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The Devil She Knew
She’s on the run, hiding from a mob madman. An eyewitness to a murder, Cassidy Hoake is living in a small Ohio town, hiding from the devil. She can’t stop looking over her shoulder and doesn’t trust anyone. Least of all, Police Officer Clay Cestra who asks too many questions and looks delicious in his uniform. And out of it, for that matter.Clay Cestra’s cop instincts tell him Cassidy is in trouble and he wants to help for more reasons than public service. She’s the kind of woman he could love – smart, strong, and sassy. She doesn’t want his protection but he can’t help offering it. Her mother’s wise words echo in Cassidy’s ears — “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”She knows the evil she’s running from. He’s a reputed mobster nipping at her heels. Clay Cestra, on the other hand, is a man tugging on her heart strings. But he is the law and she’s a fugitive.Running to Clay means risking everything, confronting her demons, and defeating the devil.
266 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2013
About the author
Rena Koontz
30 books128 followers I am a native of Pittsburgh, PA., and a graduate of Peabody High School and the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in English. I try to work Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh connections into my stories. I'm an avid sports fan so my characters often wear black and gold or reference the city's sports teams -- The Pittsburgh Penguins, The Pittsburgh Steelers, The Pittsburgh Pirates.
I've been a newspaper reporter all my life, from the time I graduated college and worked part-time for a now-defunct weekly, until my departure from one of the country's top twenty newspapers in Cleveland, OH.
I worked and lived in Pittsburgh until 1998 - spending more than a decade with a small daily newspaper, The Beaver County Times, before joining the city's major daily, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. I was a reporter for The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette when my husband and I relocated to Cleveland, OH., where I worked first as an editor for The Medina (OH.)Gazette, then joined The Cleveland Plain Dealer as a general assignment reporter.
My writing career has taken me into the sports arena, politics, feature writing, editorial writing, and, my favorite, cops and courts. I've chased fire trucks and police cars, covered all sorts of crimes, including murders, and reported criminal, civil, high profile and ordinary trials. Many of the ideas for my books come from real cases that I am familiar with.
Plus, I'm married to a retired FBI agent whose career fuels my ideas and whose technical advice is invaluable.
We make our home in Florida and haven't missed the snow yet.
I've been a newspaper reporter all my life, from the time I graduated college and worked part-time for a now-defunct weekly, until my departure from one of the country's top twenty newspapers in Cleveland, OH.
I worked and lived in Pittsburgh until 1998 - spending more than a decade with a small daily newspaper, The Beaver County Times, before joining the city's major daily, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. I was a reporter for The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette when my husband and I relocated to Cleveland, OH., where I worked first as an editor for The Medina (OH.)Gazette, then joined The Cleveland Plain Dealer as a general assignment reporter.
My writing career has taken me into the sports arena, politics, feature writing, editorial writing, and, my favorite, cops and courts. I've chased fire trucks and police cars, covered all sorts of crimes, including murders, and reported criminal, civil, high profile and ordinary trials. Many of the ideas for my books come from real cases that I am familiar with.
Plus, I'm married to a retired FBI agent whose career fuels my ideas and whose technical advice is invaluable.
We make our home in Florida and haven't missed the snow yet.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 7, 2013
Rena Koontz’s second romantic suspense is a tight, spine-tingling roller coaster ride of a tale—exactly what I enjoy in a romantic suspense. I was immediately drawn to the heroine, Cassidy, and could imagine myself in her shoes. The description of her apartment in the seedy side of town was so spot on, I could feel the grit in the air. And her fear of everything and everyone was palpable. The hero, Clay, is a classic good guy who loves babies and serves and protects the community. Despite all the goodness radiating off Clay, Cassidy is afraid to get too close, to trust him. And for good reason. The twists and turns in this book kept me awake long after my bedtime. Rena has a winner on her hands here.
January 11, 2021
MARVELOUS STORY
This book had a great storyline that kept things moving. The characters were well written and interesting. The story ended with some very good action as justice was served.
This book had a great storyline that kept things moving. The characters were well written and interesting. The story ended with some very good action as justice was served.
May 5, 2013
Review of The Devil She Knew by Rena Koontz
An e-book romantic suspense published by Crimson Romance
Rena Koontz has done it again. The author offers “The Devil She Knew,” a brand-new romance that burns even hotter than her first book, “Love’s Secret Fire.” She immediately draws readers into the lives of Cassidy Hoake and police officer Clay Cestra, and after the first page, there’s no turning back.
Koontz draws on her past experience as a cops and courts reporter for several major newspapers to create a fast-paced romantic suspense novel.
Be prepared to read to the very end in one delighted sitting, so once you start, hang a do not disturb sign on the door, turn off your phone and settle down to a fantastic few hours of heart-pounding action on the police beat and in the bedroom.
Cassidy is on the run, and for her, there’s no safe place to hide. She’s fled across the country and changed her appearance, but she’s getting tired of running. She has no one to turn to, no one she can confide in, even though Amber Malone, her co-worker at The Packing Place, tries to help her. Cassidy is edgy and nervous as she learns her new job, especially when Amber introduces her to police office Clay Cestra.
Although he’s just met her, Clay is drawn to Cassidy. She stubbornly rebuffs any attempts he and Amber make to help her, but her elusive attitude toward the simplest questions raises his curiosity – and a whole lot more. Slowly he begins to elicit information, and the more he finds out, the more he is attracted to her.
The feeling is mutual. Despite her resolve to distance herself from any relationship, she allows her heart to lead her into a love that is hot and growing hotter with each kiss and caress.
Koontz expertly builds the tension of the relationship as she weaves in the pieces of Cassidy’s past, as well as the complications caused by Clay’s ex-wife. Readers will not be disappointed as the action builds to an electrifying conclusion.
“The Devil She Knew,” published by Crimson Romance, will be released electronically May 13. It is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.
An e-book romantic suspense published by Crimson Romance
Rena Koontz has done it again. The author offers “The Devil She Knew,” a brand-new romance that burns even hotter than her first book, “Love’s Secret Fire.” She immediately draws readers into the lives of Cassidy Hoake and police officer Clay Cestra, and after the first page, there’s no turning back.
Koontz draws on her past experience as a cops and courts reporter for several major newspapers to create a fast-paced romantic suspense novel.
Be prepared to read to the very end in one delighted sitting, so once you start, hang a do not disturb sign on the door, turn off your phone and settle down to a fantastic few hours of heart-pounding action on the police beat and in the bedroom.
Cassidy is on the run, and for her, there’s no safe place to hide. She’s fled across the country and changed her appearance, but she’s getting tired of running. She has no one to turn to, no one she can confide in, even though Amber Malone, her co-worker at The Packing Place, tries to help her. Cassidy is edgy and nervous as she learns her new job, especially when Amber introduces her to police office Clay Cestra.
Although he’s just met her, Clay is drawn to Cassidy. She stubbornly rebuffs any attempts he and Amber make to help her, but her elusive attitude toward the simplest questions raises his curiosity – and a whole lot more. Slowly he begins to elicit information, and the more he finds out, the more he is attracted to her.
The feeling is mutual. Despite her resolve to distance herself from any relationship, she allows her heart to lead her into a love that is hot and growing hotter with each kiss and caress.
Koontz expertly builds the tension of the relationship as she weaves in the pieces of Cassidy’s past, as well as the complications caused by Clay’s ex-wife. Readers will not be disappointed as the action builds to an electrifying conclusion.
“The Devil She Knew,” published by Crimson Romance, will be released electronically May 13. It is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.
May 13, 2013
After reading the author's first novel, "Love's Secret Fire," which I really enjoyed, I couldn't wait to get my hands on her new novel. Unfortunately, even though I did like the story, I didn't think it was up to par with her first one. The plot was fine, and so was the male protagonist, Clay. My problem sits with the heroine, Cassidy. I thought she came across as very weak and child-like; there was nothing amazing about her; she lacked any kind of inner-strength and confidence; and she didn't know how to hide at all. I couldn't figure out why someone like Clay would find himself attracted to her. To the author I ask: why would someone who's running from the Mob not change her name? or use a nickname or such? Sure she needs a job but still???? Didn't make any sense to me. And right off the bat on her first day at her new job (the first chapter), she's skittish, unable to look at people in the eye, and becomes even more nervous around Clay who she knows is a cop. I mean she might as well have put a big red target on her and said "come and get me." If that's her idea of hiding, her character comes across as even weaker than I thought. If she had a job and used her real name to apply for it, unless she's getting paid under the table, wouldn't it be easier for the mob to find her? I'm sorry but all of this just didn't work for me. My other issue is the whole "I think I'm falling in love with you," the first time they're in bed - too much, too soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2013
Readers who open to the first page of Rena Koontz's The Devil She Knew will be thrust immediately into action that doesn't let up. A romantic suspense, the book delivers on both powerful suspense and steamy romance.
When heroine Cassidy Hoake changes her appearance to elude grave danger, she also begins a new life with a move into the town where hot hero Clay Cestra works as a police officer. Though Clay struggles with his own problems, he can't help but get caught up by the beauty and vulnerability of Cassidy when their worlds intersect at her new job. Willingly swept into the nightmare that is her present life, Clay finds he wants more than to keep her safe; he wants to get to know everything about her. For fugitive Cassidy, getting close an officer of the law is the last thing she wants.
With authentic characterization, crisp dialogue, and evocative descriptions, Koontz's writing took this reader through vivid action scenes and the emotional journeys of two sympathetic characters trying to thwart the devil's they each face and embrace love.
The Devil She Knew is an enjoyable read.
When heroine Cassidy Hoake changes her appearance to elude grave danger, she also begins a new life with a move into the town where hot hero Clay Cestra works as a police officer. Though Clay struggles with his own problems, he can't help but get caught up by the beauty and vulnerability of Cassidy when their worlds intersect at her new job. Willingly swept into the nightmare that is her present life, Clay finds he wants more than to keep her safe; he wants to get to know everything about her. For fugitive Cassidy, getting close an officer of the law is the last thing she wants.
With authentic characterization, crisp dialogue, and evocative descriptions, Koontz's writing took this reader through vivid action scenes and the emotional journeys of two sympathetic characters trying to thwart the devil's they each face and embrace love.
The Devil She Knew is an enjoyable read.
July 18, 2013
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was lucky to discover Rena Koontz when I read Love's Secret Fire. When I was offered the chance to read The Devil She Knew, I was certain it would be a book that I loved.
Cassidy is any of us. She was a normal woman who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. She did the right thing and stood up to right the wrong that was committed against her friend, Jill. That put her in the crosshairs of a seriously messed up mob boss.
Rena amazes me with her writing. I can see, touch and taste everything she is describing and it makes the book so much more real.
Clay is a forever guy. He is the guy that believes in his instincts, loves his family, cuddles babies and will kill for the one he loves. Those are the types you hold onto forever.
Tears gathered in the corners of my eyes at the loss of Amber and I was devestated at the devious behavior of Lauren. This book is full of intrigue, suspense, and passion. Cassidy can never deny that love healed her.
I was lucky to discover Rena Koontz when I read Love's Secret Fire. When I was offered the chance to read The Devil She Knew, I was certain it would be a book that I loved.
Cassidy is any of us. She was a normal woman who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. She did the right thing and stood up to right the wrong that was committed against her friend, Jill. That put her in the crosshairs of a seriously messed up mob boss.
Rena amazes me with her writing. I can see, touch and taste everything she is describing and it makes the book so much more real.
Clay is a forever guy. He is the guy that believes in his instincts, loves his family, cuddles babies and will kill for the one he loves. Those are the types you hold onto forever.
Tears gathered in the corners of my eyes at the loss of Amber and I was devestated at the devious behavior of Lauren. This book is full of intrigue, suspense, and passion. Cassidy can never deny that love healed her.
May 17, 2013
Forget goodreads, this book belongs on greatreads! Rena Koontz's newest novel is loaded with action and suspense, and there's no shortage in the romance department here. Ms. Koontz draws you right into her story of a scared & vulnerable young woman on the run after witnessing an organized crime hit. The sparks fly when she meets a local cop, but this hot, delicious hero brings with him unexpected twists as skeletons in his closet begin to rattle and shake up the storyline. This romantic thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. As the action and passion heat up, you won't be able to put this book down!
November 6, 2013
Excellent Book.
January 12, 2015
3.5 stars. Quick, enjoyable read. First book I have read by this author, but I will definitely be reading more by Rena Koontz.
February 17, 2016
So suspenseful and exciting!
I chose 5 stars because it was a page turner and kept me interested throughout the whole book. Loved the romantic story line
I chose 5 stars because it was a page turner and kept me interested throughout the whole book. Loved the romantic story line
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews