Flamboyant, artistic Caroline Cattrell is determined to remain independent of her wealthy family’s influence–even if it means losing her friends in the process. After losing her job, she’s forced to use her seductive powers to pose as a honey pot in an undercover operation to keep her head above water.
Stan Kendrick was the one man that everyone had it out for. Branded as a cheating ex, he was forced to uphold his bad boy image to save the lives of those he cared about. But working undercover gets a lot more complicated when the one woman who could help him nail an international crime lord and finally close the case is the last woman who would dare to help him.
The Southern Seductions series continues and it’s never been hotter in the South!
J.A. Coffey writes both sizzling contemporary romance and epic historical fiction with compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page.
A complete cupcake addict, when she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found hunkered over her laptop in a European coffeehouse, test baking desserts, or “feathering her nest” with spruced up flea market finds. A 2014 Indie Book Awards Finalist and former RWA Golden Heart finalist, J.A. is currently working on her latest novel and trying not to get cupcake batter on her keyboard.
Reviewed by Marissa Book provided by the author for review Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was an enjoyable escapism book – high on romance and attraction and high on what I call the ludicrous factor (which I’ll follow up on in a minute).
I liked Caroline even though she seemed (on the surface, at least) perfect. The fact that her life was in turmoil gave her that nod to imperfection I so enjoy in characters. It helped that she showed a cool demeanor on the outside and was torn apart on the inside. She was also feisty and gave as good as she got. Better, even.
Stan was a little harder. I did like him but he was playing a part and at some points in the book I wasn’t sure if it was Stan or his character of crime. It’s also a little disappointing to find out that he just used the woman he was married to as a sort of shill, a front for his image. I would have a hard time trusting a man who did that and I have a hard time trusting a book character who would do that.
As for the storyline, it seemed there was a lot hinted at, things that had already happened that I, the reader, should know about but don’t because I didn’t read the first two books. There’s a fine line between giving away too much information from a previous book in the series and giving up so little that the writer is merely hinting at an event and clearly expects me, the reader, to know what they’re talking about. In other words, you need to read the first two books to have a grasp on the complete storyline here.
Now, the ludicrous part. Some books you read for the reality of the story, some you read for the escapism. This one seems to be reality but quickly becomes escapism. There is just no way I can believe that the FBI would hire a banker fresh out of college to help them nail a drug cartel, and then keep him on the job for years and years because they couldn’t get the information they needed to make the arrests. And then, to have the FBI bring in a civilian woman to help them because their one female agent fractured her foot? No way… Don’t expect reality with this book. Expect to escape into a fantasy and then run with it. Once you let go, I think you’ll enjoy it.
Book 3 in the Southern Seduction Series finalizes the trilogy of the main six characters of Coffey's story, and I must say that she has "nailed" it again—slight pun intended.
Jess & Matteo will forever be my reigning couple, but the passion between Stan and Caroline was steaming up my Kindle... Although I loved the men in the other books, I felt an affinity to Stan the most. Having learned to harbor somewhat of feelings of disgust for the pain he caused Jess and his rumored affairs, Coffey did a fantastic job of humanizing him.
Stan seemed the most complex of all of the men, and his character was well developed, and his internal battle of emotions came across the page beautifully. Caroline is second only to Jess for me, and I loved her fiery personality. This book had more humor than the others, and I enjoyed the ride immensely.
Another entertaining and delightful read from the Southern Seduction series; I hope to revisit these characters again in the future. Don't miss out on an easy 5 star read.
I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and this book is HOT HOT HOT!
Ms. Coffey has taken the "rat" ex-husband, Stan, from an earlier book in the series (LIAR LIAR) and made him the protagonist. Ms. Coffey did a marvelous job of displaying his side of the story, making him a very likable character, one to root for. Stan is undercover, trying to shut down a drug cartel, and needs a "party girl" to play his arm candy and thwart suspicion from the drug lords while he delves for information.
Caroline is Stan's ex-wife's best friend, and she has absolutely no interest in helping the "rat," even after they shared a searing kiss six months ago, something Stan did simply to get her to leave him alone. But Caroline's prestigious role at an art gallery has ended, and she needs the money Stan offers, so helping him is her only option.
Neither has any interest in spending time with the other, but, if they survive, they can happily part ways, never to see each other again.
Non stop action and lust off the charts! You can practically see the drool on Stans chin haha loved every second of it! I loved the elements of danger and the desire for more than just revenge. Stan had to give things up and Caroline had to give it. When it all comes together it's the ultimate thrill ride filled with such danger and passion. Great read! Definitely looking forward to more from this author!
Caroline's got a wealthy/high profile uncle. Stan works in accounting at a bank. This is what the world sees. Stan's marriage fell apart due to supposed infidelity. Caroline was a bridesmaid at his wedding and is one of his ex-wife's best friends. Their worlds collide during a chance meeting in tropical paradise. They are each there for very different reasons...she's on vacation. He's working undercover to take down the man in charge of a drug cartel that has been laundering money through his bank for years. They are seen together outside the club and she (unexpectedly) gets drawn into the operation. He tries his best to keep her out of it and keep her safe. The sparks between Stan and Caroline are there right from the start and only heat up the farther you read. This book is so full of twists and turns that you won't want to put it down. What Caroline does in a time of crises nearly makes my head spin and I'd love to experience that feeling again. I highly recommend this read. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hell On Heels by J.A. Coffey is an entertaining read. Caroline and Stan's story is suspenseful with a side order of fabulous characters, mixed in with drama and steamy sex and topped off with humor. Hell On Heels is a fast paced read and I was sorry when it ended. I'd recommend this book to anyone that enjoys romantic suspense. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from J.A. Coffey in the future. Hell On Heels is book 3 of the Southern Seductions Series, but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Omg Suspense, sex, intrigue! ALL the things I love, and some really awesome scenes where you're there with them in the danger and they are as cocky as the seem, then you feel their emotions right through the pages! You feel the terror, the confusion in her heart and mind, and you feel his frustration with bringing down that bad drug dealer...... I got this book for an honest review and I'll be buying it when I can and the others in the series!! Nice Job Ms Coffey!!