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Thorns of the Past
Darcy Flynn, a former police officer in East Quay, works as a night guard and a private investigator. Framed for a bad shooting while on the force, she is set on finding out the truth about what happened.
Sabrina Hawk, a successful accountant with an impressive client list, still suffers the after-effects from an assault during her college years. Victim blaming on campus was bad enough, but she loathes the authorities for mistreating her.
Darcy notices Sabrina often works late, and the elegant blond stirs her innate protectiveness.
Sabrina finds herself able to relax around Darcy.
A mutual attraction develops, but then Sabrina’s office is subjected to several break-ins. Wary of the police, she hires Darcy to investigate. Darcy fears Sabrina’s reaction once she learns Darcy was a cop—a cop who left the force in disgrace.
Sabrina Hawk, a successful accountant with an impressive client list, still suffers the after-effects from an assault during her college years. Victim blaming on campus was bad enough, but she loathes the authorities for mistreating her.
Darcy notices Sabrina often works late, and the elegant blond stirs her innate protectiveness.
Sabrina finds herself able to relax around Darcy.
A mutual attraction develops, but then Sabrina’s office is subjected to several break-ins. Wary of the police, she hires Darcy to investigate. Darcy fears Sabrina’s reaction once she learns Darcy was a cop—a cop who left the force in disgrace.
264 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2017
About the author
Gun Brooke
44 books234 followersGun Brooke resides in the countryside in Sweden with her very patient family. A retired neonatal intensive care nurse, she now writes full time, only rarely taking a break to create web sites for herself or others and to do computer graphics. Gun writes both romances and sci-fi. She is the recipient of the 2009 Alice B. Medal for "body of work."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 24, 2018
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review'
In this story,Ms.Brooke writes with a raw and honest prose,capturing the agony,pain and hope,the resignation and defiance-felt in turns by both women(leads) especially the one being stalked. Interspersed throughout the narratives are heartbreaking and inspiring quotes from both women(leads) reflected on their past experiences and the struggles which they continue to face during their time together made this book/storyline an incredible read for everyone. There was little family drama and added friends support that made it even a much better to enjoy sometimes and also do not forget the author had part romance and part suspenseful with a stunning twist that will have you flipping back the pages wondering how you missed the clues. This is a perfectly satisfying must read and another thing its a powerful reminder of the value that every single time we hear or witness an assault/abuse do not just walk away report it and support the victims. Highly recommend to everyone!
In this story,Ms.Brooke writes with a raw and honest prose,capturing the agony,pain and hope,the resignation and defiance-felt in turns by both women(leads) especially the one being stalked. Interspersed throughout the narratives are heartbreaking and inspiring quotes from both women(leads) reflected on their past experiences and the struggles which they continue to face during their time together made this book/storyline an incredible read for everyone. There was little family drama and added friends support that made it even a much better to enjoy sometimes and also do not forget the author had part romance and part suspenseful with a stunning twist that will have you flipping back the pages wondering how you missed the clues. This is a perfectly satisfying must read and another thing its a powerful reminder of the value that every single time we hear or witness an assault/abuse do not just walk away report it and support the victims. Highly recommend to everyone!
July 3, 2017
I'm a fan of Brooke as an author. I always look forward to reading her books. While the story flowed well, and had a good pace, there were too many things I had issues with. Unfortunately, this was not any better than just okay in my eyes. Not as good as Brooke's other books.
After reading Pin's review, I realized this is the first time Brooke wrote a crime/mystery and romance book. It does show that she is newer to this genre. I thought the whole mystery/crime part started really well, it just didn't hold up through the whole book. I also thought the whole ending just tied up everything too neatly. Everything was resolved and it was too unbelievable. I like happy endings, I just want them to be more realistic.
What bothered me more than the mystery/crime wrap up, really was the romance. For me it just came out of nowhere. I could not feel any chemistry at all between the characters. And this is not normal for Brooke's books. While I liked both characters, that had no sparks together. I could not tell why they liked each other, beyond superficial reasons. On top of that, they went from not even speaking, to basically insta-love. I almost felt like I skipped a few chapters. I know the cop Darcey is suppose to be a romantic, at least we are told this, not really shown. But I got kind of icked out every time she called Sabrina "her Queen". That is quite the term of endearment, especially after they just got together. It just did not work for me and seemed forced.
This is a quick read, good paced book, it just has some flaws. Not one of Brooke's best, but not bad by any means. I hope Brooke will attempt another crime/mystery book in the future, it just doesn't have to have the happiest of happy endings ever. I will keep reading her books, and hope the next one is a little more to my liking.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
After reading Pin's review, I realized this is the first time Brooke wrote a crime/mystery and romance book. It does show that she is newer to this genre. I thought the whole mystery/crime part started really well, it just didn't hold up through the whole book. I also thought the whole ending just tied up everything too neatly. Everything was resolved and it was too unbelievable. I like happy endings, I just want them to be more realistic.
What bothered me more than the mystery/crime wrap up, really was the romance. For me it just came out of nowhere. I could not feel any chemistry at all between the characters. And this is not normal for Brooke's books. While I liked both characters, that had no sparks together. I could not tell why they liked each other, beyond superficial reasons. On top of that, they went from not even speaking, to basically insta-love. I almost felt like I skipped a few chapters. I know the cop Darcey is suppose to be a romantic, at least we are told this, not really shown. But I got kind of icked out every time she called Sabrina "her Queen". That is quite the term of endearment, especially after they just got together. It just did not work for me and seemed forced.
This is a quick read, good paced book, it just has some flaws. Not one of Brooke's best, but not bad by any means. I hope Brooke will attempt another crime/mystery book in the future, it just doesn't have to have the happiest of happy endings ever. I will keep reading her books, and hope the next one is a little more to my liking.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
March 18, 2018
Thorns of the Past is a romance cum mystery/thriller, which follows the budding romance between ex-cop Darcy (28) and owner of a small accounting firm Sabrina (35), along with solving mysteries from the past and present. Gun Brooke is very experienced as well as very good in writing contemporary romances -- one of my favorites authors in that genre. I think that this is her first attempt at combining romance with mystery/thriller, and it shows.
The romantic part is well done with both main characters being complex, interesting and damaged due to traumatic events from their past. That fact gave their love story well-balanced tension and depth.
The mystery/thriller part is less successful, especially in the denouement. Besides, I did not particularly like the courtroom epilogue, and Sabrina's parents' change of heart was rather unconvincing.
Overall, this is a good book, but not a great one, as I am used to getting from this author.
3.25 stars
June 10, 2017
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
The romantic part is well done with both main characters being complex, interesting and damaged due to traumatic events from their past. That fact gave their love story well-balanced tension and depth.
The mystery/thriller part is less successful, especially in the denouement. Besides, I did not particularly like the courtroom epilogue, and Sabrina's parents' change of heart was rather unconvincing.
Overall, this is a good book, but not a great one, as I am used to getting from this author.
3.25 stars
June 10, 2017
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
June 17, 2017
There are two main characters in this book. Firstly there is Sabrina. Ice queen really suits her. She is an excellent accountant who takes her life and work seriously and protects both. Then you have Darcy a disgraced ex police officer now into private investigations and security. They cross paths because Darcy is the security guard in Sabrina's office building.
Both women have had events in their pasts that have caused them a lot of grief. Sabrina was attacked at college and nobody believed her and it was swept under the carpet. Darcy is an ex cop because apparently she shot an unarmed teenager in the line of duty but has no real recollection of the event. Only that she lost her job.
Now, several years later Sabrina is being stalked. Her office is broken into and her beach home has been invaded. Sabrina has no love for cops so she hires Darcy as a private Investigator. Darcy being an ex cop doesn't go down well with Sabina when she finds out. There is a lot of angst and backwards and forwards. Eventually Sabrina gives in and allows Darcy closer. Now enter Kahn a highly trained German Shepherd. Hey what can I say I'm a sucker for brown eyes. Anyway Kahn saves the day.
I guess what the book is saying is that crime doesn't pay and victims will persevere. But I can't help feeling that it is an ideological point of view. Not all crimes are solved and not all victims are believed. It is a nice story and entertaining. The writing flows really well and the story is developed nicely. Although I did kinda guess the ending. But Brooks put in enough twists and turns to keep you interested. My rating is more 3.5 than 4 because some of it was predictable. It was my first book by this author and I will definitely read her again.
Yes, I would recommend this book especially for a nice day at the beach.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Both women have had events in their pasts that have caused them a lot of grief. Sabrina was attacked at college and nobody believed her and it was swept under the carpet. Darcy is an ex cop because apparently she shot an unarmed teenager in the line of duty but has no real recollection of the event. Only that she lost her job.
Now, several years later Sabrina is being stalked. Her office is broken into and her beach home has been invaded. Sabrina has no love for cops so she hires Darcy as a private Investigator. Darcy being an ex cop doesn't go down well with Sabina when she finds out. There is a lot of angst and backwards and forwards. Eventually Sabrina gives in and allows Darcy closer. Now enter Kahn a highly trained German Shepherd. Hey what can I say I'm a sucker for brown eyes. Anyway Kahn saves the day.
I guess what the book is saying is that crime doesn't pay and victims will persevere. But I can't help feeling that it is an ideological point of view. Not all crimes are solved and not all victims are believed. It is a nice story and entertaining. The writing flows really well and the story is developed nicely. Although I did kinda guess the ending. But Brooks put in enough twists and turns to keep you interested. My rating is more 3.5 than 4 because some of it was predictable. It was my first book by this author and I will definitely read her again.
Yes, I would recommend this book especially for a nice day at the beach.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
July 8, 2017
Who would have a thought a term of endearment could break the spell (numerous times) and take me out of the story as I groaned and thought, Oh dear God, please tell me no one in their right mind seriously uses this term when they first fall in love with a person. Every time she referred to her lover as queen I seriously threw up a little.
The rest of the story is pretty good. The MC's have been through a lot and are both a bit scarred. The situation that brings them together is a good set up. The sex is good except for the my queen stuff. The ending ties everything up in a bow that comes off as just a bit too neat and perfect.
Overall not bad but not mind-blowingly great either.
An attempted sexual assault is described and referred to on a few occasions so it could be a bit triggery.
Netgalley ARC received for an honest, unbiased review.
The rest of the story is pretty good. The MC's have been through a lot and are both a bit scarred. The situation that brings them together is a good set up. The sex is good except for the my queen stuff. The ending ties everything up in a bow that comes off as just a bit too neat and perfect.
Overall not bad but not mind-blowingly great either.
An attempted sexual assault is described and referred to on a few occasions so it could be a bit triggery.
Netgalley ARC received for an honest, unbiased review.
June 25, 2017
3.5 stars
Darcy Flynn works as a guard in a local business complex. An ex-police officer who left the force after a shooting incident, Darcy also works with her cousin who runs a private investigations agency.
A gorgeous and successful accountant who works in the building seems more stressed than normal. When there is a break in at her office, Sabrina Hawk relies on Darcy to look after her and to keep her safe. A history of victim-blaming by the cops and the realization that she is on her own with the stalking and break in, Sabrina calls on Darcy to look into the problem.
Darcy knows that Sabrina is more than wary of the police, so withholds her history in the force. When the violence escalates, and they have to rely on one another, trust becomes paramount. How will Darcy and Sabrina deal with their potent attraction while there is a very real threat of death from the men stalking Sabrina?
Brooke is an experienced author who often manages to find a way to make a potent romance fit in a crime drama, and this book is no different.
I liked both characters, but Darcy didn’t seem to be as well written as Sabrina, who was really engaging. It was Sabrina who really carried the book for me. Smart, capable, and yet damaged in a very real way, it made me wonder when she would find her strength, and when she would crumple under the pressure. This added a level of tension that was very welcome in the story. Darcy felt a bit more solid, but was also a bit flat. Some of Brooke’s other characters have had more flare, and I was missing that I think.
I did think this romance, while cleverly written, had some problems. The steamy hot scene felt a bit out of place and the characters getting sexual felt a bit sudden within the story.
I really like Brooke’s writing. She has a good sense of pace and character, knows when to allocate plot points to B players, and the plots are usually clever and imaginative. This wasn’t one of her best, but it is still a solidly readable thriller/romance. Enjoy.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Darcy Flynn works as a guard in a local business complex. An ex-police officer who left the force after a shooting incident, Darcy also works with her cousin who runs a private investigations agency.
A gorgeous and successful accountant who works in the building seems more stressed than normal. When there is a break in at her office, Sabrina Hawk relies on Darcy to look after her and to keep her safe. A history of victim-blaming by the cops and the realization that she is on her own with the stalking and break in, Sabrina calls on Darcy to look into the problem.
Darcy knows that Sabrina is more than wary of the police, so withholds her history in the force. When the violence escalates, and they have to rely on one another, trust becomes paramount. How will Darcy and Sabrina deal with their potent attraction while there is a very real threat of death from the men stalking Sabrina?
Brooke is an experienced author who often manages to find a way to make a potent romance fit in a crime drama, and this book is no different.
I liked both characters, but Darcy didn’t seem to be as well written as Sabrina, who was really engaging. It was Sabrina who really carried the book for me. Smart, capable, and yet damaged in a very real way, it made me wonder when she would find her strength, and when she would crumple under the pressure. This added a level of tension that was very welcome in the story. Darcy felt a bit more solid, but was also a bit flat. Some of Brooke’s other characters have had more flare, and I was missing that I think.
I did think this romance, while cleverly written, had some problems. The steamy hot scene felt a bit out of place and the characters getting sexual felt a bit sudden within the story.
I really like Brooke’s writing. She has a good sense of pace and character, knows when to allocate plot points to B players, and the plots are usually clever and imaginative. This wasn’t one of her best, but it is still a solidly readable thriller/romance. Enjoy.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
June 23, 2017
ARC received from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is a mystery/romance, but it needed more romance and less mystery. I enjoyed both characters, and their relationship stemming from being thrown together by necessity of the mystery made them getting together seem realistic. I could have done without all the 'my queen' stuff though.
I didn't enjoy the mystery (either of them) at all. And the coincidence of them being tied together was too much. The rationale for Sabrina's stalking was also over the top, too many coincidences there too.
Being that it's set in East Quay (hometown used in Coffee Sonata) I had expected some cameos, but Eryn is virtually wasted here, this could have been set anywhere and her character cut out and it wouldn't have made any difference. Sabrina's parents about face was also ridiculous given their earlier treatment of her.
It's not one of Gun's strongest offerings, I can only give it three stars.
This is a mystery/romance, but it needed more romance and less mystery. I enjoyed both characters, and their relationship stemming from being thrown together by necessity of the mystery made them getting together seem realistic. I could have done without all the 'my queen' stuff though.
I didn't enjoy the mystery (either of them) at all. And the coincidence of them being tied together was too much. The rationale for Sabrina's stalking was also over the top, too many coincidences there too.
Being that it's set in East Quay (hometown used in Coffee Sonata) I had expected some cameos, but Eryn is virtually wasted here, this could have been set anywhere and her character cut out and it wouldn't have made any difference. Sabrina's parents about face was also ridiculous given their earlier treatment of her.
It's not one of Gun's strongest offerings, I can only give it three stars.
May 16, 2018
this was a nice f/f romantic suspense/mystery, but i thought that the plot wasn't tight enough. there were a lot of coincidences, and a lot of things that seemed rather improbable. there wasn't also anything particularly surprising about it, although i did enjoy the tension when the stakes were raised near the end.
the romance was very sweet, lots of chemistry between them (and a smidgen of conflict, just like i like it;D)
there was also some commentary on rape culture (esp. on college campuses) and sexual assault that is particularly relevant right now, with more aspects being called out and a larger dialogue being opened, so that part was excellent.
overall, it was good, but not really good. if you're looking for an f/f with suspense and mystery i'd say give it a shot. although some major aspects are sexual assault, stalking, violence and kidnapping, so if any of them are triggering to you then you should probably stay away.
the romance was very sweet, lots of chemistry between them (and a smidgen of conflict, just like i like it;D)
there was also some commentary on rape culture (esp. on college campuses) and sexual assault that is particularly relevant right now, with more aspects being called out and a larger dialogue being opened, so that part was excellent.
overall, it was good, but not really good. if you're looking for an f/f with suspense and mystery i'd say give it a shot. although some major aspects are sexual assault, stalking, violence and kidnapping, so if any of them are triggering to you then you should probably stay away.
July 15, 2017
Excellent!
June 6, 2017
*The copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Sabrina Hawk's past is back to haunt her, and not just in her dreams. There's a real danger of getting hurt, or even be killed! Fifteen years ago, there was a terrible misconduct of her case, where, instead of having been protected and the perps being convicted, the majority of people and the police ended up blaming her playing a victim to get the attention! Will Darcy Flynn, an ex-cop, now the private investigator and part time security officer, be able to help her and protect her, after she had a fall-out of her own with the police?
The danger Sabrina's in gets these two close together, and falling in love seems inevitable for Darcy. But will she be able to crack the walls Sabrina has built around herself during all these years?
This is a nice romance-thriller. It's very easy to read, even thought there's real angst in it. The characters are very likable, the plot is great, and I'd gladly recommend this book to my fiends and Gun Brooke fans.
Sabrina Hawk's past is back to haunt her, and not just in her dreams. There's a real danger of getting hurt, or even be killed! Fifteen years ago, there was a terrible misconduct of her case, where, instead of having been protected and the perps being convicted, the majority of people and the police ended up blaming her playing a victim to get the attention! Will Darcy Flynn, an ex-cop, now the private investigator and part time security officer, be able to help her and protect her, after she had a fall-out of her own with the police?
The danger Sabrina's in gets these two close together, and falling in love seems inevitable for Darcy. But will she be able to crack the walls Sabrina has built around herself during all these years?
This is a nice romance-thriller. It's very easy to read, even thought there's real angst in it. The characters are very likable, the plot is great, and I'd gladly recommend this book to my fiends and Gun Brooke fans.
June 18, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author and there's no denying she's a skilled writer. The characters are three-dimensional, and the slow burn of their budding romance is believable. I enjoyed the story because of that.
Enjoyed being the keyword, as I neither loved nor hated this story. I can't put my finger on why but time and time again I became bored and had to resist the urge to skim read huge sections of the plot.
The epilogue went some way toward redeeming what could've been a lacklustre plot. I won't go into what didn't work for me, as every reader gets something different from a story and this is a book you need to decide for yourself if it works for you or not.
A copy was provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley
Enjoyed being the keyword, as I neither loved nor hated this story. I can't put my finger on why but time and time again I became bored and had to resist the urge to skim read huge sections of the plot.
The epilogue went some way toward redeeming what could've been a lacklustre plot. I won't go into what didn't work for me, as every reader gets something different from a story and this is a book you need to decide for yourself if it works for you or not.
A copy was provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley
September 16, 2017
I always consider a new Gun Brooke novel a lovely treat to read and will often put off reading it so I do not have wait long for the next new one. Thorns of the Past is good and I like the characters a lot, especially Sabrina, but as I was reading I just felt like things take an almost absurd twist during the last third of the book and that this takes away from the realism and importance and seriousness of what happened to Sabrina in the past. There are also a few major changes in certain characters, like Sabrina's parents, that just do not ring true. Overall, though, I would still highly recommend Thorns of the Past, both for its characters and the author's sincere and true commitment to capturing the long-lasting and horrific ramifications of sexual assault.
June 25, 2017
For me this book was good, I was pulled into the story in trying to identify who was stalking Sabrina. Darcy was a likable character that I found myself rooting for throughout the book.
The connection between two characters for me wasn't 100% there. I just can't tell you how the two ended up together apart for the fact that they found each other attractive and were thrown together due to circumstances.
In the end all wrapped up well with a very happy ending, almost everything was too perfect of an ending.
I enjoyed the book but was nothing spectacular or memorable.
I was given this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
The connection between two characters for me wasn't 100% there. I just can't tell you how the two ended up together apart for the fact that they found each other attractive and were thrown together due to circumstances.
In the end all wrapped up well with a very happy ending, almost everything was too perfect of an ending.
I enjoyed the book but was nothing spectacular or memorable.
I was given this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
September 27, 2017
A gripping romantic thriller!
After a traumatic experience, they have problems with expressing their feelings and maintaining a relationship is hard for them. Also it’s hard to trust when all you have from the past is evidence of why you shouldn’t. Both pasts come together in a shocking revelation. Their struggle and resilience was very moving. You can feel all the emotions, the pain, the fear, the doubt but also the passion and love. Everything felt real. A story full of action and a very intriguing plot that kept me guessing throughout the book. It was an intense read and hard to put down. A romance and a thriller, beautifully written. I highly recommend it to anyone.
After a traumatic experience, they have problems with expressing their feelings and maintaining a relationship is hard for them. Also it’s hard to trust when all you have from the past is evidence of why you shouldn’t. Both pasts come together in a shocking revelation. Their struggle and resilience was very moving. You can feel all the emotions, the pain, the fear, the doubt but also the passion and love. Everything felt real. A story full of action and a very intriguing plot that kept me guessing throughout the book. It was an intense read and hard to put down. A romance and a thriller, beautifully written. I highly recommend it to anyone.
June 9, 2017
When I think of college campuses today, this is one hot topic. The concept of victim blaming though not as automatic today, it is still an issue. This read has angst for both main characters which makes you disappointed in the individuals in authority and a cheer leader for Darcy Flynn and Sabrina Hawk. Enjoy is a difficult word for me to say after this read because there was so much, people being wronged, however, it was informative and a reminder that this issue continues to be an issue.
Read provided by Bold Strokes Books via NeGalley.
Read provided by Bold Strokes Books via NeGalley.
July 6, 2017
I enjoyed this one.
February 17, 2018
This was just okay for me. I enjoyed about the first half of the book but then it went downhill. For me, the mystery and also the romance between the two mains was not very believable. Too easily wrapped up as well.
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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July 4, 2017*ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*
Gun Brooke is a brilliant author and I generally enjoy reading her books because she has a knack for writing romance storylines with complex characters that work well together.
In this book the author has unfortunately not excelled and this is purely because I did not believe any of the mystery/thriller story that she tried to create.
I think that the romance part of the book suffered a bit as well due to the fact that the author tried to weave a story full of action and mystery so I didn't really understand the attraction between Sabrina and Darcy, especially not Sabrina's attraction to Darcy since Sabrina never showed even an inkling of interest in her.
The romance does get better because that is Brookes forté but I really would have enjoyed this story more if she hadn't tried so hard on the mystery side.
Gun Brooke is a brilliant author and I generally enjoy reading her books because she has a knack for writing romance storylines with complex characters that work well together.
In this book the author has unfortunately not excelled and this is purely because I did not believe any of the mystery/thriller story that she tried to create.
I think that the romance part of the book suffered a bit as well due to the fact that the author tried to weave a story full of action and mystery so I didn't really understand the attraction between Sabrina and Darcy, especially not Sabrina's attraction to Darcy since Sabrina never showed even an inkling of interest in her.
The romance does get better because that is Brookes forté but I really would have enjoyed this story more if she hadn't tried so hard on the mystery side.
June 23, 2017
First I am a big fan of Gun Brooke.
In this book she has two different characters, Darcy (former police officer, now PI) and Sabrina (owner of an accounting firm). Darcy and Sabrina have good chemistry, but I will share that the mystery part had really good parts, but one or two might be layered a little differently. I don't want to give those away, but it regards Sabrina's friends and family.
I enjoy the honest emotion between the two characters. I feel the drive back from Sabrina's brother's was the turning point in the book. Gun Brooke has a great talent to invoke both authenticity from her characters and weave in terrific chemistry and emotional vulnerability.
Overall story is well done. And the book is a good read.
ARC is provided by the publisher for an honest review.
In this book she has two different characters, Darcy (former police officer, now PI) and Sabrina (owner of an accounting firm). Darcy and Sabrina have good chemistry, but I will share that the mystery part had really good parts, but one or two might be layered a little differently. I don't want to give those away, but it regards Sabrina's friends and family.
I enjoy the honest emotion between the two characters. I feel the drive back from Sabrina's brother's was the turning point in the book. Gun Brooke has a great talent to invoke both authenticity from her characters and weave in terrific chemistry and emotional vulnerability.
Overall story is well done. And the book is a good read.
ARC is provided by the publisher for an honest review.
July 24, 2017
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I like Gun Brooke, and this was no exception. This was a good read full of intrigue; both main characters are fighting a difficult past. As they fight there way through both, do get resolved. This is a great quick read, and the quality is great just like Brooke, enjoy.
July 5, 2017
*The copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed this book and the writing style. It was written in a great pace and the mystery/thriller themes were intertwined with the romance part in a great way. I, personally, enjoyed the mystery/ thriller part more it was what kept me hooked on the book. All the characters were believable and the main characters were very likable and the chemistry between them worked. Their romance was rather slow, so it made it more realistic.
All in all I would definitely recommend this book!
andreazupanc.wordpress.com
I really enjoyed this book and the writing style. It was written in a great pace and the mystery/thriller themes were intertwined with the romance part in a great way. I, personally, enjoyed the mystery/ thriller part more it was what kept me hooked on the book. All the characters were believable and the main characters were very likable and the chemistry between them worked. Their romance was rather slow, so it made it more realistic.
All in all I would definitely recommend this book!
andreazupanc.wordpress.com
June 29, 2017
Night guard and a private investigator, Darcy Flynn leads a pretty quiet, albeit busy life. Forced off the police department after a shooting a few years ago, she spends her days investigating infidelities and her nights guarding a professional building, where the beautiful, straight laced Sabrina Hawk works. She may be cold, but Darcy can’t help being attracted to the sexy accountant. Sabrina is still suffering the after effect of an attack years ago, and when history rears its ugly head, Darcy can’t resist helping Sabrina, and maybe falling a bit in love with her along the way.
I must admit, I haven’t read many of Gun Brooke’s books, but this one is top two or three. It’s a pretty quick read with plenty of action, both in and out of the bedroom. You’ll not find any major revelations here, but the writing is clear, the plot has enough twists and turns to keep you interested enough to finish it, and I liked the characters. I didn’t mind spending a couple hours a day with them until their story worked itself out.
The only thing I really didn’t like was when Darcy started calling Sabrina, “My Queen.” Nicknames can be all right, but I didn’t care for that one. However, that’s just a personal preference, and if that’s the thing I liked the least, then, it must have been pretty entertaining. If you’re looking for new released to put on your “to read” list, I’d give this one a whirl.
I must admit, I haven’t read many of Gun Brooke’s books, but this one is top two or three. It’s a pretty quick read with plenty of action, both in and out of the bedroom. You’ll not find any major revelations here, but the writing is clear, the plot has enough twists and turns to keep you interested enough to finish it, and I liked the characters. I didn’t mind spending a couple hours a day with them until their story worked itself out.
The only thing I really didn’t like was when Darcy started calling Sabrina, “My Queen.” Nicknames can be all right, but I didn’t care for that one. However, that’s just a personal preference, and if that’s the thing I liked the least, then, it must have been pretty entertaining. If you’re looking for new released to put on your “to read” list, I’d give this one a whirl.
June 14, 2017
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review. No synopsis needed. A romance/thriller with angst and intrigue and main characters Darcy (ex cop turned P.I./security guard) and Sabrina (accountant). As usual Ms. Brooke did not disappoint in the romance dept., however, the thriller part was not as smooth as I anticipated with the ending just a little too "pat". I'm a big fan of Ms. Brooke's so I'm treating this as a hiccup and look forward to more romance/thrillers from her. An overall good read therefore 4 stars.
October 1, 2021
More of a 3 and a half stars to be honest. The story was not bad but it was a little rushed. The relationship developed a bit fast to feel believable. The mystery was solved a bit to easily. They just came up with a couple of names and everything fell into place. I was not really impressed with Hollis Elizabeth's reading of the story. It just did not flow well. But I am sure I may re-read it in the future. I will try another book by Gun Brooke to she if she catches on with me.
May 15, 2018
Great romance, intriguing plot. the 2 characters are endearing. A very beautiful romance to read without waiting !!
March 15, 2021
Good Mystery, so so romance
Though this story has a fairly good mystery plot, it is just so so as a romance book, even with the interesting characters & more engaging backstories.
Though this story has a fairly good mystery plot, it is just so so as a romance book, even with the interesting characters & more engaging backstories.
January 16, 2025
people were right when they said the story was wrapped up too easily
August 24, 2017
This starts out as a fluff read with former police officer Darcy Flynn liking what she sees in successful business owner Sabrina Hawk. It very quickly takes a turn to the dark side when Sabrina is the victim of some potentially violent and unwarranted attention.
Part time security guard and PI Darcy Flynn has hidden past but she likes to keep an eye on Sabrina at the office. The two join forced trying to get to the bottom of the danger brewing for Sabrina but there are hurdles along the way.
I found this an enjoyable read for the first third but then my interest wained as the depth failed to develop.
Part time security guard and PI Darcy Flynn has hidden past but she likes to keep an eye on Sabrina at the office. The two join forced trying to get to the bottom of the danger brewing for Sabrina but there are hurdles along the way.
I found this an enjoyable read for the first third but then my interest wained as the depth failed to develop.
March 5, 2018
*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+
Former police detective turned private investigator and security guard Darch Flynn is hired to protect Sabrina Hawk, an accountant who has a starker demanding information from her and threatening her. A past assault has left Sabrina with a poor opinion of law enforcement and Darcy has to hide the fact she left the force in disgrace all while Sabrina's stalkers close in on them.
This book wasn't bad. The romance between Darcy and Sabrina is good but it is SUPER sappy and had me cringing at the dialogue sometimes. I did enjoy how a relationship of necessity became something more as the story went on. I did, however, have the 'mystery' pegged pretty early on so I was sat there waiting for the characters to catch up. It's all written well enough that I wasn't annoyed or bored on the way to the climax but overall this book is just ok. 3.7 out of 5.
Former police detective turned private investigator and security guard Darch Flynn is hired to protect Sabrina Hawk, an accountant who has a starker demanding information from her and threatening her. A past assault has left Sabrina with a poor opinion of law enforcement and Darcy has to hide the fact she left the force in disgrace all while Sabrina's stalkers close in on them.
This book wasn't bad. The romance between Darcy and Sabrina is good but it is SUPER sappy and had me cringing at the dialogue sometimes. I did enjoy how a relationship of necessity became something more as the story went on. I did, however, have the 'mystery' pegged pretty early on so I was sat there waiting for the characters to catch up. It's all written well enough that I wasn't annoyed or bored on the way to the climax but overall this book is just ok. 3.7 out of 5.
May 11, 2019
Gun Brooke is onto a winner here. A thriller and romance.
The story is not all about the romance it has an equal contribution to both a thriller and romance.
Darcy and Sabrina are good characters and you can feel the chemistry between them.
I love the emotions of both ladies.......really women do cry
Loved it loved it
The story is not all about the romance it has an equal contribution to both a thriller and romance.
Darcy and Sabrina are good characters and you can feel the chemistry between them.
I love the emotions of both ladies.......really women do cry
Loved it loved it
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