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Don't Call Me Hero #4
One Little Secret
Most stories have a beginning, middle, and end. But when you work in the Cold Case division, you come to the realization that not every story has a tidy conclusion and not every story starts at the beginning. One little question. Cold Case Detective Cassidy Miller is beginning to feel more comfortable in her new career path. She has a close-knit group of friends and a drop-dead gorgeous girlfriend. Living together has been easier than either of them could have ever expected. But will one little question ruin everything she and Julia have built?One little secret.A young woman is found in an abandoned car with a bullet in her gut. Cassidy and the rest of the Cold Case division must team up with Homicide to bring the girl’s killer to justice. But nothing is ever that easy.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published June 13, 2019
168 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Lentzski
30 books864 followersEliza Lentzski is the best-selling author of sapphic fiction, romance, and erotica including the Winter Jacket and Don’t Call Me Hero series. A historian by day, Eliza is passionate about telling the stories of marginalized communities.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 21, 2020
I read through this one pretty quickly, not being able to stay away from the major sparks of Cassidy and Julia for long. The fourth in the series was decent, although something was lacking for me.....I can't quite put my finger on it. Like the other ones, I was not as drawn to the case at hand that Cassidy is working on, which focused on a young woman who looks to have shot herself. Or did she? Julia was eventually pulled into this one too as a public defender. Though I am not in law enforcement, I found Cassidy rather reckless and clueless when doing her detective thing..... How she handled evidence, talking to witnesses, seemed disjointed, awkward and not very professional.
However this bumbling works so well when paired with scenes with Julia. Oh Julia.....*sigh* Julia is her usual, if not more, aloof and rather manipulative self. And she knows it and appears to be working on it. You can see the affection she has for Cassidy oozing out of her pores, though not always through her emotions. I can see myself easily going back to book 1 and breezing through the series for these two alone. Big Fat Yes.
I wonder how many more books in this series Ms. Lentzski has up her sleeve, as this was certainly was not the last. Not with that ending. This delights me.
However this bumbling works so well when paired with scenes with Julia. Oh Julia.....*sigh* Julia is her usual, if not more, aloof and rather manipulative self. And she knows it and appears to be working on it. You can see the affection she has for Cassidy oozing out of her pores, though not always through her emotions. I can see myself easily going back to book 1 and breezing through the series for these two alone. Big Fat Yes.
I wonder how many more books in this series Ms. Lentzski has up her sleeve, as this was certainly was not the last. Not with that ending. This delights me.
January 13, 2020
Been waiting for this one and loved it. I may be biased as I love the entire series but the more the series progresses then more I fall in love with Cassidy and Julia. I like how this one ends because the main story is wrapped up and the next story is in the air which means...another novel in the series!!!
May 23, 2021
Julia Desjardin. What can I say? There’s just something about Julia that still intrigued yours truly.... even 4 books later. And I still want to read and find out more about Julia; which we probably will given how Book 4 ended 🤞🏻
June 16, 2021
[2021]; I don't know why I only marked this with three stars, 'cause this was a fiver for me this time around. Cassidy's growth when it comes to being in a relationship was great to see here, and Julia acknowledging her bad habits and behaviours was refreshing to see. Both women growing together in their relationship has been great to see.
[2019]; I've pretty much loved all the books in the Don't Call Me Hero series, and I was expecting to be wowed by this book too... I really wanted to more than just like this book. The one thing I love about the series is the relationship between Cassidy and Julia. Even with Cassidy's insecurities and bumbling... they're just so hot together. I would have loved to have read more about them considering the case Cassidy was working on required a lot of waiting around. I did like the snippets of marriage and children though... and it only makes me look forward to the next book in the series. At least, I hope there's a next book in the series 'cause Cassidy and Julia are awesome together.
[2019]; I've pretty much loved all the books in the Don't Call Me Hero series, and I was expecting to be wowed by this book too... I really wanted to more than just like this book. The one thing I love about the series is the relationship between Cassidy and Julia. Even with Cassidy's insecurities and bumbling... they're just so hot together. I would have loved to have read more about them considering the case Cassidy was working on required a lot of waiting around. I did like the snippets of marriage and children though... and it only makes me look forward to the next book in the series. At least, I hope there's a next book in the series 'cause Cassidy and Julia are awesome together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2024
4 Stars
Lots of couple milestones being tackled in book 4. The neediness of Cassidy grates a bit on my senses I guess because I identify with Julia more in dealing with relationships. This series is like junk food though, I can’t stop myself! It doesn’t help that the endings are always a cliffhanger.
Lots of couple milestones being tackled in book 4. The neediness of Cassidy grates a bit on my senses I guess because I identify with Julia more in dealing with relationships. This series is like junk food though, I can’t stop myself! It doesn’t help that the endings are always a cliffhanger.
July 9, 2019
Why did I miss this? Whew! Good thing I checked the author’s profile if she has new books.
The book’s not perfect not as exciting as the previous but this is what I need right now.
I kinda missed the feeling when I can’t seem to stop reading.
3rd book is still on my top this comes 2nd.
I would have rated this 4 but I just can’t, obviously because of Julia.
Cassidy kinda grew on me, I really like her here.
A total opposite of Julia,
Julia is kinda withdrawn here, you can see some imperfections but nonetheless I’m still in love with her character.
Still a lot of unanswered questions, can’t wait for the next book.
The book’s not perfect not as exciting as the previous but this is what I need right now.
I kinda missed the feeling when I can’t seem to stop reading.
3rd book is still on my top this comes 2nd.
I would have rated this 4 but I just can’t, obviously because of Julia.
Cassidy kinda grew on me, I really like her here.
A total opposite of Julia,
Julia is kinda withdrawn here, you can see some imperfections but nonetheless I’m still in love with her character.
Still a lot of unanswered questions, can’t wait for the next book.
August 4, 2019
This one is a difficult one for me to rate. For starters, I love this author and have been looking forward to this book, as this is the fourth installment of the ‘Don’t Call Me Hero’ (DCMH) series. On the other hand, some parts of the book were not credible and did not advance my interest in the story.
DCMH series follows the story of Cassidy Miller, a retired Marine turned police officer suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The story is narrated in first person from Cassidy’s point of view. She meets lawyer Julia Desjardin and the rest, in a convoluted way, is history. In ‘One Little Secret’, Julia and Cassidy are living together. Julia is working as a public defender and Cassidy works in the Cold Case department of the Minneapolis Police Department. Cassidy’s team gets involved in a homicide that has a connection to a Cold Case while Julia is working out of her comfort zone on a custody case.
There are basically two ratings to be given here. This is a 4 star on the Cassidy and Julia arc and unfortunately a 2.5-3 on the rest of the story. For the romantic in me, this series is about Cassidy and Julia. I really feel I don’t have to read about anything else. And well, that just seems unfair to the author. Sorry Ms Lentzski! These two are opposites. Cassidy very honest and vulnerable, from a humble background, enlisted military. Julia is educated, eloquent, upper class and an ice queen. Their story has grown from a bad first encounter to love. It has endured scandal, PTSD, insecurities. I do not know how many books the author has planned, but I will read every single one to find out how these main characters end up.
Since all books are narrated from Cassidy’s POV, we hear more about her work than Julia’s. This book has a new homicide case that possibly ties to a cold case. While I appreciate the effort to think about a case to involve Cassidy, the execution was not great. I found myself questioning how in the world the police could conduct an investigation in such a manner. Some obvious procedural steps would have been sufficient to solve the crime. So this led me to just go through the motions until the next chapter when the mains’ relationship would become the focus of the story again. Crime/mystery readers will be disappointed by this one.
Overall, another good installment for those of us that follow Cassidy and Julia. 3.5 stars.
DCMH series follows the story of Cassidy Miller, a retired Marine turned police officer suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The story is narrated in first person from Cassidy’s point of view. She meets lawyer Julia Desjardin and the rest, in a convoluted way, is history. In ‘One Little Secret’, Julia and Cassidy are living together. Julia is working as a public defender and Cassidy works in the Cold Case department of the Minneapolis Police Department. Cassidy’s team gets involved in a homicide that has a connection to a Cold Case while Julia is working out of her comfort zone on a custody case.
There are basically two ratings to be given here. This is a 4 star on the Cassidy and Julia arc and unfortunately a 2.5-3 on the rest of the story. For the romantic in me, this series is about Cassidy and Julia. I really feel I don’t have to read about anything else. And well, that just seems unfair to the author. Sorry Ms Lentzski! These two are opposites. Cassidy very honest and vulnerable, from a humble background, enlisted military. Julia is educated, eloquent, upper class and an ice queen. Their story has grown from a bad first encounter to love. It has endured scandal, PTSD, insecurities. I do not know how many books the author has planned, but I will read every single one to find out how these main characters end up.
Since all books are narrated from Cassidy’s POV, we hear more about her work than Julia’s. This book has a new homicide case that possibly ties to a cold case. While I appreciate the effort to think about a case to involve Cassidy, the execution was not great. I found myself questioning how in the world the police could conduct an investigation in such a manner. Some obvious procedural steps would have been sufficient to solve the crime. So this led me to just go through the motions until the next chapter when the mains’ relationship would become the focus of the story again. Crime/mystery readers will be disappointed by this one.
Overall, another good installment for those of us that follow Cassidy and Julia. 3.5 stars.
August 18, 2019
One,,Little Secret (Dont"t CAll Me When Book 4)
A story of a Young woman who was shot but didn't die until three years later.it it becomes a cold case..I This was an interesting story and well written by Eliza Lentzski.
A story of a Young woman who was shot but didn't die until three years later.it it becomes a cold case..I This was an interesting story and well written by Eliza Lentzski.
March 3, 2020
DCMH isn't a story that hasn't been told already. Fictional lead who served for her country is a highly popular subject and it's been done a billion times. But Lentzski crafted a story that's genuine and profound. It's much more than steamy and sensual. And that's the reason why I always connect very strongly with her characters. The books in this series have reached an atmospheric density I truly admire. To me, they are a full body experience and keep my mind and body engaged. Her writing is so great with an organic sensory experience. So, yes, I may be somewhat biased, but with good reason because she's an excellent, combat-tested and gifted author. And I'm very grateful that she keeps on writing stories that not only stimulate my libido, but also speak to my heart and evoke a myriad of emotions from me. She can and does write food for thought that transcends simple erotic stories. In my book, she pens high-end and very smart erotic romance and currently, like no other.
Phenomenal series and no one should overlook it.
Phenomenal series and no one should overlook it.
April 2, 2020
3.5 stars - I needed more Julia
July 26, 2022
I keep wanting more, and more! Lucky me, there is one more book available onthuld series (at this moment)
January 4, 2026
Ok! I am hooked to this series, for now.
August 7, 2020
so this was rly good... i read all 4 books back to back because I just couldn't get enough of Julia and Cassidie... they are a really odd coupling in my opinon but that's kinda the reason why I'm so into them and their story..
as far as I can tell this wont be the last of the series.. i rly hope so.. lol..
usually I easily get bored when its too much about the same couple but E. Lentzski really is good in showing us how this couple is growing in their relationship and they still have a few milestones ahead of them..
as another reviewer noted, Cassidie sometimes borders on being imcompetent, although it doesn't make sense, since she is supposed to be great at her job (at least in theory, as she was on top of her class at police academy).. but I can live with that, since there are so many other great things about this story / series..
on of these great things are the sex scenes and the overall chemistry between the 2 MCs.. ;)
as I said earlier I rly hope there is another installment in the series and hopefully I'm finally going to see jealous Julia.. I feel this has to happen... !!! lol
as far as I can tell this wont be the last of the series.. i rly hope so.. lol..
usually I easily get bored when its too much about the same couple but E. Lentzski really is good in showing us how this couple is growing in their relationship and they still have a few milestones ahead of them..
as another reviewer noted, Cassidie sometimes borders on being imcompetent, although it doesn't make sense, since she is supposed to be great at her job (at least in theory, as she was on top of her class at police academy).. but I can live with that, since there are so many other great things about this story / series..
on of these great things are the sex scenes and the overall chemistry between the 2 MCs.. ;)
as I said earlier I rly hope there is another installment in the series and hopefully I'm finally going to see jealous Julia.. I feel this has to happen... !!! lol
June 20, 2019
This series is soo good.. can’t wait for the next installment.
February 12, 2021
Love this series and this book! I can’t wait for the next one! The author always leaves you wanting more!
April 3, 2020
3.25 stars | I wish the focus of this book hadn't been the crime. I needed more Cassidy/Julia and it didn't satisfy that craving. Looking forward to the next book in the Don't Call Me Hero series. Still one of my favourite wlw series :)
June 3, 2020
4.5 stars. The romance is totally relatable to me because it felt real.
June 16, 2019
Minneapolis Miracle
My deepest apologies, but any book that starts out with the Minneapolis Miracle gets an automatic 5 stars! I too have become used to heartbreak from my beloved Vikings, and knew every game/play referenced, but I will never give up hope. It didn’t matter they lost the next game, I will never ever forget that final play. Although my post game wrap up was apparently not as fun as Cassidy’s.;) SKOL VIKINGS!!!
Okay, now back to the book.
What is the deal with jello with shredded carrots and the Midwest? That brought back memories because I think the only times ever saw that was in Minnesota when I was there for my summers growing up. Eliza is one of the few authors I will drop everything to read. The relationship between Cassidy and Julia has always been complicated to me, but it works for them. Two very strong women. Two very different personalities. Two passionate women in different ways. Two women I love to read about. This one ends with a big mystery and I can’t wait for the next, but I know I’ll have too. If you haven’t read the other books in the series you’re missing out and you need to start from the beginning.
My deepest apologies, but any book that starts out with the Minneapolis Miracle gets an automatic 5 stars! I too have become used to heartbreak from my beloved Vikings, and knew every game/play referenced, but I will never give up hope. It didn’t matter they lost the next game, I will never ever forget that final play. Although my post game wrap up was apparently not as fun as Cassidy’s.;) SKOL VIKINGS!!!
Okay, now back to the book.
What is the deal with jello with shredded carrots and the Midwest? That brought back memories because I think the only times ever saw that was in Minnesota when I was there for my summers growing up. Eliza is one of the few authors I will drop everything to read. The relationship between Cassidy and Julia has always been complicated to me, but it works for them. Two very strong women. Two very different personalities. Two passionate women in different ways. Two women I love to read about. This one ends with a big mystery and I can’t wait for the next, but I know I’ll have too. If you haven’t read the other books in the series you’re missing out and you need to start from the beginning.
June 24, 2021
This is book 4 in the "Dont call me a hero" series.
We continue on with Cassidy and Julia's romance and Cassidy's job in the Cold Case department in the basement of the police department.
Cassidy solves two cases involving two teenage deaths with help of the homicide department and Julia. By doing this, the homicide department gains a renewed respect for Cassidy and the crew of the cold case dept.
You meet some interesting new characters and learn more about the private life of Stanley.
This story was not my favorite.
The mystery around the deaths was clever but there was way too many erotic sex scenes. Its time to see Cassidy and Julia loving each other not just exploring every different method and position. Cassidy is definitely all in but Julia seems only half committed but really likes experimental sex.
You know there's too many sex scenes when you start skimming through them. Its very repetitive.
There is a cliff hanger, so plan on moving on to book 5....as I am.
I dont recommend this book but I do recommend the series...so you're sort of stuck reading it.
We continue on with Cassidy and Julia's romance and Cassidy's job in the Cold Case department in the basement of the police department.
Cassidy solves two cases involving two teenage deaths with help of the homicide department and Julia. By doing this, the homicide department gains a renewed respect for Cassidy and the crew of the cold case dept.
You meet some interesting new characters and learn more about the private life of Stanley.
This story was not my favorite.
The mystery around the deaths was clever but there was way too many erotic sex scenes. Its time to see Cassidy and Julia loving each other not just exploring every different method and position. Cassidy is definitely all in but Julia seems only half committed but really likes experimental sex.
You know there's too many sex scenes when you start skimming through them. Its very repetitive.
There is a cliff hanger, so plan on moving on to book 5....as I am.
I dont recommend this book but I do recommend the series...so you're sort of stuck reading it.
June 16, 2024
Every story down the line in this series gets me appreciating the characters the more. I had my fav earlier in the series but now I have also grown to understanding and appreciating more than just one
August 22, 2024
After perusing the other 3-star reviews I was surprised that the reviewers wanted more of the worst part of the series: the toxic relationship between Cassidy & Julia. I'm not saying the crime part of the story was pristine. No, no, no...no way. Sure, the sex scenes are frequent and steamy but what it reveals is that many of the readers have a twisted notion of how two people "in love" should engage with one another. Instead of dealing with their problems they have sex. Of course, given the opioid crisis and the popularity of reality TV, I guess it just makes sense. I'm giving this book 3-stars by the skin of its teeth and, for all that is wrong with it, it's still better than the waste of ink that was Book 2.
Now, on with the review you sick little monkeys!
One Little Secret: One Thousand Screwups.
Hey, at least the title related to the story. Does it matter that it was obvious from the very instant Cassidy met the little girl that she was Kennedy's daughter and not her sister? Well, it matters only in that the "great cop/good detective/national treasure" Cassidy Miller couldn't figure it out immediately too. A proper autopsy probably could have shown she had given birth given that the mode of death was in the same basic region...I mean that's on the ME, but the entire Minneapolis justice department, from the DA to the cops in this DCMH-Verse is incompetent. Indeed, the only reason Cassidy seems like a good cop (ever) is because the other cops are worse.
How bad is Cassidy as a cop/detective? While I noted in the Book 3 review that Cassidy shouldn't even have the title of detective because of her lack of experience and training, she really demonstrates why I am correct in this story. In one scene, Cassidy needs to have a crime scene tech explain to her the concept of rifling on bullets. Later, she learns the basics about cell phone tracking via cell towers. A casual viewer of a crime-based tv show or movie probably knows all of this, but not our great cop Cassidy.
It doesn't end there. After Landon confesses to having given Kennedy the gun and also for having let her use the gun to shoot cans a few years earlier (thus killing a random kid), Cassidy says, "We should let him go. The most we can charge him with is concealing evidence." She seems to think this because Landon was in love with Kennedy and lord knows, Cassidy justifies all sorts of terrible behavior because someone claims love. Whatever, the point is that Landon basically confessed to multiple firearm offenses. Worse, he admitted to being an accessory to, at least, manslaughter. It doesn't matter that Kennedy pulled the trigger. He was there. He brought the gun. He helped cover it up.
Okay, so Cassidy is a terrible cop. What about the most amazing lawyer ever, Julia who destroyed evidence then took the case then lost an easy custody case over her mother. In this book, she should have been charged with contempt if the DA had objected as much as she should have and the judge agreed. Her opening statement was rife with argument. Her questioning of the witness was total speculation. When the judge admonished her, she did it again and again. Then, when the DA (for no reason other than the author needing to make the other lawyer stupid to have Julia shine) tried to get the cell phone removed from evidence, Julia declares that was their only physical evidence. No. Their evidence is the gun that the defendant admitted to having possessed, whose father's fingerprints were on the bullets. Landon claimed a reason for why he gave it to Kennedy and Julia just presents that claim as fact and no one challenges it. I'm not saying the prosecution's case wasn't weak, but it wasn't baseless either.
The authorial lack of attention to detail, which has plagued the series emerges fast and furious with the prologue. Eliza wants to portray Cassidy as a Vikings fan (because of the visual of wearing the Jersey—yet she doesn’t use purple strap or a Viking horn? Travesty!)
The real problem is that Eliza specifically describes the game, naming players (such as Stephon Diggs) and the specific play with its nickname (The Minneapolis Miracle) a game I and millions of others watched on January 14, 2018.
The problem? The book is set in late September at the earliest, if not mid-October (as there is a Halloween party and a mention of Thanksgiving/Christmas coming). Cassidy even makes a point of saying she has never seen Julia in cold weather clothes. Why did the author bother to research specific real-life games in Vikings history then pretend that a playoff game played in January was during the regular season?
There's only one possible explanation. One of Cassidy's PTSD symptoms must be selective amnesia. So, when Julia makes the bet with her, she knows they are watching a tape that was recorded months earlier. It makes sense. Julia is not above cheating. In the first book she committed a crime (destroying evidence), so conning her lover is an easy call. In fact, she does it again in this book when she blatantly lies about her willingness to go to the Halloween party--expecting to bully Cassidy into not going either. It failed. She acknowledges her problem. Does nothing about it. Cassidy makes excuses for her. Fellow readers think this is normal or, ugh, sexy and the world sucks a little more.
This section is called Cassidy/Also Cassidy:
Cassidy: I’m a trained observer.
Also Cassidy: I didn’t notice the baby.
Cassidy: She invited me to go with her, but I said no.
Also Cassidy: I feel abandoned.
Cassidy: I didn’t vote because both parties sent us into war and didn’t get us out.
Also Cassidy: The gun laws are messed up and the treatment of women, LGBTQ, and veterans is terrible.
Cassidy: Ryan wears designer clothes and meticulously trims his beard. What a jerk!
Also Cassidy: Julia wears designer clothes and meticulously applies makeup. She's amazing.
Also Also Cassidy: The assistant DA wears off the rack clothes and is mousy looking. Loser!
MY GOD IT'S FULL OF DIALOGUE TAGS:
A significant detractor to my enjoyment of this series has been Lentzki's use of redundant dialogue tags.
"Yes, of course I'll go," I agreed.
"I'd rather not," I deflected.
"Maybe she was murdered," I opined.
A simple "said" or no tag at all could have worked. Yet, sometimes, the tag doesn't even connect to the words.
Cassidy: "I don't want you to go," I refused.
Refused? Refused what exactly? This doesn't enhance the understanding of her delivery of the line at all. Some action showing her emotional state would be better. Even a "beseeched" or "whined" tag.
I noted a few, but there are multiple examples on EVERY. DAMN. PAGE.
Now, on with the review you sick little monkeys!
One Little Secret: One Thousand Screwups.
Hey, at least the title related to the story. Does it matter that it was obvious from the very instant Cassidy met the little girl that she was Kennedy's daughter and not her sister? Well, it matters only in that the "great cop/good detective/national treasure" Cassidy Miller couldn't figure it out immediately too. A proper autopsy probably could have shown she had given birth given that the mode of death was in the same basic region...I mean that's on the ME, but the entire Minneapolis justice department, from the DA to the cops in this DCMH-Verse is incompetent. Indeed, the only reason Cassidy seems like a good cop (ever) is because the other cops are worse.
How bad is Cassidy as a cop/detective? While I noted in the Book 3 review that Cassidy shouldn't even have the title of detective because of her lack of experience and training, she really demonstrates why I am correct in this story. In one scene, Cassidy needs to have a crime scene tech explain to her the concept of rifling on bullets. Later, she learns the basics about cell phone tracking via cell towers. A casual viewer of a crime-based tv show or movie probably knows all of this, but not our great cop Cassidy.
It doesn't end there. After Landon confesses to having given Kennedy the gun and also for having let her use the gun to shoot cans a few years earlier (thus killing a random kid), Cassidy says, "We should let him go. The most we can charge him with is concealing evidence." She seems to think this because Landon was in love with Kennedy and lord knows, Cassidy justifies all sorts of terrible behavior because someone claims love. Whatever, the point is that Landon basically confessed to multiple firearm offenses. Worse, he admitted to being an accessory to, at least, manslaughter. It doesn't matter that Kennedy pulled the trigger. He was there. He brought the gun. He helped cover it up.
Okay, so Cassidy is a terrible cop. What about the most amazing lawyer ever, Julia who destroyed evidence then took the case then lost an easy custody case over her mother. In this book, she should have been charged with contempt if the DA had objected as much as she should have and the judge agreed. Her opening statement was rife with argument. Her questioning of the witness was total speculation. When the judge admonished her, she did it again and again. Then, when the DA (for no reason other than the author needing to make the other lawyer stupid to have Julia shine) tried to get the cell phone removed from evidence, Julia declares that was their only physical evidence. No. Their evidence is the gun that the defendant admitted to having possessed, whose father's fingerprints were on the bullets. Landon claimed a reason for why he gave it to Kennedy and Julia just presents that claim as fact and no one challenges it. I'm not saying the prosecution's case wasn't weak, but it wasn't baseless either.
The authorial lack of attention to detail, which has plagued the series emerges fast and furious with the prologue. Eliza wants to portray Cassidy as a Vikings fan (because of the visual of wearing the Jersey—yet she doesn’t use purple strap or a Viking horn? Travesty!)
The real problem is that Eliza specifically describes the game, naming players (such as Stephon Diggs) and the specific play with its nickname (The Minneapolis Miracle) a game I and millions of others watched on January 14, 2018.
The problem? The book is set in late September at the earliest, if not mid-October (as there is a Halloween party and a mention of Thanksgiving/Christmas coming). Cassidy even makes a point of saying she has never seen Julia in cold weather clothes. Why did the author bother to research specific real-life games in Vikings history then pretend that a playoff game played in January was during the regular season?
There's only one possible explanation. One of Cassidy's PTSD symptoms must be selective amnesia. So, when Julia makes the bet with her, she knows they are watching a tape that was recorded months earlier. It makes sense. Julia is not above cheating. In the first book she committed a crime (destroying evidence), so conning her lover is an easy call. In fact, she does it again in this book when she blatantly lies about her willingness to go to the Halloween party--expecting to bully Cassidy into not going either. It failed. She acknowledges her problem. Does nothing about it. Cassidy makes excuses for her. Fellow readers think this is normal or, ugh, sexy and the world sucks a little more.
This section is called Cassidy/Also Cassidy:
Cassidy: I’m a trained observer.
Also Cassidy: I didn’t notice the baby.
Cassidy: She invited me to go with her, but I said no.
Also Cassidy: I feel abandoned.
Cassidy: I didn’t vote because both parties sent us into war and didn’t get us out.
Also Cassidy: The gun laws are messed up and the treatment of women, LGBTQ, and veterans is terrible.
Cassidy: Ryan wears designer clothes and meticulously trims his beard. What a jerk!
Also Cassidy: Julia wears designer clothes and meticulously applies makeup. She's amazing.
Also Also Cassidy: The assistant DA wears off the rack clothes and is mousy looking. Loser!
MY GOD IT'S FULL OF DIALOGUE TAGS:
A significant detractor to my enjoyment of this series has been Lentzki's use of redundant dialogue tags.
"Yes, of course I'll go," I agreed.
"I'd rather not," I deflected.
"Maybe she was murdered," I opined.
A simple "said" or no tag at all could have worked. Yet, sometimes, the tag doesn't even connect to the words.
Cassidy: "I don't want you to go," I refused.
Refused? Refused what exactly? This doesn't enhance the understanding of her delivery of the line at all. Some action showing her emotional state would be better. Even a "beseeched" or "whined" tag.
I noted a few, but there are multiple examples on EVERY. DAMN. PAGE.
July 24, 2020
As always, a lovely read!
DCMH has been in my top favorite list to read everytime I feel like re-reading a romance without feeling angsty.
It's written in a wonderful way that make you crave for more, to see what the protagonists (in this case, Miller & Julia) to develop their relationship (or, 'agreements' in what Julia would say in first book).
I was so happy to know that the author was working on this 4th book, and was happier when I finally read it!
Three books of Julia and Miller just wouldnt be enough. What makes me love this couple so much is that how they interact with each other, and I cant remember a time when I grinned like an idiot whenever a protagonist argued with her lover. Well, in DCMH I absolute do that.
I adore the way Miller would be upset about something (at times, small things), then ended up talking inside her brain and shut herself from Julia. But, during that argument, this couple wouldnt say dumb things that would make you facepalm. I think it's very human. Lovers argue and sometimes get upset with each other, but they would always made up with compromise and love.
If you like ice queen, detective/cop theme with a flaming romance and a puzzle to solve, then by all means, read this book!
DCMH has been in my top favorite list to read everytime I feel like re-reading a romance without feeling angsty.
It's written in a wonderful way that make you crave for more, to see what the protagonists (in this case, Miller & Julia) to develop their relationship (or, 'agreements' in what Julia would say in first book).
I was so happy to know that the author was working on this 4th book, and was happier when I finally read it!
Three books of Julia and Miller just wouldnt be enough. What makes me love this couple so much is that how they interact with each other, and I cant remember a time when I grinned like an idiot whenever a protagonist argued with her lover. Well, in DCMH I absolute do that.
I adore the way Miller would be upset about something (at times, small things), then ended up talking inside her brain and shut herself from Julia. But, during that argument, this couple wouldnt say dumb things that would make you facepalm. I think it's very human. Lovers argue and sometimes get upset with each other, but they would always made up with compromise and love.
If you like ice queen, detective/cop theme with a flaming romance and a puzzle to solve, then by all means, read this book!
June 17, 2019
Okay but not my favorite book in the series
There was way too much focus on the case which i found pretty uninteresting. I found myself skimming through to get to the parts with Julia and Cassidy. I was disappointed that the previous cold case from the last book was totally abandoned, I was looking foreword to the conclusion of that case which i found interesting and enjoyable. The book was too focused on the boring case and not enough on Julia and Cassidy. The issues were resolved too easily without any real friction and drama, which just seemed unrealistic. If there is another book in this series I hope the relationship between Julia and Cassidy is more the focus of the book not the crime story. I would also love to read Julia’s perspective on things. Also how old is Julia?? And I would love to see Julia get jealous, it would be fun to see some different dynamics of their relationship. This book seemed all very one note when it came to the relationship.
There was way too much focus on the case which i found pretty uninteresting. I found myself skimming through to get to the parts with Julia and Cassidy. I was disappointed that the previous cold case from the last book was totally abandoned, I was looking foreword to the conclusion of that case which i found interesting and enjoyable. The book was too focused on the boring case and not enough on Julia and Cassidy. The issues were resolved too easily without any real friction and drama, which just seemed unrealistic. If there is another book in this series I hope the relationship between Julia and Cassidy is more the focus of the book not the crime story. I would also love to read Julia’s perspective on things. Also how old is Julia?? And I would love to see Julia get jealous, it would be fun to see some different dynamics of their relationship. This book seemed all very one note when it came to the relationship.
June 16, 2019
Still my all best favorite Series.. Emotional Rollercoaster
Gave it 5* because its my favorite series.. But i was dissapointed with this One.. Cassidy Miller is an Amazing Soul whos been thru Hell and Back... she deserves happiness at its Best. Cassidy not only has more Self doubt but more questions and insecurities concerning her relationship with Julia. I had to pull out the tissues with all of Cassidy's hurt feelings in this one. I feel they took 2 steps back through out the book and mostly at the end..Julia runs again instead of calling Cassidy. Was not a fan of Julia on this one. Cassidy deserves Better.Not better than Julia but better FROM julia
Gave it 5* because its my favorite series.. But i was dissapointed with this One.. Cassidy Miller is an Amazing Soul whos been thru Hell and Back... she deserves happiness at its Best. Cassidy not only has more Self doubt but more questions and insecurities concerning her relationship with Julia. I had to pull out the tissues with all of Cassidy's hurt feelings in this one. I feel they took 2 steps back through out the book and mostly at the end..Julia runs again instead of calling Cassidy. Was not a fan of Julia on this one. Cassidy deserves Better.Not better than Julia but better FROM julia
June 19, 2019
Couldn't put it down
I love this series! The ending of this book has me feeling like I've been left on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what comes next. I very much enjoyed the emotional bond that Julia and Cassidy share and the fact that Julia has softened and let down walls to express her love for Cassidy more frequently as well as missing her when she is without her and needing to hold onto her for comfort. I really cant wait for the next installment.
I love this series! The ending of this book has me feeling like I've been left on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what comes next. I very much enjoyed the emotional bond that Julia and Cassidy share and the fact that Julia has softened and let down walls to express her love for Cassidy more frequently as well as missing her when she is without her and needing to hold onto her for comfort. I really cant wait for the next installment.
July 12, 2019
Nice!! 😉
This is one of those lesbian fiction books that reads like real-life. It’s not all drama, not all torrid sex, but realistic, well-developed, sympathetic characters who experience the trials and tribulations we all deal with. There’s new relationship insecurities, confident, competent professional women, workplace hassles and relationships. This is a great book about women who happen to be lesbians.
This is one of those lesbian fiction books that reads like real-life. It’s not all drama, not all torrid sex, but realistic, well-developed, sympathetic characters who experience the trials and tribulations we all deal with. There’s new relationship insecurities, confident, competent professional women, workplace hassles and relationships. This is a great book about women who happen to be lesbians.
August 5, 2019
Excellent story
Excellent story, spicy hot, well written and sexy. The characters are complex and strong, Cassidy is an ex marine struggling with PTSD, her relationship with Julia Desjardin, a hot shot Lawyer, is not easy because they are so different. Sex, fear, need and kindness keep them together, Its worth reading, I enjoyed it a lot.
Excellent story, spicy hot, well written and sexy. The characters are complex and strong, Cassidy is an ex marine struggling with PTSD, her relationship with Julia Desjardin, a hot shot Lawyer, is not easy because they are so different. Sex, fear, need and kindness keep them together, Its worth reading, I enjoyed it a lot.
May 5, 2021
Abrupt ending
The cold case was disappointing and the story just kind of abruptly ended. Was very confused by it. Talking marriage and babies and then death happened and the book was just over. I still liked the main characters but just felt like there was not build up in this 3rd book.
The cold case was disappointing and the story just kind of abruptly ended. Was very confused by it. Talking marriage and babies and then death happened and the book was just over. I still liked the main characters but just felt like there was not build up in this 3rd book.
July 14, 2019
I enjoyed this fourth installment of the series. The ending suggests another part will follow, hopefully it won't take too long.
September 1, 2019
I am honestly enjoying this series and I can't wait for the next one.😍
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