What do you think?
Rate this book
Southern Comfort #.5
Malice
Selected as a Best Read of 2015 by Kindles & Wine Book Blog
The brutal execution of a Russian immigrant suspected of having ties to organized crime is only the beginning for Savannah FBI agent Jesse Wellington. A man known only as “The Ghost” begins wreaking havoc on the Hostess City, bringing murder and mayhem to its southern shores. When evidence turns up implicating Jillian Montgomery, the close friend of another agent, Jesse finds himself dangerously attracted to a woman at the heart of his investigation.
Jillian Montgomery fears law enforcement – and with good reason. But when she finds herself being caught in a web of someone else’s making, it’s Jesse who she ends up turning to for help.
Long-buried secrets from Jillian’s past are coming back to haunt her in ways she could never have predicted. It’s up to Jesse to help her exhume and exorcise them before it’s too late.
The brutal execution of a Russian immigrant suspected of having ties to organized crime is only the beginning for Savannah FBI agent Jesse Wellington. A man known only as “The Ghost” begins wreaking havoc on the Hostess City, bringing murder and mayhem to its southern shores. When evidence turns up implicating Jillian Montgomery, the close friend of another agent, Jesse finds himself dangerously attracted to a woman at the heart of his investigation.
Jillian Montgomery fears law enforcement – and with good reason. But when she finds herself being caught in a web of someone else’s making, it’s Jesse who she ends up turning to for help.
Long-buried secrets from Jillian’s past are coming back to haunt her in ways she could never have predicted. It’s up to Jesse to help her exhume and exorcise them before it’s too late.
432 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2015
192 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Clark O'Neill
23 books246 followersOne fine day in the not-too-distant past, Lisa Clark O’Neill left Wittenberg University with a BA in English, which she promptly neglected. After working as an interior designer, decorative artist, and Montessori art teacher (there may have been a BA in art as well,) she finally settled into the role of mother to two very fine children. However, two years of doing the stay-at-home-mom brain cell melt drove her to pull out a pen and one of her old college notebooks. That turned into six manuscripts. Lisa spent subsequent years avoiding housework by burying her nose in just about every romance novel she could get her hands on, after completely falling in love with the genre. Her own work falls into the romantic suspense sub-genre, with strong comedic undertones. Two of Lisa's recent novels, Circumstantial Evidence and Malice, were chosen as Best Reads of 2015.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 30, 2016
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
FBI Agent Jesse Wellington was on an undercover assignment that went horribly wrong when the subject they had under surveillance turned up brutally murdered. Complicating matters is Jillian Montgomery, a potential suspect who is connected to his partner and seems to have a startling physical connection to him.
I love this series and was happy to get Jesse and Jillian's story! Everything about it was creepy and sinister, keeping me on edge and unable to stop reading until I finished. Anytime Russian mobsters are involved you know it's going to be suspenseful. Jesse, however, almost stepped into anti-hero status but was able to stay inside the lines in the end. I really liked Jillian who was willing to face her fears in the midst of her PTSD experience that just kept resurfacing. She also made Jesse step up his game. The ending was exciting as O'Neill isn't always kind to her main characters.
Loved this novella and can't wait for the next ones. This ranks as one of my most favorite series and O'Neill is an auto-buy.
FBI Agent Jesse Wellington was on an undercover assignment that went horribly wrong when the subject they had under surveillance turned up brutally murdered. Complicating matters is Jillian Montgomery, a potential suspect who is connected to his partner and seems to have a startling physical connection to him.
I love this series and was happy to get Jesse and Jillian's story! Everything about it was creepy and sinister, keeping me on edge and unable to stop reading until I finished. Anytime Russian mobsters are involved you know it's going to be suspenseful. Jesse, however, almost stepped into anti-hero status but was able to stay inside the lines in the end. I really liked Jillian who was willing to face her fears in the midst of her PTSD experience that just kept resurfacing. She also made Jesse step up his game. The ending was exciting as O'Neill isn't always kind to her main characters.
Loved this novella and can't wait for the next ones. This ranks as one of my most favorite series and O'Neill is an auto-buy.
December 6, 2015
С Джессом и Джиллиан можно познакомиться в первой книге серии - Serendipity. Там они уже счастливо женаты и растят чудесную дочурку. Но с чего все начиналось?
Автор дает поклонникам серии шанс это узнать.
Надо сказать, О'Нил сумела меня удивить. Как правило, у нее получаются не совсем остросюжетные романы, скорее СЛР с элементами. Экшена по-минимуму, зато много эфирного времени уделено героям и их отношениям.
Здесь же экшена предостаточно, так что для чувств места едва хватило. Возможно, потому что все завязано на оперативной работе Джесса.
Он пытается поймать бэд-бэд-рашен, который подозревается в связях с организованной преступностью, но кто-то добирается до гада раньше и показушно казнит. Да еще и высмеивает фэбээровцев, мол, я на шаг впереди вас. Таинственный убийца тенью шастает по городу, оставляя за собой трупы, за что и получает прозвище "Призрак". А Джесс в это время через друга случайно знакомится с фотографом Джиллиан Монтгомери, и та вдруг оказывается замешана в деле.
Вот так, несколько путано, но и сам роман такой. Много поворотов и изгибов, много подозрений и недоверия, много попыток обмануть читателя. И все равно я достаточно быстро вычислила Призрака, и вовсе не потому, что шибко умная. Не до конца проработана эта часть...
В остальном - все в духе автора. Хотелось бы, конечно, чтоб Джесс не был таким подозрительным засранцем, а Джиллиан подольше его помучила за все грешки, но да ладно. История все равно понравилась))
По поводу русских в романе молчу. С этим уже ничего не поделаешь)))
Я мысленно заменяла их евреями/немцами/французами/кем-угодно xDDD
Автор дает поклонникам серии шанс это узнать.
Надо сказать, О'Нил сумела меня удивить. Как правило, у нее получаются не совсем остросюжетные романы, скорее СЛР с элементами. Экшена по-минимуму, зато много эфирного времени уделено героям и их отношениям.
Здесь же экшена предостаточно, так что для чувств места едва хватило. Возможно, потому что все завязано на оперативной работе Джесса.
Он пытается поймать бэд-бэд-рашен, который подозревается в связях с организованной преступностью, но кто-то добирается до гада раньше и показушно казнит. Да еще и высмеивает фэбээровцев, мол, я на шаг впереди вас. Таинственный убийца тенью шастает по городу, оставляя за собой трупы, за что и получает прозвище "Призрак". А Джесс в это время через друга случайно знакомится с фотографом Джиллиан Монтгомери, и та вдруг оказывается замешана в деле.
Вот так, несколько путано, но и сам роман такой. Много поворотов и изгибов, много подозрений и недоверия, много попыток обмануть читателя. И все равно я достаточно быстро вычислила Призрака, и вовсе не потому, что шибко умная. Не до конца проработана эта часть...
В остальном - все в духе автора. Хотелось бы, конечно, чтоб Джесс не был таким подозрительным засранцем, а Джиллиан подольше его помучила за все грешки, но да ладно. История все равно понравилась))
По поводу русских в романе молчу. С этим уже ничего не поделаешь)))
Я мысленно заменяла их евреями/немцами/французами/кем-угодно xDDD
February 14, 2019
You can find this review in English below.
El protagonista de esta historia es, claramente, el suspense. Es lo que me ha tenido pegada al libro (y me ha dejado sin una uña) durante toda la lectura. Ha sido muy, muy bueno. Brutal y con escenas no aptas para cardiacas. La tensión a la que la autora nos somete (a sus personajes y a mí) es enorme. Y que nos tenga a oscuras durante toda la lectura sólo consigue que te enganches más. Me ha encantado.
Pero no ha sido perfecto. El final ha estado flojo. Esperaba algo más. Ha sido un desenlace demasiado abierto, con algunas situaciones que no han sido explicadas y una escena final que, horror de los horrores, ocurre fuera de plano. Creo que ha sido un error. Puedo imaginarme algo de lo qué pasó, pero no cómo pasó. He de ser vaga o sería un spoiler imperdonable…
El romance no ha estado mal. De nuevo es la heroína la que tiene que cargar con un pasado más que traumático y necesita ser salvada. A pesar de eso, la autora la dibuja realistamente y no la convierte en un ser totalmente desvalido, pero sigue necesitando que el héroe arregle el entuerto.
En comparación, la heroína está mucho mejor trabajada que el héroe. Éste acaba rozando tanto la perfección que casi, casi, es una caricatura.
Y después está el poco más o menos que insta-love que, menos mal, la autora esquiva y salva el romance.
Hay un buen elenco de caracteres secundarios que ya sé que tendrán su historia, pero en ningún momento sufre este relato del síndrome del primero de la serie. Ha sido de agradecer. Los personajes son introducidos sutilmente y todos tienen un papel, más o menos importante, en la historia.
En definitiva, una buena historia. Merece la pena echarle un vistazo y definitivamente continuaré con la serie.
***
The main character in this story is, without a doubt, the suspense. It´s what has kept me glued to the book (and has left me without a fingernail) during the read. It has been so good. Brutal and with scenes not apt for the faint of heart. The tension to which the author subjects us (her characters and me) is enormous. And to have us in the dark during the whole reading only gets you even more hooked. I loved it.
But it has not been perfect. The end has been lukewarm. I expected something more. It has been an outcome too open, with some situations that have not been explained and a final scene that, sadly, happens behind closed doors. I think it was a mistake. I can imagine something of what happened, but not how it happened. I must be vague or I would give away some unforgivable spoiler ...
The romance has not been bad. Again, it is the heroine who must carry the more than traumatic past and needs to be saved. Despite that, the author draws her realistically and does not make her a totally helpless being, but she still needs the hero to save the day.
By comparison, the heroine is portrayed in a much better and complex way than the hero. The latter is so perfect he dangerously brushed cardboard territory.
And then there's the almost insta-love that, luckily, the author dodges and saves the romance.
There is an interesting cast of secondary characters that I know will have their own stories, but at no time suffers this story of the first in the series´ syndrome. It has been appreciated. The characters are subtly introduced and each one has a, more or less important, role in the story.
To sum up, a great story. It is worth giving it a try and I definitely will continue with the series.
Thank you so much, Jill for the rec. 😊
El protagonista de esta historia es, claramente, el suspense. Es lo que me ha tenido pegada al libro (y me ha dejado sin una uña) durante toda la lectura. Ha sido muy, muy bueno. Brutal y con escenas no aptas para cardiacas. La tensión a la que la autora nos somete (a sus personajes y a mí) es enorme. Y que nos tenga a oscuras durante toda la lectura sólo consigue que te enganches más. Me ha encantado.
Pero no ha sido perfecto. El final ha estado flojo. Esperaba algo más. Ha sido un desenlace demasiado abierto, con algunas situaciones que no han sido explicadas y una escena final que, horror de los horrores, ocurre fuera de plano. Creo que ha sido un error. Puedo imaginarme algo de lo qué pasó, pero no cómo pasó. He de ser vaga o sería un spoiler imperdonable…
El romance no ha estado mal. De nuevo es la heroína la que tiene que cargar con un pasado más que traumático y necesita ser salvada. A pesar de eso, la autora la dibuja realistamente y no la convierte en un ser totalmente desvalido, pero sigue necesitando que el héroe arregle el entuerto.
En comparación, la heroína está mucho mejor trabajada que el héroe. Éste acaba rozando tanto la perfección que casi, casi, es una caricatura.
Y después está el poco más o menos que insta-love que, menos mal, la autora esquiva y salva el romance.
Hay un buen elenco de caracteres secundarios que ya sé que tendrán su historia, pero en ningún momento sufre este relato del síndrome del primero de la serie. Ha sido de agradecer. Los personajes son introducidos sutilmente y todos tienen un papel, más o menos importante, en la historia.
En definitiva, una buena historia. Merece la pena echarle un vistazo y definitivamente continuaré con la serie.
***
The main character in this story is, without a doubt, the suspense. It´s what has kept me glued to the book (and has left me without a fingernail) during the read. It has been so good. Brutal and with scenes not apt for the faint of heart. The tension to which the author subjects us (her characters and me) is enormous. And to have us in the dark during the whole reading only gets you even more hooked. I loved it.
But it has not been perfect. The end has been lukewarm. I expected something more. It has been an outcome too open, with some situations that have not been explained and a final scene that, sadly, happens behind closed doors. I think it was a mistake. I can imagine something of what happened, but not how it happened. I must be vague or I would give away some unforgivable spoiler ...
The romance has not been bad. Again, it is the heroine who must carry the more than traumatic past and needs to be saved. Despite that, the author draws her realistically and does not make her a totally helpless being, but she still needs the hero to save the day.
By comparison, the heroine is portrayed in a much better and complex way than the hero. The latter is so perfect he dangerously brushed cardboard territory.
And then there's the almost insta-love that, luckily, the author dodges and saves the romance.
There is an interesting cast of secondary characters that I know will have their own stories, but at no time suffers this story of the first in the series´ syndrome. It has been appreciated. The characters are subtly introduced and each one has a, more or less important, role in the story.
To sum up, a great story. It is worth giving it a try and I definitely will continue with the series.
Thank you so much, Jill for the rec. 😊
November 6, 2015
I gobbled this novel up in one swift gulp, like a glorious chocolate-drizzled cheesecake.
Well-written and fast-paced, Malice is a rollercoaster ride of emotion, action, and suspense, with enough smattering of romance to turn your ears red at the thought of someone reading over your shoulder.
The characters are believably real and such everyday people it is easy to get caught up in their struggles and triumphs, and the mystery surrounding Jillian left me so curious I could barely get my thumb to swipe pages fast enough.
Avid readers and pirate fetishists alike will enjoy this cleverly written novel, Malice.
Well done, Ms. O'Neill! I'm looking forward to reading more of your books.
Well-written and fast-paced, Malice is a rollercoaster ride of emotion, action, and suspense, with enough smattering of romance to turn your ears red at the thought of someone reading over your shoulder.
The characters are believably real and such everyday people it is easy to get caught up in their struggles and triumphs, and the mystery surrounding Jillian left me so curious I could barely get my thumb to swipe pages fast enough.
Avid readers and pirate fetishists alike will enjoy this cleverly written novel, Malice.
Well done, Ms. O'Neill! I'm looking forward to reading more of your books.
Want to read
December 5, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/5/2019)! 🎁
July 24, 2015
I'm so disappointed that I didn't enjoy this book. I truly love this authors work but this one just didn't work for me. I'm not going to write a big review because most of the things that bothered me wouldn't bother anyone else at all. I'm just gonna list my personal problems with it.
I will still read future books this lady writes because I love most of her books, unfortunately this one just didn't work for me. It just had too many pet peeves for me, but I think most people will really enjoy this suspense story!
I will still read future books this lady writes because I love most of her books, unfortunately this one just didn't work for me. It just had too many pet peeves for me, but I think most people will really enjoy this suspense story!
October 1, 2016
Read this in the Trilogy. I really enjoyed it, but I will say I enjoyed the suspense more than the romance...review to come.
July 24, 2015
Murder by Christmas decoration, abduction, disguises, drugs, sex trafficking, throw in a kick-ass heroine, a smokin' FBI agent, some hot and not-so-hot Russians and you've got yourself a winner! Another great story by Lisa Clark O'Neill! This book has the right combination of "edge of your seat" suspense and hot romance to keep you glued to the pages. The Wellington brothers never disappoint and I was so excited to finally get Jesse and Jillian's story. I flew through it the first time and now I'll have to read it again so I can savor each and every page. Can't wait for Avarice!
September 24, 2016
I usually listen to Audio Books so I can work around the house and still get in a good book read. Malice, by Lisa Clark O'Neill, is the perfect excuse to put my feet up, have a cup of tea, and to stop and immerse myself into the story. Lisa is such a good story teller. She pulls you right into the story and doesn't let go until after the ride is long over. I cannot wait to dive into the next one, Avarice.
If you want/need a good read, go no further...you will get that and so much more!
If you want/need a good read, go no further...you will get that and so much more!
July 28, 2015
See review in first comment space. I apologize for the review being in the wrong space.
August 25, 2017
4.5 stars
September 10, 2019
Another really good book
I'm really enjoying Lisa Clark O'Neill 's books. They have the intrigue, love story and great characters. Jesse and Jillian were a good pair. I liked he was showing Jillian that most cops are good and there to help, and that she had two really good ones in her corner.
I'm really enjoying Lisa Clark O'Neill 's books. They have the intrigue, love story and great characters. Jesse and Jillian were a good pair. I liked he was showing Jillian that most cops are good and there to help, and that she had two really good ones in her corner.
September 20, 2019
“The way I see it, we kind of saved each other.”
Jillian has had lots of downs with the police, so when she becomes a person of interest, FBI Jesse uses a different tactic. Unfortunately, there’s more to the case than meets the eye. There’s also more to these two! Awesome read! Enjoy!!!
Jillian has had lots of downs with the police, so when she becomes a person of interest, FBI Jesse uses a different tactic. Unfortunately, there’s more to the case than meets the eye. There’s also more to these two! Awesome read! Enjoy!!!
November 27, 2017
Great book.
I loved these characters, they were so adversarial and so unreachable that I didn't think they would ever get anything together. They did and in just in the nick of time. I hope these characters will be back. Shirley
I loved these characters, they were so adversarial and so unreachable that I didn't think they would ever get anything together. They did and in just in the nick of time. I hope these characters will be back. Shirley
May 5, 2018
Kept me up too late at night
I couldn't put it down. It so refreshing to find an author who can write romance into a book intelligently! Characters who behave and react like adults, even when scared or previously burned, not like 3rd graders. Such a fun read.
I couldn't put it down. It so refreshing to find an author who can write romance into a book intelligently! Characters who behave and react like adults, even when scared or previously burned, not like 3rd graders. Such a fun read.
March 14, 2019
Terrific thriller
Psychological suspense with a touch of romance. I thought I had it figured out at the 3/4 mark, but I was wrong. Great ending, nice character development along with all the twists. I'm definitely reading more by this author.
Psychological suspense with a touch of romance. I thought I had it figured out at the 3/4 mark, but I was wrong. Great ending, nice character development along with all the twists. I'm definitely reading more by this author.
April 20, 2019
The book was good in the beginning up to just past half way. Then it got really involved and tedious toward the end. Too many characters, too much going on at once. I started skipping from page to page just trying to get to the end.
November 28, 2019
Five stars
I'll cut to the chase: this book had both a great mystery, and a great romance. Suspenseful, tense, but sizzling with chemistry, this is a great start to the Southern Comfort Prequel series. On to book 2!
I'll cut to the chase: this book had both a great mystery, and a great romance. Suspenseful, tense, but sizzling with chemistry, this is a great start to the Southern Comfort Prequel series. On to book 2!
September 11, 2017
Ms. Clark-O'Neill is a recent find for me - I enjoy her writing style and characters. A fun, fast paced read - just the way I like um!
August 6, 2019
Malice review
Malice is the first fast paced romantic suspense book in Southern Comfort Prequel series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill.
Malice is the first fast paced romantic suspense book in Southern Comfort Prequel series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill.
February 12, 2018
A Great read!!!! this book captured me from the beginning
September 11, 2015
I cannot forget the first time I read Lisa Clark O’Neill - I downloaded Serendipity on July 12, 2013 and read it in one sitting. From that date on, whenever one of Ms. Clark’s books released, I immediately would obtain it and greedily read it, no matter what my schedule. As a longtime fan of romantic suspense books, I am always searching for new authors; well, Ms. Clark is one of THE best “new” authors out there is this genre. Her books are consistently well-written, with engrossing plots, well-developed characters and just the perfect amount of witty banter and humor I need. And let’s not forget the sizzling chemistry between our heros and heroines! Having already read and re-read the Southern Comfort series, I was familiar (and madly in love) with the Wellington brothers. So when I discovered Jesse Wellington was getting his book as a series prequel, I was thrilled.
We get acquainted with FBI Agent Jesse as he is deep undercover with his partner, going after the Russian mob. Enter Jillian Montgomery, a photographer who keeps a low profile, especially around law enforcement. Jillian previously came to the aid of a girlfriend who was in an abusive relationship with a Savannah police officer. Unfortunately, that deed by her resulted in Jillian being horribly assaulted by that officer and the subsequent backlash leaves her scarred. Before long, murder and mayhem ensue. Is Jillian in danger, or is she the one causing it? That is Jesse’s quandary as he gets closer to Jillian - she has no idea that he is an FBI agent. Is he her protector or her persecutor? That is the question Jillian faces once she learns who Jesse is.
As with the matryoshka dolls on the cover, as you delve layer by layer into the story, you will find yourself fascinated with what is beneath the surface. This is an excellent, excellent book, and I am stalking the internet eagerly awaiting the next release by Ms. Clark. I highly recommend this book!
We get acquainted with FBI Agent Jesse as he is deep undercover with his partner, going after the Russian mob. Enter Jillian Montgomery, a photographer who keeps a low profile, especially around law enforcement. Jillian previously came to the aid of a girlfriend who was in an abusive relationship with a Savannah police officer. Unfortunately, that deed by her resulted in Jillian being horribly assaulted by that officer and the subsequent backlash leaves her scarred. Before long, murder and mayhem ensue. Is Jillian in danger, or is she the one causing it? That is Jesse’s quandary as he gets closer to Jillian - she has no idea that he is an FBI agent. Is he her protector or her persecutor? That is the question Jillian faces once she learns who Jesse is.
As with the matryoshka dolls on the cover, as you delve layer by layer into the story, you will find yourself fascinated with what is beneath the surface. This is an excellent, excellent book, and I am stalking the internet eagerly awaiting the next release by Ms. Clark. I highly recommend this book!
September 4, 2015
Reviewed by Gemini
Malice is the prequel to the Southern Comfort Series. It introduces us to FBI Agent Jesse Wellington as he attempts to apprehend a Russian killer known as “The Ghost”. His investigation eventually leads him to photographer Jillian Montgomery who just so happens to be part Russian and someone who has garnered the attention of both “The Ghost” and the FBI. Things are even more complicated because Jillian’s best friend is the sister of Jesse’s partner Brian. In order to gain certain information regarding their investigation, Jesse and Brian have to deceive Jillian and that doesn’t go over very well considering the fact that Jesse and Jillian immediately become attracted to each other. As we all know, at some point they give in to their temptation. To add insult to injury, Jillian has a very bad history with law enforcement that literally makes her afraid and distrusting of cops.
I am glad that although Jillian is both a victim and a suspect, she is not portrayed as fragile. She knows self-defense and she owns her own business. She is a strong woman and she takes charge. Jillian does have some nosy neighbors and a good friend. Jesse has several brothers and is a family man while Jillian doesn’t have any immediate family. Jesse and Jillian are truly opposites which adds to their attraction. There’s also suspense and several murders which keep you on your toes.
Malice was a very easy read. Outside of the predictable romantic back and forth, everything else was intriguing all the way down to finding out the true identity of “The Ghost”. I was drawn in early on and the story kept my attention throughout. I have read several other books in this series and this prequel was just as good.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
Malice is the prequel to the Southern Comfort Series. It introduces us to FBI Agent Jesse Wellington as he attempts to apprehend a Russian killer known as “The Ghost”. His investigation eventually leads him to photographer Jillian Montgomery who just so happens to be part Russian and someone who has garnered the attention of both “The Ghost” and the FBI. Things are even more complicated because Jillian’s best friend is the sister of Jesse’s partner Brian. In order to gain certain information regarding their investigation, Jesse and Brian have to deceive Jillian and that doesn’t go over very well considering the fact that Jesse and Jillian immediately become attracted to each other. As we all know, at some point they give in to their temptation. To add insult to injury, Jillian has a very bad history with law enforcement that literally makes her afraid and distrusting of cops.
I am glad that although Jillian is both a victim and a suspect, she is not portrayed as fragile. She knows self-defense and she owns her own business. She is a strong woman and she takes charge. Jillian does have some nosy neighbors and a good friend. Jesse has several brothers and is a family man while Jillian doesn’t have any immediate family. Jesse and Jillian are truly opposites which adds to their attraction. There’s also suspense and several murders which keep you on your toes.
Malice was a very easy read. Outside of the predictable romantic back and forth, everything else was intriguing all the way down to finding out the true identity of “The Ghost”. I was drawn in early on and the story kept my attention throughout. I have read several other books in this series and this prequel was just as good.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
July 25, 2015
WOW! Regarding the book itself, and how differently people see a book. For those who asked for more suspense, I think this book delivered big time. The "Southern Comfort" series is an excellent series and this just added to that. I personally, am looking forward to more. It was good to get Jesse's story and since there are still some Wellington siblings left bookless, I hope we will get more. This book had twists and turns quite often leading you in wrong or different directions and I loved the way it led us to a wonderful reconciliation with a very different set of siblings. With ethics and sexual attraction pitted against each other, friendships and family being tested, some really not nice people and some you were not sure about, a story that was not always pleasant, you still got enough humor and "real life" stuff to make the read just plain enjoyable. Can't give away too much about the plot but can tell you this author does not disappoint. Really like the way Jesse was introduced in the "Sweetwater" series to connect it all together. Job well done! PS. Love the book cover. Unique.
March 15, 2016
Happy to have new additions to this series
I really love a great series I can get caught up in. This series is certainly one of those. Jillian is the focus of this story. She is a photographer who keeps to herself but finds herself the focus of a murder investigation. Jesse is an undercover FBI agent working on the case but pretending to be a concerned new friend. The more Jesse investigates, the more he realizes that not only does danger surround Jillian, but also evidence of her guilt. She had had traumatic experiences with the local police in the past, but is this a case of revenge or something much bigger. The suspicion is that she is not the one in danger but the one causing the danger. Jesse had to choose between keeping Jillian safe and doing his job. Unfortunately, once he reveals his duplicity to Jillian, she may never trust him to protect her again.
The story had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the end. The suspense wad consistent throughout the story, and the action picked up quickly. It was a great addition to a great series.
I really love a great series I can get caught up in. This series is certainly one of those. Jillian is the focus of this story. She is a photographer who keeps to herself but finds herself the focus of a murder investigation. Jesse is an undercover FBI agent working on the case but pretending to be a concerned new friend. The more Jesse investigates, the more he realizes that not only does danger surround Jillian, but also evidence of her guilt. She had had traumatic experiences with the local police in the past, but is this a case of revenge or something much bigger. The suspicion is that she is not the one in danger but the one causing the danger. Jesse had to choose between keeping Jillian safe and doing his job. Unfortunately, once he reveals his duplicity to Jillian, she may never trust him to protect her again.
The story had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the end. The suspense wad consistent throughout the story, and the action picked up quickly. It was a great addition to a great series.
March 27, 2017
Jesse Wellington
Jillian Montgomery
12 Sept '15 | 3.5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blurb: The brutal execution of a Russian immigrant suspected of having ties to organized crime is only the beginning for Savannah FBI agent Jesse Wellington. A man known only as “The Ghost” begins wreaking havoc on the Hostess City, bringing murder and mayhem to its southern shores. When evidence turns up implicating Jillian Montgomery, the close friend of another agent, Jesse finds himself dangerously attracted to a woman at the heart of his investigation.
Jillian Montgomery fears law enforcement – and with good reason. But when she finds herself being caught in a web of someone else’s making, it’s Jesse who she ends up turning to for help.
Long-buried secrets from Jillian’s past are coming back to haunt her in ways she could never have predicted. It’s up to Jesse to help her exhume and exorcise them before it’s too late. (less)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jillian Montgomery
12 Sept '15 | 3.5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blurb: The brutal execution of a Russian immigrant suspected of having ties to organized crime is only the beginning for Savannah FBI agent Jesse Wellington. A man known only as “The Ghost” begins wreaking havoc on the Hostess City, bringing murder and mayhem to its southern shores. When evidence turns up implicating Jillian Montgomery, the close friend of another agent, Jesse finds himself dangerously attracted to a woman at the heart of his investigation.
Jillian Montgomery fears law enforcement – and with good reason. But when she finds herself being caught in a web of someone else’s making, it’s Jesse who she ends up turning to for help.
Long-buried secrets from Jillian’s past are coming back to haunt her in ways she could never have predicted. It’s up to Jesse to help her exhume and exorcise them before it’s too late. (less)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 18, 2018
An ok read if you are looking for a light romance/mystery story. The romance is rather bland, so the main interest was the mystery. However, they did blend well. One thing I didn't like we're the suspense moments at end of almost every chapter which do not connect well with the start of the next chapter.
August 3, 2015
Love these Wellington men!!!! They are solid guys with a passion for their work and women!! Intrigue, suspense and never knowing what is around the corner!!! Read it on the edge of my seat....awesome book....Please run out and get this today!!!!
December 14, 2015
Loved this book so much! Had suspense, romance, and an amazing developing storyline! I feel in love with her characters, and may have a small crush on Jesse Wellington. Can't wait to read what she comes up with next! I highly recommend reading this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews