The drowning wasn’t an accident. Instinct is telling him to look deeper. To find the story… Jarrett is a good reporter. He knows a front-page story when he sees one. When a woman is found dead on the banks of the river, the police assume it was accidental. But Jarrett thinks otherwise, and sets out on a mission to uncover the truth. A mission that involves a certain beautiful cop. Jessica is a good cop. She keeps her head down and does her job, desperate to prove herself, especially to the person that matters most. The person who was ripped from her life so many years ago. But she is restless, fighting the desire growing inside of her to do more than just follow orders. When their paths cross, both are driven to find answers about the woman’s death. The further their investigation goes, the more they discover, and Jarrett and Jessica soon realize that the case goes far deeper than a simple drowning. Digging for answers exposes new risks, posing a threat to both their jobs, their lives…and their feelings for each other. You’ll love Dire Straits, because of its simmering romance, intriguing mystery and explosive conclusion. Get it now and get lost in the story today.
Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books, ranging in genres from Fantasy to Romantic Suspense to Contemporary Romance. She loves the variety.
"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."
Melissa Pearl is a Forever Love Publishing author. If you'd like to download their Starter Library (3 books for FREE), then you can copy and paste this link into your Internet browser: http://bit.ly/FLP_Library
Dire Straits (An Aspen Falls Novel) Is the fourth standalone novel with supporting character's that crossover from the previous books in this suspenseful series. I love this new addition to the series. Jarrett is my second favourite character in this series next to Nate of course who is my favourite. I see a pattern in these novels and I love how they seem to intertwine between all the novels in this series. Jarrett and Jessica are adorable together. Character's are pragmatic with self-doubt which creates a embodied existence. The ending is sweet but I wish their was a epilogue even just two months later as to see into the future of these two with the unexpected twist of fate in the end. This novel brings together a intriguing mystery, a slow burning romance, & euphoric ending that is intoxicating. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this exhilarating series. I recommend reading all the books in this well crafted romantic suspense series.
Jarrett is an amazing reporter. When a woman is found dead, it’s thought it’s accidental, but he thinks it’s not. He meets Jessica, the two of them are special together Loved it.
Another good one! I can empathize with Jessica's need to do more and prove herself. Always being on the outskirts of the big cases, and even when she is the first on site, being sidelined for various reasons. When given the perfect opportunity to partner with Jarrett, she leaps at the chance, even if it risks all she's worked for. Always the rule follower, she knows she should not be working with a reporter to uncover information on the death of the woman found by the lake, but she also wants to prove to herself and others that she does have what it takes to be a detective.
Jarrett's motives are a little different. When he realizes he knows the deceased, he is determined to prove that there is more to her death than an accidental drunk drowning. In addition, it would be another big story in a town too small to provide the challenges a big city would. He needs more, but knows he can't just pick up and go. After meeting Jessica, he convinces her to work with him in the hopes they can both get what they want.
As we have seen with prior books, both main characters make mistakes, but I liked them both. I was more upset when Nate almost killed their budding romance with his comments to Jessica about Jarrett's "motives". The fact that she nearly believed them worried me. I liked these two together and outside of Nate, Jarrett is my next favorite character in the series.
It felt as though mystery is the main element of this story while romance is secondary which I don't mind when its being played out well in which it is the case in this story. It didn't seem too forced yet felt smooth sailing as though the authors are just letting it go with the flow which I ended up really enjoying.
The characters aren't perfect and as always, they tend to make mistakes. I had to just let that go for a moment and bask in the background as a reader reading about Jessica and Jared as they weave through Aspen Falls like any other normal day.
This book is yet another great instalment in the series and as always, I look forward to reading about the next stories that the authors can offer me.
I was privileged enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for a voluntary and honest review.
I ADORED every single second of this book. It was fantastically well written. It was nicely paced. Had an interesting and intricate plot. The well written storyline and the well developed characters hooked me from the very first page! The interaction and the chemistry between Jarrett and Jessica kept me totally engaged throughout the whole book!
Jessica is a good cop, one of Aspen Fall's best but that's not enough. She never set out to be a beat cop. She wanted to be a detective but every time she has asked for more opportunity, more responsibility, she's been shot down. Now she doesn't even know if it matters; if she even really wants to be a cop at all. Was this even ever her dream. Jarrett is Aspen Falls lead reporter but he's not sure if it will ever be enough. The big stories are in the bigger cities. He can't leave because he made a promise to his dying father to care for his mother and now she's sick and needs him. He just has to convince himself that staying is what he wants; that he's not stuck. Then a body is found. Jarrett knows this is the story. Something big. Something personal. He only needs to uncover the truth. This will be even better if he can get the beautiful police officer who was first on the scene to help. As Jarrett and Jessica investigate, they grow close. What they uncover poses a threat to all of Aspen Falls but may cause Jessica her job and both of them their lives.
Dire Straits is the third standalone novel in the romantic, suspenseful Aspen Falls series. Characters continue from the previous books. I will be honest, I was not a Jarrett fan early on in the books. He seems a little sleazy. I was wrong. I quickly grew to love him even though he frustrated me to the point of screaming at times. Man needs to open up his eyes to the world around him outside of his story. He's too career focused. His love for his mother was endearing. I felt for Jessica. It's understandable to relate to her situation. She's trapped in a life that she was maybe never meant to have all because of love and good intentions. It's so easy to get caught up trying to be 'perfect'. Jarrett and Jessica were great together. They make a great team. I loved the natural relationship development around their investigation.
Overall, this was another entertaining addition to the series. This may be my favorite couple yet. (I say that every time). However, I was not satisfied with the way the story played out. The mystery was fine. Jarrett and Jessica were not. I honestly could have given this a 3 star because I felt it was unfinished. Jarrett messed up the relationship and it was not addressed. Yes, the drama would have provided him a reprieve but there should have been conversations, understandings arrived at, and agreements reached. There is no way to skip over these and go straight to the implied HEA. I felt like there definitely should have been more story between these two for a more complete feel.
Jarrett is the reporter for Aspen Falls and Nate's friend. He knows he needs some big news to change his career, but at the same time, he's stuck in the city to take care of his mother, who is sick and doctors don't find out what she has. Jessica is a good cop, always carrying out the orders without question, but at the same time, desperate to prove herself and become a detective. Their paths cross and the attraction is remarkable, but when a body appears and Jessica is the first to arrive, followed by Jarrett, the direction of the story may change, since Jarrett knew the victim and doesn't believe that she simply drowned While Jarrett investigates the circumstances of Kate's death, Jessica helps him in his investigation, risking her job as a police officer. And when the discoveries they make are related to other events in Aspen Falls, the two are in serious danger. Will they be able to unravel the mystery and leave unharmed, or is the threat bigger than they imagined and can end them? I really loved this story and the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
I'm enjoying this series, they all stand alone. There is a suspenseful plot in the background of their blossoming romance. You can see it building and pretty much work out how it will unfold. I'm not sure why I didn't connect well with these characters, though it's hard to read when you have the flu. I look forward to the next book in this series.
This Aspen Falls installment was quite boring. There was too much about how the main characters were feeling and the only excitement happened at the very end.
Jessica Claret is a patrol officer with Aspen Falls PD, a morning traffic stop will change the direction of her life. Jarrett Pryor is a reporter for the local newspaper, the deaths of a young woman he knew will set him on a course for the story of a lifetime. Wow, in an effort to uncover the truth, Jessica and Jarrett will find love, as well a danger. Fascinating, well written characters and a plot with romance, mystery, and suspense. Fantastic book, I loved it!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Dire Straits is another great addition to the Aspen Falls series. I enjoyed Jarrett and Jessica's sweet romance, and I look forward to seeing what Jessica's future career plans will be.
I loved that Nate appeared throughout their story. He is still my favorite Aspen Falls hero!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
Dire Straits is the fourth book in the Aspen Falls series, and we get to know Jessica and Jarrett a bit better. Both of them are unhappy in their current jobs/situation, but neither of them feels able to make a change. Just before Jessica has a week's vacation, a dead body is found. This leads to questions being asked by Jarrett and Jess, both professionally and personally.
The romance side of this was a slow burn, and going behind closed doors when necessary. The mystery side kept me guessing all the way through, although I had my own suspects.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is always a pleasure to catch up with old characters, and I loved the cameos we got.
This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Jul 18, 2018
I love the concept of this story and the fact that its different than others I've seen. I love the fact that both characters are driven to always do better and rise above despite what happens in their life and profession. More people and characters need that trait to drive that passion to people in real life. I love the fact that they are what people would consider 'enemies' being that its a cop and reporter, yet they push past those stereotypes and form a bond that can help both of them. its just a great book I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion
3.5 stars — I was sucked right into the beginning of this one!! It was compelling, I was intrigued by our two main characters, and the mystery felt like it was shaping up to have an Erin Brokovich feel…I was curious how it was going to play out! But then somewhere along the way I apparently got a bit bored… Could be partially my mood, but I was avoiding reading instead of using every excuse to read. So essentially, this book started off strong, but didn’t finish quite as strongly for me.
Like I said, I was intrigued by both Jessica and Jarrett at the beginning, and I actually rather liked them. I loved that the romance felt a bit more obvious in this one (as compared to Dead Set), and they were actually kind of cute with the way they were crushing on each other and flirting. I appreciated that they were both struggling with their careers and futures, and that it all kind of came to a head at the same time. I even understood both of their needs for something juicier to tackle.
As far as the mystery went, for me it felt fairly obvious from the start, but there were a few twists and turns that still surprised me…just not the main gist. I’m not actually a big suspense/mystery reader though, so that wasn’t ever going to be the part that sold the book for me, but I still appreciated where that storyline went.
I think I started to lose interest as the mystery dragged out a bit…and also because I wasn’t getting as much bang for the buck in the romance department. I don’t mind fade to black, but then I kind of want some great kissing scenes, and even those felt short. *AGAIN* that’s just my personal taste, what does it for this reader, not a problem with the book per say.
And then the ending had me annoyed with BOTH of our MCs. I felt like their reactions/overreactions/emotional outbursts rubbed me the wrong way. Jarrett used Jess’s insecurities against her, and he was behaving a bit irrationally IMO. And when it came down to crunch time, I guess I didn’t understand Jess’s hangups as well as I thought I did. And even after all that, I felt like some little issues weren’t resolved after the climax (like Jess’s trust issues).
So yeah. This is partly just a mismatch for me, and partly me being hard on characters. But even saying all that, I was still pleasantly surprised by how much it sucked me in at the beginning, so I gotta give mad props.
Dire Straits is about Jessica who is a good cop one of the best in this small town but somehow that is not enough. She wants to be so much more but always gets knocked down. She is beginning to wonder if it even matters anymore to continue to follow her dream. Jarrett is the lead reporter in this small town but he is feeling the same way that Jessica feels about her job and dreams. Things change when a body is found. As these two investigate this tragic crime they grow closer. But while investigating this tragic event things happen that will threaten everyone and everything. I loved them as a team they were great together. This was a great addition to the series. Desperate Measures was enjoyable. I was happy to be able to read this one. It was well written and enjoyable from beginning to end. This one was about Camila who gets out of the neighborhood she is in. She doesn't become just another person she follows her dreams and becomes a detective. She left everything behind to follow her dreams until the one person she loved shows up bloody and beaten. Alex turns her world upside down in a heartbeat. I absolutely loved Camila. She is feisty, stubborn take no prisoners type of girl. She can and will handle anything that is thrown at her. Absolutely loved the chemistry between these two. There was definitely some suspense in this one and twists and turns in what was going to happen with the characters. But it was indeed enjoyable. I loved the storyline and the chemistry between the characters was amazing. It was indeed intense at times . But another amazing book from Melissa.
>Book Review – Dire Straits >I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 4th in the Aspen Falls series and ends in an HEA. Jarrett is the nosey reporter from the previous Aspen Falls novels. He loves his jog, but the lack of hard news in Aspen Falls makes him long for a larger town. His mother is ill and depends upon him, so Jarrett feels stuck. Jessica is a police officer in Aspen Falls. She wants to become a detective, but the opportunity is not there in such a small town. She is also questioning whether she is a cop because it was her dream or because it was her deceased father’s dream. >A dead body is discovered and sends both Jessica and Jarrett down a path to try and discover what happened. Along the way, Jessica and Jarrett discover an attraction to on another. The romance is very sweet and G rated, but the sexual tension is still present. There is a lot going on in this story besides the mystery of the dead woman that keeps the pages turning. Past characters make appearances tying the whole series together. >This book is appropriate for a young adult (18+) audience. I am giving this book 5 stars. The characters in the town are fun to visit and the mystery was interesting.
Jess, a small town police officer. Jarrett...a reporter who some would say is a bit too nosy at times. Both live in Aspen Falls and both have a nose per se for landing themselves in situations that get themselves in trouble. These two don't really see eye to eye on ANYTHING. Heck, there are times where one downright can't stand the other. But what happens when things in Aspen Falls seem to go haywire and things are not what they seem to be? What if the questions Jess has been asking herself for years about her potential in her career field can actually come to fruition? What if this absolutely annoying guy, could be EXACTLY what she needed to finally break free, or could he be her complete downfall?
Melissa Pearl does an incredible job telling this wonderful story of two people in a small town who are complete opposites, but yet, the same. Truly wonderful. Gave me laughs, gave me the "oh my" moments, and the "WHAT?!?!?!" Don't be scared to dive in to this one and visit Aspen Falls and all that it entails!
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. Melissa Pearl’s great writing had me glued to this story. I really enjoyed “Dire Straits” and I found myself saying “just one more chapter” until I reached the end. This Book has lots of mystery and suspense going on that really held my interest and kept me engrossed. I loved the Interesting, Entertaining Storyline and the super, engaging characters. Their engaging chemistry and interaction had me hooked on their story from the first chapter. It’s an enjoyable, entertaining, must read romance story and I loved reading it.
Great Book. Wonderful storyline. Keeps you hanging until the end. Two people with their own wishes on hold, one to take care of his family and one to fulfill the dreams of the father she lost so young. This is the story of Jarrett and Jessica, the reporter and police person. They've seen each other before but something caught their eyes one day, telling them to take another look. But a dead body and a mysterious trail of illness may be the ruin for their new relationship.
Jess and Jarrett’s story will hook you right from the beginning. As with the rest of the epic Aspen Falls series so far, the story is well-crafted, featuring both a mystery to sink your teeth into and a romance to savor. Dire Straits will grab you from the first page and keep hold until the very end!
Oh, I really loved this story! At first I didn't like the male lead which is rare. I connected with the female lead more! I understood her. I fell inl a slump. I would have finished this book earlier if not!
A little predictable story ,this was nice for a romance novel with some Love Canal tie in. It seemed a little long to get there. I am sure some young reader would give this a ten. I'm too old and jaded.
The fourth book in the An Aspen Falls series I enjoyed reading this story of cop Jess and news reporter Jarrett. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
A news reporter and a cop make strange bedfellows, but it seems to work for Jarrett and Jessica. I am a huge fun of the Aspen Falls series, so my expectation were set high for this book. This story just didn't have that something extra that sets this series apart from others in the genre. I can't put my finger on it, but something was missing. 3.25 Over-all Rating for this romantic detective plot.