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IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL: Holiday Romantic Suspense
In the sleepy town of Mountain Pine, Pennsylvania, the weeks before Christmas are marred by murder and intrigue.
Everyone imagines murdering their boss at one time or another. When someone actually does knock-off the Mountain Pine’s bank president and all evidence points to loan officer, Gina Rizzo for the murder of her boss, Gina’s life goes into a nose dive. The only reason she doesn’t hear the final clink of the jail keeper’s gate is because of the man who, years ago, broke her heart. What dark secret causes the handsome solider to perjure himself and step up as her alibi?
For Marine Cole Hanson, staring down death is easier than facing the woman who stole his soul and then betrayed him. He’s committed to do what he came back to do and get the hell out Mountain Pine when evil explodes and brings the sleepy town to its knees. His gut tells him shocking events are on the arisen and witnessing his beautiful Gina handcuffed confirms his angst. To stop injustice and poke at the hornet’s nest, he willingly steps up as her alibi. But can he defend his vulnerable heart while protecting her?
As they work side by side to learn the truth, old feelings resurface, secrets are unveiled, and guilt over the past is battled. After that, the question remains. In the presence of evil, will love survive?
Everyone imagines murdering their boss at one time or another. When someone actually does knock-off the Mountain Pine’s bank president and all evidence points to loan officer, Gina Rizzo for the murder of her boss, Gina’s life goes into a nose dive. The only reason she doesn’t hear the final clink of the jail keeper’s gate is because of the man who, years ago, broke her heart. What dark secret causes the handsome solider to perjure himself and step up as her alibi?
For Marine Cole Hanson, staring down death is easier than facing the woman who stole his soul and then betrayed him. He’s committed to do what he came back to do and get the hell out Mountain Pine when evil explodes and brings the sleepy town to its knees. His gut tells him shocking events are on the arisen and witnessing his beautiful Gina handcuffed confirms his angst. To stop injustice and poke at the hornet’s nest, he willingly steps up as her alibi. But can he defend his vulnerable heart while protecting her?
As they work side by side to learn the truth, old feelings resurface, secrets are unveiled, and guilt over the past is battled. After that, the question remains. In the presence of evil, will love survive?
- GenresRomantic SuspenseRomance
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2011
6 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Autumn Jordon
16 books151 followersAward-winning author Autumn Jordon is a quiet nut with a reputation for finding trouble. She lives with her husband, who supplies her with support and tons of laughs, along the Appalachian Trail in northeast Pennsylvania.
Crafting stories has always been part of her life. When AJ’s not writing, she enjoys her family, her dogs and cat, her friends, great books, gardening, walking the trails and traveling with her own hero. No matter what Autumn is doing, she’s busy dreaming up ideas to put the characters of her romantic thrillers in grave danger.
Follow her on Goodreads or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorAutumn...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 5, 2011
review courtesy of Romance Junkies (rated 4.5 BR):
Gina Rizzo is having a bad day. First, she has a disagreement with her boss, then she runs into the one man she has never allowed herself to forget, Cole. As if that is not enough to weigh on her mind, her boyfriend asks her to meet him at a nearby church before he can take her to dinner. She arrives there only to find it empty, or so she thinks. Upon further investigation, she discovers her boss inside, lying in a pool of blood. Having left her phone out in the car, she proceeds to use his to call for help.
Unfortunately for her, the cleaning lady walks in, yelling bloody murder. The priest quickly joins them, phones for help, and things go downhill from there. Both the priest and cleaning lady think she killed her boss and tell the cops on the scene. Being covered in his blood does not help matter either. It just makes her the prime suspect.
Gina is lucky Cole comes along and saves the day. He provides an alibi, but they still are not convinced she is not guilty. They let her go with orders to stay in town. It seems someone wants her to take the fall for his murder, and is sending threats to get her to run. With Cole by her side, Gina refuses to give in. They must work together to prove her innocence before it is too late.
IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL is the third book released by Autumn Jordon, but the first book written by her that I have read. I must say, after reading a fast-paced, on edge story like it, I will be back for more. She is a rising star in the contemporary genre. I loved everything about IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL: the plot, the characters and the whole enchilada. At times I was right on track and others left me guessing as to what could happen next. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I would be pleasantly surprised. I enjoy a good read that will keep you on your toes, and that is exactly the kind of book IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL is. Gina and Cole are excellent and amazingly real characters. I could relate to both of them. IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL is a must read for contemporary fans.
Gina Rizzo is having a bad day. First, she has a disagreement with her boss, then she runs into the one man she has never allowed herself to forget, Cole. As if that is not enough to weigh on her mind, her boyfriend asks her to meet him at a nearby church before he can take her to dinner. She arrives there only to find it empty, or so she thinks. Upon further investigation, she discovers her boss inside, lying in a pool of blood. Having left her phone out in the car, she proceeds to use his to call for help.
Unfortunately for her, the cleaning lady walks in, yelling bloody murder. The priest quickly joins them, phones for help, and things go downhill from there. Both the priest and cleaning lady think she killed her boss and tell the cops on the scene. Being covered in his blood does not help matter either. It just makes her the prime suspect.
Gina is lucky Cole comes along and saves the day. He provides an alibi, but they still are not convinced she is not guilty. They let her go with orders to stay in town. It seems someone wants her to take the fall for his murder, and is sending threats to get her to run. With Cole by her side, Gina refuses to give in. They must work together to prove her innocence before it is too late.
IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL is the third book released by Autumn Jordon, but the first book written by her that I have read. I must say, after reading a fast-paced, on edge story like it, I will be back for more. She is a rising star in the contemporary genre. I loved everything about IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL: the plot, the characters and the whole enchilada. At times I was right on track and others left me guessing as to what could happen next. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I would be pleasantly surprised. I enjoy a good read that will keep you on your toes, and that is exactly the kind of book IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL is. Gina and Cole are excellent and amazingly real characters. I could relate to both of them. IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL is a must read for contemporary fans.
August 6, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, which made Gina an easy target to frame for murder. Not everybody believes her claims of innocence. And to make things worse, the killings aren't over yet. Gina isn't safe...
Gina has a good job working at the bank. She's dating a great guy. Things are going well for the most part. But then comes the suspicion and strange things. Next, the murder. Gina was supposed to meet someone that night, but a strange call told her to go somewhere else, leading her right to the body. I feel for Gina, considering how much she goes through in this book. She has to be on her toes at all times, and she has to clear her name. The biggest surprise of all is a past lover who returns.
Cole and Gina had something intense many years ago. Cole has been in the military for awhile, so he's been to many places, and came back to visit a friend, never expecting to land smack dab in the middle of Gina's troubles. Now he wants to protect her. I love a reunited lovers story, and adding in the suspense element raises the tension a few more notches. Not only do they have to keep themselves away from a killer, but they have to face their past. Ms. Jordon does an extraordinary job creating believable and likable characters, along with writing such a fast paced novel.
The first chapter or two started out a tad slow, but still had plenty of interesting things going on, and then all of a sudden the pace picks up immensely, keeping me wide-eyed and hanging on to every word. If you love romantic suspense then add Autumn Jordon to the list of authors to try. Ms. Jordon's name won't soon be forgotten, this author is hot and on the rise! I can't wait for another suspenseful tale.
Looking for an action packed, suspenseful romance? Look no further than In the Presence of Evil, a story that will chill you to the core with it's well crafted characters, the good guys and the bad.
She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, which made Gina an easy target to frame for murder. Not everybody believes her claims of innocence. And to make things worse, the killings aren't over yet. Gina isn't safe...
Gina has a good job working at the bank. She's dating a great guy. Things are going well for the most part. But then comes the suspicion and strange things. Next, the murder. Gina was supposed to meet someone that night, but a strange call told her to go somewhere else, leading her right to the body. I feel for Gina, considering how much she goes through in this book. She has to be on her toes at all times, and she has to clear her name. The biggest surprise of all is a past lover who returns.
Cole and Gina had something intense many years ago. Cole has been in the military for awhile, so he's been to many places, and came back to visit a friend, never expecting to land smack dab in the middle of Gina's troubles. Now he wants to protect her. I love a reunited lovers story, and adding in the suspense element raises the tension a few more notches. Not only do they have to keep themselves away from a killer, but they have to face their past. Ms. Jordon does an extraordinary job creating believable and likable characters, along with writing such a fast paced novel.
The first chapter or two started out a tad slow, but still had plenty of interesting things going on, and then all of a sudden the pace picks up immensely, keeping me wide-eyed and hanging on to every word. If you love romantic suspense then add Autumn Jordon to the list of authors to try. Ms. Jordon's name won't soon be forgotten, this author is hot and on the rise! I can't wait for another suspenseful tale.
Looking for an action packed, suspenseful romance? Look no further than In the Presence of Evil, a story that will chill you to the core with it's well crafted characters, the good guys and the bad.
January 12, 2014
Reviewed by Judy
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Cole Hanson and Gina Rizzo, well-matched in wit and determination, provide the perfect protagonists for this face-paced tale of inexplicable evil. Set in a small town with a limited yet fascinatingly diverse cast of characters, Ms. Jordon’s story unmasks villains throughout yet saves the real heart-in-mouth action for the last few chapters—always a good ploy in romantic suspense.
As the town of Mountain Pine unravels—five murders in just a few months—former foster-child-turned Marine Cole Hanson shows up again to tie up the loose ends in his own life—namely, Gina Rizzo, the girl he loved and left behind. The underhanded moves to keep them apart a dozen years earlier, however, are nothing compared to what they face now.
One just knows it will be happily-ever-after for Cole and Gina now—that is, if they can stay alive long enough to claim their future.
In the Presence of Evil is a book to be read at one-sitting on a long weekend—or to hurry back to if it must necessarily be set aside.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Cole Hanson and Gina Rizzo, well-matched in wit and determination, provide the perfect protagonists for this face-paced tale of inexplicable evil. Set in a small town with a limited yet fascinatingly diverse cast of characters, Ms. Jordon’s story unmasks villains throughout yet saves the real heart-in-mouth action for the last few chapters—always a good ploy in romantic suspense.
As the town of Mountain Pine unravels—five murders in just a few months—former foster-child-turned Marine Cole Hanson shows up again to tie up the loose ends in his own life—namely, Gina Rizzo, the girl he loved and left behind. The underhanded moves to keep them apart a dozen years earlier, however, are nothing compared to what they face now.
One just knows it will be happily-ever-after for Cole and Gina now—that is, if they can stay alive long enough to claim their future.
In the Presence of Evil is a book to be read at one-sitting on a long weekend—or to hurry back to if it must necessarily be set aside.
June 21, 2011
3,5 stars:
I think that Gina had a major TSTL moment. Why did she have to contaminate the crime scene in the church? I thought "Gina, please don't touch anything!" Henceforth, the evidence was already compromised. And why could Cole enter the church? It was a crime scene, after all. And the police officers should seal off the scene from any onlookers and make sure that nothing is disturbed. I found that a tad too convenient.
What I really liked about the book was the description of the surroundings. It felt very vivid and was very well done! The hero and heroine were very likeable, too. And the cover is HOT and I love the book title! That's something I miss right now when I'm reading on my Kindle: to hold a book in my hands and to feel the paper, turning the pages and to LOOK at a GREAT COVER. Aw, I'm getting sentimental!
I felt that there was much more suspense than romance. And I wanted more romance and chemistry between Cole and Gina. I really missed that.
All in all, it was a good read but I can't let go of Evil’s Witness...
I think that Gina had a major TSTL moment. Why did she have to contaminate the crime scene in the church? I thought "Gina, please don't touch anything!" Henceforth, the evidence was already compromised. And why could Cole enter the church? It was a crime scene, after all. And the police officers should seal off the scene from any onlookers and make sure that nothing is disturbed. I found that a tad too convenient.
What I really liked about the book was the description of the surroundings. It felt very vivid and was very well done! The hero and heroine were very likeable, too. And the cover is HOT and I love the book title! That's something I miss right now when I'm reading on my Kindle: to hold a book in my hands and to feel the paper, turning the pages and to LOOK at a GREAT COVER. Aw, I'm getting sentimental!
I felt that there was much more suspense than romance. And I wanted more romance and chemistry between Cole and Gina. I really missed that.
All in all, it was a good read but I can't let go of Evil’s Witness...
February 16, 2012
It doesn’t pay to be the bank president in the small Appalachian town of Mountain Pine. The previous president was murdered six months ago, but police don’t have a clue who killed him. Could current president, David Dodd be next? Even though most people don’t like him, who would want him dead?
Gino Rizzo, coworker, that’s who. At least that’s who is being framed. But Marine Cole Hanson can’t believe the 16 year old girl that broke his heart years ago can be a killer. Visiting friends over the holidays, he quickly comes to Gina rescue, trying to prove her innocence and regaining her love.
While this is billed as more of a romance novel than a mystery, I had a chance to meet the author at a book signing near her home town just before the holidays. I decided to give her books a try, and I am glad I did. This book straddles both genres, similar to Iris Johansen and others. It’s a good read.
Gino Rizzo, coworker, that’s who. At least that’s who is being framed. But Marine Cole Hanson can’t believe the 16 year old girl that broke his heart years ago can be a killer. Visiting friends over the holidays, he quickly comes to Gina rescue, trying to prove her innocence and regaining her love.
While this is billed as more of a romance novel than a mystery, I had a chance to meet the author at a book signing near her home town just before the holidays. I decided to give her books a try, and I am glad I did. This book straddles both genres, similar to Iris Johansen and others. It’s a good read.
July 11, 2011
When Gina Rizzo is framed for murder, there is only one person who can help her, a man who broke her heart years ago.
Cole Hanson, a marine home on leave for the holidays, visits a friend and runs into Gina, the woman who betrayed him.
When Gina is accused of murder, he puts aside his mistrust to help her and becomes her alibi. The two realize their feeling for each other have never cooled and they are more than willing to rekindle their love for each other. However, unless they can uncover the plot and clear Gina’s name, there can be no future for them.
Ms. Jordon has created a fast-paced suspense thriller with twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages. Cole and Gina’s relationship will warm your heart and have you rooting for them to find happiness again. A must read!
Kare Michelle Nutt, author
Reviewed for PNR Paranormal Romance
Cole Hanson, a marine home on leave for the holidays, visits a friend and runs into Gina, the woman who betrayed him.
When Gina is accused of murder, he puts aside his mistrust to help her and becomes her alibi. The two realize their feeling for each other have never cooled and they are more than willing to rekindle their love for each other. However, unless they can uncover the plot and clear Gina’s name, there can be no future for them.
Ms. Jordon has created a fast-paced suspense thriller with twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages. Cole and Gina’s relationship will warm your heart and have you rooting for them to find happiness again. A must read!
Kare Michelle Nutt, author
Reviewed for PNR Paranormal Romance
April 16, 2012
Gino Rizza is a loan officer at a bank and after getting into an argument with her boss later that night she is found standing over him and accused of his murder.
Cole Hanson who is on medical leave from the Marines has come back to town to visit his childhood friend. Cole has avoided coming back to town for over 10 years as it hurt to be around Gina who was his childhood sweetheart.
Cole's protector instincts kick in along with old feelings resurfacing.
What Cole and Gina don’t realize they are in the middle of a Russian mob laundering scheme.
Cole Hanson who is on medical leave from the Marines has come back to town to visit his childhood friend. Cole has avoided coming back to town for over 10 years as it hurt to be around Gina who was his childhood sweetheart.
Cole's protector instincts kick in along with old feelings resurfacing.
What Cole and Gina don’t realize they are in the middle of a Russian mob laundering scheme.
August 28, 2011
This was an ok book. It didn't keep me glued to the pages, probaly because this usually isn't my type of book. The writing was well done, and had alot of twist and turns. If you like an adult book with romance and mystery give this one a try.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews