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Rainey Bell #5
Relatively Rainey
Terrors come during vulnerable moments in the night. While lost in sleep, demons arise to expose our deepest dreads. Happiness is not a deterrent to the treachery of memories and fears.
Having suffered a traumatic event nearly five years prior, Rainey has settled into contented family life. When a body tied to JW Wilson surfaces, the compartmentalization Rainey Bell practices proves to be her near undoing. As the buried demons of her past come to call in nearly nightly terror-filled dreams, self-doubt becomes a constant companion.
Rainey endeavors to juggle life as a devoted parent, a loving spouse, a big sister, and a successful entrepreneur. Currently, she is using her behavioral analysis skills for the multi-jurisdictional task force hunting a fetish burglar turned murderer while trying to resolve her resurfacing post-trauma issues before Katie sends her packing.
Rainey is also attempting to keep the youthful enthusiasm of her half-sister, Durham Police Officer Wendy King, from torpedoing her young career and endangering her extended family.
Having suffered a traumatic event nearly five years prior, Rainey has settled into contented family life. When a body tied to JW Wilson surfaces, the compartmentalization Rainey Bell practices proves to be her near undoing. As the buried demons of her past come to call in nearly nightly terror-filled dreams, self-doubt becomes a constant companion.
Rainey endeavors to juggle life as a devoted parent, a loving spouse, a big sister, and a successful entrepreneur. Currently, she is using her behavioral analysis skills for the multi-jurisdictional task force hunting a fetish burglar turned murderer while trying to resolve her resurfacing post-trauma issues before Katie sends her packing.
Rainey is also attempting to keep the youthful enthusiasm of her half-sister, Durham Police Officer Wendy King, from torpedoing her young career and endangering her extended family.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2015
20 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
R.E. Bradshaw
26 books240 followersHow did a girl from the Outer Banks of North Carolina end up writing contemporary women's fiction in Oklahoma? Well, there has to be a woman involved. Bradshaw began her writing career in 2010, after leaving Theatre and teaching. Since then, her novels ranging from the popular romance, Waking Up Gray, to the Lambda Literary Award Finalists, thriller Rainey Nights and mystery Molly: House on Fire, have remained among Amazon’s bestsellers in lesbian fiction. All of Bradshaw’s books, thus far, are set in her beloved home state of North Carolina. She was transplanted from the coast to the Heartland by the love of her life, an Oklahoma girl, with whom she celebrate twenty-five years in June 2013. They have a son, Jon, and share their home with two dogs and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 17, 2022
4 stars
I liked that this one focused more on Wendy. She's an interesting character. Otherwise solid as always
I'd just recommend to other readers taking breaks between reading individual books in the series, so it doesn't start blending all together (I really should stop binge reading stuff)
I liked that this one focused more on Wendy. She's an interesting character. Otherwise solid as always
I'd just recommend to other readers taking breaks between reading individual books in the series, so it doesn't start blending all together (I really should stop binge reading stuff)
August 26, 2018
Jesus...... definitely a 5!
April 4, 2016
Rainey Bell, what an intense yet likable character. Really like her family and friends. Katie is a great match for Rainey and the children are a blast. The situations Rainey gets into are scary creepy. The scenes are so well described that I want to pull the covers over my head or at least cover my eyes.
June 13, 2016
This is one of those wherein some would say something like "why'd anyone even bother labeling it lesbian?" Why would they say that? Because there's no sex. Apparently some see "lesbian" as "here be sex between women inside the pages of this book." meh. It be a lesbian married to a lesbian and raising three kids.
Okay, I admit I wrote that first paragraph because I couldn't think of anything else to write. I know why I label things the way I label them. Same reason I labeled this a mystery. And crime. Because it contains those elements. Now if there had been sex, well, I'd probably have added erotica/adult, or other label. As that would be an added element to be labeled.
That's enough talking to myself.
Rainey's suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from all the damage and danger she's suffered over the years. Though, mostly and specifically from the attack by the Y-Man (that's the media's name for they guy, right?). Waking up screaming, and at times coming periously close to injuring her wife, Katie. She must work on this issue in this book. *nods*
Meanwhile, Katie's suffering from a nasty illness picked up from her triplets. Who suffered greviously from this illness shortly before Katie caught it.
It's been a while since I've read the Rainey series. I remember everyone except Wendy. I'm not exactly sure why I don't recall her. But, meh. She's an officer of the law. Trying to make her big break. Has this case involving underage male prostitutes and dead underage male prostitutes. Gets into trouble over it. But she's a Bell, specifically Rainey Bell's sister. So . .. trouble follows the Bells.
This is kind of incoherent. But it is roughly 2 am. So, I blame that.
Mystery-wise, we have three "mysteries" in operation: (1) Someone has escalated from stealing underwear to become a sadistic serial killer and must be tracked down and stopped; (2) someone's killing boys; (3) ... other than an added element of danger, I forget why the ex-FBI agent is involved in the story. No real mystery here. He's an abusive asshole who keeps trying to kill his wife. Wendy was able to lure the wife and kids away and save them. The ex-FBI agent turned to Wendy as a target since he can't find the wife. I have a vague sense that there are more than three mysteries I should mention. I suppose a fourth would be (4) why, and/or what has triggered Rainey's PTSD nightmares, and how can she "fix" herself before she accidentally kills her wife and kids.
hmms. I think I just fell asleep a few moments there. Really too late to be attempting to write something.
Lot going on in the book. Solid book. Good characterization. Other than having Molly the lawyer pop up for like three seconds, have one solid scene then leave the book forever more. It's like Patrick Stewart showing up at the end of Robin Hood and noting that he's King Arthur and he's back now. And stuff. Or, Sean Connery did a bunch of cameos as well. I've some vague idea he popped up for like three seconds on Hunt for Red October. See, if my brain worked all this would be ordered more coherently. And be one line. As in: Molly turns up in this book, but it is just a cameo appearance, a few lines, before she leaves again. Ah, the "other than" part has to do with sadness that it's just a cameo/and or the feeling of forced inclusion.
I've noticed that before in Bradshaw books. In the book titled Molly, Bradshaw has a couple from another book pop up for like three seconds to wave at the reader, then poof. A problem with that is that I hadn't actually read that book they are in yet, so some bits slipped out. Just in the three seconds they were on the page. Though that's more of a issue for that Molly House on Fire book (and Waking up Grey, as the cameo couple is from that Grey book that I haven't read).
Okay, I admit I wrote that first paragraph because I couldn't think of anything else to write. I know why I label things the way I label them. Same reason I labeled this a mystery. And crime. Because it contains those elements. Now if there had been sex, well, I'd probably have added erotica/adult, or other label. As that would be an added element to be labeled.
That's enough talking to myself.
Rainey's suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from all the damage and danger she's suffered over the years. Though, mostly and specifically from the attack by the Y-Man (that's the media's name for they guy, right?). Waking up screaming, and at times coming periously close to injuring her wife, Katie. She must work on this issue in this book. *nods*
Meanwhile, Katie's suffering from a nasty illness picked up from her triplets. Who suffered greviously from this illness shortly before Katie caught it.
It's been a while since I've read the Rainey series. I remember everyone except Wendy. I'm not exactly sure why I don't recall her. But, meh. She's an officer of the law. Trying to make her big break. Has this case involving underage male prostitutes and dead underage male prostitutes. Gets into trouble over it. But she's a Bell, specifically Rainey Bell's sister. So . .. trouble follows the Bells.
This is kind of incoherent. But it is roughly 2 am. So, I blame that.
Mystery-wise, we have three "mysteries" in operation: (1) Someone has escalated from stealing underwear to become a sadistic serial killer and must be tracked down and stopped; (2) someone's killing boys; (3) ... other than an added element of danger, I forget why the ex-FBI agent is involved in the story. No real mystery here. He's an abusive asshole who keeps trying to kill his wife. Wendy was able to lure the wife and kids away and save them. The ex-FBI agent turned to Wendy as a target since he can't find the wife. I have a vague sense that there are more than three mysteries I should mention. I suppose a fourth would be (4) why, and/or what has triggered Rainey's PTSD nightmares, and how can she "fix" herself before she accidentally kills her wife and kids.
hmms. I think I just fell asleep a few moments there. Really too late to be attempting to write something.
Lot going on in the book. Solid book. Good characterization. Other than having Molly the lawyer pop up for like three seconds, have one solid scene then leave the book forever more. It's like Patrick Stewart showing up at the end of Robin Hood and noting that he's King Arthur and he's back now. And stuff. Or, Sean Connery did a bunch of cameos as well. I've some vague idea he popped up for like three seconds on Hunt for Red October. See, if my brain worked all this would be ordered more coherently. And be one line. As in: Molly turns up in this book, but it is just a cameo appearance, a few lines, before she leaves again. Ah, the "other than" part has to do with sadness that it's just a cameo/and or the feeling of forced inclusion.
I've noticed that before in Bradshaw books. In the book titled Molly, Bradshaw has a couple from another book pop up for like three seconds to wave at the reader, then poof. A problem with that is that I hadn't actually read that book they are in yet, so some bits slipped out. Just in the three seconds they were on the page. Though that's more of a issue for that Molly House on Fire book (and Waking up Grey, as the cameo couple is from that Grey book that I haven't read).
June 20, 2015
Loved It
Rainey Bell is still going strong! This is a great series, lots of action, suspense and great sense of love between Rainey and Katie their children, family and friends.
Rainey Bell is still going strong! This is a great series, lots of action, suspense and great sense of love between Rainey and Katie their children, family and friends.
May 18, 2024
A look into a peeper's mind
This story focuses on when peepers escalate into something more. And as exciting as the story is. I found it was lacking. I don't know, after the last few stories this seems like less of a thriller. Which is fine, not every book can have such a big villain. It just didn't hold my attention as much as the last few books. And the had another case going on that seemed totally out of nowhere. And to be honest I would have rather have read more about that one. In fact thinking on this, it had a least 3 or more cases going on at once that they sort if over lap at times. It doesn't confuse you to much, just that it all kinda wrap up at the same time when I think it could have been drawn out more. Its a good continuation of this series, but as I have read the next book I think the author has lost some love for these story and not as into Rainey Bell series anymore.
This story focuses on when peepers escalate into something more. And as exciting as the story is. I found it was lacking. I don't know, after the last few stories this seems like less of a thriller. Which is fine, not every book can have such a big villain. It just didn't hold my attention as much as the last few books. And the had another case going on that seemed totally out of nowhere. And to be honest I would have rather have read more about that one. In fact thinking on this, it had a least 3 or more cases going on at once that they sort if over lap at times. It doesn't confuse you to much, just that it all kinda wrap up at the same time when I think it could have been drawn out more. Its a good continuation of this series, but as I have read the next book I think the author has lost some love for these story and not as into Rainey Bell series anymore.
October 6, 2017
As with all of the Rainey series, this was a good one. I read the first one a few years ago, but have been reading #2 through this one in succession. I liked #4 the best so far, but they continue to keep me reading well past when I should turn off the light. Another great read... thank you RE Bradshaw!
January 22, 2020
So much going on
There are stories on top of the main story. I hope by this point you are familiar with the characters, which are unique. This book is an adventure that makes you tried. Just when you think you have "it" figured out there is more! Great read Great Series
There are stories on top of the main story. I hope by this point you are familiar with the characters, which are unique. This book is an adventure that makes you tried. Just when you think you have "it" figured out there is more! Great read Great Series
October 22, 2017
I love this author and the story certainly kept my interest. I find the dialogue jarring though, the lack of contractions always takes me out of the immersive experience, hence the 4 star rating.
April 26, 2020
What A Ride!!
Terrific thriller. Great page turner. Lived up to my expectations. Kudos to REB. Can't wait to read the next installment!
Terrific thriller. Great page turner. Lived up to my expectations. Kudos to REB. Can't wait to read the next installment!
August 30, 2016
I was lucky enough to win an ebook copy of the new Rainey Bell series. Relatively Rainey continues a year after the last book. A fetish murderer is active in the area Rainey and her family are living. Rainey's little sister got herself in trouble, not only with her big mouth, while Rainey's wife and the triplets catch a stomach bug. So there's a lot on Rainey's plate to handle and unfortunately her PTSD kicks in as well.
I enjoyed the book a lot and was like "What? Why does it end here? I want more!" when I finished the last sentence. I did miss a little bit more family interaction, because the triplets are hilarious and the scene of Katie and Rainey after they came home and Katie "lost" her clothes was priceless.
I hope we don't have to wait another year for the next book ... IMO six months would be more than enough :-)
I enjoyed the book a lot and was like "What? Why does it end here? I want more!" when I finished the last sentence. I did miss a little bit more family interaction, because the triplets are hilarious and the scene of Katie and Rainey after they came home and Katie "lost" her clothes was priceless.
I hope we don't have to wait another year for the next book ... IMO six months would be more than enough :-)
June 16, 2015
This one gets ten out of ten.
With heart palpitations and sweaty hands I've read this. Wow what an excitement and thrills. The children provided a big smile on my face. The story would have been even better as Katie and the kids had played a greater role but I'm not complaining because this part was again excellent. I am very curious if we get another sequel. I sincerely hope so because I believe that there is still so much to tell about the Bell family. I can not let go of them yet. I'm totally crazy about Rainey. This book was an A with a big plus.
With heart palpitations and sweaty hands I've read this. Wow what an excitement and thrills. The children provided a big smile on my face. The story would have been even better as Katie and the kids had played a greater role but I'm not complaining because this part was again excellent. I am very curious if we get another sequel. I sincerely hope so because I believe that there is still so much to tell about the Bell family. I can not let go of them yet. I'm totally crazy about Rainey. This book was an A with a big plus.
March 25, 2016
A MUST READ - However, I would strongly recommend to start at the beginning of this Thriller Series - Read the full collection.... It's still work in progress, as the characters within just keep evolving, allowing R.E.Bradshaw to develop and expand on the life and experiences of the central character Special Agent Rainey Bell.
If you want a gripping, human, compassionate, humerous, thrilling read, this series is for you.
If you want a gripping, human, compassionate, humerous, thrilling read, this series is for you.
June 15, 2015
Wonderful
I've been checking regularly for a while now in hopes of another Rainey Bell novel and Relatively Rainey was well worth the wait. Even having guessed who the serial killer may be early on there are multiple unexpected twists which make this a great thriller. I hope to see many more Rainey Bell books in the future.
I've been checking regularly for a while now in hopes of another Rainey Bell novel and Relatively Rainey was well worth the wait. Even having guessed who the serial killer may be early on there are multiple unexpected twists which make this a great thriller. I hope to see many more Rainey Bell books in the future.
August 1, 2015
Rainey Bell is back!
Great mystery. Thought I had it figured out a couple of times but of course I didn't. If you're a Rainey fan, you'll love this book. Rainey is more human than super human and has to deal with problems created by her past and catch a bad guy of course. It is awesome to finally have Rainey back and hope to see more from her in the future.
Great mystery. Thought I had it figured out a couple of times but of course I didn't. If you're a Rainey fan, you'll love this book. Rainey is more human than super human and has to deal with problems created by her past and catch a bad guy of course. It is awesome to finally have Rainey back and hope to see more from her in the future.
December 9, 2016
Wow x5
Read all five books in five days..... Just couldn't put them down!!!
I recently stumbled across R. E. Bradshaw, after there was a comparison made, in a review of the Ali Vali, Devil series. Having devoured those novels, I decided to try out this series.....and OMG am I glad that I did! Intense, gripping and spell bounding...... Looking forward to book six already.....
Read all five books in five days..... Just couldn't put them down!!!
I recently stumbled across R. E. Bradshaw, after there was a comparison made, in a review of the Ali Vali, Devil series. Having devoured those novels, I decided to try out this series.....and OMG am I glad that I did! Intense, gripping and spell bounding...... Looking forward to book six already.....
October 29, 2022
RE did it again....
I love how rainey has 3 mysteries going on at one time. You never know which way to turn. I did like how in this one Rainey learns how to deal with her past. Lol and I laughed very hard at the last line of the book.
I love how rainey has 3 mysteries going on at one time. You never know which way to turn. I did like how in this one Rainey learns how to deal with her past. Lol and I laughed very hard at the last line of the book.
July 16, 2015
This series keeps getting better!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews