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Deadly Force #3
In Search of Truth
"Twisty plots, fantastic characters, and pitch perfect pacing. Fabulous!"—ALLISON BRENNAN, New York Times Bestselling Author
Buried treasure... buried feelings...all about to surface...
Anthropologist Allison Pinckney is stunned when she inherits the key to a seventeenth century pirate cipher that makes her the target of two brutal arms dealers. Now, to save those she loves, she must solve the cipher. With this perilous mission growing ever more dangerous, she reluctantly seeks help from ex-Green Beret Zack Tremaine, the one man she's been avoiding. Because if she gives into her long-buried feelings for him, it could cost them their lives.
Zack Tremaine is haunted by regrets. Years ago, he betrayed his men and lost the only woman he ever loved. Now that his men are caught in a fierce rivalry between two deadly enemies, his only hope is to team up with Allison. She holds the secret to a pirate treasure, and he must take the chance to save his men and redeem his honor. Even if she breaks his heart...again.
Deadly Force Series:
Every Deep Desire (Book 1)
One Dark Wish (Book 2)
In Search of Truth (Book 3)
Praise for Sharon Wray:
"Phenomenal!... Filled with action and passion that will leave you breathless."—Joyfully Reviewed for Every Deep Desire
"Fast-paced...full of dark secrets, betrayals, and love reunited. Intriguing, with steamy romance and forbidden love..."—Fresh Fiction for Every Deep Desire
- GenresRomanceRomantic Suspense
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
19 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Wray
19 books304 followersSharon is a librarian who once studied dress design in the couture houses of Paris and now writes novels of suspense, adventure, and love. A wife, mother of twins, caretaker of Donut the One-Eyed Dog, she's repped by Deidre Knight and Kristy Hunter of The Knight Agency.
Random Fun Facts:
* Jersey girl married to a boy from Charleston, SC and transplanted in Virginia.
* Still not sure why anyone puts sugar in her iced tea.
* Total Buffy fan. Buffy is why she started writing in the first place.
Random Fun Facts:
* Jersey girl married to a boy from Charleston, SC and transplanted in Virginia.
* Still not sure why anyone puts sugar in her iced tea.
* Total Buffy fan. Buffy is why she started writing in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 22, 2020
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I didn't read the first book in this series and while reading the second book I felt like I had been dropped down Alice's rabbit hole and landed on my head. I know it's only been four months since I read the last book, but I've got the down the rabbit hole feeling again. If you are going to read this series I advise you read them back to back as a binge read. Maybe then you can keep the plots and characters straight, I sure can't. This series is about good vs. evil, a Special Forces Unit that was wrongly dishonorably discharged after an op in Afghanistan, mysterious cults, arms dealers, witches, pirate treasure . . ., at least I think it is, I guess. Must be that concussion I got when I hit the bottom of the rabbit hole. But, the H/h get a happily ever after, so at least the romance was resolved. Stay with it, by a third of the way in it begins to make sense and becomes a pretty good suspense plot and I am such a sucker for the southern history, ghost, pirate thing. Unfortunately, this has an overarching plot and that isn't resolved, so I guess I'll be back down the rabbit hole in a few months.
Allison Chastain Fenwick, Stuart Pinckney and Zack Tremaine were best friends in college. Allison got a PhD in cultural anthropology, Stuart became a bank president and Zack was a Green Beret. Allison and Stuart got married and lived happily ever after. Not. Stuart got involved in some shady business and got himself murdered. Zack was part of an op that ended very, very badly with most of his unit killed, captured and dishonorably discharged. Allison lives with not knowing what really happened to Stuart and the feeling she didn't know or love him as much as she should have.
The Fianna, a shadowy group that speech in Shakespearian English and are seeking a pirate treasure, have kidnapped Zack's sister to force Allison and Zack to find the treasure that Stuart was killed over. Bringing Zack and Allison together reignites passions each thought long buried. They both have secrets and each has been denying their feelings for a long, long time.
3 1/2-Stars
I didn't read the first book in this series and while reading the second book I felt like I had been dropped down Alice's rabbit hole and landed on my head. I know it's only been four months since I read the last book, but I've got the down the rabbit hole feeling again. If you are going to read this series I advise you read them back to back as a binge read. Maybe then you can keep the plots and characters straight, I sure can't. This series is about good vs. evil, a Special Forces Unit that was wrongly dishonorably discharged after an op in Afghanistan, mysterious cults, arms dealers, witches, pirate treasure . . ., at least I think it is, I guess. Must be that concussion I got when I hit the bottom of the rabbit hole. But, the H/h get a happily ever after, so at least the romance was resolved. Stay with it, by a third of the way in it begins to make sense and becomes a pretty good suspense plot and I am such a sucker for the southern history, ghost, pirate thing. Unfortunately, this has an overarching plot and that isn't resolved, so I guess I'll be back down the rabbit hole in a few months.
Allison Chastain Fenwick, Stuart Pinckney and Zack Tremaine were best friends in college. Allison got a PhD in cultural anthropology, Stuart became a bank president and Zack was a Green Beret. Allison and Stuart got married and lived happily ever after. Not. Stuart got involved in some shady business and got himself murdered. Zack was part of an op that ended very, very badly with most of his unit killed, captured and dishonorably discharged. Allison lives with not knowing what really happened to Stuart and the feeling she didn't know or love him as much as she should have.
The Fianna, a shadowy group that speech in Shakespearian English and are seeking a pirate treasure, have kidnapped Zack's sister to force Allison and Zack to find the treasure that Stuart was killed over. Bringing Zack and Allison together reignites passions each thought long buried. They both have secrets and each has been denying their feelings for a long, long time.
3 1/2-Stars
February 24, 2020
ARC REVIEW
Deadly Force #3, I don't think any of these should be read as a standalone they all have a connecting story arc, trying to clear the names of the two teams of Green Berets that were wrongly imprisoned and half, later, dishonorably discharged. The half that were released from prison and discharged are on the hunt to find proof they didn't do what they said they did and that lands them smack in the middle of two very powerful very secret people. It's a very complex story, which I loved, and has so much history, a great mystery, and ghost stories. There are quite a few characters but each books you only need to worry about a handful at a time. It is told in third person with three alternating POVs but each time the POV changes the characters name is the first thing you read so it's easy to keep track. We aren't limited to Savannah this book most of it takes place in Charleston and for a bit we go to New Orleans.
Zack has been in love with Allison for just about ever, even when she married his best friend but now seven years later Stuart is dead. Zach knows his death is in connection to The Prince and the Fianna and in turn Remiel. Zack is worried about Allison and for good reason because whatever it was the they told Stuart to do is now Allison's responsibility to see it happen. Allison is now incharge of finding a long lost treasure buried by an infamous pirate who disappeared along with his treasure. Zack is willing to help to protect Allison but as an extra measure The Prince kidnaps Zack's sister to make sure he plays along. Alex, who is now apart of the group even though he wasn't an original member of the Green Berets but who is involved nonetheless for his own complicated past, left Savannah against Kells (their boss and Zack's former CO) wishes to help out Zach and Allison.
Overall, if you are brave enough to take this on as a stand alone and can keep up with it it is quite the read. I loved it just as much as the first two. I can't wait for Alex's story, and Vain and hopefully after what transpired in this one there might be something later on with Kells. (???) It was exciting and action-packed read and it kept me immersed the whole time. I loved the chemistry between Zack and Allison. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Deadly Force #3, I don't think any of these should be read as a standalone they all have a connecting story arc, trying to clear the names of the two teams of Green Berets that were wrongly imprisoned and half, later, dishonorably discharged. The half that were released from prison and discharged are on the hunt to find proof they didn't do what they said they did and that lands them smack in the middle of two very powerful very secret people. It's a very complex story, which I loved, and has so much history, a great mystery, and ghost stories. There are quite a few characters but each books you only need to worry about a handful at a time. It is told in third person with three alternating POVs but each time the POV changes the characters name is the first thing you read so it's easy to keep track. We aren't limited to Savannah this book most of it takes place in Charleston and for a bit we go to New Orleans.
Zack has been in love with Allison for just about ever, even when she married his best friend but now seven years later Stuart is dead. Zach knows his death is in connection to The Prince and the Fianna and in turn Remiel. Zack is worried about Allison and for good reason because whatever it was the they told Stuart to do is now Allison's responsibility to see it happen. Allison is now incharge of finding a long lost treasure buried by an infamous pirate who disappeared along with his treasure. Zack is willing to help to protect Allison but as an extra measure The Prince kidnaps Zack's sister to make sure he plays along. Alex, who is now apart of the group even though he wasn't an original member of the Green Berets but who is involved nonetheless for his own complicated past, left Savannah against Kells (their boss and Zack's former CO) wishes to help out Zach and Allison.
Overall, if you are brave enough to take this on as a stand alone and can keep up with it it is quite the read. I loved it just as much as the first two. I can't wait for Alex's story, and Vain and hopefully after what transpired in this one there might be something later on with Kells. (???) It was exciting and action-packed read and it kept me immersed the whole time. I loved the chemistry between Zack and Allison. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
February 14, 2020
Allison Chastain Fenwick and Jack Tremaine first met a Fianna warrior when they were out celebrating, Allison's engagement to Stuart Pinckney, and Zack's completing a Special Forces Assessment. The Fianna warrior, Laertes delivered a message and a warning.
Years later, Allison Chastain Fenwick Pinckney is entering a club of ill repute, after finding a business card inside her husband's pocket. Allison hopes to have someone shed some light on why her husband was murdered. The Satyr Club is a front, for The Usher Society, which deals in black market antiquities. Allison meets Hezekiah Usher, who hands her a Pirate's Grill document that her former husband paid for. Allison learns that the Pirate's Grill, was stolen from the Prince, the leader of the Fianna and also learns; Stuart sold The Witch's Examination of Mercy Chastain document, which was stolen from Allison's mother sixteen years prior. Mercy Chastain is an ancestor of Allison's family, and it is rumored that Mercy had an affair with a man, who hid a treasure. The missing piece to locate the treasure is the Appendix.
Outside of the Club, Allison is greeted by Zack and two Fianna warriors, where Allison is told she must complete the task Stuart failed for Stuart owed the Prince a debt.
Allison has her own demons to deal with, she believes she is at fault for her father and brother's deaths. Then there is Zack, who long ago told her that he loved her, and still loves her.
Against orders, Zack has been watching over Allison, when he returns to his army crew and informs Kells, that he fears Allison is in danger from the same man that set their unit up. Zack returns with his buddy Alex Mitchell to seek answers, but little does anyone realize that when the stakes get high that Alex will have to bend his will and reach out to the one person, he doesn't want to. Allison has only four days to complete the task to the Prince and lives depend on it.
This is the third book in the series, which I've enjoyed from the beginning. The plot is full of twists and turns combining several stories together with a common enemy. The Fianna warriors are a mystery where they show up in unexpected places and run by a code of honor, but watch out for the bows because they mean different things. The Fianna warriors are many things, including assassins. This book has intrigue, mystery, pirates, buried treasure, and a ghost.
I received an ARC from NetGalley via SourceBooks Casablanca and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Years later, Allison Chastain Fenwick Pinckney is entering a club of ill repute, after finding a business card inside her husband's pocket. Allison hopes to have someone shed some light on why her husband was murdered. The Satyr Club is a front, for The Usher Society, which deals in black market antiquities. Allison meets Hezekiah Usher, who hands her a Pirate's Grill document that her former husband paid for. Allison learns that the Pirate's Grill, was stolen from the Prince, the leader of the Fianna and also learns; Stuart sold The Witch's Examination of Mercy Chastain document, which was stolen from Allison's mother sixteen years prior. Mercy Chastain is an ancestor of Allison's family, and it is rumored that Mercy had an affair with a man, who hid a treasure. The missing piece to locate the treasure is the Appendix.
Outside of the Club, Allison is greeted by Zack and two Fianna warriors, where Allison is told she must complete the task Stuart failed for Stuart owed the Prince a debt.
Allison has her own demons to deal with, she believes she is at fault for her father and brother's deaths. Then there is Zack, who long ago told her that he loved her, and still loves her.
Against orders, Zack has been watching over Allison, when he returns to his army crew and informs Kells, that he fears Allison is in danger from the same man that set their unit up. Zack returns with his buddy Alex Mitchell to seek answers, but little does anyone realize that when the stakes get high that Alex will have to bend his will and reach out to the one person, he doesn't want to. Allison has only four days to complete the task to the Prince and lives depend on it.
This is the third book in the series, which I've enjoyed from the beginning. The plot is full of twists and turns combining several stories together with a common enemy. The Fianna warriors are a mystery where they show up in unexpected places and run by a code of honor, but watch out for the bows because they mean different things. The Fianna warriors are many things, including assassins. This book has intrigue, mystery, pirates, buried treasure, and a ghost.
I received an ARC from NetGalley via SourceBooks Casablanca and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
February 13, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book for an honest review. This is the third book in this series and I did not read books one and two. I was a little confused at the beginning because I did not know the story line. After I figured it all out, I really enjoyed this book.
October 10, 2019
Received digital ARC from Edelweiss.
So didn’t realize this was book 3 of a series until I was halfway through. It at least does explain why I felt like I had been dropped in the middle of a scene when I first started.
So didn’t realize this was book 3 of a series until I was halfway through. It at least does explain why I felt like I had been dropped in the middle of a scene when I first started.
October 28, 2019
This had the bones to be a very good book. But it was not. From the very beginning, I felt like I was dropped into the story with little to no explanation about what was going on. Very strange circumstances and activities occurred that did not even cause the characters to bat an eyelash, which left me confused and not at all sure what was going on. As the story progressed, the plot became very cheesy and melodramatic, and glaring holes in the story emerged. How could a 7 year-old (who is writing a report for summer school [what 1st grader writes a report...for summer school?]) uncover obscure information about a pirate who died centuries before that a woman who has earned a PhD and is currently researching that same pirate had never come across? At that point the book just really started to go downhill for me. The characters never evolved or developed; they were very flat. And there were so many characters with random storylines that I got confused as to who was who, who was supposed to be a "bad guy," and what exactly was going on.
I really tried to like this book because the premise seemed interesting, and I love the setting, but it was just too disjointed and unrealistic for me (who continuously uses their fireplace in the middle of the summer in Charleston, SC?)
I really tried to like this book because the premise seemed interesting, and I love the setting, but it was just too disjointed and unrealistic for me (who continuously uses their fireplace in the middle of the summer in Charleston, SC?)
June 7, 2021
Romantic thriller
***Plot spoiler alert***
I really want to give five stars for the book, but there are too many plot holes and it is such slow going that I can't. I totally understand that the author is plot building, but at the end of book three we are no further ahead than at book one.
Why is Remiel so twisted?
Why has he spent the better part of a decade planning the destruction of these men who didn't know each other before joining the army yet the Fianna were aware of the plan before the men were chosen for the teams?
How does the Fianna have a code of protecting the women but happily hand them over to Remiel for torture?
How do they all get away with the destruction of historical buildings and artefacts and nobody cares?
Why is Vane so antagonistic?
Why is Kate's photo on Remiel's desk and does Kell know.
What's going on with Kell and Kate?
How close are Kell and the Prince?
Why keep it secret?
Who is Kell's congessional contact?
What were tortured men convicted of upon rescue that sent them to a secret military prison?
I could go on but you get the picture. Nothing has been answered.
The characterisation is good, but Allison is as far removed from a strong female character as she possibly could be, everyone just walks all over her and she just accepts it.
Not even a verbal retaliation to the mistress who rubs her face in it.
There are some sex scenes and some swearing.
I really want to read the rest of the series once published but I know that if I do I will be frustrated by the slow progress.
Would I recommend the series? Yes, the descriptors for Savannah and New Orleans are realistic and beautiful and the pirate knowledge is outstanding along with the detail surrounding ciphers etc.
***Plot spoiler alert***
I really want to give five stars for the book, but there are too many plot holes and it is such slow going that I can't. I totally understand that the author is plot building, but at the end of book three we are no further ahead than at book one.
Why is Remiel so twisted?
Why has he spent the better part of a decade planning the destruction of these men who didn't know each other before joining the army yet the Fianna were aware of the plan before the men were chosen for the teams?
How does the Fianna have a code of protecting the women but happily hand them over to Remiel for torture?
How do they all get away with the destruction of historical buildings and artefacts and nobody cares?
Why is Vane so antagonistic?
Why is Kate's photo on Remiel's desk and does Kell know.
What's going on with Kell and Kate?
How close are Kell and the Prince?
Why keep it secret?
Who is Kell's congessional contact?
What were tortured men convicted of upon rescue that sent them to a secret military prison?
I could go on but you get the picture. Nothing has been answered.
The characterisation is good, but Allison is as far removed from a strong female character as she possibly could be, everyone just walks all over her and she just accepts it.
Not even a verbal retaliation to the mistress who rubs her face in it.
There are some sex scenes and some swearing.
I really want to read the rest of the series once published but I know that if I do I will be frustrated by the slow progress.
Would I recommend the series? Yes, the descriptors for Savannah and New Orleans are realistic and beautiful and the pirate knowledge is outstanding along with the detail surrounding ciphers etc.
December 29, 2019
Ok I read the reviews first and almost didn’t read it. I’m like some of the others, it was confusing and like I missed a lot because this is the third book in this series. But once I started, I didn’t want to stop. Secrets, evil nemesis, action, and two people that went different way but found their way back to each other.
Zack is a former Green Beret that was dishonorably discharged alone with his team. Now they are fighting two different men and trying to live their lives. Allison is a college professor and her husband was killed two months ago. Now she is hunting for a treasure that was left many years ago. Zack has been watching her but when she is put in danger, he steps in to protect her. They must find the treasure within a few days or the Prince will turn Zack’s sister over to an extremely evil man. Can they forgive the past and move forward or will it always be between them?
Now I really don’t know if what I wrote makes sense but I didn’t want to give anything away. Enjoy 😉.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
Zack is a former Green Beret that was dishonorably discharged alone with his team. Now they are fighting two different men and trying to live their lives. Allison is a college professor and her husband was killed two months ago. Now she is hunting for a treasure that was left many years ago. Zack has been watching her but when she is put in danger, he steps in to protect her. They must find the treasure within a few days or the Prince will turn Zack’s sister over to an extremely evil man. Can they forgive the past and move forward or will it always be between them?
Now I really don’t know if what I wrote makes sense but I didn’t want to give anything away. Enjoy 😉.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
February 17, 2020
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
2.75 Hearts I read the first in the series but missed the second. So there was some confusion as I read the story but not alot. I would however suggest reading the other two before this one.
I had a bit of a hard time with the idea of this story. There was just so much that seemed unrealistic.
I wanted to enjoy this story because the idea of it sounded good but it just fell a bit flat for me.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
2.75 Hearts I read the first in the series but missed the second. So there was some confusion as I read the story but not alot. I would however suggest reading the other two before this one.
I had a bit of a hard time with the idea of this story. There was just so much that seemed unrealistic.
I wanted to enjoy this story because the idea of it sounded good but it just fell a bit flat for me.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2021
An intriguing visit to Charleston, where 17th century ghosts play an active role in the contemporary dangers facing Allison Pinckney and the love she turned her back on before marrying her now dead husband. Secrets, hidden treasure, family betrayals: the action never stops in this great atmospheric romance. It's the third in a series, but I jumped in without having read the earlier novels and had no real problems catching up. I'll certainly go find the earlier volumes now.
December 11, 2023
Wow what a book. It was well written and had wonderful characters in the storyline
Once you start to read the book you just didn't want to stop reading it felt like you were right there with the characters in the storyline. Can't wait to read more books from this author. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone. To learn more about this author please check out her Newsletter and you can find her on Facebook.
Once you start to read the book you just didn't want to stop reading it felt like you were right there with the characters in the storyline. Can't wait to read more books from this author. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone. To learn more about this author please check out her Newsletter and you can find her on Facebook.
August 22, 2023
I loved this story. Their are definitely additional people you love to hate in there. It's good to have such strong feelings about the characters, it makes them real. I'm not sure how I'll deal with the underlying storyline, since this is such a long series. I understand it, but I really like a series to be 3-5 books.
January 23, 2020
To be perfectly honest this book just didn’t jibe with me. I couldn’t connect with the characters and the storyline confused me. While it may not have been for me I encourage others to give it a shot because it may be perfect for them.
May 21, 2020
In Search of the Truth is another outstanding book in the Deadly Force series.
It's well written, with a plot that twists & turns, leading Allison and Zack on a rollercoaster ride like no other.
Here's hoping the next book in the series comes soon!
It's well written, with a plot that twists & turns, leading Allison and Zack on a rollercoaster ride like no other.
Here's hoping the next book in the series comes soon!
August 4, 2020
I almost over-suspended my disbelief with this one. I like the characters as individuals, but the crime ring vs the bowing men with the dishonorably discharged warriors caught in the middle.... I just hope it all becomes a little clearer soon.
August 23, 2023
I have to admit, I had trouble with this one. Keeping the characters straight, the cults, the witches, the pirates' treasure, and who was who was a full time job for my brain. It is action packed and has a lot of chemistry. I'm thinking I should have read the first 2 in the series first.
June 28, 2021
Just when you think you can breathe again after book 2, along comes this book. The action, suspense and romance is intoxicating. I highly recommend you read this series
June 8, 2022
The writing is masterful
This book at times was quite intense. Secrets are unearthed. This book is full of angst, intrigue and heat. The writing is masterful.
This book at times was quite intense. Secrets are unearthed. This book is full of angst, intrigue and heat. The writing is masterful.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews