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Sinister in Savannah #1
Ride the Lightning
Truth seeker. Promise keeper. Guarded heart.
By day, Jonah St. John is a criminal analyst for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. By night, he produces Sinister in Savannah, an investigative podcast, with his two best friends. Jonah’s life revolves around three principles: a man’s word is his oath, friendships are priceless gifts, and love is for other people.
When the Sinister in Savannah team delves into the thirty-eight-year-old murder of a drag queen, they quickly discover that the story doesn’t end with the alleged killer’s confession in 1995. Continuing the investigation could have fatal consequences for Jonah and everyone he holds dear, including his irresistible intern.
To love is to lose: a lesson Jonah has learned the hard way. For a decade, he has embraced solitude as his penance for a past mistake. Then came Avery Bradford, a man whose warmth and sunshine infuses Jonah’s battered soul and challenges his resistance. Over the past eight months, Jonah has soared closer and closer to Avery’s flame until the thing he’s feared the most becomes the one he can’t live without.
The chill of danger merges with the heat of desire, forming a deadly superstorm. Will Jonah seek shelter or ride the lightning?
Sinister in Savannah series is a fictional podcast exploring the city’s most nefarious crimes with Southern-fried snark. The books explore friendship, love, loss, and the irrepressible human spirit. Ride the Lightning is book one of three. While each book is written about a different couple, the series should be read in order. Sinister in Savannah is an LGBT romantic suspense series with mature language and sexual content intended for adults eighteen and older.
By day, Jonah St. John is a criminal analyst for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. By night, he produces Sinister in Savannah, an investigative podcast, with his two best friends. Jonah’s life revolves around three principles: a man’s word is his oath, friendships are priceless gifts, and love is for other people.
When the Sinister in Savannah team delves into the thirty-eight-year-old murder of a drag queen, they quickly discover that the story doesn’t end with the alleged killer’s confession in 1995. Continuing the investigation could have fatal consequences for Jonah and everyone he holds dear, including his irresistible intern.
To love is to lose: a lesson Jonah has learned the hard way. For a decade, he has embraced solitude as his penance for a past mistake. Then came Avery Bradford, a man whose warmth and sunshine infuses Jonah’s battered soul and challenges his resistance. Over the past eight months, Jonah has soared closer and closer to Avery’s flame until the thing he’s feared the most becomes the one he can’t live without.
The chill of danger merges with the heat of desire, forming a deadly superstorm. Will Jonah seek shelter or ride the lightning?
Sinister in Savannah series is a fictional podcast exploring the city’s most nefarious crimes with Southern-fried snark. The books explore friendship, love, loss, and the irrepressible human spirit. Ride the Lightning is book one of three. While each book is written about a different couple, the series should be read in order. Sinister in Savannah is an LGBT romantic suspense series with mature language and sexual content intended for adults eighteen and older.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2020
570 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Nicole Walker
74 books2,016 followersI'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
December 17, 2020
4.5 stars! I believe I've found an awesome new series! I'm pretty much a cop series addict, but it has to be as good on the investigative side as the romance and I was a pretty happy camper here.
I really liked Jonah and Avery. Jonah has a lot of painful history that he carries around with him every day but he also has some amazing friends that have his back and are always there for him. Avery looks young and sweet but he has his own history to deal with and he knows what he wants. And best, he isn't about to let Jonah push him away "for his own good".
I loved all these characters and the mystery was pretty good, though I had the bad guy pegged fairly quick and there were a couple of things about the way things played out that I found a bit improbable. However, it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story at all. I'm happy to see there's a book 2 all ready for me to read! This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last.
Thanks once more to SmuttyElf, aka Lena 😘, for the awesome book, I loved it! 😍
****
SmuttyElf made my evening, thank you for the wonderful gift!! ❤️
I really liked Jonah and Avery. Jonah has a lot of painful history that he carries around with him every day but he also has some amazing friends that have his back and are always there for him. Avery looks young and sweet but he has his own history to deal with and he knows what he wants. And best, he isn't about to let Jonah push him away "for his own good".
I loved all these characters and the mystery was pretty good, though I had the bad guy pegged fairly quick and there were a couple of things about the way things played out that I found a bit improbable. However, it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story at all. I'm happy to see there's a book 2 all ready for me to read! This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last.
Thanks once more to SmuttyElf, aka Lena 😘, for the awesome book, I loved it! 😍
****
SmuttyElf made my evening, thank you for the wonderful gift!! ❤️
July 5, 2020
**3.5 Stars**
This was a mixed bag for me. I was disappointed in the romance part and felt like the case took over the romance. Plus, Jonah and Avery have already known each other for 8 months and had been dancing around each other the whole time. I missed seeing that. That should have been part of the relationship development. Maybe it happened in the Zero Hour series since this is a spin-off of that? I know Avery's background was revealed in that series though the author does explain it somewhat. But it also seems like Avery and Jonah spend very little time together in this book. So it felt more of a mystery solving book with a side of gay romance. I had just hoped for more because both characters were extremely likable and I wanted them to have a HEA.
Having said all that, I did enjoy the mystery/case part of the book. Marla stole the show for me. She made the book tolerable without the romance and kept me interested the whole time. I am not sure I will continue with the series when it comes out. The next one is one of my least favorite troupes: the whole "I hate you but I want you" thing. But who knows, the way my reading has been lately I'll probably read it and love it.
This was a mixed bag for me. I was disappointed in the romance part and felt like the case took over the romance. Plus, Jonah and Avery have already known each other for 8 months and had been dancing around each other the whole time. I missed seeing that. That should have been part of the relationship development. Maybe it happened in the Zero Hour series since this is a spin-off of that? I know Avery's background was revealed in that series though the author does explain it somewhat. But it also seems like Avery and Jonah spend very little time together in this book. So it felt more of a mystery solving book with a side of gay romance. I had just hoped for more because both characters were extremely likable and I wanted them to have a HEA.
Having said all that, I did enjoy the mystery/case part of the book. Marla stole the show for me. She made the book tolerable without the romance and kept me interested the whole time. I am not sure I will continue with the series when it comes out. The next one is one of my least favorite troupes: the whole "I hate you but I want you" thing. But who knows, the way my reading has been lately I'll probably read it and love it.
May 5, 2023
Entertaining, albeit predictable murder mystery with a smattering of romance.
Here’s the thing: I went into it well prepared that this is not a romance, so I wasn’t overly disappointed that Jonah, the computer wiz who - for whatever reason- works for the police and develops “a chip”, and Avery, his intern, didn’t get a real relationship build up. I felt like we’ve been thrown in the middle of their budding “romance”: Jonah is attracted to Avery, but doesn’t act on it, so when he finally can’t hide his jealousy when he sees Avery on a date, things between them escalate pretty quickly.
But as I said, that’s not the main focus of the book. It’s primarily a murder mystery, a cold case that Jonah starts investigating because his neighbour, Marla, a drag queen, ask him to - the last thing she wants to see settled before she dies of cancer.
It didn’t really come as a surprise who the murderer was, but it still was entertaining, with a lot of banter and twists and set ups for the upcoming books.
The thing that made me roll my eyes: everything tech related. You don’t just “develop a chip” while working at your laptop. And: you’re telling me that Avery the hacker can’t track down Jonah’s mobile phone and needs to drive around aimlessly following instructions from a guy who doesn’t really know where he is?
Nevertheless, 3.5 stars rounded up because I enjoyed reading it.
Here’s the thing: I went into it well prepared that this is not a romance, so I wasn’t overly disappointed that Jonah, the computer wiz who - for whatever reason- works for the police and develops “a chip”, and Avery, his intern, didn’t get a real relationship build up. I felt like we’ve been thrown in the middle of their budding “romance”: Jonah is attracted to Avery, but doesn’t act on it, so when he finally can’t hide his jealousy when he sees Avery on a date, things between them escalate pretty quickly.
But as I said, that’s not the main focus of the book. It’s primarily a murder mystery, a cold case that Jonah starts investigating because his neighbour, Marla, a drag queen, ask him to - the last thing she wants to see settled before she dies of cancer.
It didn’t really come as a surprise who the murderer was, but it still was entertaining, with a lot of banter and twists and set ups for the upcoming books.
The thing that made me roll my eyes: everything tech related. You don’t just “develop a chip” while working at your laptop. And: you’re telling me that Avery the hacker can’t track down Jonah’s mobile phone and needs to drive around aimlessly following instructions from a guy who doesn’t really know where he is?
Nevertheless, 3.5 stars rounded up because I enjoyed reading it.
August 10, 2023
I liked this book so much more than the Zero Hour's books that this series is a spin-off of.
The mystery was brilliant and while to romance took the backseat I couldn't help myself, I was so here for the whole mystery.
Reread 2023 and I like the Zero Hour's books so much more now than I did back in 2020.
The mystery was brilliant and while to romance took the backseat I couldn't help myself, I was so here for the whole mystery.
Reread 2023 and I like the Zero Hour's books so much more now than I did back in 2020.
June 25, 2020
This book is a spin off from Zero Hour series with one of the MC featured in the last book Zero Divergence, the infamous hacker working for the Purists, Avery. Jonah the criminal analyst is the other MC, so this book apart from being a good mystery is also an introduction to a new set of characters with cameo appearances from those from Zero Hour series. I enjoyed getting to know both men. Jonah had his issues and he dealt with them throughout the story but from the start I saw him as loyal, courageous and caring man. His friendship with his neighbor Marla was amazing. I enjoyed their interactions that ranged from flirtatious and funny to intense and heart wrenching. Avery was such a sassy sweetheart. I loved how he got a rise out of Jonah every time they interacted. He was his opposite in many ways and he helped him lighten the load he carried on his shoulders. Since the author wrote the story in such a way that both characters knew each other for about 8 months off page, the relationship between them didn't feel rushed or insta. The feelings developed over long period of time before the story started and during the course of the book made themselves known.
Wow the mystery was good. I love cold cases especially when there are no leads and constant road blocks. I enjoyed the investigation itself - the interviews, the diverse cast of witnesses and the plot twists that the author expertly woven in the story. Marla was the Queen! I loved her tenacity, sense of humor and compassion. I loved the podcasts they made called Sinister in Savannah where they tackled interesting cold cases, brought justice to victims and set things straight. Made me wish they were real. This was well paced, mildly steamy story with well thought out mystery and a touch of endearing sweetness and wonderful humor. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Wow the mystery was good. I love cold cases especially when there are no leads and constant road blocks. I enjoyed the investigation itself - the interviews, the diverse cast of witnesses and the plot twists that the author expertly woven in the story. Marla was the Queen! I loved her tenacity, sense of humor and compassion. I loved the podcasts they made called Sinister in Savannah where they tackled interesting cold cases, brought justice to victims and set things straight. Made me wish they were real. This was well paced, mildly steamy story with well thought out mystery and a touch of endearing sweetness and wonderful humor. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
June 23, 2020
Well, I wasn't expecting to get all teary reading a romantic suspense but I should know with Aimee Nicole that there's nothing conventional about her stories.
This first offshoot from the Zero Hour https://www.goodreads.com/series/270149 series is superb. It focuses on Jonah St John, the criminal analyst at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and a cold case he's asked to investigate by his next door neighbour Marla.
And how much did I love Marla, I think she's one of the best characters Aimee's written, I loved her sass, her sadness, her balls-to-the-wall attitude and her unquenchable desire to see justice done for her murdered friend.
I've no idea on the accuracy of investigations, of cold cases and how hard it is to re-open them, but I was absolutely carried along as Jonah and his two friends, and fellow crime podcast friends Rocky and Felix (who we've already met in the previous series) started to dig up information.
The pacing in this was brilliant, I picked it up this morning, read until I had to start work, and then grabbed it again as soon as I was done to get to the conclusion as soon as possible.
Regarding who the bad guy turns out to be, it did seem a bit of a familiar way in which the romance suspense trope often goes - but it wasn't enough to spoil the ride and Aimee Nicole's narrative definitely provides all the necessary information and justifications to make them the perpetrator.
That's my single thought out loud as it's not a negative at all, only a commentary on the commonalities of the genre trope as a whole which, let's be honest, happens with pretty much all the various types of romance stories as well!
I loved this one and book two has me chomping at the bit to see just why Felix hates the reporter responsible for another crime related podcast so much. Enemies to lovers, coupled with a (hopefully) second chances narrative, is one of my absolute favourites.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
This first offshoot from the Zero Hour https://www.goodreads.com/series/270149 series is superb. It focuses on Jonah St John, the criminal analyst at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and a cold case he's asked to investigate by his next door neighbour Marla.
And how much did I love Marla, I think she's one of the best characters Aimee's written, I loved her sass, her sadness, her balls-to-the-wall attitude and her unquenchable desire to see justice done for her murdered friend.
I've no idea on the accuracy of investigations, of cold cases and how hard it is to re-open them, but I was absolutely carried along as Jonah and his two friends, and fellow crime podcast friends Rocky and Felix (who we've already met in the previous series) started to dig up information.
The pacing in this was brilliant, I picked it up this morning, read until I had to start work, and then grabbed it again as soon as I was done to get to the conclusion as soon as possible.
Regarding who the bad guy turns out to be, it did seem a bit of a familiar way in which the romance suspense trope often goes - but it wasn't enough to spoil the ride and Aimee Nicole's narrative definitely provides all the necessary information and justifications to make them the perpetrator.
That's my single thought out loud as it's not a negative at all, only a commentary on the commonalities of the genre trope as a whole which, let's be honest, happens with pretty much all the various types of romance stories as well!
I loved this one and book two has me chomping at the bit to see just why Felix hates the reporter responsible for another crime related podcast so much. Enemies to lovers, coupled with a (hopefully) second chances narrative, is one of my absolute favourites.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
October 24, 2020
~ 4.5 stars rounded up
This is a case of me reading this at the perfect time.
I haven’t been able to read much lately, never being able to focus on what i’m reading and then just giving up reading. And this was so damn interesting, it pulled me right in and never let me go. I finished it in under a day which is really rare for me and expecially at the moment.
I loved the story. It was so damn interesting. I had so much fun following the gang around during their investigation. And I loved how the plot twist was not something you would see from a mile away. I always felt suspence while I read and wanted to see where it would go.
Also, I loved all of the characters. Everyone in the gang is so fun, I loved following them around. Special mention to Avery and Jonah, our main characters, I was ready for it to really bother me about how the focus was on the investigation and not their romance. But it was perfect for the mood i’n in. Fucking adored those two together. They were made for each other and as soon as they decided that they wanted to be together, that was it. No drama, no angst. They knew they wanted each other and fought for it. Loved that so much.
All in all, an awesome book and i’m so excited to move to the next one and see what happens with the gang!
This is a case of me reading this at the perfect time.
I haven’t been able to read much lately, never being able to focus on what i’m reading and then just giving up reading. And this was so damn interesting, it pulled me right in and never let me go. I finished it in under a day which is really rare for me and expecially at the moment.
I loved the story. It was so damn interesting. I had so much fun following the gang around during their investigation. And I loved how the plot twist was not something you would see from a mile away. I always felt suspence while I read and wanted to see where it would go.
Also, I loved all of the characters. Everyone in the gang is so fun, I loved following them around. Special mention to Avery and Jonah, our main characters, I was ready for it to really bother me about how the focus was on the investigation and not their romance. But it was perfect for the mood i’n in. Fucking adored those two together. They were made for each other and as soon as they decided that they wanted to be together, that was it. No drama, no angst. They knew they wanted each other and fought for it. Loved that so much.
All in all, an awesome book and i’m so excited to move to the next one and see what happens with the gang!
April 24, 2023
Loved all three members of the sinister in Savannah podcast and I’m excited for their books.
I liked Jonah and I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I like how it was a cold case.
The romance was a let down though - feels like we never even got to know Avery.
I liked Jonah and I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I like how it was a cold case.
The romance was a let down though - feels like we never even got to know Avery.
January 29, 2021
RTC, but I loved this and am already listening to the next one. Tristan James is 😍😍
Marla for the WIN 🙌
Marla for the WIN 🙌
July 11, 2021
Dnf -45%
No, I can't hear, there is a storm in his eyes/ his eyes were lightening like a storm or you are thunder or one more mention of things that remind me of the book's name.😏😏😏Even the awesome narration by Tristen James can't save it for me.
No, I can't hear, there is a storm in his eyes/ his eyes were lightening like a storm or you are thunder or one more mention of things that remind me of the book's name.😏😏😏Even the awesome narration by Tristen James can't save it for me.
April 24, 2023
Good cold case mystery, the podcast guys were fun and have set the scene for the rest of the series. I found Jonah to be an interesting MC, I’m such a sucker for grumpy war vets. I wish we had gotten to know Avery more. Would have loved his POV for a lot of the scenes. The romance felt secondary to the mystery here, would have loved to see the build up on tension in the 8mnths preceding this book, felt like we were dropped right in the middle of it. Overall this a good read and I’m keen for the next ones in the series as well as Kendall’s book.
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July 18, 2020
Why did authors do away with adding a note to the synopsis or the series that a book is a spin-off? Because even though this was marketed as the first book in a brand new series that can be read by itself, it became incredibly obvious that I missed out on some pretty big information regarding Avery and that some of the characters that got dropped in the middle of this story with no explanation were from Walker's Zero Hour series.
Also! I'm disappointed that the synopsis made a huge deal about the Sinister in Savannah podcast when that was barely relevant to the plot. The entire investigation happened outside of the podcast. When scenes about recording and how the podcast episodes were structured came along, they were barely addressed or fleshed out in depth since we already had all of the information about what was going on. I'd even go as far as saying that the podcast concept could have been cut out from the story and it wouldn't have made a difference due to Felix, Rocky, and Jonah's jobs and involvement with law enforcement.
The romance also wasn't that well developed? The sexual tension at the beginning was great, but Jonah and Avery got together so quickly that the build up fizzled out to nothing. There was no emotional pay off or big scene or anything. The steamy scenes also had some weird dialogue during it and a few off-putting descriptions.
Huge disappointment.
Also! I'm disappointed that the synopsis made a huge deal about the Sinister in Savannah podcast when that was barely relevant to the plot. The entire investigation happened outside of the podcast. When scenes about recording and how the podcast episodes were structured came along, they were barely addressed or fleshed out in depth since we already had all of the information about what was going on. I'd even go as far as saying that the podcast concept could have been cut out from the story and it wouldn't have made a difference due to Felix, Rocky, and Jonah's jobs and involvement with law enforcement.
The romance also wasn't that well developed? The sexual tension at the beginning was great, but Jonah and Avery got together so quickly that the build up fizzled out to nothing. There was no emotional pay off or big scene or anything. The steamy scenes also had some weird dialogue during it and a few off-putting descriptions.
Huge disappointment.
July 9, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Ride the Lightning by Aimee Nicole Walker is a fast paced, intense mystery with a lovely romance at its heart. Jonah is a perfectly flawed character, one who seeks a second chance, but doesn’t feel he could ever deserve it. Avery is the antidote to his pain. The two of them together make a gorgeous couple who find the light they both seek in each other. Avery, too, has made mistakes. Together, these two men will find forgiveness in each other and learn that taking a chance, that riding the lightning, can be the best and most exciting way to live.
The side characters in this novel are just wonderful. First, we have Rocky and Felix, the two friends who do a fictional podcast exploring “sinister crimes of Savannah” with Jonah. Rocky, a PI, and Felix, a journalist, and their constant playful bickering provides some of the humor in this novel with Avery and his sass doing the rest. But I must admit that Marla is the standout for me.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Ride the Lightning by Aimee Nicole Walker is a fast paced, intense mystery with a lovely romance at its heart. Jonah is a perfectly flawed character, one who seeks a second chance, but doesn’t feel he could ever deserve it. Avery is the antidote to his pain. The two of them together make a gorgeous couple who find the light they both seek in each other. Avery, too, has made mistakes. Together, these two men will find forgiveness in each other and learn that taking a chance, that riding the lightning, can be the best and most exciting way to live.
The side characters in this novel are just wonderful. First, we have Rocky and Felix, the two friends who do a fictional podcast exploring “sinister crimes of Savannah” with Jonah. Rocky, a PI, and Felix, a journalist, and their constant playful bickering provides some of the humor in this novel with Avery and his sass doing the rest. But I must admit that Marla is the standout for me.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
August 7, 2020
DNF 39%.
The cover lied! Naked tattooed back... what am I supposed to think but to expect that this novel is full of alpha males who dominates and lots of hot sex??
Never got to any sex by 39%. Got to a kiss. The MCs interact like blushy little girls.
Writing isn't bad, but just not at all interesting enough for me to keep reading.
The cover lied! Naked tattooed back... what am I supposed to think but to expect that this novel is full of alpha males who dominates and lots of hot sex??
Never got to any sex by 39%. Got to a kiss. The MCs interact like blushy little girls.
Writing isn't bad, but just not at all interesting enough for me to keep reading.
April 24, 2022
3.5 stars
June 30, 2020
What a fabulous spin off to a new series. Pace, intrigue and an extremely clever plot had me totally hooked. Adorable characters who added to the layers of this storyline - loved the interplay. This was witty and snarky... love a little intellectual sass ❤️ Really enjoyed this and can’t wait for the next installment
August 24, 2020
3.5 stars
July 14, 2020
4,5 stars
It’s been so long since I sat down to actually read a book. My reading habits have been strictly audios for some time now, but this reminded me I need to go back to the written word some more. The experience just isn’t the same. Both are great ways to experience a story, but there’s just that feeling when you sit down and read.
Ride the Lightning takes us to Savannah to meet Jonah St. John, a military vet turned criminal analyst for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. At least by day, by night he and a couple of friends have started an investigative podcast. Something his boss is less than thrilled about, then again he’s not particularly fond of Jonah at all and the two are like oil and water. Their animosity has the entire office betting on when the explosion between them will occur. It makes for a stressful working environment to say the least. Then add in a hot intern he longs for and his workplace is anything but peaceful.
This is my kind of book, a great mystery and greater friendships and dented characters. Jonah’s neighbour and friend Marla might just be my favourite character in this story. I loved her sass, her determination to never give up and live life to the fullest each and every day. In fact it all started with Marla and her need to find justice for an old friend who was murdered back in the 80’s. A man confessed to the crime and was executed, but Marla never believed he did it, so she asks Jonah to look into it. It’s not long until Jonah too is convinced the wrong man was punished and he vows to right the wrongs no matter what.
I really enjoyed the mystery, it was well crafted and kept me engaged from the start. There are a lot of threads to tug on, and pieces to make fit. It made you angry at the system, frustrated that an innocent man was so horribly treated and sad that it could never be undone. The scary thing is that this might be fiction, but somewhere out there are real people with similar stories. It’s heartbreaking. Hopefully there are also people like Jonah, Avery, Felix and Rocky trying to set things right no matter the costs.
Jonah, Felix and Rocky might have been friends for a long time before starting the podcast, which is still a relatively new thing when we meet them. Which is why I appreciated that running it together wasn’t smooth sailing from the start, there were growing pains in learning to work together. Life isn’t easy or without complications and I appreciate when books does reflect that. It doesn’t have to be some major drama or blowout, in fact I prefer it not to be. Here it was just right, it created some tension a bit of grumbling to show that there is a learning curve to everything – even working with your best friends.
Speaking of tension, the sexual tension between Jonah and Avery, his intern, was off the charts. So many longing glances, the need to touch and to be near. They had chemistry to say the least. But Jonah is reluctant to start something. He’s carrying a lot of guilt from his time in the military and it’s keeping him from forming connections. So it takes some time for them to finally get on the same page, but when they do its full speed ahead and the steam is coming off the pages, something I know many readers will love.
Ride the Lightning was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait for the rest of the series to be published and see what adventures await us next. Recommended!
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
It’s been so long since I sat down to actually read a book. My reading habits have been strictly audios for some time now, but this reminded me I need to go back to the written word some more. The experience just isn’t the same. Both are great ways to experience a story, but there’s just that feeling when you sit down and read.
Ride the Lightning takes us to Savannah to meet Jonah St. John, a military vet turned criminal analyst for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. At least by day, by night he and a couple of friends have started an investigative podcast. Something his boss is less than thrilled about, then again he’s not particularly fond of Jonah at all and the two are like oil and water. Their animosity has the entire office betting on when the explosion between them will occur. It makes for a stressful working environment to say the least. Then add in a hot intern he longs for and his workplace is anything but peaceful.
This is my kind of book, a great mystery and greater friendships and dented characters. Jonah’s neighbour and friend Marla might just be my favourite character in this story. I loved her sass, her determination to never give up and live life to the fullest each and every day. In fact it all started with Marla and her need to find justice for an old friend who was murdered back in the 80’s. A man confessed to the crime and was executed, but Marla never believed he did it, so she asks Jonah to look into it. It’s not long until Jonah too is convinced the wrong man was punished and he vows to right the wrongs no matter what.
I really enjoyed the mystery, it was well crafted and kept me engaged from the start. There are a lot of threads to tug on, and pieces to make fit. It made you angry at the system, frustrated that an innocent man was so horribly treated and sad that it could never be undone. The scary thing is that this might be fiction, but somewhere out there are real people with similar stories. It’s heartbreaking. Hopefully there are also people like Jonah, Avery, Felix and Rocky trying to set things right no matter the costs.
Jonah, Felix and Rocky might have been friends for a long time before starting the podcast, which is still a relatively new thing when we meet them. Which is why I appreciated that running it together wasn’t smooth sailing from the start, there were growing pains in learning to work together. Life isn’t easy or without complications and I appreciate when books does reflect that. It doesn’t have to be some major drama or blowout, in fact I prefer it not to be. Here it was just right, it created some tension a bit of grumbling to show that there is a learning curve to everything – even working with your best friends.
Speaking of tension, the sexual tension between Jonah and Avery, his intern, was off the charts. So many longing glances, the need to touch and to be near. They had chemistry to say the least. But Jonah is reluctant to start something. He’s carrying a lot of guilt from his time in the military and it’s keeping him from forming connections. So it takes some time for them to finally get on the same page, but when they do its full speed ahead and the steam is coming off the pages, something I know many readers will love.
Ride the Lightning was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait for the rest of the series to be published and see what adventures await us next. Recommended!
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 25, 2023
"Sinister in Savannah" is a crime podcast run by three friends, one of which is Jonas St Johns , a criminal analyst for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. Jonas is a mesmerizing character. Tall, scarred, highly intelligent, and haunted by his past, Jonas is half the heart of this story. The other half belongs, not to the romantic interest, Avery...although he’s quite wonderful also but to Jonas’ neighbor, Marla. Marla is dying from cancer, but she has more life in her than most people that are going to make it to their 100th birthday. Marla, is a magnificent drag queen, who has let Jonas into her life and now has a serious favor to ask of him....she wants him to care for her little French bulldog, Bette, after she's gone. Marla and Jonah's touching, intimate, relationship is what immediately connects the reader to this story. There’s Kendall, Jonas’s roommate, Avery, the love interest and Jonas’ intern, Felix and Rocky, the other two men who run the podcast with him. By the time the story has ended , the found family and community has swelled around him, due in part to the murder mystery he was asked to investigate. An old murder mystery touches off all kinds of revelations and reverberations...including ones that bring up old memories that have traumatized Jonas for years. It's a story is about growth and healing and about leaving and letting go... and found families and forgiveness and giving second chances.
August 11, 2023
A book about a true crime podcast! A cold case from decades ago and a cute wholesome romance! What more could I ask for👌🏼💕💕
July 24, 2020
Pausing at Chapter 5 to read the first trilogy in this world... Bailed after the first book.
Hoped the author gained some experience, resumed reading this one. Aaaand, DNF.
Bailing at 24% because of stupid character antics for the sake of "drama". This is a cheap tactic any author should learn and any good editor shouldn't let an author get away with. By itself maybe I could've read past it, but there are other aspects just as concerning, including a certain muddiness regarding the MC's life.
No more by this author. I'm done.
Hoped the author gained some experience, resumed reading this one. Aaaand, DNF.
Bailing at 24% because of stupid character antics for the sake of "drama". This is a cheap tactic any author should learn and any good editor shouldn't let an author get away with. By itself maybe I could've read past it, but there are other aspects just as concerning, including a certain muddiness regarding the MC's life.
No more by this author. I'm done.
August 14, 2020
A love story amidst the cold case file !
Savannah, GA. Jonah, 35, black hair, olive skin, green eyes, is a tall, bear of a man with muscles and tattoos, plus a big facial scar from the Afghanistan war. He is a cyber-tech investigator. His neighbor is a drag queen, Marla. She asks for his help solving an old murder of her old friend. So he begins his interviewing, and deep searching.
Avery has hazel eyes, is fair and blonde, slim and fit and is a new assistant at the police department.
Jonah gets suspended working on the cold case, tires slashed, and finds that some folks want their secrets kept. The police department is compromised, and there is more.
Working together, Avery and Jonah finally go to bed for intense, hot sexy times.
It takes a lot to get the guys straightened out, why evidence is missing, people are missing, why the shady cops, and give us the whole mystery of thrills.
Once they figure out the puzzle, Avery is in danger !
I enjoyed this diverse cast, the fun, snark and sass, camaraderie, and hot sexiness ! Plus we love the suspense, danger and rescue.
ENJOY !
=====
Savannah, GA. Jonah, 35, black hair, olive skin, green eyes, is a tall, bear of a man with muscles and tattoos, plus a big facial scar from the Afghanistan war. He is a cyber-tech investigator. His neighbor is a drag queen, Marla. She asks for his help solving an old murder of her old friend. So he begins his interviewing, and deep searching.
Avery has hazel eyes, is fair and blonde, slim and fit and is a new assistant at the police department.
Jonah gets suspended working on the cold case, tires slashed, and finds that some folks want their secrets kept. The police department is compromised, and there is more.
Working together, Avery and Jonah finally go to bed for intense, hot sexy times.
It takes a lot to get the guys straightened out, why evidence is missing, people are missing, why the shady cops, and give us the whole mystery of thrills.
Once they figure out the puzzle, Avery is in danger !
I enjoyed this diverse cast, the fun, snark and sass, camaraderie, and hot sexiness ! Plus we love the suspense, danger and rescue.
ENJOY !
=====
May 31, 2021
While the romance took a backseat compared to the mystery, I loved it. After all it was a romantic suspence.
Next book belongs to Felix. He claims that he hates Jude Arrow but we'll see. Lol.
Next book belongs to Felix. He claims that he hates Jude Arrow but we'll see. Lol.
January 1, 2022
4 Loved-It Stars!! 😍 This was a great sequel to the Zero Hour Trilogy . The main MC was the computer wiz-kid Jonah and we learnt about his traumatic backstory and why he's an introvert and quiet outside his circle of friends. At the end of this book, he finds his HEA with Avery (also featured quite significantly in the Zero Hour books); but not before they get pulled into a cold case which not only digs up old secrets but also manages to rattle some villains. While Jonah pokes his nose into the old case, his pod-caster friends Felix and Rocky are never behind, supporting him to solve the case and encouraging him to pursue Avery despite Jonah's self-doubts.
The cold case was riveting, but the ending wasn't very surprising to me.😉 The balance of romance and mystery was handled very well; the plot was more geared towards the mystery/suspense element than romance so hard-core romance fans beware. But, having read the previous series I knew what I was in for with this series, and ANW delivered!!👏 This was quite the page turner. 🤓 and I loved it!! ❤️. Highly recommended to all fans of M/M romance who love a good mystery with their steam & sizzle 💕 👍 👍
The cold case was riveting, but the ending wasn't very surprising to me.😉 The balance of romance and mystery was handled very well; the plot was more geared towards the mystery/suspense element than romance so hard-core romance fans beware. But, having read the previous series I knew what I was in for with this series, and ANW delivered!!👏 This was quite the page turner. 🤓 and I loved it!! ❤️. Highly recommended to all fans of M/M romance who love a good mystery with their steam & sizzle 💕 👍 👍
September 28, 2020
4.25 stars.
Okay, I didn't think I'd love this as much as I thought I would! I only wanted more of an ending, with maybe an epilogue which would've easily made this a 5 star read for me
I'm super excited for the next one!
Okay, I didn't think I'd love this as much as I thought I would! I only wanted more of an ending, with maybe an epilogue which would've easily made this a 5 star read for me
I'm super excited for the next one!
December 10, 2020
I love this. It ticks a lot of my boxes. Crime solving, law enforcement, age gap (10 years!), Ex military with trauma. Gives me all the feels! Definitely worth all my five stars!
July 14, 2020
3.5 stars
Ahhh... this started off so well. And then I got bored. I dunno.... it might be me. Lack of sleep these past couple of days kinda puts me in a crappy mood. That said, it’s almost midnight. Waaaaay past my bedtime. I should try to get back some decent amount of sleep. Then I might enjoy reading again 😅
Ahhh... this started off so well. And then I got bored. I dunno.... it might be me. Lack of sleep these past couple of days kinda puts me in a crappy mood. That said, it’s almost midnight. Waaaaay past my bedtime. I should try to get back some decent amount of sleep. Then I might enjoy reading again 😅
June 21, 2022
This was my first read from Aimee Nicole Walker, and I was pleasantly surprised. The writing flows easily and the mystery part was quite captivating.
Loved Marla, she was an amazing and colourful secondary character, as was Kendall. While we do not see much of him, I do hope he too will get his HEA.
As for the relationship between Jonah and Avery, that fell quite flat for me. I did not feel it, almost no emotion. It was just there. I do not know if it was because they'd know each other before we jump in, but still.... maybe if we could have gotten to know Avery's feelings and thoughts?
I do like Jonah's partners in crime, and am very much looking forward to their books.
Part of the Sinister in Savannah Series, a spin-off from the he Zero Hour Series, and must be read in order:
Buddy read with the gals from Turning Pages At Midnight
February 26, 2021
Why is this categorized as a romance? There is no romance. There’s a few sex scenes, maybe two nice small conversations...that’s about it.
Honestly this is a crime novel with a very small side of romance, like a lot of mainstream crime novels.
Also, this is clearly not a standalone. I was obviously missing a lot of backstory for the characters. Maybe some personality development, a description of their appearance even?
Two stars cuz I did enjoy the mystery.
Honestly this is a crime novel with a very small side of romance, like a lot of mainstream crime novels.
Also, this is clearly not a standalone. I was obviously missing a lot of backstory for the characters. Maybe some personality development, a description of their appearance even?
Two stars cuz I did enjoy the mystery.
June 24, 2020
This is the first book in the in spinoff series from Zero Hour and can be read as a standalone. Want a romantic suspense with office romance? Pick this up!!
Jonah and Avery have tons of chemistry and I do love the grumpy/sunshine trope. While this book doesn't lack romance or sex, the case is the main focus of the story.
Marla is my favourite character. I adored her sass and her attitude. Honestly, one of the best written characters. I also loved the cameos from Zero Hour series.
Was the plot twist familiar? Yes.
Did I enjoy it any less? No.
I'm really looking forward to Felix's book! Enemies to lovers if I'm reading things correctly!!! 🤞
*ARC provided by the author via Vibrant Promotions in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Jonah and Avery have tons of chemistry and I do love the grumpy/sunshine trope. While this book doesn't lack romance or sex, the case is the main focus of the story.
Marla is my favourite character. I adored her sass and her attitude. Honestly, one of the best written characters. I also loved the cameos from Zero Hour series.
Was the plot twist familiar? Yes.
Did I enjoy it any less? No.
I'm really looking forward to Felix's book! Enemies to lovers if I'm reading things correctly!!! 🤞
*ARC provided by the author via Vibrant Promotions in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
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