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Mystery Lake #10
Forbidden
A gruesome string of murders, a shadowed past, and a woman who’s not afraid to fight for the truth.
Josephine “Joey” Warwick is confused. Five years ago, she expressed an interest in cyber expert Leo Gallardo, only to have him friend-zone her in no uncertain terms. A decision she’s respected ever since. So why is he spending his days swimming from her beach and his nights sleeping in her guest room? Sure, he helped her through a health scare no one else knows about, but that doesn’t explain the way he looks at her now.
Leo has his reasons for keeping his distance from Joey. The problem is, after an unexpected trip to the emergency room, he can’t bring himself to leave the woman who’s always held his interest, his heart, and the starring role in all his fantasies. Even if he can’t, in all good conscience, do anything about those fantasies—at least he has the unsolved murder of a distant cousin he’s never met before to distract him. He doesn’t expect the case or spending time with Joey to be easy, but he also never expected to find a killer targeting his mom.
With an unknown murderer on the loose, keeping each other at arm’s length is no longer an option. Especially not when the killer might hold the answers Leo has sought his entire life. The answers that might allow him to love Joey the way he’s always wanted.
Josephine “Joey” Warwick is confused. Five years ago, she expressed an interest in cyber expert Leo Gallardo, only to have him friend-zone her in no uncertain terms. A decision she’s respected ever since. So why is he spending his days swimming from her beach and his nights sleeping in her guest room? Sure, he helped her through a health scare no one else knows about, but that doesn’t explain the way he looks at her now.
Leo has his reasons for keeping his distance from Joey. The problem is, after an unexpected trip to the emergency room, he can’t bring himself to leave the woman who’s always held his interest, his heart, and the starring role in all his fantasies. Even if he can’t, in all good conscience, do anything about those fantasies—at least he has the unsolved murder of a distant cousin he’s never met before to distract him. He doesn’t expect the case or spending time with Joey to be easy, but he also never expected to find a killer targeting his mom.
With an unknown murderer on the loose, keeping each other at arm’s length is no longer an option. Especially not when the killer might hold the answers Leo has sought his entire life. The answers that might allow him to love Joey the way he’s always wanted.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2024
42 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Tamsen Schultz
42 books349 followersTamsen Schultz is the author of several romantic suspense novels and American Kin (a short story published in Line Zero Magazine). In addition to being a writer, she has a background in the field of international conflict resolution, has co-founded a non-profit, and currently works in corporate America. Like most lawyers, she spends a disproportionate amount of time thinking (and writing) about what it might be like to do something else. She lives in Northern California in a house full of males including her husband, two sons, three cats, a dog, and a gender-neutral, but well-stocked, wine rack.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 29, 2024
How are we at book ten in the Mystery Lake Series already? I'm sure that it's only been five minutes since I read the first one. Fortunately, these are such fantastic books that I'm certainly not complaining. I'm just a little sad, because I think that this is the last book in the series.
This book features Joey, one of the younger members of the Warwick family. Unlike many of the previous stories, Joey has had feelings for Leo almost since she first knew him. Leo has also felt the same, but due to a misunderstanding, they haven't realised how the other felt.
As well as dealing with their growing romance and feelings, Leo and his mother are facing some unknown killer who seems to be closing in on them. I love the way this series seems to balance the romance and the thriller aspect of the stories. It's done so well and makes for a really gripping read.
There was element of the book that I struggled with a bit. Leo has concerns about his parentage and talks about a possible (nonconsensual) incestuous relationship. This relationship could only be cousins, and possibly not even first cousins. I found the whole thing bizarre and over the top. In what world is that incestuous or a cause for concern?
Overall, this was a fantastic read and one that fits so well into the world of Mystery Lake and the Warwick family. I'm not sure if we're going to get stories that feature some of the side characters next or something different, but I'm looking forward to finding out.
This book features Joey, one of the younger members of the Warwick family. Unlike many of the previous stories, Joey has had feelings for Leo almost since she first knew him. Leo has also felt the same, but due to a misunderstanding, they haven't realised how the other felt.
As well as dealing with their growing romance and feelings, Leo and his mother are facing some unknown killer who seems to be closing in on them. I love the way this series seems to balance the romance and the thriller aspect of the stories. It's done so well and makes for a really gripping read.
There was element of the book that I struggled with a bit. Leo has concerns about his parentage and talks about a possible (nonconsensual) incestuous relationship. This relationship could only be cousins, and possibly not even first cousins. I found the whole thing bizarre and over the top. In what world is that incestuous or a cause for concern?
Overall, this was a fantastic read and one that fits so well into the world of Mystery Lake and the Warwick family. I'm not sure if we're going to get stories that feature some of the side characters next or something different, but I'm looking forward to finding out.
August 8, 2024
Leo and Joey
I love the way the romance and thriller components of this story were mixed. Having read the previous 9 books in the series, I had some background on both Joey and Leo, but it was so fun to see them as the main characters.
Joey and Leo’s romance developed slowly, and I loved it. They had both been pining for one another since they met, but because of a misunderstanding, thought they’d been put in the friend zone. But a medical emergency and the threat of a killer brought them together after five long years.
I loved Leo. He was so smart and logical but really struggled with the nuances of relationships that weren’t straightforward. I loved that he was such a genuine guy and really had no clue when a woman was flirting with him. He was so nerdy and I loved it.
Joey was Leo’s perfect match. She just wanted to be enough for someone and didn’t realize she had always been enough for those closest to her. She felt like she faded into the background of her large and boisterous family, but she felt like the only person in the room with Leo by her side.
I loved this plot. I loved the cameos of all the previous couples and am so sad this could be the last book in this series. I loved the ending and thought it was the perfect way to wrap up the Mystery Lake series. But I hope we now get a series with Noah’s MC and get more cameos of some of these couples.
I love the way the romance and thriller components of this story were mixed. Having read the previous 9 books in the series, I had some background on both Joey and Leo, but it was so fun to see them as the main characters.
Joey and Leo’s romance developed slowly, and I loved it. They had both been pining for one another since they met, but because of a misunderstanding, thought they’d been put in the friend zone. But a medical emergency and the threat of a killer brought them together after five long years.
I loved Leo. He was so smart and logical but really struggled with the nuances of relationships that weren’t straightforward. I loved that he was such a genuine guy and really had no clue when a woman was flirting with him. He was so nerdy and I loved it.
Joey was Leo’s perfect match. She just wanted to be enough for someone and didn’t realize she had always been enough for those closest to her. She felt like she faded into the background of her large and boisterous family, but she felt like the only person in the room with Leo by her side.
I loved this plot. I loved the cameos of all the previous couples and am so sad this could be the last book in this series. I loved the ending and thought it was the perfect way to wrap up the Mystery Lake series. But I hope we now get a series with Noah’s MC and get more cameos of some of these couples.
August 10, 2024
A definite must read book and series!!!
I have absolutely loved this series since the beginning, and if it was possible to give 10+ stars for each book, I would definitely do it! Even though many of the members of this awesome family are either famous or in the elite status, they are all amazing, talented, wonderful, down to earth type of people. Mrs. Schultz certainly outdid herself with this fantastic series.
Although it wasn't stated, I have the feeling that this may be the last book in this series. I truly hope that I'm wrong, as I would absolutely love to see more stories involving the supporting characters from the series! However, if this is really the ending of the series, I would like to thank the author for sharing these amazing stories with us, as well as allowing them to be a part of the Kindle Unlimited program. Each story was unique, humorous, suspenseful, passionate, and intriguing with many unexpected twists and turns that will hook you from beginning to the very end. It's definitely a series that I'll be rereading!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
I hope that to see more stories from this talented author in the near future! Can't wait!!
I have absolutely loved this series since the beginning, and if it was possible to give 10+ stars for each book, I would definitely do it! Even though many of the members of this awesome family are either famous or in the elite status, they are all amazing, talented, wonderful, down to earth type of people. Mrs. Schultz certainly outdid herself with this fantastic series.
Although it wasn't stated, I have the feeling that this may be the last book in this series. I truly hope that I'm wrong, as I would absolutely love to see more stories involving the supporting characters from the series! However, if this is really the ending of the series, I would like to thank the author for sharing these amazing stories with us, as well as allowing them to be a part of the Kindle Unlimited program. Each story was unique, humorous, suspenseful, passionate, and intriguing with many unexpected twists and turns that will hook you from beginning to the very end. It's definitely a series that I'll be rereading!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
I hope that to see more stories from this talented author in the near future! Can't wait!!
July 31, 2024
Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
This is the final book in the Mystery Lake series. In this book Tamsen Schultz weaves a tale of suspense and murder that keeps you on the edge the entire time. While each story in this series is unique, it does help to have read the others to get a feel for the relationships.
Joey and Leo’s story is well balanced story of intrigue, secrets and betrayal. They are an interesting couple, and it was a real treat to follow them along the trail of a series of murders as well as their romance. While you get a sense that the key to the solution is close, getting there is a suspenseful journey.
Both have a history that they really did not want to deal with or share, but when needs be, they find that their understanding helps the other far more than expected.
I was sucked into the story from the first pages and could not put it down. Maybe the best in the series. Hmm… maybe I will need to re-read them all just to be sure.
This is the final book in the Mystery Lake series. In this book Tamsen Schultz weaves a tale of suspense and murder that keeps you on the edge the entire time. While each story in this series is unique, it does help to have read the others to get a feel for the relationships.
Joey and Leo’s story is well balanced story of intrigue, secrets and betrayal. They are an interesting couple, and it was a real treat to follow them along the trail of a series of murders as well as their romance. While you get a sense that the key to the solution is close, getting there is a suspenseful journey.
Both have a history that they really did not want to deal with or share, but when needs be, they find that their understanding helps the other far more than expected.
I was sucked into the story from the first pages and could not put it down. Maybe the best in the series. Hmm… maybe I will need to re-read them all just to be sure.
August 1, 2024
WOW! What a Great Ending!!
Forbidden, the last story in Tamsen Schultz’s Mystery Lake series had a great ending to this story as well as to the whole series. Looks like I will have to go back and reread the whole series back-to-back to pick up all the little tidbits I am sure I missed from the first read because I was so anxious to finish reading the story. Leo and Joey’s slow buildup of their relationship is really good. I like that they took the time, albeit unknowingly at first, to really get to know each other and become such good friends. The surprise toward the end was and then again was not actually expected. Tamsen has written some really excellent stories which I have very much enjoyed. I am looking forward to her new series about the men from Falcon’s Rest. I am sure they will be equally as enthralling!
Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Forbidden, the last story in Tamsen Schultz’s Mystery Lake series had a great ending to this story as well as to the whole series. Looks like I will have to go back and reread the whole series back-to-back to pick up all the little tidbits I am sure I missed from the first read because I was so anxious to finish reading the story. Leo and Joey’s slow buildup of their relationship is really good. I like that they took the time, albeit unknowingly at first, to really get to know each other and become such good friends. The surprise toward the end was and then again was not actually expected. Tamsen has written some really excellent stories which I have very much enjoyed. I am looking forward to her new series about the men from Falcon’s Rest. I am sure they will be equally as enthralling!
Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
July 22, 2024
Forbidden is the 10th and final book in the awesome Mystery Lake series. While Joey and Leo have been mentioned before and all the couples from the previous books have cameo appearances, their story can still be read and enjoyed as a standalone. It's a clever combination of a slow-burn romance with a hair-raising murder investigation that kept my heart pounding and my pulse rate up from the first to the last page. There are some incredibly heartbreaking moments, a few spicy sexy times and a lot of close-knit family interaction along the way to a moving and hard-earned HEA. I hate to see this addictive series come to an end and hope we'll get to revisit Mystery Lake and the Warwick clan in the future!
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
August 6, 2024
"Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own."
Joey has been attracted to Leo since she first met him, Leo thinks she's just being nice. But as her friend for a few years, they are spending more time together. Things change when Leo gets a call from his mother.
Now they are working together to find a possible serial killer. As they do their attraction to each other grows!
Will they find a serial killer? Is his mother somehow involved. Will they finally get past the friendship mode?
A great read, as always Tamsen holds your attention from the first pages! Number 10 in thee Mystery Lake series. I highly recommend this whole series!
Joey has been attracted to Leo since she first met him, Leo thinks she's just being nice. But as her friend for a few years, they are spending more time together. Things change when Leo gets a call from his mother.
Now they are working together to find a possible serial killer. As they do their attraction to each other grows!
Will they find a serial killer? Is his mother somehow involved. Will they finally get past the friendship mode?
A great read, as always Tamsen holds your attention from the first pages! Number 10 in thee Mystery Lake series. I highly recommend this whole series!
August 2, 2024
Another great Mystery Lake Series. I am so sad that this is the last. This is a great mystery and love story.
Joey and Leo have been have been interested in each other for 5 years but have been stuck in the friend zone. Leo is with Joey when she has a health scare and helps her through that. Then he continues to support her during her recovery.
During this time his mom contacts him about a cousin that was murdered. He and Joey start to look into it and find a link to other murders and his mother.
I received a copy and this opinion is my own.
Joey and Leo have been have been interested in each other for 5 years but have been stuck in the friend zone. Leo is with Joey when she has a health scare and helps her through that. Then he continues to support her during her recovery.
During this time his mom contacts him about a cousin that was murdered. He and Joey start to look into it and find a link to other murders and his mother.
I received a copy and this opinion is my own.
August 1, 2024
Joey and Leo have a strong friendship, that really leaves head scratching.
If they are both attracted to each other, then why stay in the friend zone?
As they share dangers and crazy family complications, they might find some pretty strong connections - if they can face fears and truly freaky complicated and scary folks and situations, and if they can survive.
Intense family, psychological thriller, drama and romance
If they are both attracted to each other, then why stay in the friend zone?
As they share dangers and crazy family complications, they might find some pretty strong connections - if they can face fears and truly freaky complicated and scary folks and situations, and if they can survive.
Intense family, psychological thriller, drama and romance
July 17, 2024
I so enjoyed this Mystery Lake series. While it's book 10, it can certainly be read as a standalone. This is more of a slow burn between Joey and Leo, but given the story line it made total sense. There is also a mystery that is solved and a second chance romance. This book certainly brought out more than one emotion from me - which makes this series a must read. I'd highly recommend!
August 3, 2024
Joey and Leo are the perfect end to this amazing series! Romance, mystery, suspense, humor, and a beloved cast of characters make for an exciting story. The ending gives fans all they could have asked for. And the best part is knowing we will see our favorite characters again in the upcoming series. I am never disappointed when I pick up a Tamsen Schultz book!
July 18, 2024
A great addition to a terrific series. The book can certainly be read as a standalone. Lots of family and coworkers add to the enjoyment. As usual, I skip the intimate details. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
August 8, 2024
Great characters and mystery
This is a very entertaining story full of wonderful characters with lots of mystery. I enjoy the twists. The story also has romance and a very nice wrap up with happy endings.
This is a very entertaining story full of wonderful characters with lots of mystery. I enjoy the twists. The story also has romance and a very nice wrap up with happy endings.
August 9, 2024
Wonderful book! Sad to read it’s the final mystery lake series! But it did wrap up everything so well. Thank you for bringing such rich awesome characters into our lives! This last one does not disappoint ♥️
July 31, 2024
I loved this book. The action started on page one and doesn't let up. I never saw the end coming.
August 1, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Well written, page turner, great characters. Good job. I received a copy & voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2024
So good!
Love the easy chemistry between all the characters, the script flows naturally and realistically and the story had so many twists and turns. Really enjoyed it!
Love the easy chemistry between all the characters, the script flows naturally and realistically and the story had so many twists and turns. Really enjoyed it!
August 2, 2024
Unfortunately this is the last book in a wonderful series. We have met some of the couples in the past books and will be sad to let them go. Full of mystery that kept me gripped.
August 9, 2024
Review of Forbidden
I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an awesome writer!
I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an awesome writer!
August 17, 2024
Kindle
December 18, 2025
I do love me some Tamsen Schultz. This was a great conclusion!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews