The Lair

Sinner's Grove #2

by A.B. Michaels

After her playboy father dies in a racing boat mishap, innkeeper Daniela Dunn must travel from Northern California back to Verona, Italy and her childhood home, an estate called the Panther’s Lair. To say she’s reluctant to go is an understatement. In fact, she’s petrified. The mansion she grew up in holds terrifying memories and deeply buried secrets. It’s a place where appearances are deceiving and the price of honesty could be death.

Complicating matters is the fact that her flirtatious friend, Detective Gabe de la Torre, is tagging along—without being asked. “I don’t need a babysitter,” she complains, and is even more upset when she learns Gabe has his own secret reason for following her to Italy. As Dani is drawn into her family’s intrigues, Gabe proves he’s much more than a friend, however. He’s a sworn protector who may lose his own life in the process of saving hers.

Gabe de la Torre needs to settle old family debts before starting fresh with the woman he feels could be The One. But when a mystery woman reveals that Dani’s father may have been murdered, the stakes rise dramatically and Gabe realizes they’re now players in a treacherous game. Keeping Dani safe becomes his top priority, even as Dani strives to figure out whom she can trust: her relatives, Gabe, or even herself.

The Lair, a stand-alone novel, follows on the heels of Sinner’s Grove, the foundational novel for A.B. Michaels’ far-reaching romantic suspense series of the same name. Sinner’s Grove centers around the family, friends and associates of a world-famous artists’ retreat on the coast of northern California. The Art of Love, an award-winning historical romance, recounts the founding of the retreat by Klondike King August Wolff and artist Amelia Starling at the turn of the twentieth century.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Mystery, Contemporary Romance

448 pages, ebook

First published June 16, 2015

About the author

A native of northern California, A.B. Michaels earned masters' degrees in history and broadcasting, and worked for many years in public relations and marketing. Now that she's an empty nester, she has time to write the kinds of stories she loves to read. Her historical series, "The Golden City," follows characters who make their way in turn of the twentieth century San Francisco. "I love creating flawed characters I can relate to, who have to make difficult choices, and who long for happiness like the rest of us. So much was happening in the early 1900's that help shape my novels. Once I tear myself away from the underlying research, they are fascinating stories to write."

Currently Ms. Michaels lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two furry creatures who are unclear on the concept that they are just dogs. In addition to writing, she loves to read and travel. A dabbler in fabric art, she also plays bocce in a summer league. Her latest stand-alone novel, "The Price of Compassion," is Book Four of the "Golden City" series. It's scheduled for release this summer and will be followed by Book Five, "Josephine's Daughter."

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lair: A Sinner’s Grove Novel by A. B. Michaels is a contemporary, gothic, romantic suspense. The story is part of the Sinner’s Grove series, but can easily be read as a standalone book. The setting of the Panther’s Lair in Verona, Italy makes the story even more interesting because of the creepy atmosphere of the mansion set against the beauty of Verona.
Daniela Dunn has to return to her childhood home, The Panther’s Lair, for the funeral of her playboy father. The mansion is a place of deeply buried family secrets that make her homecoming extremely difficult and for reasons she can’t remember terrifying. Her friend, Detective Gabe de la Torre, travels back with her to offer support, but to also take care of old family debts. The family, servants and company employees of the family hotel chain are all hiding terrible secrets and some are worth murdering to conceal.
This book starts with a bang. My only criticism is that it then slows for a few chapters too many, but it does have a lot to explain so you understand the true nature of the complicated crimes being carried out in the family hotels. The crimes are sexual in nature within the family and involve sex trafficking in the hotels which is described explicitly by the author, but not in an exploitive way. The characters are all very well fleshed out and interesting, good or bad. The ending has a good twist. I am very happy with this addition to the series and I’m looking forward to more from this author.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is stepping back into a past that held terror and pain, a secret-filled world she couldn’t leave behind fast enough. Daniela must return to her birthplace, Italy when her high profile father dies in a boating accident. Accompanying her is a fiend and detective, Gabe, who has his own agenda for going. The dark intrigues of her family; a mystery woman with a message and Dani questions the truth of her father’s death, WAS it an accident or was it murder? Is Dani setting herself and Gabe up to be targeted for death, too?

Every family closet has its skeletons, but Dani’s are coming back to haunt her, possibly to death. Join A. B. Michaels on a journey to Italy, where power entices, secrets never die and danger lurks around every corner. The Lair is romantic mystery and intrigue at its darkest, most edgy and secretive. A.B. Michaels creates edge of your seat storytelling with a bold flair, never missing a chance to muddy the waters, just when you think you can finally see bottom.

If you love a good mystery, strong characters, and an ending you didn’t see coming on the heels of a twisted journey, The Lair might be it.

I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Sinner's Grove Novel
Publication Date: June 16, 2015
Publisher: Red Trumpet Press
ISBN: 0991508947
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 448 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have your mystery , romance else here all rolled up nicely into one package. a very enjoyable read that will keep your fingers turning the page.

Dani is the main. character who upon her father's death has returned to Italy her childhood home. A mansion called the Liar. of course the names appropriate, it's filled with mystery , past horrible secrets that haunt Dan I and bad memories That she can face or run from . what will she do?
then was her father's accident really a accident?

also you have detective Gave following her completely uninvited which really makes her mad but he holds secrets of his own.

so I'm recommending this book if your looking for some romance and a lot of mystery.
it's a great read and you won't be disappointed. I didn't read the f I set book in this series and this one holds its ok an so if your not looking to read it first I don't think it affects it in any way. it easily stands alone.

I was given this book for a honest review.

[Frederic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars, 5 Flames

The Lair is taking us to Verona, Italy, where everything is not at it seems. We all know Verona for Romeo and Juliet, but with this story, we get to know the darker side of the city. It is dealing with some sensitive issues such as human trafficking, rape, and narcissism. It was done with finesse and included in such a way that was a benefit to the story. This is a romantic suspense and a good one.

This story is full of surprises and twists, the author did a wonderful job incorporating suspense elements. Romance elements were also well done, however, the overall “darkness” in the story overshadowed the love/passion scenes. That is not necessarily a bad thing, it just not as intense as I would have liked those scenes to be. There is plenty of action, the pace is awesome, I was not crazy about Daniela, but Gabriele and Dante saved the day.

Daniela is going to her father funerals in Verona. She has not traveled to Italy since her world was shattered years ago. She has that fire that is getting her through life. At the same time, she is not in touch with all of her feelings, but little by little she is able to get the puzzle pieces together. She had some reactions that were a little off (in my humble opinion) and I had difficulties to understand her underlying motivations. That is the main reason that I had a hard time relating to her.

I really love Gabriele. He is a subtle balance between alpha and beta. Loyalty is one of his most admirable traits. He is the one that made the story so good. He is a light that is shining through the darkness, he is that sparkling hope that I am really looking for in that type of story.

Most characters in this story are broken and trying to overcome some secrets or hurts. I would love to have at least one character that would have been light and entertaining to counterbalance the darkness. That is the main reason I had a hard time writing this review, each time I am thinking about the story I go back to that dark place. Dante and Agnese are great characters. I love how they found strength by turning around what hurt the most into power. Uncle Santo is a deviant character and the author did a wonderful job with him!

The Forcelli is the most broken family I have ever encountered. It is awful to realize how the greed is changing the people that are the closer to us. That’s what is happening with Uncle Santo. I think he completely lost touch with reality, to him it is all about money and lust. I'll stop right there, I don’t want to give up any spoilers. It was also fascinating to observe different family members giving their power away to the alpha man of the family.

I would have never slept one night in this family manor. Just reading about it was creepy and I would have run as fast as I could from it. It was definitively a ride to the dark side of the human nature. In the end, the author was able to convey a message of hope and redemption.

If you are looking for a good suspense I recommend The Lair!

*I was gifted a copy of this novella from the JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and ratings are my own and I was in no way compensated.

[Angelica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't actually get through this one. It kept jumping around and I was getting confused of I was seeing the past or if it was a different character that was being affected at the same time. For now this is a 2.5 stars. I might pick it up again but I just can't get into this one.

[EvilAntie Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting read

What an unusual story but it fits perfectly. It was deftly written with a complex story line and fabulous characters. So thoroughly enjoyed and on to book 3.

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lair: A Sinner's Grove Novel by A.B. Michaels

After her playboy father dies in a racing boat mishap, innkeeper Daniela Dunn must travel from Northern California back to Verona, Italy and her childhood home, an estate called the Panther’s Lair. To say she’s reluctant to go is an understatement. In fact, she’s petrified. The mansion she grew up in holds terrifying memories and deeply buried secrets. It’s a place where appearances are deceiving and the price of honesty could be death.
Complicating matters is the fact that her flirtatious friend, Detective Gabe de la Torre, is tagging along—without being asked. “I don’t need a babysitter,” she complains, and is even more upset when she learns Gabe has his own secret reason for following her to Italy. As Dani is drawn into her family’s intrigues, Gabe proves he’s much more than a friend, however. He’s a sworn protector who may lose his own life in the process of saving hers.
Gabe de la Torre needs to settle old family debts before starting fresh with the woman he feels could be The One. But when a mystery woman reveals that Dani’s father may have been murdered, the stakes rise dramatically and Gabe realizes they’re now players in a treacherous game. Keeping Dani safe becomes his top priority, even as Dani strives to figure out whom she can trust: her relatives, Gabe, or even herself.


My Review:
The Lair really resonated with me for the fact that things with your family always have a way at coming around on you. Once you find you're more involved than you anticipated or expected there's a whole under layer of secrets and information that you're left with that wind up changing your whole view on the people you are surrounded by and related to. I really enjoyed the fact that Michaels created so many levels of complication and intrigue because it only adds to the personality and emotion dynamic of Gabe and Dani as she struggles to uncover all the hidden truths including a few about Gabe and herself.

The Lair is a fantastic journey over seas that blends the heart and mind into a mystery that starts from page one. Be aware that its emotional and sensitive content for those with topic issues. The Lair is intense and kept even my wary suspicions wandering into the night.

Poor Dani in all her confusion stumbles from one moment to the next not really being a part of but going through the motions until she hits her upright position button and all the lights in her mental house go on. You know that saying about how the engine is running but there's no one behind the wheel? That's Dani. Except we get flashes of these moments where she kind of clicks and something goes on and suddenly shes trying to piece together this great big complicated mess.

Gabe is an interesting character playing off Dani that was quite surprising for me because as active as he was I felt he more or less stood back to allow a certain space to grow before approaching it. He chose his moments carefully while the strings around them were getting pulled sending them both on their course.

Dani and Gabe once they open to one another are passionate, strong willed and quite a great thing to behold.

I do have to admit that I was not expecting the twist at the ending and that's difficult to do.

There are so many secrets that the story kept me going all the way to the end. I really enjoyed reading The Lair and I feel that AB has done a marvelous job creating an exciting book for us suspenseful romance fans.
The Lair is written very well, I love the attention to detail, I loved that even with a large cast each of them stood out as individuals. Michaels has written an exciting story that I enjoyed from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more of this authors work in the very near future.


My Rating:
5 Stars

Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/


Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani and Gabe trip to Italy isn’t a vacation. Dani is returning to the family villa only because her father has been killed in a boating accident. Nothing is as it seems, as there are secrets and lies around every corner. Dani is annoyed that Gabe invited himself on this trip, but having a police detective by her side turns out to be very needed. This book deals with dark subject matters and family skeletons and a romantic relationship between Dani and Gabe. Can’t say this book was entertaining, but it certainly is intriguing. 4.75 Stars

[Larena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contemporary Romantic Suspense


Verona, Italy

Daniela Dunn is an innkeeper that must travel from Northern California to Italy when her playboy father dies in a racing boat mishap. Going back to her childhood home, an estate called the Panther’s Lair makes her very reluctant, in fact she is petrified. The mansion holds deeply buried secrets and terrifying memories. It is also a place with the price of honesty could be death and appearances are deceiving.

Detective Gabe de la Torre is her flirtatious friend that is tagging along unasked and he is also complicating matters. Daniela doesn’t need a babysitter but when she finds out he has a secret reason for following her to Italy it makes her even more upset. Gabe proves he is much more than a friend when Dani is drawn into her family’s intrigues. He is a sworn protector that just might end up losing his life while protecting Dani.

Gabe has family debts that are old that he needs to settle before he can start fresh with the woman that just might be The One. Gabe soon realizes that they are now players in a treacherous game when the stakes are raised by a mysterious woman that reveals that Dani’s father may have been murdered. Gabe’s top priority is keeping Dani safe even as she tries to figure out just whom she can trust: herself, her family or Gabe.


This proves to be an amazing suspense story that takes the reader on a ride that doesn’t end until the very end of the book. With several mysteries going on at once it makes for a read that is hard to put down as the reader tries to figure out just what is going on and who is behind what. With each secret that is revealed it draws the reader in even more and makes for a story that is fun to try and figure out. It is the second book in the series and while it can be read as a standalone the reader will understand things better by reading the first book before this one. For those that like mysteries and/or romantic suspense this is definitely one to check out.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lair is a enthralling tale of evil deception, unyielding domination, and a healing love that will leave readers reeling and yearning for more.

With the passing of her father, Dani must return to Verona, Italy for his funeral, but the nightmares she has fought so hard to control immediately return. Dani is plagued with uncertainty and begins to question her past. Gabe, who claims to be in Verona for moral support, seems to have more in mind, but when Dani learns his secrets all bets of a romance are off. Now, she must rely on her own instincts to determine who she can trust. Not an easy task since her deceptive uncle has plans of his own. Getting to the bottom of it all is definitely going to be harder than Dani ever imagined. Learning her father's death was not an accident just might push Dani over the edge. Will she uncover the truth before she falls victim to her uncle's diabolical plan?

A.B. Michaels is a fantastic storyteller. Her words seem to flow effortlessly off the pages and her vivid details paint crisp images of the scenes as they unfold. The characters are also well-developed and credible adding to the believeability of the story. I was immediately drawn to Dani, although sometimes I thought she was a bit hard on Gabe. She appeared to have overcome so much in her past in order to transform into an independent strong woman. Gabe is also a wonderful character. His fun loving personality and protectiveness towards Dani made me like him all the more and the changes they make as a couple are endearing. Dani's uncle is the epitome of evil and his character adds a chill that's difficult to shake.

I found the story's fast-pace and wicked plot absolutely fascinating. I became so wrapped up in the The Lair that I could hardly put it down.

I highly recommend picking up a copy.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniela "Dani" Dunn is returning to Verona, Italy for her father's funeral. Dani has mixed feelings about returning to Italy after all this time. Dani is feeling more than frustrated by Gabriele "Gabe" de la Torre heading over to Italy with her. Nothing Dani says will sway Gabe into changing his mind. Dani doesn't know what to expect yet has an uneasy feeling she can't explain. Dani's Uncle Santo is head of the family is doing his best to make this deal go through. Meanwhile through the family chain of hotels odd occurrences in housekeeping division go unchecked. Italian authorities are stumped to how human trafficking is becoming a big problem that doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. What secrets does Italy hold for Dani to discover? Will Dani admit her feelings to Gabe? Can human trafficking be stopped? Your answers await you in The Lair.

This book really opened my eyes to the world of human trafficking. I'm saddened by this problem and hope that a solution can be found. This new to me author tackled this delicate situation needed to be handled with care and does just that. The story is heartbreaking, compelling, intriguing, and real. The characters are down to earth, honest, fascinating, real, and raw emotionally. I look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book is part of the Sinner’s Grove series, but can be read as a standalone. We follow Daniela ‘Dani’ Dunn as she travels to her childhood home in Verona, Italy following the death of her playboy father accompanied by her friend Detective Gabriele ‘Gabe’ de la Torre.

What follows is one of the best romantic suspense novels I have read in a long time. The subject matter makes for uncomfortable reading and is not for the faint of heart but you’ll not be disappointed.

The author captivated me with her writing and I felt as if I was in Italy with the characters. After long held secrets are revealed, Dani and Gabe have to learn to trust & rely on each other to unravel the truth from the lies as they travel on a perilous journey. All is not at it seems:

“Something pretty on the outside can often hide ugliness within.”

Just when you think you have it all worked out another layer is uncovered and blows that theory out of the water!

At the heart of the story is one of the sweetest love stories as Dani and Gabe deal with the dawning realisation of their feelings for one another. He would literally give up his life to save her:

“And he knew at last what true love was all about.”

This was the first book I’ve read by this author and will certainly not be my last!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

When news arrives that Daniela Dunn’s father has passed, she is forced to return to Italy, to a home she fears. Her childhood home and the family members that live there, hold a critical secret to her past. One that Daniela is unable to remember, but still feels the effects every day. Unbeknownst to her, her friend Detective Gabe de la Torre, has been asked to accompany her and keep her safe. As the secrets from her past, come rushing forward, will Gabe be able to protect her?

This story starts with an opening bang. Throughout the novel, incidents and items from the previous book are mentioned, making this a sequel in a series that should be read in order. The romantic suspense buildup is great, while some of the mystery is predictable. This is a very twisted story about family secrets and what people will do to succeed in their minds. There is a secondary relationship that moved very quickly, while the primary couple slowly intensified their unity. Readers will feel like they have entered the shady underbelly of Italy, as they sit down and disappear into the story.

Notes:
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.

[Lindsey Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Dani Dunn's life in California is interrupted by the sudden death of her father back in her home country of Italy. Family friend, Gabe de la Torre, travels with her to be a shoulder whether Dani likes it or not. Once in Italy, the real drama begins. Nightmares and memories plague Dani once in her father's home. Gabe's investigative nature leads him to help Dani, personally and professionally.

Michaels kept me on my toes from the prologue to the very last page. I continued to read and almost devour every word in an effort to find out what horrors were taking place in Dani's family business, The Stella d'Italia Hotel empire. The intricately woven story of family, fortunes, and even murder shows the depths one writer goes through to tell a story others might fear to tell.

The Lair is an all too real tale that will keep your pulse racing from the first word to the last. Bravo to Miss Michaels for being bold and talented enough to create the world Dani and Gabe live in. I look forward to reading the next novel in the Sinner's Grove series, The Depth of Beauty.

Thank you to AB Michaels for gifting me a copy of The Lair in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say - this one rocks! "The Lair" was so much more than I expected it to be. There is so much mystery and intrigue, I was guessing the whole time and couldn't wait to turn the page to see what would happen next and who it was! It's a rollercoaster ride, never know what the next turn of the page will bring. The main characters were quite likable and together they were terrific. I loved how Dani tried to deny the romance, wanting to handle things on her own. And Gabe was great! He's a flirt but really a good guy that cares for Dani. I am very impressed with Ms. Michael's writing style and imagination and look forward to reading her other works in the future. Although "The Lair" is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the other books in the series yet but look forward it to doing so. For readers that enjoy mystery and romance, this is one that I highly recommend! (received copy for honest review)

[Jody Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lair is part of the ‘Sinner’s Grove Series’, it is a little of mystery, intrigue and a sweet dose of romance between two characters in Dani and Gabe, wow they are both thoroughly enjoyable characters for sure.

Dani has to return to Verona, Italy for her father's funeral with mixed emotions, she is not happy about returning there for many reasons. The Lair is a mansion she grew up in that holds many mysteries and terrible memories for Dani. In addition, secrets that could very well get you killed, so was her father murdered or did he die in a boating accident?

Dani did not want the flirtatious detective Gabe de la Torre to accompany her to Italy for the simple reason she told him “I do not need a babysitter”, but he ends up following Dani to Verona without a welcome invitation by Dani to do so, but having a hidden agenda of his own for going to Verona Italy himself.

Thank you to A.B. Michaels

[Tawny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Dani returns to Italy after the accidental death of her father. Her "friend" Gabe goes with her for moral support. Once they arrive at Dani's family home, secrets start to unravel. Questions start to arise and memories are stirred up. The book kept my interest and and had me wondering on several occasions who should be trusted and who shouldn't. In between the mystery there's a love story.

There were times when I found Dani to be a bit frustrating -- particularly when I came to communicating with Gabe.

Overall I enjoyed the story and I'm hoping that we will hear more from Dani and Gabe.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Daniela Dunn was headed back to Italy to bury playboy father. Detective Gabe de la Torre decided to accompany her. In a way, this makes her feel much better because she is terrified to going back to the family estate she grew up in as a girl. Now that she's reacquainting with the family, it's becoming evident that something isn't right within the family business.
This story had a great plot and build up of the characters. However, it moved a bit slow and there were some disturbing parts (would've preferred a warning on them).

[Joanne Pence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani travels to Italy when she learns that her father has been killed, and once there, the problems that have haunted her from childhood come flooding back. Joining her in Verona is a sexy Italian-American police officer named Gabe, who is more involved in her past than she ever imagined. I absolutely loved reading about Dani, Gabe, her whole, large, intriguing family--the Lair itself--and the fabulous setting of this story. I've enjoyed all of A.B. Michaels' books, and this one, to me, is one of the very best.

[CoffeeTimeRomance andMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lair is an interesting blend of mystery, intrigue, and romance. The disturbing realities of some distasteful crimes which are all too real in today’s society are handled carefully and realistically. Gabe and Dani are two characters who fairly jump off the page and I was amazed anyone would believe they were pushovers or easily manipulated. The Lair is a page turning mystery very hard to put down.
Delane
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic suspense novel…. I was so captivated by the story I read way into the early morning hours to finish it! It has a hot Italian guy- check, yummy Italian food- check, a beautiful local- check- not much more you can ask for in a book. Oh, and a writer who tells a great story. This was the first book I read by A.B.Micheals but it won’t be my last.

I was provided a free copy of this book for an honest review.

[Terri Aldao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! Romance, murder,mystery,suspense. You travel from California to beautiful Italy and the game is on. A great story that sucks you in from the very start,there is a very real problem in our world today and it is holding your attention from beginning to end. Great read! I can not wait to read her other works.I was provided a free copy of this book for an honest review.

[David Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.B. Michaels Hit a home run with this one. She went in a whole different direction with this one. the knowledge of human trafficking and the brutality of those doing this is really brought out in this story. Although while telling this story she still manages to include the kind of love story we have come to expect from her. Absolutely her best work to date.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

"The Lair" is a wonderful whodunit full of intrigue and mystery.

Read full review in the 2016 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.