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Savannah Martin Mystery #7
Kickout Clause
Book 7 in the Cutthroat Business mysteries featuring Southern Belle and Realtor Savannah Martin in Nashville, Tennessee...
When Shelby Ferguson, Savannah’s ex-husband’s new wife, begs Savannah’s help in figuring out what’s going on with Bradley, Savannah can’t in good conscience say no. Shelby has no one else to turn to, no one to whom she can admit that her marriage is on the rocks and that Bradley may be straying.
But helping Shelby turns out to be just the tip of the iceberg. With two different sets of buyers vying to purchase Mrs. Jenkins’s house, and an escaped prisoner targeting Savannah, she has more than enough to deal with. And that’s before TBI rookie Manny Ortega is shot down in cold blood.
With Savannah’s boyfriend Rafe Collier, and their friend, homicide detective Tamara Grimaldi, busy looking for Manny’s murderer, it’s up to Savannah to juggle buyers and agents and vandals and lawyers, and come out on top... without losing her Southern Belle poise or her life in the process.
When Shelby Ferguson, Savannah’s ex-husband’s new wife, begs Savannah’s help in figuring out what’s going on with Bradley, Savannah can’t in good conscience say no. Shelby has no one else to turn to, no one to whom she can admit that her marriage is on the rocks and that Bradley may be straying.
But helping Shelby turns out to be just the tip of the iceberg. With two different sets of buyers vying to purchase Mrs. Jenkins’s house, and an escaped prisoner targeting Savannah, she has more than enough to deal with. And that’s before TBI rookie Manny Ortega is shot down in cold blood.
With Savannah’s boyfriend Rafe Collier, and their friend, homicide detective Tamara Grimaldi, busy looking for Manny’s murderer, it’s up to Savannah to juggle buyers and agents and vandals and lawyers, and come out on top... without losing her Southern Belle poise or her life in the process.
301 pages, ebook
First published October 12, 2013
65 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Bennett
122 books538 followersJenna Bennett writes the USA Today bestselling Cutthroat Business mysteries featuring Southern Belle and new-minted real estate agent Savannah Martin in Nashville, Tennessee.
As Jennie Bentley, she writes the New York Times bestselling Do-It-Yourself Home Renovation mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime, featuring designer and amateur sleuth Avery Baker and her boyfriend, handyman Derek Ellis, who renovate houses in Waterfield, Maine.
She also writes a variety of romance for a change of pace.
aka Jennie Bentley
The DIY series:
FATAL FIXER-UPPER (November 2008)
SPACKLED AND SPOOKED (August 2009)
PLASTER AND POISON (March 2010)
MORTAR AND MURDER (January 2011)
FLIPPED OUT (October 2011)
WALL TO WALL DEAD (September 2012)
HOME FOR THE HOMICIDE (December 2013)
The Cutthroat Business series:
A CUTTHROAT BUSINESS (May 2011)
HOT PROPERTY (June 2011)
CONTRACT PENDING (July 2011)
CLOSE TO HOME (September 2011)
A DONE DEAL (December 2011)
CONTINGENT ON APPROVAL (November 2012)
CHANGE OF HEART (May 2013)
KICKOUT CLAUSE (October 2013)
Soldiers of Fortune series:
FORTUNE'S HERO (December 2012)
Various:
ISLAND GETAWAY (October 2012)
VIRGINIA CREEPER (October 2013)
BEFORE YOU (March 2014)
As Jennie Bentley, she writes the New York Times bestselling Do-It-Yourself Home Renovation mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime, featuring designer and amateur sleuth Avery Baker and her boyfriend, handyman Derek Ellis, who renovate houses in Waterfield, Maine.
She also writes a variety of romance for a change of pace.
aka Jennie Bentley
The DIY series:
FATAL FIXER-UPPER (November 2008)
SPACKLED AND SPOOKED (August 2009)
PLASTER AND POISON (March 2010)
MORTAR AND MURDER (January 2011)
FLIPPED OUT (October 2011)
WALL TO WALL DEAD (September 2012)
HOME FOR THE HOMICIDE (December 2013)
The Cutthroat Business series:
A CUTTHROAT BUSINESS (May 2011)
HOT PROPERTY (June 2011)
CONTRACT PENDING (July 2011)
CLOSE TO HOME (September 2011)
A DONE DEAL (December 2011)
CONTINGENT ON APPROVAL (November 2012)
CHANGE OF HEART (May 2013)
KICKOUT CLAUSE (October 2013)
Soldiers of Fortune series:
FORTUNE'S HERO (December 2012)
Various:
ISLAND GETAWAY (October 2012)
VIRGINIA CREEPER (October 2013)
BEFORE YOU (March 2014)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 31, 2014
Savannah's back with more than a few blasts from her past in this multi-mystery installment. She also has some serious conversations with Rafe about her past prejudices and how far they've come, which were great fun to read along with the suspense and romantic scenes. No spoilers, but fans of the series will enjoy learning more about Savannah's cheating ex Bradley and meeting the woman he left her for, the same woman who comes to Savannah for help.
Now who could walk away from an offer like that?
I really enjoyed following Savannah and Rafe as they worked together, especially since she's not one of those unrealistic superhero I'm-suddenly-going-to-just-kick-ass-with-no-training. Savannah is smart and cautious enough to avoid these traps while still using her budding detective skills and street smarts to get out of more than a few sticky situations.
Definitely recommend to fans of the series and for those who love their mysteries with a heaping helping of romance :)
Now who could walk away from an offer like that?
I really enjoyed following Savannah and Rafe as they worked together, especially since she's not one of those unrealistic superhero I'm-suddenly-going-to-just-kick-ass-with-no-training. Savannah is smart and cautious enough to avoid these traps while still using her budding detective skills and street smarts to get out of more than a few sticky situations.
Definitely recommend to fans of the series and for those who love their mysteries with a heaping helping of romance :)
January 9, 2018
Wow!! I love this series but this is by far the BEST one! It is exciting right from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. There are several mysteries going on in this book but it is easy to keep track of as long as you have read the other books in the series. Savannah is a Realtor and Rafe ' s house is on the market with 2 competing bidders. Rafe ' s student at the TBI ends up murdered. On top of all that Shelby, her ex - husband Bradley ' s current wife, asks Savannah to help her figure out what Bradley is up to because he is acting odd. Plus someone trashed her work office and broke into Rafe's house and she finds out someone she helped put in prison escaped! Rafe sticks pretty close to her because he is worried about her safety but he needs to investigate his student's death. Savannah begins to investigate and gets herself in a few predicaments naturally. Her family are barely in this one. It is all very exciting and well written. It is one of the best and unexpected endings and it makes an awesome book even better!
February 7, 2018
Savannah getting in trouble again! Same dance, different sing. This sounds negative and in a way it is; but, I still love Savannah & all the characters in this series. Having started to be a lawyer you’d thing she’d be smart enough to stay out of some of dangerous situations. Guess it’s a case of book smarts v/s common sense. Also, I’m beginning to feel the sex scenes could be toned down a little. We already know she’s hot for Rafe & what go on behind closed doors. If I wanted porn, I wouldn’t be rheading Cody Mystery’s. All that said, I’m ready for # 8
March 2, 2024
Thank heavens this book brings us back to the Savannah I was starting to fall in love with from book 5. It’s almost as if whatever took over her brain in the previous book didn’t happen. There was a lot going on in this one: two very distinct mysteries with another two smaller ones that had threads overlapping each other and the mains. And the author successfully kept me guessing with all of them. I’m so looking forward to seeing what will happen next.
March 23, 2021
I admit it, I'm hooked. Most of my reads are mysteries, cozy to noir, but this series is addicting. I love the characters, although it's about time Savannah let go of her upbringing and raised a little hell. I am a Southern girl, I know the rules, and enjoy the way other's deal with them. A fun series, with a great setting and intrigue only families will recognize.
March 20, 2017
I love how protective Rafe is of Savannah. There was a lot of twist and turns in this one.
I'm already getting a little nervous. I'm at the half way point in the series (currently there's 14 books in the series). I'm seriously going to have withdraws when the series ends.
I'm already getting a little nervous. I'm at the half way point in the series (currently there's 14 books in the series). I'm seriously going to have withdraws when the series ends.
December 9, 2017
3.5 estrelas
Muito fofo. Savannah continua engraçada como sempre e ela e Rafael estão cada vez melhor, juntos e felizes.
Muitas aventuras, muita coisa a acontecer, uma pessoa até se confunde e esquece alguns pormenores com tantos acontecimentos.
Muito fofo. Savannah continua engraçada como sempre e ela e Rafael estão cada vez melhor, juntos e felizes.
Muitas aventuras, muita coisa a acontecer, uma pessoa até se confunde e esquece alguns pormenores com tantos acontecimentos.
June 22, 2021
Absolutely fantastic!
How do these books just keep getting better?? Every one sucks me in more than the last, and you’d think I’d get sick of the same character continuously getting herself into trouble, but nope! Still just as interesting!
How do these books just keep getting better?? Every one sucks me in more than the last, and you’d think I’d get sick of the same character continuously getting herself into trouble, but nope! Still just as interesting!
August 21, 2017
Another very good read.
January 21, 2020
Enjoying the who and the relationship with Rafe.
April 4, 2023
As always, really enjoy this series, Can't wait to see what Savannah gets up to next!
December 15, 2017
Best book in this series to date. No whining about her mother! Loved seeing what happened to Bradley!
January 11, 2014
Almost 4.5 This series just keeps getting better, proving that you can have the two main characters get together and still have plenty of adventure, humor, and tension. Stephanie Plum could take lessons from Savannah Martin, that's for sure!
The relationship between Rafe and Savannah has been fun to watch as it's grown and developed (but there's so much more to come, I hope). Savannah has come a long way from the first book. Her increasing confidence and willingness to shake that Southern belle persona has given this series a "real" feel. The family interactions aren't as prevalent in this book, but they're there none the less. I didn't go back and reread previous books, but I did reread the last chapter of "Change of Heart", book 6 in the series. "Kickout Clause" begins about a month later and takes off running.
Savannah doesn't mean to get involved in all the excitement and intrigue, but somehow she's always put right smack in the middle of it. This book actually has several story lines going at once. Jenna Bennett weaves them together well and ties them up neatly, although slightly unexpectedly, at the end. Everything is believable and you can see it happening. I love how local places are featured; another way in which Bennett weaves her story, reality with fiction. I can't wait for the next adventure of Rafe and Savannah! Please keep them coming!!!
The relationship between Rafe and Savannah has been fun to watch as it's grown and developed (but there's so much more to come, I hope). Savannah has come a long way from the first book. Her increasing confidence and willingness to shake that Southern belle persona has given this series a "real" feel. The family interactions aren't as prevalent in this book, but they're there none the less. I didn't go back and reread previous books, but I did reread the last chapter of "Change of Heart", book 6 in the series. "Kickout Clause" begins about a month later and takes off running.
Savannah doesn't mean to get involved in all the excitement and intrigue, but somehow she's always put right smack in the middle of it. This book actually has several story lines going at once. Jenna Bennett weaves them together well and ties them up neatly, although slightly unexpectedly, at the end. Everything is believable and you can see it happening. I love how local places are featured; another way in which Bennett weaves her story, reality with fiction. I can't wait for the next adventure of Rafe and Savannah! Please keep them coming!!!
January 10, 2014
I read this book after going back to read the first six back-to-back-to-back. I have to say, knowing where Savannah and Rafe end up lends a whole new sphere of enjoyment to the series, and this latest volume fits perfectly.
The trick with a romance series is that once the couple gets together, you have to find a way to keep the tension and not let it slip into "happy family" land. In Change of Heart, Rafe and Savannah were together, but there was some question. In Kickout Clause that question has been resolved, but Bennett keeps things from sliding into monotony.
Savannah remains as sparkling and witty as ever - and she's definitely shed a lot of the "proper Southern Belle" attitudes that were holding her back. And Rafe, well, Rafe is... Rafe. I'm not sure he'll ever change from that "six-foot-three of testosterone and trouble" that was described in the first book. And that's okay by me, because while he's definitely got a golden heart, his "bad body" exterior is pretty appealing too.
It'll be interesting to see where Bennett takes this twosome next. Personally, I can't wait!
The trick with a romance series is that once the couple gets together, you have to find a way to keep the tension and not let it slip into "happy family" land. In Change of Heart, Rafe and Savannah were together, but there was some question. In Kickout Clause that question has been resolved, but Bennett keeps things from sliding into monotony.
Savannah remains as sparkling and witty as ever - and she's definitely shed a lot of the "proper Southern Belle" attitudes that were holding her back. And Rafe, well, Rafe is... Rafe. I'm not sure he'll ever change from that "six-foot-three of testosterone and trouble" that was described in the first book. And that's okay by me, because while he's definitely got a golden heart, his "bad body" exterior is pretty appealing too.
It'll be interesting to see where Bennett takes this twosome next. Personally, I can't wait!
November 25, 2013
I enjoyed Kickout Clause very much. I continue to be impressed with how Jenna Bennett continues to develop the relationship between Savannah and Rafe while so much action occurs from page to page. It's very seamlessly done and that's no small order considering this is book 7 in the series. If I could have one wish for the next few books, it would be that the world Rafe and Savannah operate in would broaden to include a greater variety of characters rather than the cast we already know.
January 24, 2014
This was #7 in the Savannah Martin Mysteries, and I have been hooked since book 1. If it can happen it will happen to Savannah. She's a proper southern lady(sometimes), who can't seem to quite make it as a real estate agent. She is lovable, as is her HOT boyfriend Rafe. You will like most of the characters, and all the predicaments she gets herself into. Another 5 Star winner.
October 23, 2013
Best one yet. I love Rafe, what a man! Savanna is a trouble magnet with a good heart and the best intentions. Tamara is a great person for Savanna to have in her life. This is a must read series. I know this one was just released, but I really cannot wait for the next one.
November 15, 2013
Each book has me waiting for the next! As the series progresses it is welcoming to see the development not only of the main characters but also seeing the secondary characters develop along with them. It is that continuity that keeps me reading!
January 2, 2014
Cozy and suspensful
A nice continuation of the Savannah and Race story. While there were several story lines going at once, Ms. Bennett tied up the loose ends in a humorous way that made me a little sad that the book ended.
A nice continuation of the Savannah and Race story. While there were several story lines going at once, Ms. Bennett tied up the loose ends in a humorous way that made me a little sad that the book ended.
October 18, 2015
Okay I spent the last 5 days reading the 10 current novels of this series and two short stories. Yes it was that good, in fact I didn't stop to update my feed so I'll put this short review on the whole dang set. its a goodread, go for it.
February 8, 2016
Another solid entry! Lots of intrigue with this one with the return of Walker Lamont and with Bradley turning out to be kind of a villain (no surprise, right?) This one was chock full of good suspense and funny Rafe and Savannah moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2013
I have read this series practically back to back after reading book one in the Mirth, Murder & Mystery collection. I am loving it!
November 1, 2013
An excellent instalment in a very good series.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/673710...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/673710...
February 23, 2014
I loved it, I couldn't put it down. I actually enjoyed it more than the last book in the series. I hope that there is more to come for Savannah and Rafe.
August 27, 2016
i love savannah and rafe. its so nice to have a main character who is not super needy and insecure. i found the bit with bradley interesting- a bit of karma. cant wait for more.
January 26, 2014
liked this one almost one of the best. not sure if it was the best. kept you guessing about a few different things during the book.
January 30, 2014
love the series!more Rafe!!!
August 7, 2014
This was probably my least favourite in the series. I just didn't get as involved with the mystery and I found Savannah a little out of character.
May 28, 2015
best 1 so far!
April 23, 2016
Way too much gong on in this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews