Cold Case detective Cassidy Miller is no stranger to buried things—bodies, secrets, and memories she’d rather forget. Life with her fiancée, the brilliant but guarded defense attorney Julia Desjardin, is the closest thing she’s felt to peace. But as Julia begins the emotional process of fertility treatments, Cassidy finds herself caught between wanting a future and fearing she doesn’t deserve one.
When hidden graves are unearthed at a long-abandoned public housing site, Cassidy is pulled into a case fraught with redlining, corruption, and systemic injustice. As the investigation deepens, so does the scrutiny—from the media, from city officials, and from an ex-girlfriend who’s back in town and crossing every boundary.
Caught between a past she’s tried to forget and a future she’s unsure she can have, Cassidy must confront hard truths. Because not everything buried stays that way. And the future she wants won’t wait forever.
Eliza Lentzski is the best-selling author of sapphic fiction, romance, and erotica including the Winter Jacket and Don’t Call Me Hero series. A historian by day, Eliza is passionate about telling the stories of marginalized communities.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
Julia and Cassidy never fail to give me butterflies. They are the best black cat/golden retriever couple for me. Their dynamic I compliments each other in the best way.
The plot in Buried Promises is my favourite so far out of the Don’t Call Me Hero series. I really liked the mystery paired with historical facts about the city they live in being unearthed methodically as Cassidy investigates. The flow and timing of each puzzle piece coming to light was perfectly paced and in the same breath Cassidy and Julia’s relationship existing in the background. Honestly, getting to read this far into the series makes me want to read the whole thing again.
Listen, Don’t Call Me Hero series is: quality writing + mystery + black cat/retriever MCs. It satiates that craving for comfort read with spice and a good mystery. What more can a reader ask for but more of this, please!
Another great addition to one of my fav series from this author (this and the Winter Jacket series). I re-read book 1-6 before starting this book which made me enjoy the series even more since we get the see the growth of their relationship. I hope we don't have to wait too long for Book 8!
My favourite couple is back and I am beyond excited! If you are a fan of the “Don’t Call Me Hero” series and have been following the series religiously, then you absolutely can't miss Book 7. I simply loved the plot, the dynamics between Cassidy and Julia, how their relationship evolved - from the time they first met up until Julia put a ring on it. And might I just add with all the estrogen, the sexy scenes between Cassidy and Julia are just that… 🔥 and sexy
I had missed Julia and Cassidy so much! this is a great addition to their story, their dynamic is angsty yet so incredible.. I'm just waiting on Cass to really communicate, to open up & make Julia open up too. I'm excited to see where it goes from here with Cass' career and their hopeful new journey.
Come for Julia and Cassidy, stay for the cold case
This book reads more like a mystery than a romance novel which is excellent. The author gives us a fascinating story with two stable sapphic women in love. It's something that is rare in literature and very welcomed. The cold case investigation was the most intriguing one to date and kept me coming back until I finished the book in one day. The downsides to the book were that it felt like it ended prematurely, which maybe a plus for many since it likely signals another book on its way and hopefully some more answers! The other downside, which some readers will love, was the frequent sex and overuse of the "p" word. Dang, those women are insatiable. We did finally see some ownership and growth from Julia which was well timed. Their love story continues to evolve and you don't want to stop watching it.
Didnt dislike a single thing....This is MY Favorite Book Series Followed by Winter Jacket and they're both from the SAME Author!!! Elize Lentzski is simply amazing.
I have really enjoyed the series of this book. I have read everyone one of them and they were all good. They were well written too. Keep up the good work.
Always great to catch up with Julia and Cassidy. I enjoy the way the characters and their relationship has developed over the series. And at the risk of pressuring Eliza Lentzski, I eagerly await the next…
So love this series love the characters the story line I couldn't put it down I hate that I have to wait so long for the next book to come out But it was worth it Can't wait for the next book I recommend this book but I do recommend you start from the beginning you won't be disappointed
What I love most about this series is that it goes beyond just romance—Eliza Lentzski skillfully weaves in mystery, suspense, self-discovery, and playful banter. It’s easily my favorite series, largely because of the undeniable chemistry between Cassidy and Julia, which brings a heartfelt intensity to their love, desire, and deep affection for each other. Looking forward for the next book 🫰😘
Another great addition to the Don’t call me hero book series featuring former marine now cold case detective Cassidy Miller alongside her partner and talented lawyer Julia Desjardin. I’ve always loved this book series and the couple apart of this. Julia and Cassidy, despite being opposites, somehow not only match but make you believe that they’re truly meant to be together when you read the dialogue and banter and storylines between them. They’re both kinda similar though with their roughed up emotions that they both hide away inside, but with each other they’re a bit more open and honest with their emotions. A key character development that continues on from the first book.
I’ve always found Cassidy’s character interesting. A former marine turned police officer turned cold case detective and maybe in the future a private investigator working as part of Julia’s team at the law firm she’s now employed at. 🤔 that would be interesting to see while staying in tune with Cassidy’s recurring job and life changes that happen for her.
The introduction of Monica was a surprise but a welcome one. In my opinion, she seemed to be a bit more smitten with Cassidy than Cassidy was for her and the flashback sequences pretty much solidified that for me. I think it brings up a what could’ve been if Cassidy had decided to leave the marines with Monica, rather than having to due to her traumatic event and injury that marked the end of her career as a marine. Regardless I don’t think they would’ve worked out in the long term. Monica was too similar to Cassidy. Nobody would’ve been able to ground Cassidy in and tether her to the normal world, not like how Julia does it, and is always there for Cassidy even when Cassidy shies away from her emotions and trauma.
The case in this book focused on systemic injustice rooted in real life history which was fun to learn about. Cassidy, as always, tries to do the right thing even if it means going against her job titles and the norms in the MPD. A hero complex, some may call it, but somebody’s gotta step up and be a hero when no one else wants to and who better than Cassidy. It was nice to see Cassidy and Julia work together too, not just in their work lives but also in their personal space. A baby may soon be in the not so distant future for them both.
Thanks to the Author for another great addition to this book series. I loved it loads and look forward to a potential future book to this. 🫶
When I began to read the new "Don't Call Me Hero" series book I felt like I was reconnecting with old friends. The author, Eliza Lentzski, seamlessly moved from the previous book in the series to the latest offering and allowed the reader to see where Cassidy and Julia are in their lives. In this latest installment Julia is working pro bono as a defense attorney and preparing for her first case at the new firm. In addition, she is taking fertility treatments to harvest her eggs. Cassidy is still with the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) Cold Case division and is helping a homicide colleague work a case regarding several dead bodies found on a new luxury condo construction site. Cassidy also runs into a former Marine and ex-girlfriend on the streets of Minneapolis. They served together in Afghanistan.
Lentzski has crafted another wonderful book in this series with this historically based cold case storyline which focuses on Minneapolis' buried past. The relationship between Cassidy and Julia continues to evolve and the trust between the two women continues to grow. There were hints, via Julia's invitation to Cassidy, that a future book may see Cassidy leave the MPD to serve as a private investigator working with Julia's new law firm. This would be a unique way to continue to grow the story, and I look forward to this possibility. From the relationship aspect, the scenes between Cassidy and Julia have always been steamy and this book is no exception. However, the bedroom (and other rooms) dynamic between Cassidy and Julia was supercharged in this book due to the addition of the hormone-induced fertility treatment shots that Julia was taking.
I already miss reading this book and look forward to Book 8 in the series.
Been waiting for this. Last we left Cassidy & Julia, Julia asked Cassidy to marry her after they visited Cassidy’s family for the first time with Cassidy coming out to them. This has been something Cassidy wanted to do but deciding on a ring and where to propose wasn’t coming to her. Now that Julia did it first, Cassidy was taken back but she knew she had to get Julia a ring also. Julia has started her new job and putting a team together has her exhausted. Not helping matters was her decision to freeze her eggs and move her Mom into a new assisted living near them. Cassidy is still with the Cold Case department and gets handed a new one that is going to give her a history lesson that changes her. And just when she is getting deeply involved they try to bury the case on her. With everything happening with Julia’s new job and her Mom’s relocation and Julia’s decision about her eggs, Cassidy is trying hard to be there for her. Adding in another problem, an old “friend” just shows up and has Cassidy a little unsure about things. I just loved this book so much. Things are happening and the couple are trying to keep their wits about them. We get the ending I wanted, simple and sweet. There is more to be done and hopefully Eliza has it in her to continue this series.
4.5⭐️ I loved this story and it continues to be one of my favourite series ever. I enjoy how mundane and low angst the relationship between Julia and Cassidy is without it ever being boring.
The case this book followed was really interesting and I liked learning about the history it unveiled. It was a pretty unflinching look into the racist practices of the city and wider US. The characters that were introduced were vivid and memorable. The premise reminds of the TV show ‘Cold Case’.
However, I was frustrated with how callous Cassidy was treating Monica. It felt out of place for her character and didn’t make sense to me. From the few glimpses I got from their previous relationship, she didn’t seem like the problematic person Cassidy was making her out to be with her snide remarks. It was bizarre.
Wonderful, marvelous, there are not enough words to describe the whole Don't Call Me Hero series. After reading the whole series once again, Buried Promises added to the love affair of Cassidy and Julia. Much like the rest, book number seven is really more than a love affair. There is always a magnificent whodunit along with an amazing cast of characters to support Cassidy and Julia. Once again there is history to go along with the cold cases as Eliza Lentzski can't help giving her readers brilliant history lessons along with superb sleuthing the likes that would make Agatha Christie proud. Throw in some steamy scenes between Cassidy and Julia and you have the perfect book here on Kindle for less than a drink at Starbucks. Folks, it just doesn't get any better than that.
This is a continuation of a really terrific series Don't call me hero. This time we have an interesting cold case involving bones found on a derelict building site that has to be investigated by our non hero Cassidy Miller. She's now engaged to the gorgeous Julia their conversations and banter are really clever and so amusing. Julia is aloof to others but not C. So intimate scenes are as you can imagine 🔥 🔥 you can feel the affection throughout. There's thankfully loose ends to clear up and the result of ivf treatment to be revealed so im content that there's more books in the series in the future.
My last shot for this author given but none again .. no plot just banging and plot that was there was left not resolved .. over these characters which were stolen from that old TV show anyway , COME ON NOW SHE WOLL BE A MAYOR !! exact TV show !! Characters can't communicate neither which is just like the actual author to be honest .. after 7 books they can't figure out if they're having a baby together or if it's just julias .. damn. If I was Cass I'd leave she gets treated as an after thought just like I've seen the author treat her "friends" .. Hope its the last in the series !! Sorry not for me ..
Re-reading Before I Start Buried Promises was such a ride! Julia and Cassidy completely stole my heart from the very beginning—I loved their dynamic right away. At first, I was a little anxious about Monica and how her presence might affect Julia and Cassidy’s relationship, but thankfully nothing too wild happened there. Their bond stayed strong, which made me love them even more.
Now I’m beyond excited to dive into what’s next—Cassidy working as a private detective, their wedding, and maybe even a baby? I can’t wait to see where their story goes from here!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This latest in the ‘Don’t Call Me Hero’ series maintains the high standard set by the previous books. I love Cassidy and Julia as a couple and whilst there were some steamy scenes there were also some sweet. The short scene where Julia responds to Cassidy’s insecurity that Julia doesn’t need her like she needs Julia was really lovely. I also particularly like that the cases Cassidy investigates don’t all get tied up with a neat little bow. There’s a ‘realness’ to them such that leads don’t always pan out and things can be messy. I’ll certainly be back for more in due course…
I read all previous books to catch up with these two prior to the release of this book. They both never fail to keep life entertaining. Two opposites who make the perfect couple. A few blasts from the past made for a rocky few minutes, loved the storyline throughout the book and a few newbies along the way. Love these books and hoping for more when the time is right.
“Buried Promises” sheds light on our nation’s systemic burial of racial injustices, political whitewashing of housing, medical, educational, & retail inequalities, and the glimmer of hope that it won’t necessarily continue. This story needs to become mainstream literature, generating real conversations and changes in government and society at large. Eliza Lentzski did an amazing job of reaching into my heart with her love story, a love story encompassing all of humanity.
I really appreciate a story that depicts combat veterans in a positive way. Not perfect, but good people that have to live with f##ked up memories and battle fatigue every effing day and make a difference in the world. The characters in this series are dynamic and the stories all keep the pages turning. A little too steamy for my tastes but I just quickly read those parts.
Cassidy and Julia are still busy with their big decisions. But this time they are taking action with those decisions. A ghost from Cassidy's Marine past attempts to ruin things between Cassidy and Julia, with no success.
The case they worked on is a valuable lesson to all of us in not repeating history. But also to not let government bury things that shouldn't be buried. Because only the people get hurt through that.
This series has been absolutely amazing! It's everything I didn't know I wanted, needed, and more. I really hope the series doesn't end here because there's so much left I need to know. Cassidy and Julia are the perfect pairing, it's sexy, sentimental, fun, and deep. I enjoy that while we get the relationship storyline and journey, the investigation side is its own secondary storyline, which keeps things exciting!
This story has come to episode 7 and it's great to see our two main characters, still loyal to each other, how precious is that! This series took a radical turn from episode 3 onwards, it's a good direction, excellent writing skills!!!!
Regarding fertility, I think differently than Julia, why does a woman have to have children? My girlfriend and I used to discuss this and I don't think I could accept that someone is more important than her in a family
LOVE THIS SERIES! But this one is hands down my favorite. Great story arc and honestly I love to see how far these two have grown together. Especially Julia. There’s a quiet power to the way they love each other. Eliza, if you ever want to make an TV show out of your book series, give me a shout. P
As I read I became aware that I have read some books in this series before. I remembered the characters, I liked them. I have a terrible memory for books, movies, and TV shows. I often read an entire book and then realize I’ve already read it. These are good reads and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
I like this one better than the last one, here we have at least an interesting plot which gets a good focus in the story. The evolving relationship between these two was really good again, the baby wanting plot is a little bit lost on me but that is only because I never care about these storylines, these plots more often than not take up the whole book.