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CheckMate
A gruesome murder. Floating body parts found in the Hudson river all before breakfast on a Sunday morning. The Elliot’s got away with it again...
A rich family lineage ruling New York City that deemed themselves untouchable. The golden baton has been passed to the blue-eyed Robert Elliot. He’s the head of the empire now, and he’s been getting away with murder. Or so he thinks... A stone-cold killer with an array of deadly charms. Elliot is used to getting everything he wants and then some.
What he didn’t bank on is the dark horse, Sara Clemens. Clemens is a badass private investigator and she’s set to turn the tables on Elliot in more ways than one. Clemens has her own set of problems to deal with. Like the fact, she has to babysit a bratty supermodel and avoid becoming a pawn in Elliot’s game.
Will she let this dangerously electric attraction between her and Elliot cloud the case? Will she be able to solve the murder in time to avenge the death of her client's son?
Get prepared for a game of cat and mouse, high wit, unlikely players, forbidden attraction, crazy model behavior, and international espionage.
A rich family lineage ruling New York City that deemed themselves untouchable. The golden baton has been passed to the blue-eyed Robert Elliot. He’s the head of the empire now, and he’s been getting away with murder. Or so he thinks... A stone-cold killer with an array of deadly charms. Elliot is used to getting everything he wants and then some.
What he didn’t bank on is the dark horse, Sara Clemens. Clemens is a badass private investigator and she’s set to turn the tables on Elliot in more ways than one. Clemens has her own set of problems to deal with. Like the fact, she has to babysit a bratty supermodel and avoid becoming a pawn in Elliot’s game.
Will she let this dangerously electric attraction between her and Elliot cloud the case? Will she be able to solve the murder in time to avenge the death of her client's son?
Get prepared for a game of cat and mouse, high wit, unlikely players, forbidden attraction, crazy model behavior, and international espionage.
- GenresRomance
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2020
24 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 30, 2020
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Sara Clemens is a regular "plain Sara" by day, and a slick-chick, super sleuth by night. She started as a simple photographer that turned her into the exciting world of investigative detective. Sara is good at "finding answers" and has the instincts for the job. She wants to give justice to those who couldn't.
Hawk is a six foot two, dark brown hair rogue assassin, army brat, and fellow spy partnered with Sara on this mission. He is very selective in taking on cases and freelances as a spy for the Secret Intelligence Unit (SIS) in Britain, but this case, particularly, has his interest piqued. He is also like a big brother to Sara - watches and protects her as best as he can.
The POV is from a few characters - Sara's, Hawk's, and even Elliot's sides. The beauty in this mode is that readers get to (1) be at both investigator's sides, (2) get a better image of what they each think and what they know, (3) know their backstories better - empathize and, at times, be frustrated with them. Readers get to compare notes between Sara and Hawk as they try to catch the same man.
The book is strong upon the first few sentences. It gives a "no-nonsense" approach in Sara's voice, which in itself packed a lot of suspense and mystery. Readers will dive in more on Sara's side of the case and experience it beside her with fresh eyes. We get a small peek of Hawk's background while swimming a bit in the evil mind of Elliot. The writing is witty and bad-a**, which is perfect for a strong heroine.
The story starts as Sara going undercover to find "dirt" on Robert Elliot, New York's infamous mafia boss, for a client through his wife, Evana Herold, a famous supermodel. The pace is slow in the first few chapters after the first chapter because the author had to help set up the players and situation since readers enter as "the mission" is underway.
Sara's character is a complex one. She has to balance the duology of her role as one who upholds the law and being undercover at the same time. She needs to tread carefully in this "grey area" and see what was real versus evil. It conflicts her also - on how deep she needs to go 'undercover' to run the risk of losing herself. More internal conflict happens since the target she's investigating is Robert Elliot, a drop-dead gorgeous, ruthless killer.
I am frustrated with how Sara couldn't "fight off" her attraction to Elliot. She would act so irrational under his presence. It was alarming because she knows how dangerous Elliot is, but she couldn't 'shut down' her libido? Good thing, it all worked out in the end.
Hawk's character background is dark and has its sad moments. On the one hand, he wants to remain his secret of being a spy and commit to no one, but on the other, he ironically found someone he can see himself having a relationship. Given that he didn't take the chance fast enough, he loses her then is still haunted by their memories and how things come full circle that the object of his attention is now the person of interest under Sara and his investigation. Readers will connect to him on this - his pain is written all over it.
The attraction was steamy between Sara and Elliot, but being discovered undercover is slowly taking a risk with the people who are helping her. The suspense was off-the-charts, especially as secrets and new players come popping up that Sara realizes she will need to protect. It didn't turn out as simple as we would think. It is more than just gathering intel, in that, it's turning into the realm of global espionage and terrorism.
As a few things get resolved in the end, the author prepares readers for the next installment. There is breathing room, and it's a welcome relief after all the action that happened when the "operation" went underway. Just when you think things seem "safe," it isn't, and how the ending turned into a cliffhanger will get to you in a good "part 2" kind of way. Checkmate indeed!
I am still on edge on moving on to the next book, even if some parts wrapped up nicely. The story is definitely for a series with Books 2 and 3 on the horizon. I see great things for the author as she polishes and gets more creative in the next books. I recommend this book for all mystery/suspense loving readers out there.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Sara Clemens is a regular "plain Sara" by day, and a slick-chick, super sleuth by night. She started as a simple photographer that turned her into the exciting world of investigative detective. Sara is good at "finding answers" and has the instincts for the job. She wants to give justice to those who couldn't.
Hawk is a six foot two, dark brown hair rogue assassin, army brat, and fellow spy partnered with Sara on this mission. He is very selective in taking on cases and freelances as a spy for the Secret Intelligence Unit (SIS) in Britain, but this case, particularly, has his interest piqued. He is also like a big brother to Sara - watches and protects her as best as he can.
The POV is from a few characters - Sara's, Hawk's, and even Elliot's sides. The beauty in this mode is that readers get to (1) be at both investigator's sides, (2) get a better image of what they each think and what they know, (3) know their backstories better - empathize and, at times, be frustrated with them. Readers get to compare notes between Sara and Hawk as they try to catch the same man.
The book is strong upon the first few sentences. It gives a "no-nonsense" approach in Sara's voice, which in itself packed a lot of suspense and mystery. Readers will dive in more on Sara's side of the case and experience it beside her with fresh eyes. We get a small peek of Hawk's background while swimming a bit in the evil mind of Elliot. The writing is witty and bad-a**, which is perfect for a strong heroine.
The story starts as Sara going undercover to find "dirt" on Robert Elliot, New York's infamous mafia boss, for a client through his wife, Evana Herold, a famous supermodel. The pace is slow in the first few chapters after the first chapter because the author had to help set up the players and situation since readers enter as "the mission" is underway.
Sara's character is a complex one. She has to balance the duology of her role as one who upholds the law and being undercover at the same time. She needs to tread carefully in this "grey area" and see what was real versus evil. It conflicts her also - on how deep she needs to go 'undercover' to run the risk of losing herself. More internal conflict happens since the target she's investigating is Robert Elliot, a drop-dead gorgeous, ruthless killer.
Upholding the law and being undercover simultaneously was a delicate tightrope to walk. I had to know when to remove the mask. To see what was real and what was evil.
— Sara, CheckMate
I am frustrated with how Sara couldn't "fight off" her attraction to Elliot. She would act so irrational under his presence. It was alarming because she knows how dangerous Elliot is, but she couldn't 'shut down' her libido? Good thing, it all worked out in the end.
Hawk's character background is dark and has its sad moments. On the one hand, he wants to remain his secret of being a spy and commit to no one, but on the other, he ironically found someone he can see himself having a relationship. Given that he didn't take the chance fast enough, he loses her then is still haunted by their memories and how things come full circle that the object of his attention is now the person of interest under Sara and his investigation. Readers will connect to him on this - his pain is written all over it.
The attraction was steamy between Sara and Elliot, but being discovered undercover is slowly taking a risk with the people who are helping her. The suspense was off-the-charts, especially as secrets and new players come popping up that Sara realizes she will need to protect. It didn't turn out as simple as we would think. It is more than just gathering intel, in that, it's turning into the realm of global espionage and terrorism.
As a few things get resolved in the end, the author prepares readers for the next installment. There is breathing room, and it's a welcome relief after all the action that happened when the "operation" went underway. Just when you think things seem "safe," it isn't, and how the ending turned into a cliffhanger will get to you in a good "part 2" kind of way. Checkmate indeed!
I am still on edge on moving on to the next book, even if some parts wrapped up nicely. The story is definitely for a series with Books 2 and 3 on the horizon. I see great things for the author as she polishes and gets more creative in the next books. I recommend this book for all mystery/suspense loving readers out there.
“I don’t like snakes. I’m cleaning up the yard.”
— Hawk, CheckMate
September 28, 2020
This is the first book in the Sara Clemens Mystery Series. If you like murder mysteries and romantic suspense you'll enjoy this book. Sara is a ruthless investigator who takes on Robert Elliot, the head of a major empire in NYC. Previously he and his family have been untouchable. Neither anticipated the major attraction and explosive chemistry between them. A fast-paced story of crime, danger, and international espionage. Determined to solve a murder she goes undercover as an assistant to top mode, Evana who just happens to be married to Elliot. This book is definitely a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I purchased a copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
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June 29, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/29/2020)! 🎁
March 29, 2023
Great Read
L. R. Starr writes a romantic mysterious tale with L. R. Starr. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. This book is part of The Sara Clemens Mystery Series, and this is volume one. The reader is introduced to Sara Clemens, she appears plain and simple on the outside, but inside, she is a determined and tenacious private detective. Her goal is to provide justice for those who are still waiting for it, and sometimes it also means closer. Sara has great natural instincts that help her collect and pursue clues. The story is told in different points of view, from Sara's to Elliot's. These perspectives gives the reader the opportunity to learn more about each character, and how they perceive others. Their backstories lend to the telling of the story, and explanations that others many not understand. The author weaves a tangled web of story, and captures the reader. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. A genuine character driven story! CheckMate is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
L. R. Starr writes a romantic mysterious tale with L. R. Starr. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. This book is part of The Sara Clemens Mystery Series, and this is volume one. The reader is introduced to Sara Clemens, she appears plain and simple on the outside, but inside, she is a determined and tenacious private detective. Her goal is to provide justice for those who are still waiting for it, and sometimes it also means closer. Sara has great natural instincts that help her collect and pursue clues. The story is told in different points of view, from Sara's to Elliot's. These perspectives gives the reader the opportunity to learn more about each character, and how they perceive others. Their backstories lend to the telling of the story, and explanations that others many not understand. The author weaves a tangled web of story, and captures the reader. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. A genuine character driven story! CheckMate is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
September 23, 2020
Super Sleuthing at its best!!
This is a very suspenseful, edge of your seat mystery that will captivate you and entertain you right from the very first page all the way to that amazing cliffhanger of an ending.
Right from the start the story read like a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys mystery (maybe even a little Sherlock Holmes). I felt like I was reading a very intense game of chess. The players were complex and multilayered.
Sara is definitely a badass PI, who knows just how to sleuth out the bad guys. She even has a super sexy assassin in her back pocket supplying her with all the necessary gadgets to help her solve the mystery (and giving her some very secret intel too). Little does Sara know that the bad guy has his sights set on her and playing with her in one intense game of cat and mouse. Sara, not one to be taken down easily, uses all of her skills to solve this mystery.
This is a fast paced, gripping and utterly intense rollercoaster ride that will shock you and leave you begging to know what will happen next.
Highly recommend.
This is a very suspenseful, edge of your seat mystery that will captivate you and entertain you right from the very first page all the way to that amazing cliffhanger of an ending.
Right from the start the story read like a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys mystery (maybe even a little Sherlock Holmes). I felt like I was reading a very intense game of chess. The players were complex and multilayered.
Sara is definitely a badass PI, who knows just how to sleuth out the bad guys. She even has a super sexy assassin in her back pocket supplying her with all the necessary gadgets to help her solve the mystery (and giving her some very secret intel too). Little does Sara know that the bad guy has his sights set on her and playing with her in one intense game of cat and mouse. Sara, not one to be taken down easily, uses all of her skills to solve this mystery.
This is a fast paced, gripping and utterly intense rollercoaster ride that will shock you and leave you begging to know what will happen next.
Highly recommend.
September 14, 2020
*🅒🅗🅔🅒🅚 🅜🅐🅣🅔*
I was kindly sent an ARC in return for my honest review.
When I received the blurb for this book I thought yesss, this isn't something I would normally read as I tend to read more romance than thriller/mystery but this was all that in one.
Sara Clemens is a badass detective who's latest project is to uncover a murder and go undercover as an assistant to Evana, a top model at Vogue, with the hopes that she can crack the case as Evana is married to the lead suspect, Elliot.
Sara gets massively caught off guard with Elliot, not only is he rich and powerful, he's also handsome as sin. Not a good combination when you're trying to nail him for a murder.
All is well until Sara's cover is blown. It gets violent, people are about to get killed, the hunt is on.
This is fast paced, keeps you gripped, a true thriller. I loved everything about it and I can't wait for the next installment.
5 stars from me 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
I was kindly sent an ARC in return for my honest review.
When I received the blurb for this book I thought yesss, this isn't something I would normally read as I tend to read more romance than thriller/mystery but this was all that in one.
Sara Clemens is a badass detective who's latest project is to uncover a murder and go undercover as an assistant to Evana, a top model at Vogue, with the hopes that she can crack the case as Evana is married to the lead suspect, Elliot.
Sara gets massively caught off guard with Elliot, not only is he rich and powerful, he's also handsome as sin. Not a good combination when you're trying to nail him for a murder.
All is well until Sara's cover is blown. It gets violent, people are about to get killed, the hunt is on.
This is fast paced, keeps you gripped, a true thriller. I loved everything about it and I can't wait for the next installment.
5 stars from me 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
October 11, 2020
Oh my god!
I loved this book, so I usually read romance, and tend to stick to that BUT I do occasionally read others, I am so glad I took a chance on this book.
It’s brilliantly written. I love how much of a badass Sara is, her friendship with Hawk is great.
The suspense of whether they will get Robert or whether he will get away with murder. I do like how Sara becomes slightly conflicted with her feelings towards Robert too.
Evana and her part to the story was great, I originally thought I wouldn’t like her but by the end of the story I grew to like her, and actually wanted her safe!
It’s a great read if you like the thriller stories, with mystery and not knowing how the story will end.
I loved this book, so I usually read romance, and tend to stick to that BUT I do occasionally read others, I am so glad I took a chance on this book.
It’s brilliantly written. I love how much of a badass Sara is, her friendship with Hawk is great.
The suspense of whether they will get Robert or whether he will get away with murder. I do like how Sara becomes slightly conflicted with her feelings towards Robert too.
Evana and her part to the story was great, I originally thought I wouldn’t like her but by the end of the story I grew to like her, and actually wanted her safe!
It’s a great read if you like the thriller stories, with mystery and not knowing how the story will end.
July 19, 2020
This first book of the Sara Clemens Mystery series will pull you in and get you wondering just which way Sara will fall: on the good side, or the evil side? Will her dedication to finding justice for her clients win the day? Or will her attraction to Robert Elliot, the book's rotten-to-the-core but oh-so-sexy nemesis cause her to fall from grace? Full of action and intrigue, it's just the kind of mystery I like! A warning to the reader, though: in the end, you'll find yourself yanking out your hair and demanding more Sara Clemens!
August 30, 2020
Good debut novel
CheckMate us L.R. Starr's debut novel - and as a debut, was very good! Some extra editing is needed; but unlike some other books I have read, it doesn't detract from the story.
The overall story was quite good - it's been a long time since I've read a mystery novel! Sara and Hawk are interesting characters, and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep the story going smoothly. If you like mystery and suspense, I'd recommend this book. ❤
CheckMate us L.R. Starr's debut novel - and as a debut, was very good! Some extra editing is needed; but unlike some other books I have read, it doesn't detract from the story.
The overall story was quite good - it's been a long time since I've read a mystery novel! Sara and Hawk are interesting characters, and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep the story going smoothly. If you like mystery and suspense, I'd recommend this book. ❤
November 24, 2020
Checkmate
Wow, this wasn’t something I would usually read but I couldn’t put it down. There is so much in this book to keep everyone griped.
There were so many twists that kept me intrigued
I loved Sara she is strong and sassy the chemistry between her and billionaire bad boy Robert Eliot is off the charts. He is the alpha ahold you love to hate. I can’t wait to find out where this story goes
This is a murder mystery romance suspense with a cliffhanger leaving you caving more
Wow, this wasn’t something I would usually read but I couldn’t put it down. There is so much in this book to keep everyone griped.
There were so many twists that kept me intrigued
I loved Sara she is strong and sassy the chemistry between her and billionaire bad boy Robert Eliot is off the charts. He is the alpha ahold you love to hate. I can’t wait to find out where this story goes
This is a murder mystery romance suspense with a cliffhanger leaving you caving more
December 28, 2020
If you love Detective series, strong independent women, figuring out what the hell is happening and a killer cliffhanger than this is the book for you!
Multiple POV's and written in a fun and playful way.
Murder that needs to be solved, a bad guy thats untouchable and a romance that happend and now comes back into play!
Its a book 1 of a 3 book series (so far, not really sure if its finished) you can read to your hearts content.
Multiple POV's and written in a fun and playful way.
Murder that needs to be solved, a bad guy thats untouchable and a romance that happend and now comes back into play!
Its a book 1 of a 3 book series (so far, not really sure if its finished) you can read to your hearts content.
November 11, 2020
Ok, so normally I am not a fan of murder mysteries or romantic suspense books, but this book grabbed me by the throat at page one and didn't let me go until I finished it.
The main character Sara is amazing, strong, don't take bullshit type of girl, observant and funny AF.
She is a private investigator that gets a job to take down Robert Elliot, a untouchable head of a massive Empire in NYC.
Robert is your typical rich, arrogant, selfish, smooth operator and shady AF.
The chemistry between Sara and Robert is hot 🔥 and steamy ♨️ you will definitely need a cold shower 🚿 to cool the hot flashes 🥵
Brace yourself for one wild rollecoaster ride because this book is fast paced, gripping, full of twists, turns and unexpected surprises, and to top it off it ends with a cliffhanger that will leave you speechless, angry and murderous ! Highly recommended and cant wait to read the next book 💙
The main character Sara is amazing, strong, don't take bullshit type of girl, observant and funny AF.
She is a private investigator that gets a job to take down Robert Elliot, a untouchable head of a massive Empire in NYC.
Robert is your typical rich, arrogant, selfish, smooth operator and shady AF.
The chemistry between Sara and Robert is hot 🔥 and steamy ♨️ you will definitely need a cold shower 🚿 to cool the hot flashes 🥵
Brace yourself for one wild rollecoaster ride because this book is fast paced, gripping, full of twists, turns and unexpected surprises, and to top it off it ends with a cliffhanger that will leave you speechless, angry and murderous ! Highly recommended and cant wait to read the next book 💙
December 21, 2020
"Nice try, Sara. You thought it was going to be that easy? Think again. We have unfinished business. I’ll be in touch soon. Your move next. Check Mate."
Oh my lordy! 🥵
I don't even know where to start with this one, what I do know is that I am now hooked and completely at the mercy of this series and I wouldn't want it any other way! 😅
Drug rings, murders, kidnapping, international espionage, dirty cops, even assassins, this book seriously has it all! 🤤🤯
Every little piece of this story has been so meticulously thought out and so beautifully placed together to make an intricate piece, unlike anything I have ever before feasted my eyes on! 😍🤩
If you've not yet introduced yourself to the magic of L.R. Starr, I highly recommend doing so and believe me, by the end of book 1, you will be begging for more! 🤩🤩
Oh my lordy! 🥵
I don't even know where to start with this one, what I do know is that I am now hooked and completely at the mercy of this series and I wouldn't want it any other way! 😅
Drug rings, murders, kidnapping, international espionage, dirty cops, even assassins, this book seriously has it all! 🤤🤯
Every little piece of this story has been so meticulously thought out and so beautifully placed together to make an intricate piece, unlike anything I have ever before feasted my eyes on! 😍🤩
If you've not yet introduced yourself to the magic of L.R. Starr, I highly recommend doing so and believe me, by the end of book 1, you will be begging for more! 🤩🤩
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews