A cat burglar extraordinaire trying to reform — and finally marry her sexy British billionaire — finds herself walking a tightrope when she takes on the security for a glamorous auction house, in this sparkling, sexy thriller by New York Times bestseller Suzanne Enoch.
When Samantha Jellicoe, cat burglar and art thief extraordinaire (reformed!) is tapped to install last minute security for the auction of a priceless art collection, she leaps at the chance. Not only is it a great offer, but it will lead to future jobs, which are hard to find for a talented but notorious ex-thief. If there’s one thing Sam knows, it’s security— and how to get around it!
Walking the straight and narrow (so she can marry her dreamy, aristocratic fiancé Richard Addison) is not going to be easy, and this case adds a whole new level of the possible involvement of her interfering and equally skilled Dad, the auction house's liaison’s mysterious background, as well as the hidden motives of her new staff means that Sam's burglar sack is full to the brim with extra baggage — and not the sparkly kind!
Failure could mean the end of Sam’s freedom, her relationship with Rick, and everything she's been working for, so it’s all hands on deck for Team Sam, with a few twists, fireworks — literal and personal — and some great pizza, in a blowout that New York City’s art scene will never forget!
Suzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
Samantha “Sam” Jellicoe, reformed cat burglar extraordinaire, faces her latest challenge as a security specialist. She needs to install security in an auction house good enough to keep out her notorious father. Failure is not an option Sam can entertain. However, the job reveals some long-kept secrets. Can Sam outwit her father? Will those secrets jeopardize her freedom and her relationship with Rick?
Richard “Rick” Addison, English aristocrat and billionaire, follows his fiancé to New York. He worries that this latest job will expose Sam’s hidden criminal past. Rick is determined to protect her at all costs. He and Sam never expected the unexpected twist the job tosses their way. Will this latest surprise jeopardize Rick’s future with Sam? Or will it prove beneficial in keeping her safe?
Sam and Rick are total opposites, but they make their relationship work. I like how Rick is Sam’s “voice of reason”. He is her sole reason for staying on the straight and narrow. Sam refuses to do anything to jeopardize Rick’s reputation and standing in society. I also like how Rick is still battling on compromising with Sam. I also like how Rick still battles with compromise with Sam. He is used to having things go his way. Rick fights against his inner need to protect Sam while letting her do her own thing. It is not always easy for him to give up control.
A KISS IN THE DARK is the second installment in Suzanne Enoch’s romantic suspense series, SAM AND RICK. It is a continuation of the author’s SAMANTHA JELLICOE series. I recommend starting with the first series before jumping into the new one. It reveals how Sam and Rick first met and the many trials both faced in their relationship.
I have always loved this series. Heck, I still own the five original cover Harpercollins paperbacks from 2005 to 2007. When I saw there was a new book, I literally squealed (in delight and anticipation). I cannot wait for future Rick and Sam adventures!
Great series! I wish this author would write more books like this instead of historical genre. This is a romantic suspense with humor, intrigue and well as entertaining recurring side characters.
The main couple Rick and Sam are so charming and hot together. It is difficult to find couples in a series that keep my interest... they are a bit like Marie Force's Fatal series but a lighter tone.
Sam and Rick get into another adventure. She is hired for a security job in New York only to find her father is part of the plot. She is totally legit now but the statutes on her previous life still have 5 yrs till they run out and she can't be prosecuted.
Rick follows her to the city as he wants to keep an eye out so she doesn't end up in jail like the last time her father threw her under the bus to save his own hide. Great series the last book came out in 2018 but this is supposed to take place about 6 weeks later so takes up where the last one left off. Hope author continues writing this series.
*A cat burglar extraordinaire trying to reform — and finally marry her sexy British billionaire — finds herself walking a tightrope when she takes on the security for a glamorous auction house.*
🌟🔐 **Review:** 🔐🌟
In *A Kiss in the Dark*, Suzanne Enoch delivers a thrilling, fast-paced romantic caper that blends suspense, humor, and romance. Samantha Jellicoe, a reformed cat burglar with a knack for high-stakes heists, is trying her best to walk the straight and narrow. She’s left her thieving days behind and is eager to prove herself as a legitimate security expert, especially as she’s planning to marry the swoon-worthy British billionaire, Richard Addison.
When she’s offered the chance to oversee the security for a high-profile auction featuring priceless art, Sam jumps at the opportunity. Not only is this a perfect way to bolster her new career, but it also opens doors for future jobs—a rare find for an ex-criminal like her. However, things are never as simple as they seem in Sam’s world. The auction house presents more than just a valuable collection—it comes with a mysterious liaison, hidden motives among her staff, and the looming presence of her equally skilled and interfering father.
As Sam navigates the intricacies of the art world, she finds herself walking a fine line between her past and present life. With so much on the line—her freedom, her relationship with Rick, and her reformed reputation—Sam is faced with tough decisions. And when fireworks (literal and personal) start flying, Sam’s world is thrown into chaos in a way that only New York’s high society and art scene could provide.
Enoch masterfully balances suspense with sparkling banter and sizzling chemistry between Sam and Rick, making *A Kiss in the Dark* an entertaining and heart-pounding read. Sam’s internal struggle to fully embrace her new life while battling old temptations adds depth to the plot, while the caper keeps readers on their toes.
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🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟 - **Heist Meets Romance**: The perfect blend of high-stakes action and sizzling romance between Sam and Rick. - **Intriguing Characters**: Sam’s complex relationship with her father and the shady auction house staff keeps the tension high. - **Witty Banter**: Sam’s sharp wit and the playful chemistry between her and Rick add plenty of lighthearted moments to the suspense.
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💌 **Favorite Quote:** *"Walking the straight and narrow (so she can marry her dreamy, aristocratic fiancé) is not going to be easy, and this case adds a whole new level of the possible."* - Sam’s constant balancing act between her past and future is at the heart of the story’s tension.
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🌟 **Rating:** 🌟 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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This book is perfect for fans of romantic thrillers with a dash of humor, charm, and fast-paced action. *A Kiss in the Dark* is a delightful mix of romance, suspense, and witty dialogue that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.
This was a fun and sexy story starring a couple that first started their book journey years ago. This book took me by surprise not having read book 1 of this revival series. While not strictly necessary, I think it is fun to have read at least the original first story to understand how far this couple has come from fireworks to a wedding date. Before I talk about the characters or the mystery or the fact the Sam's father may be involved (or at least someone using his moniker,) I want to talk about my favorite scene. Early on Rick goes for a barbecue at the home of his lawyer and the lawyer's children are asking about Sam. Olivia, the daughter, wants Sam to teach her how to build a booby trap. I could not help but picture a scene from the TV show Leverage where Parker is teaching a girl to pick locks. From that point on Sam looked a lot like Parker in my head. The fact that the story opened with Sam in the vents was more Parker so that image stuck through the whole book. For me, it is fun when an author is able to elicit a strong reaction because they make the scene relatable to something else in your live (in my case it was my favorite show.) Rick is exactly the kind of man all single woman should look for and not just because he is described as super hot and richer than Midas. Mostly, I say this because he knows Sam with all her warts (or crimes) and still loves and supports her. With Sam I see a woman who has learned from book 1 how to go from existing with no ties to love without loosing her core self. She may not be a criminal anymore but she is still very much her own woman. I felt bad for the one character who honestly seemed to care for her being put into a position where betrayal was called for. No spoilers on which way he went. Sam's team seems like an interesting bunch and with the wedding on the horizon, who knows what comes next. I hope this series continues because it is a nice light hearted romp that is perfect for day's when your life is full of sadness. Thanks to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I can't believe I started reading this series nineteen years ago (yes, you read that correctly – 19 YEARS AGO when the first book in the original “Samantha Jellicoe Series” hit the bookstores in March of 2005 and I was hooked from the beginning.
It has now been six years since readers last heard from Samantha Jellicoe and Rick Addison. And believe me, I had given up on ever hearing from them again – when out of nowhere came a big surprise and had me jumping with joy to see Enoch had published a new book, “A Kiss In The Dark” in her new “Sam and Rick” Series. I literally dropped everything to hop over onto Amazon and one-click and immediately begin reading.
What’s even more amazing and quite a surprise is the fact that only one year in fictionland has passed in the life of Sam and Rick. Boy! Wish I could say I’m still in the same shape as I was 19 years ago! The wonders of fiction have no boundaries.
As per her norm, Samantha is once again in trouble up to her eyeballs and, of course, Rick is on her heels prepared to save the day! Lots of eye-opening and shocking surprises will keep readers completely spellbound.
Always a riotous and spirited duo, it was so fun to once again be in the company of Samantha and Rick, and I sure hope it won’t take another six years before we get the answer to that big “WHAT?” cliffhanger!
SAM AND RICK SERIES Barefoot In the Dark (pub. 8/15/18) (previously #6 in the Samantha Jellicoe Series) A Kiss in the Dark (pub. 10/8/24)
SAMANTHA JELLICO SERIES Flirting With Danger Don’t Look Down Billionaires Prefer Blondes Twice the Temptation A Touch of Minx Barefoot In the Dark (now assigned as #1 In Sam and Rick Series)
A Cat burglar (& her foxy lord) in the auction house!
Sam Jellicoe, a reformed cat burglar, has a new security business protecting clients from people like her. She should know all the security holes as she has exploited most of them. Rick Addison is her billionaire fiancé and a British Lord. Sam takes a new job for Sotheby’s setting up security for an exclusive auction in New York. It becomes tricky when she discovers her infamous father Martin Jellicoe is in New York. He is unhappy with Sam and throws quite a few kinks into the works. Can she protect the expensive art and deal with her father too?
Love this power couple and their relationship! Sam is independent to the max. Richard struggles with his protective instincts even while realizing she can look out for herself. Unfortunately, Sam seems to be a magnet for trouble. She also attracts unique and fascinating characters like bees to honey. Sam is charming and quick-witted, making this romantic suspense novel very entertaining. This former art thief made me laugh out loud while rooting for her to stay legit.
I also recommend the previous books starring Samantha Jellicoe. A Kiss in the Dark has the back story so enjoy it on its own. Recommended for readers who enjoy Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books.
Thank you to Independent Publishers Group/NYLA and NetGalley for a digital review copy.
A Kiss in the Dark was a ton of fun! Suspense, mystery, romance, crime, all rolled into one.
Samantha Jellicoe's cat-burglar dad raised her into a life of crime, and he doesn’t appreciate it one bit when she decides she’d rather go clean and make a legitimate living. She’s built a business protecting against thieves rather than helping them, and fallen in love with a hot British billionaire who she’s all set to marry.
When Samantha is hired to protect a huge collection of art and other precious items, things get pretty wild, maybe a few family secrets come out, and there’s a lot to figure out in a short time. But Samantha is up for the challenge.
I had so much fun trying to discern who was involved with what, where the plot twists would come from, how the characters would approach so many crazy problems, and how everything would turn out. The author takes you on a fun ride through NYC, security nightmares, the high stakes burglar world, and a sizzling relationship between two fiercely independent yet devoted people.
I haven’t read any of the previous Samantha Jellicoe books but clearly I need to! I need to get more details on Samantha and Rick’s backstory.
Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for my advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
I’ve been reading Samantha Jellicoe series through the years and I was the happiest when I managed to get an eArc copy of the new book from it series 🤭.
I’m a big Suzanne Enoch fan - if you don’t know - when I started reading romance books my first ones were historical romance and Suzanne was some of the first authors I read- her Lessons in Love Series is one that I remember dearly.
I loved A Kiss in the Dark- reading one more adventure for this couple was something I really needed. Sam and Rick are like water and oil- they’re the perfect example of opposites attract but they have one of the most dearest and sweetest relationships I’ve read.
I always loved how supportive Rick was for her. Even in the craziness his always next to her. Reading that he still ordered flowers in her hotel room was lovely 🙈💕😭. And they finally would set a date for their wedding!!
If you’re looking for an adventurous book, A Kiss in the Dark is the perfect book for you. You can even read it without reading the previous ones but I highly recommend reading the complete collection to a better understanding 🫶🏽.
Thank you NetGalley and Suzanne Enoch for the opportunity to review this.
Thank you to NetGalley, NYLA Publishing, and Suzanne Enoch for providing this advance reader copy (ARC) of this book. My honest review is below.
No wonder I was confused, while this may be book 2 in this new series of Sam & Rick the characters of Sam & Rick have 5 previous books in another series called Sam Jellicoe. It covers how they met and I'm sure more details on the backstories. A Kiss in the Dark is a standalone that would read easier if the reader was familiar with the past books. It worked out ok for me, but more understanding would have been nice.
Sam & Rick are an intense couple. He's a titled British billionaire use to getting his own way and Sam is a cat burglar who's been on her own since a teenager. They clash, butt heads, grudgingly compromise, and have a lot of hot sex. The story of Sam's security firm working for a Sotheby's sale works very well and the story flows around it. I was able to figure out the existing characters and the new ones were no problem at all. I'm not going to include spoilers but one tidbit I loved is when a character gets to tase a big dumb guy. I live vicariously. I found it to be an enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group | NYLA for providing this book, with my honest review below.
A Kiss in the Dark is a new addition to a series you must pick up if you’re into heists and intrigue, as I am.
While I haven’t yet read the other books in the series and didn’t feel like I missed much past the development of the romance and some events, I did find myself wanting to learn more so I’ll definitely be checking it out. Of the things I enjoyed and would love to check out a bit more was the relationship between Samantha and Richard (a cute couple who I imagine have a great meet cute from the events indicated) and Samantha’s backstory of a car burglar gone good, as well as the exploration of Samantha’s burglar father. In this story we see Samantha find out her father is targeting an auction she is providing security for, with some pretty unbelievable discoveries along the way (and a major cliffhanger that’s just as unbelievable). A great heist novel, I can’t wait to see what other books bring as hopefully some of the side characters are explored further and the dynamics between all of them become closer, making a true (upgraded) crew.
This is a heist romance novel with suspense and crime sprinkled on top. Sam is a reformed burglar, whose dad raised her to follow in his criminal footsteps, but love changes all, and so falling in love with Richard changed Sam for good. Now her Dad is mad at her and wants to ruin her security business by targeting the auction she is providing security for. I honestly loved how the story not only focused on Sam's romance, but also on her own personal journey, and alongside her changing dynamics with her crew. Sam is an independent woman and I LOVE LOVE LOVE strong women in romances. The plot moves fast, is written extremely well written, and is unique and fun to read. There are surprises, cliff hangers, and people who come back from the dead, which just shows how this book is a miracle itself LMAO. Thanks to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for the ARC.
So, there I was again, requesting a book on NetGalley without checking if it was part of a series. It’s a good thing that although A Kiss in the Dark is book 2 in the Sam and Rick series, you can read it as a standalone. Of course, you’d want to know what happened in book 1, but you can take things as they are in this book. And, what a ride!
A Kiss in the Dark is a cup of freshly brewed hot coffee. Although it scalds your tongue with its sexy undertones and stirring exploits, it has a roasted goodness that makes you sip some more. It lets you experience the steadfastness of Rick’s unconditional love for reformed cat burglar Sam and the latter’s foray into going into the straight and narrow. It embraces you with the warmth of found family and convinces you that in a world full of malicious intent, good hearts can still win.
Something I can easily see this book made into a movie! Sexy billionaire has met his match with Sam, who has turned a new leaf. From cat burglar to security expert, of course she sees things from a totally different angle. Which makes her exceptional at her new career. Trained by her father from the young age, she now will go up against him. Trying to foil his plans to rob an exclusive collection showing. Rick has his hands tied with trying to help Sam. She has agreed to marry him, but as for him protecting her from harm? It’s a no go, but unknown to Sam and with the help of some shady characters from her past there maybe a way. I wished I had known about the 1st book for the backstory of Rick and Sam, but still a good read as a standalone. A few surprises and some fun dialogue between the characters. Will leave you wanting more. #AKissintheDark
Tropes: 🐈⬛ Reformed Cat Burglar FMC 💎 British Lord MMC
Overall this was a light and entertaining read. The main characters were very likeable and I especially liked Samantha and her quick wit. Richard was very protective of Sam, which was very sweet. I only wish his POV was slightly less repetitive in terms of him trying to protect Sam while also providing her with space and respecting her independence.
This was a solid continuation of the first book and it was nice to see more of Sam and Rick’s day to day relationship, as well as of Sam being a reformed cat burglar. I definitely recommend reading this series for a lighthearted read 💛💫
Many thanks to author and publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of my top favorite series and I'm so happy that we have gotten another book!!!
Oh man, this one was a rollercoaster not only for me as a reader but for our lovely main character Sam Jellico. We learn along with her, so many things about her past, and we get to see her outsmart her father yet again! Her romance with British billionaire heartthrob Richard Addison is steamy and so lovely. They make an unlikely yet absolutely perfect couple, they just get each other.
I don't want to give any spoilers, so I'll just say if you're already a fan of this series you'll definitely love this one, and if you haven't if a romance between a cat burglar and the man she tried to rob sounds like something you'll enjoy I highly recommend this series. You won't regret it!!!
Sam has been asked to ask for some last minute security upgrades at a museum in New York so she heads up to help out. When she gets up there, it turns out that she was called because the curator got a note warning them that a thief was targeting this display specifically. When Sam sees the note, she realizes is that it is from one of her dad's old aliases. And she finds out that the reason this specific museum has been targeted is because the curator is connected to Sam's father. Of course, there are complications because the FBI is still trying to get Sam. And her father is ready to serve her up on a platter. Not my favorite Sam and Rick story but it was fine and I really liked the reveal at the end.
I've been waiting for this book forever. Sam and Rick is an extension of the Sam Jellicoe series which is one of my absolute favorite books. This book gets 4 stars because I found grammar issues or the timings were incorrect. For example when the author is reminding us about the incident between Sam and her father in the Met; first it was said that it was just 2 weeks ago which threw me of and confused me. Since the timeline in the books are happening continuesly I knew that it was wrong. In the next sentence though that changes to 2 months ago. Stuff like that was through out the first half of the book. For example in the last book of the first series ( A touch of Minx) Stoney decides to switch sides but it is mentioned in this book again which annoyed me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A Kiss in the Dark was such a blast! Samantha Jellicoe, the reformed cat burglar, is sharp, witty, and just fun to follow. Watching her juggle a high-stakes security job, her dad’s meddling, and her relationship with Richard made for a wild ride. The tension between her past life and trying to stay on the straight path added a lot of heart to the story.
I loved the mix of suspense, humor, and romance. The New York art scene, twists, and even fireworks (plus pizza!) made it feel fresh and exciting. If you love a fast-paced caper with great banter, this one’s for you!
Samantha has gone legit and is engaged to Richard a wealthy aristocrat. Sam is handling security for a Sothebys auction. Her renowned art theft Father , supposedly dead has plans. Dad is planning to rob the exhibit to prove he’s better than Sam. Who will come out on top? I have enjoyed this series in the past and it has been a long time since the last book. I was happy to see a new one in the series. Although this is part of a series it could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
Se me hizo una historia entretenida, rápida de leer, con buen ritmo, sin dramas innecesarios, con romance, acción, secretos y descubrimientos.
Samantha y Rick han madurado, se nota que aprendieron a comunicarse y cuando algo pasa siempre se apoyan. Como pareja son muy lindos. Que en el siguiente libro por fin se casen. 🙏
Ese plot twist no lo vi venir, yo también pensé que era el novio.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Samantha, a reformed cat burglar, is hired to provide security for an art exhibit. Her father Martin, a cat burglar, decides to steal from the exhibit to show his daughter he is still the best and to punish her for ratting him out on his last heist. Samantha and her friends must do everything they can to stop him. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for an honest review.
I have lived Sam and Rick from the first Samantha Jellicoe book all those years ago and was disappointed when it seemed there weren't going to be any more. Needless to say, Ms. Enoch has more than made up for the long gap in this series with the Sam and Rick books. Their ongoing adventures are clever, well-written and exciting, with wonderful characters and dialogue. I can't wait for the next one! Highly recommended.
I went into the book blind without having read the previous book(s? - apparently there's more than one). I was able to follow the story well enough I think, but it felt like I was missing something. Which I was, so that's fair, I guess. I was definitely entertained at times though and feel like I would've enjoyed the story more if I'd already been familiar with the characters.
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
Welcome back Sam & Rick - you've been missed! As Sam continues to grow her security business, she's contacted by a NYC auction house to work up security plans, which goes well. Of course, mayhem ensues. There are surprise relatives popping up all over the place. What's supposed to be a one- or two-night engagement turns out to require more handholding than anticipated. No surprise that Rick joins her on location. Mayhem includes the surprise relatives, dead relatives (not so dead) and criminal activity. Sam (and Rick) saves the day. I look forward to the next installment (and hopefully the wedding).
I'm a fan of Suzanne Enoch as I love the humour and the excellent storytelling. This is another stories that kept me reading and having fun. Good suspence and good romance, I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to read the next one soon Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
If you like a snarky, tough and brilliant heroine and the billionaire that loves her, you have to read this series. As the series began almost 20 years ago the first couple of books are a bit dated but are well worth the read. These are fast paced, humorous and hot stories filled with intrigue and love.
Can I give it 6 stars? It was totally engrossing and the author handled the complexities of the story very well. I received this as an advance copy from the author and NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is obviously the second book in, hopefully, a series but it didn't spoil the story. Really enjoyed the back story of each character and the inter play between them . Family intrigue, romance, crimes are central to the story. Enjoy it I did
Love the main characters, the storyline and all the supporting characters. I know,eventually Sam and Ricks lives,will slow down. But until then I want to read it all!!
Rick and Sam and the gang are back again. Did I love Kiss? Not as much as Barefoot. But it was still a fun read. 2 big reveals then a third just before book ended. Where will Sam and Rick’s story go now? Hope we won’t have to wait another 6 years.