No one has ever accused Lucas Gallo of being good. He’s the kind of man they warn women about. Checkered past, man-whore, cocky… and hot as sin. Good girls can’t handle him. And that’s exactly what Jasmine ‘Jaz’ Mitchell was when they first met; a dewy-eyed good girl who believed in love, roses and everything nice.
Then he broke her heart!
Now she’s back in his life and she’s different – feisty, a little cruel and outrageously irresistible. Innocent, sheltered Jasmine was cute, but this brave, new Jasmine is sexy as hell. Lucas knows that he shouldn’t get close to her because he’ll just hurt her again. However, that doesn’t change the way her sweet-as-sin kisses have his heart racing and blood boiling. Worse, she keeps diving head-first into danger and has somehow landed on a dangerous murderer’s kill list. Lucas will do anything to keep her safe. But can he keep his desire on a tight leash while he does it?
*This sexy bwwm romantic suspense is a standalone novel with a little bit of crime, a happily ever after ending and no cliff-hangers.
When Lucas and Jasmine were in high school they were madly in love. Jasmine was the geek who skipped two grades and Lucas was the bad boy living in foster care. During their senior year Lucas suddenly breaks up with Jasmine and breaks her heart. Flash forward 13 years later their thrown together trying to solve a murder mystery of Jasmine’s assistant.
This story was really engaging and I appreciated that the author made Jasmine a strong character willing to stick up for her friends and not willing to take any of Lucas’s nonsense. I will say that I figured out the mystery early in the book but it could just be that I typically solve mysteries quickly. Outside of the reveal the author takes you on a journey of police work trying to figure out along with Lucas and his partner Shane, who did it.While Lucas is trying to solve the crime Jasmine becomes a target. Lucas set on protecting her and showing her that he still loves her.
The only issue I had with this story is that the description and title makes Lucas seem like a bad boy and womanizer but that’s not how his character is presented. In fact I thought Lucas was quite sweet and clearly had been pinning for his first love since high school. I also didn’t care for the happy for now ending. Honestly those ending only work if the story is a series. I don’t know if the author plans to do a series around these two characters but if not the story would benefit from an epilogue. Overall I definitely recommend, I give this story a 4.5.
This was a very good, entertaining story. I liked both main characters and their backstories we get to learn a little more in the 2nd part of the story was interesting. The plot was a bit weak/predictable, and eyebrow raising (like when the cops never wondered about the mobile of what happened to Y, also that shortcut/alley scene, really Jasmine?!!! ), but that wasn't too jarring. What upset me most was... That freakingngly unnecessary first kiss! Ugh! I hated it! Like why do some author think that unsolicited and un consented kiss are hot? Like, really, people, this is literally sexual assault! No matter how close or intimate you've been, force/surprise kissing someone like that I. Not. On. It added nothing to the story and just made me side eye the writer like hell. I was mad they did that to Lucas' character. It unnecessarily marred what was a good, nice, story. Also, the title is misleading.
I loved Jasmine, she was funny, strong and independent but not so over the top that she wouldn't accept help.
I loved Lucas too but I didn't in the beginning, he hurt Jasmine when they were younger and he had to prove to me that he was of worth and he did, things are not as they seem.
I think I loved everybody except the baddies, Jasmine's mum, um well I understand where she was coming from but I'm so glad that Jasmine dealt with her the way she did. Lucas's work buddy Shane, he was a crack up and so was Jasmine's friend Kenny and her partner Geoff.
Loved this, I tried to read it slowly cause I didn't want it to end. It's got a bit of crime, a bit of mystery of "who dunnit" comedy and romance.
4.5 stars. I thought this was a really engaging read. There’s a who-done-it premise that carries on through the book that melds nicely with the love story between Jasmine and Lucas. They were high school sweethearts torn apart only to be reunited 13 years later. Jasmine is written as a strong and highly intelligent woman, not exactly ready to forgive Lucas for the way he broke up with her all those years ago and she holds her ground. At the same time, she’s determined to prove that her former employee was murdered and Lucas happens to be the detective to solve the case with the help of his partner. It’s nicely done. Great love scenes but you gotta wait more than 50% of the book for the payoff lol it’s worth it though. Great build up. Great book. Will be reading more from this author.
This was so "wow"! I didn't know what to expect when I took this book, and I was not disappointed. Lucas and Jasmin was so perfect for each other. I loved how the book showed the change in Jasmine from teen to adulthood and how her personality sharpened with age. It was so down to hearth and did not feel anything of extreme fantasy. Lucas as well was so rebellious in his teen and became so mature, so calm in his adulthood that him too was very realistic. Yolanda was the bomb but she needed a slap to the back of the head at one point. Sad what happened to York and Kenny was it. All of the characters were correct.
Rich and full of himself. I really don't like wimps and Jonas for the bill. What in the world would make him think that York is gay? I love York. Teddy was weak and selfish. He delivered York to his doom. Jasmine was still pissed after the way Lucas dumped her when they were young. Lucas may have missed Jasmine but I knew he wanted that second chance. Her mother was a trip. Also the main reason for their breakup. Mommy needs to stay out of her daughter's love life.
Wow, that was a long book, full of Intrigues,twist and turn to keep you interested. Trust me , you won't be bored!! That was my first read from Linda Verji, and it won't be the last. Great characters and storyline. At first, I was mad at Lucas for the way she treated her, when she he broke with her, but when you come to know and understand the full story... You will see him in a different light. Ps. A lot of typos... The book need to be re-edited. Here is a sample: " Jonas wasn’t sure how many times or for how long he hit Jonas. "
Great murder mystery romance. The culprit will surprise you.
Grown and sexy Jasmine was a strong and successful character. Loved that the heroine was not destitute and pining after the hero.
While Lucas had good intentions, his actions were callous. I seriously hate when individuals make life-changing decisions for others. Communicate! It doesn’t matter how, in person, by phone, mail, or pigeon, just talk it out!
Anyway, if you like murder, police drama, an interfering relative, abduction, attempted rape and murder, and mystery with your romance then you will enjoy this book.
The prologue was brilliantly written and gave the book substance. I liked the grown up Jasmine and Lucas and the intense feelings they portrayed throughout the story. The story was really good with some nail biting scenes that keep you on your toes. A really good read and some hot sexy scenes between the main characters. A epilogue would have been a lovely touch at the end hence the four stars but nevertheless a fabulous read.
Fantastic! Amazing! Absolutely loved it! Some part were a little confusing and there were transition words that were used incorrectly but otherwise the entire book was one of my personal favorites
Some part were a little confusing and there were transition words that were used incorrectly but otherwise the entire book was one of my personal favorites and I would most definitely read it again and recommend it to others
None of the danger seemed organic; it was just thrown in and felt like filler.
The mains were okay but I was never invested in their HEA because there was no reason for them not to end up there.
I'll give author another try since I have read from her before and liked that story better and this was decent enough that I finished without skipping chapters.
One of my current favourite authors, but yet- another waste man as a lead....I just don't know why??? Is the female species destined to end up with users, loser and left overs as the best of manhood? According to our generation of romance novelists- the cruel answer is yes-ugh, disappointing. Imagine poor Jasmine 'bumping into Rosa in the near future. Awful. Still great storytelling, shame about the' love story'...
I usually figure out the "who-done-it" really quick in most of these books. But this time I must say I was stumped through a good part of this book. There were some noticeable typo's. Not sure if they were from the beginning of the writing of this story or not. But all in all a very good story
Linda..Linda..listen. This book right here...this book right here...magnificent! I couldn't wait to get off work to complete this book. It was timed very well, not rushed, not too slow, perfectly timed. I love how Jasmine and Lucas began, end, then began again. Such a beautiful love story.
Verji, is one of the best. I really enjoyed Bad Cop because the romance was slow and realistic. The mystery and the suspense was pretty good even though I figured it out. I just didn't know why. No spoiler alert. Lol.
Highly recommended. Plus, Verji's other novels are great, too.
I would recommend this book because of the way the book is written, the drama in Jas and Luc story, the discovery of what happened in their past and the cheeky part that the author put in the book. First time reading a book by this author, i will definately read another book by this author
A good read, diverse characters, and a distinct h/h. A plot that's fluid with an attention grabber storyline. I like how the author depicted Jasmine from young to older, the effect it had on her life, Lucas steadfast loyalty and love. Well written past to present makes this an interesting story.
Long time to be apart. The breakup was brutal so I understood her anger. I knew there must have been a valid reason got Lucas to dump jasmine. It was great seeing them get close again. Good luck with the next book will be waiting.
A really great story. Lucas is my hero & Jasmine is my herione. Neither back down when threaten. Jas's mother was over the top. This story has drama, mystery and lots of love. A must read.
Jasmine and Lucas is what you would call an unlikely pair. I’m sad that her mom interfered and mad then break up although I understand it’s say how and why she sent about it. I love the plot and they it’s not like other stories.
Lucas and Jasmine find each other again after years apart. However, their love didn't stop. The investigation into her friend's death puts them in more contact with each other, leading to why he broken her heart. Things are made right in the end.
This book was so hilarious. I am still chuckling over the “punishment by hot wings” segments. I loved that this story had a believable plot, it was interesting, and not too over the top sex scenes. Great read
I really enjoyed the story line and the character build up. There are many grammatical errors that should have been seen during the editing process. As a reader more than two or three errors I became frustrated and annoyed
Linda Verji is a consummate artist! This tale of heartbreak, intrigue, and forgiveness is satisfyingly poignant, saucy, sensual, suspenseful, and swoony.