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Aspen Falls #2
Dead Set
Her brother is dead.
And she’s determined to find out why…
Alaina’s brother would never commit suicide. But the police have already closed the case. So who can Alaina turn to for help?
Aspen Falls’s only private eye.
Lucas isn’t convinced there’s much of a case. But he needs the money, and he’s not about to turn down a beautiful woman.
But has he underestimated the investigation?
Threats, both real and imagined, materialize and Lucas must decide just how far he’s willing to go…for the truth, and for the woman he thinks he’s falling in love with.
You’ll love Dead Set, because of its strong, relatable characters, simmering romance and a mystery that has you guessing until the end.
Get it now and escape to the small town of Aspen Falls today.
And she’s determined to find out why…
Alaina’s brother would never commit suicide. But the police have already closed the case. So who can Alaina turn to for help?
Aspen Falls’s only private eye.
Lucas isn’t convinced there’s much of a case. But he needs the money, and he’s not about to turn down a beautiful woman.
But has he underestimated the investigation?
Threats, both real and imagined, materialize and Lucas must decide just how far he’s willing to go…for the truth, and for the woman he thinks he’s falling in love with.
You’ll love Dead Set, because of its strong, relatable characters, simmering romance and a mystery that has you guessing until the end.
Get it now and escape to the small town of Aspen Falls today.
216 pages, Nook
First published April 14, 2018
215 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Pearl
71 books854 followersMelissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books, ranging in genres from Fantasy to Romantic Suspense to Contemporary Romance. She loves the variety.
"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."
Melissa Pearl is a Forever Love Publishing author. If you'd like to download their Starter Library (3 books for FREE), then you can copy and paste this link into your Internet browser: http://bit.ly/FLP_Library
"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."
Melissa Pearl is a Forever Love Publishing author. If you'd like to download their Starter Library (3 books for FREE), then you can copy and paste this link into your Internet browser: http://bit.ly/FLP_Library
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 3, 2018
Alaina is full of regrets, remorse, and guilt. Her younger brother, Noah, the one who idolized her committed suicide. Having distanced herself from him for reasons not good enough, Alaina is now consumed by guilt; could she have prevented his death. However, even through the lens of her pain, she doesn't believe that the brother she knew would take his own life. So she has hired Aspen Falls only private investigator, Lucas McGowan to look into his death. Lucas doesn't believe that there's much of a case but can't bring himself to say no to this woman. However, he does uncover a few odd findings and Alaina starts receiving threats. Maybe there's more to this investigation than he first imagined or maybe he's falling in love with his client and wants to find the answers that can ease her broken heart.
Dead Set is a clever mystery set to a tragic event. Suicide or murder? The clues are all vague enough to keep you focused but not enough to allow you to immediately figure out the story. The suspense builds, ebbs, builds...always lingering. Alaina is a wonderful lead female. She's driven, successful, sassy. Estranged from her parents, she made a very human mistake and lost touch with her brother. There was no falling out, no cruel intentions. Life got in her way. She was busy, didn't pay enough attention; this could happen to any of us. That makes her pain, ours. Her guilt is our guilt. How many times have you put off returning a call or text? You always assume that you can do it tomorrow but when tomorrow is taken away, you are left with guilt and regret. You are Alaina. Lucas has his own regrets. He still misses being on the police force. He wonders if he made a mistake leaving. He's successful as a PI but he has days when the love of his past career haunts him. It seemed natural that these two would be drawn to one another. As much as I would have liked more romance with this budding relationship, it made sense that there were only a few kisses and private thoughts. Alaina was too torn up about her brother and Lucas was trying to be professional. It's lucky that we got any romance at all and we did get a good idea of their future going forward together. It was nice to revisit Blaine and Rosie briefly although Blaine was not at his best. I would have liked a little Louanne since I feel she is the center of this little town.
This is one of those books that will leave pieces with you once you are finished. Sure, the story itself was entertaining, but the character's relatability will be what stays with you. Maybe you will be a little more careful with family and friends for a few weeks. Yes, it's okay to have regrets but it's so much better to take time out of your own busy life for the little things along the way.
Dead Set is a clever mystery set to a tragic event. Suicide or murder? The clues are all vague enough to keep you focused but not enough to allow you to immediately figure out the story. The suspense builds, ebbs, builds...always lingering. Alaina is a wonderful lead female. She's driven, successful, sassy. Estranged from her parents, she made a very human mistake and lost touch with her brother. There was no falling out, no cruel intentions. Life got in her way. She was busy, didn't pay enough attention; this could happen to any of us. That makes her pain, ours. Her guilt is our guilt. How many times have you put off returning a call or text? You always assume that you can do it tomorrow but when tomorrow is taken away, you are left with guilt and regret. You are Alaina. Lucas has his own regrets. He still misses being on the police force. He wonders if he made a mistake leaving. He's successful as a PI but he has days when the love of his past career haunts him. It seemed natural that these two would be drawn to one another. As much as I would have liked more romance with this budding relationship, it made sense that there were only a few kisses and private thoughts. Alaina was too torn up about her brother and Lucas was trying to be professional. It's lucky that we got any romance at all and we did get a good idea of their future going forward together. It was nice to revisit Blaine and Rosie briefly although Blaine was not at his best. I would have liked a little Louanne since I feel she is the center of this little town.
This is one of those books that will leave pieces with you once you are finished. Sure, the story itself was entertaining, but the character's relatability will be what stays with you. Maybe you will be a little more careful with family and friends for a few weeks. Yes, it's okay to have regrets but it's so much better to take time out of your own busy life for the little things along the way.
June 5, 2018
Alaina Dans left home when she graduated high school and started her own successful business. Her relationship with her younger brother suffered, but she refuses to believe that he took his own life. Lucas McGowan is no longer an Aspen Falls police officer, he owns the only private investigations business in town, and Alaina hires him to find out the truth about her brothers death. Interesting, well written characters brought together by a desire to find out the truth, and find love. Fascinating twists in the plot with lots of suspense and secrets others are determined to protect.Fantastic book, I loved it!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
April 19, 2018
Fantastic story, fast paced. Alaina’s brother was murdered, police have closed the case. Help is needed, so she hires a private detective. Lucas isn’t sure he can help but he’ll try. Impossible to stop reading until I finished.
May 30, 2018
http://celebrityreaders.com/2018/05/2...
I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3 stars — This one was more light on the romance, focused more heavily on the plot and mystery surrounding Alaina’s brother’s death. I was enjoying the mystery for the first half, but unfortunately I kept wondering about certain things, and I couldn’t get out of my own head. I was still fully entrenched in my slump when I read it.
Unlike many co-written novels, this is more of a co-written series. You can notice a stylistic difference in the writing. This author employs a lot of description, which can be nice to really get the reader entrenched in the setting. Unfortunately, my personal preference tends to lean away from too much description. I think she did it well, I just get bored with details, my bread and butter for liking books is more about characters.
And in the end I wasn’t completely sold on either character. I didn’t really get a super great sense of who they were…I got more of a sense of Alaina, but I really didn’t always understand her or empathize with her struggle. There were DEFINITELY moments where I was emotionally invested, so it wasn’t all the time. But I guess I just couldn’t get a good grasp on how she came to be who she was. That could be a me failing though, not sure.
Lucas was a bit of a mystery. I felt his sadness about being off the force, but we really didn’t delve into his psyche much, you know? And his friendship with Blaine was a bit different than what I had expected from book one, so that threw me off too.
I really enjoyed the first part of the mystery, and trying to figure out what happened to Noah. But somewhere along the way I lost patience in all the things they weren’t doing, in all the ways the characters were behaving that were antithetical to solving the mystery, and there was a certain point where it became super obvious when one character was involved, and it wasn’t noticed. Alaina not telling Lucas everything, keeping him at arms length was frustrating. And there were other things that happened that felt like plot devices, and that was it (namely Mariah Coates).
I don’t know. See? I’m just in a shitty mood, and so things are bugging more than they might otherwise. I mean, this probably wasn’t ever going to be a favourite, but I seem to get sucked into the things I disliked more than I should.
I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3 stars — This one was more light on the romance, focused more heavily on the plot and mystery surrounding Alaina’s brother’s death. I was enjoying the mystery for the first half, but unfortunately I kept wondering about certain things, and I couldn’t get out of my own head. I was still fully entrenched in my slump when I read it.
Unlike many co-written novels, this is more of a co-written series. You can notice a stylistic difference in the writing. This author employs a lot of description, which can be nice to really get the reader entrenched in the setting. Unfortunately, my personal preference tends to lean away from too much description. I think she did it well, I just get bored with details, my bread and butter for liking books is more about characters.
And in the end I wasn’t completely sold on either character. I didn’t really get a super great sense of who they were…I got more of a sense of Alaina, but I really didn’t always understand her or empathize with her struggle. There were DEFINITELY moments where I was emotionally invested, so it wasn’t all the time. But I guess I just couldn’t get a good grasp on how she came to be who she was. That could be a me failing though, not sure.
Lucas was a bit of a mystery. I felt his sadness about being off the force, but we really didn’t delve into his psyche much, you know? And his friendship with Blaine was a bit different than what I had expected from book one, so that threw me off too.
I really enjoyed the first part of the mystery, and trying to figure out what happened to Noah. But somewhere along the way I lost patience in all the things they weren’t doing, in all the ways the characters were behaving that were antithetical to solving the mystery, and there was a certain point where it became super obvious when one character was involved, and it wasn’t noticed. Alaina not telling Lucas everything, keeping him at arms length was frustrating. And there were other things that happened that felt like plot devices, and that was it (namely Mariah Coates).
I don’t know. See? I’m just in a shitty mood, and so things are bugging more than they might otherwise. I mean, this probably wasn’t ever going to be a favourite, but I seem to get sucked into the things I disliked more than I should.
April 2, 2018
Alaina is a successful woman, having left behind the luxury of her life to run after her dreams, which led her to move away from her family and her brother.
When Noah is found dead, allegedly committing suicide, Alaina can't believe he would do so and hires Lucas to investigate his younger brother's death.
Lucas, who had already appeared in the first book in the series, accepts the work, but doesn't believe he will find much.
As their investigation progresses and threats appear, both Lucas and Alaina are in danger, but how far will they go to find out the truth?
The end of this book was startling and left me literally gawky and sad at the events that led to Noah's death.
This is a great story with very interesting characters.
I highly recommend the reading.
When Noah is found dead, allegedly committing suicide, Alaina can't believe he would do so and hires Lucas to investigate his younger brother's death.
Lucas, who had already appeared in the first book in the series, accepts the work, but doesn't believe he will find much.
As their investigation progresses and threats appear, both Lucas and Alaina are in danger, but how far will they go to find out the truth?
The end of this book was startling and left me literally gawky and sad at the events that led to Noah's death.
This is a great story with very interesting characters.
I highly recommend the reading.
April 16, 2018
Dead Set is the 2nd book in the Aspen Falls Series. This one focus’s on Lucas, the towns Private Investigator and Alaina, who has hired Lucas to find the truth of her brothers death.
While this was a good read, I didn’t feel it had the same feel of writing as usual. It felt over descriptive and slow to get into. But once things started happening I really enjoyed it.
I’m keen to finish this series and can’t wait to discover more of the rest of the characters.
While this was a good read, I didn’t feel it had the same feel of writing as usual. It felt over descriptive and slow to get into. But once things started happening I really enjoyed it.
I’m keen to finish this series and can’t wait to discover more of the rest of the characters.
December 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book! It was very good. I just didn't like the main female until half way through the book! I like connecting with characters right away. She was one I didn't connect with at first. I understood she was going through grief. Grief makes you feel things you don't want...
I have been dealing with it this year after the lose of my grandma. It's not easy.
I have been dealing with it this year after the lose of my grandma. It's not easy.
March 29, 2018
Dead Set is book 2 in the Aspen Falls series. This is Alaina & Lucas's story. This novel begins with a heartbreaking prologue. A well crafted novel brimming with mystery, suspense & a bit of romance. Character's are cogent & relateable. This novel keeps you guessing till the end not being able to solve the mystery. Looking forward to reading book 3 Nate & Sally 's book.
April 16, 2018
A Really Enjoyable, Must Read Story
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. “ Dead Set” from Melissa Pearl is the 2nd book in the (“Aspen Falls Series”) and is another really enjoyable book. This story is a great addition to the series. I loved it and couldn’t put it down. It’s a well written, must read book with a lovely storyline and engaging characters that I enjoyed reading about
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. “ Dead Set” from Melissa Pearl is the 2nd book in the (“Aspen Falls Series”) and is another really enjoyable book. This story is a great addition to the series. I loved it and couldn’t put it down. It’s a well written, must read book with a lovely storyline and engaging characters that I enjoyed reading about
April 9, 2018
Alaina is on the search as to what happened to her brother. she knows he wasn't suicidal. Best book ever written. loved it
March 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. Great suspenseful plot that kept me guessing all the way. This sister is in denial of her brother's suicide, she feels guilty that she wasn't there for him. Is she right? Was there more to this event? Seeking the help of a PI they work together to solve this mystery. Plenty of action and danger kept me glued to my kindle.
Read
January 6, 2021Had fun reading this again.
Anna Cruise did a great job 😁
Anna Cruise did a great job 😁
February 16, 2023
ok story, 3.5 stars
March 27, 2018
Round 1*
*I know the authors have made some changes, but that was after I read the book. If time permits, I'll try to read the updated version. This review is based on the original ARC.
Like the first book, the main characters are drawn together to solve a mystery. Unlike the first where there was a rash of deaths due to drugs, Lucas is hired to look into the death of Alaina's brother, who everyone, but Alaina, believes committed suicide. We got to meet Lucas in book 1 when one of his cases intersected with the drug poisoning case his best friend was working. I really liked Lucas then, and enjoyed learning more about him in this one, but if I am being honest, I wasn't crazy about Alaina, and I didn't really "feel" any attraction between the two. Aside from her occasional thought about being attracted to him, she didn't come across as someone who was attracted to him. Part of that could be attributed to the fact that she just lost her brother and the guilt she was feeling for losing touch with him, but she just came across as aloof. We learn more about why she is that way with men, but we women are emotional and when attracted to a guy, we fantasize a lot. Aside from a couple of potential jealous moments, I didn't get that vibe with her.
There were a few other moments that made me pause. I liked the way the investigation was shaping up, but how many clients traipse off to do the investigator's job? And what was with Blaine? He comes across as this great guy in book 1, but turns into an a$$ in this one when his best friend, who helped him out when needed, asked for a favor. Last, what woman who lives alone opens her door without checking to see who it is? Especially with all of the threatening situations that occurred to date.
*I know the authors have made some changes, but that was after I read the book. If time permits, I'll try to read the updated version. This review is based on the original ARC.
Like the first book, the main characters are drawn together to solve a mystery. Unlike the first where there was a rash of deaths due to drugs, Lucas is hired to look into the death of Alaina's brother, who everyone, but Alaina, believes committed suicide. We got to meet Lucas in book 1 when one of his cases intersected with the drug poisoning case his best friend was working. I really liked Lucas then, and enjoyed learning more about him in this one, but if I am being honest, I wasn't crazy about Alaina, and I didn't really "feel" any attraction between the two. Aside from her occasional thought about being attracted to him, she didn't come across as someone who was attracted to him. Part of that could be attributed to the fact that she just lost her brother and the guilt she was feeling for losing touch with him, but she just came across as aloof. We learn more about why she is that way with men, but we women are emotional and when attracted to a guy, we fantasize a lot. Aside from a couple of potential jealous moments, I didn't get that vibe with her.
There were a few other moments that made me pause. I liked the way the investigation was shaping up, but how many clients traipse off to do the investigator's job? And what was with Blaine? He comes across as this great guy in book 1, but turns into an a$$ in this one when his best friend, who helped him out when needed, asked for a favor. Last, what woman who lives alone opens her door without checking to see who it is? Especially with all of the threatening situations that occurred to date.
February 13, 2023
This book was a decent if not particularly exciting romantic suspense novel. (i.e., The romance was pretty basic and very clean, and the suspense wasn't very suspenseful). It also requires content warnings for several issues; I'll put them at the end to limit spoilers.
So Alaina hires PI Lucas to dig into her brother Noah's death. She's torn up for the obvious reasons, but she also feels guilt for not being present for her brother the past several years and concern that his death wasn't what it's purported to be. Lucas takes the case, poking around the high school (in a manner that would never be condoned today since most campuses are locked up), even though he doesn't really think there was anything nefarious in Noah's death.
Stuff happens here and there, and Alaina and Lucas share a few smooches in the process. Alaina occasionally veers into annoying territory by insisting on being part of the investigation, and Lucas sometimes comes off a little like the sad-eyed, fedora-wearing private dick of 1940's cinema (minus the fedora). But overall, they're okay. The mystery is decently spun and somewhat slowly revealed, but then it wraps up a little too easily.
Side characters are okay. A couple seem to be from previous novels and others future, but the story did fine as a standalone. I thought Alaina's parents were a bit odd, almost as if the author planned to do more with them than she actually did. In short, the story read easily and I'm glad I read it, but I wasn't particularly sorry it ended. I'm not sure if I'd pick up any others in the series.
I received a copy of this book for free from BookBub. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Content warnings: Suicide, mention of sexual assault, violence, death
So Alaina hires PI Lucas to dig into her brother Noah's death. She's torn up for the obvious reasons, but she also feels guilt for not being present for her brother the past several years and concern that his death wasn't what it's purported to be. Lucas takes the case, poking around the high school (in a manner that would never be condoned today since most campuses are locked up), even though he doesn't really think there was anything nefarious in Noah's death.
Stuff happens here and there, and Alaina and Lucas share a few smooches in the process. Alaina occasionally veers into annoying territory by insisting on being part of the investigation, and Lucas sometimes comes off a little like the sad-eyed, fedora-wearing private dick of 1940's cinema (minus the fedora). But overall, they're okay. The mystery is decently spun and somewhat slowly revealed, but then it wraps up a little too easily.
Side characters are okay. A couple seem to be from previous novels and others future, but the story did fine as a standalone. I thought Alaina's parents were a bit odd, almost as if the author planned to do more with them than she actually did. In short, the story read easily and I'm glad I read it, but I wasn't particularly sorry it ended. I'm not sure if I'd pick up any others in the series.
I received a copy of this book for free from BookBub. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Content warnings: Suicide, mention of sexual assault, violence, death
June 15, 2018
Good Second Book
I finally finally finally found the time to get around to reading this second book. It’s been sitting on my TBR probably since it came out. And it’s been sitting on the back burner since I had another books I had to get done first. But I will say I couldn’t wait to read this book after I had finished the one.
I have to say that I really enjoyed Lucas. He’s a bit disorganized, he’s still a bit hurt about not being on the force anymore. He’s looking for some help to get his office office organized when Alaina walks in. They don’t exactly hit it off on the right note and Lucas is surprised to find out that she actually wants to hire him. But I actually thought Lucas was great and really seemed to know what he’s doing.
Hmmm Alaina..... She’s a tough cookie to crack. I have a thing and that thing is I have to like a character within the first few chapters. If I don’t like them within that time I’m probably not going to end up liking them. I’m not saying I didn’t like Alaina, but as I just mentioned she’s a tough cookie to crack.
As I said at the beginning of this review I couldn’t wait to read this book. I will say that this book like the first book grabbed my attention from start to finish. I kept forgetting that these books are more about the mystery, than the romance. So I find when the characters finally get together that I feel no connection to their relationship. Again that’s on me and not these authors. Other than that I love these books and am diving into the next!!!!
I’m giving this book 4 Stars out of 5!!!!
I finally finally finally found the time to get around to reading this second book. It’s been sitting on my TBR probably since it came out. And it’s been sitting on the back burner since I had another books I had to get done first. But I will say I couldn’t wait to read this book after I had finished the one.
I have to say that I really enjoyed Lucas. He’s a bit disorganized, he’s still a bit hurt about not being on the force anymore. He’s looking for some help to get his office office organized when Alaina walks in. They don’t exactly hit it off on the right note and Lucas is surprised to find out that she actually wants to hire him. But I actually thought Lucas was great and really seemed to know what he’s doing.
Hmmm Alaina..... She’s a tough cookie to crack. I have a thing and that thing is I have to like a character within the first few chapters. If I don’t like them within that time I’m probably not going to end up liking them. I’m not saying I didn’t like Alaina, but as I just mentioned she’s a tough cookie to crack.
As I said at the beginning of this review I couldn’t wait to read this book. I will say that this book like the first book grabbed my attention from start to finish. I kept forgetting that these books are more about the mystery, than the romance. So I find when the characters finally get together that I feel no connection to their relationship. Again that’s on me and not these authors. Other than that I love these books and am diving into the next!!!!
I’m giving this book 4 Stars out of 5!!!!
April 25, 2018
>Book Review – Dead Set
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Aspen Falls series and ends in an HEA. Blaine, from book one is present as the friend of Lucas. Lucas used to work as a cop with Blaine, but had to take an early retirement due to injury. Lucas is still coming to terms with the direction his life has taken, while trying to work as a PI. Alaina came from a toxic family environment, causing her to pull away. When her brother dies from a supposed suicide, her guilt from not being there for him is huge. She hires Lucas to prove that her brother did not commit suicide.
>The relationship between Lucas and Alaina is cute. There is an immediate attraction that turns to caring. This book is very G rated when it comes to the romance, but the most romantic scene to me was the one where Lucas asks permission to kiss Alaina. Swoon! The themes in this story are more PG rated, but nothing is specifically described. Lucas goes about looking for clues to what the brother was in to and who his friends were. Right away, online gaming was shown to be a large part of the boy’s life, but neither Lucas nor Alaina look into who his online persona was or what types of platforms he visited. Other than that oversite, the story was well written and flowed to a satisfying, though sad conclusion.
>This book is appropriate for a young adult (18+) audience. There are themes of suicide, sexual assault and bullying. I am giving this book 5 stars. The story is an awesome read.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Aspen Falls series and ends in an HEA. Blaine, from book one is present as the friend of Lucas. Lucas used to work as a cop with Blaine, but had to take an early retirement due to injury. Lucas is still coming to terms with the direction his life has taken, while trying to work as a PI. Alaina came from a toxic family environment, causing her to pull away. When her brother dies from a supposed suicide, her guilt from not being there for him is huge. She hires Lucas to prove that her brother did not commit suicide.
>The relationship between Lucas and Alaina is cute. There is an immediate attraction that turns to caring. This book is very G rated when it comes to the romance, but the most romantic scene to me was the one where Lucas asks permission to kiss Alaina. Swoon! The themes in this story are more PG rated, but nothing is specifically described. Lucas goes about looking for clues to what the brother was in to and who his friends were. Right away, online gaming was shown to be a large part of the boy’s life, but neither Lucas nor Alaina look into who his online persona was or what types of platforms he visited. Other than that oversite, the story was well written and flowed to a satisfying, though sad conclusion.
>This book is appropriate for a young adult (18+) audience. There are themes of suicide, sexual assault and bullying. I am giving this book 5 stars. The story is an awesome read.
April 24, 2018
DEAD SET is book two in the Aspen Falls series but is a complete contemporary standalone.
Alaina is a house flipper who's just lost her little brother to an apparent suicide. She's estranged from her parents and had been kind of estranged from her brother, Noah, but she can't believe that he would've taken his own life. So she hires Private Investigator, Lucas to explore Noah's death.
Before I say anything else, let me point out that this is a "clean" romance, ie. there's no sex. HOWEVER there's still plenty of sexual tension between Alaina and Lucas and I felt that the authors did a great job of weaving the romance into the suspense of the story. And there is a substantial amount of thrills and chills going on! The plot is fast paced and I loved trying to figure out the mystery behind Noah's "suicide".
Alaina was a bit of a spitfire...decisive and confident in herself, which I loved! Lucas' story, his past, broke my heart but I totally admired the strength it took him to forge a new path for himself. These two characters were just plain CUTE together!
Authors Melissa Pearl and Anna Cruise made a good, solid team...the writing was seamless! This was another fabulous read for me and I'm really looking forward to book three in the series! Told from dual POVs with a sweet ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Alaina is a house flipper who's just lost her little brother to an apparent suicide. She's estranged from her parents and had been kind of estranged from her brother, Noah, but she can't believe that he would've taken his own life. So she hires Private Investigator, Lucas to explore Noah's death.
Before I say anything else, let me point out that this is a "clean" romance, ie. there's no sex. HOWEVER there's still plenty of sexual tension between Alaina and Lucas and I felt that the authors did a great job of weaving the romance into the suspense of the story. And there is a substantial amount of thrills and chills going on! The plot is fast paced and I loved trying to figure out the mystery behind Noah's "suicide".
Alaina was a bit of a spitfire...decisive and confident in herself, which I loved! Lucas' story, his past, broke my heart but I totally admired the strength it took him to forge a new path for himself. These two characters were just plain CUTE together!
Authors Melissa Pearl and Anna Cruise made a good, solid team...the writing was seamless! This was another fabulous read for me and I'm really looking forward to book three in the series! Told from dual POVs with a sweet ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 28, 2023
Sadness, guilt, disappointment and family disfunction are hallmarks of "Dead Set". Alaina Dans left home after high school and eventually became her own boss in the home remodel/flip business. Her brother Noah's death was declared a suicide by the local police; but she can't believe her only brother died by his own hand.
Feelings of guilt propel Alaina to hire Lucas McGowan, private investigator and former policeman, to flush out the truth of Noah's death. Lucas has his own demons and regrets that an injury resulted in him leaving his dream job as a police officer. Lucas isn't an "organized" person...his office is mess with a lack of filing system. Alaina almost didn't hire because of this mess; but volunteers to "repair" his space.
I like Alaina and Lucas as people and rooted for them to find out the truth. This story has more layers than I expected and I didn't see the conclusion of the case.
Feelings of guilt propel Alaina to hire Lucas McGowan, private investigator and former policeman, to flush out the truth of Noah's death. Lucas has his own demons and regrets that an injury resulted in him leaving his dream job as a police officer. Lucas isn't an "organized" person...his office is mess with a lack of filing system. Alaina almost didn't hire because of this mess; but volunteers to "repair" his space.
I like Alaina and Lucas as people and rooted for them to find out the truth. This story has more layers than I expected and I didn't see the conclusion of the case.
April 15, 2018
I was privileged enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for a voluntary and honest review.
4.5 Relieved stars!
I was a little confused and disappointed in the first draft which is why I only gave it 3.5 stars. There was hardly any romance as compared to the first book. The MC kiss twice and that's it! This is more suspense and mystery than anything else. The mystery is solved but the rest of the story seems to be incomplete. Well Melissa & Anna went back and added things to the second draft. I can say the it made the story much better. It satisfied my need for romance in the story and put it on par with the first one. Now I'm looking forward to Nate & Sally's book.
4.5 Relieved stars!
I was a little confused and disappointed in the first draft which is why I only gave it 3.5 stars. There was hardly any romance as compared to the first book. The MC kiss twice and that's it! This is more suspense and mystery than anything else. The mystery is solved but the rest of the story seems to be incomplete. Well Melissa & Anna went back and added things to the second draft. I can say the it made the story much better. It satisfied my need for romance in the story and put it on par with the first one. Now I'm looking forward to Nate & Sally's book.
April 24, 2018
That was one heartbreaking but great story. This is the second book in the aspen falls series. It is expertly well-written and thought out.
This book is Lucas and Aliana's story. But this book is so sad at the start. As her brother has died and she wants to know why it happened. I have to say her father is an ass in this book. And she is amazing that after he threw her out she managed to make it on her own. I loved trying to solve the mystery with them. So I won’t say the outcome but it sure was a shocker at the end.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
This book is Lucas and Aliana's story. But this book is so sad at the start. As her brother has died and she wants to know why it happened. I have to say her father is an ass in this book. And she is amazing that after he threw her out she managed to make it on her own. I loved trying to solve the mystery with them. So I won’t say the outcome but it sure was a shocker at the end.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
April 20, 2018
A Not-So-Routine Case
Another excellent installment to the Aspen Falls series. I loved Alaina and Lucas’s story. I can’t wait to see what Melissa and Anna have in store for the fascinating characters populating Aspen Falls next!
Alaina comes to Lucas with her brother’s case, convinced there’s more to what happened than there seems to be. Lucas isn’t so convinced, at first, but as more evidence comes to light, he realizes that Alaina might be right. There might be more to this case than giving Alaina closure. Just like there might be more to his interest in his new client than the initial physical attraction.
Another excellent installment to the Aspen Falls series. I loved Alaina and Lucas’s story. I can’t wait to see what Melissa and Anna have in store for the fascinating characters populating Aspen Falls next!
Alaina comes to Lucas with her brother’s case, convinced there’s more to what happened than there seems to be. Lucas isn’t so convinced, at first, but as more evidence comes to light, he realizes that Alaina might be right. There might be more to this case than giving Alaina closure. Just like there might be more to his interest in his new client than the initial physical attraction.
February 28, 2023
Alaina refuses to admit that her teenage brother committed suicide and enlists the aid of Lucas, former police officer turned private investigator, to prove it, one way or the other. Along the way we are able to explore the reason for Alaina's guilt and explore the growing attraction (without the requisite sex scenes) between Alaina and Lucas. I gave it four stars instead of five as I thought Lucas was more of a two-dimensional character throughout the story and not really fleshed out enough. Near the end he starts to come to life but it could have been closer to at least the middle of the story. All in all, a good story and good beginning to the series.
April 21, 2025
Tropes: slow burn, friends to lovers, opposites attract
Dead Set, and Melissa Pearl, do not disappoint in this second book of the Aspen Falls series. I still had some lingering feelings concerning Blaine, from book 1, and I got very worried about his behavior in this book. But, he explained himself 80% of the way in, and solidified that he is still my #1 favorite character in his series. I love Lucas, and Elena, but I’m a Blaine fan through and through. The twist at the end of this thriller romance is one I did not see coming and had me guessing until the very end. Loved it. Will recommend this series to anyone.
Dead Set, and Melissa Pearl, do not disappoint in this second book of the Aspen Falls series. I still had some lingering feelings concerning Blaine, from book 1, and I got very worried about his behavior in this book. But, he explained himself 80% of the way in, and solidified that he is still my #1 favorite character in his series. I love Lucas, and Elena, but I’m a Blaine fan through and through. The twist at the end of this thriller romance is one I did not see coming and had me guessing until the very end. Loved it. Will recommend this series to anyone.
April 18, 2018
Wonderful but sad book. Alaina is lost, she feels unimaginable guilt for putting off her younger brother and now he is gone. But did he commit suicide like everyone but her believes? Lucas is a man who lost his dream working for the police department and is slowly working on his second life in a new job as a private investigator. Hired by Alaina, he works on finding clues to give Alaina closure, while Alaina slowly becomes a large part of his life. But can Lucas find the clues he needs before he loses Alaina?
June 29, 2020
Sometimes things are not what they seem...
This is the 2nd book in the Aspen Falls novels and it did not disappoint. We follow Lucas as he comes to terms with life outside of his old job as a police officer and his new life as a private investigator. Along the way he meets the love of his life. It took Alaina a while to admit that she was feeling more than gratitude for Lucas as he investigates her brother’s apparent suicide. The ending will surprise you, at least we get an HEA.
This is the 2nd book in the Aspen Falls novels and it did not disappoint. We follow Lucas as he comes to terms with life outside of his old job as a police officer and his new life as a private investigator. Along the way he meets the love of his life. It took Alaina a while to admit that she was feeling more than gratitude for Lucas as he investigates her brother’s apparent suicide. The ending will surprise you, at least we get an HEA.
July 13, 2023
It may be okay. I just couldn’t get into it for some reason. I had to skim my way to 30% and I decided to call it quits. It was a bit slow. I don’t like Alaina either. She seems uptight and a little pretentious. I think she was supposed to be shown as an independent, successful woman but it would help me get into the book if she was also likable. Her grief is coming across as snotty and bland. I did like Noah. I like the premise of the story. It was just slow and I didn’t feel pulled in for some reason. I don’t care about Alaina so I don’t care what happens with her.
June 18, 2018
The second book in the Aspen Falls which I also devoured in one sitting. Alaina much younger brother has been found dead in apparently it was suicided but she's just not buy that so she turns to Lucas. Lucas is the towns only private eye will he be able find the answers she seeks. Neither is looking for love but as the case brings the closer together their hearts may not be the only thing on the line
June 23, 2018
Enjoyable from beginning to end. Full of page turning suspense. Absolutely loved this book. It was well written and has you going on a journey to figure out what happened to Noah. His sister doesn't believe for one second that he killed himself even if they weren't close at the time of his death. She wants answers so she goes to a private investigator for help. But will she end up with more than answers? Great story line great characters. I absolutely enjoyed reading this one. Highly recommend.
October 3, 2018
This book was okay, not as good as the first. This book is just sad from beginning to end. The person who I feel the most bad for is Noah. I felt so bad for Noah and everything that happened. I also feel sadness for his sister and for Lucas. nobody is this story has got anything good going on. Yes there are some happy things in this book but mostly it is sad to read. I would prefer a good mystery/suspense then to this type of story again.
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