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Last Shot: A gripping romantic suspense
They’re the only ones who can stop the murder … if they don’t kill each other first.
Solving a murder that hasn’t happened yet should be easy, right? But when Maxella Conrad barges her way onto the illustrious Barbarani Estate to warn them about a murder plot, her life becomes anything but easy.
For one thing, there’s Greyson Hawke, the Barbarani family’s ‘fixer’ who’s lived and worked with the wine dynasty his whole life. He refuses to believe Max, especially when he realises who she a disgraced ex-cop who’s just spent the last six months behind bars. But when it seems that Max might be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with her to save the Barbaranis.
But nothing is as it seems on the Barbarani Estate, and it soon becomes clear that they won’t be able to stop this murder unless they solve the secrets of the past – and learn to trust each other.
Can Max and Grey confront their own demons before the last shot fires and they both lose everything?
Perfect for fans of Lucy Score, Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles, Last Shot is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense that is guaranteed to get your heart racing.
‘Sizzling, sassy and deadly.’ – Tess Woods
‘A must read. A witty debut with chemistry that practically leaps off the page and twists galore that will keep you wondering whodunit to the very last shot.’ – Kerryn Mayne
‘A sharp-witted debut from one of Australia’s hottest new voices – a wild ride and a brilliant read.’ – Jenna Lo Bianco
What readers are saying about Last Shot:
‘Addictive . . . I was hooked from page one’
‘The chemistry leaps off the page, with witty banter galore’
‘Can’t believe it’s her debut’
‘I can't wait to read more from Emma ASAP!’
‘Scorching chemistry’
‘I ate this book up in record time!’
Solving a murder that hasn’t happened yet should be easy, right? But when Maxella Conrad barges her way onto the illustrious Barbarani Estate to warn them about a murder plot, her life becomes anything but easy.
For one thing, there’s Greyson Hawke, the Barbarani family’s ‘fixer’ who’s lived and worked with the wine dynasty his whole life. He refuses to believe Max, especially when he realises who she a disgraced ex-cop who’s just spent the last six months behind bars. But when it seems that Max might be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with her to save the Barbaranis.
But nothing is as it seems on the Barbarani Estate, and it soon becomes clear that they won’t be able to stop this murder unless they solve the secrets of the past – and learn to trust each other.
Can Max and Grey confront their own demons before the last shot fires and they both lose everything?
Perfect for fans of Lucy Score, Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles, Last Shot is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense that is guaranteed to get your heart racing.
‘Sizzling, sassy and deadly.’ – Tess Woods
‘A must read. A witty debut with chemistry that practically leaps off the page and twists galore that will keep you wondering whodunit to the very last shot.’ – Kerryn Mayne
‘A sharp-witted debut from one of Australia’s hottest new voices – a wild ride and a brilliant read.’ – Jenna Lo Bianco
What readers are saying about Last Shot:
‘Addictive . . . I was hooked from page one’
‘The chemistry leaps off the page, with witty banter galore’
‘Can’t believe it’s her debut’
‘I can't wait to read more from Emma ASAP!’
‘Scorching chemistry’
‘I ate this book up in record time!’
- GenresAudiobookContemporary
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
11 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 3, 2025
Long Shot will draw you in with its rich characterisation and keep you hooked with its twisty plot. That's all without Max and Grey's scorching chemistry. I loved Emma's debut and can't wait to read Book 2.
April 24, 2025
The first book in the Blood Wine Dynasty series is an action packed, drama filled read with elements of mystery and a nice little twist to round it all off.
Part romance, part crime and a big serving of greatness.
Maxella Conrad has some vital information that will change lives.
And now she needs to convince a wealthy wine estate family there’s going to be a murder amongst them.
The Barbarani clan have enemies including bad blood with another rich family.
Greyson Hawke is the ‘Fixer’ and it’s his job to make sure all is safe.
He believes the info is hogwash from a washed up cop who has just got out of prison.
Then something sparks and is it possible that there is truth to the matter.
Can they save the day or are secrets and blood about to destroy the dynasty…..
I inhaled this book up with glee and reading satisfaction.
Offering readers an invitation into the genre, romantic suspense slash crime romance, Emma’s new book is an exploration of two feuding wealthy wine families and the steamy chemistry between the two leads.
Secrets, lies, deceit, deception, betrayal, revenge are just some of the added bonus material to up the enjoyment of this plot.
Murder, mayhem, madness and moxie, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
Part romance, part crime and a big serving of greatness.
Maxella Conrad has some vital information that will change lives.
And now she needs to convince a wealthy wine estate family there’s going to be a murder amongst them.
The Barbarani clan have enemies including bad blood with another rich family.
Greyson Hawke is the ‘Fixer’ and it’s his job to make sure all is safe.
He believes the info is hogwash from a washed up cop who has just got out of prison.
Then something sparks and is it possible that there is truth to the matter.
Can they save the day or are secrets and blood about to destroy the dynasty…..
I inhaled this book up with glee and reading satisfaction.
Offering readers an invitation into the genre, romantic suspense slash crime romance, Emma’s new book is an exploration of two feuding wealthy wine families and the steamy chemistry between the two leads.
Secrets, lies, deceit, deception, betrayal, revenge are just some of the added bonus material to up the enjoyment of this plot.
Murder, mayhem, madness and moxie, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
April 16, 2025
Love love love. Such a good holiday read for being by the pool with a strawberry daq in hand.
Would also still love it just as much being on my couch at home with a wine. COULD NOT PUT DOWN. Keen for the next book
Would also still love it just as much being on my couch at home with a wine. COULD NOT PUT DOWN. Keen for the next book
May 1, 2025
What a fabulous mix of rival families, murder and enemies to lovers
Greyson Hawke is the Barbarani families ‘fixer’ having worked for them his whole life. Protecting their wine dynasty is his round the clock responsibility, there is nothing he wouldn’t do to protect them
Maxella Conrad has information that could protect the Barbarani family, but the only way she can get into the estate is to sneak in and try warn the family before a murder takes place
Grey refuses to believe Max’s story, soon he discovers she is an ex-cop with a record, so is her intel correct? But they begrudgingly team up to figure out who is trying to end the Barbarani family
This romantic suspense had me hooked in, the tension between Max and Grey was next level 🔥
Adding the high flyer lifestyle, winery setting this was such an enjoyable read
I am very looking forward to book two, ‘Last Breath’
Greyson Hawke is the Barbarani families ‘fixer’ having worked for them his whole life. Protecting their wine dynasty is his round the clock responsibility, there is nothing he wouldn’t do to protect them
Maxella Conrad has information that could protect the Barbarani family, but the only way she can get into the estate is to sneak in and try warn the family before a murder takes place
Grey refuses to believe Max’s story, soon he discovers she is an ex-cop with a record, so is her intel correct? But they begrudgingly team up to figure out who is trying to end the Barbarani family
This romantic suspense had me hooked in, the tension between Max and Grey was next level 🔥
Adding the high flyer lifestyle, winery setting this was such an enjoyable read
I am very looking forward to book two, ‘Last Breath’
April 20, 2025
This was pretty good for a debut! Not my fave book ever, but interesting enough to keep me reading and I look forward to more from this series.
Did Not Finish
March 7, 2025DNF at 36%
March 4, 2025
I met Emma at the CYA Conference (they have, in recent years, expanded to include adult manuscripts in their pitching sessions) in 2022. Last Shot is the first in a romantic-suspense series (Book 2 Last Breath comes out in April!). And I just *adored* this when I read it … I am a huge romance-reader, and I have been for the longest time. It’s a tricky genre to get up in Australia, or at least it was … during Covid and thanks in large part to BookTok, there was a huge uptick in romance-reading (“The love boom: why romance novels are the biggest they’ve been for 10 years”) and some of the bestsellers of recent years have been driven by algorithm, reader-led hype in romance spaces (“You’ve seen this book everywhere. TikTok is responsible”). So suddenly very commercial and especially romance works are what publishers were looking for, and I was *poised*. Emma came along and had a book that reminded me of the romantic-suspense of mega-bestseller Lucy Score, and PRH agreed.
It is, as the Tokers say; spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (and the only reason it’s not 5 is so there’s room to turn the heat UP in Book 2 ‘Last Breath’!)
It is, as the Tokers say; spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (and the only reason it’s not 5 is so there’s room to turn the heat UP in Book 2 ‘Last Breath’!)
May 7, 2025
I was enjoying the book so much till the last few chapters when it went into a plot/scenario that was too far fetched to be believable with climate change as the “hero”.
The story became very jumbled and chaotic. I have bought the second book in the series so let’s hope it’s a good read.
The story became very jumbled and chaotic. I have bought the second book in the series so let’s hope it’s a good read.
May 10, 2025
4.5 stars.
When Maxella Conrad barges her way onto the illustrious Barbarani Estate to warn them about a potential murder plot, her life becomes anything but easy. Greyson Hawke, the Barbarani family's 'fixer' who's lived and worked with the wine dynasty his whole life refuses to believe Max, especially when he realises who she is- a disgraced ex-cop who's just spent the last six months behind bars. But when it seems that Max might be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with her to save the Barbaranis.
Sexy thriller? Yes, please! I was totally in the right mood for a fast-paced plot with romantic twist when picking up this book. The fact that this had great characters, mystery and adrenaline-pumped action scenes was cherry on top.
The interactions between Max and Grey were full of chemistry and banters, as expected! I loved that there was no cheesy or cliche scene between the two of them, and the murder mystery plot was still front and centre the entire time.
Not gonna lie, the number of characters overwhelmed me at the start. I had to rely on the (very useful) family tree chart to remember who was who, especially as each character had multiple names - formal and nickname(s). But it wasn’t long before all of them became familiar and I felt like a part of Barbarani family myself!
This was an amazing debut, with fully engaging storyline and pace. I’m excited for book two - even if the main characters are different, I’m hoping to get a glimpse of Max x Grey post book one.
See my bookstagram review.
When Maxella Conrad barges her way onto the illustrious Barbarani Estate to warn them about a potential murder plot, her life becomes anything but easy. Greyson Hawke, the Barbarani family's 'fixer' who's lived and worked with the wine dynasty his whole life refuses to believe Max, especially when he realises who she is- a disgraced ex-cop who's just spent the last six months behind bars. But when it seems that Max might be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with her to save the Barbaranis.
Sexy thriller? Yes, please! I was totally in the right mood for a fast-paced plot with romantic twist when picking up this book. The fact that this had great characters, mystery and adrenaline-pumped action scenes was cherry on top.
The interactions between Max and Grey were full of chemistry and banters, as expected! I loved that there was no cheesy or cliche scene between the two of them, and the murder mystery plot was still front and centre the entire time.
Not gonna lie, the number of characters overwhelmed me at the start. I had to rely on the (very useful) family tree chart to remember who was who, especially as each character had multiple names - formal and nickname(s). But it wasn’t long before all of them became familiar and I felt like a part of Barbarani family myself!
This was an amazing debut, with fully engaging storyline and pace. I’m excited for book two - even if the main characters are different, I’m hoping to get a glimpse of Max x Grey post book one.
See my bookstagram review.
February 28, 2025
Last Shot by Emma Pignatiello
I want to say some upfront so you'll understand the rest of the review. I purchased this book because @kerrynmayneauthor told me to *looks about* OK. She didn't tell me to; I saw a quote from her in the press and immediately thought, 'If Kerryn says it's OK, then I'm in". So I went in thinking this book was going to be more like Lenny Marks... THAT'S ON ME. I wouldn't usually pick a romance suspense novel; it's not one of my preferred genres, but with all that said...
I really enjoyed the story arc and the twisty plot. I liked the characters and the wine-family-mafia war. I got annoyed at what is billed as 'simmering tension' between the two lead characters, Grey and Max.
I loved the disgraced ex-cop angle and how Max was trying to clear her name 'by any means necessary' but also in the worst ways possible; without the 'simmering tension', this book would be one I really enjoyed! (Maybe I'm just old?). If you enjoy a book with some - conceivably sexy - tension between the lead characters, this book might be for you!
I'm still giving it a thumbs up 👍 because although it's not for me, it's well-written, and the way the storyline ties itself up is excellent.
Go read a book!
Body count: 3?
I want to say some upfront so you'll understand the rest of the review. I purchased this book because @kerrynmayneauthor told me to *looks about* OK. She didn't tell me to; I saw a quote from her in the press and immediately thought, 'If Kerryn says it's OK, then I'm in". So I went in thinking this book was going to be more like Lenny Marks... THAT'S ON ME. I wouldn't usually pick a romance suspense novel; it's not one of my preferred genres, but with all that said...
I really enjoyed the story arc and the twisty plot. I liked the characters and the wine-family-mafia war. I got annoyed at what is billed as 'simmering tension' between the two lead characters, Grey and Max.
I loved the disgraced ex-cop angle and how Max was trying to clear her name 'by any means necessary' but also in the worst ways possible; without the 'simmering tension', this book would be one I really enjoyed! (Maybe I'm just old?). If you enjoy a book with some - conceivably sexy - tension between the lead characters, this book might be for you!
I'm still giving it a thumbs up 👍 because although it's not for me, it's well-written, and the way the storyline ties itself up is excellent.
Go read a book!
Body count: 3?
April 17, 2025
3½ stars
This book was fast paced, with lots of twists and turns and I had a fun time 🙂
I'd seen a few conflicting reviews on this one, but for me, this book hit at just the right time. I found most of the characters easy to root for, and thought most of their actions and motivations made sense. I loved the Western Australian setting, and this whole book had me craving a glass of excellent wine.
I was hoping for a little more chemistry and consistency between Grey and Max. They seemed to work out one issue only to have a new one straight away, which was a little bit tiring considering the characters were so capable in other ways, but couldn't have an honest conversation with each other. I normally don't mind the miscommunication trope (sorry!) but I like there to be some substance to it, and some of Grey and Max's arguments seemed to be a little bit shallow.
That being said, I found this book entertaining and a solid first novel in the series. I am very much looking forward to reading Jett and Nella's story, and I can't wait to see some of these characters again as the series continues 🙂
This book was fast paced, with lots of twists and turns and I had a fun time 🙂
I'd seen a few conflicting reviews on this one, but for me, this book hit at just the right time. I found most of the characters easy to root for, and thought most of their actions and motivations made sense. I loved the Western Australian setting, and this whole book had me craving a glass of excellent wine.
I was hoping for a little more chemistry and consistency between Grey and Max. They seemed to work out one issue only to have a new one straight away, which was a little bit tiring considering the characters were so capable in other ways, but couldn't have an honest conversation with each other. I normally don't mind the miscommunication trope (sorry!) but I like there to be some substance to it, and some of Grey and Max's arguments seemed to be a little bit shallow.
That being said, I found this book entertaining and a solid first novel in the series. I am very much looking forward to reading Jett and Nella's story, and I can't wait to see some of these characters again as the series continues 🙂
May 20, 2025
First book I ever read read by pignatiello
I enjoy a good murder mystery but this one wasn’t up to the stand.
Max(Ella) Conrad’s character was lacking. Here’s this girl who drops herself into a violent mix and sidles up to the bad boy Grayson. She’s not the character I want to read about. All the way through the book she’s in the wrong trail, taking everyone with her. I’m surprised she didn’t turn out to be the baddie. I was surprised she wasn’t shot!
Grayson, a typical bad boy image but fell for the incorrect indigo and then the family he’s protecting all end up with a gun pointed at them. He should be sacked.
The twists at the end were too late. I was over it well before that point.
I can honestly say I did not enjoy this book!
This book was not a “don’t put down”, but rather I’d better finish it do I can review it. It took forever to read.
I could not believe the first sex screen - ARE you for real? WHY 🤔 if you felt this would save the book you were mistaken.
The editor possibly sent it back and said add this “….”
I’m not looking for any more books of the blood wine dynasty by pignatiello. !
I enjoy a good murder mystery but this one wasn’t up to the stand.
Max(Ella) Conrad’s character was lacking. Here’s this girl who drops herself into a violent mix and sidles up to the bad boy Grayson. She’s not the character I want to read about. All the way through the book she’s in the wrong trail, taking everyone with her. I’m surprised she didn’t turn out to be the baddie. I was surprised she wasn’t shot!
Grayson, a typical bad boy image but fell for the incorrect indigo and then the family he’s protecting all end up with a gun pointed at them. He should be sacked.
The twists at the end were too late. I was over it well before that point.
I can honestly say I did not enjoy this book!
This book was not a “don’t put down”, but rather I’d better finish it do I can review it. It took forever to read.
I could not believe the first sex screen - ARE you for real? WHY 🤔 if you felt this would save the book you were mistaken.
The editor possibly sent it back and said add this “….”
I’m not looking for any more books of the blood wine dynasty by pignatiello. !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
I have always said that romance books need more murder! & this book certainly delivers on that.
First off a West Aussie author so I was thrilled to read a book by a local author that was also set in WA.
I was intrigued pretty much immediately when I started this book. Greyson was a hard hitting to the point kind of guy & the premise of him being a 'fixer' for a famous wine family with a mix of eccentric family members was not something I had read before.
Then came pocket rocket Max, she brought the spark to this book & I enjoyed her complex backstory & path for justice. Whilst at times both characters could be infuriating I felt their chemistry & the enemies to lovers delivered!
I honestly did not expect the murder component of the story to be so complex, it was in no way predictable for me! I actually got a little lost for a bit because there was so much excitement going on!! Emma marries romance & murder mystery so well together. I can't wait to read book 2!!
First off a West Aussie author so I was thrilled to read a book by a local author that was also set in WA.
I was intrigued pretty much immediately when I started this book. Greyson was a hard hitting to the point kind of guy & the premise of him being a 'fixer' for a famous wine family with a mix of eccentric family members was not something I had read before.
Then came pocket rocket Max, she brought the spark to this book & I enjoyed her complex backstory & path for justice. Whilst at times both characters could be infuriating I felt their chemistry & the enemies to lovers delivered!
I honestly did not expect the murder component of the story to be so complex, it was in no way predictable for me! I actually got a little lost for a bit because there was so much excitement going on!! Emma marries romance & murder mystery so well together. I can't wait to read book 2!!
January 26, 2025
This is a cracking debut by a West Aussie author, set in the local wine region! Without giving any spoiler alerts, the chemistry between the two main characters leaps off the page, with witty banter galore. But there’s a lot of substance to the romance as well, and the end result feels earned — as their imperfections make them the perfect match for each other.
There were a lot of twists in the plot that I didn’t see coming, and the pace was great. The end of this book nicely sets the stage for book 2 in the series, and I can’t wait to read about what happens next in this series!
There were a lot of twists in the plot that I didn’t see coming, and the pace was great. The end of this book nicely sets the stage for book 2 in the series, and I can’t wait to read about what happens next in this series!
October 30, 2025
3.5
I saw Pignatiello at the Festival for Fiction in Perth, so I felt compelled to read one of her books.
Last Shot is her debut.
The formula was familiar - rich, Italian family with many kids, plus a handsome, emotionally stunted fixer - Greyson, plus a former policewoman, recently released from jail equals conspiracy, mystery, a whole lot of sexual tension.
While I predicted several aspects of the novel, overall, this was a successful debut novel.
I saw Pignatiello at the Festival for Fiction in Perth, so I felt compelled to read one of her books.
Last Shot is her debut.
The formula was familiar - rich, Italian family with many kids, plus a handsome, emotionally stunted fixer - Greyson, plus a former policewoman, recently released from jail equals conspiracy, mystery, a whole lot of sexual tension.
While I predicted several aspects of the novel, overall, this was a successful debut novel.
February 11, 2026
4.5⭐️!
This book was such a good time!!!
Think billionaire family drama + mystery + thriller + dislike to lovers (including some great banter) 🙂↕️.
I loved our two main characters so much 🥹 they had so much depth individually and the tension of them together was so good 👏🏻.
The thriller / mystery aspect was sooo good as well, it added another element to the romance plot and had me hooked the whole time! 💖
Already started book 2 🥰
This book was such a good time!!!
Think billionaire family drama + mystery + thriller + dislike to lovers (including some great banter) 🙂↕️.
I loved our two main characters so much 🥹 they had so much depth individually and the tension of them together was so good 👏🏻.
The thriller / mystery aspect was sooo good as well, it added another element to the romance plot and had me hooked the whole time! 💖
Already started book 2 🥰
May 8, 2025
This debut novel was an okay read.
I did find it became a little 'bogged down' in the middle of the book but was redeemed by the fast paced ending.
Certianly times have changed with the C word being used so liberally.
Evocative sex scenes.
I see a TV series in the making.
Await the next by this competent story teller.
I did find it became a little 'bogged down' in the middle of the book but was redeemed by the fast paced ending.
Certianly times have changed with the C word being used so liberally.
Evocative sex scenes.
I see a TV series in the making.
Await the next by this competent story teller.
February 24, 2025
I ate this book up in record time! So many well thought out characters with interesting storylines, and twists galore! Highly recommend to anyone who is after the perfect blend of a crime and romance novel!
January 12, 2025
An addictive romantic suspense. I was hooked from page one and wanted to devour it in one sitting. The tension and pacing was perfect, the banter between the leads full of crackling tension, and the writing was so clever. Bring on book two!
April 1, 2025
A light, easy read. I enjoyed the characters- as infuriating as they are...
Didn't love the ending but it's appropriate for our time.
Looking forward to book number two.
Didn't love the ending but it's appropriate for our time.
Looking forward to book number two.
April 29, 2025
Found it a bit slow till about half way through then I started to enjoy the story more. At times I struggled to follow who was who but that could just be me.
June 4, 2025
I couldn't put it down, lost sleep...I NEEDED ANSWERS. And jaw dropping answers I got 😁
June 13, 2025
After meeting the author in person, I was keen to read this book, I was not disappointed.
January 22, 2026
Audio - probably more of a 3.5 star rating
Enjoyed the characters, the way the story came together at the end
Enjoyed the characters, the way the story came together at the end
October 5, 2025
From the premise, I was expecting this to be very high stakes, but it was just fine. It's an okay read, very underwhelming if I'm honest.
May 11, 2025
“They’re the only ones who can stop a murder… if they don’t kill each other first.”
With a a tagline like that, I knew this book was going to be addictive and I was so right. Last Shot is the debut novel from Australian author Emma Pignatiello and it’s a wild and fiery ride of a read.
Maxella Conrad has information about a murder that is supposed to happen on the Barbarani estate, but in order to warn them, she needs to get close to the family. Easier said than done with Grayson Hawke, the family’s long-time ‘fixer’, refusing to believe her, especially after he discovers she’s an ex-cop who’s just be released from jail. However, when he starts to realise she might just be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with Max to save the Barbaranis.
Wow, what a fabulous romantic crime novel with plenty of tension, mystery and chemistry. It’s certainly one that will appeal to both romance and crime readers. I really enjoyed the setting and the two feuding wine families at the centre of the book. The banter was top notch and had me laughing while also trying to guess who was behind the murder plot. With two large Italian families, there are a lot of people to remember, so I was grateful for the wonderful family tree at the front, although once I got further in it was much simpler to identify who was who.
Max and Grey were wonderfully realistic multi faceted characters, both with things to hide and prickly exteriors. The tension between them was so delicious, I could not get enough.
I cannot wait to pick up the second book, Last Breath, later this week.
With a a tagline like that, I knew this book was going to be addictive and I was so right. Last Shot is the debut novel from Australian author Emma Pignatiello and it’s a wild and fiery ride of a read.
Maxella Conrad has information about a murder that is supposed to happen on the Barbarani estate, but in order to warn them, she needs to get close to the family. Easier said than done with Grayson Hawke, the family’s long-time ‘fixer’, refusing to believe her, especially after he discovers she’s an ex-cop who’s just be released from jail. However, when he starts to realise she might just be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with Max to save the Barbaranis.
Wow, what a fabulous romantic crime novel with plenty of tension, mystery and chemistry. It’s certainly one that will appeal to both romance and crime readers. I really enjoyed the setting and the two feuding wine families at the centre of the book. The banter was top notch and had me laughing while also trying to guess who was behind the murder plot. With two large Italian families, there are a lot of people to remember, so I was grateful for the wonderful family tree at the front, although once I got further in it was much simpler to identify who was who.
Max and Grey were wonderfully realistic multi faceted characters, both with things to hide and prickly exteriors. The tension between them was so delicious, I could not get enough.
I cannot wait to pick up the second book, Last Breath, later this week.
December 25, 2025
2.5* as not engaging enough, despite the Mills & Boon styled romance….hot erotic sex does not save a book!
However, it is an interesting plot involving wine dynasty families…their secrets & mafia-styled lives.
The author uses highly emotive language to create sexual tension with the main characters, Greyson & Maxella…eg: “…trying to ignore the electrical circuits inside her…”
Alternate chapters with these characters was used to great effect…him describing the slow build-up of their closeness…then in the next, she repeats the same scene from her perspective!
Of course it works! But it’s all filler.
Indeed, it’s this ‘carrot dangling’ suspense format that lures readers in…IF they want high romance mixed with crime!!??
Aside from this, there were many characters at the start, some with variations on names, quite tense moments & plot descriptions of ‘who, what, where, when & why’ which garnered immediate concentration.
It’s a well-written book for a debut Aussie author, and especially challenging for the opening book in a series. So much has to be included in the plot-line…family history x two, the crime(s), characters & backstories etc
Personally, I think it lost focus on these aspects due to the laser-sharp intent on creating high sexual tension in the characters. It seemed the author more than wanted this ‘Mills & Boon’ arousal technique to overtake the plot!
And by the end it certainly did … it went off with a bang!
As such, the book lost a certain amount of criminal plot authenticity or genuine depth. I would suggest reading Jane Casey’s books in the Maeve Kerrigan series.
There’s romance, slow and steady over the twelve books, and though you are well aware of the tension, it does not take over from the excellent plot-line, criminal activity and police procedural work.
Long Shot was too long and several times I felt it was too bogged down that I all but gave up! I switched to audio…it helped with a good narrator…and kept me awake more! It created far more personal characters with the emotional nuances of audio communication. It was probably closer to a 3* I’d recommend this.
However, it is an interesting plot involving wine dynasty families…their secrets & mafia-styled lives.
The author uses highly emotive language to create sexual tension with the main characters, Greyson & Maxella…eg: “…trying to ignore the electrical circuits inside her…”
Alternate chapters with these characters was used to great effect…him describing the slow build-up of their closeness…then in the next, she repeats the same scene from her perspective!
Of course it works! But it’s all filler.
Indeed, it’s this ‘carrot dangling’ suspense format that lures readers in…IF they want high romance mixed with crime!!??
Aside from this, there were many characters at the start, some with variations on names, quite tense moments & plot descriptions of ‘who, what, where, when & why’ which garnered immediate concentration.
It’s a well-written book for a debut Aussie author, and especially challenging for the opening book in a series. So much has to be included in the plot-line…family history x two, the crime(s), characters & backstories etc
Personally, I think it lost focus on these aspects due to the laser-sharp intent on creating high sexual tension in the characters. It seemed the author more than wanted this ‘Mills & Boon’ arousal technique to overtake the plot!
And by the end it certainly did … it went off with a bang!
As such, the book lost a certain amount of criminal plot authenticity or genuine depth. I would suggest reading Jane Casey’s books in the Maeve Kerrigan series.
There’s romance, slow and steady over the twelve books, and though you are well aware of the tension, it does not take over from the excellent plot-line, criminal activity and police procedural work.
Long Shot was too long and several times I felt it was too bogged down that I all but gave up! I switched to audio…it helped with a good narrator…and kept me awake more! It created far more personal characters with the emotional nuances of audio communication. It was probably closer to a 3* I’d recommend this.
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