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Bayou #7
A Marked Man
Once accusedWhen Max Savage opens his practice in a remote, seductively beautiful bayou town, he hopes it's the start of a new life. He's got his reputation as a skilled surgeon, his two brothers by his side and a fresh chance. But soon Max discovers he can't escape a past riddled with accusations of murder...or the faces of two dead women. Especially since another woman is missing, and he was the last to see her alive.
Always suspected
Annie Duhon knows all about nightmares that shatter life's dreams and the need to escape the past. But her fascination with Max grows, even when disturbing rumors start to surface and her darkest visions seem to play out in living color. Can she trust Max with her secrets and her deepest desires? Or is he the specter she sees when she sleeps--a killer stalking women with his cleansing fire? Is she about to become his next victim?
Always suspected
Annie Duhon knows all about nightmares that shatter life's dreams and the need to escape the past. But her fascination with Max grows, even when disturbing rumors start to surface and her darkest visions seem to play out in living color. Can she trust Max with her secrets and her deepest desires? Or is he the specter she sees when she sleeps--a killer stalking women with his cleansing fire? Is she about to become his next victim?
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
38 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Stella Cameron
106 books420 followersStella Cameron is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. With over fourteen million copies of her books in print, Cameron is now turning her pen to mysteries and independently publishing COLD, Introducing Alex Duggins. She draws on her English background for this new, already critically acclaimed mystery series. Atmospheric, deeply character and relationship driven, COLD reveals the power of old secrets to twist the present. Cameron’s reputation for using her backgrounds to add tension and allure to her stories is heightened again.
Cameron is the recipient of the Pacific Northwest Achievement Award for distinguished professional achievement and for enhancing the stature of the Northwest Literary community. She lives in Washington with her husband Jerry, her Papillon Millie, black cat Zipper, and a cheeky little tabby named Jack.
Cameron is the recipient of the Pacific Northwest Achievement Award for distinguished professional achievement and for enhancing the stature of the Northwest Literary community. She lives in Washington with her husband Jerry, her Papillon Millie, black cat Zipper, and a cheeky little tabby named Jack.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 31, 2010
While I think technically this is a "romantic suspense", I just wasn't feeling it.
The sex was brutal (and not in a that's-right-daddy-spank-me-I'm-a-naughty-girl kinda way) and just.. IDK kind of awkward really...
Quite literally half the time I had to re-read it just to decide whether or not the female in question had been raped, and even after a re-read, I wasn't always sure...
The plot itself was interesting, but too much small-town drama and abundance of extraneous characters made for a soap operaesque feel that just didn't appeal to me. Felt kind of like an Ashley Judd movie or something -- decent, but kind of dry for my tastes.
3 Stars
The sex was brutal (and not in a that's-right-daddy-spank-me-I'm-a-naughty-girl kinda way) and just.. IDK kind of awkward really...
Quite literally half the time I had to re-read it just to decide whether or not the female in question had been raped, and even after a re-read, I wasn't always sure...
The plot itself was interesting, but too much small-town drama and abundance of extraneous characters made for a soap operaesque feel that just didn't appeal to me. Felt kind of like an Ashley Judd movie or something -- decent, but kind of dry for my tastes.
3 Stars
April 11, 2013
Suspenseful. Puzzling. Confusing. Disturbing. Those four adjectives sum up my opinion of this book. The story is set in the rural parish of Toussaint, Louisiana. The focus of the book appears to center around Annie Duhon and Dr. Max Savage. Both characters have moved to Toussaint to escape their pasts and start new lives. Both have secrets from their past that they don’t want revealed.
Suspenseful:
Readers are first introduced to Annie, We learn early on something traumatic has happened to her in her hometown, and residents have impugned her character, forcing her to leave and never return. The mystery behind what happened to her kept me interested in reading further.
