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Blood #2
Bloodlust
12 hours, 31 minutes
#1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown delivers a new signature sexy suspense about a detective seeking justice for his murdered wife with the help of a psychotherapist … while fighting an undeniable attraction to her.
Two years ago, Detective Mitch Haskell lost his wife to a vicious act of retribution, and has since attributed her murder to two Roland Malone and the unidentified mastermind of the crime known only as Oz. Malone, a ruthless executioner and drug dealer who fronts as a restaurant owner, neutralizes so cleanly that he doesn’t leave a trace. And he performs his handiwork at the biddings of Oz, the faceless kingpin of a drug trafficking operation whose name alone evokes terror.
Obsessively vowing to avenge his late wife’s murder, Mitch has been on a downward spiral, jeopardizing his closest relationships and drinking excessively to numb his pain. After going one step too far, Detective John Bowie, his former best friend and now his boss, has forced Mitch to get therapy to sort himself out.
Dr. Dylan Reede is immediately empathetic to the pain she senses beneath Mitch’s cavalier attitude and wisecracking. She’s determined to make the most of his mandated sessions. But from the moment Mitch breezes into her office, Dylan finds it a struggle to maintain the professional and personal boundaries that keep her own tragic past at a safe distance.
As Mitch begins to close in on Oz and Malone’s operation, they’re prepared to stop him by any means necessary. And when it’s revealed that Dylan might hold the key to bringing them to justice, Mitch and Dylan’s irresistible attraction to each other may not only compromise both of them professionally, but place them in Oz’s bullseye.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown delivers a new signature sexy suspense about a detective seeking justice for his murdered wife with the help of a psychotherapist … while fighting an undeniable attraction to her.
Two years ago, Detective Mitch Haskell lost his wife to a vicious act of retribution, and has since attributed her murder to two Roland Malone and the unidentified mastermind of the crime known only as Oz. Malone, a ruthless executioner and drug dealer who fronts as a restaurant owner, neutralizes so cleanly that he doesn’t leave a trace. And he performs his handiwork at the biddings of Oz, the faceless kingpin of a drug trafficking operation whose name alone evokes terror.
Obsessively vowing to avenge his late wife’s murder, Mitch has been on a downward spiral, jeopardizing his closest relationships and drinking excessively to numb his pain. After going one step too far, Detective John Bowie, his former best friend and now his boss, has forced Mitch to get therapy to sort himself out.
Dr. Dylan Reede is immediately empathetic to the pain she senses beneath Mitch’s cavalier attitude and wisecracking. She’s determined to make the most of his mandated sessions. But from the moment Mitch breezes into her office, Dylan finds it a struggle to maintain the professional and personal boundaries that keep her own tragic past at a safe distance.
As Mitch begins to close in on Oz and Malone’s operation, they’re prepared to stop him by any means necessary. And when it’s revealed that Dylan might hold the key to bringing them to justice, Mitch and Dylan’s irresistible attraction to each other may not only compromise both of them professionally, but place them in Oz’s bullseye.
Audiobook
First published March 17, 2026
About the author
Sandra Brown
185 books167 followersLibrarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name. For best-selling romantic suspense author see: Sandra Brown.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 454 reviews
April 20, 2026
the setup…
It’s been two years since Detective Mitch Haskell’s wife Angela was found dead in their home with their infant son Andrew nearby. Her death was ruled a suicide but Mitch knows she was murdered by Roland Malone, a New Orleans restauranteur who is also the lethal henchman used by Oz, the head of a criminal enterprise who’s true identity is unknown. Angela was killed in retribution for Mitch’s undercover work when he was a DEA agent. Even though Roland’s signature killing method of using a garrote to take down his targets wasn’t used on Angela, Mitch knows these two orchestrated her murder. Mitch’s is a mess and things come to a head when Detective John Bowie, his boss and friend, orders him into counseling. Dr. Dylan Reede has her hands full with him, in more ways than one…until it becomes dangerous.
the heart of the story…
I was so excited to be back in Auclair and the world of John Bowie! I’d hoped to learn more about Mitch and his backstory. The situation is treacherous as Roland and Oz are utterly ruthless. It was made more chilling by getting their points of view, too. Mitch and Dylan’s professional relationship turns personal, complicating things even more. Beware, however of a host of unreliable narrators!
the narration…
I’m a longtime fan of Kyf Brewer as he’s not only a wonderful storyteller but provides distinctive character voices. Loved everything about his performance.
the bottom line…
The tension begins with that prologue and never lets up. Mitch is a resourceful and colorful character, showing the skills that made him so good as an undercover agent, despite his personal issues. His relationship with Dylan was more than complicated, even more after some unforeseen (and clever) twists down the road. This was an outstanding police procedural and I hope we haven’t seen the last of these characters and the town. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for my complimentary copy of the hardcover. All opinions are my own.)
It’s been two years since Detective Mitch Haskell’s wife Angela was found dead in their home with their infant son Andrew nearby. Her death was ruled a suicide but Mitch knows she was murdered by Roland Malone, a New Orleans restauranteur who is also the lethal henchman used by Oz, the head of a criminal enterprise who’s true identity is unknown. Angela was killed in retribution for Mitch’s undercover work when he was a DEA agent. Even though Roland’s signature killing method of using a garrote to take down his targets wasn’t used on Angela, Mitch knows these two orchestrated her murder. Mitch’s is a mess and things come to a head when Detective John Bowie, his boss and friend, orders him into counseling. Dr. Dylan Reede has her hands full with him, in more ways than one…until it becomes dangerous.
the heart of the story…
I was so excited to be back in Auclair and the world of John Bowie! I’d hoped to learn more about Mitch and his backstory. The situation is treacherous as Roland and Oz are utterly ruthless. It was made more chilling by getting their points of view, too. Mitch and Dylan’s professional relationship turns personal, complicating things even more. Beware, however of a host of unreliable narrators!
the narration…
I’m a longtime fan of Kyf Brewer as he’s not only a wonderful storyteller but provides distinctive character voices. Loved everything about his performance.
the bottom line…
The tension begins with that prologue and never lets up. Mitch is a resourceful and colorful character, showing the skills that made him so good as an undercover agent, despite his personal issues. His relationship with Dylan was more than complicated, even more after some unforeseen (and clever) twists down the road. This was an outstanding police procedural and I hope we haven’t seen the last of these characters and the town. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for my complimentary copy of the hardcover. All opinions are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another great Sandra Brown thriller/romance! Her books are always easy highly entertaining reads that draw you into the story. It was great to see what continues to happen to the Bowie/Haskell partnership and how their personal lives evolve with their profession. I always like a good law enforcement thriller and this fit the bill!
Thank you to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 11, 2025
If you follow my reviews, then you know I love a good police procedural story, and this one is ranking high on my list for must-reads this year.
Brown has done it again with a fabulous story that is intricately woven with imagery and incredible detail. Plus, she added a love interest and some spicy romance. I am here for it all! Such a perfect blend and balance throughout the book.
This murder mystery is a police procedural with some bad guys you know and others you do not. There are characters you will love and some you will hate. The author expertly develops a story that is one part shockingly incredulous and one part highly emotional, especially when it comes to the main character, Mitch. Oh, I love his devious mind!
The suspense ramps up the further we dive into the murder plot, and the ending brings an awesome twist only Brown can deliver. Bloodlust is an outstanding story that will definitely be on my re-read list and my Best Of list this year!
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I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/bloodlust-by...
Brown has done it again with a fabulous story that is intricately woven with imagery and incredible detail. Plus, she added a love interest and some spicy romance. I am here for it all! Such a perfect blend and balance throughout the book.
This murder mystery is a police procedural with some bad guys you know and others you do not. There are characters you will love and some you will hate. The author expertly develops a story that is one part shockingly incredulous and one part highly emotional, especially when it comes to the main character, Mitch. Oh, I love his devious mind!
The suspense ramps up the further we dive into the murder plot, and the ending brings an awesome twist only Brown can deliver. Bloodlust is an outstanding story that will definitely be on my re-read list and my Best Of list this year!
~~~~~
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/bloodlust-by...
April 7, 2026
Sandra Brown has been my favorite and reliable author for more years than I’d like to admit! But I love her Romantic Suspense stories.
No matter how crazy the circumstances, I always root for the main characters - both of them until they come together all while the bad guys get their due.
Sandra Brown levels up with strong & fierce FMC energy.
Her stories are sound, no strings left hanging and I love how the ending makes you feel good 😊 too.
No matter how crazy the circumstances, I always root for the main characters - both of them until they come together all while the bad guys get their due.
Sandra Brown levels up with strong & fierce FMC energy.
Her stories are sound, no strings left hanging and I love how the ending makes you feel good 😊 too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sandra Brown is the best. She blends bad-boy macho man with a sweet, damaged heroine with a spine of steel for a heart-rending love story. Works for me every single time. There is little mystery as the baddies are known from the beginning, but the suspense is top shelf and edge of your seat. As we revisit the bayou country of Louisiana, a site for books I just love, the action takes place in the small city of Auclair and New Orleans and doesn't quite have the bayou feel of the first book. Mitch and Dylan start out with two strikes against them, the Doctor-Patient situation and both being damaged by prior trauma. The plot kept me involved and rooting for the HEA that was hard earned, but worth the wait.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
December 2, 2025
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ohhh this one took me back to why Sandra Brown used to be a one click buy for me. This was pure old-school romantic suspense, moody, dramatic, and a little unhinged. Once it got its hooks in me, it did not let go. I loved the atmosphere, the sense of danger, and that constant “something is very wrong here” feeling. It was simmering under every interaction. It was twisty without being confusing, intense without being exhausting, and absolutely soaked in tension.
I really liked the emotional pull mixed with the mystery. The relationships were messy, and although the motivations weren’t always clean, that just made everything feel more real and gripping. It had the perfect blend of obsession, secrets, and simmering attraction that kept me turning the pages long past my “go to bed now or I’ll be a zombie tomorrow” time. Was it dark? To a certain degree. A little dramatic? Definitely. But if you like your suspense with sharp edges and emotional bite, this one delivers, and then some.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I really liked the emotional pull mixed with the mystery. The relationships were messy, and although the motivations weren’t always clean, that just made everything feel more real and gripping. It had the perfect blend of obsession, secrets, and simmering attraction that kept me turning the pages long past my “go to bed now or I’ll be a zombie tomorrow” time. Was it dark? To a certain degree. A little dramatic? Definitely. But if you like your suspense with sharp edges and emotional bite, this one delivers, and then some.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
March 29, 2026
I have been trying to return to some new books of my old favorites lately and was very intrigued by this new release from Sandra Brown. I don’t often read mysteries these days, and this one was a very interesting (as expected) read from a great writer.
The story is one of vengeance for the terrible soul-destroying wrong vs. justice, and choices that led us to where we are and continue to guide our future. The book leaves you with many emotions about these complicated characters. Mitch Haskell (MMC) is a haunted man, obsessed with avenging his wife’s murder. He is spiraling and struggles, and it is then he meets the FMC - psychologist Dylan Reede, who is tasked with helping him, but herself struggles with a similar loss. The paths of their two mysteries intertwine amidst the building attraction and feelings, and eventually come to a head where major life choices will need to be made.
The mystery angle is done very well and characters are vivid and nicely developed. They are both wearing their professional masks and are hiding their real selves, all their emotions and internal trauma behind this veneer. I really enjoyed the interaction between MCs and their journey to each other.
The story is one of vengeance for the terrible soul-destroying wrong vs. justice, and choices that led us to where we are and continue to guide our future. The book leaves you with many emotions about these complicated characters. Mitch Haskell (MMC) is a haunted man, obsessed with avenging his wife’s murder. He is spiraling and struggles, and it is then he meets the FMC - psychologist Dylan Reede, who is tasked with helping him, but herself struggles with a similar loss. The paths of their two mysteries intertwine amidst the building attraction and feelings, and eventually come to a head where major life choices will need to be made.
The mystery angle is done very well and characters are vivid and nicely developed. They are both wearing their professional masks and are hiding their real selves, all their emotions and internal trauma behind this veneer. I really enjoyed the interaction between MCs and their journey to each other.
May 21, 2026
A good read! A little better than her previous books. I thought. I did mostly audible, which seems to be only way I’m “reading” these days. I could say ‘a good follow up to the first in the series’, but I can’t even remember the premise of that one 🙄. SB will always be an auto-buy so looking forward to her next book.
March 18, 2026
This was such a good detective revenge story, and honestly not something I’d normally pick up but I’m really glad I did.
Mitch was such a layered character. The depth of what he was dealing with kept me invested the entire time, and I loved peeling back those layers as the story unfolded.
And Dylan?? I loved her. A therapist with attitude, spunk, and zero patience for nonsense. She brought such a fun, fiery energy to the story that balanced everything out perfectly.
The drug trafficking aspect had me completely hooked. It added another level of intensity to the story that kept me turning the pages.
There were so many “ah ha” moments that completely caught me off guard, which made this such a fun ride.
Definitely outside my usual genre, but 100% worth it.
Mitch was such a layered character. The depth of what he was dealing with kept me invested the entire time, and I loved peeling back those layers as the story unfolded.
And Dylan?? I loved her. A therapist with attitude, spunk, and zero patience for nonsense. She brought such a fun, fiery energy to the story that balanced everything out perfectly.
The drug trafficking aspect had me completely hooked. It added another level of intensity to the story that kept me turning the pages.
There were so many “ah ha” moments that completely caught me off guard, which made this such a fun ride.
Definitely outside my usual genre, but 100% worth it.
November 23, 2025
Fans of the author will be happy to read this thrilling story! The characters were unique and it kept me hooked. Slightly overly detailed at times, which can make some scenes feel slow. But overall still a solid suspense with a romance that makes you swoon.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
April 20, 2026
Another very interesting romantic suspense from SB. I had a few issues with this one though.
While I think the dead spouse trope can be difficult to write in romance books, I think SB went too far in the other direction. He seemed bent on revenge but I didn't get that he truly missed his wife. I was expecting him to battle a bit of guilt when he realized he was interested in Dylan. But there wasn't anything.
Dylan...while I loved her character for majority of the book, she did something that made me so frustrated.
One thing that SB manages to do for me, is feel a bit of sympathy for a villain. He definitely wasn't a good guy at all but I was still a bit sad for him.
Could be a slight spoiler:
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There was a plot device that SB over used in this story. I don't mind it used once or twice but she used it for almost every reveal and it made the story loose some of its interest for me. I also lost trust in Mitch and I'm surprised that Dylan didn't make him grovel more. This overuse it what really brought the rating down.
While I think the dead spouse trope can be difficult to write in romance books, I think SB went too far in the other direction. He seemed bent on revenge but I didn't get that he truly missed his wife. I was expecting him to battle a bit of guilt when he realized he was interested in Dylan. But there wasn't anything.
Dylan...while I loved her character for majority of the book, she did something that made me so frustrated.
One thing that SB manages to do for me, is feel a bit of sympathy for a villain. He definitely wasn't a good guy at all but I was still a bit sad for him.
Could be a slight spoiler:
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There was a plot device that SB over used in this story. I don't mind it used once or twice but she used it for almost every reveal and it made the story loose some of its interest for me. I also lost trust in Mitch and I'm surprised that Dylan didn't make him grovel more. This overuse it what really brought the rating down.
April 6, 2026
This had some solid twists but overall it was just an okay read for me. I think I'm a bit over romantic suspense police procedural type stories but I did feel for the policeman mourning his murdered wife. I didn't care that much about him jumping into a relationship with his new therapist. Yeah just didn't feel this one. Completely a me thing.
October 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmospheric and engaging, with a few extra layers
Bloodlust delivers a gripping mystery with rich atmosphere and compelling characters. While the pacing dragged at times due to some overly detailed scenes, the story kept me invested. I’ll admit I don’t personally care for spicy scenes in thrillers—they pull me out of the suspense—but that’s just my preference. Overall, a solid read that fans of Sandra Brown will enjoy. Thanks NetGalley!
Atmospheric and engaging, with a few extra layers
Bloodlust delivers a gripping mystery with rich atmosphere and compelling characters. While the pacing dragged at times due to some overly detailed scenes, the story kept me invested. I’ll admit I don’t personally care for spicy scenes in thrillers—they pull me out of the suspense—but that’s just my preference. Overall, a solid read that fans of Sandra Brown will enjoy. Thanks NetGalley!
March 25, 2026
Hard to believe a man didn't write this :/
March 15, 2026
Sandra Brown returns to the world of her 2025 novel Blood Moon with BLOODLUST, bringing back familiar characters and centering the story on Mitch, a detective still determined to prove his wife was murdered… even when no one else believes him. As he digs deeper into the truth, the help of his alluring new therapist may be exactly what he needs to finally uncover what really happened.
Brown once again delivers exactly what her readers love: a fast paced blend of suspense, danger, and sizzling chemistry. BLOODLUST is a gripping romantic thriller that kept me turning the pages. Another satisfying hit from the true master of romantic suspense, long may she reign! 👸🏻
Brown once again delivers exactly what her readers love: a fast paced blend of suspense, danger, and sizzling chemistry. BLOODLUST is a gripping romantic thriller that kept me turning the pages. Another satisfying hit from the true master of romantic suspense, long may she reign! 👸🏻
May 1, 2026
quietly falling down the Sandra Brown rabbithole and loving it. she and Karin Slaughter are the only authors i've discovered (so far) that are able to combine thriller/suspense with just the right amount of romance to keep me hooked all they way through to the end
5/5 and feeling disappointed that there isn't another book in the series waiting for me but i just have to be patient i guess
5/5 and feeling disappointed that there isn't another book in the series waiting for me but i just have to be patient i guess
February 22, 2026
This book had me hooked from the first page! I couldn’t put it down. This was my first book by this author and I would definitely read more by her!
March 30, 2026
It was interesting easy to follow. Some gruesome stuff involved. A man seeks revenge for whoever killed his wife but left his infant son alive. The thing I couldn't understand is that if a Garrote was used to strangle Angela you should be able to clearly see that and so why was it called a suicide. Just because she was in the auto in the garage with motor running, does not make that a suicide. Poor conclusion by the medical examiner. A cop is ordered to see a "shrink" to help solve his problems before he can return to duty. Shrink and cop "get involved." The owner of a restaurant is involved in high crimes with someone higher up calling the shots.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2026
Overall, a good story, but the ending was a little too pat.
Did Not Finish
May 21, 2026I read a little over halfway. it isn't a bad book just not my type of book.
April 23, 2026
Sandra Brown is another of my favorite authors. Bloodlust is a very very very good book. Fast paced read. It is a hard book to put down.
I highly recommend it. I love psychological thrillers and Sandra Brown does it extremely well. As I said you can’t stop turning the pages!!!
I highly recommend it. I love psychological thrillers and Sandra Brown does it extremely well. As I said you can’t stop turning the pages!!!
October 9, 2025
I still remember the first Sandra Brown book I ever picked up, Low Pressure. For years, people told me that since I was such a big Nora Roberts fan, I needed to give Sandra Brown a try. I finally listened in the summer of 2014, and I am so glad I did because I have been hooked ever since. Once I had read a good number of her books, I started counting down to her new releases like clockwork. That is why I was so excited to get the chance to read this one early.
I had already read Blood Moon and absolutely loved it, especially because of John’s friend Mitch. So imagine my surprise and excitement when I found out this book was actually Mitch’s story. Just like Blood Moon, this one hooked me from the very beginning. The characters felt layered and real, and I loved getting to see a different side of Mitch. Even though we learned new things about him, he still had that same spark and charm that made me love his character the first time around.
The story itself was also so well done. I really enjoyed watching the pieces of the mystery fall into place and trying to connect the dots before everything came together. It had the perfect mix of tension, emotion, and heart, and I found myself completely pulled in until the very last page.
All in all, this was an amazing read, and I honestly wish I had more to dive into right now. This is a slight spoiler, but I do wish the epilogue had been set a little further out. Even so, it wrapped things up beautifully. I would recommend this book to any suspense fan, even if they do not usually read romantic suspense.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I had already read Blood Moon and absolutely loved it, especially because of John’s friend Mitch. So imagine my surprise and excitement when I found out this book was actually Mitch’s story. Just like Blood Moon, this one hooked me from the very beginning. The characters felt layered and real, and I loved getting to see a different side of Mitch. Even though we learned new things about him, he still had that same spark and charm that made me love his character the first time around.
The story itself was also so well done. I really enjoyed watching the pieces of the mystery fall into place and trying to connect the dots before everything came together. It had the perfect mix of tension, emotion, and heart, and I found myself completely pulled in until the very last page.
All in all, this was an amazing read, and I honestly wish I had more to dive into right now. This is a slight spoiler, but I do wish the epilogue had been set a little further out. Even so, it wrapped things up beautifully. I would recommend this book to any suspense fan, even if they do not usually read romantic suspense.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
March 31, 2026
Both of the books in this series read like they were written in the 80’s. I wonder if these were old unpublished books that she dusted off and submitted. Men forcing kisses, steamrolling over the women, etc.
May 19, 2026
Loved the book--didn't even realize it was related to last year's
Blood Moon
, though of course I should have--but OMG the narrator sucked. After waiting weeks for the e-audio from my library, I ended up switching to a hardcover copy after a few chapters (thank you "Lucky Day" program at the B&ECPL!), that's how bad he was. Hardcover copies have become my last resort choice, but repeatedly getting beaned in the head while trying to read lying in bed was 1000 times better than listening to that guy.
But I digress...
Though Bloodlust involves a lot of the same characters as its predecessor (John and Beth play their own roles, along with our now-MC Mitch), it can absolutely be read as a standalone. Mitch has vowed revenge after the death of his wife (which everyone else thinks is a suicide, but Mitch knows better) and is following his own leads on his own time. He's also spiraling out of control, causing a drunken ruckus on the 2nd anniversary of her death. John, his BFF and boss, mandates therapy, which Mitch reluctantly begins...and less reluctantly tries his best to torpedo out of the gate. Therapist Dylan Reede is sympathetic to Mitch's pain--she has her own complicated, troubled past--but also thrown for a loop by his over the top behavior. Can she actually help him? Or is he beyond even her reach?
Or...at least, that's how everything appears on the surface. Is any of that true? You'll have to read yourself to find out! As usual, Ms Brown has woven all kinds of twisty twists in there (one of which genuinely made me gasp out loud. LOUDLY) to keep readers (and her characters) on their toes. Once I really got into the story (and stopped listening to that godawful narrator), I didn't want to put it down!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
But I digress...
Though Bloodlust involves a lot of the same characters as its predecessor (John and Beth play their own roles, along with our now-MC Mitch), it can absolutely be read as a standalone. Mitch has vowed revenge after the death of his wife (which everyone else thinks is a suicide, but Mitch knows better) and is following his own leads on his own time. He's also spiraling out of control, causing a drunken ruckus on the 2nd anniversary of her death. John, his BFF and boss, mandates therapy, which Mitch reluctantly begins...and less reluctantly tries his best to torpedo out of the gate. Therapist Dylan Reede is sympathetic to Mitch's pain--she has her own complicated, troubled past--but also thrown for a loop by his over the top behavior. Can she actually help him? Or is he beyond even her reach?
Or...at least, that's how everything appears on the surface. Is any of that true? You'll have to read yourself to find out! As usual, Ms Brown has woven all kinds of twisty twists in there (one of which genuinely made me gasp out loud. LOUDLY) to keep readers (and her characters) on their toes. Once I really got into the story (and stopped listening to that godawful narrator), I didn't want to put it down!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
April 13, 2026
Compelling Story with Escalating Tension and Relatable Characters
Mitch Haskell is a police detective on a mission of revenge, to find and execute those responsible for his wife’s death. With a toddler to care for and a job on the rocks since he has been drinking too much, Mitch is under orders to seek counseling. That’s how he meets Dr. Dylan Reede. The plot is one that includes drug trafficking, hidden identities, and a sleazy crime boss who thinks he is untouchable. The action is fast-paced and non-stop. I really enjoyed the interactions between Dylan and Mitch and between Mitch and his young son Andrew. Both showed the heart of a many that had been broken and the reason he was so adamant about seeking revenge. There are a lot of characters who have secondary roles in his quest for revenge, and I really liked John Bowie, his boss and the man who brings out the best in Mitch. This book includes steamy scenes but they are not totally off-putting, just part of the plot. Good book, well worth reading and the five stars it earned.
I checked out a copy of this book from the library using the Libby App. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Mitch Haskell is a police detective on a mission of revenge, to find and execute those responsible for his wife’s death. With a toddler to care for and a job on the rocks since he has been drinking too much, Mitch is under orders to seek counseling. That’s how he meets Dr. Dylan Reede. The plot is one that includes drug trafficking, hidden identities, and a sleazy crime boss who thinks he is untouchable. The action is fast-paced and non-stop. I really enjoyed the interactions between Dylan and Mitch and between Mitch and his young son Andrew. Both showed the heart of a many that had been broken and the reason he was so adamant about seeking revenge. There are a lot of characters who have secondary roles in his quest for revenge, and I really liked John Bowie, his boss and the man who brings out the best in Mitch. This book includes steamy scenes but they are not totally off-putting, just part of the plot. Good book, well worth reading and the five stars it earned.
I checked out a copy of this book from the library using the Libby App. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 17, 2026
Keep the novels featuring Mitch and John coming! I thoroughly enjoyed Blood Moon, and when I was offered a copy of Bloodlust, I was thrilled to revisit this partnership.
In the new novel, Mitch is out to avenge the murder of his wife, though his life is sliding quickly off the rails. Ordered to enter therapy or be fired, he reluctantly starts to see Dr. Dylan Reide, a surprisingly attractive woman, and that is where things start to get really complicated.
I love the mix of romance and danger that Brown mixes in her novels, and Bloodlust has both in spades. I will admit that the ending was a bit of a surprise, with a twist that I did not see coming. This is a page-turner with just the right amount of spice and I look forward to the next installment.
Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the digital ARC of Blood lust by Sandra Brown. The opinions in this review are my own.
In the new novel, Mitch is out to avenge the murder of his wife, though his life is sliding quickly off the rails. Ordered to enter therapy or be fired, he reluctantly starts to see Dr. Dylan Reide, a surprisingly attractive woman, and that is where things start to get really complicated.
I love the mix of romance and danger that Brown mixes in her novels, and Bloodlust has both in spades. I will admit that the ending was a bit of a surprise, with a twist that I did not see coming. This is a page-turner with just the right amount of spice and I look forward to the next installment.
Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the digital ARC of Blood lust by Sandra Brown. The opinions in this review are my own.
March 19, 2026
I love Sandra Brown's writing for its perfect blend of romance and suspense. In this book, Detective Mitch Haskell has gone too far in his obsession to bring his wife's killers to justice, and his boss, his former friend John Bowie, threatens to fire him if he doesn't get therapy. Dr. Dylan Reede has a tragic past of her own and can see past Mitch's joking and attitude to the hurt and grief he hides. She's determined to help him even if he doesn't want it. But as their mandatory sessions go on, she finds it more difficult to keep a professional boundary as their attraction grows.
I really enjoyed both the thriller and romance aspects of this book and especially the surprise ending! I look forward to more books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
I really enjoyed both the thriller and romance aspects of this book and especially the surprise ending! I look forward to more books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
December 22, 2025
This is a great sequel to Blood Moon! it is OK read it
on its own because everything is well laid out. MItch is
a divine character whom I was worried about and was ready
to handle his troubles for him, until I knew I would not need
to because he became entwined with Dylan, who turned
out to be a complicated and emotional character.
John, another complicated, interesting part of Mitch's
life was a huge surprise ~ enough said ...
I am going to sit right here and wait for the next
installment to the 'Blood' knowing I will not be
disappointed!
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing via
NetGalley for the download of this book for
review purposes.
on its own because everything is well laid out. MItch is
a divine character whom I was worried about and was ready
to handle his troubles for him, until I knew I would not need
to because he became entwined with Dylan, who turned
out to be a complicated and emotional character.
John, another complicated, interesting part of Mitch's
life was a huge surprise ~ enough said ...
I am going to sit right here and wait for the next
installment to the 'Blood' knowing I will not be
disappointed!
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing via
NetGalley for the download of this book for
review purposes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 454 reviews