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FBI #2

Such A Pretty Girl

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In a gripping romantic thriller from Tess Diamond, an FBI profiler becomes a killer’s deadly obsession…

In Grace Sinclair’s bestselling crime novels, the good guys win and the bad guys always get caught. As the FBI’s top profiler, she knows that real life is rarely so straightforward. But her new case isn’t just brutal—it’s also personal. The victims look like Grace. And the FBI recruit assigned to her team is trouble of another kind.

This isn’t how Special Agent Gavin Walker imagined running into Grace again. Two years ago they shared one earth-shattering night, then she vanished from his life. She’s brilliant, fiercely independent, and in mortal danger from a killer masterminding a twisted game …

The body count is rising. Entangled in the case and in each other, Gavin and Grace are running out of time and chances. And as Grace puts the pieces together, she knows she’ll have to confront her own deepest secrets before the final, fatal move is played.

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2017

148 people are currently reading
585 people want to read

About the author

Tess Diamond

6 books170 followers
Tess  Diamond is a romantic suspense addict with a taste for danger - and chocolate cake. She lives in Colorado Springs with her law enforcement husband, two kids, and ferocious Jack Russell guard dog. She always dreamed of being an FBI agent, and now she almost is - if watching 24 reruns and plotting her next novel counts.

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5 stars
252 (30%)
4 stars
317 (38%)
3 stars
187 (22%)
2 stars
39 (4%)
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22 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Julie .
4,248 reviews38k followers
April 15, 2018
Such a Pretty Girl by Tess Diamond is a 2017 Avon publication.

FBI profiler, and bestselling crime novelist, Grace Sinclair, is facing her most difficult case to date. To complicate matters, she and her new partner, special agent Gavin Walker, have a bit of history between them, making things a bit awkward. Not only that, the chemistry between them is distracting, especially since Gavin is determined to convince the very skittish Grace to take a chance on a relationship with him.

But, before they can access any romantic complications, Grace must identify a killer who is murdering women who bear a striking resemblance to her. Could Grace be his real target and why?


Solid, well balanced, romantic suspense-

Everyone knows I have a soft spot for romantic suspense. The combination of romance and suspense blends two of my favorite genres, which makes it a win- win situation for me. But, it’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to indulge in a good RS book. Thankfully, this one satisfied my craving by balancing a quick paced thriller with a little steamy romance.

The plot, which embraced shades of traditional romantic suspense, which I love, held my interest and kept me engaged from start to finish. There were a few minor blips, though. While I do love a thriller that moves along at a fast clip, this one may have been just a little too brisk. Some areas were too glossed over and really could have used some firming up. The romance suffered from that same issue, to some extent, as well. The chemistry is there from the start, which sets the stage for a few steamy and sensual scenes, but the emotional connections between the couple was stilted and forced.
That being said, the author did a great job of balancing the two elements which is often hard to do with RS, and is something I really appreciate! But, what sealed the deal for me, was that I was kept guessing until the end!!

So, overall, this is a very easy to read, entertaining and solid romantic suspense novel. I enjoyed it enough to add the next book to my TBR list!!

3.5 rounded up
Profile Image for Maja (The Nocturnal Library).
1,017 reviews1,958 followers
July 17, 2017
3.5 stars
I grew up reading books about strong women in law enforcement, forensic experts, profilers and such. Through most of my teen years, I had Patricia Cornwell’s books for breakfast, Tess Gerritsen’s for lunch, and Kathy Reichs’ for dinner and company through sleepless nights. I learned invaluable lessons about being a career woman from these authors and their heroines, and I even found my life-long literary love in Kay Scarpetta’s Benton Wesley. Needless to say, I’m very attached to the genre and I always slip comfortably into its rhythm.

Such a Pretty Girl is a spin-off of Tess Diamond’s O’Connor and Kincaid series. It can function pretty well as a standalone, even though the events from the previous books are mentioned fairly often. I was curious enough to buy a copy of Dangerous Games and learn about those secondary characters in greater detail. Having read both, I can say that I like Maggie and Jake from Dangerous Games even more, but Grace and Jake aren’t far behind.

As a self-proclaimed romantic suspense addict with a taste for danger, Diamond understands the ins and outs of the genre and she uses her vast knowledge to her advantage. Such a Pretty Girl is a bit heavy on the romance for my taste. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but the serial killings felt more like a backdrop at times, just something to fill the pages between steps in the relationship. There were several things that would have bothered me in a straight up mystery/police procedural, but they bothered me less when I realized romance would be at the forefront.

Both Jake and Grace are very competent, and their interactions are a marvel, with a deep connection and understanding quickly forming between them. At times, Jake struck me as just a bit too perfect, tailored to precisely fit Grace’s needs and personality. Some friction would have been better, but at least their chemistry was off the charts.

I went into this expecting something far stronger in the mystery department, but I wasn’t too disappointed with what I ended up reading. Such a Pretty Girl is dark at times, very romantic, and fast-paced and it flows smoothly from start to finish. It may not be the best developed mystery I’ve read, but it’s an attention grabber, and that’s more than enough in these scorching summer months. Fans of romantic suspense should give it a try.

Profile Image for Sabrina.
467 reviews20 followers
October 8, 2020
A complete waste of paper and time. Mis-advertised as well, looks and described like a mystery/thriller, is really a romance novel and a crappy one at that. This book was a mess from start to finish. Contradictions from literally one page to the next as if the author had forgotten what she had just written on the previous page.

I hated the main female character and rooted for her to die immediately. I assume that the author wanted to give us a strong independent woman who could hold her own and someone to look up to. But I wouldn't want to be anywhere near this narcissistic, judgmental, prissy, nosy bitch. She treats her boss like shit and disobeys rules and orders because she knows better then everyone. How she works for the F.B.I. is anyone guess. She's also perfect, robot like perfect, there is no one like this in reality.

The male lead was hung up on this chick he knew for a few hours and slept with a year or two ago to the point he was a doormat the instant he saw her again. She makes a habit of never feeling anything and only has one night stands. The relationship between the two was totally illogical, there was no chemistry and felt very forced, they were in lust not love and even then I couldn't imagine it lasting anything other than another one night stand.

The mystery case they are working on is just there for them to have something to do besides look at each other with lust while waiting for them to sleep together. Also, the second murder wouldn't even have been on their radar in real life and the way the first and second cases are linked (as the characters saw) would never have happened. The author failed to do any kind of research for the profession her characters had. It read like everything she knew was from tv like C.S.I., Criminal Minds ext. or movies it was laughable. I am very glad I got this from the library and didn't pay a penny for it and I am sad that the library did.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,980 reviews98 followers
October 9, 2020
When her boss told her they had a new case and he'd send someone to pick her up, FBI Profiler Grace Sinclair didn't think it would be Gavin Walker. Grace and Gavin had a one-night-stand two years ago and she never returned his phone calls the next day. After an awkward drive to the scene of the crime, they find the body of a jogger who has been shot. When another murder is discovered the next day, Grace and Gavin see parallels between the cases. It looks like they may have a serial killer.

After reading Tess Diamond's debut novel, I was looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the first book in the series. The romance portion of the book was pretty good. The chemistry between Grace and Gavin was tangible. Grace swore she would not put her heart on the line, so she never had a second date with anyone. But she never forgot Gavin and is having a hard time keeping him at arms length. I liked these two together, but I thought there could have been a little more friction in their relationship. It was all too easy.

The mystery portion of the story was entertaining but problematic for me. I thought it was odd that the profiler visited the crime scenes to make on-scene profile. The killer's reasons for picking the victims was convoluted. I was rolling my eyes a couple of times. There was also a woman named Zooey who ran the forensics department. Besides that job, she also looked up background information on the victims and some suspects, attempted to trace a phone call from the villain, and went undercover to try to catch the bad guy. The FBI must have a shortage of agents.

Overall this story was readable, but not a favorite. I'm hoping the last book in the series is better. My rating: 3 Stars.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,647 reviews218 followers
October 11, 2017
I have really, really high expectations for this book. The first series by Tess Diamond, "O'Conner and Kincaid" was absolutely fantastic as a debut work. "Such a Pretty Girl" lives up to my expectations and it was riveting with its' complex emotions and plot. Serial killer tropes are just not my thing. I hate even cursory glimpses into their processes, even fictionalized. That said, I found the characters well developed and believable. Although I pegged the baddie immediately, I enjoyed the reveal process.

Grace Sinclair is the FBI’s top profiler and also an author of bestselling crime novels. She likes the world of fiction where the good guys win and the bad guys always get caught, a departure from the real world she lives in where that is often not the case. Her new case takes a personal turn when a one night stand from two years ago shows up as her new partner and the victims look like Grace.

Newly minted Special Agent Gavin Walker comes to the FBI with a lot of experience. He was former Army intelligence and spent 10 years in the Washington Metro police. He also never forgot his one night of passion with Grace. He wanted more, but Grace with a scarred history, only does it casual. Now they are together again and the case is baffling to them both until the killer targets Grace and it becomes very personal indeed.
Profile Image for Tammy .
1,022 reviews119 followers
November 9, 2017
3.5 Stars

My attention was captured the minute I saw this gorgeous cover, and then that blurb! Intrigued. I'm a sucker for a strong female lead, especially one being a profiler, and I just knew I had to dig in. And I'd have to say, I quite enjoyed it.

The best part--I thought I had it all figured out. I was 100% certain I knew exactly who the killer was. However, I wasn't anywhere fricken close! Complete and total surprise. I call that a major win and added plus!!

I'd definitely give Ms Diamond another try. The characters were fun and connectable. The plot line was decent. Had an element of suspense, with a twist I didn't see coming. It was quick paced, kept me engaged through one session. Some of the murders can be a bit gruesome but not so much it made me want to poke my eyes out or vomit. The writing was decent. Some parts could have been fleshed out a bit more and the final showdown felt as though it was wrapped up a bit to nice. I wanted a tad bit more in some areas, which is the reason for the 3.5 rating.

Just a quick FYI, I'd say it leans heavier on the romance aspect than the thriller part, but that didn't bother me as much as it might others.

Overall, I'm glad I took a shot on this new to me author.
Profile Image for Wren.
236 reviews17 followers
October 1, 2017
This was a great follow up to Dangerous Games. It was nice to see Maggie again if only briefly here and there.

Grace is a force to be reckoned with, that's for sure. The woman has class yet a fierceness that I'd love to have in real life. Tess Diamond does a great job creating characters that have depth while still maintaining some mystery to keep you guessing. It was nice that the killer's purpose wasn't revealed early on. I'm sure anyone could've guessed it but it wasn't blatant like other authors. While there is a love interest, it's not insta-love (which is a turn off for me). There is definite sexual tension but it is put to the side while the investigation is on going. I liked how these characters are mostly able to separate personal/professional lives.

I would definitely recommend this series to fans of romantic suspense.

PS it was nice that Diamond didn't hold back on the "gruesome" factor just because it's in the romance genre.
Profile Image for Dri ✰.
693 reviews239 followers
December 30, 2017
★ 4 stars!!! ★

God, só quero ler esses tipos de livro agora!

Fui envolvida pela história desde a primeira página!
Apesar de ser narrado em terceira pessoa, (o que eu não curto muito) eu adorei a narrativa e o passo em que os acontecimentos se desenrolaram.
Leitura super fluída e gostosa!
Me encantei com a Grace & Gavin e a sintonia dos dois trabalhando juntos.

Agora resta esperar, porque estou bem curiosa pra saber a história do Paul!
1,116 reviews23 followers
October 10, 2017
I knew when I read Dangerous Games that this was an author I could really get into and I was right. Such A Pretty Girl is a fantastic read. I loved Grace and Gavin together, both as coworkers and as a couple.

Grace is not only a beautiful woman. She is also an excellent profiler with the FBI and a best selling author to boot. Having come from a wealthy family, she inherited a priceless art collection from her grandmother. However, her parents disowned her after doing everything within their power to contest Grace's inheritance, wanting the art collection for themselves since it was worth millions. So technically Grace has pretty much been on her own since she'd turned eighteen.

Gavin is assigned to work a murder case with Grace but it isn't the first time they've met. The two of them once had a one night stand together. Unfortunately, at least in Gavin's opinion, Grace was gone the next morning when he woke up. He'd tried calling her but when she failed to respond, he gotten the hint and backed off. Even so, he's never forgotten the connection he felt with her, so when they're given the task of working together he's not disappointed.

Gavin's reappearance in her life wasn't something Grace planned on, but they were both professionals and, as Grace quickly discovered, they were just as good a couple outside the bedroom as they were in the bedroom. And when Grace realizes their killer is carrying out his heinous deeds in order to send a personal message to her, she needs Gavin more than ever to watch her back. The question is, can she put a stop to the bad guy's plans before anyone else dies? What happens when he targets people she cares about? Her back to the wall, Grace comes out swinging and what follows is a story that will keep you entertained and wanting more by the time you finish. Big thumb's up for this one!
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,364 reviews40 followers
October 21, 2017
I don’t reading many thrillers, so this was a nice change of pace. Thanks to Jes for sending it too me!

There’s a lot to like about this book. It reads like an extended episode of a crime show. I love Grace as a fierce, professional woman who had made some mistakes but is still a badass. Gavin is a very sweet hero character who gets better as the book went on. I loved the discussions of work place misogyny paralleling the killer’s hatred of women. The serial killer mystery was pretty good and then in the second half of the book it gets CRAZY GOOD. I really recommend it.

My one star off is because of little things I didn’t like. The authors shows through dialogue instead of giving insight through the characters thoughts, which i found a little annoying. Also I found a passage that was repeated verbatim twice in the book, so that was a little jarring.
Profile Image for Bea .
2,036 reviews135 followers
September 28, 2017
This book appealed to me as I'm a fan of the TV show "Criminal Minds" and the blurb had me at FBI profiler. Unlike "Criminal Minds", romance is a large part of the story too.

As I was reading, I thought I had figured out who the killer was and was disappointed to have figured it out so early. But, I was wrong! I was happy to be wrong especially when I realized there were hints to the killer's identity and actions waaaaay back in the first chapter. Happy reader girl. :)

Diamond spun a complex, intricate often dark story that kept me guessing, even when I was sure I knew who the killer was. Every time Grace came close, the killer would taunt her and slip away. She came so close to catching him several times and it began to feel like he would continue to slip away. I wasn't at all sure that she could catch him in the end. Grace was clever, smart, observant, and at times almost too perfect - she was young, beautiful, rich, a good cook, a successful author, an excellent markswoman, counseled troubled youth, etc etc. Fortunately she was also kind and funny and insecure, making her more relatable. After a cold upbringing and a bad relationship at college, Grace doesn't trust easily and doesn't get involved with men. She prefers to engage in a series of one night stands. But then she ends up working with one of those one night stands and he wants more from her. It's awkward at first, but they push past it.

Gavin is ex-military, ex-police, and now new to the FBI. He listens to his gut and gets hunches, the opposite of how Grace works. At first, that causes friction but then they begin to fall into a rhythm and work well together. Their different styles complement each other. There's also still quite a bit of heat between them and Gavin brings out Grace's playful, flirty side. He treats her with respect, appreciating her looks, her smarts, her guts, and her compassion but also enjoys teasing her. At times their romance dominated the story, taking over the mystery, and Gavin did some foolish things that would probably not go over well in the real FBI. I'm also not sure about agents on a team being romantically involved but it did make for a good story.

"Such a Pretty Girl" was intense, dark at times, fast-paced, full of action, and attention grabbing. It kept me reading and I will go hunt up her back books and check those out.
Profile Image for Chasing Away Reality.
512 reviews30 followers
October 7, 2017
3.5 Stars - I am a huge fan of crime dramas, true crime, and law enforcement books and TV shows. My adult obsession with books actually started with this genre. To say I was excited to get my hands on this book would be an understatement. I couldn't wait to delve into Grace's world of profiling and her deadly journey to catch a serial killer. I was also excited about the second chance romance that was sure to be brewing with her partner. However, I was confused by the purpose of the book. When I first started reading, it felt like your typical romantic suspense novel. Everything was focused on the murders and profiling of the killer with the added elements related to Grace and Gavin's attraction for one another. Then, somewhere in the middle, it seemed like all of the FBI stuff was just a backdrop for Grace and Gavin's relationship. After finally acquiescing to their feelings, the author moved beyond their relationship and focused back on the serial killer. But everything was just too cleanly delivered, which is why it felt more like a romance.

Grace was obviously the best profiler the FBI had. Other than her obvious blinders to the identity of the killer, she was almost perfect in everything she did. In addition, Gavin was her perfect partner in every way. He was sensitive, funny, always in agreement with Grace, strong, sexy, talented, smart...essentially, he was written to be everything Grace needed without a single flaw. Someone that was created to be the only man to help her realize that she could have love in her life.

Overall, this was a good story, but I needed more. I needed messy and flawed characters. I wanted a more in depth characterization of the killer and look into the procedural aspects of the crime solving. And I longed for a more suspenseful journey. While the psychology behind the story was well thought out, I didn't feel like it was too crafty. Everything was just so neatly executed for my taste. The murders were succinct and easily connected. The little clues the author dropped from the start, made the reveal less surprising for me. 

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
September 26, 2017
Looking for a fast paced, well written, sexy AF romantic suspense? Look no further than Such a Pretty Girl! I was sucked into Grace and Gavin’s world from the very first pages and I didn’t want to leave.

Grace is the FBI’s top profiler and an award-winning author. She’s living her best life—one where she loves both her jobs and her personal life. She’s not one to “repeat” so when her latest case forces her to work with a one-night stand to solve, she’s not ready for all the ramifications. This case isn’t just getting to her professionally, it’s personal. And not just personal because she’s working with Gavin Walker.

Gavin is one of the recent hires to Grace’s team. Gavin is also the one man she never quite forgot. And Gavin hasn’t forgotten Grace either. Now that they’re teamed up on this serial killer case, things are about to get a whole lot more personal as the body count continues to rise and the serial killer is escalating/perfecting his skills.

Will Gavin and Grace catch a break and get ahead of the serial killer, or will her long buried secrets be the end of it all?

I really and truly enjoyed the mixing of a personal and professional relationship between Grace and Gavin. Loved how they brought out both the best and the worst in each other, both on the job and between the sheets. I loved their snarky, witty, sometimes funny banter. They were very real to me. I can’t wait to read more by Tess Diamond, she’s been added to my must-read list! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Coral.
776 reviews31 followers
December 21, 2017
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 4.5/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 15 books613 followers
June 15, 2020
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog

I liked the last book well enough that I wanted to read more like it. This book starts out with Grace, one of the best profilers in the country at an award banquet for her and her latest mystery book. While she’s there, she’s pulled away by her boss and into a murder scene. He tells her that he’ll have her picked up by her new partner. Imagine her surprise when she sees the only man who ever made her want more than a one night stand.

Gavin Walker has been in love with Grace since the moment he saw her, two years ago. But when he called her after their night together and she didn’t call back, he took the hint. Being partnered with Grace on a case goes from professional to personal very quickly. Not because of their relationship, but because it seems that while they are working on a possible serial killer, it seems the ultimate target is Grace.

Grace wants to handle this on her own terms, Gavin wants to protect her. But he’s realistic enough to know that not only can he not lock Grace inside a secure bubble-wrapped room so she never gets hurt, he understands she is their best chance of catching the killer.

This author’s voice works for me. I’ve really enjoyed the past two books, and I like how the romance isn’t shoved to the side to make room for the suspense. I feel like this should be called a Romantic Thriller. The main thing I’ve noticed is she doesn’t utilize the heroes very much though. The heroes in the books usually have a specialty that works with the case, but the book is so heroine-centered that he never uses his skill set. It’s kind of a let-down because let’s say your hero is an expert in rescuing hostages, and the book revolves around a hostage situation, and he is never used at all, it feels like, well why give him that skill set? This book was similar with the hero being under used. I liked him a lot and I wanted the author to do more with him. I think that for how she writes, her books would do well in first person point of view.

There’s one more book in this series, and I’m sad to say it looks like nothing new from this author since then. I hope she continues writing. I really enjoy her books, and I’d love to read more.

***Review copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,233 reviews
January 23, 2019
This was excellent. I do believe I have found a new favored author! Onto the third book in the series! ;)
Profile Image for Yvonne.
969 reviews82 followers
December 14, 2017
Very exciting thriller with a good balance of romance and suspense.
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
2,440 reviews
October 8, 2024
SUCH A PRETTY GIRL was a wonderful suspense thriller with a great romance blended in and I enjoyed it even more than Tess Diamond's last book. I was completely along for the ride as Grace and Gavin looked for this unusual killer on a murderous spree. I found the writing to be a nice improvement over the last one and many of the small problems, like over repetition of phrases, were gone making the story and pacing much stronger this time around.

I've always found criminal profiling really interesting so watching Grace do her job was fascinating and I loved the times she used it to put people in their place. Grace is clearly a strong, independent, and feisty woman who refuses to let anyone belittle her, her work, or her place in the FBI. A traumatic experience from college has caused Grace to keep men at a distance but I was happy to see she wasn't stubborn to a fault and she was willing to admit what she felt for Gavin was different than what she normally felt. She didn't want to find a connection with him but she didn't try to delude herself once she realized it was there.

Gavin was also a perfect hero and when I say perfect, I mean perfect. Some might say that's a criticism but in this case I actually really enjoyed having a hero that supported his love interest 100 percent and was there for her from the beginning to the end of the book. Gavin was your quintessential protector hero but he never wanted to prevent Grace from doing her job. I loved his confidence in her as an FBI profiler and a strong woman. He never once hesitated to stay behind and let Grace chase their killer because he knew she was a professional and could do her job. On top of all that Gavin was also incredibly charming and I loved his suave but slightly dorky personality. Overall, I really enjoyed this read and I can't wait to get the next one that comes out.
Profile Image for Casey.
699 reviews57 followers
March 9, 2018
Ugh. I like mysteries/thrillers, and I dabble in the world of romance. However, this mashup of the two genres just did not work for me at all. Our heroine is not only a 28-year-old FBI profiler wunderkind who finished college in "record time" (the book firmly establishes that she was in college when she was 18, so that high praise doesn't even make sense), but she's also a best-selling author (which felt very self-insert), a collector of fine art (Picassos...literally), and an absolute stunner. Oh, and did I mention that she volunteers with children? Because she does. Pretty much her only flaw is her fear of commitment.

With crimes as savage as those depicted in this novel, the happily ever after felt forced and a bit cheesy. My opinion might not mesh with yours if you read this as a romance first and a crime novel second.
Profile Image for Paige Kathryn Ann.
15 reviews
January 10, 2018
Such a Pretty Girl was fast passed, captivating and I found myself not wanting to put it down.
I have an absolute love and small obsession for very strong and independent female characters in thriller novels, and Grace Sinclair definitely fit that to a T! She was a powerhouse throughout the novel and I found myself captivated by how successful she was in more ways than one and also her love for giving back to the community.

My guilty pleasure is when there is a little romance thrown into thrillers, but only when it's done right, and I definitely think Tess did a fantastic job! I really enjoyed Gavin's character and found myself sort of falling for him myself (haha). He was intelligent, sexy, protective and was able to show Grace that you can have it all...success, money, and love! Overall, Gavin complemented Grace's character quite nicely and I am excited to see how their relationship with flourish in the next book.

Now, I docked a star because I felt I really needed more of the dialogue from the serial killer. I found myself getting to the end of his chapters and feeling a bit disappointed that I didn't get more of his deeply twisted thoughts. I also felt that I needed to know more of Grace's and the serial killers past together so I could gain more insight of the pain she caused him and just an overall better understanding of his character on a deeper level.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Regan.
2,060 reviews97 followers
January 7, 2018
I really enjoyed Tess Diamond’s first book in her O’Connor and Sinclair series, DANGEROUS GAMES. She out does herself in her latest, SUCH A PRETTY GIRL. I’m glad I started this one on a Friday night because I couldn’t put it down, stayed up late reading it and bypassed anything else that didn’t have to be done until I finished the book. What a great story! Diamond takes you into the mind of a serial killer through a strong, intelligent and really likeable heroine.

Grace is not only someone you would want on your side if you needed police protection. She is someone you’d like to have for a friend. Gavin is one of those quietly hot men who, although really good looking, has a personality that makes him one of the good guys and then some.

Profile Image for Leanne.
611 reviews16 followers
September 6, 2022
I enjoyed the start of the book. A story with an FBI Agent/profiler and a serial killer she needs to stop. Unfortunately that’s where the good ends for me.

I found Grace to be annoying and stuck up. I just couldn’t warm to her. I realised on very early into the book who the killer was. It was so obvious.

The insta re kindled romance of her one night stand was really rushed.

If you want some lighthearted it’s ok but there are definitely better romantic suspense books available.
Profile Image for Megan G..
222 reviews10 followers
February 14, 2018
3.5

I enjoyed this more than the first one in the series. Good storyline just wished for a stronger mystery behind the killings.
519 reviews83 followers
October 28, 2018
I love a good romantic suspense/thriller involving serial killers and FBI profilers! I love diving into sick and twisted minds (yes I know how this sounds), but my main gripe with this book was how it was written. Everything was dissected including characters feelings and their actions. It just rubbed me the wrong way and distracted from the story.
. .
Our heroine is a profiler for the FBI as well as being a successful author, and rich as anything. She avoids entanglement and sticks solely to one night stands, that is until our hero joins her FBI task force. He is one of her previous one night stands and now that he is back in her life he wants more from her. With a serial killer on the loose after our heroine specifically they are forced together and their flame reignites.
. .
This book delves more deeply into everyone’s backgrounds as if the author herself is profiling everyone and their actions which was slightly jarring and kept me from enjoying the story. The whole book also took place in less than 5 days and I didn’t see how the MCs relationship developed into the point where they can say they love each other.
Profile Image for Jeannee Waseck.
46 reviews24 followers
May 29, 2020
This book may be well enough for some folks - those who enjoy strings of cliches all beaded together like a cheap necklace. I can't even get to the first crime, it's so poor! And speaking of cheap - yes, it was only$3, but I'm actually thinking of returning it and buying something I'd like far more.
Profile Image for Beth.
426 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2020
Totally predictable and superficial. But readable.
Profile Image for Rose Blue.
644 reviews27 followers
October 2, 2017
4.5 Stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-DK

Grace Sinclair is a best-selling author, as well as an FBI profiler. She was born to wealth and privilege, but became somewhat estranged from her parents when she refused to follow the path they believe her life should take. She is a tough woman, that's a necessity in her chosen career. While she enjoys sex and male company, she doesn't have relationships, just one night flings. She's content with her successful career and no strings life, right up until Gavin reappears.

Two years ago, Gavin Walker met Grace at a social function, and immediately fell hard. The police detective and former soldier spent an unforgettable and passionate day with Grace. They connected on so many levels, not just the physical. But the next morning Grace was gone, and never returned his calls. Gavin got the message loud and clear and backed off. But now, he's also with the FBI, and he's on Grace's team.

Seeing Gavin brings back the feelings that Grace has done her best to forget. He was a man who tempted her greatly to break her own rules, as she felt a real connection to him. Still, she feels she's strong enough now to resist him if he should try to establish a relationship that's non-professional. What she didn't expect was how well they work together, and how much Gavin respects her opinions and intelligence.

The case Gavin and Grace initially are working on becomes several murders, and they are the only agents who believe it's a serial killer. As the body count grows, the killer begins to taunt Grace with messages that suggest they have a connection. When Grace figures out who the killer is, she realizes that an incident from her past is indeed the basis for all of the killing, and she has to act quickly to stop any further deaths.

SUCH A PRETTY GIRL is a fast moving, exciting, and suspenseful story. Gavin and Grace have great chemistry, both professionally and personally. They're both strong, good, intelligent people whom I liked and wanted to see in a genuine relationship. The villain is definitely creepy, and my interest and attention were held from beginning to end. I totally enjoyed and recommend this quick read for fans of romantic suspense, who enjoy strong characters and a well written story.
Profile Image for Barb Lie.
2,085 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2017
Such a Pretty Girl by Tess Diamond is an exciting, well written and intense psychological thriller. Grace Sinclair, our heroine, writes crime mystery novels, but Grace is also a profiler with the FBI. Grace loves her job, helping to find the bad guys, and devotes everything to her job, with writing being something to relax her. When she attends an awards ceremony, even though she is one of the winners; she leaves early to go visit a crime scene.

Gavin Walker, a former cop, is now a new agent with the FBI. His first assignment is to pick up Grace and become her partner for this new case. When Grace sees him, she is shocked. Two years before, both Grace and Gavin had a one night stand, and Gavin has not forgotten it, since she was gone before he woke up. Now though a bit uncomfortable, they need to work together. Grace is one of the best at her job, totally brilliant and independent, but as the murders begin to escalate, she begins to see clues that this is a serial murderer.

Gavin surprises Grace at how well he understands and reads her thoughts. They work very well together, and a slow build romance will begin as they work closely in this intense case. The romance does take a backseat to the investigation, but it adds a nice element. The crimes are violent, and soon Grace recognizes that the killer is someone she knows, and she is to be the final victim. Gavin is determined to protect Grace at all costs, but the race is on to find the killer before he kills someone close to Grace.

Being a thriller with lots of twists and surprises, I will not tell too much more, which could ruin it for you. What follows is an exciting, dark, suspenseful adventure that holds you on the edge of your seat. I loved how strong Grace was, especially when she realized that the killer was someone from her past, and this was personal. I also loved Gave and Grace together, and they did make a nice team, not to mention they sizzled together. Tess Diamond knocked this out of the park. I loved every moment of this book. If you like thrilling murder mysteries, with a bit of romance, then I suggest you read Such a Pretty Girl

Barb
The Reading Cafe>/a>
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