard with the constant sex-on-the-brain from both parties, too. Considering the tragic background to their meeting, I felt they could have restrained themselves now and then !!
Damned is not spelt dammed, hanger shouldn't be written as hangar nor wring as ring, bar tender is usually one word and so is mind set. Boy's Own should have been capitalised, also.
There were a LOT of missed commas, fullstops and apostrophe mistakes as well. "As husband's go" doesn't need one at all, either !! Many words were missed from sentences-"They sat for moment" or "where kept his cigarettes" or "she added after second".....this type of thing should smack an editor in the face !! However, the truly unforgiveable mistakes for me are when a character's name gets altered, and it happened twice that I noticed here. She suddenly changed Suzanne to Susanne !!! This alone easily cost it one star in this review.....it's just sloppy.
I'd never heard the expression 'sending cat's paws shimmering' and Googled it but the only hit was from this book !! Hehehe......
I'll try another from this author but I have to say I'm not rushing, which is a pity......presentation matters, though, to this reader.
November 2, 2012
A quick read. The mystery surrounding Kaz's daughter was well handled though I worked out early in the piece who was behind events. The romance between Devlin and Kaz I found annoying at times.If it was my child,nothing would have distracted me from finding out the truth ASAP. As someone else commented maybe the author is not a mother as some of the reactions didn't ring true. And the ending was a little too convenient.
But maybe it's just not my cup of tea. Having said that, despite my objections I finished the book and I'm not known for finishing books that don't engage me in some way so that shows it is readable.
But maybe it's just not my cup of tea. Having said that, despite my objections I finished the book and I'm not known for finishing books that don't engage me in some way so that shows it is readable.
April 15, 2024
What did I just read?
*SPOILERS*
This book was ALL over the place…. Nothing made sense & nothing was realistic.
The main character was more worried about having hot sex with Devlin than finding her own kid? She showed barely any emotion when she did find her. She was more upset about her father “never loving her” than she was about her own kids death.
I think the author wanted this to be a hot sexy read, but there was barely even any description of their sex.
I was SO excited to read this & I see what the author wanted to do, but it failed miserably.
*SPOILERS*
This book was ALL over the place…. Nothing made sense & nothing was realistic.
The main character was more worried about having hot sex with Devlin than finding her own kid? She showed barely any emotion when she did find her. She was more upset about her father “never loving her” than she was about her own kids death.
I think the author wanted this to be a hot sexy read, but there was barely even any description of their sex.
I was SO excited to read this & I see what the author wanted to do, but it failed miserably.
December 27, 2024
I think this is the best book I’ve read so far!
January 29, 2012
I am always very excited to review a new book from Publishers Choc Lit. Their books are fast paced, gorgeous strong women and to die for Heroes, but this book is completely different to the others I have read. You still get the fantastic page turning story but gone are the polite ladies and romantic adventures. Evonne has written what I can only described as a suspense novel that you really don’t know where it will lead you until the final chapters.
Yes, there is romance/connection between the Kaz (Heroine) and Devlin (Hero) and I’ll be honest, I was concerned that the attraction arrived too early. I put myself in Kaz’s place being a single Mum of a daughter, I imagined what I would be feeling if I’d just been told my whole had been turned upside down again. I wasn’t sure I’d react the same way and even notice how attractive Devlin was so early one, however, Evonne has such a strong plot through out. The mystery and drama of what is happening and where the story leads you to is brilliant and somehow the connections became totally appropriate me.
Very well written with a slight American feel to the writing. This is not a light-hearted novel by any means, there is some strong language which seemed to fit the situations, violence and sometime graphic descriptions of incidents. Also very pleased that Cardiff is mentioned (living in Wales, always makes me smile) even if it is only brief!!
I love the fact Choc Lit has spread its net and caught a new and exciting Author like Evonne Wareham to add to their already superb collection! A wonderful story and an author that I think shows excellent potential. I certainly will be reading her second novel, Out of Sight, Out of Mind which will be published in 2013.
Thank you Choc Lit UK for sending me an advanced copy of this fabulous book. I wish Evonne lots of success with it!
You can follow Evonne and Choc Lit on twitter @evonnewareham @choclituk
Yes, there is romance/connection between the Kaz (Heroine) and Devlin (Hero) and I’ll be honest, I was concerned that the attraction arrived too early. I put myself in Kaz’s place being a single Mum of a daughter, I imagined what I would be feeling if I’d just been told my whole had been turned upside down again. I wasn’t sure I’d react the same way and even notice how attractive Devlin was so early one, however, Evonne has such a strong plot through out. The mystery and drama of what is happening and where the story leads you to is brilliant and somehow the connections became totally appropriate me.
Very well written with a slight American feel to the writing. This is not a light-hearted novel by any means, there is some strong language which seemed to fit the situations, violence and sometime graphic descriptions of incidents. Also very pleased that Cardiff is mentioned (living in Wales, always makes me smile) even if it is only brief!!
I love the fact Choc Lit has spread its net and caught a new and exciting Author like Evonne Wareham to add to their already superb collection! A wonderful story and an author that I think shows excellent potential. I certainly will be reading her second novel, Out of Sight, Out of Mind which will be published in 2013.
Thank you Choc Lit UK for sending me an advanced copy of this fabulous book. I wish Evonne lots of success with it!
You can follow Evonne and Choc Lit on twitter @evonnewareham @choclituk
September 3, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
If, like me, you’re a fan of romantic suspense and had trouble finding a good one lately, I can highly recommend Never Coming Home. Sometimes it’s hard finding one with the right balance of romance and mystery but this story hits the mark there too.
Ms. Wareham did a wonderful job pulling me into the story from page one. Each chapter seemed to have a surprise that had me turning the page and wondering what would happen next.
The characters were all great and not just Devlin and Kaz. I also give high marks to the dialogue and pacing. Although this book was over three hundred pages long, it felt like it sailed along. I think that had lots to do with the suspense and the ‘I can’t put this down’ quality to it.
One thing I like in suspense stories is a plot that gets me thinking about possible suspects and scenarios and if I’m right about my conclusion. This book did exactly that.
I’ll be looking out for more of the author’s books. I hope her next one is also a romantic suspense because she obviously has a good sense of what readers love about this sub-genre.
If you love romance, suspense and looking for a good novel to curl up with this fall, Never Coming Home is one you’ll want to add to your to read list.
If, like me, you’re a fan of romantic suspense and had trouble finding a good one lately, I can highly recommend Never Coming Home. Sometimes it’s hard finding one with the right balance of romance and mystery but this story hits the mark there too.
Ms. Wareham did a wonderful job pulling me into the story from page one. Each chapter seemed to have a surprise that had me turning the page and wondering what would happen next.
The characters were all great and not just Devlin and Kaz. I also give high marks to the dialogue and pacing. Although this book was over three hundred pages long, it felt like it sailed along. I think that had lots to do with the suspense and the ‘I can’t put this down’ quality to it.
One thing I like in suspense stories is a plot that gets me thinking about possible suspects and scenarios and if I’m right about my conclusion. This book did exactly that.
I’ll be looking out for more of the author’s books. I hope her next one is also a romantic suspense because she obviously has a good sense of what readers love about this sub-genre.
If you love romance, suspense and looking for a good novel to curl up with this fall, Never Coming Home is one you’ll want to add to your to read list.
May 8, 2024
I felt it was weird how only just 6 months after her daughter disappearing and some “detective” standing on her door step she ended up in bed with him. Her daughter is missing and all she can thing about is his shoulders.
Devlin witnesses a car crash and holds a little little girl as she passes away. 6 months later he feels the duty to find the mother and tell her he was there for her daughter, Jamie, as she passes and was at peace etc but then notices the girl in the picture is not the girl he held. The mother, Kaz has a father who is big in the art world, and she married Jeff, who had double intention of marrying Kaz to get close to her father, Olivier. Jeff, Kaz’s ex husband, says he was with Jamie when she died, he identified the body and it was her. Jeff took life insurance out on Jamie for 1 million.
She insists on tagging along whilst Devlin finds information on this little girl, called Sally Ann. Her mum was addicted to drink and drugs and whilst her mum was drugged off her head, Sally Ann, decided to hitchhike to see her Grandmother. She somehow ended up in the car with Jeff’s new wife, Gemma who was driven off the road by one of Devlin’s old acquaintances called Luce.
They get a lead in Florence, Italy, and go there where they end up sleeping together, to find Jeff who knows they are looking for him by asking around to this waitress and her son. He asks Kaz to meet up alone, where he tells her to stop looking for him. Kaz and Devlin go to his house and find him dead by suicide along with the waitress and her son, both had been stabbed. Devlin, notices that they have been stabbed in a pattern that is familiar with Luce.
They go home back to England, Devlin disappears when Kaz is asked to go back to Italy because they have found a grave where the DNA is a 99.99% match with Kaz and is most likely her daughter, she take one of Jamie’s stuffed animals and leaves the police station to find Devlin waiting for her. They reconnect and rekindle their relationship.
Devlin has a past, I get the vibe he use to be like a hitman, so he has people called Monroe and Rossi, looking out for information for him, but they discover something, get scared and decide to abort the task of helping Devlin. They hand over documents of bank statements, mobile phone trackings and pictures of someone (I don’t know who is getting paid big bucks) . He then discovered Luce is behind the killing’s, including Uncle Phil (police officer executed by Luce because Jeff was in contact with him) and Luce has a chip on his shoulder. Devlin and Luce worked a mission with some young teenager that Luce brought in, there was a fire and Devlin decided to save Luce as he had more experience with their line of work over the young teenager and Luce never got over that.
At the same time, Devlin and Bobby “officially retired” and have a security business where Bobby is trying to get a high profile celebrity as a customer. Luce can’t find Devlin because he changed his name from Stuart to Devlin but Luce kidnaps Bobby and being Devlin out of the “hiding”. He kills Bobby to get Devlin’s attention, they have a fight and in the end Luce falls through a glass window where he ends up dying on train tracks. Kaz is called to pick Devlin up where has broke his left hand. She washes him and puts him to bed, goes to his hotel room where she finds the documents and goes home and Devlin/Stuart tells her everything.
In the end, it comes out her father hired a contracted killer to fake her daughter’s deaths so he could have a prodigy with him in the art world.
I think this book could have had great potential as more of a thriller without the romance. I think the romance over powered the need to find the daughter and I questioned Kaz as a mother. You don’t really see Kaz as a mother much, and I feel she doesn’t show much emotion to some of things they found out along their journey just when she can get her next org*asm.
I think I would enjoy this more as a thriller than a romance.
Devlin witnesses a car crash and holds a little little girl as she passes away. 6 months later he feels the duty to find the mother and tell her he was there for her daughter, Jamie, as she passes and was at peace etc but then notices the girl in the picture is not the girl he held. The mother, Kaz has a father who is big in the art world, and she married Jeff, who had double intention of marrying Kaz to get close to her father, Olivier. Jeff, Kaz’s ex husband, says he was with Jamie when she died, he identified the body and it was her. Jeff took life insurance out on Jamie for 1 million.
She insists on tagging along whilst Devlin finds information on this little girl, called Sally Ann. Her mum was addicted to drink and drugs and whilst her mum was drugged off her head, Sally Ann, decided to hitchhike to see her Grandmother. She somehow ended up in the car with Jeff’s new wife, Gemma who was driven off the road by one of Devlin’s old acquaintances called Luce.
They get a lead in Florence, Italy, and go there where they end up sleeping together, to find Jeff who knows they are looking for him by asking around to this waitress and her son. He asks Kaz to meet up alone, where he tells her to stop looking for him. Kaz and Devlin go to his house and find him dead by suicide along with the waitress and her son, both had been stabbed. Devlin, notices that they have been stabbed in a pattern that is familiar with Luce.
They go home back to England, Devlin disappears when Kaz is asked to go back to Italy because they have found a grave where the DNA is a 99.99% match with Kaz and is most likely her daughter, she take one of Jamie’s stuffed animals and leaves the police station to find Devlin waiting for her. They reconnect and rekindle their relationship.
Devlin has a past, I get the vibe he use to be like a hitman, so he has people called Monroe and Rossi, looking out for information for him, but they discover something, get scared and decide to abort the task of helping Devlin. They hand over documents of bank statements, mobile phone trackings and pictures of someone (I don’t know who is getting paid big bucks) . He then discovered Luce is behind the killing’s, including Uncle Phil (police officer executed by Luce because Jeff was in contact with him) and Luce has a chip on his shoulder. Devlin and Luce worked a mission with some young teenager that Luce brought in, there was a fire and Devlin decided to save Luce as he had more experience with their line of work over the young teenager and Luce never got over that.
At the same time, Devlin and Bobby “officially retired” and have a security business where Bobby is trying to get a high profile celebrity as a customer. Luce can’t find Devlin because he changed his name from Stuart to Devlin but Luce kidnaps Bobby and being Devlin out of the “hiding”. He kills Bobby to get Devlin’s attention, they have a fight and in the end Luce falls through a glass window where he ends up dying on train tracks. Kaz is called to pick Devlin up where has broke his left hand. She washes him and puts him to bed, goes to his hotel room where she finds the documents and goes home and Devlin/Stuart tells her everything.
In the end, it comes out her father hired a contracted killer to fake her daughter’s deaths so he could have a prodigy with him in the art world.
I think this book could have had great potential as more of a thriller without the romance. I think the romance over powered the need to find the daughter and I questioned Kaz as a mother. You don’t really see Kaz as a mother much, and I feel she doesn’t show much emotion to some of things they found out along their journey just when she can get her next org*asm.
I think I would enjoy this more as a thriller than a romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2024
more romance than thriller
Started of well and had great potential , could have been a really good book. However, the bulk of the story is mainly about the 2 main characters fancying each other and wanting to constantly get it on! This I found rather unbelievable, as the only thing on a mothers mind with a missing child would be finding that missing child , not how hot some guy is and if he’s going to take her to bed! I can’t say exactly what I mean without spoilers , but a few times in the book I got frustrated with the actions of Kaz , as her focus was definitely on her new relationship and not the information she had just been given or found out regarding her child. The main characters feelings towards each other were explained in great detail but we don’t hear much about the anguish a mother looking for her missing presumed deceased daughter would be feeling . I think this would be better in the romance section and not psychological thriller . The story became tedious and the are we gonna bed or not bits repetitive and I found myself skimming them to get the the end .
Started of well and had great potential , could have been a really good book. However, the bulk of the story is mainly about the 2 main characters fancying each other and wanting to constantly get it on! This I found rather unbelievable, as the only thing on a mothers mind with a missing child would be finding that missing child , not how hot some guy is and if he’s going to take her to bed! I can’t say exactly what I mean without spoilers , but a few times in the book I got frustrated with the actions of Kaz , as her focus was definitely on her new relationship and not the information she had just been given or found out regarding her child. The main characters feelings towards each other were explained in great detail but we don’t hear much about the anguish a mother looking for her missing presumed deceased daughter would be feeling . I think this would be better in the romance section and not psychological thriller . The story became tedious and the are we gonna bed or not bits repetitive and I found myself skimming them to get the the end .
August 2, 2020
Don't let the cover seduce you into believing this is just your average romance with a mystery thrown in. This book is expertly written, sexy without endless pages of romantically charged tension, and concludes with no loose ends on a HEA high. The characters speak and act like real people, they're intelligent, emotionally strong, and the bad guys/gals get their karma. Think Karen Robards does British romantic suspense.
March 2, 2024
A Sexy Thriller
Kaz learns that her daughter has died in a car accident. Devlin held the child in his arms before she died. How will these two characters meet and what future will they have?
There are a lot of twists and turns in this thriller. The sex is pretty steamy too! There are plenty of surprises along the way.
Kaz learns that her daughter has died in a car accident. Devlin held the child in his arms before she died. How will these two characters meet and what future will they have?
There are a lot of twists and turns in this thriller. The sex is pretty steamy too! There are plenty of surprises along the way.
January 22, 2025
This is the first book in The Dark Secrets series. Kaz Elmore’s daughter is killed in an accident whilst visiting her Father in the US. Some months later, a man who says he was at the roadside looking after Jamie as she died turns up on Kaz’s door, only it turns out the young girl he looked after was, in fact, not Jamie. So who did pass away that day - and where is Jamie?
May 24, 2017
OMG I loved this book! Straight away I was hooked and as soon as the bombshell was dropped, I couldn't put this book down. I was annoyed when I had to go to sleep and go to work!! Such a shame this hasn't had many goodreads reviews as it is an amazing book! Will definitely be recommending it.
March 26, 2018
Never coming home, is a great read, most of the story, is mostly on Kaz. her daughter Jamie is missing believe to be dead, till a young man arrives on her doorstep, to her he was there at the scene of the car crash, must not spoil the story so I will stop there, but it's a wonderful book to read,
April 30, 2024
2 1/2 stars. Passable story, that was totally ruined for me by all the romantic filler mush. Admittedly I don't like romances and thought I was getting a mystery, but pleeease I had to speed read so much to get to the point.
May 31, 2024
Enjoyed this read but I did guess “who done it” about a third of the way in. I felt there was a lot of repetition and could have been shorter. It did keep my attention though and I found the story line different from anything I’ve read.
July 9, 2024
Wow! This book took me by surprise. At first I wasn’t sure I’d continue reading it but then I got hooked in.
The story was great. The plot unique in a world where you often see similarities. The two main characters had great chemistry and there was a lot of sex!
The story was great. The plot unique in a world where you often see similarities. The two main characters had great chemistry and there was a lot of sex!
August 6, 2024
Interesting story, which flowed quite well. I got that he lusted after her but I ended up skipping the several pages devoted to their feelings and urges! And tried to get back to the plot which was much more engaging albeit fantastical and unrealistic.
April 10, 2025
Good Story
Good story, fantastic plot, just very drawn out. Definitely a worthy read; however I did skim pages due to how unnecessary the long chapters were. Some definite good twist and turns. The love story portion was good too but it could’ve happened sooner.
Good story, fantastic plot, just very drawn out. Definitely a worthy read; however I did skim pages due to how unnecessary the long chapters were. Some definite good twist and turns. The love story portion was good too but it could’ve happened sooner.
August 21, 2018
Kept me on the edge of my seat. A good page turner.
March 15, 2019
Great story with lots of twists and turns
June 21, 2019
You think your daughter is dead, killed in a car crash, then an American turns up, and everything turns on its head. Loved it. Would recommend
April 26, 2021
Another book I could not put down. I'll need to stop reading to catch up on my household chores that are piling up!
March 7, 2024
Plot seemed
too complicated but it all started to come together. The climatic scenario was well thought out. I enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to reading the author again!
too complicated but it all started to come together. The climatic scenario was well thought out. I enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to reading the author again!
March 11, 2024
Brilliant!
I absolutely loved this book. So many layers. I Can not wait to read others from Evonne Wareham.
THANK YOU❤️
I absolutely loved this book. So many layers. I Can not wait to read others from Evonne Wareham.
THANK YOU❤️
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