Dr. Max Savage, his twin Roche, and Kelly, the oldest half-brother are establishing a posh medical clinic. The brothers have chosen to accompany Max in starting this clinic since he was forced to leave New York to escape his infamous reputation as a suspected killer of two women with whom he was involved. He was never convicted of the accused crimes because of lack of evidence. Max believes was set up but has no idea who would want to destroy his life. So far, no one in Toussaint knows about his past, and he plans to keep it this way.
When the story opens, Max and Annie have already met and established a friendship. Max doesn’t want to advertise this to the town because he fears whoever is after him will hurt Annie just like with his past girlfriends. he attraction is there, but it lacks the sexual tension that really enhances a story involving romance. In fact, I don’t even know if this book should be categorized as “romance.” I’ll explain why later in this review.
When a woman turns up missing,suspicion points to Max as the killer. The sheriff checks into Max’s background, and his past becomes public
Even though a body hasn’t been found, Max becomes the number one suspect.
Will anyone believe he is innocent as he claims to be, especially Annie? Is he really guilty of murder? If not who is the real murderer? What motivates the killer to set Max up to take the fall? Max tells Annie, “Someone hates me enough to want to ruin my life. And they don’t care if other people die to make sure it happens.”
The plot involves numerous events that kept me engaged, searching for clues and answers to these questions. Throw in Wazoo, an eccentric character who claims to have the gift of prophecy, practices hoodoo, and constantly provides cryptic clues throughout the entire story, and you have an intense and suspenseful main plot. These are the main reasons I decided to finish this book.
Puzzling and Confusing:
I found significant flaws with the plot that hindered my enjoyment. First of all, the author introduces too many characters into the story. Do we really need to know about everyone in the parish?
Including all these extraneous characters causes confusion and too many sub-plots,some of which are irrelevant These sub-plots also create multiple point-of-views that can confuse readers.
[image error]
Disturbing:
Inconsistent character development was an issue for me. This mainly occurs in the two scenes involving sex. For example, Annie is depicted as shy and reserved. Yet, she becomes controlling, demanding, and angry when she initiates sex with Max. Even Max is surprised: “This was unbelievable. Where had this new wild woman come from?” Her actions even affect the calm, gentle Max who becomes aggressive in his pursuit of her: “Oh, no you don’t,” Max said. “You want it. You asked for it and you’re going to get it because you made sure I don’t have a choice anymore.” Did a rape just occur?
The second sexual encounter takes place between Max’s twin Roche and journalist Lee O’Brien. O’Brien, the local journalist, is looking for a good story. She’s heard about Max’s past, and she wants to uncover the truth. Getting close to one of the brothers is her way of doing this. When she takes a tour of the clinic with Roche, the entire scene is just downright creepy. There is such ambivalence about whether rape occurs. Roche seems intent on having sex with Lee and even becomes rough with her, but she admits she wants it, even though she’s afraid: “Her heart beat painfully but excitement wiped out any reluctance.” I just don’t know what to think. I just can't see the book as "romantic."
[image error]
Obviously, I have mixed feelings about the book, and it was one of those reads where I’m ambivalent about whether I liked the book.
Suspenseful:
Readers are first introduced to Annie, We learn early on something traumatic has happened to her in her hometown, and residents have impugned her character, forcing her to leave and never return. The mystery behind what happened to her kept me interested in reading further.
Dr. Max Savage, his twin Roche, and Kelly, the oldest half-brother are establishing a posh medical clinic. The brothers have chosen to accompany Max in starting this clinic since he was forced to leave New York to escape his infamous reputation as a suspected killer of two women with whom he was involved. He was never convicted of the accused crimes because of lack of evidence. Max believes was set up but has no idea who would want to destroy his life. So far, no one in Toussaint knows about his past, and he plans to keep it this way.
When the story opens, Max and Annie have already met and established a friendship. Max doesn’t want to advertise this to the town because he fears whoever is after him will hurt Annie just like with his past girlfriends. he attraction is there, but it lacks the sexual tension that really enhances a story involving romance. In fact, I don’t even know if this book should be categorized as “romance.” I’ll explain why later in this review.
When a woman turns up missing,suspicion points to Max as the killer. The sheriff checks into Max’s background, and his past becomes public
Even though a body hasn’t been found, Max becomes the number one suspect.
Will anyone believe he is innocent as he claims to be, especially Annie? Is he really guilty of murder? If not who is the real murderer? What motivates the killer to set Max up to take the fall? Max tells Annie, “Someone hates me enough to want to ruin my life. And they don’t care if other people die to make sure it happens.”
The plot involves numerous events that kept me engaged, searching for clues and answers to these questions. Throw in Wazoo, an eccentric character who claims to have the gift of prophecy, practices hoodoo, and constantly provides cryptic clues throughout the entire story, and you have an intense and suspenseful main plot. These are the main reasons I decided to finish this book.
Puzzling and Confusing:
I found significant flaws with the plot that hindered my enjoyment. First of all, the author introduces too many characters into the story. Do we really need to know about everyone in the parish?
Including all these extraneous characters causes confusion and too many sub-plots,some of which are irrelevant These sub-plots also create multiple point-of-views that can confuse readers.
[image error]
Disturbing:
Inconsistent character development was an issue for me. This mainly occurs in the two scenes involving sex. For example, Annie is depicted as shy and reserved. Yet, she becomes controlling, demanding, and angry when she initiates sex with Max. Even Max is surprised: “This was unbelievable. Where had this new wild woman come from?” Her actions even affect the calm, gentle Max who becomes aggressive in his pursuit of her: “Oh, no you don’t,” Max said. “You want it. You asked for it and you’re going to get it because you made sure I don’t have a choice anymore.” Did a rape just occur?
The second sexual encounter takes place between Max’s twin Roche and journalist Lee O’Brien. O’Brien, the local journalist, is looking for a good story. She’s heard about Max’s past, and she wants to uncover the truth. Getting close to one of the brothers is her way of doing this. When she takes a tour of the clinic with Roche, the entire scene is just downright creepy. There is such ambivalence about whether rape occurs. Roche seems intent on having sex with Lee and even becomes rough with her, but she admits she wants it, even though she’s afraid: “Her heart beat painfully but excitement wiped out any reluctance.” I just don’t know what to think. I just can't see the book as "romantic."
[image error]
Obviously, I have mixed feelings about the book, and it was one of those reads where I’m ambivalent about whether I liked the book.
March 27, 2017
A thrilling book that keeps you guessing right to the end. I had no idea! Great book with a host of suspicious characters to keep throwing you off the trail. Great read!
September 8, 2020
One of my favorites by this author. I really got drawn into this and had to keep reading.
September 3, 2023
This book is awful. The writing is indecipherable literally. Sometimes I read the same paragraph 3 times and I still had no idea what was going on. The diagolue is stupid and made no sense. The plot was stupid. There were too many characters and most them did not propel the plot. They were just filler; they were not interesting and bogged down the story.
The main character's were both just plain weird. Their sex scenes were not sexy and there was one sex scene in the book that was basicly a rape. Just icky.
The main character's were both just plain weird. Their sex scenes were not sexy and there was one sex scene in the book that was basicly a rape. Just icky.
November 15, 2022
I grabbed this from the library thinking it would be a quick, easy read. I couldn’t finish. Made it about 100 pages in. It was just so…odd. The relationship with his brothers, the strange people around town, and then the craziest sex scene. And not crazy in a good way…crazy in a “was this girl just raped or is this supposed to be a normal thing” way. Not for me, but seems like it has a decent star rating so…🤷🏼♀️
April 3, 2025
i did not like this one. the characters were confusing, the plot line was a little hard to follow, the sec scenes were too graphic for me & the ending was stupid & sappy. why do so
many books have to end with a wedding after only knowing each other for about a month.
many books have to end with a wedding after only knowing each other for about a month.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2017
I just couldn't get into it. Tried to read it, got about 20 pages in, realized I missed everything, went back, still couldn't finish it. Too many characters, style too flat.
November 22, 2017
This book was ok. Sort of predictable and the lead up to the end was anticlimactic. I enjoyed the read and would recommend it though.
January 16, 2021
The book was a bit slow in the beginning so it takes a good amount of chapters to actually get into it, however, once you get past that, the ending you won’t want to stop reading!
June 3, 2010
Ok this was the best book I've read from Ms. Cameron so far. She didn't go off on her weird little sexual tangent( well more or less) as she did with the other books, and so the story was fluid and complete to the end. It was a really good read and I enjoyed it. I didn't know there was a series based in LA, until after I'd read the book that came after this one and now I'm kinda sorry I didn't read them in order. It was hard to keep up with all the plots and subplots in these books. On the other hand I loved the mystery and the fact that her leads aren't perfect and have issues just as all people do, the danger and sizzle that happens with the leads are wonderful.
September 11, 2011
A friend gave me this book, and I think the best thing I can say is....the cover is pretty.
I didn't realize it was one of many in a series, so I suppose if you are already a fan of the series, maybe you would like this. However, if you haven't read any of the series....well I wouldn't urge you to pick it up.
Trashy sex (and not in the fun, Valley of the Dolls way, more like "oh crap what is wrong with you this is embarassing to read trashy"), an IDIOTIC principal female character.....I read alot of crappy novels with guilty pleasure, but this was pretty awful. Just stupid, stupid people, doing stupid, stupid things.
I didn't realize it was one of many in a series, so I suppose if you are already a fan of the series, maybe you would like this. However, if you haven't read any of the series....well I wouldn't urge you to pick it up.
Trashy sex (and not in the fun, Valley of the Dolls way, more like "oh crap what is wrong with you this is embarassing to read trashy"), an IDIOTIC principal female character.....I read alot of crappy novels with guilty pleasure, but this was pretty awful. Just stupid, stupid people, doing stupid, stupid things.
March 25, 2008
Max and Annie have a good relationship even though Max is trying to keep it a secret since every woman he has dated has ended up dead. Someone is after Max and will stop at nothing to ruin his life.
These are two really interesting people. I had a hard time getting into the book but once I got down the writers writing style I really enjoyed the book. I will definately be buying some of her other books which is a pretty good sign that I like Stella Cameron.
These are two really interesting people. I had a hard time getting into the book but once I got down the writers writing style I really enjoyed the book. I will definately be buying some of her other books which is a pretty good sign that I like Stella Cameron.
June 28, 2013
This is the first S. Cameron book I have read. Max Savage moves to a small town to start a new life as a surgeon but old accusations follow him. Annie Duhon has some problems of her own. This is an interesting read as they meet and deal with their issues and fears. There is adventure, romance, and danger as they try to move on from their troubled pasts.
September 26, 2012
Overall, a pretty good book. As I have said with other books, I don't really like that the jacket summary has you expecting supernatural involvement where there is none. The plot is a little transparent, but the multiple brothers keep you guessing at least a little.
June 20, 2008
Although hearing mixed reviews here, I thought it was a good book set in Louisiana. It had action, drama and lots of good suspense. I enjoyed it.
July 13, 2008
Love her Louisiana series... Suggest that you read them in order.
August 14, 2009
So far this book promises to be the best Stella Cameron to date. I'm really enjoying it.
January 14, 2016
Just OK. I thought I knew who did it early on and the reason, and it turns out I was correct. A bit far-fetched at times.
June 25, 2013
Wish you could give half a star as this is really only 2.5.Enjoyed books by this author before but this is not one of her best.
September 24, 2011
Starting Today
July 29, 2016
This was a DNF for me. The story wasn't interesting and the writing was terrible!
June 3, 2012
This is the very first Stella Cameron book I have read, and after reading this book I bought any book tht had her name on.
January 27, 2015
Cliché romance set in a bayou town. The resolving of the "mystery" was a no brainer.
May 7, 2015
Romance, intrigue and murder all in one!
Want to read
May 26, 2008just bought this one we will see how good it is.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews