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Rifle Creek #2
Lethal Temptation
She’s got her guard up.
Detective Avery Dahl finally has her life back on track after a painful divorce. She’s not going to risk her heart again, especially to a sexy veteran with heartbreak written all over him. Due to extenuating circumstances at an upcoming family wedding, she reluctantly agrees to bring him as her fake boyfriend—and soon realizes her mistake. Because Mason is as lethal with seduction as he is with a weapon, and keeps pushing her boundaries until her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. Her instinct is to push him away, but when a mysterious enemy targets her, Avery has a choice to make. Face it alone, or take a risk and let him in.
He’s determined to get past it.
After a horrific accident ended his military career, Mason Gallant has struggled to fit into the civilian world. Now that he and his buddies are opening a business together in Rifle Creek, he’s finally found his footing again. But he never counted on meeting a woman like Avery. He can’t stop thinking about her, so when she needs help, he steps up. Except posing as her boyfriend makes things even worse—because he soon realizes he wants way more than just her body. Now that he’s seen the caring, sensual woman inside the tough cop, he wants to protect her from whoever is threatening her. As the attraction between them heats up, the danger escalates. Mason must prove to her that she can trust him with her heart as well as her life—or risk losing her to the bullet of a stone-cold killer.
Detective Avery Dahl finally has her life back on track after a painful divorce. She’s not going to risk her heart again, especially to a sexy veteran with heartbreak written all over him. Due to extenuating circumstances at an upcoming family wedding, she reluctantly agrees to bring him as her fake boyfriend—and soon realizes her mistake. Because Mason is as lethal with seduction as he is with a weapon, and keeps pushing her boundaries until her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. Her instinct is to push him away, but when a mysterious enemy targets her, Avery has a choice to make. Face it alone, or take a risk and let him in.
He’s determined to get past it.
After a horrific accident ended his military career, Mason Gallant has struggled to fit into the civilian world. Now that he and his buddies are opening a business together in Rifle Creek, he’s finally found his footing again. But he never counted on meeting a woman like Avery. He can’t stop thinking about her, so when she needs help, he steps up. Except posing as her boyfriend makes things even worse—because he soon realizes he wants way more than just her body. Now that he’s seen the caring, sensual woman inside the tough cop, he wants to protect her from whoever is threatening her. As the attraction between them heats up, the danger escalates. Mason must prove to her that she can trust him with her heart as well as her life—or risk losing her to the bullet of a stone-cold killer.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
235 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Cross
99 books1,801 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
October 6, 2020
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Lethal Temptation by Kaylea Cross the second book in the Rifle Creek, which works well as a standalone tells the story of Detective Avery Dahl and Mason Gallant.
Avery has no desire to entrust her heart to another man, having escaped a marriage that drained her both mentally and physically. She throws herself into her job and avoids romantic entanglements. However, with the upcoming nuptials of one of her relatives, she finds herself in dire need of a date and someone to act as her boyfriend for the weekend of the wedding. Enters Mason Gallant, the last person Avery wanted to spend time with, but left with no choice, she agreed for him to be her fake boyfriend for the weekend.
He had no qualms agreeing to be Avery’s date and fake boyfriend for the duration of the wedding as he developed an interest in her from the moment he laid eyes on her. If only he could get her to acknowledge the chemistry between them.
The more time they spend together, they discovered that what they felt went beyond mere attraction. Despite this, Avery refused to tear down the walls she had erected around her heart. Brick by brick, her walls came down and what started out as a fake became the real thing.
Amidst them getting to know each other, someone is determined to destroy Avery. Mason goes into protective mode to protect the woman he loves, even if it led to the reopening of old wounds.
Not only do the readers get the POVs of Avery and Mason, the author also treated them to the POV of the villain or should I say psycho. While the reader is aware of who is behind the attacks from the start, it never dampened the excitement and the danger.
I enjoyed the romance. Avery and Mason had wonderful chemistry, I enjoyed their interactions and had a wonderful time getting to know them as a couple and as individuals. The romance and the suspense balanced out each other perfectly, and I liked there wasn’t a lot of drama to wade through.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Cross delivered an exciting, fast-paced tale filled with passion, witty banter and danger with an ending that left me feeling satisfied. I am looking forward to the next installment and will pick up the previous book too.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Avery has no desire to entrust her heart to another man, having escaped a marriage that drained her both mentally and physically. She throws herself into her job and avoids romantic entanglements. However, with the upcoming nuptials of one of her relatives, she finds herself in dire need of a date and someone to act as her boyfriend for the weekend of the wedding. Enters Mason Gallant, the last person Avery wanted to spend time with, but left with no choice, she agreed for him to be her fake boyfriend for the weekend.
He had no qualms agreeing to be Avery’s date and fake boyfriend for the duration of the wedding as he developed an interest in her from the moment he laid eyes on her. If only he could get her to acknowledge the chemistry between them.
The more time they spend together, they discovered that what they felt went beyond mere attraction. Despite this, Avery refused to tear down the walls she had erected around her heart. Brick by brick, her walls came down and what started out as a fake became the real thing.
Amidst them getting to know each other, someone is determined to destroy Avery. Mason goes into protective mode to protect the woman he loves, even if it led to the reopening of old wounds.
Not only do the readers get the POVs of Avery and Mason, the author also treated them to the POV of the villain or should I say psycho. While the reader is aware of who is behind the attacks from the start, it never dampened the excitement and the danger.
I enjoyed the romance. Avery and Mason had wonderful chemistry, I enjoyed their interactions and had a wonderful time getting to know them as a couple and as individuals. The romance and the suspense balanced out each other perfectly, and I liked there wasn’t a lot of drama to wade through.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Cross delivered an exciting, fast-paced tale filled with passion, witty banter and danger with an ending that left me feeling satisfied. I am looking forward to the next installment and will pick up the previous book too.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
September 28, 2020
Detective Avery Dahl is recently divorced and not wanting love again. Then she has a wedding to go to and she takes a fake boyfriend, Mason. Her mistake is he is hot and will push all of her boundaries.
Mason was in the military and an accident ended that career. Along with his buddies they have decided to open up their business together in Rifle Creek.
Then he meets Avery and he wants more of her and to protect her as someone is out to get her.
These 2 had a lot of chemistry together and I couldn't stop reading.
Thank you to Inkslinger for this ARC to reveiew.
Mason was in the military and an accident ended that career. Along with his buddies they have decided to open up their business together in Rifle Creek.
Then he meets Avery and he wants more of her and to protect her as someone is out to get her.
These 2 had a lot of chemistry together and I couldn't stop reading.
Thank you to Inkslinger for this ARC to reveiew.
September 4, 2020
Divorce is never easy and Detective Avery Dahl is living proof of that. Thing were rather horrible so there is something she is sure about - she will never trust her heart to another man. With a family wedding coming up, Avery has no choice but to ask Mason Gallant to pose as her plus one for the wedding. However, since the wedding trip will be for a few days, Avery goes a step further, she asks him to pose as her boyfriend to smooth things over with her family.
Mason has no problems agreeing to help Avery. However, it doesn't take long for the pair to realize they are kindred spirits in more ways than one. Mason is dealing with PTSD as a result of his time in the military. Avery is dealing with the trauma from her past marriage. They also connect on other levels, especially when it comes to a very strong attraction that they both share. But, Avery has her walls up, and knows that no matter how drawn she is to Mason, she could never open her heart again.
While Mason and Avery get to know one another, problems do arise. for one thing, they are plagued by destruction and violence, and this raises Mason's antenna towards Avery.. Posing as her boyfriend is one thing, but not he is feeling more like her protector. All the while, Mason is striving to keep his triggers at bay, aided by his loyal companion dog Ric.
While most of this story focuses on the developing relationship between Mason and Avery, readers get the point of view of the person who is plaguing Avery. This lends an air of mystery to this already well-written story. Kaylea Cross did a fine job delivering passion, excitement and danger, with a layer of emotion that fit right into the story, ending with a thrilling conclusion that proved that life does offer second chances and that trusting one's heart could be well worth it.
Lethal Redemption is the second book in the Rifle Creek series, but it did quite well for me as a standalone novel since I didn't read the first book. I definitely look forward to future books in this series.
Many thanks to Kaylea Cross for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Mason has no problems agreeing to help Avery. However, it doesn't take long for the pair to realize they are kindred spirits in more ways than one. Mason is dealing with PTSD as a result of his time in the military. Avery is dealing with the trauma from her past marriage. They also connect on other levels, especially when it comes to a very strong attraction that they both share. But, Avery has her walls up, and knows that no matter how drawn she is to Mason, she could never open her heart again.
While Mason and Avery get to know one another, problems do arise. for one thing, they are plagued by destruction and violence, and this raises Mason's antenna towards Avery.. Posing as her boyfriend is one thing, but not he is feeling more like her protector. All the while, Mason is striving to keep his triggers at bay, aided by his loyal companion dog Ric.
While most of this story focuses on the developing relationship between Mason and Avery, readers get the point of view of the person who is plaguing Avery. This lends an air of mystery to this already well-written story. Kaylea Cross did a fine job delivering passion, excitement and danger, with a layer of emotion that fit right into the story, ending with a thrilling conclusion that proved that life does offer second chances and that trusting one's heart could be well worth it.
Lethal Redemption is the second book in the Rifle Creek series, but it did quite well for me as a standalone novel since I didn't read the first book. I definitely look forward to future books in this series.
Many thanks to Kaylea Cross for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 11, 2020
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so 3.5 stars
Kaylea Cross is a popular and prolific author of romantic suspense novels, and I’ve read (and listened to) a few of her books with varying degrees of success – some have worked for me and some haven’t; and unfortunately, her latest release, Lethal Temptation (book two in her Montana-set Rifle Creek series) falls into the latter category.
After a painful divorce, Detective Avery Dahl has pretty much buried herself in her work and vowed never to risk her heart on another man. Her ex is now married again – to a much younger woman – with a baby on the way, and the way he withdrew from Avery emotionally not long after they tied the knot, and his obvious disapproval of her job really put her through the wringer. She’s contentedly single and intends to remain so, in spite of the fact that her new lodger is hot as hell and clearly interested in her.
Avery’s former tenant Nina moved out of the basement apartment and in with her boyfriend, Avery’s work-partner, Tate Baldwin, and Tate’s best friend and soon-to-be business partner Mason Gallant has become Avery’s new downstairs neighbour. Mason alternately irritates her and turns her on, so she tries to have as little to do with him as possible, but his relationship with Tate means they cross paths fairly often. When Tate – who had agreed to accompany Avery to a family wedding at the weekend – admits to a snafu with the dates, he suggests Mason could go in his stead, but Avery flat out rejects the idea. Mason is far too appealing for her peace of mind. But… she’s so tired of the whispers and the pity, which is bound to be worse as her ex will be at the wedding with his pregnant wife, and when Mason quietly intimates that he understands some of how she feels and that he’d like to be there to have her back… she relents and takes him up on his offer.
Mason served in the elite division of the Canadian army until a horrific accident ended his career and left him with PTSD. He’s struggling to adjust to civilian life, but thanks to Tate and their friend Brax (who I assume is the hero of the next book), he’s starting to find his way and the three of them are about to open a business in Rifle Creek. Mason has been attracted to Avery since the moment he laid eyes on her, but doesn’t understand why she’s so stand-offish towards him; he really does want to help her out by acting as her fake-boyfriend, but he can’t deny that he hopes that spending time together might give him a chance to work his way through her defences… and maybe into her bed.
Mason is the perfect gentleman and the perfect boyfriend. His obvious affection for Avery convinces everyone they’re a couple and his desire – both for Avery and to be there for her – are powerfully attractive. Avery finds that she doesn’t want to fight their intense mutual desire any more, and after the wedding (and following a sexy interlude in a supply closet!) they head back to their cabin in the grounds of the hotel – only to find that the place has been completely trashed and most of Avery’s belongings burning in the fire. Mason’s stuff, however, is untouched, indicating that whoever is responsible has some sort of personal grudge against Avery. But she has absolutely no idea who it could be.
I like the fake-relationship trope in general, and here it’s used to good effect to kick start the suspense side of the story. We know the identity of the villain and their motivations right off the bat, so this isn’t a who-or-whydunnit, it’s more a cat-and-mouse game where Avery and Mason have practically nothing to go on while the antagonist stalks Avery, leaving threatening messages and perpetrating acts of vandalism and violence that escalate in severity.
I liked the premise, but not so much the execution. Avery having no clue as to who was targeting her or why made for a tense situation, but things fell into place fairly easily and Avery – a highly experienced detective – fails to make a really simple connection heading into the denouement that had me shaking my head at such contrivance. And not only that, but the chapter that follows is devoted entirely to setting up the romance in the next book! The cynic in me imagines the placement of this chapter was designed to heighten the tension while readers wait for Avery to continue with her investigation, but it interrupted the flow of the story, screwed up the pacing and annoyed the crap outta me.
While I’ve read books in which I’ve known who the baddie is and enjoyed following the clues alongside the characters, that just didn’t work for me here. The plot is so simplistic and the villain’s motivations so over the top that knowing from the start who was responsible made the whole thing fall flat. There’s not much tension and no real sense of peril (until the very end) and while I liked that the central couple here are older (he’s late thirties, she’s early forties) and the way Mason’s PTSD is handled (he has a wonderful therapy dog called Ric) the relationship itself is very insta-love and the characterisation is fairly superficial. Avery is a badass but other than knowing about her job and that her ex did a number on her, I came away knowing very little about her. Mason starts out as your stereotypical alpha male – highly protective, massively libidinous and out to claim his woman – although he does end up being a more rounded character once we learn more about his backstory. I didn’t dislike either of them, but I didn’t feel connected or invested in them either.
Lethal Temptationisn’t devoid of good points, but there aren’t really enough of them for me to able to give it a strong recommendation. I will say however, that it’s entirely possible that my steady diet of clever, complex mysteries and slow-burn romance à la Gregory Ashe has ruined me for all other writers of romantic suspense (!); I see from reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, that this book has worked a lot better for many of those readers than it did for me.
Kaylea Cross is a popular and prolific author of romantic suspense novels, and I’ve read (and listened to) a few of her books with varying degrees of success – some have worked for me and some haven’t; and unfortunately, her latest release, Lethal Temptation (book two in her Montana-set Rifle Creek series) falls into the latter category.
After a painful divorce, Detective Avery Dahl has pretty much buried herself in her work and vowed never to risk her heart on another man. Her ex is now married again – to a much younger woman – with a baby on the way, and the way he withdrew from Avery emotionally not long after they tied the knot, and his obvious disapproval of her job really put her through the wringer. She’s contentedly single and intends to remain so, in spite of the fact that her new lodger is hot as hell and clearly interested in her.
Avery’s former tenant Nina moved out of the basement apartment and in with her boyfriend, Avery’s work-partner, Tate Baldwin, and Tate’s best friend and soon-to-be business partner Mason Gallant has become Avery’s new downstairs neighbour. Mason alternately irritates her and turns her on, so she tries to have as little to do with him as possible, but his relationship with Tate means they cross paths fairly often. When Tate – who had agreed to accompany Avery to a family wedding at the weekend – admits to a snafu with the dates, he suggests Mason could go in his stead, but Avery flat out rejects the idea. Mason is far too appealing for her peace of mind. But… she’s so tired of the whispers and the pity, which is bound to be worse as her ex will be at the wedding with his pregnant wife, and when Mason quietly intimates that he understands some of how she feels and that he’d like to be there to have her back… she relents and takes him up on his offer.
Mason served in the elite division of the Canadian army until a horrific accident ended his career and left him with PTSD. He’s struggling to adjust to civilian life, but thanks to Tate and their friend Brax (who I assume is the hero of the next book), he’s starting to find his way and the three of them are about to open a business in Rifle Creek. Mason has been attracted to Avery since the moment he laid eyes on her, but doesn’t understand why she’s so stand-offish towards him; he really does want to help her out by acting as her fake-boyfriend, but he can’t deny that he hopes that spending time together might give him a chance to work his way through her defences… and maybe into her bed.
Mason is the perfect gentleman and the perfect boyfriend. His obvious affection for Avery convinces everyone they’re a couple and his desire – both for Avery and to be there for her – are powerfully attractive. Avery finds that she doesn’t want to fight their intense mutual desire any more, and after the wedding (and following a sexy interlude in a supply closet!) they head back to their cabin in the grounds of the hotel – only to find that the place has been completely trashed and most of Avery’s belongings burning in the fire. Mason’s stuff, however, is untouched, indicating that whoever is responsible has some sort of personal grudge against Avery. But she has absolutely no idea who it could be.
I like the fake-relationship trope in general, and here it’s used to good effect to kick start the suspense side of the story. We know the identity of the villain and their motivations right off the bat, so this isn’t a who-or-whydunnit, it’s more a cat-and-mouse game where Avery and Mason have practically nothing to go on while the antagonist stalks Avery, leaving threatening messages and perpetrating acts of vandalism and violence that escalate in severity.
I liked the premise, but not so much the execution. Avery having no clue as to who was targeting her or why made for a tense situation, but things fell into place fairly easily and Avery – a highly experienced detective – fails to make a really simple connection heading into the denouement that had me shaking my head at such contrivance. And not only that, but the chapter that follows is devoted entirely to setting up the romance in the next book! The cynic in me imagines the placement of this chapter was designed to heighten the tension while readers wait for Avery to continue with her investigation, but it interrupted the flow of the story, screwed up the pacing and annoyed the crap outta me.
While I’ve read books in which I’ve known who the baddie is and enjoyed following the clues alongside the characters, that just didn’t work for me here. The plot is so simplistic and the villain’s motivations so over the top that knowing from the start who was responsible made the whole thing fall flat. There’s not much tension and no real sense of peril (until the very end) and while I liked that the central couple here are older (he’s late thirties, she’s early forties) and the way Mason’s PTSD is handled (he has a wonderful therapy dog called Ric) the relationship itself is very insta-love and the characterisation is fairly superficial. Avery is a badass but other than knowing about her job and that her ex did a number on her, I came away knowing very little about her. Mason starts out as your stereotypical alpha male – highly protective, massively libidinous and out to claim his woman – although he does end up being a more rounded character once we learn more about his backstory. I didn’t dislike either of them, but I didn’t feel connected or invested in them either.
Lethal Temptationisn’t devoid of good points, but there aren’t really enough of them for me to able to give it a strong recommendation. I will say however, that it’s entirely possible that my steady diet of clever, complex mysteries and slow-burn romance à la Gregory Ashe has ruined me for all other writers of romantic suspense (!); I see from reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, that this book has worked a lot better for many of those readers than it did for me.
December 1, 2020
If you want a good, solid romance with suspense - this book is for you. I've greatly enjoyed the series and look forward to the next book. This one is a case of the heroine overcoming her bad first impression of the hero and of her also overcoming a bad first marriage.
Detective Avery Dahl is a take charge woman. After she split from a husband who just wasn't supportive of her and her career choice, she decided that the whole man-woman thing was just not worth the effort . . . until Mason comes into her life. At first he was all flirtation, God's gift to women vibe and that was a total turn off to Avery. When she needs a date for a family wedding, Mason steps up because he is really intrigued by this strong, beautiful woman and he wants to get in her pants in the worst way.
As Mason Gallant adjusts to civilian life, he learns that it is best to keep women at a distant. He has no plan to be tied down and that is only partly due to his PTSD. He and his friends are opening a business in Rifle Creek and that is taking a lot of his time, but his new landlord is taking up a lot of his head space. Now, he just has to make her want him as much as he wants her and acting as her "fake boyfriend" is just the opportunity he needs.
When Avery is targeted by a stalker, Mason is going to protect her, even if she doesn't want him to. As the attacks escalate, Avery follows every clue to identify the baddie and stop them.
Detective Avery Dahl is a take charge woman. After she split from a husband who just wasn't supportive of her and her career choice, she decided that the whole man-woman thing was just not worth the effort . . . until Mason comes into her life. At first he was all flirtation, God's gift to women vibe and that was a total turn off to Avery. When she needs a date for a family wedding, Mason steps up because he is really intrigued by this strong, beautiful woman and he wants to get in her pants in the worst way.
As Mason Gallant adjusts to civilian life, he learns that it is best to keep women at a distant. He has no plan to be tied down and that is only partly due to his PTSD. He and his friends are opening a business in Rifle Creek and that is taking a lot of his time, but his new landlord is taking up a lot of his head space. Now, he just has to make her want him as much as he wants her and acting as her "fake boyfriend" is just the opportunity he needs.
When Avery is targeted by a stalker, Mason is going to protect her, even if she doesn't want him to. As the attacks escalate, Avery follows every clue to identify the baddie and stop them.
October 1, 2020
4.25 stars: 4.25 stars—LETHAL TEMPTATION is the second instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult RIFLE CREEK erotic, romantic suspense series set in Rifle Creek, Montana. This is former solider Mason Gallant, and detective Avery Dahl’s story line. LETHAL TEMPTATION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.
Told from several third person perspectives LETHAL TEMPTATION follows the building romance and relationship between former Canadian solider Mason Gallant, and detective Avery Dahl. Mason Gallant is biding his time before Rifle Creek Tactical finds a permanent home but renting a room from Detective Avery Dahl stirs something deep within our story line hero, and when Avery needs a plus -one for her cousin’s wedding, Mason jumps at the chance to get closer to the woman with whom he will fall in love. A series of attacks targeting Avery finds Mason as guardian and protector for a woman capable of protecting herself until the stakes becomes deadly leaving Avery battling for her life. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Avery and Mason, and the potential fall-out as Avery is targeted in a game of revenge.
Mason Gallant suffers with issues of PTSD having barely survived his last tour in the Middle East. With his dog Ricochet aka Ric, Mason is able to control his demons but when Avery is targeted by an unknown assailant Mason knows that Avery is the woman that calls to his heart. Avery Dahl has no idea as to the identity of the person trying to destroy her life. From the attack at her cousin’s wedding to the destruction of both her car and her home, Mason isn’t taking any chances with Avery’s life but the darkness will follow where ever they go.
The relationship between Avery and Mason begins as frenemies to lovers; a fake relationship to prove to her family and her ex that she has moved on with her life but a relationship that quickly turns into something more. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Avery’s ex husband Doug, and several members of her immediate family. We are reintroduced to college professor Dr. Nina Gomez, and Mason’s friend and business partner as well as Avery’s work partner Detective Tate Baldwin (Lethal Edge #1).
LETHAL TEMPTATION is a story of vengeance and obsession; family and friendships, healing and moving forward. The suspense-filled premise is fast paced and intriguing; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is seductive and steamy. LETHAL TEMPTATION is a great addition to the Rifle Creek series.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from several third person perspectives LETHAL TEMPTATION follows the building romance and relationship between former Canadian solider Mason Gallant, and detective Avery Dahl. Mason Gallant is biding his time before Rifle Creek Tactical finds a permanent home but renting a room from Detective Avery Dahl stirs something deep within our story line hero, and when Avery needs a plus -one for her cousin’s wedding, Mason jumps at the chance to get closer to the woman with whom he will fall in love. A series of attacks targeting Avery finds Mason as guardian and protector for a woman capable of protecting herself until the stakes becomes deadly leaving Avery battling for her life. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Avery and Mason, and the potential fall-out as Avery is targeted in a game of revenge.
Mason Gallant suffers with issues of PTSD having barely survived his last tour in the Middle East. With his dog Ricochet aka Ric, Mason is able to control his demons but when Avery is targeted by an unknown assailant Mason knows that Avery is the woman that calls to his heart. Avery Dahl has no idea as to the identity of the person trying to destroy her life. From the attack at her cousin’s wedding to the destruction of both her car and her home, Mason isn’t taking any chances with Avery’s life but the darkness will follow where ever they go.
The relationship between Avery and Mason begins as frenemies to lovers; a fake relationship to prove to her family and her ex that she has moved on with her life but a relationship that quickly turns into something more. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Avery’s ex husband Doug, and several members of her immediate family. We are reintroduced to college professor Dr. Nina Gomez, and Mason’s friend and business partner as well as Avery’s work partner Detective Tate Baldwin (Lethal Edge #1).
LETHAL TEMPTATION is a story of vengeance and obsession; family and friendships, healing and moving forward. The suspense-filled premise is fast paced and intriguing; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is seductive and steamy. LETHAL TEMPTATION is a great addition to the Rifle Creek series.
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 30, 2020
I missed the first book in the series but it was fine. Avery was pretty bad ass, her divorce did a number in her so she's a bit closed off. She got to know Mason through her partner Tate who is from book one. This start out as a fake relationship but the attraction was there even before. She's wary of starting relationship with Mason with him being younger but more so cause her ex left her for a younger woman.
I had an idea who the villain is right away, definitely different. The suspense didn't come in until maybe 1/4 in? First they had to build up Mason and Avery's relationship in the wedding. Lots sexual tension and lust only amped up by the circumstances. After a few incidents they got closer and found they were serious about the other.
The cities ever changing mentioned got me lost at timed, it goes from Canadian ones to US ones in Montana. But I disregarded that not too important. This was a fast read, you want to know what's next. It was very signature Kaylea Cross.
I had an idea who the villain is right away, definitely different. The suspense didn't come in until maybe 1/4 in? First they had to build up Mason and Avery's relationship in the wedding. Lots sexual tension and lust only amped up by the circumstances. After a few incidents they got closer and found they were serious about the other.
The cities ever changing mentioned got me lost at timed, it goes from Canadian ones to US ones in Montana. But I disregarded that not too important. This was a fast read, you want to know what's next. It was very signature Kaylea Cross.
January 1, 2021
If it wasn't for the fact that Avery rubbed me the wrong way in her treatment of Mason in the beginning this would have been more highly rated.
It took me to after meeting her ex to realize that she must have verbally abused and/or neglected by her ex. I got the impression that he must have squashed her self worth.
Had I realized that early on, I may have been more understanding about the way she responded to Mason. I also may be the only one who didn't realize this was the case, if so then that's my issue.
Anyway, the rest was awesome. Some crazy person decides to exact revenge for another crazy person that she really doesn't know. It was like watching one of those true crime show where the woman will do anything for her man, even it could likely cause her to lose her freedom or life.
It took me to after meeting her ex to realize that she must have verbally abused and/or neglected by her ex. I got the impression that he must have squashed her self worth.
Had I realized that early on, I may have been more understanding about the way she responded to Mason. I also may be the only one who didn't realize this was the case, if so then that's my issue.
Anyway, the rest was awesome. Some crazy person decides to exact revenge for another crazy person that she really doesn't know. It was like watching one of those true crime show where the woman will do anything for her man, even it could likely cause her to lose her freedom or life.
September 29, 2020
Avery's divorce wounds are still kind of fresh. Her ex was a complete a$$hat but the rejection still stings, even knowing that she is better off without him. But her bestie and her partner are fearful she's going to become a shut-in, good thing their friend Mason is about to be her tenant. He can keep an eye on Avery.
Mason (Gallant by name and nature, much as he'd deny it!) still struggles with PTSD from his time in the Forces. But with his service dog, Ric, he's a work in progress. Now, he just has to resist the temptation his new landlady epitomises and he'll be just dandy. yeah, that resistance didn't last long - he just volunteered to be her decoy date at a family wedding!
However, the family wedding isn't going to be the toughest thing these two face. Someone has it out for Avery. But is it an old enemy or someone with a fresh grievance?
Mason and Ric are a double act to fall in love with. Mason is all things Alpha and slightly dinged and Ric just has to throw those puppy eyes and you'd forgive him anything. Avery is bada$$ female personified but even tough-girls need a break (and a shoulder to lean on) occasionally.
Great to have the POV of the baddie as it really lets you get into their head, how each slight ding really makes a big old crack in their minds. Filled with emotion, action, tense drama, and red hot passion - all with a layer of witty sarcasm and banter!
Mason (Gallant by name and nature, much as he'd deny it!) still struggles with PTSD from his time in the Forces. But with his service dog, Ric, he's a work in progress. Now, he just has to resist the temptation his new landlady epitomises and he'll be just dandy. yeah, that resistance didn't last long - he just volunteered to be her decoy date at a family wedding!
However, the family wedding isn't going to be the toughest thing these two face. Someone has it out for Avery. But is it an old enemy or someone with a fresh grievance?
Mason and Ric are a double act to fall in love with. Mason is all things Alpha and slightly dinged and Ric just has to throw those puppy eyes and you'd forgive him anything. Avery is bada$$ female personified but even tough-girls need a break (and a shoulder to lean on) occasionally.
Great to have the POV of the baddie as it really lets you get into their head, how each slight ding really makes a big old crack in their minds. Filled with emotion, action, tense drama, and red hot passion - all with a layer of witty sarcasm and banter!
September 29, 2020
What happens when you put an ex-military man with PTSD and a detective who has her own scars from a broken marriage? You get an action packed, romantic suspense ride that is delivered in a page turning way that only Kaylea Cross can deliver. Avery and Tate work together. He wants more, she's jaded and has walls built up to keep men out.
Avery's ex put her through the ringer and now he is expected to be at a family wedding with his new wife, so Avery enlists the help of Tate to be her "pretend" boyfriend. It's not long before sparks are flying and the chemistry between these two is heating up the pages with each swipe. While they are tiptoeing around their true feelings for one another danger - focused on Avery- is lurking.
This was a well written nail biting edge of your seat love story that will capture your attention from start to finish. This is the second book in the Rifle Creek series but could be read as a stand alone since that's how I read it as I haven't read the first book in the series but I will be picking it up after reading this one. This is a must read for sure.
Avery's ex put her through the ringer and now he is expected to be at a family wedding with his new wife, so Avery enlists the help of Tate to be her "pretend" boyfriend. It's not long before sparks are flying and the chemistry between these two is heating up the pages with each swipe. While they are tiptoeing around their true feelings for one another danger - focused on Avery- is lurking.
This was a well written nail biting edge of your seat love story that will capture your attention from start to finish. This is the second book in the Rifle Creek series but could be read as a stand alone since that's how I read it as I haven't read the first book in the series but I will be picking it up after reading this one. This is a must read for sure.
October 5, 2020
Another great book in this ongoing series. This story was fun and flirty and had a bit of drama and it had great characters that were easy to love.
Avery was a police officer who is enjoying her job and is confident and good at it but, in her personal life, she is still a bit of a wreck that her divorce has left her.
Mason was a character that we instantly loved we loved that he was funny and flirty and a man who knows what he wants and has no problem going after it even if it meant using military moves to get what he wants.
Something that starts out as a sham turns into something so much more but, things have heated up in and out of the bedroom, and not all of it good.
These characters have awesome chemistry together and made an awesome couple. Both of them are carrying around their own demons but, as a couple, they are a powerhouse.
Overall this was a cute story that we really enjoyed. The story is not full of tons of drama or suspense but it did have just enough to keep the story interesting and enough for a couple to find salvation in one another.
Avery was a police officer who is enjoying her job and is confident and good at it but, in her personal life, she is still a bit of a wreck that her divorce has left her.
Mason was a character that we instantly loved we loved that he was funny and flirty and a man who knows what he wants and has no problem going after it even if it meant using military moves to get what he wants.
Something that starts out as a sham turns into something so much more but, things have heated up in and out of the bedroom, and not all of it good.
These characters have awesome chemistry together and made an awesome couple. Both of them are carrying around their own demons but, as a couple, they are a powerhouse.
Overall this was a cute story that we really enjoyed. The story is not full of tons of drama or suspense but it did have just enough to keep the story interesting and enough for a couple to find salvation in one another.
October 5, 2020
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH ONE OF A VARIETY OF SOURCES. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
As with the first book in this series, I found it to be a quick, enjoyable, and engaging read! It once again had a suspense angle that was very well done, one that kept me flipping the pages on my Kindle until the wee hours of the morning to find out what would happen! The relationship that blossomed between Avery and Mason was also an enjoyable one to watch unfold. I especially liked how Mason's conditions and past was taken into account as the relationship grew. Once again, though, I found myself wishing for interaction between Avery and Mason's mom, even though we got the interaction between Nina and Tate's sister that I had desired from the previous book in the series!
All things considered, this was an engaging read, and one I would highly recommend!
As with the first book in this series, I found it to be a quick, enjoyable, and engaging read! It once again had a suspense angle that was very well done, one that kept me flipping the pages on my Kindle until the wee hours of the morning to find out what would happen! The relationship that blossomed between Avery and Mason was also an enjoyable one to watch unfold. I especially liked how Mason's conditions and past was taken into account as the relationship grew. Once again, though, I found myself wishing for interaction between Avery and Mason's mom, even though we got the interaction between Nina and Tate's sister that I had desired from the previous book in the series!
All things considered, this was an engaging read, and one I would highly recommend!
September 29, 2020
When it comes to her career in law enforcement Avery Dahl is a force to be reckoned with but when it comes to her personal life she is still trying to heal from the emotional scars that her husband and their divorce brought. She is dreading the thought of having to attend a social event alone when her ex will be there as well, so Mason agrees to not only go but to pretend that they are in a relationship as well.
Mason has left his military career in the past, but the aftereffects still affect him on a regular basis. With a little friendly interference, they find themselves living together and trying to deny the feelings between them. When Avery is threatened not only does the danger around them escalate but the chemistry between them as well as they work to uncover the truth before it is too late.
The characters draw you in, the intrigue keeps you guessing, and the romance has you invested in ensuring that Mason and Avery get their happy ever after.
Mason has left his military career in the past, but the aftereffects still affect him on a regular basis. With a little friendly interference, they find themselves living together and trying to deny the feelings between them. When Avery is threatened not only does the danger around them escalate but the chemistry between them as well as they work to uncover the truth before it is too late.
The characters draw you in, the intrigue keeps you guessing, and the romance has you invested in ensuring that Mason and Avery get their happy ever after.
September 5, 2020
He’s a combination of Lethal and ooooh so much Temptation❤️
Avery works with Tate but is not interested in men at all, especially not after what her ex-husband put her through😢 However, the ex and his new wife will be making an appearance at a family wedding and at the last minute, Mason stands in as her “fake” boyfriend, but he’s determined to be so much more❣️
This story was amazing as it contained my much needed suspense, action and romance - all things Kaylea is known for doing so well but also how the words seem to just fly off the pages....even though I was trying to read really slowly so I could savour this couple😁 I’m excited to see what happens next with Braxton and Tala🤩 I received an advanced copy for which I willingly leave my honest review and highly recommend this author and any series she’s written😍
Avery works with Tate but is not interested in men at all, especially not after what her ex-husband put her through😢 However, the ex and his new wife will be making an appearance at a family wedding and at the last minute, Mason stands in as her “fake” boyfriend, but he’s determined to be so much more❣️
This story was amazing as it contained my much needed suspense, action and romance - all things Kaylea is known for doing so well but also how the words seem to just fly off the pages....even though I was trying to read really slowly so I could savour this couple😁 I’m excited to see what happens next with Braxton and Tala🤩 I received an advanced copy for which I willingly leave my honest review and highly recommend this author and any series she’s written😍
September 24, 2020
4.5 stars
I can't believe how much I'm falling in love with Rifle Creek and its residents both old and new.
Who knew that doing a good turn to help a friend in need would turn a wounded soldier into a fearsome warrior and defender of one?
I love the way that he truly appreciates and respects Avery's ability to look after herself AND others without a second's thought.
The story of Mason and Avery is a beautiful example of how a couple can compliment each other, making an unbreakable unit... Individually great but stronger together, both for themselves and each other.
Rifle Creek is proving to be a series that can't be missed and definitely needs to be on everyone's tbr list....and near the top!!
I can't believe how much I'm falling in love with Rifle Creek and its residents both old and new.
Who knew that doing a good turn to help a friend in need would turn a wounded soldier into a fearsome warrior and defender of one?
I love the way that he truly appreciates and respects Avery's ability to look after herself AND others without a second's thought.
The story of Mason and Avery is a beautiful example of how a couple can compliment each other, making an unbreakable unit... Individually great but stronger together, both for themselves and each other.
Rifle Creek is proving to be a series that can't be missed and definitely needs to be on everyone's tbr list....and near the top!!
September 25, 2020
This book was Just as thrilling as the first book. There is nothing small about this small town series.
Yet again I loved the characters and plot, although personally I feel like their were a few loose threads towards the end once the action was over.
That could just be me and how I need to know the in's and out's of everything.
Definitely still reccomend for a entertaining fast paced read.
Yet again I loved the characters and plot, although personally I feel like their were a few loose threads towards the end once the action was over.
That could just be me and how I need to know the in's and out's of everything.
Definitely still reccomend for a entertaining fast paced read.
May 22, 2021
3.5 stars
This is the book I liked the least in this series so far.
I found it lacked some development and I struggled to get attached to the characters.
Still an enjoyable story and a quick read, just didn't do it as much as the others for me :)
This is the book I liked the least in this series so far.
I found it lacked some development and I struggled to get attached to the characters.
Still an enjoyable story and a quick read, just didn't do it as much as the others for me :)
September 24, 2020
Such a great book! I have read pretty much every thing Kaylea Cross has written and each book is just amazing.... this one is another example of what a terrific romantic suspense writer she is. Avery is a detective that is both equally strong and vulnerable which I loved. She is divorced and carries a lot of baggage as a result including not wanting to get involved with another man. Mason is a friend of Avery's partner. He is equal parts tease and protective. So basically he is just yummy. He has a thing for Avery and wants to have her give him a chance while she does her best to ignore her attraction to him and keep him at arms length. However Avery needs to got to a family wedding where she knows her ex will be and doesn't want to go alone, not wanting to be seen as pathetic to the ex or her family and is put into a position where she needs Mason to go with her. On top of this there is someone out to get Avery who follows her to the wedding (thus the suspense). Between spending so much time with Mason pretending to be a couple, along with his desire to protect her from whomever is out to get her, Avery comes to realize that not all men are like her ex and that she can open herself up to love again. Mason, who starts out as someone looking to have some fun with Avery, very quickly realizes he wants more and will do anything to keep Avery safe. Our villain here and their motive was different than other stories so I enjoyed that if stood out and wasn't the same old same old. My only issue - and it is a small one - is I wanted to get more info on why Avery's ex and his new wife seemed to hate Avery. I mean he was the one that left her for a younger woman so it seemed odd they would hate her. I would expect them to look down on her but not hate her. However this did not detract at all from the book which was amazing. I read it straight through and was up late so I could finish it. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read Kaylea Cross' next one.
September 8, 2020
Lethal Temptation is book 2 in the newest series by Kaylea Cross. In this book we get the story of detective Avery Dahl and former military Mason Gallant. I have not had a chance to read the first book in this series and it sounds like these two were introduced in that book, but I really did not have that much difficulty following along.
Avery had a dilemma on her hands, she needs to attend a family wedding where her ex-husband and his new younger wife will be present. She had RSVP’d with a plus one, but unfortunately she no longer had her plus one. Enter Mason Gallant, he offers his assistance, however Avery wants nothing to do with him. It is bad enough he is her new tenant but her attraction to him is now getting out of hand. After her disastrous divorce she was not willing to risk any more heartbreak and she sees that in Mason. Mason is indeed struggling with his new reality, but something about Avery pulls her to him and he seizes his chance to be with her. The more time they spend with each other their attraction becomes undeniable. When Avery is placed in danger, and even though she is capable of taking care of herself, Mason’s need to protect becomes paramount.
Overall I enjoyed this book, the chemistry between Avery and Mason was fantastic. I loved how protective Mason became of Avery. The drama and suspense definitely keeps you on your toes. I also need to give a shout out to Richocet, Mason’s support dog. I love how dogs give us unconditional love and how much they help those in need! Lethal Temptation is another great romantic suspense by Kaylea Cross!
Avery had a dilemma on her hands, she needs to attend a family wedding where her ex-husband and his new younger wife will be present. She had RSVP’d with a plus one, but unfortunately she no longer had her plus one. Enter Mason Gallant, he offers his assistance, however Avery wants nothing to do with him. It is bad enough he is her new tenant but her attraction to him is now getting out of hand. After her disastrous divorce she was not willing to risk any more heartbreak and she sees that in Mason. Mason is indeed struggling with his new reality, but something about Avery pulls her to him and he seizes his chance to be with her. The more time they spend with each other their attraction becomes undeniable. When Avery is placed in danger, and even though she is capable of taking care of herself, Mason’s need to protect becomes paramount.
Overall I enjoyed this book, the chemistry between Avery and Mason was fantastic. I loved how protective Mason became of Avery. The drama and suspense definitely keeps you on your toes. I also need to give a shout out to Richocet, Mason’s support dog. I love how dogs give us unconditional love and how much they help those in need! Lethal Temptation is another great romantic suspense by Kaylea Cross!
September 30, 2020
Perfect combination of romance and suspense.
This story is incredibly hot and perfectly balanced. Mason and Avery sizzle!!
We met these two in Book 1, but this story stands alone, but you will get more out of these books if you read them in order. Each set of characters are awesome. In this one, Avery is divorced and devoted to concentrating on her job as a police detective. Mason is one of her partner's best friends and a bit of a player and a wounded war veteran. So both are gun shy about relationships...although Avery is more so.
Mason gets Avery to agree to let him accompany her to a weekend wedding of a family member, especially since her ex will be there...she needs back-up. Things get twisty when an unknown threat follows her to the wedding and beyond. And let me just say that Mason's alpha ways are beyond hot!!!
This has intriguing side stories that rounded out the story without detracting from it. It also has Ric who is just the best therapy dog around...loved him and Mason together.
From Mason:
"Because you're my light in the darkness. You see my flaws and accept me anyway. You make me believe in myself again."..."Because I feel totally safe to be myself when I'm with you." OMG - I about died when I read that passage. These two are so perfect for each other.
This series has been very entertaining to read and I can't wait for the last guy to fall! It's set up beautifully in this one.
You will fall in love with Ric, Mason and Avery, no doubt!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
This story is incredibly hot and perfectly balanced. Mason and Avery sizzle!!
We met these two in Book 1, but this story stands alone, but you will get more out of these books if you read them in order. Each set of characters are awesome. In this one, Avery is divorced and devoted to concentrating on her job as a police detective. Mason is one of her partner's best friends and a bit of a player and a wounded war veteran. So both are gun shy about relationships...although Avery is more so.
Mason gets Avery to agree to let him accompany her to a weekend wedding of a family member, especially since her ex will be there...she needs back-up. Things get twisty when an unknown threat follows her to the wedding and beyond. And let me just say that Mason's alpha ways are beyond hot!!!
This has intriguing side stories that rounded out the story without detracting from it. It also has Ric who is just the best therapy dog around...loved him and Mason together.
From Mason:
"Because you're my light in the darkness. You see my flaws and accept me anyway. You make me believe in myself again."..."Because I feel totally safe to be myself when I'm with you." OMG - I about died when I read that passage. These two are so perfect for each other.
This series has been very entertaining to read and I can't wait for the last guy to fall! It's set up beautifully in this one.
You will fall in love with Ric, Mason and Avery, no doubt!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
October 1, 2020
This book opens with a couple of cases, one is the reason Avery left Billings. A phone causes great relief for her when she's informed Radzat was denied parole. This event plays a major role in this book.
At the end of the first book Avery has offered her now vacant basement apartment to Tate's friend and new business partner Mason. Now she's wondering if that was a mistake. She's having a difficult time ignoring the feelings the man has awoken in her. She has a problem though, Tate, who is now with her best friend Nina, had promised to go to a family wedding weekend with her. Now he can't go because they're going to meet her family.
Mason has his own issues, his PTSD while mostly under control, the nightmares persist. His service dog, Ric is a major help to him and also a scene stealer. Mason hears she has a problem but not what it is, Tate enlightens him and he immediate says he'll go with her. It takes quite a bit of convincing but eventually Avery agrees to let him be her fake boyfriend for the weekend.
While the relationship between Avery and Mason heats up, so does the suspense in other events. An interesting and scary occurrence at the resort where the wedding occurs begins it all.
The property Tate, Mason and another friend are purchasing for their business, is a bone of contention for a relative of the seller, this too adds to the mystery.
This book has it all, friendships, romance, action, suspense and sizzle.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
At the end of the first book Avery has offered her now vacant basement apartment to Tate's friend and new business partner Mason. Now she's wondering if that was a mistake. She's having a difficult time ignoring the feelings the man has awoken in her. She has a problem though, Tate, who is now with her best friend Nina, had promised to go to a family wedding weekend with her. Now he can't go because they're going to meet her family.
Mason has his own issues, his PTSD while mostly under control, the nightmares persist. His service dog, Ric is a major help to him and also a scene stealer. Mason hears she has a problem but not what it is, Tate enlightens him and he immediate says he'll go with her. It takes quite a bit of convincing but eventually Avery agrees to let him be her fake boyfriend for the weekend.
While the relationship between Avery and Mason heats up, so does the suspense in other events. An interesting and scary occurrence at the resort where the wedding occurs begins it all.
The property Tate, Mason and another friend are purchasing for their business, is a bone of contention for a relative of the seller, this too adds to the mystery.
This book has it all, friendships, romance, action, suspense and sizzle.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
October 3, 2020
A thrilling second story in this new romance suspense series. Avery and Mason were both a part of the first story with Avery as a boss babe detective with her partner, Tate, and Mason, a recovering soldier, new in town and Tate's good buddy. The former comrades in arms are now embarking on a new business venture with friend, Braxton, in picturesque Rifle Creek. The military buddies are forming a training/adventure business, Rifle Creek Tactical. This sets up for exciting stories to come with a group of beefy hunks and fierce women. One woman is Avery. Strong, smart, capable with a softer side that's taken a hit in the romance department. Mason is a dominant hunk with a tortured past but he's smitten right from the beginning. He's determined to charm Avery and help her overcome her fears of being hurt again. These two pop off the pages with their intense chemistry. Steamy! I love the romance in this story even if it seems a little insta, but their connection started in the first book so there's some history there. The suspense in this story was a little weak compared to the previous one. There's no mystery with the culprit known right from the beginning. It's all danger and craziness when the attacks on Avery ramp up to a deadly conclusion. I love the characters in these stories and look forward to the next one with Braxton and Tate's sister, Tala. This is a quick, easy read with a terrific backdrop in the small town of Rifle Creek and fabulous characters. Worth the read. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
July 7, 2021
Not gonna lie - I liked this book better than the first one in this series. Maybe it's because I was already familiar with the characters. But more likely it's because I love the pretend boyfriend troupe. It's basic but very reliable.
So Avery has pushed Mason aside ever since she met him (only a few weeks ago) because she's heard of his reputation. But when she needs someone to pretend to be her boyfriend at a family wedding, he steps up and volunteers. Avery hesitates but accepts. After all, she doesn't want her ex-husband and his new trophy wife to think she's still single. The romance aspect of this novel is hot. Very hot.
As for the suspense aspect... While at the wedding someone breaks into the room Avery and Mason are sharing and trash the place and burn all of Avery's clothes. When she and Mason return home, bricks are thrown through her windows. As for the climax of the story - she and Mason are trapped in a barn that's set on fire and then she's shot at.
My problem with the suspense aspect is that we know who it is from the start and that Avery never suspects that this person is linked to someone from her past that she's helped put in prison. Admittedly I prefer romantic suspense novels to have a jaw drop moment - where I don't know who the bad guy is and that I'm shocked when it's revealed. But I'm not complaining that these novels are more romance than suspense because the romance more than makes up for the suspense shortcomings. And yes, I'm off to read book 3 of this series...
So Avery has pushed Mason aside ever since she met him (only a few weeks ago) because she's heard of his reputation. But when she needs someone to pretend to be her boyfriend at a family wedding, he steps up and volunteers. Avery hesitates but accepts. After all, she doesn't want her ex-husband and his new trophy wife to think she's still single. The romance aspect of this novel is hot. Very hot.
As for the suspense aspect... While at the wedding someone breaks into the room Avery and Mason are sharing and trash the place and burn all of Avery's clothes. When she and Mason return home, bricks are thrown through her windows. As for the climax of the story - she and Mason are trapped in a barn that's set on fire and then she's shot at.
My problem with the suspense aspect is that we know who it is from the start and that Avery never suspects that this person is linked to someone from her past that she's helped put in prison. Admittedly I prefer romantic suspense novels to have a jaw drop moment - where I don't know who the bad guy is and that I'm shocked when it's revealed. But I'm not complaining that these novels are more romance than suspense because the romance more than makes up for the suspense shortcomings. And yes, I'm off to read book 3 of this series...
July 9, 2021
If You Were On The Fence With Book 1….. Book 2 Is SO Much Better!
I love Kaylea Cross and her off the chart stories! That being said I was really looking forward to this series, knowing that I would be highly entertained. With that in mind I, unfortunately, was not impressed with Book One. It lacked character development which prevented me from getting totally immersed in the story. However, good news, This book is So Much More enjoyable!!
The story of Mason and Avery grabbed my interest and, as a good story should, held on to it till the very end. My absolute favorite portion in this story is when Mason steps in to play the role of Avery’s weekend date at a family wedding. I loved Mason in Book One and my feelings for him only grew in this book! The two were perfect for each other and the journey to get to this realization is what makes this story work.
The angst factor was relatively minimal but what occurred was well done. Shannon, a misguided young woman, looking for love in all the wrong places, makes grave life choices. Her evil persona somehow made me want to transport myself in the book and save her! Her difficult childhood and lack of guidance early on elicited an ounce of sympathy in me.
I am looking forward to Braxton and Tala’s story. Though we don’t know too much about these two characters at this point, the story description feels promising. I Do recommend this book and as a matter of fact the series, despite the fact that it had a weak start.
I love Kaylea Cross and her off the chart stories! That being said I was really looking forward to this series, knowing that I would be highly entertained. With that in mind I, unfortunately, was not impressed with Book One. It lacked character development which prevented me from getting totally immersed in the story. However, good news, This book is So Much More enjoyable!!
The story of Mason and Avery grabbed my interest and, as a good story should, held on to it till the very end. My absolute favorite portion in this story is when Mason steps in to play the role of Avery’s weekend date at a family wedding. I loved Mason in Book One and my feelings for him only grew in this book! The two were perfect for each other and the journey to get to this realization is what makes this story work.
The angst factor was relatively minimal but what occurred was well done. Shannon, a misguided young woman, looking for love in all the wrong places, makes grave life choices. Her evil persona somehow made me want to transport myself in the book and save her! Her difficult childhood and lack of guidance early on elicited an ounce of sympathy in me.
I am looking forward to Braxton and Tala’s story. Though we don’t know too much about these two characters at this point, the story description feels promising. I Do recommend this book and as a matter of fact the series, despite the fact that it had a weak start.
September 28, 2020
Lethal Temptation is book two of Kaylea Cross’s Rifle Creek series. I’m a long-time Kaylea Cross fan, a romantic suspense junkie, and a series fanatic, so of course, I’d recommend reading both books in order. But it’s not necessary. This book is written as a standalone title and there’s just enough backstory woven throughout that you aren’t going to be lost on who’s who and what happened before the beginning of Lethal Temptation.
What I Liked Most About the Book: The suspense! As I said, I’m a long-time fan of this author’s writing and for a good reason. She simply does romantic suspense really well. She’s at the top of my favorite authors’ list, and I try not to miss any of her new books.
NICUnurse’s Rating: This book has all the elements I love in a romantic suspense book: good-looking but not model-perfect characters who are a bit broken, page-turning suspense, a bit of heat, and enough breadcrumbs about the next book in the series all woven together so well that I didn’t want to put this one down from the time I picked it up to the time I hit The End. When it comes to new books by a favorite author, I always feel like I keep saying the same thing over and over again. But it’s all true. If you’re a romantic suspense fan, Kaylea Cross is always a must-read author, in my humble opinion.
I give Lethal Temptation by Kaylea Cross 4.5 out of 5 stars!
What I Liked Most About the Book: The suspense! As I said, I’m a long-time fan of this author’s writing and for a good reason. She simply does romantic suspense really well. She’s at the top of my favorite authors’ list, and I try not to miss any of her new books.
NICUnurse’s Rating: This book has all the elements I love in a romantic suspense book: good-looking but not model-perfect characters who are a bit broken, page-turning suspense, a bit of heat, and enough breadcrumbs about the next book in the series all woven together so well that I didn’t want to put this one down from the time I picked it up to the time I hit The End. When it comes to new books by a favorite author, I always feel like I keep saying the same thing over and over again. But it’s all true. If you’re a romantic suspense fan, Kaylea Cross is always a must-read author, in my humble opinion.
I give Lethal Temptation by Kaylea Cross 4.5 out of 5 stars!
September 7, 2020
A real page turner!!
Lethal Temptation is the second book in the Rifle Creek series. Detective Avery Dahl needs a fake date for a family wedding where her ex husband and his younger pregnant new wife will atend. Her partner Tate was suppose to come with her but can’t make it so his best friend Mason, a veteran who rents Avery’s basement apartment offers to come with her instead. Avery reluctantly accepts and that’s when sparks start to fly. Someone looking for revenge starts to stalk Avery and becomes very dangerous. While struggling with her feelings for Mason together they try to find out who’s after Avery. I loved the characters, Mason is a veteran and struggling with adjusting to normal life after being injured in the army.
He has his service dog Ric to help him with his nightmares. He is very sweet and wants to protect Avery. Avery is not looking for a new relationship but feels attracted to Mason nevertheless.
The book can be read as a standalone but I really recommend to read the series in order because of the reappearing characters and just because the series is great! Good plot, steamy romance and suspenseful. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I highly recommend this book .
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
Lethal Temptation is the second book in the Rifle Creek series. Detective Avery Dahl needs a fake date for a family wedding where her ex husband and his younger pregnant new wife will atend. Her partner Tate was suppose to come with her but can’t make it so his best friend Mason, a veteran who rents Avery’s basement apartment offers to come with her instead. Avery reluctantly accepts and that’s when sparks start to fly. Someone looking for revenge starts to stalk Avery and becomes very dangerous. While struggling with her feelings for Mason together they try to find out who’s after Avery. I loved the characters, Mason is a veteran and struggling with adjusting to normal life after being injured in the army.
He has his service dog Ric to help him with his nightmares. He is very sweet and wants to protect Avery. Avery is not looking for a new relationship but feels attracted to Mason nevertheless.
The book can be read as a standalone but I really recommend to read the series in order because of the reappearing characters and just because the series is great! Good plot, steamy romance and suspenseful. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I highly recommend this book .
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
October 2, 2020
This second story in the series, is one that will grab your attention from the first page to the last one.
If you read book 1 in the series, you met Avery Dahl and Mason Gallant.
Avery is a detective, still dealing with the aftermath of her divorce. Mason, is a good friend of her partner, Tate. He was in the military as member of the Canadian Joint Task Force 2. He left a job he loved after a mission that affected him physically as well as psychologically.
These two met a while back but both have baggage from their past and are not sure they want to risk their hearts. That is, until Avery needs a fake boyfriend for a family wedding and Mason volunteers . From that point on , the sparks fly.
But life gets complicated when someone is targeting Avery. As the danger grows so does the relationship. Are they willing to open their hearts and give love a chance? If they do, will Avery survive the danger?
The plot, filled with bad individuals as well as good ones, is engaging. The characters are complex and the romance is perfect.
Can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us next. Will it be Tala’s and Braxton’s story?
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
If you read book 1 in the series, you met Avery Dahl and Mason Gallant.
Avery is a detective, still dealing with the aftermath of her divorce. Mason, is a good friend of her partner, Tate. He was in the military as member of the Canadian Joint Task Force 2. He left a job he loved after a mission that affected him physically as well as psychologically.
These two met a while back but both have baggage from their past and are not sure they want to risk their hearts. That is, until Avery needs a fake boyfriend for a family wedding and Mason volunteers . From that point on , the sparks fly.
But life gets complicated when someone is targeting Avery. As the danger grows so does the relationship. Are they willing to open their hearts and give love a chance? If they do, will Avery survive the danger?
The plot, filled with bad individuals as well as good ones, is engaging. The characters are complex and the romance is perfect.
Can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us next. Will it be Tala’s and Braxton’s story?
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
September 28, 2020
Avery is a tough as nails police detective. Mason is a former special forces military combat vet. Both have trauma in their pasts that make relationships hard. They also have an Instant attraction that Avery would like to ignore and Mason would love to explore.
When Avery needs a date to a family wedding, Mason steps in. And, rather than being horrible and awkward as Avery expects, things between her and Mason turn into something more very quickly quickly.
But, Avery has a stalker who is escalating in violence with every action they take!
I absolutely loved Avery and Mason’s relationship. Both were fearful of taking the next step. Yet, they trusted each other with past traumas drawing them together in ways they didn’t expect.
Avery was so capable as a detective. I adored that while protective, Mason still let her do her thing and trusted in her skills. Finally getting Mason’s backstory was heartbreaking and made me love his character even more. And, Ric, his therapy dog is simply the sweetest!
I really enjoyed Lethal Temptation. It was fast paced, hot & sexy. A great emotional romance with amazing suspense. 5 stars!
When Avery needs a date to a family wedding, Mason steps in. And, rather than being horrible and awkward as Avery expects, things between her and Mason turn into something more very quickly quickly.
But, Avery has a stalker who is escalating in violence with every action they take!
I absolutely loved Avery and Mason’s relationship. Both were fearful of taking the next step. Yet, they trusted each other with past traumas drawing them together in ways they didn’t expect.
Avery was so capable as a detective. I adored that while protective, Mason still let her do her thing and trusted in her skills. Finally getting Mason’s backstory was heartbreaking and made me love his character even more. And, Ric, his therapy dog is simply the sweetest!
I really enjoyed Lethal Temptation. It was fast paced, hot & sexy. A great emotional romance with amazing suspense. 5 stars!
October 2, 2020
I have learned that you simply can't go wrong with Kaylea Cross, as every book that I've read by her, I couldn't put it down, or get enough of it. Detective Avery Dahl has gone through a painful divorce and now that she's put her life back together, she built some strong walls to keep people out. Mason is a veteran who has PTSD from things in the military, and he's having a hard time fitting back in the civilian world. Avery asks him to be her fake date to a wedding where her family will be, and he agrees to it, but there's really nothing "fake" about the chemistry these two have. If all of that isn't amazing enough (I promise there's so much more to them but no spoilers), Ms. Cross throws in the POV of a person gunning for Avery, so now the f-bomb worthy twists are coming in hot. There's only one thing that upset me in this story, and that was that it ended because I didn't ever want it to end! I CANNOT WAIT for more in the Rifle Creek series, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
April 20, 2021
What happens when you put an ex-military man with PTSD and a detective who has her own scars from a broken marriage? You get an action packed, romantic suspense ride that is delivered in a page turning way that only Kaylea Cross can deliver. Avery and Tate work together. He wants more, she's jaded and has walls built up to keep men out.
Avery's ex put her through the ringer and now he is expected to be at a family wedding with his new wife, so Avery enlists the help of Tate to be her "pretend" boyfriend. It's not long before sparks are flying and the chemistry between these two is heating up the pages with each swipe. While they are tiptoeing around their true feelings for one another danger - focused on Avery- is lurking.
This was a well written nail biting edge of your seat love story that will capture your attention from start to finish. This is the second book in the Rifle Creek series but could be read as a stand alone since that's how I read it as I haven't read the first book in the series but I will be picking it up after reading this one. This is a must read for sure.
Avery's ex put her through the ringer and now he is expected to be at a family wedding with his new wife, so Avery enlists the help of Tate to be her "pretend" boyfriend. It's not long before sparks are flying and the chemistry between these two is heating up the pages with each swipe. While they are tiptoeing around their true feelings for one another danger - focused on Avery- is lurking.
This was a well written nail biting edge of your seat love story that will capture your attention from start to finish. This is the second book in the Rifle Creek series but could be read as a stand alone since that's how I read it as I haven't read the first book in the series but I will be picking it up after reading this one. This is a must read for sure.
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