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Rogue River #2
Gone to Her Grave
In Solitude, Oregon, everyone has secrets…and some will kill to keep them.
When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.
Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?
A pulse-pounding Rogue River novella, Gone to Her Grave is the second exciting addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.
When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.
Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?
A pulse-pounding Rogue River novella, Gone to Her Grave is the second exciting addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
3047 people are currently reading
2050 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Leigh
48 books21.8k followers#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 15 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
July 19, 2019
Social Worker Carly Taylor believes one of her kids has been falsely accused of dealing a new lethal drug. She is determined to prove the teen innocent, much to the chagrin of her estranged husband, Seth Harding, the detective in charge of this investigation. Seth worries about Carly's safety. This is exactly what broke up their marriage. He wants her to stay at home with their daughter instead of putting her life on the line when entering explosive family situations. Now the more questions Carly asks, the more people she is upsetting in the small-town community.
Part 2 of the Rogue River Novella series is another winner. This part was written by Melinda Leigh who is a new author for me. I will definitely be looking for more of her books.
This story felt much the same as the previous. It is fast moving and action packed. The characters are interesting and I was quickly drawn into the story. The only problem was the length of the story. Some questions from the last story were answered and new questions popped up. I'm ready to jump right into the next story in the series to see what happens next. My rating: 4 Stars.
Part 2 of the Rogue River Novella series is another winner. This part was written by Melinda Leigh who is a new author for me. I will definitely be looking for more of her books.
This story felt much the same as the previous. It is fast moving and action packed. The characters are interesting and I was quickly drawn into the story. The only problem was the length of the story. Some questions from the last story were answered and new questions popped up. I'm ready to jump right into the next story in the series to see what happens next. My rating: 4 Stars.
March 23, 2021
Ok book 2 I loved it! And it felt really fast pace this book focuses on Carly who is a social worker and has split up with her husband.
January 4, 2022
Very fast paced...exciting! Second is a wonderful series!
February 1, 2016
This installment was solid. It didn't pack the same punch as the first, but you could feel the story building. And I'm anxious to continue on.
The narration was solid as well.
The narration was solid as well.
March 10, 2023
Feel like I should deduct a star for making me hear the word "nookie."
July 20, 2024
3.5 Stars!!
As each book in this series is super short, I will leave a review on the last book.
As each book in this series is super short, I will leave a review on the last book.
December 5, 2014
The second of four thrilling Rogue River novellas, Melinda Leigh gives us "Gone To Her Grave", a page turning romantic suspense.
The story continues involving the Taylor family and focuses on Carly Taylor, a social worker for Child Protective Services.
The storyline involving C-22, a dangerous killer drug, also continues when a teenager is accused of distributing the drug. Carly is convinced the teen is innocent while her estranged husband, Seth Harding a investigator on the drug task force, feels differently. She is determined to find out who is making and distributing the C-22 when things become quite dangerous in the peaceful town of Solitude, Oregon.
Seth risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can't learn to accept her dangerous job especially when she has a child to protect.
I look forward to more of this exciting story in the next novella.
The story continues involving the Taylor family and focuses on Carly Taylor, a social worker for Child Protective Services.
The storyline involving C-22, a dangerous killer drug, also continues when a teenager is accused of distributing the drug. Carly is convinced the teen is innocent while her estranged husband, Seth Harding a investigator on the drug task force, feels differently. She is determined to find out who is making and distributing the C-22 when things become quite dangerous in the peaceful town of Solitude, Oregon.
Seth risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can't learn to accept her dangerous job especially when she has a child to protect.
I look forward to more of this exciting story in the next novella.
July 9, 2018
Didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first, but it was still a solid novella. Not much time was devoted to the mystery, but I guess that could be forgiven since that aspect of the story will be pursued in subsequent installments. The verdict is still out on the featured couple of this novella.
April 25, 2021
Carly Taylor has one job as a social worker, and she takes protecting children, teens, and even families seriously. Seth heads up a narcotic division, and desperately wants his wife , and daughter back. He just can't handle the danger she puts herself into. He knows the innocents need help, but he would rather it be someone else. As people loose their jobs in the small town of Solitude, Oregon, tempers flare, and alcohol, and drugs rule. The new drug of choice is called bacon, and it leads to cardiac arrest. They arrest a teen who had been doing really well at school, and his job. still a witness coming forth, even another teen, led them to react before anyone else dies. This is a well plotted storyline, with believable characters. You can hear the frustration in the men, and women , who are to proud to take charity now that jobs are closing. Drinking leads to violence, and wives, and children get hurt. Then they add selling drugs for money to teens, and adults, and you have backed up case loads on everyone's desk. This was a great reality check on how on a dare, or due to depression, or craziness kids try something out there that is new, but deadly. Saving an abused family, from a father pushed to far, by the case worker, and now out of control kept me glued to the book. How often does a mom, or dad, drink their troubles away, yet refuse to accept help for food, or utilities, until a teacher notices extra bruises, and calls social services. This book is only second in the series, so no permanent solutions are discovered. The teen in jail is let out, but only to find more trouble, as he tries to protect his family. I really like this writer, and find these stories are well written, but I wonder why each novelist could not write one large book, and combine their talents.. Dragging this out as a series, with two authors writing every other story tends to drag the whole story along at a slower pace. It kept my attention, and now I want the makers, and the head people to pay, but that will take two more books. I gave it a four, but I'm not sure if I'm invested enough to keep reading. I have some new books just out ,that I have been waiting on, so perhaps I'll add these last two books back in later.
June 11, 2021
A continuation of this very good series. On to #3.
December 1, 2014
Gone to Her Grave by Melinda Leigh is a 2014 Montlake publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This second novella in the Rogue River series is penned by Melinda Leigh. This story centers around Carly and Seth who have been having marital difficulties and are now separated. Carly is a social worker whose job is an extension of who she is. Seth has never given her job the importance he gives his, which is law enforcement.
Currently, Carly has found herself involved in a domestic violence case and in a case of two minors accused of drug dealing and the possibility of murder. One boy has strong local ties and the other is the son of an imprisoned drug dealer. Naturally, fingers point to the latter, but Carly is not convinced of his guilt. Meanwhile Patsy is still lining up her ducks to see if an investigation can be launched into her late husband's death. She is convinced her husband did not die of a heart attack, the official cause of death.
So far these romantic suspense novellas have been packed with drama, suspense, action, and mystery. Seth is a man I had issues with. Although I knew he loved his wife, I thought he was selfish, arrogant, had a really bad attitude, and was stuck back in some TV land era of time. I didn't blame Carly on iota for deciding her life had to change. The mystery behind the case involving the two young men was fairly predictable, yet it is typical of our society in these instances. The obvious person was singled out pretty much based on his personal history and not much evidence. The job Carly does is a hard one and this story reminds me that we have an image of social workers in our minds that probably doesn't make us think the job is dangerous in any way. But, as we will learn here, entering the homes of some people in need of assistance can be a gamble.
Carly learns for the first time of her mother's suspicions regarding her father's death, but she has a lot on her plate and only manages to ponder on that for a short time. However, that problem could be what brings her back to Seth since he has agreed to look into things. This couple has a foundation to build their relationship on and they have a daughter to consider as well, so it's possible they will be able to work things out. I think a good marriage counselor would do wonders for them, but in this case Carly's mother seems to be doing an admirable job of that for them. Seth finally realizes that much of the blame falls on his shoulders and we see him begin to take steps to remedy that.
So, overall this is another solid installment in this series and I already have the next book in my queue. 4.5 rounded to 5.
This second novella in the Rogue River series is penned by Melinda Leigh. This story centers around Carly and Seth who have been having marital difficulties and are now separated. Carly is a social worker whose job is an extension of who she is. Seth has never given her job the importance he gives his, which is law enforcement.
Currently, Carly has found herself involved in a domestic violence case and in a case of two minors accused of drug dealing and the possibility of murder. One boy has strong local ties and the other is the son of an imprisoned drug dealer. Naturally, fingers point to the latter, but Carly is not convinced of his guilt. Meanwhile Patsy is still lining up her ducks to see if an investigation can be launched into her late husband's death. She is convinced her husband did not die of a heart attack, the official cause of death.
So far these romantic suspense novellas have been packed with drama, suspense, action, and mystery. Seth is a man I had issues with. Although I knew he loved his wife, I thought he was selfish, arrogant, had a really bad attitude, and was stuck back in some TV land era of time. I didn't blame Carly on iota for deciding her life had to change. The mystery behind the case involving the two young men was fairly predictable, yet it is typical of our society in these instances. The obvious person was singled out pretty much based on his personal history and not much evidence. The job Carly does is a hard one and this story reminds me that we have an image of social workers in our minds that probably doesn't make us think the job is dangerous in any way. But, as we will learn here, entering the homes of some people in need of assistance can be a gamble.
Carly learns for the first time of her mother's suspicions regarding her father's death, but she has a lot on her plate and only manages to ponder on that for a short time. However, that problem could be what brings her back to Seth since he has agreed to look into things. This couple has a foundation to build their relationship on and they have a daughter to consider as well, so it's possible they will be able to work things out. I think a good marriage counselor would do wonders for them, but in this case Carly's mother seems to be doing an admirable job of that for them. Seth finally realizes that much of the blame falls on his shoulders and we see him begin to take steps to remedy that.
So, overall this is another solid installment in this series and I already have the next book in my queue. 4.5 rounded to 5.
September 21, 2016
1. On Her Father's Grave by Kendra Elliot
Burnt out, jaded and grieving, Stevie leaves the LAPD and returns to her home town in Oregon. She expects a quieter life, writing speeding tickets and confiscating alcohol from underage drinkers, but what she finds is a town that's the epicentre of a new drug that's killing people.
2. Gone to Her Grave by Melinda Leigh
Carly works for Child Protective Services. It's her job to look out for the kids who fall between the cracks. She faces domestic abuse and neglect on a daily basis and most of the people she is trying to help don't trust her. When one of the kids she is helping is accused of dealing she doesn't believe it. But the police aren't all that interested in her gut feeling.
3. 1. Her Grave Secrets by Kendra Elliot
As Stevie and Zane, the new chief of police continue to hunt down those behind the town's drug problems the bodies start to pile up. Someone is killing off anyone who knows anything and Stevie and Zane find themselves hitting one dead end after another.
4. Walking on Her Grave by Melinda Leigh
Currently Reading
Four very quick novellas written by two wonderful authors. They really deserve to be read together as one book. Kendra Elliot focuses on Stevie, the police officer who returns to her home town to find a drug problem, while Melinda Leigh focuses on Stevie's sister Carly who works for Child Protective Services.
These novellas are solid Romantic Suspense though the romance is definitely the junior partner in the story. Fans of Brenda Novak's romantic suspense will love these books.
Burnt out, jaded and grieving, Stevie leaves the LAPD and returns to her home town in Oregon. She expects a quieter life, writing speeding tickets and confiscating alcohol from underage drinkers, but what she finds is a town that's the epicentre of a new drug that's killing people.
2. Gone to Her Grave by Melinda Leigh
Carly works for Child Protective Services. It's her job to look out for the kids who fall between the cracks. She faces domestic abuse and neglect on a daily basis and most of the people she is trying to help don't trust her. When one of the kids she is helping is accused of dealing she doesn't believe it. But the police aren't all that interested in her gut feeling.
3. 1. Her Grave Secrets by Kendra Elliot
As Stevie and Zane, the new chief of police continue to hunt down those behind the town's drug problems the bodies start to pile up. Someone is killing off anyone who knows anything and Stevie and Zane find themselves hitting one dead end after another.
4. Walking on Her Grave by Melinda Leigh
Currently Reading
Four very quick novellas written by two wonderful authors. They really deserve to be read together as one book. Kendra Elliot focuses on Stevie, the police officer who returns to her home town to find a drug problem, while Melinda Leigh focuses on Stevie's sister Carly who works for Child Protective Services.
These novellas are solid Romantic Suspense though the romance is definitely the junior partner in the story. Fans of Brenda Novak's romantic suspense will love these books.
October 21, 2014
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 3/4
REVIEW:
Carly is a social worker that will do anything for the kids she is trying to protect. Even give up the man she loves. But when push comes to shove there is only one person that Carly will trust. The question is has she pushed him away for good?
Seth loves his wife and would do anything for her. Except be 100% understanding when it comes to the dangerous of her job. Except he is starting to see the errors of his ways and when Carly calls in need of help there is no way he can let her face trouble alone.
Gone to Her Grave is the second novella in Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot’s Rogue River Novella series. To say that I devoured this novella would be a complete understatement. I read this story in one bite.
After reading On Her Father’s Grave I could not wait to find out more about the events that are happening in Solitude, Oregon. And like any good evil suspense author Ms. Leigh's Gone to Her Grave left me with so many more questions. I am dying to have all my questions answered.
What are my questions? Well if I told you that I would give away too much of the plot line. So my suggestion would be to pick up Novella #1 On Her Father’s Grave, then read Gone to Her Grave and find out the questions yourself ;) I can not wait for the next two novella’s in this series!! Answers I need answers darn it
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 3/4
REVIEW:
Carly is a social worker that will do anything for the kids she is trying to protect. Even give up the man she loves. But when push comes to shove there is only one person that Carly will trust. The question is has she pushed him away for good?
Seth loves his wife and would do anything for her. Except be 100% understanding when it comes to the dangerous of her job. Except he is starting to see the errors of his ways and when Carly calls in need of help there is no way he can let her face trouble alone.
Gone to Her Grave is the second novella in Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot’s Rogue River Novella series. To say that I devoured this novella would be a complete understatement. I read this story in one bite.
After reading On Her Father’s Grave I could not wait to find out more about the events that are happening in Solitude, Oregon. And like any good evil suspense author Ms. Leigh's Gone to Her Grave left me with so many more questions. I am dying to have all my questions answered.
What are my questions? Well if I told you that I would give away too much of the plot line. So my suggestion would be to pick up Novella #1 On Her Father’s Grave, then read Gone to Her Grave and find out the questions yourself ;) I can not wait for the next two novella’s in this series!! Answers I need answers darn it
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
April 3, 2015
This novella picks up where the previous one left off, only this time with a different author who doesn't fail to please. The story based in a small Oregon town continues and you would swear it was written by Kendra Elliot. A great pairing of authors in this novella series (Rogue River).
Drugs are killers and that is the basis of this novella.
2 thumbs up and 4 solid stars
Drugs are killers and that is the basis of this novella.
2 thumbs up and 4 solid stars
July 16, 2024
4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the continued story but less stars for the main couple
🔪I love these suspense romance reads and have been reading more and more. So I’m gonna break them down differently from my other reviews.
I don’t want to give any spoilers away so you can go into it it blind and enjoy all the twists and turns❤️.
Ratings 0-5 Star Scale
😮Mystery/Suspense-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kinda Elliot and Melinda Leigh wrote another great series of novellas together!
I loved this. I wish they were longer. Great murder mystery with overarching mystery that spans the series’s
Summer vibes for the whole series
Small town vibes
There is a drug problem in their small town and people are showing up dead. More mystery unfolds and questions arise about the death of Stevie’s and Carly’s dad.
❤️🔥Romance/Chemistry-
⭐️⭐️
Ugh Seth and Carly’s marriage is in trouble they are currently separated. This wasn’t my jam. This is probably the first time Melinda wrote a character dynamic that I just don’t like. Neither person is really listening to the other they are very combative and I’m not loving this all.
Carly is such a B. These are grown adults with a child and they love each other. Just seems you would work harder to fix things.
🚹Hero-
Seth ⭐️⭐️⭐️
He’s ok. I like him enough but I can’t respect how bad he let things get in his marriage and how long they have been separated.
I definitely didn’t like when he said he didn’t want to date OW. I mean go fix your marriage w the wife you love so much I don’t know why dating is on your mind at all.
He’s a detective and lets his job take priority in his lie and he is OTT protective of his wife and I don’t really see a problem with that. He loves her and she is in danger alot. But there is a lot of double standards here.
🚺Heroine-
Carly ⭐️⭐️
Stevie’s sister. She’s CPA and just has this need to help kids in need and neglected. She fights for others but doesn’t seem to want to fight for her own marriage. She says her husband doesn’t respect her work but she is just coming off harsh, brash, bratty and unwilling to compromise. It’s her way or the highway. In all this I haven’t seen her be focused on her own daughter either.
I didn’t like her. She comes off very self entitled
Oh and she does put herself in danger. She legit get almost killed. She’s stupid what about her family her own kid?
⚠️Safety-
Marriage in trouble
Child neglect
Bitchy FMC
Murder
Drug use
🎧Audiobook Narration-
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazing this narrators is amazing w the voices and emotions. Listened on KU audible pkg
🥰Overall Enjoyment-
Overall I didn’t like this couple at all. But the storyline that is a continuation I liked a lot. Love summer vibes and small town. Can’t wait to get back to Stevie and Zane.
🔪I love these suspense romance reads and have been reading more and more. So I’m gonna break them down differently from my other reviews.
I don’t want to give any spoilers away so you can go into it it blind and enjoy all the twists and turns❤️.
Ratings 0-5 Star Scale
😮Mystery/Suspense-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kinda Elliot and Melinda Leigh wrote another great series of novellas together!
I loved this. I wish they were longer. Great murder mystery with overarching mystery that spans the series’s
Summer vibes for the whole series
Small town vibes
There is a drug problem in their small town and people are showing up dead. More mystery unfolds and questions arise about the death of Stevie’s and Carly’s dad.
❤️🔥Romance/Chemistry-
⭐️⭐️
Ugh Seth and Carly’s marriage is in trouble they are currently separated. This wasn’t my jam. This is probably the first time Melinda wrote a character dynamic that I just don’t like. Neither person is really listening to the other they are very combative and I’m not loving this all.
Carly is such a B. These are grown adults with a child and they love each other. Just seems you would work harder to fix things.
🚹Hero-
Seth ⭐️⭐️⭐️
He’s ok. I like him enough but I can’t respect how bad he let things get in his marriage and how long they have been separated.
I definitely didn’t like when he said he didn’t want to date OW. I mean go fix your marriage w the wife you love so much I don’t know why dating is on your mind at all.
He’s a detective and lets his job take priority in his lie and he is OTT protective of his wife and I don’t really see a problem with that. He loves her and she is in danger alot. But there is a lot of double standards here.
🚺Heroine-
Carly ⭐️⭐️
Stevie’s sister. She’s CPA and just has this need to help kids in need and neglected. She fights for others but doesn’t seem to want to fight for her own marriage. She says her husband doesn’t respect her work but she is just coming off harsh, brash, bratty and unwilling to compromise. It’s her way or the highway. In all this I haven’t seen her be focused on her own daughter either.
I didn’t like her. She comes off very self entitled
Oh and she does put herself in danger. She legit get almost killed. She’s stupid what about her family her own kid?
⚠️Safety-
Marriage in trouble
Child neglect
Bitchy FMC
Murder
Drug use
🎧Audiobook Narration-
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazing this narrators is amazing w the voices and emotions. Listened on KU audible pkg
🥰Overall Enjoyment-
Overall I didn’t like this couple at all. But the storyline that is a continuation I liked a lot. Love summer vibes and small town. Can’t wait to get back to Stevie and Zane.
October 18, 2018
2.5 stars
July 20, 2015
My 3.5 Star Review for Book 2 only: I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review. This was a little under 100 pages and was a pretty quick afternoon read. I enjoyed the characters and the story and wished I had read the 1st book in the series (although it wasn't necessary). I think as you get to Book 3 and Book 4 it is going to be more important that you read the books in sequence. I am not a fan of cliffhanger series and am pleased that that the subplot for this novella was resolved. There are still open relationship issues and there is still an open underlying major plot, but the thread of this novella was completed and gave you the feeling that some questions were answered. However, there is still a lot left unanswered. The top of the drug chain dealers is still an unknown and will be part of the continuing plot.
I like the development of Solitude, Oregon and I like the characters that the authors are developing. It is hard to develop a full range of plots and characters in a novella, but the authors are doing a good job and the cast of secondary characters is impressive. I like the underlying major plot line and the fight against drugs. It's a real life fight in lots of small towns across America and it feels real in the book. I do think the novella format holds the story back and it could have played out really well as a full book versus divided up into four novellas. This novella took the drug problem and showed how it impacted children that Carly, our heroine, is trying to protect in her job as a social worker. The story around the children she is trying to protect was better developed than the relationship subplot of Carly and her estranged husband, Seth. Seth didn't seem like he got the attention and development that a true H, or hero, would get.
I enjoyed this book and would read more from this author and more in this series. I did like her writing style. If you like an on-going series, this would be a good read (plus all four novellas are either written or scheduled for release). If you like romance, this novella didn't focus on the romance and left the relationship sub plot open. Without reading all four books, it is difficult to tell how the romance will be handled. If you like a serious and well though out suspense plot, this series looks like it will deliver that.
When I give a 1/2 star, I round up when I really enjoy the read and round down when I have too many conflicting feelings. I did really enjoy this read and therefore rounded up.
Updated review 11/28/2014: I have now read all four books in the Rogue River Series and enjoyed this series. The other books in the series are:
I like the development of Solitude, Oregon and I like the characters that the authors are developing. It is hard to develop a full range of plots and characters in a novella, but the authors are doing a good job and the cast of secondary characters is impressive. I like the underlying major plot line and the fight against drugs. It's a real life fight in lots of small towns across America and it feels real in the book. I do think the novella format holds the story back and it could have played out really well as a full book versus divided up into four novellas. This novella took the drug problem and showed how it impacted children that Carly, our heroine, is trying to protect in her job as a social worker. The story around the children she is trying to protect was better developed than the relationship subplot of Carly and her estranged husband, Seth. Seth didn't seem like he got the attention and development that a true H, or hero, would get.
I enjoyed this book and would read more from this author and more in this series. I did like her writing style. If you like an on-going series, this would be a good read (plus all four novellas are either written or scheduled for release). If you like romance, this novella didn't focus on the romance and left the relationship sub plot open. Without reading all four books, it is difficult to tell how the romance will be handled. If you like a serious and well though out suspense plot, this series looks like it will deliver that.
When I give a 1/2 star, I round up when I really enjoy the read and round down when I have too many conflicting feelings. I did really enjoy this read and therefore rounded up.
Updated review 11/28/2014: I have now read all four books in the Rogue River Series and enjoyed this series. The other books in the series are:
June 16, 2018
The second instalment of the Rogue River Novella series, focuses on Stevie’s sister, Carly. Carly is a spunky social worker for Child Protective Services who is passionate about her work and family.
Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh are the co-authors of this series. Kendra’s novellas focus on Stevie and Melinda’s on Carly. Both authors seem to be quite compatible and the writing across the two novellas, so far, flows seamlessly.
The main storyline for Gone to Her Grave pivots around a case of domestic abuse. Carly has to figure out exactly what is going on behind closed doors and decide how best to help. One of the family members potentially plays into the bigger drug mystery and that’s where Seth comes in. During his investigation, he crosses paths with his ex-wife several times.
On the romance front Seth and Carly still love each other and are tied together through their young daughter Brianna. Will Seth be able to accept Carly’s commitment to her job and the danger she’s sometimes in?
For a novella, we get a good glimpse at Seth. We see his strengths and his flaws. His love for Carly is evident and his attempt at changing his mindset is believable.
Concerning the bigger mystery, the investigation into the new drug moves forward with the discovery of new details and the emergence of new suspects. Characters from the first novella are mentioned and considered as well.
My favourite part:
The family interactions in the bigger Taylor family and in the smaller Harding unit.
My least favourite part:
I would have liked a firmer resolution or path forward between Carly and Seth.
Overall, this second instalment was strong. It built on the first part, offered a more complete mini-story and set the excitement of the next in the series.
Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh are the co-authors of this series. Kendra’s novellas focus on Stevie and Melinda’s on Carly. Both authors seem to be quite compatible and the writing across the two novellas, so far, flows seamlessly.
The main storyline for Gone to Her Grave pivots around a case of domestic abuse. Carly has to figure out exactly what is going on behind closed doors and decide how best to help. One of the family members potentially plays into the bigger drug mystery and that’s where Seth comes in. During his investigation, he crosses paths with his ex-wife several times.
On the romance front Seth and Carly still love each other and are tied together through their young daughter Brianna. Will Seth be able to accept Carly’s commitment to her job and the danger she’s sometimes in?
For a novella, we get a good glimpse at Seth. We see his strengths and his flaws. His love for Carly is evident and his attempt at changing his mindset is believable.
Concerning the bigger mystery, the investigation into the new drug moves forward with the discovery of new details and the emergence of new suspects. Characters from the first novella are mentioned and considered as well.
My favourite part:
The family interactions in the bigger Taylor family and in the smaller Harding unit.
My least favourite part:
I would have liked a firmer resolution or path forward between Carly and Seth.
Overall, this second instalment was strong. It built on the first part, offered a more complete mini-story and set the excitement of the next in the series.
November 11, 2014
Just letting you know before you start this series, that it
REALLY ISN'T
a romance. Often publishers bill books as a romance to cross categories to obtain more readers, even if the romance only includes a kiss or dating... Such as this series. That said...
This is a conglomeration of two authors writing a continuing saga in novella form about one mystery. Deaths are happening in this small town, because of the intro of a newly manufactured drug. Each author is writing about a different couple.
This particular book is about the other sister, Carly. She's separated from her husband Seth, because he doesn't value her job as a social worker. He is constantly worried & wants to keep her safe. If you are used to those Alpha romances... It's not happening here. You have an angry wife trying to fix a whole bunch of people, and those people are interwoven with the mystery of the new drug seeping into their small town.
Seth & Carly have a 7 year old daughter & I thought the visitation thing was just crap. He only saw his daughter for an evening one night?
It's really hard to write a review about a novella, because you can give too much away.
This was a good book, and I think if the relationships would have been played out deeper, the books would be a whole lot longer. Character details were really lightly described as well, so I pictured what I pictured whether I was supposed to see who I did or not. I'm kind of getting used to that now.
This is a conglomeration of two authors writing a continuing saga in novella form about one mystery. Deaths are happening in this small town, because of the intro of a newly manufactured drug. Each author is writing about a different couple.
This particular book is about the other sister, Carly. She's separated from her husband Seth, because he doesn't value her job as a social worker. He is constantly worried & wants to keep her safe. If you are used to those Alpha romances... It's not happening here. You have an angry wife trying to fix a whole bunch of people, and those people are interwoven with the mystery of the new drug seeping into their small town.
Seth & Carly have a 7 year old daughter & I thought the visitation thing was just crap. He only saw his daughter for an evening one night?
It's really hard to write a review about a novella, because you can give too much away.
This was a good book, and I think if the relationships would have been played out deeper, the books would be a whole lot longer. Character details were really lightly described as well, so I pictured what I pictured whether I was supposed to see who I did or not. I'm kind of getting used to that now.
March 10, 2015
*2.5 stars*
Gone To Her Grave is the second book in the Rogue River series and is told in the povs of separated husband and wife, Seth and Carly (Stevie's sister). I was kind of disappointed with this one mainly because I wanted more of SteviexZane, and progress with the main crime. Plot development was flat for me but the build up was realistic. It just didn't pull me in and it wasn't much of a romantic suspense aspect to it. I did like that family is still a major element in the book. Patsy (Carly's mother) is probably my favorite character right now. She's such an insightful character and I loved how she'd pass words of wisdom here and there to everyone.
Full review to come!
**Ecopy kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley :)
Gone To Her Grave is the second book in the Rogue River series and is told in the povs of separated husband and wife, Seth and Carly (Stevie's sister). I was kind of disappointed with this one mainly because I wanted more of SteviexZane, and progress with the main crime. Plot development was flat for me but the build up was realistic. It just didn't pull me in and it wasn't much of a romantic suspense aspect to it. I did like that family is still a major element in the book. Patsy (Carly's mother) is probably my favorite character right now. She's such an insightful character and I loved how she'd pass words of wisdom here and there to everyone.
Full review to come!
**Ecopy kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley :)
October 10, 2014
Just finished reading Gone to her Grave, and now I'm anxiously awaiting the third novella. Melinda and Kendra compliment each other's writing beautifully. The book flows seamlessly, and I couldn't put this one down till I finished it.
Bravo Melinda.. Can't wait to see what Kendra has in store for the third novella :)
Highly recommended!
Bravo Melinda.. Can't wait to see what Kendra has in store for the third novella :)
Highly recommended!
January 2, 2017
Like most of her family, Carly Taylor takes her job as a social worker very seriously and will do anything to protect the children whose welfare she is responsible for. Her dedication to her job has been a long running battle between her husband and her and her marriage has become a casualty of that battle. Carly needs her husband to understand that her job is just as important to her as his is to him and to trust her to handle herself well. Her latest case is about to add more fuel to the raging fire because she believes the teen whose case she's just been assigned to is innocent and she's willing to take on her husband to prove his innocence, but when she faces life-threatening danger in the course of the assignment, will she be able to appreciate her husband's concerns?
Seth Harding is a caveman when it comes to his wife. He loves her beyond reason and wants to keep her safe. Carly does not fit his vision of a wife he can protect while she keeps his house and takes care of the kids, but that does not stop him from wanting wrap her up to keep her safe. Her entanglement in his drug case has made her a target, but he will keep her safe even as he gets a chance to understand the demands of her job and even if it jeopardizes his chance to reconcile with her.
One major thing about this book is that it fleshes out the role of the Taylor family in Solitude and gets the reader acquainted with and rooting for Carly and Seth. It also expands on the new drug that has become a threat to the town and its inhabitants both young and old. The seedy underbelly of the town is being exposed, family secrets are coming to light, tensions are high and the mystery gets deeper. Solitude will never be the same again.
GONE TO HER GRAVE is just as engrossing, suspenseful and entertaining as the previous book. I am enjoying getting to know the Taylor family, especially Stevie and Carly, two of the main characters in this series. Family means everything to them and they share a very tight bond.
While some questions have been answered, new ones have come up and the next book is sure to shed light on them. I'm hooked on this series and I'm grabbing up every of these authors' books and can't read them fast enough.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
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Seth Harding is a caveman when it comes to his wife. He loves her beyond reason and wants to keep her safe. Carly does not fit his vision of a wife he can protect while she keeps his house and takes care of the kids, but that does not stop him from wanting wrap her up to keep her safe. Her entanglement in his drug case has made her a target, but he will keep her safe even as he gets a chance to understand the demands of her job and even if it jeopardizes his chance to reconcile with her.
One major thing about this book is that it fleshes out the role of the Taylor family in Solitude and gets the reader acquainted with and rooting for Carly and Seth. It also expands on the new drug that has become a threat to the town and its inhabitants both young and old. The seedy underbelly of the town is being exposed, family secrets are coming to light, tensions are high and the mystery gets deeper. Solitude will never be the same again.
GONE TO HER GRAVE is just as engrossing, suspenseful and entertaining as the previous book. I am enjoying getting to know the Taylor family, especially Stevie and Carly, two of the main characters in this series. Family means everything to them and they share a very tight bond.
While some questions have been answered, new ones have come up and the next book is sure to shed light on them. I'm hooked on this series and I'm grabbing up every of these authors' books and can't read them fast enough.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
December 18, 2021
So this seems to be another series I have read backward as I had previously read Books #3 and #4 and now this is Book #2. The good thing about this series is that they can be read as a standalone and at the same time they do connect. As I had read the later books, some of the storyline in Book #2 I already knew the answers too and in other places, it was good to get some background information. If you love mysteries then Melinda Leigh is an author to discover as she not only writes smalltown set mysteries but she has a sense of community and family despite the dysfunctionality of some of the families. In Rogue River, we have Carly - who is a social worker and is currently separated to husband Seth who is a police officer. Carly has moved home after her father who was the sheriff died of a heart attack which in later books was revealed to be something of a more sinister nature. In Book #2 we have Carly supporting a couple of families whose lives have been ruined due to the O'Rourke resort project which is featured prominently throughout the whole series. The Rogue River series follows a pattern of drug overdoses that Seth is looking at and Carly trying to support the kids affected and then Seth also not respecting Carly's job as he wants to protect her, but come on Seth - we don't live in the 1950s and Carly's job is just as important, maybe even more so than yours as she deals with the younger generation and they're alive still. The other great thing about the Rogue River series is that they are quick reads and hit the spot nicely if you aren't wanting to sit and concentrate on a longer novel.
July 21, 2018
While I really enjoyed the first installment in this series I thought the lack of conclusion in this book was more pronounced than the former.
The Good: I liked the suspenseful moments where Carly was making home visits to a family in a really bad situation. This smacks of realness and it made me identify with Carly and the fact that she didn't run headlong into danger was a plus. I liked seeing Stevie once again even though she had a very small part in this book.
The Bad: The continuing storyline that connects all four novellas in the Rogue River series didn't really move forward even though the death of Carly and Stevie's dad is being investigated now. If it weren't for the rehashing of the big bad drug craze happening in the small town there wouldn't have been much to connect the two stories.
Also, the romance was problematic because Seth and Carly are married yet separated throughout the entire book. There was huge communication issues between the two because of Seth. I couldn't connect with him because he was a macho-my job is more important than yours is-jerk. I could see how they might be able to work it out but only if Seth does some major soul searching and changes his attitude. A novella just didn't give a warring couple time to work out their differences.
In a Nutshell: I'm invested in Rogue River and will continue reading the next two books.
The Good: I liked the suspenseful moments where Carly was making home visits to a family in a really bad situation. This smacks of realness and it made me identify with Carly and the fact that she didn't run headlong into danger was a plus. I liked seeing Stevie once again even though she had a very small part in this book.
The Bad: The continuing storyline that connects all four novellas in the Rogue River series didn't really move forward even though the death of Carly and Stevie's dad is being investigated now. If it weren't for the rehashing of the big bad drug craze happening in the small town there wouldn't have been much to connect the two stories.
Also, the romance was problematic because Seth and Carly are married yet separated throughout the entire book. There was huge communication issues between the two because of Seth. I couldn't connect with him because he was a macho-my job is more important than yours is-jerk. I could see how they might be able to work it out but only if Seth does some major soul searching and changes his attitude. A novella just didn't give a warring couple time to work out their differences.
In a Nutshell: I'm invested in Rogue River and will continue reading the next two books.
January 4, 2021
A continuation to the Rogue River series but this time from a different perspective.
I was hesitant to go onto the adventure of four books where the main issue is the same, 'the new drug on the market', but I am quite happy these are not as long as one could think. It literally took me one morning listening to the audiobook while working on getting through this little novella (sorry, can't call it a book). And... I wasn't bored at all, it was interesting to follow, but if I missed 30 seconds of the plot because of writing an e-mail, I still knew what was going on.
I am interested to see if Carly will be able to mend her relationship with her husband - I sure hope so, but it all depends if he'll actually start appreciating her more and stop asking her to quit her job. She's doing so much good for the kiddos, and he seems only to see a bad side of her job. Bad boy!
WIll continue with the series but only through audiobooks as they're quite easy to follow.
I was hesitant to go onto the adventure of four books where the main issue is the same, 'the new drug on the market', but I am quite happy these are not as long as one could think. It literally took me one morning listening to the audiobook while working on getting through this little novella (sorry, can't call it a book). And... I wasn't bored at all, it was interesting to follow, but if I missed 30 seconds of the plot because of writing an e-mail, I still knew what was going on.
I am interested to see if Carly will be able to mend her relationship with her husband - I sure hope so, but it all depends if he'll actually start appreciating her more and stop asking her to quit her job. She's doing so much good for the kiddos, and he seems only to see a bad side of her job. Bad boy!
WIll continue with the series but only through audiobooks as they're quite easy to follow.
August 3, 2019
Gone to Her Grave is book two in the Rogue River series by Melinda Leigh. When two young boys became involved in the drug scene in Solitude, Oregon and got in trouble with the police, social worker Carly Taylor believed that one of the boys was innocent and start to investigate to prove his innocence. However, for Carly, her estranged husband Investigator Seth Harding was the detective in charge of the investigation. The readers of Gone to Her Grave will continue to follow Seth and Carly to see what happens to the young boys.
The Gone to Her Grave is enjoy book to read. Melinda Leigh always knows how to engage me with her plots and settings of her books.
I love the portrayal of the characters by Melinda Leigh and the way they intertwine with each other. Gone to Her Grave is well written and researched by Melinda Leigh. Melinda Leigh fantastically did the description of her settings of this book.
The readers of Gone to Her Grave will learn about living in a rural community in Oregon. Also, the readers of Gone to Her Grave will learn the role of social workers in the community.
I recommend this book.
The Gone to Her Grave is enjoy book to read. Melinda Leigh always knows how to engage me with her plots and settings of her books.
I love the portrayal of the characters by Melinda Leigh and the way they intertwine with each other. Gone to Her Grave is well written and researched by Melinda Leigh. Melinda Leigh fantastically did the description of her settings of this book.
The readers of Gone to Her Grave will learn about living in a rural community in Oregon. Also, the readers of Gone to Her Grave will learn the role of social workers in the community.
I recommend this book.
July 1, 2021
These little novellas are just going from strength to strength, honestly really loving these.
This instalment definitely packed a punch, as it got further in I was totally hooked on the tension, it's gripping, well written, intriguing and has a great set of characters along with the first book. I wasn't sure going on that this one would be as good as the first but definitely nothing to worry about as this was even better. I loved that Carly is looking after the young kids in here and there was definitely a very sinister character in here.
Thank you so much to the publishers at netgalley for providing me with an E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This instalment definitely packed a punch, as it got further in I was totally hooked on the tension, it's gripping, well written, intriguing and has a great set of characters along with the first book. I wasn't sure going on that this one would be as good as the first but definitely nothing to worry about as this was even better. I loved that Carly is looking after the young kids in here and there was definitely a very sinister character in here.
Thank you so much to the publishers at netgalley for providing me with an E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2021
So with this book we get to see a different sibling, Carly this time. Carly has a tough job, being a social worker in a small town trying to keep the kids safe. With this book she has a couple of tough cases that lead back to the drug problem from the first book. All of this happens while Carly is separated from her husband. They have a couple of spectacular fights, one where they have such different views you have to wonder if they can ever get to one point to come back from things. But with the way this one ends...maybe they have a chance.
December 7, 2022
I don't know that I could ever do Carly's job, but what she does is important so I can see why Seth, her husband, is worried for her. But he also has to have some faith that she knows what she is doing.
His job is just as important. Both have hard and potentially dangerous jobs but it's the trust they need to have in one another. It's kind of no wonder their marriage is suffering.
I enjoyed this instalment. I am wondering where it's going to lead. ON to the next.
Enjoying the narration.
His job is just as important. Both have hard and potentially dangerous jobs but it's the trust they need to have in one another. It's kind of no wonder their marriage is suffering.
I enjoyed this instalment. I am wondering where it's going to lead. ON to the next.
Enjoying the narration.
April 24, 2022
A short, well written suspense novella with a hint of romance. You need to read this series of four novellas from the beginning, as the back story continues. Written in turn by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh. Carly and her husband Seth are estranged, but neither really want to be, so there is a slow burn romance which will probably wrap up in book four. There's an interesting police investigation, bad guys and some action.
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