Desperate Measures

Aspen Falls #5

by Melissa Pearl, Anna Cruise

Camila has spent the last ten years trying to leave her dark past behind…but when Alex turns up on her doorstep, she’s forced to face the one person she couldn’t forget.

Growing up on the tough streets of the city taught Cam a few things, especially about love. Don’t listen to your heart, because it will always let you down. Listen to your head instead.

She’s lived by that motto as a detective with the Aspen Falls police department. Cool-headed and calm, she’s solved plenty of cases through sheer grit and determination. But when Alex, a ghost from her past, shows up in her home, her resolve falters. He’s clearly on the run and up to no good, but there’s just one problem. She loved him once…and her head can’t convince her heart that anything has changed. Especially when she realizes just how much trouble he’s in.

The last thing Alex wants to do is put Cam in danger. The woman he loved years ago, the woman he purposely left behind, deserves better. But fate has other plans. Injured and alone, he shows up on her doorstep, knowing exactly what he needs: a safe place to stay and a plan to get out from under the myriad of people who want him dead.

But he knows something else, too.

His feelings for Cam never changed. And showing up at her door could be the worst thing he’s ever done. Because, this time, he might lose her forever.

If you like gritty, heart-wrenching romantic suspense then you’ll love this new Aspen Falls Novel.

Unknown Binding

First published August 1, 2018

About the author

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

Reviews

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Desperate Measures I hadn't read any of the other Aspen Falls books so I wasn't sure what to expect. It's the story about a small town police officer named Camila aka Cam. She's very driven and doesn't do much outside her job other than visit her aging grandmother along with occasional phone calls to her brother. An intruder breaks into her house and much to her surprise it's her high school love that she hasn't seen in 12 years. Alex is a mess. He's been beaten and Cam stabbed him thinking that he was a thief! Cam wants to take Alex to the hospital but he's not willing to go. She knows that he's keeping secrets and she assumes he's still involved with a gang just like when they were in school. A lot has changed in 12 years however their feelings for each other haven't. Alex needs help but doesn't want to involve Cam. He's truly between a rock and a hard place. There's a lot of secrets that he needs to tell her but if you want to know what they are you're going to have to read the book! Desperate Measures is told from dual POV and the book is definitely more of a suspense story than it is a romance. It's mildly gritty and moves along quickly.

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate Measures is the latest novel in the romantic suspense series Aspen Falls. If, you have read any of these novels in this series you will remember detective Camilla who's story unravels in this heart-shattering romantic suspense novel. Supporting character's crossover from previous books in this series which I love seeing them again. I fell in love with Alex reading this novel & can see why Cam never got over him. Fate brings Alex & Cam back together. I was hooked from the beginning & couldn't put it back down till the end. Secrets are intertwined in the narrative & revealed in layers. Throughout this novel suspense is intricately placed with romance seeping through the lines. A perfect addition to this spellbinding romantic suspense series. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this series.

[Amy Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this series has been hard for me at times. I normally devour Melissa's books, but this series has been hit or miss for me. So naturally my hopes werent to high.

I'm happy to say this book blew my expectations out of the water. The history reveled about both character both together and on their own.

I love that Can is strong and doesn't give into anyone around her. She is surrounded by such strong make characters that she could easily get lost in there presence. That doesn't happen.

I love that Alex has a dynamic story that I didnt see coming. Going in I was placing him in a box that he later distroies. Plus some of the preconceived notions I had were killed one by on. One being that his use of painkillers was just of moral standing not past addiction or use. He has a moral foundation that shines through the whole book.

Though some of the other book of the series didnt leave me completely lost in the story this one had me hooked.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this romantic suspense series, they all stand alone with revisits from previous characters. The female detective finds her teenage love on her doorstep. Is he in trouble, or is he the trouble? There's a lot more to this that meets the eye. He's hurt physically and not talking about it to keep her safe. Secrets unravel as events happen, taking us to an exciting, heart pounding finish. Will the good guys win and will everyone have their HEA? Great story, I highly recommend it.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperate Measures - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Ten years before the start of Desperate Measures, Camila and Alex were teenage sweethearts, who thought they'd always be together, in this 5th segment of the Aspen Falls Series by the delightful Melissa Pearl.
Forced apart by circumstance as Alex got involved with gangs and crime, whereas Camila moved in the opposite direction career-wise and became a detective with the Aspen Falls PD, the 'star-crossed lovers' seem fated to be separated forever.
Then Alex re-enters Camila's life - and everything changes once more. Can they have their HEA after all, or will cruel Fate deny them a second chance at romance - buy your copy today and find out, in this sure-to-be-best-seller, today. You'll be so glad you did!

[Sherry Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all. Corrupt cops, gangs, and an undercover cop who had nowhere else to go.
When things go south and Alex has to leave town, his thoughts go to Cam, the girl he left behind. Can he rekindle their romance or will he wind up getting her killed?
Excitement from first to last with a sweet, innocent romance thrown in.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story in the wonderful world of Aspen Falls. Alex sounds so handsome and wonderful. Camila has never gotten over him and has tried to make a life for herself. Of course she meets up with him ten years later. I couldn’t get enough of this story. Ready for more.

[Lori Shankle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Cam and Alex were written so well it was like reading about real people. Lots of action kept me reading and turning page after page. I definitely recommend this book!

[Angela Auten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really great. I enjoyed most of it! There was a plot twist I didn't see coming! Overall,4 lovely stars!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book from the Aspen Falls series that you will love! Detective Camilla Perez is a very focused, dedicated, fiery woman who commands respect. Her only weakness is her first love, Alex Castillo, who broke up with her 10+ years ago to keep her safe and not drag her into the kind of life he was headed for. But she never stopped loving him, and he never stopped loving her.

Alex now is badly injured and believes that he will not survive. He wants to see her one last time. But Cam wants him to survive and will do what she can for him.

We see parts of Cam that were not evident in the past. The chemistry between the two of them sparks and makes the reader want to fight for them too. The story line is wonderful and well-paced. Will Alex survive? Will he be able to resolve all of the problems he is immersed in? Or will he be forced, if he makes it, to leave Cam again? You won’t want to miss this one!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate Measures is a great addition to the Aspen Falls series. The interesting storyline, along with an unexpected twist kept me turning pages. I absolutely loved Alex & Cam! They are my new favorite Aspen Falls couple, and Cam is hands down my favorite female character in this series. I look forward to my next visit to Aspen Falls!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camila escaped. She got out of the neighborhood. She didn't become a statistic; a junkie, a prostitute, a felon or dead. Instead, she got her degree in criminal justice and went on to become an excellent detective. She left everything and everyone behind, including the boy who broke her heart, Alex. So when Alex shows up bruised and bloody her world is turned upside-down. Alex knew better than to involve Cam in his life but thinking that his end was near his only thought was that he had to see her one last time. He let her go once knowing she deserved better than the life he was living but he never stopped loving her. Now he's brought his dangerous world to her. Everything is not as Cam assumed but his troubles are real. So are the feelings that these two still have for one another.

Desperate Measures returns us to Aspen Falls, specifically the AFPD for another great romantic suspense. Detective Camila Perez is beautiful, fiery, fierce, intelligent, determined woman. She's had a singular focus since her teens and her life has revolved around her career. She is careful, methodical but that all goes out the window with the arrival of Alex Castillo. Her first love, the boy who broke her heart, the only boy she's ever loved brings out emotions she's kept buried for a decade. Rationality goes out the window. Alex may have broken up with Cam but he did it out of love. She deserved better than him, better than the life he was made for. Now he's got a new life but it's even more deadly than their old neighborhood. Still, he's followed her life since she left and he had to see her one last time if his life is over. But Cam isn't willing to let him give up. She's convinced they can work together to find a way for Alex to be safe. In the previous books, I thought Cam was too cold and work-oriented. This book exposed a totally new side to her that I loved. Her childhood memories were heartwrenching, her pride for her brother and her love for her Grandmother were endearing. I loved Alex. He may have started life out all wrong but the man he became was admirable. He's a real stand-up guy. Their chemistry was undeniable. I also loved the time they spent with Cam's Grandmother, the involvement of Nate, and the introduction of Necco. Nice touches. My only complaint was the ending. I will say it was very realistic but I wanted more of a forever. I love my HEA and I didn't exactly get it with this book.

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://celebrityreaders.com/2018/08/...

I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

3 stars — I don’t know, there was nothing inherently wrong with this book, I just had a hard time staying focused, and I didn’t really connect that strongly with Cam or Alex. And characters are a huge part of why I fall in love with books, so that’s a bummer for me.

It felt a bit drawn out and slow…for a book that spans such a short time frame, you’d almost expect the book to feel fast paced. But there was a lot of time spent in each of the characters heads, ruminating over the mystery, over their feelings, over the past, over what to do next…and occasionally it felt a bit repetitive. I don’t know if it actually was, or it just felt that way to me. Once we got into the more action-y parts, it was a bit more exciting, but that didn’t last as long in the end.

As far as the mystery/suspense goes, I had a hard time getting into it because the initial mystery of what happened to Alex to bring him to Cam’s was drawn out. I had some guesses, and then I convinced myself I was wrong, and then it turned out I was right…but I think I would have appreciated not having that mystery be so long. But then I guess there wasn’t much of a mystery after that, more of just how was the situation going to be resolved. In the end it was just okay for me…didn’t suck me in enough to get me excited for the finish.

As for Cam and Alex, I appreciated reading about their past and how they grew up, and I loved all the allusions to how our circumstances can influence our choices, and how not everyone is bad, they might just be in a tough position. I wish we’d been able to see (maybe through a flashback) more of why Alex broke up with Cam in the past…I mean, I sort of get it, but it sounded very abrupt and sudden, so I kept expecting to learn about a specific event/catalyst.

Other than that, I never really connected with present Cam and Alex. That might have been just me. I guess I just never felt all their present day emotions as much as I wanted. I wanted to feel their fear, anxiety, confusion, desire…and I just…didn’t. I never even really got excited about their romance. 🙁

It was fun to see some cameos of characters from previous books. I enjoyed Nate’s role, and even Jessica’s.

Maybe I’m just too picky with my romantic suspense?

[Bri Lind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cam is a detective in Aspen Falls trying to figure out what is going on with case of hers that she is quite territorial over. Everything seems to be going ok when a man that she has not seen in over a decade breaks into her life, quite literally. So what does she do now, especially after he spills all about what has been going on with him for the past 10+ years? Does this change things? Or does she go back to living the same ol' same ol' like she has been? Will she follow in his footsteps and go down the track he was following before he stumbled back into her life? Or does she walk away?

I have loved reading this next book in the Aspen Falls series. I love continuing stories, or stories of other people that are intertwined in the stories I have previously read. This book was no different.

Melissa has done yet another great job of being descriptive and making you feel like you are right there in Aspen Falls, following along with each and every character in the book. You can feel the heartwrenching when Cam finds out information she didn't think she would ever have to find out, you feel that longing with Alex and understand why he has had to stay away. That is why I love reading Melissa's books...you feel all those feelings right along with each and every person!
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[Naadhira Zahari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, I am always blown away by the stories that Melissa Pearl has to offer to her readers. None of them are ever dull and boring, most of them are always intriguing and very interesting which would always make you crave to read more of her works. Even when's there's none left because you've pretty much read them all.

This story was full of suspense, action and having feelings again for a certain someone who used to be very special when they were younger. They're trying hard to suppress how they feel for one another when it's too obvious that they're the only one for one another.

The previous books in the Aspen Falls novels deal with characters with having a problem not as major as this one. Even when there're only a few pages left, I really couldn't wrap my mind around how this story would end and the fate of Camila and Alex's future. Though, I kind of feel that the ending was a bit rushed but other than that, I couldn't seem to find anything wrong with this book. It was very well written, the storyline was well thought out with characters who would no doubt fight for the one they love.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one! Like Nate, I really liked Alex and thought he was a great fit for Cam.

When Alex arrives hurt and scared, Cam isn't sure what to do. Part of her wants to turn him over to the cops, part of her wants to figure out what is going on first, and part of her just can't believe he was there. First on her list of questions was how he even found her. After dumping her over 10 years ago, Cam swore that if she ever saw him again, he would probably be behind bars or she would be the one arresting him. She didn't expect to find herself helping him instead. For Alex, although he knew it was a bad idea to go to Cam, he honestly thought he was going to die and he wanted that one last chance to see the only woman he ever loved. He didn't think about the fact that he was endangering her too, until it was too late.

The story moved along at a good pace. I was more surprised that Cam didn't trust in Nate to help, so Alex stepped up. My only negative comment is the ending. Without saying too much, Alex only managed to "solve" one of his issues, but the gangs are still unresolved which means he and Cam aren't able to have a normal relationship.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Novel is part of the ‘Aspen Fall’ Series. I loved this book and I love that Camila & Alex have their own story. Mrs Pearls work is just getting better and better and she knows how to capture her audience. Camila is a detective , she’s a workaholic but one evening her ex breaks into her home, he is all bloody and bruised which automatically arouses Camila’s suspicion. He is obviously hiding from somebody and Detective Camila is determined to find out Whom It is that he is running from. Like all the other books in this series the book is full of mystery, suspense and action. I loved the storyline and I couldn’t put the book down. There was enough action and surprises that kept me guessing as the story unfolds. I was given an Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased the book to add to the other books I have in this series. I gave this a definite five star and I highly recommend this if you like books that keep you on the edge of your seat. WTG Mrs Pearl as always you never dissapointed. 😄

[Karen Voitik · Rating 5 out of 5]

>Book review – Desperate Measures
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 5th in the Aspen Falls series and ends in an HEA. Aspen Falls police detective, Camila is the star of this story. She worked her way from a poor background to be a successful detective. Her life is her job, however, and she is lonely. Her one true love, Alex, was swallowed by the crime and circumstances of their hometown and broke her heart. Alex is hiding a secret and comes to Cam for help over a decade after he leaves her.
>There is a lot of angst in Cam when she comes face to face with Alex again. Her sense of right/wrong, black/white now has shades of grey. The mystery in this story has so many bad guys that Cam and Alex do not know who to trust. Nate from previous books is very present in this story, as is a new character, Necco.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving the book 5 stars. Visiting Aspen Falls is always fun and the mystery is always suspenseful. This story does not disappoint.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series that I have read and it is definitely a stand alone novel. The story is about a police officer named Camila who is a workaholic. One day, she gets the surprise of her life when Alex, her ex-boyfriend/high school boyfriend, breaks into her house after not seeing each other for 12 years. What happens next is very action packed and suspenseful when Camila finds out why and who is after Alex and what he has been doing since they broke up. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this book. It was a clean romantic suspense novel. The only thing I wish is that we got more of a background of the characters or maybe a prologue scene of the couple when they were younger. If you have not read the other books in this series, you will not feel like your missing anything.

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam is one of the Aspen Falls detectives, she devotes her life to work.
After a long day at work, she comes home and falls asleep on the couch, waking up only with the noise of someone trying to break into her house.
The surprise is that the intruder is Alex, Cam's first love who broke her heart twelve years ago.
Alex needs Cam's help, since he's badly hurt and several people want him dead.
While trying to help Alex get rid of the problems, Cam discovers that he completely changed his life after they broke up.
The attraction and feelings between them resurface with full force as they spend more time together, but the dangers to them only increase.
Will they be able to solve Alex's problem and stay together?
This is another great story from this series and I highly recommend the reading.

[Karen Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fantastic, Must Read Book

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. I really liked this amazing book by Melissa Pearl & Anna Cruise. “Desperate Measures” is a really enjoyable, interesting, book with an entertaining, well written storyline that flows brilliantly. There is lots going on in this book and the intrigue and suspense really had me glued to my kindle. The lovely, engaging characters, Alex & Camila, have great chemistry and interaction. Their heart wrenching story really pulled me into this book. I really liked them and enjoyed reading about them. This is an Enjoyable, Engaging, Must Read, Dark Romance that I really loved and enjoyed reading from the first chapter

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast pace suspenseful story set in Aspen Falls. This is the 5th book in this romantic suspense series, so I feel like I know this town and it’s citizens pretty well. The leading lady in this book is the hardworking Police Detective, Cam Perez. After a very long week at work all Cam wants to do is chill in her home munching down a cheeseburger and greasy fries while enjoying a cold beer. An intruder has a different plan for Cam.
Cam’s life is turned upside down, her past invaders the present and before she knows it, she is in danger, especially her heart. Will her life ever be the same now that her first and only love, Alex, has reappeared in her world?

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was enjoyable. I haven't had the chance to read a boom from Melissa Pearl in a long time. I missed reading her books. I was happy to be able to read this one. It was well written and enjoyable from beginning to end. 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.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camila and Alex grew up in the same neighborhood, they were sweethearts. Camila hasn't seen Alex for a dozen years. Alex said goodbye to Camila in order to protect her from his dangerous decisions.
Fantastic romantic suspense! Fascinating, well written, and complicated characters with a plot tgat has action, lots of suspense, and a happily ever after. I loved this book!

I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this book.

[KatyaRath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I loved this book! Been eagerly anticipating Cam’s story since book 1, and Desperate Measures doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. A gripping second-chance romance that will pull at all your heartstrings, it’s yet another excellent addition to the Aspen Falls series, which will pull you all in no matter which stand-alone you pick up first. I devoured Cam and Alex’s story, and I just can’t wait to see what comes next for the residents of Aspen Falls!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I enjoyed reading it is a well-written story about second chances. There is drama, danger, suspense Camila and Alex's story had me hooked from the first page. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Gina Cihacz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book... lucky enough to get a advanced
copy but needed to purchase a copy for my collection this was so good. Can and Alex's story will blow you away

[Anita Rohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

Adventure on every page heart stopping situations that keep you on the edge and wanting to see what develops full of emotion and a real page Turner.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperate Measures is the fifth book in the Aspen Falls series, and we finally get Camilla's story. She has made regular appearances throughout this series but hasn't as yet had her say. She does in this one, and it was definitely worth waiting for!

Cam grew up on the wrong side of the tracks (so to speak) and was determined to change her life and make a difference. She does this, but not without heartbreak. She leaves behind the love of her young life, knowing he is in with the gangs that are rampant. She walks away and does make a difference. Alex has always remained in her thoughts though, even when she tries to forget him. So when he turns up, bloody and battered, will she help him, or arrest him?

This was a great story, with plenty of depth to both the situations and the characters. There were no editing or grammatical errors in this story that I noticed. I enjoyed the banter between Cam and Alex, as well as the situations they found themselves in. Even though she is a police officer, Cam did across with a healthy dose of naivety at times.

With enough action to keep you turning the pages, this was thoroughly engrossing from start to finish. Absolutely recommended by me.

This is a 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!
Aug 24, 2018

[Nana Pickrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was privileged enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for a voluntary and honest review.

A very well written story that has a great storyline and plot. Characters were likeable and well described. They develop nicely through the story. Had an interesting and intricate plot. Only negative I had was I felt like Cam and Alex didn't get their HEA. Unless that comes in one of the following books. Then it should have said The End-for now. I wouldn't have had a problem with how the story ended then. Otherwise a good book in the series.