What do you think?
Rate this book
Texas Justice #2
Don't Breathe a Word
New York Times bestselling author Christie Craig returns with her next heart-stopping romantic suspense about a woman on the run and the man trying to uncover her secrets.
Police detective Juan Acosta doesn't only carry scars on the outside. He's filled with guilt and anger ever since his undercover job led to the murder of those he loved the most. Now he's living for one thing: revenge. That is, until Juan meets his beautiful new neighbor.
Vicki Holloway prides herself on being capable and independent, but her life is turned upside down when her sister Sara is killed by an abusive ex. Fearing for the safety of her niece, Vicki and the little girl go into hiding...resurfacing in Texas with new identities.
Juan finds his once-frozen heart thawing around Vicki, but he knows she's hiding something. Juan needs answers, but Vicki isn't talking. She has to keep her secrets if she wants to keep Bell safe, which means resisting her growing feelings for the sexy, scarred man next door. But when Juan's quest for justice brings danger to her door, divulging the truth might be the only thing that keeps her alive.
Includes the bonus novella Hot Target by April Hunt!
Police detective Juan Acosta doesn't only carry scars on the outside. He's filled with guilt and anger ever since his undercover job led to the murder of those he loved the most. Now he's living for one thing: revenge. That is, until Juan meets his beautiful new neighbor.
Vicki Holloway prides herself on being capable and independent, but her life is turned upside down when her sister Sara is killed by an abusive ex. Fearing for the safety of her niece, Vicki and the little girl go into hiding...resurfacing in Texas with new identities.
Juan finds his once-frozen heart thawing around Vicki, but he knows she's hiding something. Juan needs answers, but Vicki isn't talking. She has to keep her secrets if she wants to keep Bell safe, which means resisting her growing feelings for the sexy, scarred man next door. But when Juan's quest for justice brings danger to her door, divulging the truth might be the only thing that keeps her alive.
Includes the bonus novella Hot Target by April Hunt!
577 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
157 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Christie Craig
28 books923 followersPseudonym for C. C. Hunter.
Photojournalist, Author and Speaker
Christie Craig, an Alabama native, is an award-winning, multi-published writer, multi-published photo journalist, motivational speaker, and writing teacher.. Her non-fiction articles and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her seventh humorous single title romance novel, published by Dorchester, will hit the stands in June 2010. Her non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, released September 08, is The Everything Guide To Writing A Romance Novel and their second non-fiction book, a humorous self-help relationship book, Wild, Wicked and Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You Are in a Romance Novel is scheduled to be released December 2010. Craig’s latest writing adventure is the sale of a young adult paranormal romance series, Shadow Falls Camp, that will be published by St. Martins Press in the near future.
Photojournalist, Author and Speaker
Christie Craig, an Alabama native, is an award-winning, multi-published writer, multi-published photo journalist, motivational speaker, and writing teacher.. Her non-fiction articles and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her seventh humorous single title romance novel, published by Dorchester, will hit the stands in June 2010. Her non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, released September 08, is The Everything Guide To Writing A Romance Novel and their second non-fiction book, a humorous self-help relationship book, Wild, Wicked and Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You Are in a Romance Novel is scheduled to be released December 2010. Craig’s latest writing adventure is the sale of a young adult paranormal romance series, Shadow Falls Camp, that will be published by St. Martins Press in the near future.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 11, 2019
Title: Don't Breathe A Word
Series: Texas Justice #2
Author: Christie Craig
Genre: Suspense Romance
Pages: 575
Forevore Romance
November 5,2019
Rating:5
New York Times bestselling author Christie Craig returns with her next heart-stopping romantic suspense about a woman on the run and the man trying to uncover her secrets.
Police detective Juan Acosta doesn't only carry scars on the outside. He's filled with guilt and anger ever since his undercover job led to the murder of those he loved the most. Now he's living for one thing: revenge. That is, until Juan meets his beautiful new neighbor.
Vicki Holloway prides herself on being capable and independent, but her life is turned upside down when her sister Sara is killed by an abusive ex. Fearing for the safety of her niece, Vicki and the little girl go into hiding...resurfacing in Texas with new identities.
Juan finds his once-frozen heart thawing around Vicki, but he knows she's hiding something. Juan needs answers, but Vicki isn't talking. She has to keep her secrets if she wants to keep Bell safe, which means resisting her growing feelings for the sexy, scarred man next door. But when Juan's quest for justice brings danger to her door, divulging the truth might be the only thing that keeps her alive.
Includes the bonus novella "Hot Target" by April Hunt!
My thoughts
Would I recommend it? yes
Would I read more by this author? yes
Wow this was just as good as the first one which I loved , and I loved that we got to know more about Juan and his past , plus we got to see him interact more with other characters in this one then we did in the first book, this brought his character to life and made him seem more real and showed his feelings more as well , in fact I would say out of the 2 books this one is my favorite one . there is just something about Juan and Vicki that made their story seem more real and you couldn't help feeling in love with them, with that said I want to say thank you to Netgalley as well as Forever for letting me read and review it as well as sending me a copy of it to review ,
Series: Texas Justice #2
Author: Christie Craig
Genre: Suspense Romance
Pages: 575
Forevore Romance
November 5,2019
Rating:5
New York Times bestselling author Christie Craig returns with her next heart-stopping romantic suspense about a woman on the run and the man trying to uncover her secrets.
Police detective Juan Acosta doesn't only carry scars on the outside. He's filled with guilt and anger ever since his undercover job led to the murder of those he loved the most. Now he's living for one thing: revenge. That is, until Juan meets his beautiful new neighbor.
Vicki Holloway prides herself on being capable and independent, but her life is turned upside down when her sister Sara is killed by an abusive ex. Fearing for the safety of her niece, Vicki and the little girl go into hiding...resurfacing in Texas with new identities.
Juan finds his once-frozen heart thawing around Vicki, but he knows she's hiding something. Juan needs answers, but Vicki isn't talking. She has to keep her secrets if she wants to keep Bell safe, which means resisting her growing feelings for the sexy, scarred man next door. But when Juan's quest for justice brings danger to her door, divulging the truth might be the only thing that keeps her alive.
Includes the bonus novella "Hot Target" by April Hunt!
My thoughts
Would I recommend it? yes
Would I read more by this author? yes
Wow this was just as good as the first one which I loved , and I loved that we got to know more about Juan and his past , plus we got to see him interact more with other characters in this one then we did in the first book, this brought his character to life and made him seem more real and showed his feelings more as well , in fact I would say out of the 2 books this one is my favorite one . there is just something about Juan and Vicki that made their story seem more real and you couldn't help feeling in love with them, with that said I want to say thank you to Netgalley as well as Forever for letting me read and review it as well as sending me a copy of it to review ,
November 20, 2019
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Juan Acosta is part of the Cold Case team the media has dubbed the "Three Musketeers". His move to the team came after he suffered a tragic loss three years ago, a loss that he is still not ready to move on from. That is, until his new next door neighbor gets his interest. And not just because of the clear fear she's living with or the lies she's telling.
I found this book really easy to get into and I was intrigued right from the blurb. I loved how strong Vicki was and I admired how protective she was with Bell. Her story had a lot of suspense and it was fun to try and put together all of the puzzle pieces as we were given little clues about things. I had actually guessed, well pretty much known, one of the major mysteries early on, but that didn't take the suspense out of the book at all. There was still so much that had my captivated and dying to find out just how everything was going to play out.
Overall, this is a must read for all Romantic Suspense readers. The previous characters do make appearances and the Cold Case unit is still involved but this book can be read as a standalone with no problem. The majority of the story focuses almost solely on Juan and Vicki and the author did a good job at reintroducing all of the characters that the first book originally introduced.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Juan Acosta is part of the Cold Case team the media has dubbed the "Three Musketeers". His move to the team came after he suffered a tragic loss three years ago, a loss that he is still not ready to move on from. That is, until his new next door neighbor gets his interest. And not just because of the clear fear she's living with or the lies she's telling.
I found this book really easy to get into and I was intrigued right from the blurb. I loved how strong Vicki was and I admired how protective she was with Bell. Her story had a lot of suspense and it was fun to try and put together all of the puzzle pieces as we were given little clues about things. I had actually guessed, well pretty much known, one of the major mysteries early on, but that didn't take the suspense out of the book at all. There was still so much that had my captivated and dying to find out just how everything was going to play out.
Overall, this is a must read for all Romantic Suspense readers. The previous characters do make appearances and the Cold Case unit is still involved but this book can be read as a standalone with no problem. The majority of the story focuses almost solely on Juan and Vicki and the author did a good job at reintroducing all of the characters that the first book originally introduced.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2020
2.5 OK Stars
Juan Acosta is a cold case detective struggling to get over his own personal tragedy - . When Juan meets his new neighbour Nicki aka Vicki, he finds himself really looking/seeing a woman for the first time since his wife's death. Vicki is in hiding with her niece, the danger that is hunting them has her wary and determined to keep anyone she meets at a distance, but Juan keeps popping by when she needs help the most and his determined to find out the truth.
So much potential here, I really liked the sound of this from reading the blurb, but despite the tension and intensity that should have manifested this turned out to be more fluffy than it should have. The emotional intensity and sense of danger that should have rippled of the page, really didn't.
The relationship development between the main characters needed depth and teasing out. One key thing that really made me wince/cringe was
Juan Acosta is a cold case detective struggling to get over his own personal tragedy - . When Juan meets his new neighbour Nicki aka Vicki, he finds himself really looking/seeing a woman for the first time since his wife's death. Vicki is in hiding with her niece, the danger that is hunting them has her wary and determined to keep anyone she meets at a distance, but Juan keeps popping by when she needs help the most and his determined to find out the truth.
So much potential here, I really liked the sound of this from reading the blurb, but despite the tension and intensity that should have manifested this turned out to be more fluffy than it should have. The emotional intensity and sense of danger that should have rippled of the page, really didn't.
The relationship development between the main characters needed depth and teasing out. One key thing that really made me wince/cringe was
October 30, 2019
This book started off a little slower than the first. It was a little more difficult for me to get into, but maybe it was just me being distracted. Either way the further I got into this story the more I enjoyed it. But the end I couldn’t put it down. It had my heart racing and me trying to read so fast, I just had to know what was happening next! I love these books and hope this series continues!
November 13, 2019
Juan Acosta is a cold case detective struggling to get over his own personal tragedy when he accidentally runs into his new neighbor Nicki . Nicki is on the run with her niece to keep her safe from her father who she suspects killed her sister .When they both meet sparks fly but can Nicki trust Juan to keep them safe and will she be able to heal Juan’s broken heart?
Don’t Breathe a Word by Christie Craig is the second book in her Texas Justice series and can be read as a stand alone.Its an emotional roller coaster that refuses to let you go .This book was great and if you are a fan of the romantic thriller genre you will really enjoy this
I would like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Don’t Breathe a Word by Christie Craig is the second book in her Texas Justice series and can be read as a stand alone.Its an emotional roller coaster that refuses to let you go .This book was great and if you are a fan of the romantic thriller genre you will really enjoy this
I would like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
November 5, 2019
Whoa! This was super good! I really wasn't sure what to expect, I'm not much of a romantic suspense reader but this synopsis sounded really enticing, thank you so much to the wonderful people at forever for this copy.
This is my first time reading this author and Don't Breathe A Word is very well written. It has high intensity, a level of mystery and I really liked both of the characters.
It is a heart pounding, edge of your seat page turner and I highly recommend detective Juan Acosta and Vicki's story to anyone who is a fan of this genre.
This is my first time reading this author and Don't Breathe A Word is very well written. It has high intensity, a level of mystery and I really liked both of the characters.
It is a heart pounding, edge of your seat page turner and I highly recommend detective Juan Acosta and Vicki's story to anyone who is a fan of this genre.
January 1, 2023
2.5 estrelas pra fechar o ano
February 11, 2023
Always a pleasure. This book was again another masterpiece. Juan is amazing, Vicki is special and Bell is the star of the show. Another happy ending I'm totally crazy about.
November 7, 2019
The second installment of the Texas Justice Series was even better than the first. Detective Juan Acosta is suspicious of his new neighbor as much as he’s drawn to her. Nicki is running scared and a police detective is the last person she’d confide in. I found myself sucked into this story from page one. Great characters with lots of mystery, action, and romance. You’ll be on the edge of your seat till the very end!
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
May 18, 2020
I’ve been a Christie Craig fan for years, so I wasn’t surprised when I loved Don’t Breath A Word. Characters like only Craig can create - a guilt-filled detective out for revenge and a woman running for her life with her niece. Danger, suspense, and heartfelt emotions mingle with some sexy times to make a book I couldn’t put down.
This is the second book in Craig’s Texas Justice series, and I’m about to dive into the third one, Don’t Look Back.
This is the second book in Craig’s Texas Justice series, and I’m about to dive into the third one, Don’t Look Back.
April 13, 2023
Nikki - or better say, Vicki - is running with her niece after her sister Sara is killed in a hit-and-run accident, or that is what the police is saying to her, but she knows that it was not an accident that took her sister's life, but rather her abusive ex.
She ends up in Texas, where she befriends her neighbor, a nice police guy who carries scars on the inside as much as on the outside.
I read this book for the first time on September 2022, but I found myself thinking about it again a couple of days ago and decided to read it again.
I gave it 4 stars the first time, but now I've decided to bring it to 5.
As you can imagine I really liked it, the story is well-written, and you can perfectly get to know the characters, who behave like adults, and trust me, this should be a ground rule for romance suspense.
In some parts the mystery feels a bit forced, like everything is, look at that, connected together. But fortunately every piece falls in the right place, and I've read way more forced mysteries, so that was not a big deal for me.
She ends up in Texas, where she befriends her neighbor, a nice police guy who carries scars on the inside as much as on the outside.
I read this book for the first time on September 2022, but I found myself thinking about it again a couple of days ago and decided to read it again.
I gave it 4 stars the first time, but now I've decided to bring it to 5.
As you can imagine I really liked it, the story is well-written, and you can perfectly get to know the characters, who behave like adults, and trust me, this should be a ground rule for romance suspense.
In some parts the mystery feels a bit forced, like everything is, look at that, connected together. But fortunately every piece falls in the right place, and I've read way more forced mysteries, so that was not a big deal for me.
November 5, 2019
ARC REVIEW
Texas Justice #2, The Cold Case Unit of Anniston PD has a new case when they look into a young stripper's disappearance, the murder of her boyfriend, and the connection they had to the gang leader/drug dealer who killed Juan Acosta's wife and unborn baby. Juan already killed him in the line of duty but the large scar on his face serves as a daily reminder that he failed his family. Finding the person responsible for this cold case and maybe even finding the stripper alive will help, or so he hopes. But then there is his new neighbor and her daughter something just doesn't feel right he knows they are running from something but he doesn't know what and he's determined to find out.
Vikki Holloway gained guardianship of her niece, Bell, after her sister died in a hit and run. Vikki always suspected her sister's abusive husband as the culprit but never had proof and it seemed pointless to prove it after he died but then Vikki swore she saw him leave her apartment after ransacking it and then he called her threatening her. Scared for her niece she ran and with the help of AWCO they got new identities. After almost being found in Arizona they moved to Texas where she became Nikki Hanson and Bell became her daughter.
Juan felt intrigued by Nikki and her daughter and oddly protective of them too. He knew they were hiding something but the more he got to know them the more he felt inclined to help them, not even the truth scared him off it just made all the more determined to keep them safe. All the while Juan and his team mates are working his cold case which has suddenly become hot again with the only witness disappearing only to reappear and get shot at and put into a coma. Vikki is hesitant to accept any help from anyone but Juan isn't easily put off, the sexual attraction is one thing but Vikki starts to actually trust Juan.
Overall, I loved this book. It was an exciting read with great characters, Bell is adorable. I loved the descriptive foreplay and then leaving the sex up to the reader's imagination it was just enough to satisfy me. It is a nicely balanced romantic suspense and it can be read as a standalone. I look forward to Connor's book next.
Texas Justice #2, The Cold Case Unit of Anniston PD has a new case when they look into a young stripper's disappearance, the murder of her boyfriend, and the connection they had to the gang leader/drug dealer who killed Juan Acosta's wife and unborn baby. Juan already killed him in the line of duty but the large scar on his face serves as a daily reminder that he failed his family. Finding the person responsible for this cold case and maybe even finding the stripper alive will help, or so he hopes. But then there is his new neighbor and her daughter something just doesn't feel right he knows they are running from something but he doesn't know what and he's determined to find out.
Vikki Holloway gained guardianship of her niece, Bell, after her sister died in a hit and run. Vikki always suspected her sister's abusive husband as the culprit but never had proof and it seemed pointless to prove it after he died but then Vikki swore she saw him leave her apartment after ransacking it and then he called her threatening her. Scared for her niece she ran and with the help of AWCO they got new identities. After almost being found in Arizona they moved to Texas where she became Nikki Hanson and Bell became her daughter.
Juan felt intrigued by Nikki and her daughter and oddly protective of them too. He knew they were hiding something but the more he got to know them the more he felt inclined to help them, not even the truth scared him off it just made all the more determined to keep them safe. All the while Juan and his team mates are working his cold case which has suddenly become hot again with the only witness disappearing only to reappear and get shot at and put into a coma. Vikki is hesitant to accept any help from anyone but Juan isn't easily put off, the sexual attraction is one thing but Vikki starts to actually trust Juan.
Overall, I loved this book. It was an exciting read with great characters, Bell is adorable. I loved the descriptive foreplay and then leaving the sex up to the reader's imagination it was just enough to satisfy me. It is a nicely balanced romantic suspense and it can be read as a standalone. I look forward to Connor's book next.
October 31, 2019
Don't Breathe a Word (Texas Justice #2) by Christie Craig
4.5 stars
M/F Suspense Romance
Triggers: Corruption, Murder, Child Abuse, Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Juan had it all and lost it in a tragic plot of murder. In the process of losing everything he came to love, he became hardened to everything and everyone around him. Despite his pain, he wants to help those who maybe cannot help themselves. Having been relegated to the cold case unit, Juan is great at tracking people down and finding their secrets.
Vicki is trying to figure out a way to keep herself and her daughter under the radar. Hiding from the man who murdered her sister, Vicki makes sure that she can defend herself. When she moves to Texas, she is excited that she found a job that she can excel at, not to mention her daughter can finally attend school again. But, when she hears a noise the backyard, she doesn't hesitate to get the intruder. After all, she has to protect her daughter.
I really loved how Vicki and Juan met. She was a petite pistol who took down a huge guy who should know how to defend himself. Plus, with the ribbing that he got from his fellow officers was great.
This was a fantastic suspense story. I really enjoyed watching the story unfold. It was a constant edge of your seat feeling, due to Vicki's backstory. I found myself cheering Juan and Vicki on, but at the same time, wondering if Vicki's past was going to cause issues too large to overcome. This will keep you entertained until the end and I hope more is to come in this series.
4.5 stars
M/F Suspense Romance
Triggers: Corruption, Murder, Child Abuse, Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Juan had it all and lost it in a tragic plot of murder. In the process of losing everything he came to love, he became hardened to everything and everyone around him. Despite his pain, he wants to help those who maybe cannot help themselves. Having been relegated to the cold case unit, Juan is great at tracking people down and finding their secrets.
Vicki is trying to figure out a way to keep herself and her daughter under the radar. Hiding from the man who murdered her sister, Vicki makes sure that she can defend herself. When she moves to Texas, she is excited that she found a job that she can excel at, not to mention her daughter can finally attend school again. But, when she hears a noise the backyard, she doesn't hesitate to get the intruder. After all, she has to protect her daughter.
I really loved how Vicki and Juan met. She was a petite pistol who took down a huge guy who should know how to defend himself. Plus, with the ribbing that he got from his fellow officers was great.
This was a fantastic suspense story. I really enjoyed watching the story unfold. It was a constant edge of your seat feeling, due to Vicki's backstory. I found myself cheering Juan and Vicki on, but at the same time, wondering if Vicki's past was going to cause issues too large to overcome. This will keep you entertained until the end and I hope more is to come in this series.
October 5, 2019
Another great installment in Texas Justice series. Its centered around 3 police detectives who after being put on probation are demoted to the Cold Case Unit.
This time we have the heartbreaking story of Juan Acosta whose wife and unborn child were murdered by a drug dealer he was trying to bring down. He managed to survived scared on the outside and full of guilt and living for revenge.
Vicki Holloway also lives in guilt and fear. She introduced her sister to a man who turned out to be a monster and murdered her. Now on the run with her niece they are hiding out in Texas under new identities.
When they end up neighbors, both are wary of the other. One with secrets to hide and the other closed off from grief. What neither know is danger is headed their way. Romantic suspense at its best..
This time we have the heartbreaking story of Juan Acosta whose wife and unborn child were murdered by a drug dealer he was trying to bring down. He managed to survived scared on the outside and full of guilt and living for revenge.
Vicki Holloway also lives in guilt and fear. She introduced her sister to a man who turned out to be a monster and murdered her. Now on the run with her niece they are hiding out in Texas under new identities.
When they end up neighbors, both are wary of the other. One with secrets to hide and the other closed off from grief. What neither know is danger is headed their way. Romantic suspense at its best..
November 5, 2019
Craig does a great job developing these characters and creating lots of tension and suspense. Because the story is told in 3rd person, you get a peek at all the characters, not just the hero and heroine. In romantic suspense, I love this approach. Vicki and Juan have a very interesting dynamic and I loved that they both had a companion (Vicki has her niece and Juan has his dog-they both add to the story well).
Bottom line: great romantic suspense!
Bottom line: great romantic suspense!
September 19, 2019
I was sent this book from the publisher. My ratings and reviews will be my own personal opinions and are in no way influenced by publishers or authors who may have sent me books to review.
If you love mystery/suspense with steamy romance you will love this. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the first book and fell in love with the author. I was freaking out when I was sent book two. I loved this one even more than I liked the first one.
This is a detective story (but do not let that deter you) following cold cases with Juan Acosta. His story starts off with a bang and will grab your attention from the very first pages. Your heart will break as he battles with his own struggles of love and finding new love. I actually enjoyed the cold cases he was following and knew they would come together within the story.
I also enjoyed Vicki and her story. There was so much going on in this story to keep my interest. You can read this as a standalone story from the first book. It follows different characters and different cases
Overall, this was a very captivating mystery that kept my interest until the end. I ended up really enjoying it and can’t wait to see what the next cold case/homicide will bring.
If you love mystery/suspense with steamy romance you will love this. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the first book and fell in love with the author. I was freaking out when I was sent book two. I loved this one even more than I liked the first one.
This is a detective story (but do not let that deter you) following cold cases with Juan Acosta. His story starts off with a bang and will grab your attention from the very first pages. Your heart will break as he battles with his own struggles of love and finding new love. I actually enjoyed the cold cases he was following and knew they would come together within the story.
I also enjoyed Vicki and her story. There was so much going on in this story to keep my interest. You can read this as a standalone story from the first book. It follows different characters and different cases
Overall, this was a very captivating mystery that kept my interest until the end. I ended up really enjoying it and can’t wait to see what the next cold case/homicide will bring.
April 26, 2020
Juan Acosta is a police detective with an obvious facial scar. However, that is not the only scar he bears, he carries wounds inside that have not healed. When Juan finds himself involved with his new neighbor that he knows as Nikki, and her daughter, Bell, he starts to heal in a way he never thought possible.
Vicki Holloway has secrets. These very secrets just might save her life and that of her niece. Having gone into hiding after her sister Sara was killed, Vicki will do anything she can to keep Bell safe. Juan may have been scarred by what cost him to lose his wife and all that he held dear, but it doesn't stop her from being drawn to her. What is more is that it doesn't take Juan to realize that she is hiding something. More than that, however, is Juan's strong need to protect them.
What a wonderful book! It has it all - suspense, danger, romance, family, an adorable child and a naughty dog. Don't Breathe a Word is the second book in the Texas Justice series. The first book was Don't Close Your Eyes. I loved that book as well. I look forward to the next book, Don't Look Back, due for release in September.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Vicki Holloway has secrets. These very secrets just might save her life and that of her niece. Having gone into hiding after her sister Sara was killed, Vicki will do anything she can to keep Bell safe. Juan may have been scarred by what cost him to lose his wife and all that he held dear, but it doesn't stop her from being drawn to her. What is more is that it doesn't take Juan to realize that she is hiding something. More than that, however, is Juan's strong need to protect them.
What a wonderful book! It has it all - suspense, danger, romance, family, an adorable child and a naughty dog. Don't Breathe a Word is the second book in the Texas Justice series. The first book was Don't Close Your Eyes. I loved that book as well. I look forward to the next book, Don't Look Back, due for release in September.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 3, 2020
I didn't finish it. There are only so many times Juan can go out in his backyard, have his dog escape through a fence so he can talk to his neighbor in a matter of 50 pages before I've had enough. It's like I keep reading a section, then flipping back to the beginning and re-reading that section again. This book goes nowhere, slowly.
November 13, 2019
Received in exchange for a honest review.
This had me on the edge of my seat. The way the book began for Juan breaks your heart. He loses so much at the beginning and it scars him both inside and out. So much so that it seems he will always harbor the guilt he feels. This guilt and desire for revenge leads him to be in the cold case unit. Where he and his fellow partners do great work and solve cases that many could not. To me his life seemed hollow now. He was just living to exact revenge and not really seeing life as it is but just existing.
Than his neighbor and her little girl comes in and his world is turned upside down. Vicki wakes up every nerve and feeling in Juan. He can tell though something is wrong. That things don’t add up. Especially after his first encounter with her his radar is up. That first meeting was a hoot. A strange meet cute that has you smile and see that Juan is right something isn’t quite right. I love that Juan doesn’t dig too much until he doesn’t have a choice and also because by than he has fallen in love even if he can’t admit it.
Vicki is admirable. Strong willed and works hard. The lengths she is going through to protect herself and her niece warms your heart. They are in danger and that danger isn’t going away. It is getting more dark and ominous to me. You get that creepy crawly feeling that soon things are going to go very badly and Vicki will need to let someone in. Her fear is a living breathing thing with the way it is written. You see her reluctance to let someone in as a way to survive and cut herself off from the world. If she doesn’t let anyone in she is safe and her heart can’t be shattered. Only Juan does slowly crack her facade. He not only cracks it, he shatters it and helps her as well.
Juan just loved him. I felt so much sadness at the beginning for him. He went through so so much. I think that helped him be the best person to help vicki though for he understands guilt and pain. He understands danger that is like a living breathing soul. And he understands loss. He is a kind man that has been through alot. My favorite scenes are him with his dog but also when he is taking care of Vicki’s niece and their interactions. Those are just adorable.
The story is flled with danger and intrigue. You are kept on the edge of your seat wondering how things will tie together. How Juan’s cold case is related to Vicki’s danger. How the clues lead to so many reveals and shocking ones at that but they also make sense as you sit bak and look at them. You root for the attraction between Juan and vicki to become more and see them give one another a chance and fall in love. they learn to trust one another and once they let one another in their relationship explodes and is steamy but also sweet and warm. They help each other heal and move forward. A story of love, family, healing and moving on. Of finding justice for some and safety for others while falling in love and learning to trust and live once more.
This had me on the edge of my seat. The way the book began for Juan breaks your heart. He loses so much at the beginning and it scars him both inside and out. So much so that it seems he will always harbor the guilt he feels. This guilt and desire for revenge leads him to be in the cold case unit. Where he and his fellow partners do great work and solve cases that many could not. To me his life seemed hollow now. He was just living to exact revenge and not really seeing life as it is but just existing.
Than his neighbor and her little girl comes in and his world is turned upside down. Vicki wakes up every nerve and feeling in Juan. He can tell though something is wrong. That things don’t add up. Especially after his first encounter with her his radar is up. That first meeting was a hoot. A strange meet cute that has you smile and see that Juan is right something isn’t quite right. I love that Juan doesn’t dig too much until he doesn’t have a choice and also because by than he has fallen in love even if he can’t admit it.
Vicki is admirable. Strong willed and works hard. The lengths she is going through to protect herself and her niece warms your heart. They are in danger and that danger isn’t going away. It is getting more dark and ominous to me. You get that creepy crawly feeling that soon things are going to go very badly and Vicki will need to let someone in. Her fear is a living breathing thing with the way it is written. You see her reluctance to let someone in as a way to survive and cut herself off from the world. If she doesn’t let anyone in she is safe and her heart can’t be shattered. Only Juan does slowly crack her facade. He not only cracks it, he shatters it and helps her as well.
Juan just loved him. I felt so much sadness at the beginning for him. He went through so so much. I think that helped him be the best person to help vicki though for he understands guilt and pain. He understands danger that is like a living breathing soul. And he understands loss. He is a kind man that has been through alot. My favorite scenes are him with his dog but also when he is taking care of Vicki’s niece and their interactions. Those are just adorable.
The story is flled with danger and intrigue. You are kept on the edge of your seat wondering how things will tie together. How Juan’s cold case is related to Vicki’s danger. How the clues lead to so many reveals and shocking ones at that but they also make sense as you sit bak and look at them. You root for the attraction between Juan and vicki to become more and see them give one another a chance and fall in love. they learn to trust one another and once they let one another in their relationship explodes and is steamy but also sweet and warm. They help each other heal and move forward. A story of love, family, healing and moving on. Of finding justice for some and safety for others while falling in love and learning to trust and live once more.
December 1, 2019
I’m a big fan of the current thriller market, with its dark often psychotic villains and flawed narrators, but every once in a while I miss the classic police procedural romantic suspense novels that were popular back in the nineties and nones. Fortunately, some writers are still producing good novels in that genre and Don’t Breathe a Word by Christie Craig is one such story. While it is book two of the Texas Justice series it works very nicely as a standalone.
When Anniston Police Detective Juan Acosta looks out his window and sees a man jump into his neighbor’s backyard he immediately gives pursuit. He’s almost caught the perpetrator when the miscreant manages to grab a small charcoal grill and fling it at Juan’s head, blinding him with ash. Then he’s attacked from behind by a second party, which enables the potential thief to escape as Juan gets his ass kicked by a determined individual wielding some kind of bludgeon. Fortunately, he is rescued by the local beat cops. Unfortunately, they find it hilarious that the person who got the drop on him and beat his ass was his beautiful neighbor.
Vicki Holloway calls the police when she sees someone in her backyard. Then, showing questionable judgment, she confronts the reprobate with a baseball bat as her only backup. As a personal trainer she’s fit and strong and the element of surprise gives her the chance to win the battle. When she finds out the man is her neighbor, and a detective with Anniston P.D. she realizes that she’s drawn way too much attention to herself for someone who needs to keep a low profile. Her sister Allison had been married to a dirty cop who wound up killing her, and now Vicki and her niece Bell are on the run and in hiding, pretending to be mother and daughter. She doesn’t have legal custody. The last thing they need is to come to the notice of local law enforcement.
Juan finds himself obsessed with his new neighbor. He was far too aware of her toned body and lush curves as they fought. After his wife and daughter were murdered by a drug kingpin he’d been working to take down, he found himself unable to even look at or think about women as anything but friends but Vicki draws him like a magnet. He likes Bell, too, who is funny and sweet and completely unafraid of the facial scar he received trying to rescue his family. They’re a lure for his dog Sweetie as well; the pup keeps escaping from his backyard to hang out in theirs. Which works perfectly for Juan, since it gives him an excuse to visit their house and get to know Vicki. The problem is, the better he knows her, the more he realizes she’s lying to him. See the rest of my review at http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
When Anniston Police Detective Juan Acosta looks out his window and sees a man jump into his neighbor’s backyard he immediately gives pursuit. He’s almost caught the perpetrator when the miscreant manages to grab a small charcoal grill and fling it at Juan’s head, blinding him with ash. Then he’s attacked from behind by a second party, which enables the potential thief to escape as Juan gets his ass kicked by a determined individual wielding some kind of bludgeon. Fortunately, he is rescued by the local beat cops. Unfortunately, they find it hilarious that the person who got the drop on him and beat his ass was his beautiful neighbor.
Vicki Holloway calls the police when she sees someone in her backyard. Then, showing questionable judgment, she confronts the reprobate with a baseball bat as her only backup. As a personal trainer she’s fit and strong and the element of surprise gives her the chance to win the battle. When she finds out the man is her neighbor, and a detective with Anniston P.D. she realizes that she’s drawn way too much attention to herself for someone who needs to keep a low profile. Her sister Allison had been married to a dirty cop who wound up killing her, and now Vicki and her niece Bell are on the run and in hiding, pretending to be mother and daughter. She doesn’t have legal custody. The last thing they need is to come to the notice of local law enforcement.
Juan finds himself obsessed with his new neighbor. He was far too aware of her toned body and lush curves as they fought. After his wife and daughter were murdered by a drug kingpin he’d been working to take down, he found himself unable to even look at or think about women as anything but friends but Vicki draws him like a magnet. He likes Bell, too, who is funny and sweet and completely unafraid of the facial scar he received trying to rescue his family. They’re a lure for his dog Sweetie as well; the pup keeps escaping from his backyard to hang out in theirs. Which works perfectly for Juan, since it gives him an excuse to visit their house and get to know Vicki. The problem is, the better he knows her, the more he realizes she’s lying to him. See the rest of my review at http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
November 10, 2019
Once again, Christie Craig has created a tension-filled, feeling-inducing book that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I read the book in a day and wished I had the restraint to draw it out a bit more. While the romance didn't really capture me as much as the drama and action did, I found the story overall thrilling and enjoyable. There's something in this book for everyone, if you take the time to enjoy each piece of it.
Vicki Holloway is in hiding. With her niece in tow, she is fleeing from her late sister's abusive ex, and she can trust no one. When a case of mistaken identity leads to an altercation between herself and her new neighbor, police detective Juan Acosta, she begins to face difficult choices. Her life was put on hold for her niece, and that means no romance. Juan lost his family three years ago, and ever since, he has been ridden with guilt and loneliness. He feels that to show his feelings for Vicki would be betraying his late wife, but as time passes and he grows closer to Vicki, he sees a future. If only he can let go of the past.
Vicki and Juan were an amazingly cute couple! I loved their chemistry from the very beginning, and the addition of Bell (the niece) and Sweetie (the dog) made them a ready-made family unit in my head. I was already planning out their future, and let me tell you, it was Hallmark-worthy. The backstory for both characters made this plot heavy with tension and heat. I will say, I was a fan of the way the romance was written until the very end, when an unnecessary (in my opinion) conflict was introduced literally less than 50 pages from the ending. It was really disappointing, and I was quite surprised that forgiveness came so quickly. There was not enough groveling, in my opinion, and it was devastating to my view of this book as a romance. Hence the 4 stars rather than 5. I would not let that deter you though - I am a notoriously picky reader when it comes to my romance, and I think the story holds it own even in the face of that one scene. Christi Craig is a storyteller, through and through, and I have yet to be disappointed in how she plays out the story with all its mystery and complex relationships. You certainly will not be bored!
This is the second book in this series, and I am so eager for the third! Christie delivers an excellent story every time.
**I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.**
Vicki Holloway is in hiding. With her niece in tow, she is fleeing from her late sister's abusive ex, and she can trust no one. When a case of mistaken identity leads to an altercation between herself and her new neighbor, police detective Juan Acosta, she begins to face difficult choices. Her life was put on hold for her niece, and that means no romance. Juan lost his family three years ago, and ever since, he has been ridden with guilt and loneliness. He feels that to show his feelings for Vicki would be betraying his late wife, but as time passes and he grows closer to Vicki, he sees a future. If only he can let go of the past.
Vicki and Juan were an amazingly cute couple! I loved their chemistry from the very beginning, and the addition of Bell (the niece) and Sweetie (the dog) made them a ready-made family unit in my head. I was already planning out their future, and let me tell you, it was Hallmark-worthy. The backstory for both characters made this plot heavy with tension and heat. I will say, I was a fan of the way the romance was written until the very end, when an unnecessary (in my opinion) conflict was introduced literally less than 50 pages from the ending. It was really disappointing, and I was quite surprised that forgiveness came so quickly. There was not enough groveling, in my opinion, and it was devastating to my view of this book as a romance. Hence the 4 stars rather than 5. I would not let that deter you though - I am a notoriously picky reader when it comes to my romance, and I think the story holds it own even in the face of that one scene. Christi Craig is a storyteller, through and through, and I have yet to be disappointed in how she plays out the story with all its mystery and complex relationships. You certainly will not be bored!
This is the second book in this series, and I am so eager for the third! Christie delivers an excellent story every time.
**I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.**
October 4, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Juan Acosta is a cold case detective working his way through his own personal tragedy when he has an accidental run in with his new neighbor, who beats the crap out of him before she realizes he's not who she thinks he is.
Nicki (or rather, Vicki), is new to Texas and is on the run with her niece to keep her safe from her estranged and crazy father who Vicki suspects killed her sister and abused her niece. So when she hears a ruckus outside her new home, she decides to protect herself and her niece. Only she attacked the wrong man in the backyard...
This book was great. I'd peg it as a Suspense Romance and right from the start it grips you and refuses to let you go. It'll clamp onto your heart and make you talk to the pages. In fact, when I'm done this review, I'll be going to see if I can't track down book one!
Yes this book is about a detective who works cold cases, but that's not all this book is about. This book is about a good man who blames himself for something that was out of his control. This is about a person working past his grief and learning to live his life again. This is about a little girl who just wants to be loved and have a good man in her life to protect her and her aunt/new mommy. This is about a woman learning to trust someone else and to try and not let the past dictate her future. This was a good book.
Everything comes together beautifully. I knew it was all going to come together, but the way the author interlaced everything was well done.
For those of you who are interested in the steamy bits, I would let you know that while the foreplay is rather detailed, the rest of the details are glossed over somewhat. So if that is a huge factor for you reading this, just take that into consideration.
Over all, I thought this was a wonderful and well written book.
Juan Acosta is a cold case detective working his way through his own personal tragedy when he has an accidental run in with his new neighbor, who beats the crap out of him before she realizes he's not who she thinks he is.
Nicki (or rather, Vicki), is new to Texas and is on the run with her niece to keep her safe from her estranged and crazy father who Vicki suspects killed her sister and abused her niece. So when she hears a ruckus outside her new home, she decides to protect herself and her niece. Only she attacked the wrong man in the backyard...
This book was great. I'd peg it as a Suspense Romance and right from the start it grips you and refuses to let you go. It'll clamp onto your heart and make you talk to the pages. In fact, when I'm done this review, I'll be going to see if I can't track down book one!
Yes this book is about a detective who works cold cases, but that's not all this book is about. This book is about a good man who blames himself for something that was out of his control. This is about a person working past his grief and learning to live his life again. This is about a little girl who just wants to be loved and have a good man in her life to protect her and her aunt/new mommy. This is about a woman learning to trust someone else and to try and not let the past dictate her future. This was a good book.
Everything comes together beautifully. I knew it was all going to come together, but the way the author interlaced everything was well done.
For those of you who are interested in the steamy bits, I would let you know that while the foreplay is rather detailed, the rest of the details are glossed over somewhat. So if that is a huge factor for you reading this, just take that into consideration.
Over all, I thought this was a wonderful and well written book.
October 15, 2019
From heartbreaking tragedy, Juan has reclaimed most of his life back but now he is consumed by the thought of revenge against the cartel that killed his wife and unborn daughter. He is a virtual recluse within his home. When someone new moves in next door, Juan and his tiny poodle get more than they bargained for.
That tiny dog puts Harry Houdini to shame and can escape into next doors garden. One such escapade leads to Juan getting up close and personal with the new neighbour, who may be scared but she sure knows how to put on a brave front.
Vicki can't forgive herself over the death of her sister Sara. After all she introduced her to the slimeball who killed her. Making it worse? He's a cop with an abusive streak who took his troubles out on not only his wife but also his little girl. A little girl who has the scars to prove that abuse. But Vicki isn't made for covert hiding and she and Bell are going to need some very specialised help when a ghost from the past comes back to haunt them!
Juans new cold-case and Vicki's past are on a collision course. But can the burgeoning interest on both sides survive the fall-out of Juans investigation?
Juan is the perfect injured bomb survivor, carrying around a shed-load of guilt over his job causing the death of his little family. PTSD anyone? Vicki also has her own scars to carry around, although hers are more emotional and psychological. Even little Bell, bless her, needs some TLC to heal the broken dreams and mistrust of strangers she has had to come to accept as her new norm.
Brillient story and I loved the way the two separate plot entwined. Bell is just cute as a button and so trusting of Juan, who really should be the last person you'd think she'd trust. But they are bonded over their scars, visible or non-visible, and one slightly deranged miniature poodle!
Really worthwhile read!
That tiny dog puts Harry Houdini to shame and can escape into next doors garden. One such escapade leads to Juan getting up close and personal with the new neighbour, who may be scared but she sure knows how to put on a brave front.
Vicki can't forgive herself over the death of her sister Sara. After all she introduced her to the slimeball who killed her. Making it worse? He's a cop with an abusive streak who took his troubles out on not only his wife but also his little girl. A little girl who has the scars to prove that abuse. But Vicki isn't made for covert hiding and she and Bell are going to need some very specialised help when a ghost from the past comes back to haunt them!
Juans new cold-case and Vicki's past are on a collision course. But can the burgeoning interest on both sides survive the fall-out of Juans investigation?
Juan is the perfect injured bomb survivor, carrying around a shed-load of guilt over his job causing the death of his little family. PTSD anyone? Vicki also has her own scars to carry around, although hers are more emotional and psychological. Even little Bell, bless her, needs some TLC to heal the broken dreams and mistrust of strangers she has had to come to accept as her new norm.
Brillient story and I loved the way the two separate plot entwined. Bell is just cute as a button and so trusting of Juan, who really should be the last person you'd think she'd trust. But they are bonded over their scars, visible or non-visible, and one slightly deranged miniature poodle!
Really worthwhile read!
November 5, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
DON’T BREATHE A WORD is the second story in the Texas Justice series. Although I didn’t read the first story (yet), I was fully able to follow and completely enjoy Juan and Vicki’s stories – and they each have a unique story to be told that just happens to collide together not only in romance but in the danger zone as well. I will go back for the first book since I’m now invested in these detectives who are facing such challenges and such changes in their lives that I want to know how it all began.
Since this is a puzzle, a mystery, and a Romantic Suspense tale I don’t intend to give away details. I was drawn into this story quite quickly, the pace was even throughout and hit the highs in pacing at just the right moments for me. I adored little Bell and one loco crazy mini-poodle both together and separately. Juan has such guilt that is tearing him up inside, and Vicki suffers from a likewise guilt for far different reasons. Watching them become close, beginning to trust in each other was a tempting journey. The danger is apparent, and the tensions build until we have answers – or at least I believe we do, I never know with a series what might crop up again.
This one is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, one you won’t want to miss especially if you love Romantic Suspense that pulls you in with a tight plot, good writing and characters (both main and secondary) that feel real and believable. I’d not hesitate to recommend DON’T BREATHE A WORD to any Romantic Suspense reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
DON’T BREATHE A WORD is the second story in the Texas Justice series. Although I didn’t read the first story (yet), I was fully able to follow and completely enjoy Juan and Vicki’s stories – and they each have a unique story to be told that just happens to collide together not only in romance but in the danger zone as well. I will go back for the first book since I’m now invested in these detectives who are facing such challenges and such changes in their lives that I want to know how it all began.
Since this is a puzzle, a mystery, and a Romantic Suspense tale I don’t intend to give away details. I was drawn into this story quite quickly, the pace was even throughout and hit the highs in pacing at just the right moments for me. I adored little Bell and one loco crazy mini-poodle both together and separately. Juan has such guilt that is tearing him up inside, and Vicki suffers from a likewise guilt for far different reasons. Watching them become close, beginning to trust in each other was a tempting journey. The danger is apparent, and the tensions build until we have answers – or at least I believe we do, I never know with a series what might crop up again.
This one is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, one you won’t want to miss especially if you love Romantic Suspense that pulls you in with a tight plot, good writing and characters (both main and secondary) that feel real and believable. I’d not hesitate to recommend DON’T BREATHE A WORD to any Romantic Suspense reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
September 15, 2020
Despite me not being a fan of short stories, I didn't mind the bonus novella that was included in this book. But that might just be because I'm an April Hunt fan.
Don't Breathe a Word
I'm in love with this series. It's got the mystery and suspense that usually draw me to stories, plus it's got interesting characters whose stories you just want to know. And Juan was no exception.
From the last book, I wanted to find out what had really happened with Juan that caused someone to kill his wife and unborn child. And the burn scar on his face, which this whole time I thought it was a jagged cut down one side of his face.
The story didn't disappoint,
Hot Target
Like I mentioned, I'm not usually a fan of novellas, but Hunt has become one of my favorite authors. While this series isn't one I'm familiar with, I had no problems jumping right into the story and following along.
And we did get to meet Steele, who, if I'm not mistaken, is from the other April Hunt series that I read.
Not a bad story overall, just missing the details that you would normally get with a full-sized novel.
Don't Breathe a Word
I'm in love with this series. It's got the mystery and suspense that usually draw me to stories, plus it's got interesting characters whose stories you just want to know. And Juan was no exception.
From the last book, I wanted to find out what had really happened with Juan that caused someone to kill his wife and unborn child. And the burn scar on his face, which this whole time I thought it was a jagged cut down one side of his face.
The story didn't disappoint,
Hot Target
Like I mentioned, I'm not usually a fan of novellas, but Hunt has become one of my favorite authors. While this series isn't one I'm familiar with, I had no problems jumping right into the story and following along.
And we did get to meet Steele, who, if I'm not mistaken, is from the other April Hunt series that I read.
Not a bad story overall, just missing the details that you would normally get with a full-sized novel.
October 27, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever Pub & Grand Central Pub, but all opinions provided are my own.
It’s been three years since Cold Case Unit police detective Juan Acosta’s wife and unborn daughter were murdered by a man he was investigating undercover. Since then, he’s been drowning in guilt and anger, and the only real thing that gets him through is his work.
But then his new neighbor (and single mom) Nikki Hanson moves in with the force of a particularly dangerous hurricane—one night, she mistakenly attacks him, believing him to be an intruder trying to break into her home. She’s beautiful and wary and obviously holding a lot of secrets that Juan can’t wait to find out…
Christie Craig’s Don’t Breathe a Word is an emotional romantic suspense book that had me invested from the first pages. After all, who could resist a sexy story of a widower’s second chance with a woman who’s also compelled to protect those she cares about, starting with her daughter? Craig compellingly writes about Juan’s grief, showing how complex and deep it is even as he falls into lust (and maybe more) with his mysterious neighbor. Her characters feel real to me in that way; there’s no doubt that love makes people happier and gives them greater fulfillment, but it isn’t a magical cure for the issues they’re going through—even though it helps.
The mysteries in this book—who Nikki is, why she’s there, and how she’s linked to a cold case that Juan is investigating—are strong too, with lots of twists and turns (some that I anticipated and some that I didn’t).
From start to finish, Don’t Breathe a Word is gripping and engrossing, drawing in the part of me that wants a literary adrenaline fix and the part that sighs for a worthy HEA. I can’t wait to read Connor’s fall in the next book!
It’s been three years since Cold Case Unit police detective Juan Acosta’s wife and unborn daughter were murdered by a man he was investigating undercover. Since then, he’s been drowning in guilt and anger, and the only real thing that gets him through is his work.
But then his new neighbor (and single mom) Nikki Hanson moves in with the force of a particularly dangerous hurricane—one night, she mistakenly attacks him, believing him to be an intruder trying to break into her home. She’s beautiful and wary and obviously holding a lot of secrets that Juan can’t wait to find out…
Christie Craig’s Don’t Breathe a Word is an emotional romantic suspense book that had me invested from the first pages. After all, who could resist a sexy story of a widower’s second chance with a woman who’s also compelled to protect those she cares about, starting with her daughter? Craig compellingly writes about Juan’s grief, showing how complex and deep it is even as he falls into lust (and maybe more) with his mysterious neighbor. Her characters feel real to me in that way; there’s no doubt that love makes people happier and gives them greater fulfillment, but it isn’t a magical cure for the issues they’re going through—even though it helps.
The mysteries in this book—who Nikki is, why she’s there, and how she’s linked to a cold case that Juan is investigating—are strong too, with lots of twists and turns (some that I anticipated and some that I didn’t).
From start to finish, Don’t Breathe a Word is gripping and engrossing, drawing in the part of me that wants a literary adrenaline fix and the part that sighs for a worthy HEA. I can’t wait to read Connor’s fall in the next book!
November 24, 2019
Police detective Juan Acosta is living with some serious demons, everyday he wakes up the knowledge that his job cost him everything he once held dear. Now all he can see is revenge, he wants them men who killed his family to pay.
Then a little distraction enters his world, and suddenly all he can think about is the beautiful woman and her child next door. Vicki Holloway is breath of fresh air in his dim world, but the more he gets to know her the more he realizes she is keeping things from him... things that rattle the detective in him.
But between the danger he stirs up with his need for revenge, and the danger that is lurking around them he is determined to keep them safe, and not let history repeat itself!
With action, danger, and romance brimming on every page Don't Breathe a Word is a can't miss read! I loved what I found between the pages of this one, Juan and Vicki were quite the pairing. With the danger they both brought to their union, as well as some serious heat, made their story impossible to put down. Once I met these characters I just couldn't let them go, I had to see if they could ever move on from the past and embrace the second chance they had been given. This was an edge of your seat kind of tale, there was steady stream of suspense and danger on every page, often leaving me to wonder how much more these characters could take. What a wonderful addition to the series, the words kept my nose buried between the pages, and had my heart feeling a major squeeze... highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.
Then a little distraction enters his world, and suddenly all he can think about is the beautiful woman and her child next door. Vicki Holloway is breath of fresh air in his dim world, but the more he gets to know her the more he realizes she is keeping things from him... things that rattle the detective in him.
But between the danger he stirs up with his need for revenge, and the danger that is lurking around them he is determined to keep them safe, and not let history repeat itself!
With action, danger, and romance brimming on every page Don't Breathe a Word is a can't miss read! I loved what I found between the pages of this one, Juan and Vicki were quite the pairing. With the danger they both brought to their union, as well as some serious heat, made their story impossible to put down. Once I met these characters I just couldn't let them go, I had to see if they could ever move on from the past and embrace the second chance they had been given. This was an edge of your seat kind of tale, there was steady stream of suspense and danger on every page, often leaving me to wonder how much more these characters could take. What a wonderful addition to the series, the words kept my nose buried between the pages, and had my heart feeling a major squeeze... highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.
November 11, 2019
Juan Acosta is still dealing with the guilt he feels when his police undercover job led to the death of his wife and unborn child. He is watching the video his wife urged them to make for their unborn child when his dog, Sweetie insists on going outside. Her insistent barking draws Juan to look outside and he sees someone jumping the fence into his new neighbor's yard. Police mode kicks in and Juan rushes to stop a burglar. The potential burgler throws a rusty old charcoal grill at Juan as Juan rushes him. The grill hits Juan in the head. That's not going to stop Juan. He starts to chase the potential burgler as he climbs the fence when Juan is yanked back and attacked. Does the perp have a partner? Nope. Turnsout the new neighbor, Nikki Hanson thought Juan was the intruder and takes Juan down, kick to the balls and all. Not the best way for two neighbors to introduce themselves. Juan has questions about this new neighbor who seems to be living in fear. Just what is her story?
Don't Breathe a Word by Christie Craig is the second book in her Texas Justice series. Three Anniston, Texas police officers have been assigned to the police department Cold Case Unit. So far they have been quite successful at solving the cold cases they have investigated. In this story the cold case Juan Acosta and his partners are invesigating has a tie-in with Juan's neighbor's major problem. There's plenty of action and mysteries to solve. Nikki and her "daughter" Bel face much danger and Juan is right there to help keep them safe. I really enjoyed reading this story and liked how Juan and "Nikki" make a go of their attraction to each other despite their baggage. Expect danger, thrilling action and lots of lovin' in this story.
Don't Breathe a Word by Christie Craig is the second book in her Texas Justice series. Three Anniston, Texas police officers have been assigned to the police department Cold Case Unit. So far they have been quite successful at solving the cold cases they have investigated. In this story the cold case Juan Acosta and his partners are invesigating has a tie-in with Juan's neighbor's major problem. There's plenty of action and mysteries to solve. Nikki and her "daughter" Bel face much danger and Juan is right there to help keep them safe. I really enjoyed reading this story and liked how Juan and "Nikki" make a go of their attraction to each other despite their baggage. Expect danger, thrilling action and lots of lovin' in this story.
October 25, 2019
This was the first ARC copy i have received from Netgalley and it did not disappoint! I want to start off by saying i did not read the first instalment of the Texas Justice series, but after finishing this book I will 100% be going back to read the first one. This was also my first, and wont be the last, book I have read from this author!
First off, this book had me hooked from the first chapter. I felt like I was reading a script of my favourite episode of some of my favourite crime television shows. It was perfectly written and the story line was amazing and not rushed. Christie did an amazing job at creating and developing the characters and their story lines. I have to say I love all 3 of the main characters; Vicki (Nicki), Bell and Juan. Their real life struggles made them easy to relate to which made it such an enjoyable book to read.
I also really enjoyed how the plot of the entire novel came full circle. From circumstances that are explained in relation to each individual character at the beginning of the novel to the end this author did an amazing job and left no loose ends.
I rated this book a 5 star and I'm excited I found a new author to become crazy about! Looking forward to reviewing other readers reviews after this book is officially published and for more of this series to come out!
First off, this book had me hooked from the first chapter. I felt like I was reading a script of my favourite episode of some of my favourite crime television shows. It was perfectly written and the story line was amazing and not rushed. Christie did an amazing job at creating and developing the characters and their story lines. I have to say I love all 3 of the main characters; Vicki (Nicki), Bell and Juan. Their real life struggles made them easy to relate to which made it such an enjoyable book to read.
I also really enjoyed how the plot of the entire novel came full circle. From circumstances that are explained in relation to each individual character at the beginning of the novel to the end this author did an amazing job and left no loose ends.
I rated this book a 5 star and I'm excited I found a new author to become crazy about! Looking forward to reviewing other readers reviews after this book is officially published and for more of this series to come out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews