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Francesca Cahill Deadly #8
Deadly Kisses
Called to the home of her fiance's former mistress late one night, Francesca finds her curiosity piqued.
But upon arrival, she is shocked to find Daisy Jones's bloodied body and even more devastated when the evidence points to one suspect - her fiance, Calder. Francesca cannot - will not - believe that Calder is capable of such an act. Still, she is unable to shake her instinctive sense that Calder is lying about something .
The police are far less inclined to believe his innocence, and Calder is arrested for Daisy's murder. But Francesca's heart is not easily swayed until a life-altering secret is exposed that could destroy their future together.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
21 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Joyce
106 books1,298 followersBrenda Joyce is the bestselling author of forty-one novels and five novellas. She has won many awards, and her debut novel, Innocent Fire, won a Best Western Romance award. She has also won the highly coveted Best Historical Romance award for Splendor and Two Lifetime Achievement Awards from Romantic Times BOOKreviews. There are over 14 million copies of her novels in print and she is published in over a dozen foreign countries.
A native New Yorker, she now lives in southern Arizona with her son, dogs, and her Arabian and half-Arabian reining horses. Brenda divides her time between her twin passions—writing powerful love stories and competing with her horses at regional and national levels. For more information about Brenda and her upcoming novels, please visit her Web sites: www.brendajoyce.com, www.thedewarennedynasty.com and http://mastersoftimebooks.com.
A native New Yorker, she now lives in southern Arizona with her son, dogs, and her Arabian and half-Arabian reining horses. Brenda divides her time between her twin passions—writing powerful love stories and competing with her horses at regional and national levels. For more information about Brenda and her upcoming novels, please visit her Web sites: www.brendajoyce.com, www.thedewarennedynasty.com and http://mastersoftimebooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 22, 2011
This fun, fast, historical suspense is a re-release of Ms. Joyce’s 2006 title. Deadly Kisses is the second book I read in Ms. Joyce’s Deadly series, but it is not the second book in the series which began with Deadly Love published in 2001. Deadly Kisses is actually the eighth book in the series.
Even if you do not start at the beginning, and I didn’t, the Francesca Cahill books are addictive. The characters, especially Francesca, her fiancé Calder Hart, his half-brother police commissioner Rick Bragg, and several minor characters, are captivating. The plot is fast paced and interesting, but the dynamics between the characters is what keeps the pages turning. Would you support your fiancé if he was the main suspect in the brutal murder of his pregnant ex-mistress? Would you blithely step into a reputation-destroying scandal if you could avoid it? Francesca Cahill does. There’s something irresistible about a person who ignores the sound advice of friends, relatives and her lover to stand up for what and who she thinks is right. Francesca is loyal to a fault.
In my review of a previous title Deadly Illusions, I mentioned a few flaws and those continue in this installment as well. Francesca lives in a magic bubble in which danger isn’t dangerous. I never feared for her, or for Hart, or any of the characters really. Bad stuff happens, but I never had the feeling that it would be all that bad, last very long, or have truly long-term negative effects on the characters I cared about. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s exactly what a reader wants. I was reminded of the red-shirted characters in the landing party of the old series Star Trek. They were the ones to die. There is no doubt who is going to “get it” in these books, which makes Deadly Kisses a bit predicable, but that’s okay. The reader knows what to expect getting when she picks up one of these books and she gets it.
Brenda Joyce does not disappoint.
If Deadly Kisses is your first Francesca Cahill book there will appear to be several red herrings in the book—details that, while interesting, bring up conflicts that don’t really have anything to do with anything. These are plot threads which were raised in previous titles and are unresolved. It appears Ms. Joyce is reminding the reader that those issues remain unresolved but haven’t been forgotten. I expect their resolution in Deadly Vows, the ninth title in this series. Deadly Vows is sitting on my shelf awaiting my attention. I’m looking forward to it. And when I’m done, I’m going to get my hands of the rest of this series because, like Lime Tostitos, these books are addictive.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Even if you do not start at the beginning, and I didn’t, the Francesca Cahill books are addictive. The characters, especially Francesca, her fiancé Calder Hart, his half-brother police commissioner Rick Bragg, and several minor characters, are captivating. The plot is fast paced and interesting, but the dynamics between the characters is what keeps the pages turning. Would you support your fiancé if he was the main suspect in the brutal murder of his pregnant ex-mistress? Would you blithely step into a reputation-destroying scandal if you could avoid it? Francesca Cahill does. There’s something irresistible about a person who ignores the sound advice of friends, relatives and her lover to stand up for what and who she thinks is right. Francesca is loyal to a fault.
In my review of a previous title Deadly Illusions, I mentioned a few flaws and those continue in this installment as well. Francesca lives in a magic bubble in which danger isn’t dangerous. I never feared for her, or for Hart, or any of the characters really. Bad stuff happens, but I never had the feeling that it would be all that bad, last very long, or have truly long-term negative effects on the characters I cared about. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s exactly what a reader wants. I was reminded of the red-shirted characters in the landing party of the old series Star Trek. They were the ones to die. There is no doubt who is going to “get it” in these books, which makes Deadly Kisses a bit predicable, but that’s okay. The reader knows what to expect getting when she picks up one of these books and she gets it.
Brenda Joyce does not disappoint.
If Deadly Kisses is your first Francesca Cahill book there will appear to be several red herrings in the book—details that, while interesting, bring up conflicts that don’t really have anything to do with anything. These are plot threads which were raised in previous titles and are unresolved. It appears Ms. Joyce is reminding the reader that those issues remain unresolved but haven’t been forgotten. I expect their resolution in Deadly Vows, the ninth title in this series. Deadly Vows is sitting on my shelf awaiting my attention. I’m looking forward to it. And when I’m done, I’m going to get my hands of the rest of this series because, like Lime Tostitos, these books are addictive.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
October 20, 2018
Benim için serinin en iyi diğer hikayesi de buydu. Her şeyiyle oldukça doyurucuydu.
Daisy'nin geçmişini öğrendiğim zaman onun için üzüldüm. Öldürülme sebebi azıcık mantık dışı olsa da şaşırmamak gerek. Kendi ülkem için söylüyorum, Daisy'nin durumu başka bir kadının da başına pekala gelebilir.
Sevdiğim diğer noktaysa Calder'ı ve onun düşüncelerini en iyi bu kitapta görebilmek oldu. 7 kitaptır kendisini ne kadar karanlık biri olarak görse de bir kez daha öyle olmadığı bariz belliydi. Sevdiği kadın için nelerden feragat edebileceğini veya neleri riske alacağını görmüş oldum.
Aynı zamanda Francesca'nın olgunlaştığını hissettiren bir kitaptı. Calder'ın hep yanında olması ve onu korumak için yaptıkları karakteri biraz daha sevmemi sağladı.
Calder'ın Francesca'dan sakladığı sır denilirken oldukça basit veya anlamsız bir şey bekliyordum fakat oldukça önemliymiş. Belki sonradan sahtedir diye beklemedim değil ama gerçek olduğu ortaya çıkıyor. Seri, ilk kitap harici Brenda'dan beklenmedik biçimde sade gittiği için hafif şaşırdım bu sırra.
Diğer yandan Bragg'ta da değişimler söz konusu. Artık ailesine daha fazla vakit ayıran biri olmaya çalışması güzeldi.
Daisy'nin geçmişini öğrendiğim zaman onun için üzüldüm. Öldürülme sebebi azıcık mantık dışı olsa da şaşırmamak gerek. Kendi ülkem için söylüyorum, Daisy'nin durumu başka bir kadının da başına pekala gelebilir.
Sevdiğim diğer noktaysa Calder'ı ve onun düşüncelerini en iyi bu kitapta görebilmek oldu. 7 kitaptır kendisini ne kadar karanlık biri olarak görse de bir kez daha öyle olmadığı bariz belliydi. Sevdiği kadın için nelerden feragat edebileceğini veya neleri riske alacağını görmüş oldum.
Aynı zamanda Francesca'nın olgunlaştığını hissettiren bir kitaptı. Calder'ın hep yanında olması ve onu korumak için yaptıkları karakteri biraz daha sevmemi sağladı.
Calder'ın Francesca'dan sakladığı sır denilirken oldukça basit veya anlamsız bir şey bekliyordum fakat oldukça önemliymiş. Belki sonradan sahtedir diye beklemedim değil ama gerçek olduğu ortaya çıkıyor. Seri, ilk kitap harici Brenda'dan beklenmedik biçimde sade gittiği için hafif şaşırdım bu sırra.
Diğer yandan Bragg'ta da değişimler söz konusu. Artık ailesine daha fazla vakit ayıran biri olmaya çalışması güzeldi.
September 14, 2012
If you have been following along as I have been reading this series, you know that Francesca is a modern gal caught in 1902 New York City. She is headstrong reformer and a brave sleuth in a time that a lady, especially one as well-to-do as she, is not looked upon favorably by most. Even her family is against he working with the police to solve crimes that put her in the direct path of dangerous criminals. She does seem to get injured in every book so I understand their concern.
Francesca begins this story being called to the home of her fiance’s ex-mistress and finding her stabbed to death. Calder is the main suspect, but not the only one and Francesca takes it upon herself to find the real killer. When Calder is arrested he breaks off their engagement to save her from scandal and Francesca is devastated.
This is also the continuation of Rick and Leann’s reconciliation and Evan’s downward spiral into gambling debt and ill-chosen mistresses.
I have now re-read the series that I have always thought to be a favorite and was not disappointed. The romance could sometimes get a little melodramatic, but the mystery was always spot on and not always easy to figure out. I love Calder and Francesca and look forward to next year when the next in the series comes out after five long years.
Francesca begins this story being called to the home of her fiance’s ex-mistress and finding her stabbed to death. Calder is the main suspect, but not the only one and Francesca takes it upon herself to find the real killer. When Calder is arrested he breaks off their engagement to save her from scandal and Francesca is devastated.
This is also the continuation of Rick and Leann’s reconciliation and Evan’s downward spiral into gambling debt and ill-chosen mistresses.
I have now re-read the series that I have always thought to be a favorite and was not disappointed. The romance could sometimes get a little melodramatic, but the mystery was always spot on and not always easy to figure out. I love Calder and Francesca and look forward to next year when the next in the series comes out after five long years.
September 22, 2011
This story is an historical who done it. Part of a series, you don't really need to read the previous books, this one stands alone quite well. Set in the early 1900's we find a woman PI (very unusual for a woman at that time) who's fiance's former mistress has been killed and she needs to find the killer. The characters are interesting and the storyline moves along very well. Along the way we get insight into the PI and her fiance as well as some other members of both their families.
May 13, 2018
J'ai trouvée que ce 8ème tome de la série était un peu moins bon niveau enquête mais plus riche en relations personnels pour Francesca.
Vivement le 9ème tome pour savoir s'ils vont enfin se marier !
Vivement le 9ème tome pour savoir s'ils vont enfin se marier !
May 15, 2022
Continuano le indagini della giovane nobildonna 21enne Francesca Cahill. Ad essere accusato di omicidio stavolta, è il suo fidanzato, l'affascinante Calder Hart. Nonostante lo scandalo, Francesca resterà al fianco dell'amato, scoprendo il vero colpevole e scagionando il suo uomo. A tratti un po' melenso, ma alla fine discretamente godibile. Un po' Harmony e un po' (poco) crime.
May 20, 2025
In NYC's gilded age, Frances Cahill works to uncover the true murderer of her fiancé's ex-mistress. Her faith in Calder Hart drives her to solve the mystery. I hadn't read any of the other books in the series. Part historical romance, part murder-mystery, the book was a quick cottage read.
February 19, 2018
3.5 stars
November 16, 2022
Love this series. Deadly Vows is the last one. Sorry publishers made her stop
November 30, 2024
This was just an average book. It was readable but nothing special in my opinion.
June 19, 2013
Francesca Cahill fa parte di una famiglia altolocata nella società americana di inizio ventesimo secolo, i suoi genitori danno spesso feste frequentate solo dalle persone più importanti e per lei vorrebbero un matrimonio rispettabile, convenzionale: ma Francesca non è affatto convenzionale. Dopo essersi affermata come investigatrice privata, la ragazza ha più volte rischiato la vita per portare a termine i suoi incarichi, fornendo la sua consulenza anche in molti casi propri della polizia, ma non è questo aspetto della sua vita a renderla “ribelle”: Francesca è fidanzata con Calder Hart, un donnaiolo incallito che è riuscito a costruire la sua fortuna dal nulla, un uomo che ha sempre cercato di mostrare il suo lato insensibile e freddo ma che per Francesca non ha segreti. Ad aggravare la sua posizione concorre il recente omicidio di Daisy Jones, una prostituta d’alto bordo che Hart aveva preso come amante, per poi liquidarla in seguito al fidanzamento con l’investigatrice; sarà proprio Francesca a seguire il caso insieme alla polizia di New York, ma il suo lavoro questa volta metterà a dura prova la sua professionalità perché tutti gli indizi sembrano portare proprio a Calder..
Questo romanzo ha tutto: intrighi famigliari, romance e mystery, il tutto tenuto insieme da una trama avvincente e relativamente ricca di azione; l’ambientazione contribuisce a creare una serie molto particolare, soprattutto per quanto riguarda gli aspetti sociali. Quella dei Cahill è senza dubbio una famiglia ricca e potente eppure ben lontana dalla perfezione: oltre alla pericolosa professione di Francesca a mettere in ombra il loro nome troviamo Evan, il fratello minore dell’investigatrice, diseredato perché accanito giocatore d’azzardo incapace di curare la sua dipendenza; come se ciò non fosse sufficiente motivo di scandalo il fidanzato di Francesca, che non ha trovato l’approvazione dei genitori di lei, è ora il principale sospettato per l’omicidio di una prostituta. Il mondo di Francesca cade a pezzi senza che lei possa fare altro che raccogliere i cocci, cercando di tenere testa alla famiglia e alla società ma anche allo stesso Calder e al suo carattere autodistruttivo; la sua determinazione non vacilla nonostante le prove continuino a portare proprio al suo fidanzato, nonostante le pressioni dei suoi genitori e lo stesso Calder, deciso a tutti i costi a salvare il buon nome della fidanzata. La protagonista dimostra dunque di aver un carattere forte e di saper lottare per ciò che realmente vuole, a prescindere dagli ostacoli che le sbarrano la via verso la felicità; ma non è solo Francesca a rivelarsi interessante a mio avviso, infatti anche Evan nonostante abbia un ruolo quasi marginale nella storia è riuscito a dare un qualcosa in più, a gettare le basi per quella che nei prossimi volumi potrebbe rivelarsi una storyline molto apprezzabile. Per quanto riguarda l’indagine vera e propria devo ammettere che mi è piaciuta molto principalmente perché è stata imbastita in modo da rivelare elementi sufficienti a far sospettare di determinate persone ma mai realmente decisivi, in questo modo fino alle ultime pagine del libro risulta difficile individuare il vero colpevole.
Per finire, vorrei tranquillizzare eventuali lettori su questo volume visto come componente di una serie: l’elemento che accomuna i volumi è la protagonista ma le indagini che lei svolge in ognuno di essi si possono leggere separatamente, quindi datevi alla lettura senza problemi!
Consigliato :)
Questo romanzo ha tutto: intrighi famigliari, romance e mystery, il tutto tenuto insieme da una trama avvincente e relativamente ricca di azione; l’ambientazione contribuisce a creare una serie molto particolare, soprattutto per quanto riguarda gli aspetti sociali. Quella dei Cahill è senza dubbio una famiglia ricca e potente eppure ben lontana dalla perfezione: oltre alla pericolosa professione di Francesca a mettere in ombra il loro nome troviamo Evan, il fratello minore dell’investigatrice, diseredato perché accanito giocatore d’azzardo incapace di curare la sua dipendenza; come se ciò non fosse sufficiente motivo di scandalo il fidanzato di Francesca, che non ha trovato l’approvazione dei genitori di lei, è ora il principale sospettato per l’omicidio di una prostituta. Il mondo di Francesca cade a pezzi senza che lei possa fare altro che raccogliere i cocci, cercando di tenere testa alla famiglia e alla società ma anche allo stesso Calder e al suo carattere autodistruttivo; la sua determinazione non vacilla nonostante le prove continuino a portare proprio al suo fidanzato, nonostante le pressioni dei suoi genitori e lo stesso Calder, deciso a tutti i costi a salvare il buon nome della fidanzata. La protagonista dimostra dunque di aver un carattere forte e di saper lottare per ciò che realmente vuole, a prescindere dagli ostacoli che le sbarrano la via verso la felicità; ma non è solo Francesca a rivelarsi interessante a mio avviso, infatti anche Evan nonostante abbia un ruolo quasi marginale nella storia è riuscito a dare un qualcosa in più, a gettare le basi per quella che nei prossimi volumi potrebbe rivelarsi una storyline molto apprezzabile. Per quanto riguarda l’indagine vera e propria devo ammettere che mi è piaciuta molto principalmente perché è stata imbastita in modo da rivelare elementi sufficienti a far sospettare di determinate persone ma mai realmente decisivi, in questo modo fino alle ultime pagine del libro risulta difficile individuare il vero colpevole.
Per finire, vorrei tranquillizzare eventuali lettori su questo volume visto come componente di una serie: l’elemento che accomuna i volumi è la protagonista ma le indagini che lei svolge in ognuno di essi si possono leggere separatamente, quindi datevi alla lettura senza problemi!
Consigliato :)
May 11, 2008
I've been waiting a year for this book, the latest in the Francesca Cahill series, and it didn't disappoint! I just love the characters in this series... well, most of them ;-) This latest book truly reinforces the relationship between Calder and Fran as their commitment to each other continues to grow stronger. We also get some forward momentum with Evan and Maggie, another wonderful relationship that has developed throughout the series. There wasn't nearly enough of my other couple though, I missed seeing more of Sarah and Roarke although I was happy to read in the author's note that she feels they deserve their own story in the future... I really hope she comes through there. About the only thing I found annoying was the continued rivalry between Calder and his brother Bragg, it's become very tiresome. I was also disappointed to read that the author will be taking a break from the series for a couple of years, if I must be forced to wait for the next one then I prefer it not be more than a year.
June 27, 2013
Adoro Francesca Cahill, ma...
5 stelle piene per la parte gialla, costruita con cura, attenzione, la suspense rimane alta e il finale è inaspettato quanto raccapricciante e sconvolgente.
4 stelle per la parte rosa, che se da una parte è sensuale e coinvolgente, dall'altra rimane altamente penalizzata dalla mancanza dei libri precedenti: la devozione profonda dell'eroina al suo bad fidanzato è incomprensibile e questa donna, tanto brillante e coraggiosa nei panni di detective appare sciocca ed ingenua quando si tratta dell'amore... non credo che l'autrice sia caduta in tale tranello: manca la costruzione del rapporto prima del fidanzamento e l'esperienza precedente di Francesca... questi, sono convinta fermamente, giustificherebbero i comportamenti e i percorsi mentali da demente della protagonista.
5 stelle piene per la parte gialla, costruita con cura, attenzione, la suspense rimane alta e il finale è inaspettato quanto raccapricciante e sconvolgente.
4 stelle per la parte rosa, che se da una parte è sensuale e coinvolgente, dall'altra rimane altamente penalizzata dalla mancanza dei libri precedenti: la devozione profonda dell'eroina al suo bad fidanzato è incomprensibile e questa donna, tanto brillante e coraggiosa nei panni di detective appare sciocca ed ingenua quando si tratta dell'amore... non credo che l'autrice sia caduta in tale tranello: manca la costruzione del rapporto prima del fidanzamento e l'esperienza precedente di Francesca... questi, sono convinta fermamente, giustificherebbero i comportamenti e i percorsi mentali da demente della protagonista.
December 29, 2010
And the plot thickens! WOW, Calder is being framed for murder! Francesca is doing everything she can to save him. We finally see the true feelings behind Francesca’s parents towards Calder. Francesca’s Brother Evan finally opens his eyes and breaks it off with Bartello in a dramatic way. The future daughters of Rick Bragg and wife are in danger and they will stop at nothing to protect them. This book answered a lot of questions from the previous book which I enjoyed tremendously. And this plot was by far the best one yet. I hope there will be another installment to answer all the arising questions in this book. I recommend this book.
December 11, 2010
Compelling romance/mystery/suspense novel involving an aristocratic lady in early 20th century New York who finds that her fiance's former mistress has been murdered and her fiance is the primary suspect. In fact, the evidence just keeps on piling up and it is up to Francesca to prove Calder Hart's innocence. The scandal is so intense that Hart breaks their engagement in order to deflect its worst effects from Francesca and her family. This is a well-written book with fascinating characters and a mystery that doesn't yield very many clues. Trust, passion, family despair, broken hearts . . . all are woven throughout this tale. A really good read.
July 8, 2013
Il romanzo offre una storia scorrevole e intrigante, un tipico giallo in cui gli indizi vengono svelati un poco alla volta, tenendo costantemente il lettore sulla corda nella complicata ricerca della verità.
Recensione completa qui: http://libridilo.blogspot.it/2013/07/...
Recensione completa qui: http://libridilo.blogspot.it/2013/07/...
February 23, 2014
In the early 1900's, Francesca is a young woman before her time. A sleuth, a Crime-solver Extraordinaire. Her fiance is wealthy, with a scandalous reputation, who finds himself the chief suspect in the murder of his exmistress and unborn child. Francesca never loses faith in the man she loves as she works to solve the crime.
November 19, 2017
Great look into familiar characters
Daisy is Calder's former mistress and she is emotionally fragile. She appeared to understand Calder loves Francesca and will never return to her. All shell breaks loose when she is killed and all points to Calder. Rick is delighted and Fran realizes she does not care if he is guilty.
Daisy is Calder's former mistress and she is emotionally fragile. She appeared to understand Calder loves Francesca and will never return to her. All shell breaks loose when she is killed and all points to Calder. Rick is delighted and Fran realizes she does not care if he is guilty.
December 30, 2012
This book was even better the second time reading it. Joyce kept the action moving from scene to scene juggling the multiple story lines so that readers never have a moment to relax as the tension builds.
November 29, 2008
Is Calder guilty of murder? Evidence points to him, but Francesca isn't so sure. Should she believe the evidence or her heart?
The book leaves a cliffhanger at the end...I hope the last book will be published sometime soon...
The book leaves a cliffhanger at the end...I hope the last book will be published sometime soon...
August 18, 2013
I really liked this book. It was great that Francesca believed in Hart so much that she didn't let any circumstantial evidence shake her faith in him. I, also, liked that Rick Bragg and Leigh Ann seem to on the way to a full reconciliation by the end of the book.
April 16, 2016
Peut-être que je me lasse, mais j'ai moins aimé ce tome que les précédents. L'enquête qui promettait d'être intéressante est finalement un peu longuette et la relation Francesca/Calder m'a un peu saoulée. Par contre Evan et Maggie sont trop mignons.
Read
July 11, 2009I learned that I don't particularly like this kind of book set in the early 1900's. Women are portrayed as weaker creatures and swoon into men's arms. Uck.
July 15, 2010
Francesca makes a fascinating character. This is clearly romantic suspense at the dawn of the 20th century.
Read
December 13, 2010Originially read when it first was release. Did a quick re-read in December 2010 to get ready for the next book. Love Calder and Francesca - but it is time for this series to resolve:)
August 6, 2011
This was kind of the slowest to me. I am hoping #9 is really good.
October 17, 2011
good trilogy
January 4, 2012
Read my review on my blog: Too Many Books, Not Enough Time. Here is the URL.
http://www.2manybooks-notenoughtime.b...
http://www.2manybooks-notenoughtime.b...
March 4, 2012
9th of a series, 1902 sleuth looking who killed her fiance's mistress
October 5, 2012
pretty good. not as riveting as i was hoping but definitely got better as i went along.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews