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24 to Life
When Jenna Corbett goes for her morning run, she revels in the knowledge that her dad’s protective grip has finally been broken and the world is on her doorstep.
But a brutal attack that leaves her bloodied and broken threatens to take away her new-found freedom. Cody Spencer is working an early shift at the gym A woman’s screams propel him outside in search of a victim. The plight of the injured auburn-haired woman touches his heart in a way he didn’t think possible. As their relationship heats up, so does the danger. Jenna and Cody embark on a search for answers behind the attack. But will what they find tear their love apart?
But a brutal attack that leaves her bloodied and broken threatens to take away her new-found freedom. Cody Spencer is working an early shift at the gym A woman’s screams propel him outside in search of a victim. The plight of the injured auburn-haired woman touches his heart in a way he didn’t think possible. As their relationship heats up, so does the danger. Jenna and Cody embark on a search for answers behind the attack. But will what they find tear their love apart?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2021
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
DeDe Ramey
11 books43 followersMulti-Award Winning hybrid Author with the Wild Rose Press.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 8, 2022
“24 to Life” is a solid debut novel for DeDe Ramey. Ramey sets the scene perfectly and wastes no time diving into the suspense of the story. Excellent pacing builds the intensity between and around the characters throughout, culminating in a reveal that plays perfectly into the tone of the story. And that reveal is not nearly the full story. For those angst-lovers out there, the last several chapters are for you. There are some beautifully intimate moments between Cody & Jenna, but the steam level is relatively low. This is definitely a novel built around the story, not the steam, so if the more graphic scenes are not your thing, you’re safe. Excellent use of minor characters helps develop main characters Cody and Jenna, without overwhelming the reader with too many names to keep up with. Cody and Jenna are wonderfully relatable and likeable characters, who pull the reader into the success of their relationship. You will absolutely root for their HEA. Plus, there is definitely a solid set-up for book two with side characters Joe & April. “24 to Life” speaks well for the author and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
*** note: this is really a 4.5 read. The only thing it's missing is a bit of steam ***
*** note: this is really a 4.5 read. The only thing it's missing is a bit of steam ***
September 23, 2022
I loved this book and read it in one day! The suspense/mystery was great! Cody was sweet, and Jenna was awesome. She was strong and vulnerable, and I loved them together. I am looking forward to the rest of this series!
December 22, 2024
What a way to be introduced to a brand new author!!!!!
Jenna Corbett is finally out and living on her own away from her dad and brother. She loves to run with her dog, Tucker, and it is while on one of those early morning runs that she is attacked by a hooded stranger. Luckily for her Tucker scares off the attacker and she is left screaming for help. Cody Spencer is not used to working the early shift at his father's gym and almost thinks he is hearing things when he hears a woman calling for help. He dashes out the door of the gym and finds Jenna on the ground bleeding. He rushes her into his office and calls 911. Just from one simple touch of her hand he feels an automatic connection to her. He stays with her until the ambulance arrives to take her to the hospital. Cody does go and visit Jenna while she is still in the hospital and he just can't seem to get her out of his head.
Jenna gets released from the hospital and sets out to thank Cody and a friendship starts from there. Jenna wants to learn how to protect herself and she wants Cody to be the one to teach her. Their relationship starts to bloom but just as things are going good Jenna remembers something from her attack that could change the direction that her and Cody's relationship is headed in.
Most books that give a pivotal point of the plot away in the blurb take a hot minute to get there but not this book. Within the first twelve pages of the story Jenna has been attacked and you are hooked on what will happen next. My mind started whirling with who the attacker could be. The story that builds Jenna and Cody's relationship leading up to them discovering who her attacker is had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I just couldn't get enough of them, they are so adorable. Jenna is a very strong willed woman and then there is Cody...oh Cody *swoon*! For being a veteran that works out he is nothing like the stereotype of buff male characters. This man is so tender and mindful of Jenna's feelings and not afraid one bit to show his emotions....I loved that so much about him. He will do anything for Jenna....anything!
When I first heard about this book some months back the blurb was so enticing to me I had to join the author's reader group to be kept up to date on everything that is this book. I am so glad that I decided to purchase an autographed copy and receive it before the official release date and finally get it read. This was one of the best suspenseful romances I have read in a very long time. I have a strong feeling that DeDe Ramey is going to make a name for herself with this book and the rest of the series.
. ****make sure to check out the author's website for the bonus epilogue***ii
Jenna Corbett is finally out and living on her own away from her dad and brother. She loves to run with her dog, Tucker, and it is while on one of those early morning runs that she is attacked by a hooded stranger. Luckily for her Tucker scares off the attacker and she is left screaming for help. Cody Spencer is not used to working the early shift at his father's gym and almost thinks he is hearing things when he hears a woman calling for help. He dashes out the door of the gym and finds Jenna on the ground bleeding. He rushes her into his office and calls 911. Just from one simple touch of her hand he feels an automatic connection to her. He stays with her until the ambulance arrives to take her to the hospital. Cody does go and visit Jenna while she is still in the hospital and he just can't seem to get her out of his head.
Jenna gets released from the hospital and sets out to thank Cody and a friendship starts from there. Jenna wants to learn how to protect herself and she wants Cody to be the one to teach her. Their relationship starts to bloom but just as things are going good Jenna remembers something from her attack that could change the direction that her and Cody's relationship is headed in.
Most books that give a pivotal point of the plot away in the blurb take a hot minute to get there but not this book. Within the first twelve pages of the story Jenna has been attacked and you are hooked on what will happen next. My mind started whirling with who the attacker could be. The story that builds Jenna and Cody's relationship leading up to them discovering who her attacker is had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I just couldn't get enough of them, they are so adorable. Jenna is a very strong willed woman and then there is Cody...oh Cody *swoon*! For being a veteran that works out he is nothing like the stereotype of buff male characters. This man is so tender and mindful of Jenna's feelings and not afraid one bit to show his emotions....I loved that so much about him. He will do anything for Jenna....anything!
When I first heard about this book some months back the blurb was so enticing to me I had to join the author's reader group to be kept up to date on everything that is this book. I am so glad that I decided to purchase an autographed copy and receive it before the official release date and finally get it read. This was one of the best suspenseful romances I have read in a very long time. I have a strong feeling that DeDe Ramey is going to make a name for herself with this book and the rest of the series.
. ****make sure to check out the author's website for the bonus epilogue***ii
February 8, 2021
This was my first DeDe Ramey book and I have to say I thought it was really great. It grabs you from the first page. Talk about jumping in with both feet!
First let me say, the author took plenty of time giving a nearly visual description of the scene without being boring. I could practically smell the dirt and pine trees in the park.
The characters are strong and realistic as well. They actually have responsibilities like jobs and classes they have to schedule their time around. Too often characters have job titles but never seem to go to work. It makes the book unbelievable. You can’t say that about this one.
Considering the book begins with a physical attack, (I don’t think that’s a spoiler), I liked that the characters took their time building on a relationship. Jenna was hesitant about being too close to someone she’d just started seeing even if he was her rescuer. Cody was sensitive to that problem and didn’t push her. However, the heat does build. I liked Jenna and Cody as a couple. Their personalities complimented each other.
There are a lot of great secondary characters in the book, but my favorite was Jenna’s big white dog, Tucker. He’s a sweetheart with a big protective instinct. Pets/animals are so important in a story – especially dogs.
The book is packed with red herrings. I was fooled more than once. That’s saying something considering how many suspense books I read.
Then, there’s the subplot. Wow! I wasn’t expecting that. I’ll let that be a surprise to you though.
To sum it up, I see this author writing many great books – and me reading them all.
First let me say, the author took plenty of time giving a nearly visual description of the scene without being boring. I could practically smell the dirt and pine trees in the park.
The characters are strong and realistic as well. They actually have responsibilities like jobs and classes they have to schedule their time around. Too often characters have job titles but never seem to go to work. It makes the book unbelievable. You can’t say that about this one.
Considering the book begins with a physical attack, (I don’t think that’s a spoiler), I liked that the characters took their time building on a relationship. Jenna was hesitant about being too close to someone she’d just started seeing even if he was her rescuer. Cody was sensitive to that problem and didn’t push her. However, the heat does build. I liked Jenna and Cody as a couple. Their personalities complimented each other.
There are a lot of great secondary characters in the book, but my favorite was Jenna’s big white dog, Tucker. He’s a sweetheart with a big protective instinct. Pets/animals are so important in a story – especially dogs.
The book is packed with red herrings. I was fooled more than once. That’s saying something considering how many suspense books I read.
Then, there’s the subplot. Wow! I wasn’t expecting that. I’ll let that be a surprise to you though.
To sum it up, I see this author writing many great books – and me reading them all.
May 7, 2025
Straight To The Point
I’ve never read a book that sucks you right in quite like this one does. DeDe’s debut book gets straight to the point on page one and keeps you immersed page after page. The best part is right when you think you know how this book will end, BAM, plot twist!
The story has a good plot and the characters and their development were great. I loved the way the scenes are described. I truly felt like I was in each scene observing. The only reason I gave this book 4⭐️s instead of 5⭐️s is because I felt like this book was a little too much straight to the point. I like a little more description on emotions so that I can really connect with what the characters are feeling. I also like a little more spice (it didn’t affect my rating though). Regardless of the depth, the suspense was enough to keep me intrigued the whole book.
I would definitely recommend this book to those that love suspense in their tame romance.
I’ve never read a book that sucks you right in quite like this one does. DeDe’s debut book gets straight to the point on page one and keeps you immersed page after page. The best part is right when you think you know how this book will end, BAM, plot twist!
The story has a good plot and the characters and their development were great. I loved the way the scenes are described. I truly felt like I was in each scene observing. The only reason I gave this book 4⭐️s instead of 5⭐️s is because I felt like this book was a little too much straight to the point. I like a little more description on emotions so that I can really connect with what the characters are feeling. I also like a little more spice (it didn’t affect my rating though). Regardless of the depth, the suspense was enough to keep me intrigued the whole book.
I would definitely recommend this book to those that love suspense in their tame romance.
December 13, 2023
Jenna has a new job, a new dog, and a new rental home all to herself. Finally living the life she envisioned, she's attacked while on an early morning run. Tucker, her rescue dog, chased the attacker away, and Cody, working the morning shift at his father's gym, rescues Jenna as she stumbles bloody and traumatized into his life.
Fresh out of the military and trying to figure out his future, Cody feels an instant connection with Jenna. A connection that is mutual and only grows stronger as they and the local detective try to find the serial attacker before he claims another victim.
DeDe Ramey does a good job of pulling you into her character's world and emotions, and leaves just enough clues to leave the reader guessing "who done it" and if Cody and Jenna will get their happily ever after.
Fresh out of the military and trying to figure out his future, Cody feels an instant connection with Jenna. A connection that is mutual and only grows stronger as they and the local detective try to find the serial attacker before he claims another victim.
DeDe Ramey does a good job of pulling you into her character's world and emotions, and leaves just enough clues to leave the reader guessing "who done it" and if Cody and Jenna will get their happily ever after.
March 23, 2024
OK, can I just say how great this book is. Chaper one grabs you and pulls you straight into Jenna's and Cody's story. From Chapter one to the last page I couldn't put it down. You seriously know it's a great book when the Author can grab your attention and hold it through the whole book. I didn't pay attention to what category this book falls in but for me it was a thriller with romance in the mix. Great ,likeable characters too. Storyline was amazing. I could talk to anyone forever about this book but I can't here or I might give things away but I wont. But trust me when I say this book is a must read. I can't believe it's part of a series too. I have to read the rest of them now. I can't wait!
April 15, 2025
I started this book quite a while back, but it was pushed to the back of a shelf and lost. I was delighted to find it when I was looking for another novel. I had not forgotten what I'd already read. That says a lot for the author's skills. Good mystery suspense keeps the story moving, and there's a tug at your heartstrings romance. All kinds of emotions run through the pages, making it an intense ride. I'm glad I got to finish this enjoyable read.
January 6, 2021
This book has it all!! I love all kinds of books, and this one has Romance, Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense, and mor, it's non stop! I just couldn't put this book down, it just pulls the reader into the story. Hands down one of my all-time favorite books (and with how much I read, that's saying a LOT). I can't wait for the sequel, way to go Ms. Ramey!
March 16, 2022
An Author to Watch
A first from new to author DeDe Ramey, 24 to Life offers mystery, suspense, and a steamy romance. A debut novel that suffers a bit from a heavy-handed editor but still shines a light on the author's talent. The plot is solid, the characters believable, and the emotions palpable.
I look forward to watching Ramey grow as an author and encourage her to trust her own voice.
A first from new to author DeDe Ramey, 24 to Life offers mystery, suspense, and a steamy romance. A debut novel that suffers a bit from a heavy-handed editor but still shines a light on the author's talent. The plot is solid, the characters believable, and the emotions palpable.
I look forward to watching Ramey grow as an author and encourage her to trust her own voice.
January 10, 2021
Loved being able to read this author's first book. It has romance, suspense and an unexpected ending. You don't want to miss this one which will be part of a series. I look forward to more about Dalton Skies!
January 25, 2021
If you want a edge of your seat page turner, this is the book for you. The twists and turns the author takes to reveal the attackers identity is fabulous... love the characters..especially Tucker the rescue dog. Hats off to new author DeDe Ramey... anxiously awaiting book 2’s release...
February 3, 2021
Loved it
I was held spellbound from the very beginning! There was all kinds of emotions on every page. I loved the relationship between Cody and Jenna. Truly loved the ending! Great first read by DeDe Ramey.
I was held spellbound from the very beginning! There was all kinds of emotions on every page. I loved the relationship between Cody and Jenna. Truly loved the ending! Great first read by DeDe Ramey.
December 26, 2024
Spellbound!
This book has me from the word go. I couldn't put it down. I should be asleep but I had to finish it.
Cody and Jenna are captivating from the first moment they meet. It's a page turner.
I'm on to book 2!
This book has me from the word go. I couldn't put it down. I should be asleep but I had to finish it.
Cody and Jenna are captivating from the first moment they meet. It's a page turner.
I'm on to book 2!
February 10, 2021
Really enjoyed this story. Cody and Jenna were the sweetest. The plot was intriguing and enjoyable. I liked the mystery and the development of Cody and Jenna’s relationship
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews