What do you think?
Rate this book
NYPD Blue & Gold #1
Burnout
Sexy-as-sin Police Chief Mike Flannery knows the new arrival to Hopewell Springs is trouble. She has a smoking-hot body and a quick wit…and he’ll be damned if that’s not a turn-on. But this former NYPD cop and small-town heartthrob has been burned before, and there’s no way he’ll let that happen again.
New York City Detective Cassie Yates is on the run. A six-month undercover sting in a sleazy bar seemed like a textbook arrest—but now there’s a hit out on her. Armed with fake ID, her K-9 companion, and a police-issued SUV, she flees to a quiet upstate town where she trades her badge and gun for a spatula, finally finding peace in the dream she tossed aside to follow her family into law enforcement.
There’s no denying the fire and ice between them. But as the hired assassin closes in, Mike’s past comes roaring back and secrets are revealed in an explosion destined to tear them apart—if not destroy them.
New York City Detective Cassie Yates is on the run. A six-month undercover sting in a sleazy bar seemed like a textbook arrest—but now there’s a hit out on her. Armed with fake ID, her K-9 companion, and a police-issued SUV, she flees to a quiet upstate town where she trades her badge and gun for a spatula, finally finding peace in the dream she tossed aside to follow her family into law enforcement.
There’s no denying the fire and ice between them. But as the hired assassin closes in, Mike’s past comes roaring back and secrets are revealed in an explosion destined to tear them apart—if not destroy them.
300 pages, ebook
First published June 13, 2016
274 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
Tee O'Fallon
25 books2,021 followersTee O'Fallon is the author of the K-9 Special Ops, Federal K-9, and NYPD Blue & Gold Series. Tee spent twenty-three years as a federal agent conducting complex, long- and short-term criminal investigations, including undercover operations, across many agencies at the federal level, and multi-state investigations as a police investigator. It felt only natural to combine her hands-on experience in the field with her love of romantic suspense. Tee has lived in New York State most of her life with a five-year stop in Colorado. When not writing, she enjoys cooking, gardening, chocolate, lychee martinis, and all creatures canine.
Be sure to follow Tee on BookBub for the latest on sales and new releases: https://bit.ly/BookBubTeeOFallon
Sign up for Tee's newsletters at https://teeofallon.com/subscribe/ to receive a FREE digital copy of Lock 'N' Load!
Tee loves hearing from readers and can be contacted via her website https://teeofallon.com.
Be sure to follow Tee on BookBub for the latest on sales and new releases: https://bit.ly/BookBubTeeOFallon
Sign up for Tee's newsletters at https://teeofallon.com/subscribe/ to receive a FREE digital copy of Lock 'N' Load!
Tee loves hearing from readers and can be contacted via her website https://teeofallon.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
October 24, 2023
This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced, steamy, romantic suspense novel. It has an intelligent, likable female protagonist, a strong and capable male protagonist, sizzling chemistry, relationship drama, a great dog, intrigue, action, and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this series with great anticipation. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Samantha Prescott, has a lovely voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
May 24, 2016
3 Stars
Who read this book because they were totally lured in by a hot cover?
What? Have you seen those abs? I'm weak, mkay! But I digress...
I love a good romantic suspense, and aside from the extremely hot cover, I was really intrigued by the blurb here. A tough as nails NYC detective meets small town Police Chief that's running from a painful past of his own? Yes please!
The sparks between these two were instant, but it was a slow burn, which I also appreciated. Cassie may be a cop herself but her aversion to dating other cops makes Mike both suspicious and intrigued. He doesn't know where the beautiful newcomer came from or what secrets she's hiding, but he knows that there's a whole lot more to the story that meets the eye.
Cassie is burned out by her job and her quiet reprieve in the small upstate town is just what she needs. Now if only she can figure out who put the hit out on her after what they all assumed was a successful undercover sting. It doesn't take her long to figure out that Mike is unlike most cops she knows and she can't deny the sizzling chemistry between them. She wants to come clean and tell him everything, but can she trust him.
Mike has a history of his own that causes him to mistrust. If anything, this is actually the one thing that ultimately brought my rating down. I didn't understand his extreme reaction to the situation with him and Cassie. While I get that he was betrayed in the worst ways in his past, the situations weren't as remotely similar as he was treating them to be. It was over the top and an exercise in frustration waiting for him to finally get his head out of his past and actually see reason. A little too long for my tastes, actually.
Burnout was a well paced suspense plot with just enough romance and steam weaved into it to make it a highly entreating read. There were two secondary characters introduced that I'd love a book for, so I'm hoping this will actually be a series. Tee O'Fallon is a new to me author, but she's definitely one to watch out for and I'd gladly read any of her future releases.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Who read this book because they were totally lured in by a hot cover?
What? Have you seen those abs? I'm weak, mkay! But I digress...
I love a good romantic suspense, and aside from the extremely hot cover, I was really intrigued by the blurb here. A tough as nails NYC detective meets small town Police Chief that's running from a painful past of his own? Yes please!
The sparks between these two were instant, but it was a slow burn, which I also appreciated. Cassie may be a cop herself but her aversion to dating other cops makes Mike both suspicious and intrigued. He doesn't know where the beautiful newcomer came from or what secrets she's hiding, but he knows that there's a whole lot more to the story that meets the eye.
Cassie is burned out by her job and her quiet reprieve in the small upstate town is just what she needs. Now if only she can figure out who put the hit out on her after what they all assumed was a successful undercover sting. It doesn't take her long to figure out that Mike is unlike most cops she knows and she can't deny the sizzling chemistry between them. She wants to come clean and tell him everything, but can she trust him.
Mike has a history of his own that causes him to mistrust. If anything, this is actually the one thing that ultimately brought my rating down. I didn't understand his extreme reaction to the situation with him and Cassie. While I get that he was betrayed in the worst ways in his past, the situations weren't as remotely similar as he was treating them to be. It was over the top and an exercise in frustration waiting for him to finally get his head out of his past and actually see reason. A little too long for my tastes, actually.
Burnout was a well paced suspense plot with just enough romance and steam weaved into it to make it a highly entreating read. There were two secondary characters introduced that I'd love a book for, so I'm hoping this will actually be a series. Tee O'Fallon is a new to me author, but she's definitely one to watch out for and I'd gladly read any of her future releases.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
April 3, 2020
When I read Blood Money, I knew I had to have more of the NYPD Blue & Gold world. So here I am, at the beginning of the series, and I enjoyed it as much as I thought I would.
Cassie, an undercover cop with a culinary degree, should be celebrating how her last case went off like clockwork. When she finds out that someone put a hit out on her, rather than be cooped up in a safe house and treated like a prisoner, she goes on the run. She escapes to the small town of Hopewell Springs and finds what she's been searching for... home. Not only that, she falls into the job she's always wanted and in love with a man who is the complete opposite of who she envisioned forever with. With a soulless killer after her, can she solve the case so she can have it all?
Mike is the chief of police in Hopewell Springs. He had a successful career in New York, but a lover's betrayal and a domestic call gone wrong forced him to make a change. He was closed off and yet, with one look in Cassie's direction, he feels a connection. A pull that he can't ignore. Although she makes it clear that she's just passing through... although he can tell that she's hiding much more than what she's showing... although he knows that getting involved with her could lead to nothing but trouble... he takes the plunge. When Cassie's truth comes out, will he look beyond his past hurts and see his future with her?
★ I adored the relationship that developed between the characters. From their banter to Cassie's pranks to their possessive behavior and the ease of their growing bond, they were a couple I loved watching.
★ the suspenseful subplot was on the right side of scary and gave this story an amazing edge. Who hired a killer? The action scenes were incredibly illustrated and had me on the edge of my seat. Cassie's bravery was definitely something to admire.
Burnout built up into a fast-paced, sensual, beautiful love story. Cassie and Mike were perfect for each other and I can't wait for you to fall in love with their story just like I did!
Cassie, an undercover cop with a culinary degree, should be celebrating how her last case went off like clockwork. When she finds out that someone put a hit out on her, rather than be cooped up in a safe house and treated like a prisoner, she goes on the run. She escapes to the small town of Hopewell Springs and finds what she's been searching for... home. Not only that, she falls into the job she's always wanted and in love with a man who is the complete opposite of who she envisioned forever with. With a soulless killer after her, can she solve the case so she can have it all?
Mike is the chief of police in Hopewell Springs. He had a successful career in New York, but a lover's betrayal and a domestic call gone wrong forced him to make a change. He was closed off and yet, with one look in Cassie's direction, he feels a connection. A pull that he can't ignore. Although she makes it clear that she's just passing through... although he can tell that she's hiding much more than what she's showing... although he knows that getting involved with her could lead to nothing but trouble... he takes the plunge. When Cassie's truth comes out, will he look beyond his past hurts and see his future with her?
★ I adored the relationship that developed between the characters. From their banter to Cassie's pranks to their possessive behavior and the ease of their growing bond, they were a couple I loved watching.
★ the suspenseful subplot was on the right side of scary and gave this story an amazing edge. Who hired a killer? The action scenes were incredibly illustrated and had me on the edge of my seat. Cassie's bravery was definitely something to admire.
Burnout built up into a fast-paced, sensual, beautiful love story. Cassie and Mike were perfect for each other and I can't wait for you to fall in love with their story just like I did!
August 31, 2020
New York City Detective Cassie Yates has just finished an undercover stint in an NYC nightclub, and she's seriously finally considering quitting the force to do what she loves. Everything appears to have gone smoothly with the undercover job, but when her partner and brother come knocking on her door telling her there's a hit on her, well she finds herself needing to make herself scarce asap. In her travels to find a place to lay low, she stops at a small town for a bite to eat and ends up staying, putting her culinary degree to use. I'm not entirely sure why she felt she had to remain in the force for so long, the family pressure wasn't compelling felt from what was written.
Mike, the Chief of Police, is startled to find himself drawn to Cassie, having been badly burnt by a past relationship he is more than a little wary, but he can't keep his eyes off her.
The trick Cassie pulled with the chilli didn't tickle my funny bone, and I could have done with a laugh.
It wasn't the toe-curling, suspenseful read I was hoping for, but as a one time read not bad.
Mike, the Chief of Police, is startled to find himself drawn to Cassie, having been badly burnt by a past relationship he is more than a little wary, but he can't keep his eyes off her.
The trick Cassie pulled with the chilli didn't tickle my funny bone, and I could have done with a laugh.
It wasn't the toe-curling, suspenseful read I was hoping for, but as a one time read not bad.
November 19, 2025
Cassie has followed in her family’s foots steps becoming a detective but she’s always dreamed of becoming a chef. When a small town dinner’s chef quits, she takes up the mantle and impresses the tough as nails boss. This gives Cassie the perfect opportunity to fly under the radar you see…Cassie is a NYC undercover detective and is in a self-imposed “witness protection”. While on the job, she is a witness to criminal actions that have painted a big target on her head. Worst thing is someone in her precinct has ratted her out, so she isn’t sure who she can trust other than her brother and partner. When Cassie stumbles into the cooking position, she takes matters into her own hands and finds this sleepy little town the perfect place to hide out in.
Cassie never anticipating falling for the town’s police chief, nor did she think they’d welcome her as one of their own. Guilt ridden by having to keep her true identity a secret, Cassie struggles with new friendships and the highly combustible reaction she has to Mike Flannery.
Burnout is a well written romantic suspense that is wonderfully paced to keep you guessing. The story is slow growing with a strong but thoughtfully conceived relationship between the main characters.
What seemed to really capture my attention was the secondary characters, leaving me to believe O’Fallen has much more to come. My first read from O'Fallen but it won't be my last.
I received this copy of Burnout from Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for a honest review.
My Rating: 4 stars
Cassie never anticipating falling for the town’s police chief, nor did she think they’d welcome her as one of their own. Guilt ridden by having to keep her true identity a secret, Cassie struggles with new friendships and the highly combustible reaction she has to Mike Flannery.
Burnout is a well written romantic suspense that is wonderfully paced to keep you guessing. The story is slow growing with a strong but thoughtfully conceived relationship between the main characters.
What seemed to really capture my attention was the secondary characters, leaving me to believe O’Fallen has much more to come. My first read from O'Fallen but it won't be my last.
I received this copy of Burnout from Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for a honest review.
My Rating: 4 stars
July 11, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
I enjoyed this book. Both Mike and Cassie are relateable characters and while there was an element of suspense, there was also a great story of 2 people getting to know one another that was well written and enjoyable to read.
The pacing was strong, the characters well written and consistent and the supporting characters were also fun and added to the story.
I enjoyed this book. Both Mike and Cassie are relateable characters and while there was an element of suspense, there was also a great story of 2 people getting to know one another that was well written and enjoyable to read.
The pacing was strong, the characters well written and consistent and the supporting characters were also fun and added to the story.
June 20, 2022
3.5 stars. It's more me than the book. It was definitely filled with intrigue and suspense but maybe too much for my taste? I kind of wanted more romance.
August 8, 2016
This is my first Tee O'Fallon book, and whoa, it most definitely will not be my last. Wickedly suspenseful, with a simmering chemistry between two lovable leads, Burnout proved to be edge-of-your-seat fun mixed with small-town-romance charm.
I love a small-town book, truly. I love the camaraderie between characters, that ‘everyone knows everyone’ feel that makes you feel closer, more involved and invested in the lives of these fictional people. And Burnout had that. The secondary characters were interesting and quirky. Rose and Jimmy, in particular, were a heart-happy pair, and made me smile on more than one occasion.
Actually, this entire book made me smile a few times. Mike, the sexy Police Chief, and Cassie, the on-the-run NYPD Detective made a great couple. Their attraction was palpable, and their heat factor was HIGH. HOT really doesn’t begin to cover what these two had going on. The pacing, the flow of the relationship really worked for me, and although it might have been a little too fast in terms of timeline, it didn’t feel that way reading it. It feel slow, sensual and just about perfect.
The central mystery of this story—the reason Cassie is on the run in the first place—was well-handled, if a little obvious. At least, to me. I had it figured out pretty quick-smart, although I still found the ups-and-downs to be very engaging and very tense. This one read realistic in a lot of ways, was well-written by someone with knowledge on her side, and that made it all the better.
Was Burnout perfect? No. But it WAS immensely enjoyable. I’m excited to see that this is the first in a new series, because I definitely want to revisit these characters, this town (hopefully), and get some more wicked suspense from Ms. O'Fallon. ~ Beth, 4 stars
~~~
Yummy and not just the diner food!
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the sexy, snappy leads as well as the warm, supportive secondary characters. Two police officers—one a chief and another a detective—would have lots in common, right? Probably, if there were no secrets between them…
Cassie Yates has been made a target so she takes the opportunity to put her undercover life in the city behind her and concentrate on her first love—cooking. Stumbling into a job in a sleepy small town fits the job nicely. Now, if the chief of police would only stop being so darn handsome. And nosy. And distrustful. And Mike Flannery was all that and a bag of chips…
“Definitely don’t know her. I’d remember an ass that great.”
“The man was as deep and seductive as velvety chocolate mousse.”
I’m not usually a fan of stories where the foundation is based on lies or unnecessary secrets. This story was all about the secrets but totally worked as Cassie hated the lies as much as I did. They were necessary, though, and even with Mike, and her newfound home and career being everything she wanted, she had to see it through. Knowing that the axe could fall at any time meant everything that happened—every conversation, every scene—took on a deeper meaning. Who wouldn’t cherish the moment when the next could see it all gone?
From steamy scenes to moments of heroism, there are quirky characters, furry friends and culinary delights to make this love story a great pick up on a rainy afternoon. Loved it! ~ Diane, 4 stars
I love a small-town book, truly. I love the camaraderie between characters, that ‘everyone knows everyone’ feel that makes you feel closer, more involved and invested in the lives of these fictional people. And Burnout had that. The secondary characters were interesting and quirky. Rose and Jimmy, in particular, were a heart-happy pair, and made me smile on more than one occasion.
Actually, this entire book made me smile a few times. Mike, the sexy Police Chief, and Cassie, the on-the-run NYPD Detective made a great couple. Their attraction was palpable, and their heat factor was HIGH. HOT really doesn’t begin to cover what these two had going on. The pacing, the flow of the relationship really worked for me, and although it might have been a little too fast in terms of timeline, it didn’t feel that way reading it. It feel slow, sensual and just about perfect.
The central mystery of this story—the reason Cassie is on the run in the first place—was well-handled, if a little obvious. At least, to me. I had it figured out pretty quick-smart, although I still found the ups-and-downs to be very engaging and very tense. This one read realistic in a lot of ways, was well-written by someone with knowledge on her side, and that made it all the better.
Was Burnout perfect? No. But it WAS immensely enjoyable. I’m excited to see that this is the first in a new series, because I definitely want to revisit these characters, this town (hopefully), and get some more wicked suspense from Ms. O'Fallon. ~ Beth, 4 stars
~~~
Yummy and not just the diner food!
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the sexy, snappy leads as well as the warm, supportive secondary characters. Two police officers—one a chief and another a detective—would have lots in common, right? Probably, if there were no secrets between them…
Cassie Yates has been made a target so she takes the opportunity to put her undercover life in the city behind her and concentrate on her first love—cooking. Stumbling into a job in a sleepy small town fits the job nicely. Now, if the chief of police would only stop being so darn handsome. And nosy. And distrustful. And Mike Flannery was all that and a bag of chips…
“Definitely don’t know her. I’d remember an ass that great.”
“The man was as deep and seductive as velvety chocolate mousse.”
I’m not usually a fan of stories where the foundation is based on lies or unnecessary secrets. This story was all about the secrets but totally worked as Cassie hated the lies as much as I did. They were necessary, though, and even with Mike, and her newfound home and career being everything she wanted, she had to see it through. Knowing that the axe could fall at any time meant everything that happened—every conversation, every scene—took on a deeper meaning. Who wouldn’t cherish the moment when the next could see it all gone?
From steamy scenes to moments of heroism, there are quirky characters, furry friends and culinary delights to make this love story a great pick up on a rainy afternoon. Loved it! ~ Diane, 4 stars
June 24, 2016
The abs on that cover are the first thing that caught my eye but the blurb was very enticing and anyone that knows me knows that I can't pass up any romantic suspense book. Well, it was worth it because BURNOUT is exciting and steamy, well-written and a great debut for Ms. O'Fallon.
Undercover NYPD Police Detective Cassie Yates is at the point where she's rethinking her current job path and the news that a hit has been taken out on her is one more item in the con column, but until the person who ordered the hit is arrested, she has to lay low. Getting out of Dodge leads her to a temporary gig as a chef in a small town and the very sexy Chief of Police Mike Flannery.
As hot as he is, Mike has the women falling over themselves to catch his eye, but he has never felt the need to take any of them up on their offers, until Cassie gets to town. The attraction is very obvious and while they both have a reason for not acting on it, they can only hold out for so long before they start burning up the sheets, but with Cassie's huge secret between them and the danger following her, a relationship between them may be doomed even before it starts.
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I first saw the cover and I'm glad I got a chance to. Mike and Cassie are really likable characters, dealing with issues that anyone can relate to (well, except the whole murder for hire thing with Cassie) and I really enjoyed watching them figure out things between them.
The suspense and story as a whole while well-paced were on the slow side, building up to the climax piece by piece, but I enjoyed the way the author injected humorous dialogue and enjoyable secondary characters into it to make it even more engaging. As a reader, I always want more from an author whose work I enjoy, so I'm hoping that we'll get stories for at least three other characters that were introduced in the book.
If you enjoy romantic suspense or love close-knit small town romances, then make sure to read BURNOUT.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
Undercover NYPD Police Detective Cassie Yates is at the point where she's rethinking her current job path and the news that a hit has been taken out on her is one more item in the con column, but until the person who ordered the hit is arrested, she has to lay low. Getting out of Dodge leads her to a temporary gig as a chef in a small town and the very sexy Chief of Police Mike Flannery.
As hot as he is, Mike has the women falling over themselves to catch his eye, but he has never felt the need to take any of them up on their offers, until Cassie gets to town. The attraction is very obvious and while they both have a reason for not acting on it, they can only hold out for so long before they start burning up the sheets, but with Cassie's huge secret between them and the danger following her, a relationship between them may be doomed even before it starts.
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I first saw the cover and I'm glad I got a chance to. Mike and Cassie are really likable characters, dealing with issues that anyone can relate to (well, except the whole murder for hire thing with Cassie) and I really enjoyed watching them figure out things between them.
The suspense and story as a whole while well-paced were on the slow side, building up to the climax piece by piece, but I enjoyed the way the author injected humorous dialogue and enjoyable secondary characters into it to make it even more engaging. As a reader, I always want more from an author whose work I enjoy, so I'm hoping that we'll get stories for at least three other characters that were introduced in the book.
If you enjoy romantic suspense or love close-knit small town romances, then make sure to read BURNOUT.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
June 9, 2016
I loved this one! It's a great romance with a great suspense element to it. Mike and Cassie were great characters and I enjoyed how their relationship developed slowly throughout the story. The attraction was there but the build up took a bit which was a nice change from all the insta-love I've read lately.
Cassie Yates has been working an undercover assignment for 6 months. Now that the job is done she finds out there is a hit out on her so she falls off the grid and hides out in Hopewell Springs. While there not only does she make some great friends she also gets to work as a cook. A job she's been longing to do. Oh and she also meets the very delectable Mike Flannery. Local chief of police and one heck of a hottie. Mike also use to be a NYPD detective but after having his heart broken he left the city and is happy in his little town. One look at Cassie and he knows she's trouble with a capital T. As time goes on and the attraction flares to life these two are in for a wild ride. That is until the past arrives in town!!
A great read and one I highly recommend.
Cassie Yates has been working an undercover assignment for 6 months. Now that the job is done she finds out there is a hit out on her so she falls off the grid and hides out in Hopewell Springs. While there not only does she make some great friends she also gets to work as a cook. A job she's been longing to do. Oh and she also meets the very delectable Mike Flannery. Local chief of police and one heck of a hottie. Mike also use to be a NYPD detective but after having his heart broken he left the city and is happy in his little town. One look at Cassie and he knows she's trouble with a capital T. As time goes on and the attraction flares to life these two are in for a wild ride. That is until the past arrives in town!!
A great read and one I highly recommend.
February 26, 2023
Things aren't good for Cassie at the start of this one. Her job puts her in danger, to the point where she needs to hide for a bit. The sleepy up state NY town seems perfect and she even manages to find a job, a job she had training for, but never did anything about it. It's also here where she encounters Mike, the town police chief and boy...do sparks fly between them. Unfortunately Cassie is hiding most of who she is and Mike's been burned by someone in the past, which leads to some big issues as Cassie's past comes out and the danger that has been searching for her finds her. In the end things get worked out, but it was iffy on a couple of fronts for a bit. I do like how this one ended, big successes and happiness for Cassie and Mike.
January 17, 2020
Burnout ~ N a GOD Blue & Gold ~ Book 1
Cassie is definitely 'Burnout' after her last undercover job as a NYPD detective. Now there is a hit out on her & while hiding she finds everything she wants.
Cassie is definitely 'Burnout' after her last undercover job as a NYPD detective. Now there is a hit out on her & while hiding she finds everything she wants.
February 3, 2017
3.5 STARS!
Burnout is the first installment in the NYPD Blue & Gold series by Tee O'Fallon; and my first book from this author.
I have to confess I didn't read the blurb. The cover was what made me one-click it. I know, I know but have you seen those abs? Sorry but at the end of the day I'm just a horny girl. LOL.
After 6 months working as an undercover sting in a bar, Cassie was hoping for a smooth arrest–but now there's a hit out on her.
What do you do when you have a hired assassin trying to chop you up in pieces? You run! So armed with a fake ID and her K-9 companion Cassie leaves NY behind. On the run, she finds a quite upstate town where not only she feels safe but also has the chance to trade her badge and gun for a spatula, finally doing what she always wanted to do. Cook.
And is there where she meets sexy-as-sin Police Chief Mike Flannery who from the moment he met her knew she would be trouble. Not only for him but for his beloved town. Mike has been burned before, so there's no way he lets smoking-hot Cassie with her quick wit to burn him again. But that doesn't mean he couldn't has her, right? One night will be enough. Or that's what he thought.
There's no denying the sizzling chemistry between them. But as they explore their feelings for each other, the hired assassin closes in and with him secrets are revealed. Secrets that will have the power to tear them apart.
I love a good romantic suspense and I did enjoy this one. The heroine was not my favorite, though. I considered that some of her actions were childish. I didn't feel her. So that made me rest some brownie points to the story.
Bottom line, Burnout is a well written story with the perfect balance of suspense and romance, add steam to the mix and you get a highly entreating read.
Burnout is the first installment in the NYPD Blue & Gold series by Tee O'Fallon; and my first book from this author.
I have to confess I didn't read the blurb. The cover was what made me one-click it. I know, I know but have you seen those abs? Sorry but at the end of the day I'm just a horny girl. LOL.
After 6 months working as an undercover sting in a bar, Cassie was hoping for a smooth arrest–but now there's a hit out on her.
What do you do when you have a hired assassin trying to chop you up in pieces? You run! So armed with a fake ID and her K-9 companion Cassie leaves NY behind. On the run, she finds a quite upstate town where not only she feels safe but also has the chance to trade her badge and gun for a spatula, finally doing what she always wanted to do. Cook.
And is there where she meets sexy-as-sin Police Chief Mike Flannery who from the moment he met her knew she would be trouble. Not only for him but for his beloved town. Mike has been burned before, so there's no way he lets smoking-hot Cassie with her quick wit to burn him again. But that doesn't mean he couldn't has her, right? One night will be enough. Or that's what he thought.
There's no denying the sizzling chemistry between them. But as they explore their feelings for each other, the hired assassin closes in and with him secrets are revealed. Secrets that will have the power to tear them apart.
I love a good romantic suspense and I did enjoy this one. The heroine was not my favorite, though. I considered that some of her actions were childish. I didn't feel her. So that made me rest some brownie points to the story.
Bottom line, Burnout is a well written story with the perfect balance of suspense and romance, add steam to the mix and you get a highly entreating read.
June 17, 2016
The story itself I won't rehash to much. Cassie Yates has been undercover for a while in a sleazy nightclub. When the operation is done and dusted and cassie decides to take off for a break, it seems a hit gets put on her head. Cassie ends up in the town of Hopewell Springs where she meets the town cop Mike Flannery. Mike was unlucky in love before and was used so he has vowed never to love again, well until he meets Cassie but with secrets in the air and things going wrong in town can he walk away?
You know when they say being able to write a book and do it well on a your debut is a talent? Well this author for me has smashed it because I couldn't put this down. Burnout is Tee O'Fallons debut book it's written in third person which normally puts me off but this has been done effortlessly.
I loved this book it kept me drawn in and I didn't want to put it down. The lead characters were strong and easy to like and the side characters played a good enough part to invest in them and to want to know more. The writing flowed well and I would never have been able to tell this was a first for this author if I hadn't looked her up. There was a few hot scenes in this book that were very well written and not cringeworthy at all and I definitely think this is an author to watch out for as I certainly will be reading more as she writes it. This is definitely one for your tbr.
You know when they say being able to write a book and do it well on a your debut is a talent? Well this author for me has smashed it because I couldn't put this down. Burnout is Tee O'Fallons debut book it's written in third person which normally puts me off but this has been done effortlessly.
I loved this book it kept me drawn in and I didn't want to put it down. The lead characters were strong and easy to like and the side characters played a good enough part to invest in them and to want to know more. The writing flowed well and I would never have been able to tell this was a first for this author if I hadn't looked her up. There was a few hot scenes in this book that were very well written and not cringeworthy at all and I definitely think this is an author to watch out for as I certainly will be reading more as she writes it. This is definitely one for your tbr.
June 14, 2016
This is a great start to a new series. The heroine in this story is Detective Cassie Yates and, after six months working undercover, she’s now trying to stay off the radar to stop the hit man who is after her succeeding in killing her. She’s opted not to go to a safe house, is using an assumed identity and has driving off into the unknown. Well, that was the plan! En route she stopped for food in a small town and ended up getting a job working there as the Chef! She’d always enjoyed preparing and serving delicious food and this is an opportunity she grabbed.
The hero is Police Chief Mike Flannery. He is immediately attracted to this feisty new arrival to Hopewell Springs but also recognises that there’s something she’s hiding. As the temperature outside the kitchen heats up between them, the assassin and other dangers also add to the mix creating a delicious, action packed recipe that is cooked to perfection!
This is an enthralling read packed with surprises, is a well paced suspense and a real page turner. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense with a touch of steam. I will definitely be on the look out for more books in this series!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.
The hero is Police Chief Mike Flannery. He is immediately attracted to this feisty new arrival to Hopewell Springs but also recognises that there’s something she’s hiding. As the temperature outside the kitchen heats up between them, the assassin and other dangers also add to the mix creating a delicious, action packed recipe that is cooked to perfection!
This is an enthralling read packed with surprises, is a well paced suspense and a real page turner. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense with a touch of steam. I will definitely be on the look out for more books in this series!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2022
I like O’Fallon’s books—they are a light romantic read with sexy heroes and decently strong heroines. However in this book Cassie is an undercover police officer who is in hiding. The phrase too stupid to live comes to mind. She is supposedly a highly trained police officer, but forgets to charge her phone and when she feels that she is being watched does she get her gun? No. Leaves it upstairs in a drawer. And of course when her picture appears in the paper does she run and leave? No. She chooses love over common sense. Made the whole story more than unbelievable.
September 26, 2022
The strangest thing happened to me, I was flipping through my mountain of un-read books deciding what should I read next. I discovered Burnout was started but unfinished. What the what?!?! It was at half way mark and I just don’t understand why. Maybe…Cassie is not one of my favorite characters because she flips between being a silly woman to strong woman and back again, that drives me batty. Maybe that’s why I put it down.
I finished it and it wasn’t so bad but I will have to think hard about continuing with this author.
I finished it and it wasn’t so bad but I will have to think hard about continuing with this author.
February 21, 2019
This story will grab every emotion you have. An undercover cop, Cassie, hiding from an assasin, loving her new job as a chef in a restaurant. Mike Flannery, the chief of police is fascinated by this very secretive, beautiful woman, new to his small town. But, underlying danger will keep you on the edge of your seat, destroying their affection and threatening lives. The last few chapters were down right scary! Action packed and sexy too.
July 30, 2017
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
Based on the plot, the book is more of a contemporary romance with suspense elements than a straight romantic suspense. So, we get to see the main characters Cassie & Mike fall in love at their own pace. I like how the suspense part of the story blends in seamlessly and kept simple.
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
Based on the plot, the book is more of a contemporary romance with suspense elements than a straight romantic suspense. So, we get to see the main characters Cassie & Mike fall in love at their own pace. I like how the suspense part of the story blends in seamlessly and kept simple.
Want to read
March 28, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/28/2020)! 🎁
June 13, 2016
The stuff has hit the fan. I repeat, the stuff has hit the fan. That's pretty much all Cassie needed to know before she hit the road to keep herself safe. Cassie, a deep-cover cop, has just finished a six month long undercover assignment as a bartender inside a club featuring underage girls. Yeah, I'm thinking there's not enough brain bleach in the world to remove those memories from her brain, not to mention everything those poor girls had to endure. But her part is over and Cassie is contemplating being done with the cop life as a whole. She can't stop wishing that she'd followed her dream and put her culinary degree to use, instead of following the family tradition. When Cassie learns there's a hit out on her, while she's understandably anxious, she also knows this could be her only chance to go for what she's always wanted.
During the journey with her trusty dog, and former K-9 cop, Raven, Cassie makes a food stop and it seems fate has some changes in store for Cassie and the sexy man that made her brain stop functioning.
Mike, Hopewell Springs' police chief, stops in for coffee on his way out of town for a week's training and finds so much more. Too bad she's only passing through...or is she? When the restaurant's ill-tempered chef creates a scene, leading to his unemployment, Cassie can't just sit there, letting any delays and/or upset customers happen, knowing she can help.
When Mike returns home, he's pleased to see Cassie again, yet unsure what to make of her chilly reception upon seeing him in uniform. What happened to the woman that openly flirted with him and checked him out? While Cassie makes him feel, and want, things he hasn't since being burned years ago, his instincts are also telling him that she's hiding something. These two sides are creating a battle within him.
For Cassie's part, not only does she need to remain in hiding, and is worried about the trouble tracking her down and creating problems for the town, but she's also vowed to never date a cop again.
Can Mike let the pain and mistakes of his past go and take the risk on a true relationship with Cassie? Can Cassie see that Mike isn't like the other men she's dated and give him an honest chance? Who is really after Cassie? What happens when the danger comes lookingfor Cassie? Can Mike help keep her safe? How will Mike feel when he finds out the truth about who Cassie is? Will he understand why she couldn't tell him and forgive her? Or will he chalk it up as history repeating itself? Will he lose her before he can make that decision? Will Mike and Cassie get a HEA?
One-click now to find out. I was hooked upon reading this blurb and it did not disappoint. I love that Cassie is strong enough to take care of herself, yet eventually opens up and let's Mike in. As for Mike, you can see the echoes of his past still haunt him, but he's willing to take a chance on the one woman that reaches into him and sees his heart. I highly recommend you give this book a chance. The premise, characters, mystery, and romance are a great combination. I am so happy to know that this is the start of a new series as I can't wait to read about Cassie's brothers, Gray, Nick, and Jess, and her partner, Dom, as they each fall in love with the one for them. I also can't help but hope that Mike's sister gets a story as well. (Not naming her as I don't want to give anything away.) Also, it seems this is the writer's first novel. *mouth drops in surprise* Well done, Ms. O'Fallon. Well done. Now to patiently, well I'll strive for patience at least (does that count? LOL), wait for the next one. *props chin on fist*
**I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
During the journey with her trusty dog, and former K-9 cop, Raven, Cassie makes a food stop and it seems fate has some changes in store for Cassie and the sexy man that made her brain stop functioning.
Mike, Hopewell Springs' police chief, stops in for coffee on his way out of town for a week's training and finds so much more. Too bad she's only passing through...or is she? When the restaurant's ill-tempered chef creates a scene, leading to his unemployment, Cassie can't just sit there, letting any delays and/or upset customers happen, knowing she can help.
When Mike returns home, he's pleased to see Cassie again, yet unsure what to make of her chilly reception upon seeing him in uniform. What happened to the woman that openly flirted with him and checked him out? While Cassie makes him feel, and want, things he hasn't since being burned years ago, his instincts are also telling him that she's hiding something. These two sides are creating a battle within him.
For Cassie's part, not only does she need to remain in hiding, and is worried about the trouble tracking her down and creating problems for the town, but she's also vowed to never date a cop again.
Can Mike let the pain and mistakes of his past go and take the risk on a true relationship with Cassie? Can Cassie see that Mike isn't like the other men she's dated and give him an honest chance? Who is really after Cassie? What happens when the danger comes lookingfor Cassie? Can Mike help keep her safe? How will Mike feel when he finds out the truth about who Cassie is? Will he understand why she couldn't tell him and forgive her? Or will he chalk it up as history repeating itself? Will he lose her before he can make that decision? Will Mike and Cassie get a HEA?
One-click now to find out. I was hooked upon reading this blurb and it did not disappoint. I love that Cassie is strong enough to take care of herself, yet eventually opens up and let's Mike in. As for Mike, you can see the echoes of his past still haunt him, but he's willing to take a chance on the one woman that reaches into him and sees his heart. I highly recommend you give this book a chance. The premise, characters, mystery, and romance are a great combination. I am so happy to know that this is the start of a new series as I can't wait to read about Cassie's brothers, Gray, Nick, and Jess, and her partner, Dom, as they each fall in love with the one for them. I also can't help but hope that Mike's sister gets a story as well. (Not naming her as I don't want to give anything away.) Also, it seems this is the writer's first novel. *mouth drops in surprise* Well done, Ms. O'Fallon. Well done. Now to patiently, well I'll strive for patience at least (does that count? LOL), wait for the next one. *props chin on fist*
**I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
October 1, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Burnout was fun for so many reasons. First, there was the police work and the mystery to solve. Next, there was the great small town, its people, and the cooking and food! Last but not least, there were serious sexy times.
This great listen had plenty of heartfelt moments with Cassie and Mike both having their own emotional journeys. Cassie is tired of the tense, isolated life of being undercover and now there's a hit out on her. She finds a small town with wonderful people to hide out and use her culinary education as she always wanted.
Mike has trust issues and seriously plans to never get involved with anyone after being burned in an undercover operation in his past. He's a really good cop and has done well in his small town home the past 6 years after leaving the NYPD.
There were a few things which seemed unrealistic as can happen with fiction, but overall it felt authentic. There are both good and bad people and they seem to be starkly one or the other these days. Mostly the main characters showed some shades of gray.
The action was fast paced and there was real danger. I would have enjoyed a bit more of a K9 role. While there was a K9 dog, it played no part beyond what a pet might and even then was very limited.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of this NYPD Blue & Gold series. The next book is about Cassie's brother, Gray, and the third, about her partner Dom. Both are a small part here.
Narration:
I enjoyed this performance as the voices all seemed right to me. The guys even seemed to have a bit of the NY accents although Cassie didn't. I don't think I have heard this narrator before but I liked her. I was comfortable listening at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Burnout was fun for so many reasons. First, there was the police work and the mystery to solve. Next, there was the great small town, its people, and the cooking and food! Last but not least, there were serious sexy times.
This great listen had plenty of heartfelt moments with Cassie and Mike both having their own emotional journeys. Cassie is tired of the tense, isolated life of being undercover and now there's a hit out on her. She finds a small town with wonderful people to hide out and use her culinary education as she always wanted.
Mike has trust issues and seriously plans to never get involved with anyone after being burned in an undercover operation in his past. He's a really good cop and has done well in his small town home the past 6 years after leaving the NYPD.
There were a few things which seemed unrealistic as can happen with fiction, but overall it felt authentic. There are both good and bad people and they seem to be starkly one or the other these days. Mostly the main characters showed some shades of gray.
The action was fast paced and there was real danger. I would have enjoyed a bit more of a K9 role. While there was a K9 dog, it played no part beyond what a pet might and even then was very limited.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of this NYPD Blue & Gold series. The next book is about Cassie's brother, Gray, and the third, about her partner Dom. Both are a small part here.
Narration:
I enjoyed this performance as the voices all seemed right to me. The guys even seemed to have a bit of the NY accents although Cassie didn't. I don't think I have heard this narrator before but I liked her. I was comfortable listening at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
August 13, 2021
This book was utterly predictable. From the very beginning I could guess where this was headed, and — mind you — I’m usually not that good at that. Then there was Cassie, the main character, whose sense of humour, if you can even call it that, was ridiculous in an immature sense. She was supposed to be a badass cop, described as "highly trained". And still, she repeatedly made avoidable, stupid mistakes that nearly got her and others killed. And when she finally got her act together, it fell flat in my opinion. Then there was Mike, the love interest. He was nice enough, I guess. Though the constant need to describe how ripped and good-looking he was really grated on me. Oh, and let’s not forget about the stupid reason for the two of them breaking up for a while. At least when Mike got his head out of his ass in the end, he acknowledged how dense he’d been. All in all, I found this book tolerable. It was entertaining in a way where you’re so annoyed at the characters because of their stupid and sometimes unrealistic behaviours, and I can honestly say that I was elated when I was through with it. The only reason this isn’t a one star read for me is that the writing is good and the plot, while somewhat far-fetched, has clearly been planned out and thought through. Still, I would not consider this a romantic suspense. This is a novel with a ten per cent mystery subplot at best. Highly misleading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2016
Ahhh, another favorite book that I just couldn't get enough of!! I absolutely adored Cassie and Mike's story, simply amazing. Cops are my ALL time favorite and this one might just hit my top 5 cop book ever!! I was on the edge the whole time wondering what would happen next.
Cassie is such a strong willed detective but she realizes she hasn't been happy for a while, even though she loves the cop job. But now might be her big break into her real dreams... If there ever were a perfect time for an escape this is it. Maybe she didn't have a choice and her life was in danger, but it came at the right time.
Mike's world changed years ago, but I'm might just start changing again. Will his past happen all over again? Or is this woman really the one person in the world to CRaCK Mike back into the man he really is? you'll have to read to find out. I promise you'll love every minute of it.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys a suspense filled with loving and caring characters.
Copy received for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
Cassie is such a strong willed detective but she realizes she hasn't been happy for a while, even though she loves the cop job. But now might be her big break into her real dreams... If there ever were a perfect time for an escape this is it. Maybe she didn't have a choice and her life was in danger, but it came at the right time.
Mike's world changed years ago, but I'm might just start changing again. Will his past happen all over again? Or is this woman really the one person in the world to CRaCK Mike back into the man he really is? you'll have to read to find out. I promise you'll love every minute of it.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys a suspense filled with loving and caring characters.
Copy received for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
May 4, 2016
What does it take to cause a cop to burnout? Well Cassie finds out the hard way that she needs to make a change in careers soon or she might not live to see another day. Where as when Mike's burnout happens he chooses to change locations instead. Both have secrets that are better kept under wraps, but secrets have a way of coming out at the worst times. If you like detective stories or cop stories then Burnout will be a new favorite.
April 30, 2016
I like when men will do anything for their women, "when she stood on her tiptoes again and touched her lips to his, Mike knew he would forgive her anything." When asleep Cassie can't be held accountable for her actions, "he slid his arm around her shoulder and pressed her head to his chest. She sighed in her sleep and rested her hand on his crotch." I liked this book, I really loved Mike.
May 12, 2022
This was awful. Seriously this guy was a dick to her through different parts of the book but it always gets turned around to be her fault, but he won’t listen while she tries to explain and apologize. THEN he reacts to something in a way that is undeniably wrong and she forgives him two seconds after he apologizes. Oh fuck off!
October 13, 2021
When people write books, do they write about things they know? In this book, the leading female character, Cassie Yates, is an undercover detective from New York City…and…she doesn’t act like one. She endangers an entire town by refusing to shelter in a safe house when a hit has been placed on her. Of course, if she had done the right thing, we wouldn’t have a book, at least not this one.
She also seems to have conveniently forgotten that she is a cop except during times when it moves the plot along. She has spent 10 years as a NYC cop but doesn’t use those skills often, particularly the logic that a detective would demonstrate. She goes against policy and she goes against people who have her best interest at heart. At times, it makes her an unsympathetic character and never more so than when she plays a nasty trick with a bowl of chili. It wasn’t funny; it was mean. The person who would have suffered didn’t deserve such shoddy treatment at the hands of the main female character.
The identity of the man trying to kill Cassie is not named until the end of the book and while we were kept in suspense concerning his identity, any astute reader will know that Cassie had seen the killer early on since it is brought to our attention at the beginning of the book. The same astute reader will also figure out who it isn’t…there’s a red herring here for us to chew on and it’s an obvious one. The police hem and haw about something being off, but do not pursue this line of logic. How come?
There is one head-scratching instance that pulled me out of the book. Chuck, a chef at the restaurant where Cassie works, at one point leaves to be with his father who “fell and broke his hip last night.” Later in the book we are told that it “turned out his father wasn’t as badly hurt as originally thought.” Mmmm. Breaking a hip is serious…it stuck out as a “really?” moment.
Cassie’s character is inconsistent. Is she really unable to change her own tire? An independent woman, a cop with 10 years experience on the NYC force, and an exemplary one at that? The tire-changing scene is a second meet-cute but makes her seem like a wuss. It’s cringe-worthy. And again, that chili scene in the restaurant is unkind in the extreme, unworthy behavior from a leading lady. And she seems to need a lot of help, poor little woman, from police chief Mike Flannery, from her brother (also a NYC cop), and from her partner at her precinct. It feels as if we are told how good a detective she is, yet we are not often allowed to see this in action.
For all this, Burnout is not a bad book. It is written well. The obvious manipulations of plot and characters bring the book down to 3.5-stars, rounded up to a 4-star rating. I enjoyed the secondary characters a little better than the main characters. I liked the kitchen staff a lot, and the police chief’s staff as well. I got a little tired of Cassie and Mike’s dancing around, on-again, off-again. It may have been meant to be a simmering titillation, but mostly it felt unsatisfying. I am not a fan of “instalove,” and I did like that the love interests kept a nice, slow pace culminating in a decidedly hot denouement...although the final "off-again" they experienced towards the end of the book made both of them, particularly Mike, seem thoughtless and uncaring.
This was the first book I’ve read by Ms. O’Fallon, and I look forward to reading more of them. I do like the way she writes and her books have wonderfully few typographical errors so that I can remain in the midst of an interesting story without having to puzzle through the writer’s intent: well done…!
She also seems to have conveniently forgotten that she is a cop except during times when it moves the plot along. She has spent 10 years as a NYC cop but doesn’t use those skills often, particularly the logic that a detective would demonstrate. She goes against policy and she goes against people who have her best interest at heart. At times, it makes her an unsympathetic character and never more so than when she plays a nasty trick with a bowl of chili. It wasn’t funny; it was mean. The person who would have suffered didn’t deserve such shoddy treatment at the hands of the main female character.
The identity of the man trying to kill Cassie is not named until the end of the book and while we were kept in suspense concerning his identity, any astute reader will know that Cassie had seen the killer early on since it is brought to our attention at the beginning of the book. The same astute reader will also figure out who it isn’t…there’s a red herring here for us to chew on and it’s an obvious one. The police hem and haw about something being off, but do not pursue this line of logic. How come?
There is one head-scratching instance that pulled me out of the book. Chuck, a chef at the restaurant where Cassie works, at one point leaves to be with his father who “fell and broke his hip last night.” Later in the book we are told that it “turned out his father wasn’t as badly hurt as originally thought.” Mmmm. Breaking a hip is serious…it stuck out as a “really?” moment.
Cassie’s character is inconsistent. Is she really unable to change her own tire? An independent woman, a cop with 10 years experience on the NYC force, and an exemplary one at that? The tire-changing scene is a second meet-cute but makes her seem like a wuss. It’s cringe-worthy. And again, that chili scene in the restaurant is unkind in the extreme, unworthy behavior from a leading lady. And she seems to need a lot of help, poor little woman, from police chief Mike Flannery, from her brother (also a NYC cop), and from her partner at her precinct. It feels as if we are told how good a detective she is, yet we are not often allowed to see this in action.
For all this, Burnout is not a bad book. It is written well. The obvious manipulations of plot and characters bring the book down to 3.5-stars, rounded up to a 4-star rating. I enjoyed the secondary characters a little better than the main characters. I liked the kitchen staff a lot, and the police chief’s staff as well. I got a little tired of Cassie and Mike’s dancing around, on-again, off-again. It may have been meant to be a simmering titillation, but mostly it felt unsatisfying. I am not a fan of “instalove,” and I did like that the love interests kept a nice, slow pace culminating in a decidedly hot denouement...although the final "off-again" they experienced towards the end of the book made both of them, particularly Mike, seem thoughtless and uncaring.
This was the first book I’ve read by Ms. O’Fallon, and I look forward to reading more of them. I do like the way she writes and her books have wonderfully few typographical errors so that I can remain in the midst of an interesting story without having to puzzle through the writer’s intent: well done…!
June 22, 2022
We meet Cassie, an undercover cop who's on the run from someone at her last undercover job. Her true passion is cooking, and with a culinary degree, her real passion is to cook at a restaurant. She finds out that someone put a hit out on her, so she goes on the run and escapes to the small town of Hopewell Springs and finds what she's been searching for... home. The job she's always wanted as a cook also falls in her lap, so how can she pass up that opportunity? She meets Mike, who she quickly discovers not only has good looks and can keep up her playful banter with her, but he's also the town's cop. She said she'd never date another cop, but will she break her own rule?
Mike is the chief of police in Hopewell Springs. He had a successful career in New York, but an accident from his past had him seeking out a different town to live in. Mike promised himself he would never get into a serious relationship again after his past ex had burned him, something that he still hasn't gotten over. But when he meets Cassie, there is something about her that captures his attention and an attraction that he can't ignore. She makes it clear that she's just passing through... but he can tell that she's hiding more than what she's saying.
The suspense in this book was great, it had me turning the pages as quickly as I could. I liked that Cassie's character was strong and independent, but I also thought at some points in the book she was very childish, rude and bitchy towards Mike for no reason. I liked Mike too, he was a strong, alpha male hero, who truly cared about the people in his town. I think the thing that made me dislike him though, was that he kept lumping Cassie together with his ex when she told him who she was and that she was an undercover cop. As a cop, he should have totally understood that she couldn't tell anyone who she really was, even him and it really left a sour taste in my mouth that he blamed her for everything and didn't even tell her his true reasoning why he couldn't be with her or trust her, it took her brother and partner to put together the pieces. I think he just acted really childish and they were both stubborn people. I'm glad they had a HEA but I wish that the characters would have grown up a little bit more as individuals.
Mike is the chief of police in Hopewell Springs. He had a successful career in New York, but an accident from his past had him seeking out a different town to live in. Mike promised himself he would never get into a serious relationship again after his past ex had burned him, something that he still hasn't gotten over. But when he meets Cassie, there is something about her that captures his attention and an attraction that he can't ignore. She makes it clear that she's just passing through... but he can tell that she's hiding more than what she's saying.
The suspense in this book was great, it had me turning the pages as quickly as I could. I liked that Cassie's character was strong and independent, but I also thought at some points in the book she was very childish, rude and bitchy towards Mike for no reason. I liked Mike too, he was a strong, alpha male hero, who truly cared about the people in his town. I think the thing that made me dislike him though, was that he kept lumping Cassie together with his ex when she told him who she was and that she was an undercover cop. As a cop, he should have totally understood that she couldn't tell anyone who she really was, even him and it really left a sour taste in my mouth that he blamed her for everything and didn't even tell her his true reasoning why he couldn't be with her or trust her, it took her brother and partner to put together the pieces. I think he just acted really childish and they were both stubborn people. I'm glad they had a HEA but I wish that the characters would have grown up a little bit more as individuals.
August 6, 2023
This is a book I selected for the monthly reading challenge I've been doing with the prompt recommended by an author. Technically, this recommendation comes as a free download from Pamela Clare, making it also a recommendation from her, and boy, I am glad I pushed through with this book. This is my first book from the author, and I had fun reading it because aside from the romance, there was the food aspect that I really found engaging. The heroine, Cassie concluded another harrowing undercover work involving underage sex work and had never felt so burnout. When a hit against her forced her to leave town and go undercover again, she found herself given the opportunity to pursue her lifelong passion, the culinary arts, in a small town called Hopewell Springs. It was also where she met Mike when she eventually found out he was the police chief of the town (and the last thing she wanted was to date a cop). Their attraction to each other was inevitably uncontrollable, but we can also say the same thing with the hit placed on her.
The premise may be your usual romantic suspense trope, but how the story unraveled each chapter was anything but typical. I liked how their meet-cute came about, how the heroine ended up growing an initial dislike to our hero after finding out, he was a fellow cop, how she attempted to express that dislike (aka what I call subconscious jealousy) and let us not forget the plot twist and the suspense aspect of the story. I must admit those were nail-biting moments, making me think that this author sure doesn't mind leaving a body count in her wake. But things turned out well, and my battered heart had never felt relieved. And I decided to read the second one because I could not get over the action, drama, and small-town setting (oh, I must not forget the budding bromance among the series heroes). Here's me wishing to see more of the couple to find out what else has been happening with them.
The premise may be your usual romantic suspense trope, but how the story unraveled each chapter was anything but typical. I liked how their meet-cute came about, how the heroine ended up growing an initial dislike to our hero after finding out, he was a fellow cop, how she attempted to express that dislike (aka what I call subconscious jealousy) and let us not forget the plot twist and the suspense aspect of the story. I must admit those were nail-biting moments, making me think that this author sure doesn't mind leaving a body count in her wake. But things turned out well, and my battered heart had never felt relieved. And I decided to read the second one because I could not get over the action, drama, and small-town setting (oh, I must not forget the budding bromance among the series heroes). Here's me wishing to see more of the couple to find out what else has been happening with them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews