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Suspicious
Cold-blooded predators lurk in the Everglades and not all of them are gators
When Jesse Crane returned to his roots to serve on the Miccosukee police force, he'd hoped to leave behind the violence of the city and the memories of his murdered wife. But bodies start to pile up in Jesse's corner of the sultry Florida swampland
As he probes these crimes, Jesse is drawn to the beautiful Lorena Fortier, a new hire at the local gator farm and research facility. Lorena is a little too interested in Jesse's investigation, but before he can uncover her true motives, they're both pulled into a dangerous web of greed, ambition and animal cunning. To survive, they'll have to decide whether they can trust each other before the hunters become the hunted.
BONUS BOOK INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!
The Sheriff of Shelter Valley by USA TODAY bestselling author Tara Taylor Quinn
Six months ago, Beth woke up with no memory of her past, a bruised face and a little boy who called her "Mama." Until her memory returns, the most dangerous thing she can do is to fall for the sheriff the one man who can uncover the truth and destroy the person she's become.
When Jesse Crane returned to his roots to serve on the Miccosukee police force, he'd hoped to leave behind the violence of the city and the memories of his murdered wife. But bodies start to pile up in Jesse's corner of the sultry Florida swampland
As he probes these crimes, Jesse is drawn to the beautiful Lorena Fortier, a new hire at the local gator farm and research facility. Lorena is a little too interested in Jesse's investigation, but before he can uncover her true motives, they're both pulled into a dangerous web of greed, ambition and animal cunning. To survive, they'll have to decide whether they can trust each other before the hunters become the hunted.
BONUS BOOK INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!
The Sheriff of Shelter Valley by USA TODAY bestselling author Tara Taylor Quinn
Six months ago, Beth woke up with no memory of her past, a bruised face and a little boy who called her "Mama." Until her memory returns, the most dangerous thing she can do is to fall for the sheriff the one man who can uncover the truth and destroy the person she's become.
Audible Audio
First published August 1, 2005
About the author
Tara Taylor Quinn
402 books1,459 followersTara Taylor Quinn began her love affair with Harlequin when she was fourteen years old and picked up a free promotional copy of a Harlequin Romance in a hometown grocery store. The relationship was solidified the year she was suspended from her high school typing class for hiding a Harlequin Romance behind the keys of her electric typewriter. Unaware that her instructor loomed close by, Ms. Quinn read blissfully on with one finger resting on the automatic repeating period key. She finished the book in the principal’s office. Forced to leave her romances in her locker after that, Ms. Quinn’s typing skills improved - a fact for which she is eternally grateful.
With over 140 original novels, published in more than twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author with more than seven million copies sold. She is a winner of the 2008 National Reader's Choice Award, four time finalist for the RWA Rita Award, a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion and appears regularly on the Waldenbooks bestsellers list. Ms. Quinn writes for Harlequin and MIRA Books. Reviewer, Cindy Penn, wordweaving.com says, “Amazing character development is the hallmark of author Tara Taylor Quinn’s work. Indeed, Taylor’s profound observations of human nature and intimate understanding of values and priorities lends extraordinary psychological depth to all her work.”
Tara Taylor Quinn was born and raised in Ohio. Though she wrote her first story at the age of seven, her professional writing career began ten years later when she was hired as a stringer with the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Wright State University and graduated from Harding College in Arkansas with a degree in English and Journalism. She published several magazine articles before turning to writing as a full-time occupation.
Ms. Quinn is a Past President of the Romance Writers of America and served for eight years on the Board of Directors of that association. She has a wide range of experience as a public speaker and workshop presenter for writers groups around the country.
When she’s not home with her owners, Jerry Lee and Taylor Marie, and LeeLee or fulfilling speaking engagements, Tara loves to travel with her husband, stopping wherever the spirit takes them. They’ve been spotted in casinos and quaint little small town antique shops all across the country..
With over 140 original novels, published in more than twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author with more than seven million copies sold. She is a winner of the 2008 National Reader's Choice Award, four time finalist for the RWA Rita Award, a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion and appears regularly on the Waldenbooks bestsellers list. Ms. Quinn writes for Harlequin and MIRA Books. Reviewer, Cindy Penn, wordweaving.com says, “Amazing character development is the hallmark of author Tara Taylor Quinn’s work. Indeed, Taylor’s profound observations of human nature and intimate understanding of values and priorities lends extraordinary psychological depth to all her work.”
Tara Taylor Quinn was born and raised in Ohio. Though she wrote her first story at the age of seven, her professional writing career began ten years later when she was hired as a stringer with the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Wright State University and graduated from Harding College in Arkansas with a degree in English and Journalism. She published several magazine articles before turning to writing as a full-time occupation.
Ms. Quinn is a Past President of the Romance Writers of America and served for eight years on the Board of Directors of that association. She has a wide range of experience as a public speaker and workshop presenter for writers groups around the country.
When she’s not home with her owners, Jerry Lee and Taylor Marie, and LeeLee or fulfilling speaking engagements, Tara loves to travel with her husband, stopping wherever the spirit takes them. They’ve been spotted in casinos and quaint little small town antique shops all across the country..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 23, 2011
I read this one in one day! I have read several books by Heather Graham/Shannon Drake. This one is a Silhoutte Intimate Moments book. I don't usually pick these up because of the size. They are just too short. I think alot of people don't realize how many popular, best selling authors cut their teeth writing for Harlequin, Silhoutte. Nora Roberts, Linda Howard for example. I still see some of these authors writing for these publishers. This one was fair. The plot was outrageous and a little thin. Giant, genetically altered alligators. But, it wasn't just terrible. The romance is nice and quick due to the limited amount of pages. I will have to say, that I suspected the culprit but couldn't be totally sure until the very end. So, it does keep you guessing. Not a bad way to pass an afternoon.
May 20, 2020
Great read. Uncommon setting. Really enjoy Ms. Graham’s story structure and her tension building. Great read.
February 4, 2020
I love a good creature feature (which is why I was so disappointed by The Dark). Imagine my surprise when this romantic suspenser by Heather Graham had a plot element to do with genetically engineered giant alligators! Heroine Lorena Fortier has come to the everglades and is undercover at Harry's Alligator Farm, where alligators are bred for their meat and hide. She's sure this place is connected with her father's suspicious death. Asshole Hero Jesse Crane is the local Miccosukee police tribal officer who suspects Lorena isn't on the up and up about why she's working at the farm.
Last year, I saw the movie Crawl, featuring alligators stalking a father and daughter through their house during a hurricane. It was terrific. I loved it! So I was initially excited by the presence of giant alligators in this story. But, unfortunately, they only make occasional appearances. I mean, really, was I really expecting a romantic suspense book to have alligators running about all over the place, munching on all and sundry? It was an unrealistic expectation. Lorena and Jesse need time to fall in love! But I hated Jesse. He was a prick. He basically harasses Lorena non-stop until she fesses up about why she's really there, and he has no real reason to suspect her of bad-doing. He wasn't much better than a stalker.
Despite the alligators only popping up now and again, the plot was okay. It moved quickly, and I didn't get too bored. The climax was fun. But the romance didn't sell me, because I thought Jesse was an arrogant, stalk-y asshat. Oh well, if it's alligator thrills I'm after, back to Crawl I go!
Last year, I saw the movie Crawl, featuring alligators stalking a father and daughter through their house during a hurricane. It was terrific. I loved it! So I was initially excited by the presence of giant alligators in this story. But, unfortunately, they only make occasional appearances. I mean, really, was I really expecting a romantic suspense book to have alligators running about all over the place, munching on all and sundry? It was an unrealistic expectation. Lorena and Jesse need time to fall in love! But I hated Jesse. He was a prick. He basically harasses Lorena non-stop until she fesses up about why she's really there, and he has no real reason to suspect her of bad-doing. He wasn't much better than a stalker.
Despite the alligators only popping up now and again, the plot was okay. It moved quickly, and I didn't get too bored. The climax was fun. But the romance didn't sell me, because I thought Jesse was an arrogant, stalk-y asshat. Oh well, if it's alligator thrills I'm after, back to Crawl I go!
October 10, 2014
2 stars
This book is about making giant alligators and people killing other people when they get in the way of the giant alligator breeding experiment with a love story also in there. So I thought there was not enough background at all in this story the characters were just there and you occasionally found out a little information about them. Lorena and Jesse are the main characters and they pretty much meet and then all of a sudden they are in bed together (don't get me wrong I read plenty of books like this and it doesn't bother me but in this case it was a little ridiculous I thought). I also found it strange that Jesse has just lost his wife but doesn't have any problem getting into a new relationship and falling in love within about 3 days of meeting someone. Then there is the whole alligator part to the story which I didn't particularly enjoy I don't think it was all that well thought out. Don't get me wrong, I was able to finish the book but it wasn't really a great read I won't be reading it again and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I haven't read this author before and I did buy this book thinking it was new (it isn't its a reprint of a 2005 book originally published by Silhouette, so I probably wouldn't have brought it if I had known that).
This book is about making giant alligators and people killing other people when they get in the way of the giant alligator breeding experiment with a love story also in there. So I thought there was not enough background at all in this story the characters were just there and you occasionally found out a little information about them. Lorena and Jesse are the main characters and they pretty much meet and then all of a sudden they are in bed together (don't get me wrong I read plenty of books like this and it doesn't bother me but in this case it was a little ridiculous I thought). I also found it strange that Jesse has just lost his wife but doesn't have any problem getting into a new relationship and falling in love within about 3 days of meeting someone. Then there is the whole alligator part to the story which I didn't particularly enjoy I don't think it was all that well thought out. Don't get me wrong, I was able to finish the book but it wasn't really a great read I won't be reading it again and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I haven't read this author before and I did buy this book thinking it was new (it isn't its a reprint of a 2005 book originally published by Silhouette, so I probably wouldn't have brought it if I had known that).
January 19, 2016
The story lacks the depth of Heather Graham's other books. Silhouette published this one. It could have been meant as a short love story. The Everglades could have been described better to give readers the feeling of its roughness and lurking violence. It felt like people had alligators roaming in their back yards.
The mystery is self-evident at the beginning. Over-Sized gators. Three men falling over each other to go out with Lorena. One falling into the cage with a gator. The doctor salivates over her. Harry, the head of the reserve, acts silly and is pretty much uninformed about what's really going on. This doesn't leave many suspects capable of planning such a huge operation.
I would have liked to see more about the alligators in their habitat at the reserve. It didn't feel scary or suspenseful. Men acting silly. Lorena trying to open the same door and getting stopped each time.
A little slapstick.
The mystery is self-evident at the beginning. Over-Sized gators. Three men falling over each other to go out with Lorena. One falling into the cage with a gator. The doctor salivates over her. Harry, the head of the reserve, acts silly and is pretty much uninformed about what's really going on. This doesn't leave many suspects capable of planning such a huge operation.
I would have liked to see more about the alligators in their habitat at the reserve. It didn't feel scary or suspenseful. Men acting silly. Lorena trying to open the same door and getting stopped each time.
A little slapstick.
August 24, 2016
Could Not Finish
Characters were shallow, plot was thin, chemistry was non existent, they got married after they'd known each other for five minutes, but this particular piece of writing made me discontinue reading:
"Well, trust me," Jack said ruefully, his tone light and teasing, "you're not going to stop progress,"
Hugh looked at Lorena seriously. "You're not afraid of being eaten, are you?"
She shook her head. "Trust me, I have no intention of feeding the gators. I'll leave that to you guys."
"Man is not the alligator's natural prey," Michael said. "Go out to Shark Valley. You can walk those trails, and, trust me...."
Whoever edited this book should be drawn and quartered.
Characters were shallow, plot was thin, chemistry was non existent, they got married after they'd known each other for five minutes, but this particular piece of writing made me discontinue reading:
"Well, trust me," Jack said ruefully, his tone light and teasing, "you're not going to stop progress,"
Hugh looked at Lorena seriously. "You're not afraid of being eaten, are you?"
She shook her head. "Trust me, I have no intention of feeding the gators. I'll leave that to you guys."
"Man is not the alligator's natural prey," Michael said. "Go out to Shark Valley. You can walk those trails, and, trust me...."
Whoever edited this book should be drawn and quartered.
Read
February 23, 2012It was great I liked this book. This is my second book by Heather Graham and look foward to reading more.
May 26, 2025
An alligator farm, a lawyer/nurse on a mission, and a heartbroken policeman - what more does the story need?!
In all seriousness, I was surprised a bit by the ending, but some plot holes bug me
Spoilers starting now!
1) When the police were going through Michael's computer, from his POV he thinks how relieved he is they didn't find his "secret files" making you think he's in on things. But he isn't....so what was that about?
2) Why did Sally push Roger in the alligator pen? Presumably there was a reason to risk the attention and exposure? What was it?
3) Why the heck was the epilogue so quick to the happily ever after? Things seemed to move at warp speed with Jesse and Lorena. I get that this wasn't a romance, per se, but holy cow. Enemies to lovers in what, a few days? Married in a month?!
4) Back to Michael, why was he so aggressive towards Lorena and then it seemed hunky dorey in the end? And then he was "surprised" that he had even been considered? His whole character is a plot hole to me. Maybe I missed something that would resolve this!
I'd have liked to not have had the romance rushed so much with Lorena and Jess. it was clear they would be the main storyline, but it all happened astoundingly out of character for both, making it hard to feel like either character made sense at that point.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was a nice quick read that and an interesting story!
In all seriousness, I was surprised a bit by the ending, but some plot holes bug me
Spoilers starting now!
1) When the police were going through Michael's computer, from his POV he thinks how relieved he is they didn't find his "secret files" making you think he's in on things. But he isn't....so what was that about?
2) Why did Sally push Roger in the alligator pen? Presumably there was a reason to risk the attention and exposure? What was it?
3) Why the heck was the epilogue so quick to the happily ever after? Things seemed to move at warp speed with Jesse and Lorena. I get that this wasn't a romance, per se, but holy cow. Enemies to lovers in what, a few days? Married in a month?!
4) Back to Michael, why was he so aggressive towards Lorena and then it seemed hunky dorey in the end? And then he was "surprised" that he had even been considered? His whole character is a plot hole to me. Maybe I missed something that would resolve this!
I'd have liked to not have had the romance rushed so much with Lorena and Jess. it was clear they would be the main storyline, but it all happened astoundingly out of character for both, making it hard to feel like either character made sense at that point.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was a nice quick read that and an interesting story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2019
Heather Graham is one of my favorite authors as she intertwines fascinating history of whatever region the story takes place with engaging characters and intriguing plots. This one takes place in southern Florida, in the land of the Miccosukee tribe. Lorena Fortier is on her way to start a new job as nurse at Harry's Alligator Farm and Museum, when she is pulled over by Jesse Crane, Miccosukee Indian policeman. She thinks he's a jerk and he has her pegged as a spoiled little rich girl. They both have a surprise coming. He returned to his father's land, after his wife, also a fellow cop, was murdered. All he needs is solitude. He will not be getting that. She is working undercover to find her father's murderer. He becomes suspicious of her, especially when people start dying from questionable circumstances. The story is an action packed page turner, hard to put down, and keeps the reader guessing. However, I really did not buy into the sudden "chemistry" between Jesse and Lorena, that lead from a single kiss to bed in a few minutes. Danger lurks everywhere, but there is a HEA.
I read an ARC of this book combined with another Heather Graham book, Tangled Threat. But I reviewed that separately. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I read an ARC of this book combined with another Heather Graham book, Tangled Threat. But I reviewed that separately. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
April 16, 2020
For those who love a good mix of mystery and romance, this novel is definitely for you! Graham does a fantastic job of creating an intriguing plotline that had me guessing until the end of the book. I was amazed by the ability to thoroughly develop characters while advancing the plot in this short work.
I was also enlightened by the Everglades setting. I have always been curious about what this environment was like, and I am glad that I was able to get some perspective on the region and the infamous animals that live there.
I was also enlightened by the Everglades setting. I have always been curious about what this environment was like, and I am glad that I was able to get some perspective on the region and the infamous animals that live there.
April 22, 2021
This was a pretty good book for the time period and the fact that it was the beginning of the authors career. I enjoyed the repartee between characters, the mystery was a light one and the love interest was quick due to the length and depth of the book. I did enjoy reading but will probably not be reading again.
April 1, 2022
Almost a 4 stars but it went a little slow in the beginning, too long to get where it was going. I liked that I didn't know who were the bad guys and who was on the straight and narrow till the very end. I don't know if I ever want to visit the Everglades after listening to this story. :)
October 13, 2024
Well written with an interesting plot. I enjoyed this easy read. Heather Graham is a solid writer and remains consistent in her style throughout all her books, so you know what you are getting when you pick up one of her books.
March 2, 2026
Whenever I pick up a Heather Graham book I end up finding others I haven't read yet. I love the way I get absorbed in the story and get invested in the characters. This book took me to Alligator Country, a place I wouldn't personally adventure through this deeply.
January 21, 2017
not the best book, I got what I expected, given the genre, price and author. the alligator info was a twist for me and even up to the revelation I didn't know "whodunit." easy read to start off 2017!
April 5, 2018
Gave up on this book at page 70 - didn't keep me interested and got icky with alligators eating people I think
November 10, 2019
Great concept let down by mediocre writing.
January 1, 2020
This is the first book of Heather Graham i do not care for ,sorry but she is a fantastic writer.
February 11, 2020
I started to search for Heather Graham other books because of this one.
August 10, 2020
These are really going to start throwing off the Goodreads recommendation algorithm for me.
February 28, 2021
About 3 chapters to the end a right hand (wo)man to the killer became clear but the killer shocked me. I should have seen it, the clues were there but I didn't put two and two together.
May 4, 2021
It had potential but felt largely undeveloped.
March 7, 2023
Se deja leer, con un romance instantáneo y algunas preguntas sin aclarar.
May 5, 2023
A great mystery romance that keeps you guessing until the end.
November 8, 2023
Super gators!
June 1, 2026
First book from this author, really enjoyed this murder mystery with a great "monster" i devoured it pretty quickly. Fun easy read
March 13, 2017
3.5 stars -
February 24, 2017
I have yet to read a Heather Graham book that doesn't deliver suspense right to the end. Suspicious doesn't fail there either.
July 15, 2015
It was an enjoyable good read. This one takes place in the Florida swampland where gators are part of life around the Everglades. Jesse Crane is an officer of the law for the Miccosukee police force who unexpectedly finds himself falling for Lorena Fortier, who is hired at the gator farm/research facility as a nurse. Of course Jesse Crane is a strong and handsome man, just as Lorena is an attractive female as Heather Gramham would have it so to keep the heat up. Things get crazy when Billy Ray, who happens to be out late one night in his small fishing boat trying to snag a gator, only to get himself into a nasty "accident." Shorty after, someone is killed and then another and another. Lorena might have been hired as a nurse but there's another reason why she took on this job, as Jesse soon discovers after having pulled her aside for snooping around where she wasn't supposed to be, and so the attraction begins to heat up. It's a rush to find who's behind it all for the situation becomes very dangerous when it becomes clear someone is experimenting with gators and genetics. The dramatic conclusion will have you cringing. This was different from her other detective stories and I'd like to see more like this. Great read!
Read
January 14, 2016This is yet another suspense adventure penned by Heather Graham, with a strong female character standing up to her male counterpart's need to protect. Thankfully, he is open and understanding enough to overcome his wanting to keep her safe and out of harm's way, which is not always the case in these types of storyline. Very refreshing indeed!
The tale itself is set in Florida's Everglades, probably best known as 'alligator alley', and alligators do play a major role in this book. It is also great to see that the author mixes what we call 'different races' - from Native Americans to Hispanics to Caucasians - and they all work together without prejudice.
Having never visited Florida, never mind the Everglades myself, Heather Graham's descriptions of the location(s) it-/themselves make me feel as if I was there and getting a good idea of the area and what is happening. The characters are equally well introduced and despite there being quite a few 'bit-players' involved, there is never any question as to who is who and/or their role in this particular adventure.
As always, very well written and set up/out, with the mystery slowly unfolding, a number of red herrings involved and a lovely twist at the end. Enjoy!
The tale itself is set in Florida's Everglades, probably best known as 'alligator alley', and alligators do play a major role in this book. It is also great to see that the author mixes what we call 'different races' - from Native Americans to Hispanics to Caucasians - and they all work together without prejudice.
Having never visited Florida, never mind the Everglades myself, Heather Graham's descriptions of the location(s) it-/themselves make me feel as if I was there and getting a good idea of the area and what is happening. The characters are equally well introduced and despite there being quite a few 'bit-players' involved, there is never any question as to who is who and/or their role in this particular adventure.
As always, very well written and set up/out, with the mystery slowly unfolding, a number of red herrings involved and a lovely twist at the end. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews