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The Second Man
Jill Farrell’s college reunion is coming up, but she wants no part of it. The man she once loved, Swedish exchange student Max Kallstrom, is rumored to be attending, but that doesn’t tempt her as Max disappeared from her life the night before the graduation, and has never been heard from since.
When her ex-husband, Andrew Denton, knocks on her door and announces he wants to make nice, and, “oh, by the way, one of their class alumni might be a murderer”, Jill’s resolve to avoid the event hardens.
Jill shuts Andrew’s efforts to reconnect down, and tries to put Max out of her mind.
And that’s that, until a second man knocks on her door, and the emotions of a time long ago overtakes her. Max Kallstrom tells Jill she’s the reason he has come to California. He asks her to please let him explain why she hasn’t heard from him for fifteen long years.
She’s willing to listen to what he has to say, but immediately realizes that her memories must guide her through a wrenching and dangerous few days. While her heart remembers a handsome young lover, she and her classmates are all different people now, and the reality of a murdered friend proves she can’t trust everyone.
What’s not so clear is if she should trust anyone . . . especially Max Kallstrom.
When her ex-husband, Andrew Denton, knocks on her door and announces he wants to make nice, and, “oh, by the way, one of their class alumni might be a murderer”, Jill’s resolve to avoid the event hardens.
Jill shuts Andrew’s efforts to reconnect down, and tries to put Max out of her mind.
And that’s that, until a second man knocks on her door, and the emotions of a time long ago overtakes her. Max Kallstrom tells Jill she’s the reason he has come to California. He asks her to please let him explain why she hasn’t heard from him for fifteen long years.
She’s willing to listen to what he has to say, but immediately realizes that her memories must guide her through a wrenching and dangerous few days. While her heart remembers a handsome young lover, she and her classmates are all different people now, and the reality of a murdered friend proves she can’t trust everyone.
What’s not so clear is if she should trust anyone . . . especially Max Kallstrom.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2016
74 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Emelle Gamble
18 books269 followersEmelle Gamble was a writer at an early age, bursting with the requisite childhood stories of introspection which evolved into bad teen poetry and attempts at 'real literature' all copies of which she has since, very sensibly, shredded. She took her first stab at romantic fiction in an adult education writing class when her kids were in bed, taught by fellow writer Carolyn Haines, in Mobile, Alabama. As M.L. Gamble, she published several romantic suspense novels with Harlequin. She is now contracted with Soul Mate Publishing for Secret Sister, summer of 2013, and Dating Cary Grant, an early 2014 release.
Always intrigued by the words ‘what if’, Emelle’s books feature an ordinary woman confronted with an extraordinary situation. She most enjoys reading stories that surprise and amaze her, and hopes her readers will enjoy the challenging and exciting journeys her characters take.
Emelle lives in suburban Washington D.C. with her husband, Phil, her hero of thirty years, and two orange cats, Lucy and Bella. Her daughter, Olivia, and son, Allen, are happily launched on their own and contributing great things to society, which has always been their mother’s fondest wish.
http://emellegamble.com/welcome/index...
Always intrigued by the words ‘what if’, Emelle’s books feature an ordinary woman confronted with an extraordinary situation. She most enjoys reading stories that surprise and amaze her, and hopes her readers will enjoy the challenging and exciting journeys her characters take.
Emelle lives in suburban Washington D.C. with her husband, Phil, her hero of thirty years, and two orange cats, Lucy and Bella. Her daughter, Olivia, and son, Allen, are happily launched on their own and contributing great things to society, which has always been their mother’s fondest wish.
http://emellegamble.com/welcome/index...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 27, 2016
The Second Man by Emelle Gamble is a 2016 Soul Mate publication.
This is the way romantic suspense should be written!
The Second Man starts off with a bang… literally! From there the suspense and edginess increases, making it next to impossible to relax, much less breathe.
Jill Farrell’s college class reunion is coming up, but she has no desire to attend, even after rumors begin to swirl that her old college sweetheart, Max, is planning on making an appearance. Her resolve only deepens when her ex-husband, Andrew, shows up out of the blue weaving outlandish tales about one of their old college alumni being a murderer.
But, when she finds herself face to face with Max again, and he offers her a reasonable explanation for why he pulled a disappearing act all those years ago, Jill begins to have second thoughts about the reunion... and Max.
Jill and Max had fallen head over heels in love back in college, but an accident left Max with severe memory loss. Now Jill is working to help Max recover some of his lost memories. But, in the meantime, Jill learns one of their old classmates has been murdered, and Andrew had fingered Max as suspect number one.
Who should Jill believe? Who can she trust? Could there be a murderer amongst them?
Romantic suspense is one of my very favorite genres, but I’ve been neglecting it of late. Suddenly, I realized I had a strong craving for a good, old fashioned novel of suspense and I must say, I could not have chosen a better book to satisfy that craving than this one!
Not only is this a traditional romantic suspense novel, the type I prefer over all others, but it could very easily fall into the psychological thriller category, as well.
The author uses the approach so often employed these days in modern psychological suspense novels, which keeps the reader totally in the dark, ratcheting up the suspense until I was literally on the edge of my seat, totally engaged in the plot, wringing my hands with concern for Jill, who could be in grave danger, if she decides to trust the wrong person!!
This is romantic suspense the way I like it. The suspense is well balanced with the romantic elements, the pacing is quick, the atmosphere is edgy, the dialogue is realistic, and the twists are well placed within a unique plot.
I think any fan of romantic suspense will enjoy this book! Highly recommend!
4.5 stars
This is the way romantic suspense should be written!
The Second Man starts off with a bang… literally! From there the suspense and edginess increases, making it next to impossible to relax, much less breathe.
Jill Farrell’s college class reunion is coming up, but she has no desire to attend, even after rumors begin to swirl that her old college sweetheart, Max, is planning on making an appearance. Her resolve only deepens when her ex-husband, Andrew, shows up out of the blue weaving outlandish tales about one of their old college alumni being a murderer.
But, when she finds herself face to face with Max again, and he offers her a reasonable explanation for why he pulled a disappearing act all those years ago, Jill begins to have second thoughts about the reunion... and Max.
Jill and Max had fallen head over heels in love back in college, but an accident left Max with severe memory loss. Now Jill is working to help Max recover some of his lost memories. But, in the meantime, Jill learns one of their old classmates has been murdered, and Andrew had fingered Max as suspect number one.
Who should Jill believe? Who can she trust? Could there be a murderer amongst them?
Romantic suspense is one of my very favorite genres, but I’ve been neglecting it of late. Suddenly, I realized I had a strong craving for a good, old fashioned novel of suspense and I must say, I could not have chosen a better book to satisfy that craving than this one!
Not only is this a traditional romantic suspense novel, the type I prefer over all others, but it could very easily fall into the psychological thriller category, as well.
The author uses the approach so often employed these days in modern psychological suspense novels, which keeps the reader totally in the dark, ratcheting up the suspense until I was literally on the edge of my seat, totally engaged in the plot, wringing my hands with concern for Jill, who could be in grave danger, if she decides to trust the wrong person!!
This is romantic suspense the way I like it. The suspense is well balanced with the romantic elements, the pacing is quick, the atmosphere is edgy, the dialogue is realistic, and the twists are well placed within a unique plot.
I think any fan of romantic suspense will enjoy this book! Highly recommend!
4.5 stars
October 24, 2016
The deadly mystery of The Second Man by Emelle Gamble begins in the opening pages. I love when the author puts their hooks in me right out of the gate. I have read a couple other books by Emelle Gamble and I think each book I read keeps getting better and better.
Jill’s school reunion is coming up and her bestie, Carly, is coming home from Europe with her husband and child. There will be two more men who will arrive and create all kinds of havoc for her, a triangle…of sorts.
I have an inkling of what’s coming, but Emelle Gamble does a great job of twisting and turning things, keeping me guessing. One minute I think it’s too obvious for this guy, then I’m sure it’s him. I never really thought it was the other guy, but who then?
All the time I’m reading, the suspense builds…slowly. I know something will be happening, yet I have more to learn about the characters and their motivations before I will find out.
I like that Jill didn’t immediately climb into bed with her old love, even though she wanted to jump his bones. She gives her ex the benefit of the doubt when he comes knocking on her door, even though she wants nothing more to do with him.
I am often accused of being cynical, but I think I am a realist. Why throw your trust out there willy nilly, especially after having been burned. What’s wrong with waiting for someone to prove their trustworthiness?
I can relate to her decision making process – slow and methodical. I mull it over and anticipate all the options, just like she does.
The characters are more complex than I anticipated and it kept me guessing what their actions would be. I love when I start out thinking people and events are so predictable and the author jerks me around, hopping from suspect to suspect, unable to be sure who the guilty party is until the end. Her writing misdirected me and when I found out, it was so obvious, all I could think was, good job Emelle.
I look at the very pretty cover and think this will be more of a cozy, but as I read along, I had to change my mind. The villain will bump off anyone that gets in his way or may discover his secret.
If you are looking for a great mystery that’s heavier than a cozy, yet doesn’t have blood and guts flying off every page, The Second man by Emelle Gamble is for you.
I received an advanced reading copy of The Second Man from Emelle Gamble.
To see more visit fundinmental
Jill’s school reunion is coming up and her bestie, Carly, is coming home from Europe with her husband and child. There will be two more men who will arrive and create all kinds of havoc for her, a triangle…of sorts.
I have an inkling of what’s coming, but Emelle Gamble does a great job of twisting and turning things, keeping me guessing. One minute I think it’s too obvious for this guy, then I’m sure it’s him. I never really thought it was the other guy, but who then?
All the time I’m reading, the suspense builds…slowly. I know something will be happening, yet I have more to learn about the characters and their motivations before I will find out.
I like that Jill didn’t immediately climb into bed with her old love, even though she wanted to jump his bones. She gives her ex the benefit of the doubt when he comes knocking on her door, even though she wants nothing more to do with him.
I am often accused of being cynical, but I think I am a realist. Why throw your trust out there willy nilly, especially after having been burned. What’s wrong with waiting for someone to prove their trustworthiness?
I can relate to her decision making process – slow and methodical. I mull it over and anticipate all the options, just like she does.
The characters are more complex than I anticipated and it kept me guessing what their actions would be. I love when I start out thinking people and events are so predictable and the author jerks me around, hopping from suspect to suspect, unable to be sure who the guilty party is until the end. Her writing misdirected me and when I found out, it was so obvious, all I could think was, good job Emelle.
I look at the very pretty cover and think this will be more of a cozy, but as I read along, I had to change my mind. The villain will bump off anyone that gets in his way or may discover his secret.
If you are looking for a great mystery that’s heavier than a cozy, yet doesn’t have blood and guts flying off every page, The Second man by Emelle Gamble is for you.
I received an advanced reading copy of The Second Man from Emelle Gamble.
To see more visit fundinmental
June 16, 2017
As much as Jill Farrell wants to avoid her upcoming college reunion, Jill’s best friend Carly announces she is flying in from Europe so they can attend together. Carly heard Jill’s lost love, Max Kallstrom, will be attending too. Max disappeared without a trace 15-years ago, breaking Jill’s heart, why would he return now?
To make matters worse, Jill’s ex-husband, Andrew Denton, wants to put their hostile past behind them and reconnect. Oh, and has Jill heard one of their alumni have been murdered and Jill’s ex-boyfriend Max is a prime suspect.
Jill is shocked to find Max on her doorstep wanting to explain what happened 15-years ago. It does not take long for Jill to fall into his orbit and reconnect physically and emotionally. But Max’s behavior at times is odd and unsettling, he is hiding something. Jill is not sure she can fully trust the man who claims to have returned just to see her, nor does she want her heart broken again when he returns to Paris.
I found pieces of this book to be unrealistic. Everyone was in love with Jill, everyone wanted to be Jill and her friend Carly, everyone grew up to be successful banker and financiers throughout Europe. Although I rolled my eyes at these references I still enjoyed the story itself. At first I thought it was predictable and wondered how the mystery be so obvious; but I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was wrong. In the last third of the book I kept changing my mind as to who murderer was. Once finished I clued into the subtle breadcrumbs throughout the story.
I received this book free from ebook discovery and voluntarily reviewed it. This is my honest opinion.
To make matters worse, Jill’s ex-husband, Andrew Denton, wants to put their hostile past behind them and reconnect. Oh, and has Jill heard one of their alumni have been murdered and Jill’s ex-boyfriend Max is a prime suspect.
Jill is shocked to find Max on her doorstep wanting to explain what happened 15-years ago. It does not take long for Jill to fall into his orbit and reconnect physically and emotionally. But Max’s behavior at times is odd and unsettling, he is hiding something. Jill is not sure she can fully trust the man who claims to have returned just to see her, nor does she want her heart broken again when he returns to Paris.
I found pieces of this book to be unrealistic. Everyone was in love with Jill, everyone wanted to be Jill and her friend Carly, everyone grew up to be successful banker and financiers throughout Europe. Although I rolled my eyes at these references I still enjoyed the story itself. At first I thought it was predictable and wondered how the mystery be so obvious; but I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was wrong. In the last third of the book I kept changing my mind as to who murderer was. Once finished I clued into the subtle breadcrumbs throughout the story.
I received this book free from ebook discovery and voluntarily reviewed it. This is my honest opinion.
June 22, 2017
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Okay, let me just say that holy cow this book had me guessing who the killer was until the very end. I liked that it wasn't obvious and kept me changing my mind throughout the book. Jill was great and despite having gone through what she did, she still was kind of hopeful about life. Max was written in such a way that even though what happened between him and Jill in the past was rough, I still hoped for them to rekindle their love. The reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because I had a hard time at the beginning of the book because it was a bit confusing trying to keep up with who the killer was versus who we started meeting. I almost stopped reading this book, but I'm glad that I didn't. I definitely recommend reading this book.
Okay, let me just say that holy cow this book had me guessing who the killer was until the very end. I liked that it wasn't obvious and kept me changing my mind throughout the book. Jill was great and despite having gone through what she did, she still was kind of hopeful about life. Max was written in such a way that even though what happened between him and Jill in the past was rough, I still hoped for them to rekindle their love. The reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because I had a hard time at the beginning of the book because it was a bit confusing trying to keep up with who the killer was versus who we started meeting. I almost stopped reading this book, but I'm glad that I didn't. I definitely recommend reading this book.
June 22, 2017
"I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my honest review."
This book had all the elements of a very suspenseful read. I enjoyed it very much. It was very well written and really kept me guessing until the very end. You will not believe the story twists.....Just when you think you know how it will end, the plot thickens!
If you enjoy a mystery filled with romance, suspense, murder and intrigue then this novel is for you.
This book had all the elements of a very suspenseful read. I enjoyed it very much. It was very well written and really kept me guessing until the very end. You will not believe the story twists.....Just when you think you know how it will end, the plot thickens!
If you enjoy a mystery filled with romance, suspense, murder and intrigue then this novel is for you.
June 20, 2017
This is a suspenseful and gripping thriller that's hard to put down. The storyline has you constantly trying to guess who did what and who is who. Throw in some intriguing twists and a whole lot of mystery and yiu get this amazing story. Max is captivating, Andrew is creepy, Hamilton is obnoxious, Jill is overwhelmed and confused, Carly is lost and angry and Marissa is a bimbo. I loved this book, it's so intense and dramatic and suspenseful. This is a must add to your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from eBook Discovery. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from eBook Discovery. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it.
September 18, 2017
A roller coaster of emotions in this mystery tale. Jill don't want to assist to her college reunion but her friend Carly insist and suddenly it's like fifteen years ago, when Max, his Sweden boyfriend disappeared from her life letting her shattered and struggling with her life. She is involved in a murder investigation that threatens her and the Ines around her, including her mother, an Alzheimer's patient. You can't put down the book until you finish it
September 29, 2016
Emelle Gamble writes great romantic suspense. Her mysteries unravel quickly, with each new scene building, no clue or character too small. This holds true for The Second Man.
Gamble adeptly juggles many elements for a truly thrilling tale with an ending you won't see coming.
The central character Jill is thrust in the middle of a murder investigation that starts in Paris with the murder of a fellow graduate of the same college and plays out in the States during the week leading up to and during her 15 year college reunion.
Throw in the sudden reappearance of Jill's two exes: Max, her first love and college sweetheart who she hasn't seen in 15 years, since his family refused to let her near him after a potentially life-threatening car wreck just before graduation; and Andrew, the ex-husband who tried to shoot her whole high and ended up shot instead.
Both indicate a desire to renew their affiliation with Jill. Max tells her he can't remember her or the year he spent in the U.S. in college because of amnesia from the wreck 15 years ago. But he wants to so he comes to her first to try to remember. Andrew says he's sorry but has straightened out his life; he says his prison sentence for trying to kill her was wiped out and he's an investigator. He asks for her help watching for anything unusual among their classmates at the reunion so he can try to solve the murder of Ben; he was a few years ahead of them at college but is the brother of the head reunion committee organizer.
Then there's her mom, Dorothy, whose Alzheimer's has progressed to the point Jill is no longer able to take care of her at home, even with help of home health nurses. So, she is coping with that too.
Jill calls her BFF Carly's dad, Dave, to see if Andrew is on the up and up or on a drug trip. Dave's a retired police detective and former cop partner of Jill's late dad. He checks in with old sources to see if Andrew's working with the feds.
Things get tangled from there and Dave tries to help Jill sort it out and keep her safe. His contacts and years detective skills prove invaluable god Jill, but only lead to more questions. If seems Max and Andrew have a lot of secrets about their past that make knowing who to trust quite the chore.
There are strange men asking questions about classmates including Max, Andrew and another classmate. A Red-headed allegedly wanted by Interpol keeps popping up.
BFF Carly shows up with baby, nanny and hubby Hamilton, ready for the reunion and time with Jill and dad Dave. She and Ham are having marital issues, yo add to the reunion drama.
It's a wild ride that keeps you guessing who did it and who to believe. Bravo to Gamble on such a well crafted thriller. This would make a great movie!
*** I received this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review of this work***
Gamble adeptly juggles many elements for a truly thrilling tale with an ending you won't see coming.
The central character Jill is thrust in the middle of a murder investigation that starts in Paris with the murder of a fellow graduate of the same college and plays out in the States during the week leading up to and during her 15 year college reunion.
Throw in the sudden reappearance of Jill's two exes: Max, her first love and college sweetheart who she hasn't seen in 15 years, since his family refused to let her near him after a potentially life-threatening car wreck just before graduation; and Andrew, the ex-husband who tried to shoot her whole high and ended up shot instead.
Both indicate a desire to renew their affiliation with Jill. Max tells her he can't remember her or the year he spent in the U.S. in college because of amnesia from the wreck 15 years ago. But he wants to so he comes to her first to try to remember. Andrew says he's sorry but has straightened out his life; he says his prison sentence for trying to kill her was wiped out and he's an investigator. He asks for her help watching for anything unusual among their classmates at the reunion so he can try to solve the murder of Ben; he was a few years ahead of them at college but is the brother of the head reunion committee organizer.
Then there's her mom, Dorothy, whose Alzheimer's has progressed to the point Jill is no longer able to take care of her at home, even with help of home health nurses. So, she is coping with that too.
Jill calls her BFF Carly's dad, Dave, to see if Andrew is on the up and up or on a drug trip. Dave's a retired police detective and former cop partner of Jill's late dad. He checks in with old sources to see if Andrew's working with the feds.
Things get tangled from there and Dave tries to help Jill sort it out and keep her safe. His contacts and years detective skills prove invaluable god Jill, but only lead to more questions. If seems Max and Andrew have a lot of secrets about their past that make knowing who to trust quite the chore.
There are strange men asking questions about classmates including Max, Andrew and another classmate. A Red-headed allegedly wanted by Interpol keeps popping up.
BFF Carly shows up with baby, nanny and hubby Hamilton, ready for the reunion and time with Jill and dad Dave. She and Ham are having marital issues, yo add to the reunion drama.
It's a wild ride that keeps you guessing who did it and who to believe. Bravo to Gamble on such a well crafted thriller. This would make a great movie!
*** I received this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review of this work***
October 4, 2016
I received an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a new author for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This book is in the suspense genre and is about college classmates who meet for their 15 year reunion.
The main character, Jill does not intend to attend the reunion until she learns that her old college boyfriend, Max, is coming. He had been in an accident and left college to recuperate. Jill never heard from him again even though she had tried to contact him.
This book is very interesting because the reader is never sure what is going on. We know that the older brother of one of their friends had just been murdered in Paris. There is, also, another murder of a classmate but no one can figure out why.
During the reunion, Jill is apprehensive of her ex-boyfriend, ex-husband as well as the husband of her best friend because they all seem to act suspiciously to her. She refuses to trust anyone anymore..
Also; there is an interesting secondary plot about Jill’s mother who has Alzheimer’s. On Good Friday, Jill has to place her mother in a special home because it is too difficult for Jill to take care of her and to make sure she doesn’t wander off.
This book took me on a wild ride because I could not figure out who committed the murder. The author did a wonderful job of incriminating everyone at different places in the book. Before I finished the book, I had guessed that almost every main character was the murderer.
I recommend this book especially to readers who like the mystery and suspense genres. This is an enjoyable read that will keep the reader guessing until the end of the book.
This is a new author for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This book is in the suspense genre and is about college classmates who meet for their 15 year reunion.
The main character, Jill does not intend to attend the reunion until she learns that her old college boyfriend, Max, is coming. He had been in an accident and left college to recuperate. Jill never heard from him again even though she had tried to contact him.
This book is very interesting because the reader is never sure what is going on. We know that the older brother of one of their friends had just been murdered in Paris. There is, also, another murder of a classmate but no one can figure out why.
During the reunion, Jill is apprehensive of her ex-boyfriend, ex-husband as well as the husband of her best friend because they all seem to act suspiciously to her. She refuses to trust anyone anymore..
Also; there is an interesting secondary plot about Jill’s mother who has Alzheimer’s. On Good Friday, Jill has to place her mother in a special home because it is too difficult for Jill to take care of her and to make sure she doesn’t wander off.
This book took me on a wild ride because I could not figure out who committed the murder. The author did a wonderful job of incriminating everyone at different places in the book. Before I finished the book, I had guessed that almost every main character was the murderer.
I recommend this book especially to readers who like the mystery and suspense genres. This is an enjoyable read that will keep the reader guessing until the end of the book.
November 30, 2016
Wow! I am a total crime solver and it is very rare when I incorrectly guess the killer and this book is one of those few times that left me stumped and shocked all the way through the last page! I hate to admit that; especially since I pride myself on being such a crime solver lol – but this book definitely kept me guessing!
After hosting Emelle on the blog earlier this month and reading her guest post about the one that got away – I knew this was a must read book!
This book is about the main character, Jill Farrell who is dealing with some major life ups and downs – everything from her mother suffering from Alzheimer’s and getting her comfortable into a nursing home, to having her best friend, Carly talk her into attending their college reunion, to running into her college crush – the guy who got away – and then add in drama, love, oh and murder!
There is so much more to this simple romantic, mystery read! I really liked the characters as they are relatable and complex. Jill is easy to love and if you’re like me you will definitely find yourself rooting for her and her happiness.
The pace of the book is steady, but full of excitement and suspense. This book is well written with lots of detail, well thought out and constructive plots, filled with twists and unexpected turns! This book will keep you guessing to the very last page and wanting more!
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in reading an exciting, suspenseful, edgy, and romantic book filled with love, murder, mystery, plot twists, second chances, and so much more!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
After hosting Emelle on the blog earlier this month and reading her guest post about the one that got away – I knew this was a must read book!
This book is about the main character, Jill Farrell who is dealing with some major life ups and downs – everything from her mother suffering from Alzheimer’s and getting her comfortable into a nursing home, to having her best friend, Carly talk her into attending their college reunion, to running into her college crush – the guy who got away – and then add in drama, love, oh and murder!
There is so much more to this simple romantic, mystery read! I really liked the characters as they are relatable and complex. Jill is easy to love and if you’re like me you will definitely find yourself rooting for her and her happiness.
The pace of the book is steady, but full of excitement and suspense. This book is well written with lots of detail, well thought out and constructive plots, filled with twists and unexpected turns! This book will keep you guessing to the very last page and wanting more!
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in reading an exciting, suspenseful, edgy, and romantic book filled with love, murder, mystery, plot twists, second chances, and so much more!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
December 7, 2016
3.5 stars
"The Second Man" by Emelle Gamble is a contemporary romantic suspense novel that centers around Jill Farrell, whose personal challenges make her uninterested in attending her college reunion until her best friend twists her arm. Things get even more complicated when not only her ex-husband, but also the man who broke her heart shows up, ready to be part of her life again. Unfortunately, a mysterious death is casting a pall on the festivities, and danger mounts while Jill struggles to figure out who to trust, and her life may depend on her making the right decision.
One can’t help but feel for Jill who has dealt with multiple life-changing losses in her life, especially as she faces the tragedy of her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease. The drama and angst that accompanies the reappearance of two different exes is a little frustrating for me, especially considering the finger-pointing that takes up a vast majority of the story. There are nice twists and turns to keep one guessing about the villain, and an escalation in the tension, but the connection that flares between Jill and Max felt a bit rushed for me and I didn’t quite understand the motives of many of the players in this story. Despite this, I think that those who like murder mysteries will enjoy the surprises and red herrings that are sprinkled throughout and find this a quick entertaining read.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
"The Second Man" by Emelle Gamble is a contemporary romantic suspense novel that centers around Jill Farrell, whose personal challenges make her uninterested in attending her college reunion until her best friend twists her arm. Things get even more complicated when not only her ex-husband, but also the man who broke her heart shows up, ready to be part of her life again. Unfortunately, a mysterious death is casting a pall on the festivities, and danger mounts while Jill struggles to figure out who to trust, and her life may depend on her making the right decision.
One can’t help but feel for Jill who has dealt with multiple life-changing losses in her life, especially as she faces the tragedy of her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease. The drama and angst that accompanies the reappearance of two different exes is a little frustrating for me, especially considering the finger-pointing that takes up a vast majority of the story. There are nice twists and turns to keep one guessing about the villain, and an escalation in the tension, but the connection that flares between Jill and Max felt a bit rushed for me and I didn’t quite understand the motives of many of the players in this story. Despite this, I think that those who like murder mysteries will enjoy the surprises and red herrings that are sprinkled throughout and find this a quick entertaining read.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
November 27, 2016
Well after reading this book i am wowed by it all.
Jill has got divorced from Andrew denton and her mother has just been put in a nursing home due to on set of Alzheimer's. there is a reunion coming up but things take a turn for the worse and people start bing murdered all because if someone's greed.
Max who disappeared 15 years ago and left Jill heartbroken has come back in her life and he is wanting answers to what happens to him all them years ago after his accident.
Questions are being asked if he really did lose his memory or is it a cover up to get close to some of the old school classmates he once knew?
Will Jill and max pick up where they left off or will it break them after all this time?
I am not going to spoil it for everyone but when the truth comes out you will be thinking how did I miss that.
I am giving this bok 5/5 amazing read and I was gripped from the first word read this a amazing book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Jill has got divorced from Andrew denton and her mother has just been put in a nursing home due to on set of Alzheimer's. there is a reunion coming up but things take a turn for the worse and people start bing murdered all because if someone's greed.
Max who disappeared 15 years ago and left Jill heartbroken has come back in her life and he is wanting answers to what happens to him all them years ago after his accident.
Questions are being asked if he really did lose his memory or is it a cover up to get close to some of the old school classmates he once knew?
Will Jill and max pick up where they left off or will it break them after all this time?
I am not going to spoil it for everyone but when the truth comes out you will be thinking how did I miss that.
I am giving this bok 5/5 amazing read and I was gripped from the first word read this a amazing book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
September 28, 2016
What a truly suspenseful romance--I didn’t guess who the killer was under the very last chapter. Now that’s good writing! Jill Farrell is in the midst of settling her mother in at an Alzheimer’s care home when she gets a phone call from her best girlfriend, Carly, who wants them to attend their college reunion coming up in a couple of weeks. It is during this phone call that she finds out her old college boyfriend, Max Kallstrom, is attending the reunion, as well as her ex-husband, Andrew. The reunion and its attendees are front and center almost the entire topic of this story and what a humdinger of a story it is. It is not just well written, but there is a wonderful second-chance romance blooming and murder and mayhem as well. This is romantic suspense at its very best! I received this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review of this work.
February 12, 2017
A college reunion, ex-loves, unsolved murder: this romantic suspense is really exciting and enjoyable from the first page.
Having to meet again with an ex is always a complicated thing but having to meet two is really exhausting. Jill must go to a college reunion but it seems that it will also present her former Max and she's not very safe to go. When her ex-husband Andrew communicates her a rumor about him, Max would be a murderess. Max suddenly appears in Jill's house and provides a convincing explanation of why he left ten years ago. She must follow her heart in love or believe at her ex-husband?
This novel is written really well, full of suspense and with a perfect mix of romance and mystery. The pace is really fast, the atmosphere is full of tension and well-developed and realistic character. I really really loved this book.
Highly recommended for lovers of romantic suspense
Having to meet again with an ex is always a complicated thing but having to meet two is really exhausting. Jill must go to a college reunion but it seems that it will also present her former Max and she's not very safe to go. When her ex-husband Andrew communicates her a rumor about him, Max would be a murderess. Max suddenly appears in Jill's house and provides a convincing explanation of why he left ten years ago. She must follow her heart in love or believe at her ex-husband?
This novel is written really well, full of suspense and with a perfect mix of romance and mystery. The pace is really fast, the atmosphere is full of tension and well-developed and realistic character. I really really loved this book.
Highly recommended for lovers of romantic suspense
September 28, 2016
This was a really good suspenseful romance. The story is based around the events of a class reunion where people are brought back together with past love interests and classmates who may or may not be who they say they are. There was international intrigue with characters whose jobs were secret and mysteriously carried guns for their jobs. In The Second Man emotions run high, suspicion is rampant, lives are threatened and others are proven to be lies. Things aren't always what they appear to be, but you can count on this being a great book!
I was given this book free in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book free in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2016
The Second Man
Jill Farrell's college reunion is around the corner. She doesn't really care to go what with all the worries she currently is dealing regarding her Mother's Alzheimer's. She is trying to get her settled comfortably into a nursing home specialized in handling patients with memory issues.
Jill is told that Max Kalstrum, a Swedish foreign exchange student will be attending the reunion. She deeply loved him and he disappeared when the whole group graduated.
The plot thickens when a murder is committed and fingers are being pointed!
I enjoyed this book tremendously and look forward to more from this author in the future!
Jill Farrell's college reunion is around the corner. She doesn't really care to go what with all the worries she currently is dealing regarding her Mother's Alzheimer's. She is trying to get her settled comfortably into a nursing home specialized in handling patients with memory issues.
Jill is told that Max Kalstrum, a Swedish foreign exchange student will be attending the reunion. She deeply loved him and he disappeared when the whole group graduated.
The plot thickens when a murder is committed and fingers are being pointed!
I enjoyed this book tremendously and look forward to more from this author in the future!
June 18, 2017
This romantic suspense was a quick read. Jill is determined not to attend her college reunion until her best friend calls to say she's attending and the man who left 15 years ago turns up on her door step. And even though Max explains why he hasn't contacted her sooner, will she listen to her hear or her heart when it comes to him? And who can she trust as events begin to spiral out of control? Not to mention that is also having to deal with her mother's Alzheimer's disease. Enjoyed this story and would recommend you read it. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
September 28, 2016
I liked this suspenseful book, the characters and the story of the 15 year class reunion. Jill and Max were inseparable until one day they weren't. As Jill reconnects with former classmates, her ex-husband, secrets unravel and lost love is rekindled. Ms. Gamble is such a talented writer that pulls you into each of her stories, with such ease.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2016
When Emelle Gamble releases a new book, I'm always eager to read it. This book does not disappoint, either. There are many new characters introduced, but Jill will steal your heart with her plight. Her mom's Alzheimer's & her involvement with a possible killer have her quite overwhelmed. You really need to get to know these characters and see if you can figure out whodunnit. This is a book I'd recommend to all mystery, thriller, or romance fans.
September 29, 2016
THE SECOND MAN kept me in suspense until the last page! I love that the story wasn't just given away. It had time to grow into an awesome second chance love story amidst the tradigies. Jill and Max are meant for each other and their passion sizzles. Ms. Gamble's writing is genuine, honest and filled with compassion. Be prepared for an emotional tug on your heart. I highly recommend!
September 29, 2016
"I received this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review of this work."
"The Second Man" by Emelle Gamble was filled with murder, mayhem and suspense. It builds with each page you read. Halfway through the book you already suspect several people but you can't be sure who it is. A must read if you like suspense. I give it 41/2 stars.
"The Second Man" by Emelle Gamble was filled with murder, mayhem and suspense. It builds with each page you read. Halfway through the book you already suspect several people but you can't be sure who it is. A must read if you like suspense. I give it 41/2 stars.
December 24, 2016
A keep-you-guessing mystery with a thrown-for-a-loop twist at the end will keep any armchair sleuth happily attempting to solve the riddle before the last page is turned.
Read full review in the 2016 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 3, 2016
Love and mystery ... I really loved the story and was so excited to know the criminal. As much as I loved this book I 'm going to read secret sister
November 16, 2016
This is classic can't put it down Emelle writing. You connect with the characters and the author takes you for a twisted ride.
June 21, 2017
Majoring on suspense with a healthy dose of romance, The Second Man keeps the reader in suspense from the first page. Jill has more than enough on her plate to cope with taking care of her mother, without a class reunion on the horizon. When the men in her past start reappearing in her life, she is filled with mixed emotions, especially as she is being roped in to watch out for abnormal behaviour on the part of members of her alumni. With the amount of activity that was going on, including settling her mother into a care facility, I felt exhausted on Jill's behalf. One of Jill's old class mates has committed a murder but at the rate that questions are being raised, the likely suspects keep on multiplying. When Jill's first love, Max, also appears on the scene, with a blanked out year as a result of an accident whilst he was still at college, she finds herself being torn in different directions. If I had been in Jill's shoes I would have thrown in the towel on all the men in her life and told them to just get on with it and leave her alone. However, her curiosity is sparked and Jill finds herself quietly conducting her own investigation - that is until it starts to threaten her own life and those she loves. The ending was a surprise and I was really pleased that my favourite male character got his second chance. The book is well written and reads smoothly, as well as being a stand alone. The story did get a bit complicated at times, however it certainly kept my interest. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
November 13, 2016
OMG! I highly recommend Emelle Gamble's book, The Second Man. I stayed up until 5:30 a.m. to finish it because I couldn't put it down! It hooked me from the first few pages! The story revolves around Jill Farrell's college reunion. A few months before the reunion, one of her fellow alums is killed. The reunion brings two other alums back into Jill's life. One is her ex-husband. The other is her former love. While she tries to deal with them being back in her life, she is also trying to cope with her mother's Alzheimer's disease. Jill is suffering from information overload as she tries to decide which man she can trust to tell her the truth. This book is so well written that it will keep you guessing as you try to figure out exactly what happened. I give it 5 enthusiastic stars!
September 1, 2017
Uncaged Review: Jill is going to her college reunion when she learns her ex-husband will be there as well as her old flame who she’s never gotten over after he disappeared after a tragic accident many years ago. Jill has all this on her plate then she’s told there is a murderer on the loose who’s killing people from her class. I really liked this book as I thought I knew who the killer was but was wrong This was a good read that kept you guessing until the end. Reviewed by Jennifer
July 2, 2017
Good read
The twists and turns of the book were sometimes obvious so hence the four stars. It kept you reading until the end though. Some parts were a little unbelievable, so I toyed with giving it three stars. Don't think I'll be reading any other books by this author. Good read overall.
The twists and turns of the book were sometimes obvious so hence the four stars. It kept you reading until the end though. Some parts were a little unbelievable, so I toyed with giving it three stars. Don't think I'll be reading any other books by this author. Good read overall.
October 28, 2016
This was a really good book. There was romance, intrigue, nostalgia, family drama, reunions...a little bit of everything. The story moved fairly quickly and kept you guessing as to who the second man was. Lots of characters and red herrings. Will definitely keep this author on my radar.
July 2, 2017
Good story line but a bit "cut and dry"
The mystery was pretty good but I had a hard time really putting myself into the book and living there. The characters were a bit one dimensional. It did not have the richness of a really good novel.
The mystery was pretty good but I had a hard time really putting myself into the book and living there. The characters were a bit one dimensional. It did not have the richness of a really good novel.
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