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Marshland Justice #2
Arresting Developments
A mysterious beauty nurses an ex-Navy pilot back to health—and attracts the attention of some dangerous men in this romantic suspense thriller.
Somewhere over the Everglades, the airplane’s engine failed and Dex Lassiter plummeted into the swamp’s murky depths. Amber Callahan didn’t expect to find any survivors in the wreckage, but Dex was about as tough as they came. And too smart not to dig into why a woman like her had run away to settle in remote Mystic Glades. Or why a killer circled their every move. As floodwaters rose, deputizing Dex was just what this lawless small town needed. Because escape wasn’t possible. And the only thing Dex did better than starting things was defending them.
Somewhere over the Everglades, the airplane’s engine failed and Dex Lassiter plummeted into the swamp’s murky depths. Amber Callahan didn’t expect to find any survivors in the wreckage, but Dex was about as tough as they came. And too smart not to dig into why a woman like her had run away to settle in remote Mystic Glades. Or why a killer circled their every move. As floodwaters rose, deputizing Dex was just what this lawless small town needed. Because escape wasn’t possible. And the only thing Dex did better than starting things was defending them.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2015
14 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Lena Diaz
193 books432 followersRomantic suspense author, Lena Diaz, is a four time winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. She's also a former Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® finalist and has won numerous other awards.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 13, 2016
Good book with plenty of suspense. We first met Dex in Missing in the Glades, as Jake's partner in the new PI firm. At the beginning of this book, he is flying down to Florida to stop his friend from marrying a woman he's just met. But a frank conversation convinces him that Jake has never been happier, so he gives up that quest. Finished with his conversation, he notices that his instrument panel has malfunctioned, and then his engine quits. He crash lands in the swamp, with a cut on his leg to complicate matters.
Amber saw Dex's plane go overhead, then heard it crash. She has been hiding out in the swamp for two years, running from the trouble she's in. But she can't leave an injured man to fend for himself, especially when the cut on his leg rapidly gets infected. She gets him back to town and nurses him back to health, only to find herself arrested for the murder of her grandfather.
The first half of the story deals with Dex's determination to repay Amber for saving him by helping her out of her difficulties. Though he barely knows her, he's quite certain that there is no way that she would have killed the grandfather she loved so much. With his money he can afford to hire the best lawyers and investigators and he is determined to find out the truth. The difficulty is that he can see that she is hiding something from him, something that might be able to clear her. I loved seeing how Dex seemed to be able to read Amber so easily. Amber is very protective of those she loves, and she believes that it was an accident. I did find it a little odd that the original autopsy didn't come to the same conclusion as the second one right away, but Dex did pay for the best. We also get to know both Dex and Amber a little bit. Amber definitely comes through as a very caring young woman, willing to risk her freedom to help someone who needs it. Dex starts out more self-centered, focused on what makes him happy. He's an admitted womanizer and doesn't always think about the effect of his actions on others. He isn't mean though, and his conversations with Amber while in the swamp are pretty funny.
The story switches directions once Dex has recovered and solved Amber's legal troubles. He has discovered that his crash was not accidental, but the result of sabotage on his plane. He's staying with Amber for a few days to help her get settled in her grandfather's house, and prepare for a storm that is bearing down on them. While they are there, several local friends stop by and are stranded there because of the storm, as are four of Dex's friends. While all are trapped in the house, Dex's ex-fiancee is murdered and it has to be one of the people staying there. As Dex and Amber investigate, it is hard to tell who has the most motivation to kill Dex. Between the rising waters and the search for the killer, the intensity continues to build. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over.
I enjoyed the development of the romance between Dex and Amber. Dex was quite a flirt, but ended up being far more honorable than I expected at the beginning. I liked his protectiveness toward Amber, even when he was trying to protect her from himself. Amber sees past Dex's flirtatiousness to the good man that he is. She is far more worried about the danger to him than any problems she might have. The attraction that flared between them was something that neither one could resist. I liked seeing how the attraction led to more. Both changed thanks to the other's influence, with Dex becoming more aware of the people around him and how he treats them, and Amber discovering that living her life according to the guilt she felt was no way to live at all. The ending was sweet and romantic. I can't wait to see what's next for the people of Mystic Glades.
Amber saw Dex's plane go overhead, then heard it crash. She has been hiding out in the swamp for two years, running from the trouble she's in. But she can't leave an injured man to fend for himself, especially when the cut on his leg rapidly gets infected. She gets him back to town and nurses him back to health, only to find herself arrested for the murder of her grandfather.
The first half of the story deals with Dex's determination to repay Amber for saving him by helping her out of her difficulties. Though he barely knows her, he's quite certain that there is no way that she would have killed the grandfather she loved so much. With his money he can afford to hire the best lawyers and investigators and he is determined to find out the truth. The difficulty is that he can see that she is hiding something from him, something that might be able to clear her. I loved seeing how Dex seemed to be able to read Amber so easily. Amber is very protective of those she loves, and she believes that it was an accident. I did find it a little odd that the original autopsy didn't come to the same conclusion as the second one right away, but Dex did pay for the best. We also get to know both Dex and Amber a little bit. Amber definitely comes through as a very caring young woman, willing to risk her freedom to help someone who needs it. Dex starts out more self-centered, focused on what makes him happy. He's an admitted womanizer and doesn't always think about the effect of his actions on others. He isn't mean though, and his conversations with Amber while in the swamp are pretty funny.
The story switches directions once Dex has recovered and solved Amber's legal troubles. He has discovered that his crash was not accidental, but the result of sabotage on his plane. He's staying with Amber for a few days to help her get settled in her grandfather's house, and prepare for a storm that is bearing down on them. While they are there, several local friends stop by and are stranded there because of the storm, as are four of Dex's friends. While all are trapped in the house, Dex's ex-fiancee is murdered and it has to be one of the people staying there. As Dex and Amber investigate, it is hard to tell who has the most motivation to kill Dex. Between the rising waters and the search for the killer, the intensity continues to build. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over.
I enjoyed the development of the romance between Dex and Amber. Dex was quite a flirt, but ended up being far more honorable than I expected at the beginning. I liked his protectiveness toward Amber, even when he was trying to protect her from himself. Amber sees past Dex's flirtatiousness to the good man that he is. She is far more worried about the danger to him than any problems she might have. The attraction that flared between them was something that neither one could resist. I liked seeing how the attraction led to more. Both changed thanks to the other's influence, with Dex becoming more aware of the people around him and how he treats them, and Amber discovering that living her life according to the guilt she felt was no way to live at all. The ending was sweet and romantic. I can't wait to see what's next for the people of Mystic Glades.
May 11, 2017
Veteran pilot Dex Lassiter’s plane plunges mysteriously into the Everglades and he miraculously survives. Amber Callahan pulls him out of the swampy water and nurses him back to health.
Both are harboring secrets yet unwilling to divulge, wary of each other. When a bad storm floods the roads, Amber and Dex are trapped in Amber’s home with a killer. Surrounded by so-called friends and trusted associates, they try to narrow down suspects. As the body count rises, Amber and Dex need to catch the killer before they become the next victims.
A sweltering romantic suspense filled with a myriad of suspects and secrets. Amber and Dex are electric and I loved reading their romance. Both have a jaded past yet want to let down their walls. Mystic Glades and its inhabitants are addictive to reads and I wouldn’t mind living there. I highly recommend and I can’t wait to read more by Lena Diaz.
My Rating: 5 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
Both are harboring secrets yet unwilling to divulge, wary of each other. When a bad storm floods the roads, Amber and Dex are trapped in Amber’s home with a killer. Surrounded by so-called friends and trusted associates, they try to narrow down suspects. As the body count rises, Amber and Dex need to catch the killer before they become the next victims.
A sweltering romantic suspense filled with a myriad of suspects and secrets. Amber and Dex are electric and I loved reading their romance. Both have a jaded past yet want to let down their walls. Mystic Glades and its inhabitants are addictive to reads and I wouldn’t mind living there. I highly recommend and I can’t wait to read more by Lena Diaz.
My Rating: 5 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
December 6, 2015
3.5 stars
This book was having a repeated concept where a group of people r stuck in the house bcos of heavy downpour and then one by one people start dying.The house is having hidden passages. Though I have read these kind of books many times, this book wasn't boring.
My only problem was that they both fell in love within few days and planned to get married.
This book was having a repeated concept where a group of people r stuck in the house bcos of heavy downpour and then one by one people start dying.The house is having hidden passages. Though I have read these kind of books many times, this book wasn't boring.
My only problem was that they both fell in love within few days and planned to get married.
January 14, 2020
Like two stories in one book. Ok author.
January 7, 2016
ARRESTING DEVELOPMENTS is a fast moving mystery set in the Florida Everglades. Lena Diaz introduces readers to her male protagonist Dexter Lassiter, and her female protagonist Amber Callahan, giving their backstories and details of the history of events bringing together. The author helps readers see Dexter’s reason for flying over Mystic Glades. She gives readers’ backstory details of how and why Jake Young, Dexter’s business partner has found happiness in Mystic Glades. Diaz provides details of Amber being wanted on a murder charge and hiding deep in the swamp. Amber finds Dexter at the site of his plane crash in need of medical help. The author describes Dexter’s decision to help Amber prove her innocence and find out the circumstances of her grandfather’s death. The author changes the direction the storyline when she explains details of Dexter learning his plane crash is not an accident. Dexter feels someone close to him is responsible for his plane’s sabotage.
The author weaves subplots to change direction of the main storyline. Readers see through Amber’s eyes what life is like in the Everglades and they learn more of the secrets of the residents of Mystic Glades. The author builds the momentum of the story using the Everglades as the center of activity. Diaz places readers on Dexter’s shoulder, giving the insight to his thoughts and plans.
Diaz creates a story of suspense around Amber’s arrest for murdering her grandfather. The author adds a twist to the storyline when Dexter steps up to help fight Amber’s arrest for murder. She takes readers behind the scenes as Dexter wants to know more about who is trying to eliminate him. Readers follow unfolding events at Amber's grandfather's home. Events include arrival of Dexter’s staff and attempted murders of other guests. The author shares everyone’s reaction to the weather forecast of potential hurricane. Amber, Dexter and others deal with riding out the storm. Diaz's builds momentum towards a dramatic ending full of action and surprises. The author’s ARRESTING DEVELOPMENT grabs readers’ attention building action moving the storyline to an unbelievable ending.
The author weaves subplots to change direction of the main storyline. Readers see through Amber’s eyes what life is like in the Everglades and they learn more of the secrets of the residents of Mystic Glades. The author builds the momentum of the story using the Everglades as the center of activity. Diaz places readers on Dexter’s shoulder, giving the insight to his thoughts and plans.
Diaz creates a story of suspense around Amber’s arrest for murdering her grandfather. The author adds a twist to the storyline when Dexter steps up to help fight Amber’s arrest for murder. She takes readers behind the scenes as Dexter wants to know more about who is trying to eliminate him. Readers follow unfolding events at Amber's grandfather's home. Events include arrival of Dexter’s staff and attempted murders of other guests. The author shares everyone’s reaction to the weather forecast of potential hurricane. Amber, Dexter and others deal with riding out the storm. Diaz's builds momentum towards a dramatic ending full of action and surprises. The author’s ARRESTING DEVELOPMENT grabs readers’ attention building action moving the storyline to an unbelievable ending.
December 15, 2015
Dex Lassiter, of Lassiter and Young Private Investigations, is flying over the Everglades in his brand new Cessna, when his plane goes on the fritz and crashes. It was sabotaged; someone wants him dead. He hurt his leg, and while trying to get his bearings, Dex feels someone is following him. The watcher is Amber Callahan, who against her better judgement, takes Dex to Freddie’s Watering Hole so Dex can recuperate and heal. Amber has been in hiding for 2 years; she is wanted for murder, and she risks exposing herself, but she. When Dex learns of her situation, he decides that since she has saved his life putting herself in danger at the same time, so he will help prove her innocence.
ARRESTING DEVELOPMENTS is more in the classic murder mystery vein with a touch of romance; and I like it that way! Dex and Amber are both nice, somewhat ordinary people who are victims of circumstances. I loved the unexpected amusing touches, especially when Dex is delirious with fever; the dialogues are especially delightful. Dex and Amber are both very engaging characters, while Amber seems like a caring person from the beginning; the same cannot be said for Dex; it takes some time to get him, but a tragedy makes him realise the error of his ways. There are several interesting secondary characters, and some rather unusual: Amber’s grandfather’s house is one of them; with all its secret passageways, it contributes as much to the story as the people, as does a raging storm that complicates things further.
ARRESTING DEVELOPMENTS flows smoothly, the romances progresses nicely, and there are several surprising turns of events as well. A very entertaining suspense!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
ARRESTING DEVELOPMENTS is more in the classic murder mystery vein with a touch of romance; and I like it that way! Dex and Amber are both nice, somewhat ordinary people who are victims of circumstances. I loved the unexpected amusing touches, especially when Dex is delirious with fever; the dialogues are especially delightful. Dex and Amber are both very engaging characters, while Amber seems like a caring person from the beginning; the same cannot be said for Dex; it takes some time to get him, but a tragedy makes him realise the error of his ways. There are several interesting secondary characters, and some rather unusual: Amber’s grandfather’s house is one of them; with all its secret passageways, it contributes as much to the story as the people, as does a raging storm that complicates things further.
ARRESTING DEVELOPMENTS flows smoothly, the romances progresses nicely, and there are several surprising turns of events as well. A very entertaining suspense!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2016
Review - Harlequin Intrigue Arresting Developments By Lena Diaz
So when I was a young woman/teenager I devoured Mills and boons, Harlequin, Silhouette etc romance novels, in fact when I was laid up with my first child I read between 10 to 20 a week! My library ran out of romance books by the time Rachel was born!
I am staying with my old neighbour who has literally devoured the books I had on my kindle, and she said she used to read romance books from the library but being older now doesn't get out much now, so I went to the library and grabbed a few for her, this one she said was great and said I must read.
So I did, and I read it in one sitting... It was the perfect blend of romance,intrigue and suspense - and that the female MC Amber Callahan was a resourceful, intelligent woman was great too, she did most of the saving, although of course our Male MC Dex Lassiter also gets to be the hero too.
I could easily get addicted to these Intrigue series of Harlequin's they are a perfect reading size to give you an escape into a world of HEA's
which is my favourite way to relax and unwind.
So when I was a young woman/teenager I devoured Mills and boons, Harlequin, Silhouette etc romance novels, in fact when I was laid up with my first child I read between 10 to 20 a week! My library ran out of romance books by the time Rachel was born!
I am staying with my old neighbour who has literally devoured the books I had on my kindle, and she said she used to read romance books from the library but being older now doesn't get out much now, so I went to the library and grabbed a few for her, this one she said was great and said I must read.
So I did, and I read it in one sitting... It was the perfect blend of romance,intrigue and suspense - and that the female MC Amber Callahan was a resourceful, intelligent woman was great too, she did most of the saving, although of course our Male MC Dex Lassiter also gets to be the hero too.
I could easily get addicted to these Intrigue series of Harlequin's they are a perfect reading size to give you an escape into a world of HEA's
which is my favourite way to relax and unwind.
January 28, 2017
As Dex is going to visit his friend, his plane crashes into the swamp. Amber see a pilot wave to her but she is trying to stay off the radar. When the plane crashes, she has to help. The pilot has a cut on his leg that has been infected by the swamp water and he has a raging fever. She helps him with the fever and to get to safety. Turns out that Amber has been hiding in the swamp for a couple of years because she is wanted for murder. Dex knows that she isn't capable of murder, so he sets out to help her. They realize that someone sabotaged Dex's plane and when someone starts shooting at them, they don't know if the person is after him or her.
Read
January 23, 2016"Diaz is on a streak with her latest. With a host of suspects and hiding places, Arresting Developments is packed with action, suspense and mystery — not to mention a charming hero" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: Marshland Justice
Miniseries: Marshland Justice
February 9, 2016
LD does a wonderful job with romantic suspense and this no exception. I figured out the ending despite there being lots of red herrings. I wish this had been a bit longer, but I'm enjoying this series almost as much as the deadly games one and look forward to more from LD.
March 31, 2016
A solid 2.5 stars this was another easy read. I did find Amber and her innocence and supposed goodness really tiring though. There wasn't much character development and the storyline was very trite and uninspiring. An okay read.
Read
January 1, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Marshland Justice
Miniseries: Marshland Justice
January 9, 2017
HI #1614
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews