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Carpenter & Harding #2
Insinuations
When it rains, it pours: Jordan and Ellie make tentative steps towards a new start in their relationship. At the same time, the hunt for an escaped felon puts pressure on every member of the department. Protecting a witness ends fatally for one of their own, and the case reveals disturbing details in Jordan’s family history. Their biggest challenges, professionally and personally, are yet to come.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2015
123 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Winkes
99 books212 followersBarbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 15, 2019
Insinuations still follow the life of Rookie cop Elli Harding and Detective Jordan Carpenter.
Elli and Jordan try to regain their footing after the horrible events in book #1. Despite all the troubles they have to overcome, their relationship slowly gets on track to becoming lovers, but it’s not easy after what they went through. We got to know the MCs better and learned a lot about them.
The case is again very intense and interesting. And this time I never expected this ending. So I have to read #3 soon. I need to know what’s going on.
My rating 4 stars
Elli and Jordan try to regain their footing after the horrible events in book #1. Despite all the troubles they have to overcome, their relationship slowly gets on track to becoming lovers, but it’s not easy after what they went through. We got to know the MCs better and learned a lot about them.
The case is again very intense and interesting. And this time I never expected this ending. So I have to read #3 soon. I need to know what’s going on.
My rating 4 stars
November 27, 2025
3.75⭐️
May 23, 2020
I am very impressed with Barbara Winkes. She has created a cast of characters you become invested in quite quickly. Being a detective novel there is a lot happening that keeps your interest. I could Not put this novel down. Book 3 here I come!
January 16, 2024
That ENDINGG GODDAMIT I SHOULD BE DOING MY HOMEWORK . WINKES WHEN I SEE YOU IS ON SIGHT. LET THEM HAVE VACATIONSSSS
May 1, 2019
Really enjoying Barbara Winkes writing style and story telling. The twists and turns with dumps along the way. Definitely continuing this series.
Rating: 4.5
Rating: 4.5
July 25, 2022
Hmm
This one was full of emotions from last book. The character development and connection is not smooth. And that Bethany woman is really something else, ps; awful.
This one was full of emotions from last book. The character development and connection is not smooth. And that Bethany woman is really something else, ps; awful.
June 18, 2022
Survival is worse than getting killed
“Darby, Ryder, Pratt, and many more—their actions might not be common, but what was in their heads, sadly, was.
Darby had punished women for what he considered a deviant sex life. Ryder had punished Mara for leaving him.”
+ • + • + • +
As Ellie & Jordan, separately, try living with the aftermath of trauma, torture & terror, while collectively, desperate to escape the hell of women suffering as the consequences of a toxic, misogynist mentality man.
“Darby, Ryder, Pratt, and many more—their actions might not be common, but what was in their heads, sadly, was.
Darby had punished women for what he considered a deviant sex life. Ryder had punished Mara for leaving him.”
+ • + • + • +
As Ellie & Jordan, separately, try living with the aftermath of trauma, torture & terror, while collectively, desperate to escape the hell of women suffering as the consequences of a toxic, misogynist mentality man.
January 3, 2024
This is the second book in this series, without reading the first one, I still enjoyed very much of the story. I admire the author for her smooth storytelling, addictive twists and turns of the plots, strong and brave women dealing with trauma both mentally and physically. I can't help but loving both MCs, they feel like real people with their own struggle in life. I would like to read more of the romance, and I am sure in the book 3 of this series, the author will show us more of the interactions and love between the MCS.
May 16, 2018
Book two in the Carpenter/Harding Series continues with the two women dealing with their own survival emotions and beginning to take steps forward in their new relationship. As with Book one, the story is engaging and suspenseful, as we become more involved with the developing character personalities. It moves quickly, and it was hard to put down. I really like that Winkes gives the main characters plenty of flaws for us to see, along with their positive characteristics.
July 19, 2021
Another great read with Jordan and Ellie
Jordan is still struggling with the aftermath from the first book. Ellie is holding on, hoping that she and Jordan will have a chance for a relationship. More of Jordan's past come back to haunt her. I'm really enjoying this series, and can't wait to read more of their thrilling casework.
Jordan is still struggling with the aftermath from the first book. Ellie is holding on, hoping that she and Jordan will have a chance for a relationship. More of Jordan's past come back to haunt her. I'm really enjoying this series, and can't wait to read more of their thrilling casework.
February 3, 2023
Great Series
Detective Jordan Carpenter is back on duty and working on getting her head in the right place. Officer Ellie Harding is back on patrol and waiting for Jordan to come to her. When a escapee kills to get away they are back to the crosshairs. A police procedural and mystery. Great author.
Detective Jordan Carpenter is back on duty and working on getting her head in the right place. Officer Ellie Harding is back on patrol and waiting for Jordan to come to her. When a escapee kills to get away they are back to the crosshairs. A police procedural and mystery. Great author.
May 2, 2025
Amazing
Jordan and Ellie are taking their time to work towards a sturdy relationship.
There are a lot of things happening all at once in this book. Jordan's birth parents, escaped convicts, drug dealers and murderers. And daily life in between.
A new stalker on the horizon can threaten everything though.
On to the next book.
Jordan and Ellie are taking their time to work towards a sturdy relationship.
There are a lot of things happening all at once in this book. Jordan's birth parents, escaped convicts, drug dealers and murderers. And daily life in between.
A new stalker on the horizon can threaten everything though.
On to the next book.
September 13, 2020
Detective novel,
This novel was a gift..enjoy the imagination of author . It's is not "same old same". It caught me off guard. Have to read a chapter twice.. to me that's sign of a good book
This novel was a gift..enjoy the imagination of author . It's is not "same old same". It caught me off guard. Have to read a chapter twice.. to me that's sign of a good book
December 3, 2021
Aargh!
God, I hate cliffhangers! But this is an exciting series nonetheless! I can't wait to read the next book in this riveting series! Thankfully, the entire series is currently available in Kindle Unlimited, and I have them all!
God, I hate cliffhangers! But this is an exciting series nonetheless! I can't wait to read the next book in this riveting series! Thankfully, the entire series is currently available in Kindle Unlimited, and I have them all!
July 9, 2023
Ellie and Jordan haven't yet had a proper opportunity to build a foundation for their new beginnings together, when the past seeks them both
denial could be deadly
suspense filled action and drama, with heaps of backstory, guilt and death
denial could be deadly
suspense filled action and drama, with heaps of backstory, guilt and death
March 24, 2024
This book is more detective / cop / thriller with a sapphic story in it. Which is actually great because I love both! Finished it very fast, because you just want to know what happens. The cliffhanger in the end… pfff, let my girls catch a break! Will read the next one really soon.
November 27, 2016
This book was much better than the first one. It was easier to follow and I couldn't put it down. I'm hoping book 3 is just as good.
November 29, 2017
Sequel follows on from book one, worth a read.
January 24, 2018
I liked the continuation of the story and characters. I feel the 1st in the series was more intense of a story. Was not surprised how this one ended on to the 3rd installment.
July 9, 2020
Love Barbara Winkes writing! The Carpenter/Harding Series is great! Once u start reading u can't put the book down until the end.
January 28, 2024
I'm enjoying the continuing story of Carpenter and Harding. However, be aware that this book ends with a cliff hanger. You'll have to read the next one to find out what happens next!
May 13, 2025
Definitely better than the last installment. It’s clear the author is getting into her stride. Expect a police procedural with a cutsie romance.
Still fun, though.
Still fun, though.
May 7, 2023
Really enjoyed getting to know the characters more in this second book in the series. It makes a lovely change to get a gripping detective novel interwoven with a lesbian romance where the police side of the story is so well done. You really need yo have read the first book to get the most out of this one and I am now hooked and keen to get started on book 3 now.
April 22, 2022
That's how you do a sequel
Another really good story, the police part was not as "gripping" as in Indiscretions IMHO, but I'm glad the villains here weren't as enraging as the ones in book one, though the outcome of some of their actions... so it was good all the same. The romance bit is crawling, but IMO it's what makes it more interesting, no one is jumping into things when they still have so much to work within themselves. I just hope they'll have a break soon, because girl, these two don't seem to have a break, punch after punch...I can't start imagining the plethora of trauma they'll have accumulated by the end of this series haha
What's getting me EXASPERATED, FRUSTRATED though, is how people keep dismissing Ellie, I mean she keeps dismissing Jordan too, but there isn't a single person who listen to her. No even the fellow cops, Jesus fucking Christ" it's infuriating.
Another really good story, the police part was not as "gripping" as in Indiscretions IMHO, but I'm glad the villains here weren't as enraging as the ones in book one, though the outcome of some of their actions... so it was good all the same. The romance bit is crawling, but IMO it's what makes it more interesting, no one is jumping into things when they still have so much to work within themselves. I just hope they'll have a break soon, because girl, these two don't seem to have a break, punch after punch...I can't start imagining the plethora of trauma they'll have accumulated by the end of this series haha
What's getting me EXASPERATED, FRUSTRATED though, is how people keep dismissing Ellie, I mean she keeps dismissing Jordan too, but there isn't a single person who listen to her. No even the fellow cops, Jesus fucking Christ" it's infuriating.
February 26, 2020
Life is never simple for Jordan!!!
Jordan and Ellie are newly into their relationship and finding their feet, whilst dealing with a high profile case of a very dangerous criminal. Of course it can’t be a simple work life balance in their line of work, and while trying to protect those under threat, and hunt down the escapee, Jordan’s past is seeping out of the woodwork and causing ripples in her life she had never expected. Nothing is plain sailing, and both Ellie and Jordan face many obstacles in getting their lives.
It was really exciting to finally be back with Carpenter and Harding as they faced another tough case. Barbara has a real talent for bringing a nitty, gritty, crime novel without losing the personal element of her main characters lives. Although Ellie and Jordan’s relationship is a focus of this story, it does not overpower the importance of the case they are working on, and the details that build the mystery of the criminal they are on the hunt for. It was however very carefully woven into their personal lives, affecting them more than just a simple manhunt case should.
The element of darkness that Barbara brings to her Carpenter and Harding novels just gives them an edge, and they are always exciting with the twists and turns that always bring the unexpected. I really like this series and am excited to read more (hopefully sooner this time!) and see what lies in store next for Ellie and Jordan. Their relationship is so new, yet kindled from friendship and it is already being tested. It is a testament to how amazing these two characters are.
I highly recommend this series for any lover of crime fiction, who also likes a little romance thrown in and a great couple heading up the stories.
Jordan and Ellie are newly into their relationship and finding their feet, whilst dealing with a high profile case of a very dangerous criminal. Of course it can’t be a simple work life balance in their line of work, and while trying to protect those under threat, and hunt down the escapee, Jordan’s past is seeping out of the woodwork and causing ripples in her life she had never expected. Nothing is plain sailing, and both Ellie and Jordan face many obstacles in getting their lives.
It was really exciting to finally be back with Carpenter and Harding as they faced another tough case. Barbara has a real talent for bringing a nitty, gritty, crime novel without losing the personal element of her main characters lives. Although Ellie and Jordan’s relationship is a focus of this story, it does not overpower the importance of the case they are working on, and the details that build the mystery of the criminal they are on the hunt for. It was however very carefully woven into their personal lives, affecting them more than just a simple manhunt case should.
The element of darkness that Barbara brings to her Carpenter and Harding novels just gives them an edge, and they are always exciting with the twists and turns that always bring the unexpected. I really like this series and am excited to read more (hopefully sooner this time!) and see what lies in store next for Ellie and Jordan. Their relationship is so new, yet kindled from friendship and it is already being tested. It is a testament to how amazing these two characters are.
I highly recommend this series for any lover of crime fiction, who also likes a little romance thrown in and a great couple heading up the stories.
February 20, 2020
This series Rocks!
I'm just about to get into book #3 and so far I cannot put this down! The Carpenter/Harding series is spellbinding. I am completely wrapped around Barbara Winkes finger and continuing Jordan and Ellie's journey.
I'm just about to get into book #3 and so far I cannot put this down! The Carpenter/Harding series is spellbinding. I am completely wrapped around Barbara Winkes finger and continuing Jordan and Ellie's journey.
October 30, 2015
Super exciting story and I truly enjoyed it.
This was an exciting thriller with plenty of good twists and turns that keep the suspense going. I loved the way the story played out. You're never quite sure of what exactly was going on, what was about to happen. There were so many different emotions throughout the story and sometimes I wanted to scream. Ellie and Jordan went through some tough times but they were not the only one. I found myself frustrated that it ended too soon and I hope that the next installment will be released asap. Having to wait drive me nuts. I have one advice; do not wait but buy both Carpenter/Harding books and start reading. You will not be disappointed.
This was an exciting thriller with plenty of good twists and turns that keep the suspense going. I loved the way the story played out. You're never quite sure of what exactly was going on, what was about to happen. There were so many different emotions throughout the story and sometimes I wanted to scream. Ellie and Jordan went through some tough times but they were not the only one. I found myself frustrated that it ended too soon and I hope that the next installment will be released asap. Having to wait drive me nuts. I have one advice; do not wait but buy both Carpenter/Harding books and start reading. You will not be disappointed.
May 31, 2016
Just wow
This was an incredible book. The writing and storyline are amazing. I love the twists and turns in the story.
This was an incredible book. The writing and storyline are amazing. I love the twists and turns in the story.
October 5, 2019
Second book and wow
If I thought the first book was good, the second is even better. The action continues, the relationship grows, characters evolve. Such a awesome read!!!
If I thought the first book was good, the second is even better. The action continues, the relationship grows, characters evolve. Such a awesome read!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews