Progress

by Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue

Dean, a young woman that lost her partner in a car accident takes a job at a hotel during her time of mourning, leaving her old life behind. When a new woman, Kayla, gets hired to assist her in running the hotel, Dean gets defensive, and the two battle it out until the doors of the past are reopened. In the meantime, Dean is called back to her side job as a private investigator and has to break the secrets behind a drug-hustling prostitution ring without blowing her cover. Dean and Kayla begin to grow close, and as everything plays out, Dean has to decide what is important in her life and if she will ever be able to let another person in without blowing her cover.

Genres: Romance

152 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2014

About the author

Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue is a Midwest-based author known for her captivating lesbian romance novels, compelling mysteries, and heart-pounding thrillers. With a talent for weaving emotion, suspense, and authenticity into every story, Nicole has built a loyal readership drawn to her richly developed characters and relatable themes. Her work reflects a deep understanding of human connection, identity, and resilience, often exploring the complexities of relationships in high-stakes settings.

Nicole holds a Master’s degree in Business Management with a focus on marketing, a background that not only informs her strategic approach to publishing but also brings a thoughtful precision to her storytelling. She began writing at a young age, inspired by a book she found in her local library written by a fellow eight-year-old. That early moment of discovery sparked a lifelong passion that has guided her creative journey ever since.

When she’s not writing, Nicole enjoys cooking new recipes, exploring new places through travel, and spending quality time with her family. Her stories are rooted in experience and imagination, making her voice both grounded and uniquely engaging. Whether penning a slow-burning romance or a thrilling mystery, Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue invites readers into worlds where love and intrigue go hand in hand.

Reviews

[whataslacker · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the second book from this author that I have read. At first I thought this one was heading in a better direction. I was deceived. The plot is so convoluted it begins to get tiresome. The grammar and editorial errors throughout are no better that the first book I read. Half the time it seems like she is using predictive text to write the sentences as they having no meaning or are just confusing.

Half way through I nearly put the book down never to pick it up again. First, the over use of the word nevertheless was painful, but not the reason for my discontentment. That was the author’s use of similar names once again which caused confusion in the other book for me. However, this time this caused confusion for her too. She actually uses the wrong name throughout three chapters. Perhaps a character outline is needed so you don’t mix up a prostitute with one of the main characters sister. Just saying.

I had already wasted enough time on this one that I felt I should stick it out to find out what was going on with this plot twist others spoke of in their reviews. Well it isn’t something you can’t spot from a mile away so no real shocker moments there.

Then all of the sudden you’re at the end (okay I skimmed a lot of chapters by this point because I saw no real reason to be thorough as I had stopped highlighting the editorial issues) and nothing is wrapped up and nothing makes sense. I wasted so much time on this book. I am filled with that same feeling you get when you walk out of a bad movie and want to ask not only for your money back but the two hours of your life you’ll never get back. Same feeling.

[Michele Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to the series!

This is the first book I have read by this author. I enjoyed this suspense story. The main characters were strong women. They all had either a hard life or a painful past. These women come together to try and stop a drug and trafficking ring. They begin to find their sensitive sides and learn what love is all while running for their lives. The last chapter threw me because it didn't quite follow the next step in the story. It was either one of Dean's dreams or was insight on what was to come. Either way I can't wait to read the next book!

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

the plot of this book is so incredibly convoluted and it’s made even worse by the juvenile writing style and the constant 2 page chapters. the characters are all over the place almost like the author couldn’t decide how they wanted their characters to be and just started changing things mid story in order to create angst and tension. and don’t even get me started on that ending. good lord this book is a whole shit storm.

[Robin Kenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Griping, a bit wild, what an imagination!

Ms Higginbotham-Hogue is a crafty writer, utilizing some incredible twists and turns dragging the reader on quite a ride. There are a few typos and the grammar in a few spots is incorrect, but overall it is worth the read.

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a twist that pretty much gave me whiplash! I should be used to Nicole and her WTF moments. Great writing and Emmalyn gives a fantastic performance.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn’t my typical type of book, but I really enjoyed the story. The ending left me a bit confused & I wished the storyline would have carried on a little further. Overall, a good read!

[RONI FIELDS-OWEN · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I Didn't Like The Ending"

I've struggled with books written by Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue in the past. I've read one I've really enjoyed and then there's been one I wasn't the biggest fan of.

"Progress" I had a Love / Hate relationship with throughout the many, many, many chapters it had to tell it's story. It's not so much the numerous of chapters as it was where the story was going.

Nicole, you had a GREAT storyline, it was the fact of staying on track. You have the makings to be a GREAT story author, just follow one subject to the end.

Emmalyn Miles is the 1st time to cross my way as an narrator. She's a good storyteller but I enjoy multi-voice narrators. I feel like I'm being read to and I don't like that type of narration.

I recommend this book if someone enjoys a book being read to them.

msronigirl