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In Transit
When a psychic in a shopping mall tells Rita Del Vecchio that she is "destined for greatness," and she will "marry a man in uniform," the restless, wet-behind-the-ears, 22 year-old decides to finally take control of her life. Rita sets out on a quest to become a New York City Police Officer. But can a spry, feisty, single woman thrive in the gritty world of New York's Finest? Leaving behind the suburbs of New Jersey and a job as an under-tipped waitress, Rita Del Vecchio hangs up her apron and ballet slippers for a bullet-proof vest. But will she wear it? And if she does, will it protect her on the mean streets of Manhattan? Can it also protect her from Cupid’s arrows if they should land amiss? Rita is assigned to the New York City Transit Police Squad and gets more than she bargained for. Riding the Lexington Avenue Subway Line, Rita winds up meeting not one man in uniform, but many. Whom will she love? IN TRANSIT combines romance and suspense. This woman-in-jeopardy story delves into the ordinary lives of NYPD career cops and how their fates are determined by people who hold secrets as dark and as labyrinth-like as the New York City Subway System.
- GenresRomance
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Kathleen Gerard
16 books42 followersKathleen Gerard is a writer whose work has been awarded The Perillo Prize, The Eric Hoffer Prose Award and nominated for Best New American Voices and Short Story America, all national prizes in literature. Kathleen writes across genres. Her short prose and poetry have been widely published in magazines, journals and anthologies. Her essays have been broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR).
Kathleen’s woman-in-jeopardy novel In Transit won The New York Book Festival – “Best Romantic Fiction” (2011). Kathleen is a book reviewer for and a contributor to Shelf Awareness and maintains the blog, “Reading Between the Lines.”
Kathleen’s woman-in-jeopardy novel In Transit won The New York Book Festival – “Best Romantic Fiction” (2011). Kathleen is a book reviewer for and a contributor to Shelf Awareness and maintains the blog, “Reading Between the Lines.”
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 4, 2014
I read this for the Just For Fun Challenge which encourages reading one book that has been on the TBR shelf for a long time and without doing a review. I still rated this book though and I loved it.
July 10, 2011
Article first published as Book Review:In Transit by Kathleen Gerard on Blogcritics.
In the world of law enforcement, there are the heroes, those men and women dedicated to right and justice. They put their lives on the line in order that we might continue our freedom and lives. On the other side of the coin are those that are known as dirty, they take advantage of the situations in which they find themselves, taking money and drugs in exchange for allowing the criminals to continue to ply their trade.
In Transit by Kathleen Gerard, we follow the life of a young woman, Rita Del Vecchio. A server by trade, she also takes ballet because of her love of dance. On a whim after getting her fortune told, she decides to become a police officer. Little does she realize the strength and attitude she will have to develop in order to succeed. Her training almost derails her. When graduation looms, and even with the battering of comments she receives from the trainer, he passes her through. He even admits that he admires her spunk, and she graduates with the rest of her class. Assigned to transit, she and her new partner, Franko O’Malley become best friends.
Rita has always been attracted to men in uniform and when she meets a young handsome office Billy Quinn, she is enamored immediately. Billy is kind and loving, everything she has been looking for in a man, and within three months, they are married. Even leading up to the wedding both her instructor and her partner try to get her to take some time, and let her know that Billy may not be the man she thinks he is. Ignoring their advice, she goes on with her plans.
On her wedding day, she immediately meets a very different Billy, a dark and dangerous man. One she does not know and who frightens her. During her honeymoon, he is back to the Billy she understands, but she finds that he is not exactly who she expected but more the man her friends warned her about. Controlling and jealous, he rages over her relationship with anyone she meets. She will not allow him to control her life. She sets her own expectations, and while Billy backs down on the surface, internally he rages on.
As their life begins to unravel further, Billy gets deeper into his drug deals and protection money, as Rita maintains her life as an officer on the job of protection. When threats begin to pile in to the department, threats against her own partner, but her husband as well, she finally realizes he is leading a double life.
When her partner is murdered, and the IAD becomes be interested in the rumors and leaks they are receiving, danger begins to surround her. Not only has her partner been murdered, but her husband has also turned on her. Can she get her life back in line and back on a course of normalcy? Will her divorce stop the threats from her husband? Is there really a chance at real life for Rita?
Kathleen Gerard has written a dark and dangerous story based on emotions. The police work and interactions are well done, but the emotions spur the story. She follows the evolutions of feelings and the changes that continue, those based off actions and reactions to real and imagined activities. The characters are well written, detailed in a way that draws you in. Rita begins with her head in the clouds and even when things become dangerous, she still believes the best in human nature.
There is a certain naivety about Rita. It creates a charming and likable person, and yet there appears to be an inner core of strength that helps her to stay true to herself even in the worst of times. Her Partner Franko is a wonderful man, trying his best to do the right thing by trying to make up for the death of a homeless woman. He feels responsible, even though he was not at fault, so he constantly helps those other homeless when he can. Her previous trainer, Officer Hill remains her rock. The one person she can rely on when her world threatens to turn to ruin.
If you enjoy suspense and danger with romance and great characters, you will enjoy this book. It is quick paced and full of action, with an eye to realism and human emotions. This would be a great book for your library.
This book was received free from Tribute Books. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
In the world of law enforcement, there are the heroes, those men and women dedicated to right and justice. They put their lives on the line in order that we might continue our freedom and lives. On the other side of the coin are those that are known as dirty, they take advantage of the situations in which they find themselves, taking money and drugs in exchange for allowing the criminals to continue to ply their trade.
In Transit by Kathleen Gerard, we follow the life of a young woman, Rita Del Vecchio. A server by trade, she also takes ballet because of her love of dance. On a whim after getting her fortune told, she decides to become a police officer. Little does she realize the strength and attitude she will have to develop in order to succeed. Her training almost derails her. When graduation looms, and even with the battering of comments she receives from the trainer, he passes her through. He even admits that he admires her spunk, and she graduates with the rest of her class. Assigned to transit, she and her new partner, Franko O’Malley become best friends.
Rita has always been attracted to men in uniform and when she meets a young handsome office Billy Quinn, she is enamored immediately. Billy is kind and loving, everything she has been looking for in a man, and within three months, they are married. Even leading up to the wedding both her instructor and her partner try to get her to take some time, and let her know that Billy may not be the man she thinks he is. Ignoring their advice, she goes on with her plans.
On her wedding day, she immediately meets a very different Billy, a dark and dangerous man. One she does not know and who frightens her. During her honeymoon, he is back to the Billy she understands, but she finds that he is not exactly who she expected but more the man her friends warned her about. Controlling and jealous, he rages over her relationship with anyone she meets. She will not allow him to control her life. She sets her own expectations, and while Billy backs down on the surface, internally he rages on.
As their life begins to unravel further, Billy gets deeper into his drug deals and protection money, as Rita maintains her life as an officer on the job of protection. When threats begin to pile in to the department, threats against her own partner, but her husband as well, she finally realizes he is leading a double life.
When her partner is murdered, and the IAD becomes be interested in the rumors and leaks they are receiving, danger begins to surround her. Not only has her partner been murdered, but her husband has also turned on her. Can she get her life back in line and back on a course of normalcy? Will her divorce stop the threats from her husband? Is there really a chance at real life for Rita?
Kathleen Gerard has written a dark and dangerous story based on emotions. The police work and interactions are well done, but the emotions spur the story. She follows the evolutions of feelings and the changes that continue, those based off actions and reactions to real and imagined activities. The characters are well written, detailed in a way that draws you in. Rita begins with her head in the clouds and even when things become dangerous, she still believes the best in human nature.
There is a certain naivety about Rita. It creates a charming and likable person, and yet there appears to be an inner core of strength that helps her to stay true to herself even in the worst of times. Her Partner Franko is a wonderful man, trying his best to do the right thing by trying to make up for the death of a homeless woman. He feels responsible, even though he was not at fault, so he constantly helps those other homeless when he can. Her previous trainer, Officer Hill remains her rock. The one person she can rely on when her world threatens to turn to ruin.
If you enjoy suspense and danger with romance and great characters, you will enjoy this book. It is quick paced and full of action, with an eye to realism and human emotions. This would be a great book for your library.
This book was received free from Tribute Books. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
July 5, 2011
"What is my Italian baby doing with that Irish cop?" is what Rita's mom is thinking.
"Why would 'Twinkle-Toes' pair up with such a brute?" is what Rita's training Sargent is thinking.
'How can my partner be so blinded by that dirty cop?" is what Rita's NYPD partner is thinking.
But Rita is thinking that this is the answer from the psychic at the shopping mall. Rita is the perfect example of eyes closed instead of open wide. Seeing things from her rose colored glasses while her fingers are crossed behind her back. Coming across on the job as a hard nose NYPD transit officer but inside still being the ballerina princess she once dreamed of.
I am so enjoying reading 'In Transit' by award winner Kathleen Gerard. It is great for a mid summer read out on the front porch. Of course I love to curl up with a good book, it is the most relaxing part of summer for me. Kathleen Gerard, who I first heard on NPR, manages to write with both the true grit of a police suspense novel while carrying over the dew-eyed romance novel. Not an easy task to do. 'In Transit', thankfully, does not come across as a fluff piece. Instead it is compelling, carrying me through the maze of love mixed up on the police force.
Now it is time for me to go back out to the porch, laze in front of the big ol fan out there and get back to my new friend Rita. I wonder how she is going to get through the mess her life is muddling into? Wanna join me?
"Why would 'Twinkle-Toes' pair up with such a brute?" is what Rita's training Sargent is thinking.
'How can my partner be so blinded by that dirty cop?" is what Rita's NYPD partner is thinking.
But Rita is thinking that this is the answer from the psychic at the shopping mall. Rita is the perfect example of eyes closed instead of open wide. Seeing things from her rose colored glasses while her fingers are crossed behind her back. Coming across on the job as a hard nose NYPD transit officer but inside still being the ballerina princess she once dreamed of.
I am so enjoying reading 'In Transit' by award winner Kathleen Gerard. It is great for a mid summer read out on the front porch. Of course I love to curl up with a good book, it is the most relaxing part of summer for me. Kathleen Gerard, who I first heard on NPR, manages to write with both the true grit of a police suspense novel while carrying over the dew-eyed romance novel. Not an easy task to do. 'In Transit', thankfully, does not come across as a fluff piece. Instead it is compelling, carrying me through the maze of love mixed up on the police force.
Now it is time for me to go back out to the porch, laze in front of the big ol fan out there and get back to my new friend Rita. I wonder how she is going to get through the mess her life is muddling into? Wanna join me?
July 18, 2011
This is the story of a headstrong and very naïve young girl, that romanticized a reading from a psychic that said her husband was to be in uniform. Trying to make this come true, she becomes an officer of NYPD for all the wrong reasons at the beginning, but having a great partner influenced her and changed her life. She meets whom she thinks is the officer, but is blinded by love, and too late learns of her mistake. The love of her life is really there but it’s going to take a lot of heartache and sorrow for her to finally see that he has been in front of her all the time.
In this novel you get to peek inside of the wrong side of the coin, we get a look at the dirty cops, those that give a bad name to the officers that risk their life to keep us safe. The author gives you a very true to life accounting of how things develop and go on inside the life of these officers.
Romance along with suspense and mystery fills the pages and brings you characters that you fall in love with and others you can’t help but hate. Not a boring moment from the get go, fast paced and action packed to the end.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
In this novel you get to peek inside of the wrong side of the coin, we get a look at the dirty cops, those that give a bad name to the officers that risk their life to keep us safe. The author gives you a very true to life accounting of how things develop and go on inside the life of these officers.
Romance along with suspense and mystery fills the pages and brings you characters that you fall in love with and others you can’t help but hate. Not a boring moment from the get go, fast paced and action packed to the end.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
September 11, 2011
Despite applying to the police academy on little more than a whim in the hopes of finding a husband, Rita Del Vecchio is nevertheless determined to graduate and join the NYPD in the wake of 9/11. Patrolling the subway as a transit officer isn't the job she hoped for but she quickly becomes best friends with her partner, Franko O'Malley and meets Sergeant Billy Quinn, attached to the Special Gun and Taskforce Unit. Smitten by his Irish charm, Rita is sure that Billy is 'the one' and despite oblique warnings from her partner and training officer, she accepts his proposal and they are married barely three months later. Unbeknownst to Rita, her new husband has long been under investigation by Internal Affairs for corruption and brutality and Rita's starry eyed idealism quickly fades as Billy's charming veneer slips revealing an irrational temper and a controlling nature. Rita's fairytale romance deteriorates into a nightmare and her marriage becomes more frightening than the streets of New York.
Despite the label, this is not a lighthearted romance with only a frisson of danger to create tension. Against a background of police corruption and street violence, this is a fast paced, dramatic novel with emotional impact. While the romance is an important aspect of the story it veers dramatically from the more traditional format though eventually Rita does get a happy ending. In Transit is a very contemporary novel that explores a number of serious issues, most notably domestic violence and the abuse of power. Though the plot is fairly predictable, Gerard maintains the tension well as Rita's life falls apart.
It's the details that create convincing characters and Gerard makes use of the third person point of view to illustrate the complexity of her characters. Initially portrayed as a somewhat frivolous and naive young woman, Rita's experiences sees her develop maturity and discover an inner strength over the course of the novel. I sympathised with her plight as her 'knight in shining armour' reveals himself as a tarnished bully and cheered for her when she stood up to him. While her emotional growth is admirable Rita never quite loses her idealism which almost destroys but ultimately saves her.
Billy's mental deterioration is similarly well handled and against the backdrop of his appalling behaviour as a police officer he is an interesting if nasty character. I did wish his Jekyll and Hyde personality hadn't been revealed quite so early as the reader knows what Rita is walking in to. Had Billy's behaviour remained hidden until Rita discovered it on her wedding day it would have had a stronger impact on the storyline.
I admit to being ambivalent about the relationship that develops between Sergeant Gary Hill and Rita, though it provides her with a happy ending, there is a considerable age difference and even though he is a good guy it doesn't quite work for me.
With a strong dramatic storyline and well developed characters, In Transit is a well crafted, gritty tale of romantic betrayal and explosive action. I very much enjoyed reading In Transit by award winning author, Kathleen Gerard and am happy to recommend it.
Despite the label, this is not a lighthearted romance with only a frisson of danger to create tension. Against a background of police corruption and street violence, this is a fast paced, dramatic novel with emotional impact. While the romance is an important aspect of the story it veers dramatically from the more traditional format though eventually Rita does get a happy ending. In Transit is a very contemporary novel that explores a number of serious issues, most notably domestic violence and the abuse of power. Though the plot is fairly predictable, Gerard maintains the tension well as Rita's life falls apart.
It's the details that create convincing characters and Gerard makes use of the third person point of view to illustrate the complexity of her characters. Initially portrayed as a somewhat frivolous and naive young woman, Rita's experiences sees her develop maturity and discover an inner strength over the course of the novel. I sympathised with her plight as her 'knight in shining armour' reveals himself as a tarnished bully and cheered for her when she stood up to him. While her emotional growth is admirable Rita never quite loses her idealism which almost destroys but ultimately saves her.
Billy's mental deterioration is similarly well handled and against the backdrop of his appalling behaviour as a police officer he is an interesting if nasty character. I did wish his Jekyll and Hyde personality hadn't been revealed quite so early as the reader knows what Rita is walking in to. Had Billy's behaviour remained hidden until Rita discovered it on her wedding day it would have had a stronger impact on the storyline.
I admit to being ambivalent about the relationship that develops between Sergeant Gary Hill and Rita, though it provides her with a happy ending, there is a considerable age difference and even though he is a good guy it doesn't quite work for me.
With a strong dramatic storyline and well developed characters, In Transit is a well crafted, gritty tale of romantic betrayal and explosive action. I very much enjoyed reading In Transit by award winning author, Kathleen Gerard and am happy to recommend it.
June 30, 2013
Rita works as waitress and really isn't making any headway in her life. After a mall psychic tells her she is to marry a man in uniform and is destined for something more, Rita decides to apply as a police officer in New York City. She is hired, much to her surprise, but the training is grueling. She is placed as an in transit officer, someone who monitors the trains. She knows she has a secret admirer and assumes it is handsome Billy Quinn.
The two have a whirlwind relationship and quickly marry, much to the dismay of some of Rita's coworkers. After they are married, he treats her differently. He becomes jealous and before long, Internal Affairs get involved. Billy has been leading a double life, and when Rita's partner is killed, Billy turns on her. She files for divorce, hoping that it will help alleviate the rumors surrounding her and Billy and make him leave her alone. But Rita will need the help of her 'real" secret admirer to help her get her life back on track.
In Transit is a great police procedural with light tones of romance. The character development is great and the pace doesn't slow down. I really enjoyed the character of Rita, going from a wide-eyed innocent to a blissfully happily married woman to someone scared to death and then trying to find her way back to 'normal'. Gergard does it with aplomb. Suspenseful and compelling, In Transit is a thrilling read!
The two have a whirlwind relationship and quickly marry, much to the dismay of some of Rita's coworkers. After they are married, he treats her differently. He becomes jealous and before long, Internal Affairs get involved. Billy has been leading a double life, and when Rita's partner is killed, Billy turns on her. She files for divorce, hoping that it will help alleviate the rumors surrounding her and Billy and make him leave her alone. But Rita will need the help of her 'real" secret admirer to help her get her life back on track.
In Transit is a great police procedural with light tones of romance. The character development is great and the pace doesn't slow down. I really enjoyed the character of Rita, going from a wide-eyed innocent to a blissfully happily married woman to someone scared to death and then trying to find her way back to 'normal'. Gergard does it with aplomb. Suspenseful and compelling, In Transit is a thrilling read!
July 4, 2011
Rita Del Vecchio is probably one of my new favorite characters. She’s a tough as nails girl who goes through the craziness life offers her and winds up finding herself in one of the least likely places... herself! This fast-paced novel kept me on my toes the entire read and I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Multiple points of view tell us the story and that was great because we are able to see all sides of the story. There were parts where I wanted to scream at Rita for things that I as a reader knew about and that is a testament of great writing!
Being from the south, I don’t know much about the NYPD and this book definitely taught me some. Although there are many things that are particular to NY it was refreshing to read a plot that gives us insight into something we all probably know is there and yet don’t discuss: corruption, abuse and power. These topics are gracefully addressed though Kathleen’s plot and resolved within it. Kathleen’s fresh writing brings many things to light while keeping readers on their toes to see what is going to happen next with Rita. All in all, a great read that I am sure you will enjoy too!
Being from the south, I don’t know much about the NYPD and this book definitely taught me some. Although there are many things that are particular to NY it was refreshing to read a plot that gives us insight into something we all probably know is there and yet don’t discuss: corruption, abuse and power. These topics are gracefully addressed though Kathleen’s plot and resolved within it. Kathleen’s fresh writing brings many things to light while keeping readers on their toes to see what is going to happen next with Rita. All in all, a great read that I am sure you will enjoy too!
July 25, 2011
This story hit the ground running, and I instantly liked the heroine Rita and her desire to become a police officer post 9/11. While her reason for going down the career path was a little far-fetched, her character is interesting enough as well as the story and it allows you to forget her original intentions. When she meets a suspected “dirty” cop, you want to yell warnings into the book for her, but how the story plays out is interesting and unexpected. Her character is a strong woman, and even when she is confronted with terrible difficulties she rises to the occasion and you want to applaud her. My only complaint is that it felt a bit rushed, and the story could have actually been longer and it wouldn’t have hurt the novel as a whole. I wanted more of the story and at times it seemed like it was getting cut off when it could have gone deeper. Overall the love story was romantic and the characters were likeable, would recommend it to someone that wants a fun summer read for the beach.
Reviewed by Gabi for Book Sake. http://booksake.blogspot.com
Reviewed by Gabi for Book Sake. http://booksake.blogspot.com
July 15, 2011
2.5 stars
Really, I'm just kind of apathetic about it.
If you like romances, this is a clean one.
Really, I'm just kind of apathetic about it.
If you like romances, this is a clean one.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews