What do you think?
Rate this book
Claire Lance #6
Monarch
Claire Lance once had a knack for finding trouble while on the run from the law. Now, years after settling down, trouble has found her.
Claire and her wife, Jodie, have been settled for six years in the quiet Washington island town of Squire’s Isle. Claire’s about to become sheriff. She faces a lifetime of whale-watching tourists, traffic tickets, dine-and-dashers, and purse snatchers. Her dark past and days on the run are behind her. But a secret criminal operation and the murder of a fellow police officer show that her days of being Claire Lance, vigilante folk hero, may never be over.
Isolated from the mainland and FBI backup by a ferocious blizzard, Clare puts on her armor and prepares to do battle with bad men.
Claire and her wife, Jodie, have been settled for six years in the quiet Washington island town of Squire’s Isle. Claire’s about to become sheriff. She faces a lifetime of whale-watching tourists, traffic tickets, dine-and-dashers, and purse snatchers. Her dark past and days on the run are behind her. But a secret criminal operation and the murder of a fellow police officer show that her days of being Claire Lance, vigilante folk hero, may never be over.
Isolated from the mainland and FBI backup by a ferocious blizzard, Clare puts on her armor and prepares to do battle with bad men.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Geonn Cannon
113 books227 followersGeonn Cannon is a male author who grew up in Oklahoma, thousands of miles from the nearest coastline, who found his calling in stories about women who live on an island in the Pacific Northwest. In 2010, Geonn became the first male author to win the prestigious Golden Crown Literary Society Award for his novel "Gemini." In 2015, he won it again for "Dogs of War." He has written two official tie-in novels for Stargate SG-1, and his Riley Parra novels have been turned into an Emmy-nominated webseries by Tello Films. His first name is pronounced just like "John."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 11, 2021
3.75 Stars. Claire Lance is back! I honestly never thought I would say that again. This is book 6 in the series and book 5 came out seven years ago! After so many years, I never thought we would see Claire again so this was a real treat. While this was my least favorite book out of the series, I had so much fun spending time with Claire again.
I started reading this series about 8 years ago and it still holds a special place in my heart. I had been reading WLW books for a while, but this series was very different. This was about a slightly morally grey character, who would bend the rules to make things right. And not only was she a bit of a rule-breaker, but she also was a total badass. This series was so unlike the other books I was reading in the WLW genre and I just loved it. It was such a fun action series that eventually turned into an action-romance series. I loved all five books and I was sad when it ended. So to get a chance to visit Claire again, even though this book wasn’t my favorite, made me one happy camper.
It is so hard to write about anything in this book without giving spoilers away to people who have not read the whole series. If you think you might be interested I would suggest picking up Book 1, Tilting at Windmills, and not even reading this book’s blurb. You could read this book as a standalone if you wanted to. The story is contained enough and Cannon fills in some blanks about Claire’s past. The problem is, is that it also gives away some major storyline spoilers as to what happened over the previous five books. Books 1-5, are a contained series so this was like a bonus, where are the characters now and throw in a little action since its Claire.
I know this is not the most in-depth review but I don’t want to spoiler anything for readers who might want to start at the beginning. After all this time, the first 5 books of the series are still so different compared to other WLW action and action-romance books out there. This series will always hold a special place in my heart and I’ll happily read more Claire any day.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
I started reading this series about 8 years ago and it still holds a special place in my heart. I had been reading WLW books for a while, but this series was very different. This was about a slightly morally grey character, who would bend the rules to make things right. And not only was she a bit of a rule-breaker, but she also was a total badass. This series was so unlike the other books I was reading in the WLW genre and I just loved it. It was such a fun action series that eventually turned into an action-romance series. I loved all five books and I was sad when it ended. So to get a chance to visit Claire again, even though this book wasn’t my favorite, made me one happy camper.
It is so hard to write about anything in this book without giving spoilers away to people who have not read the whole series. If you think you might be interested I would suggest picking up Book 1, Tilting at Windmills, and not even reading this book’s blurb. You could read this book as a standalone if you wanted to. The story is contained enough and Cannon fills in some blanks about Claire’s past. The problem is, is that it also gives away some major storyline spoilers as to what happened over the previous five books. Books 1-5, are a contained series so this was like a bonus, where are the characters now and throw in a little action since its Claire.
I know this is not the most in-depth review but I don’t want to spoiler anything for readers who might want to start at the beginning. After all this time, the first 5 books of the series are still so different compared to other WLW action and action-romance books out there. This series will always hold a special place in my heart and I’ll happily read more Claire any day.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
March 7, 2021
This is the sixth in the CIaire Lance series, yet I was drawn to this book despite not having read any of the previous ones. The adventure finds Claire settled down for the past six years in Squire’s Island, a small town in Washington. Claire is about to become sheriff and faces a lifetime of low-level crime enforcement until the death of a fellow police officer raises questions. As Claire investigates, Squire’s Island is shut off from the main land due to a snow blizzard. A pleasant read with minimum tension and only a two and a half star read. As an independent reviewer, my thanks to the author for a copy gratis prior to publication. All opinions expressed herein are freely given and totally my own.
April 11, 2021
Heck yeah, Claire Lance! This was on another level of awesome simply because Lance is a free woman now, doing what she does best.
April 28, 2021
This is pretty interesting story. I haven't read any of the previous books and all in all you can be sure, this one can be read as stand alone as well.
The characters in the book have their own stories however all is nicely blended together.
The case they worked on and help of the people, it gets you in.
By the time you realize story is over.
Of course the happy ending makes it all better.
The characters in the book have their own stories however all is nicely blended together.
The case they worked on and help of the people, it gets you in.
By the time you realize story is over.
Of course the happy ending makes it all better.
March 24, 2021
Monarch by Geonn Cannon
Claire Lance #6
First off – even though this is book six in a series I had no trouble following and enjoying the story. I admired the main character and was provided enough backstory to feel I knew her. She is a woman I wouldn’t mind calling friend and would love to have in charge of security where I live.
What I liked:
* The location on a small island up off of Vancouver – had to look it up it sounded so enticing
* The plot and writing – drew me in and kept me engaged
* Claire: strong, intelligent, committed, professional, dedicated to her community, responsible, loving, a good police officer and excellent partner to Jodie
* Jodie: mechanic, loving partner, capable, strong, fierce, supportive, a great anchor for and partner to Claire
* The supporting characters: enough detail provided about them to flesh them out and make them real but not too much. The team and town worked together well.
* The small-town vibe and supportiveness of the community – worked as a team and all knew and cared for and about one another.
* That I felt I was part of the story
* That the bad guys were caught and dealt with
* The way all the pieces came together
* Reading the work of a new-to-me author that I would willingly read more of.
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that human trafficking happens more often than we might believe and also knowing there is nothing I can do about it
* Saying goodbye to the characters and community.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Supposed Crimes for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Claire Lance #6
First off – even though this is book six in a series I had no trouble following and enjoying the story. I admired the main character and was provided enough backstory to feel I knew her. She is a woman I wouldn’t mind calling friend and would love to have in charge of security where I live.
What I liked:
* The location on a small island up off of Vancouver – had to look it up it sounded so enticing
* The plot and writing – drew me in and kept me engaged
* Claire: strong, intelligent, committed, professional, dedicated to her community, responsible, loving, a good police officer and excellent partner to Jodie
* Jodie: mechanic, loving partner, capable, strong, fierce, supportive, a great anchor for and partner to Claire
* The supporting characters: enough detail provided about them to flesh them out and make them real but not too much. The team and town worked together well.
* The small-town vibe and supportiveness of the community – worked as a team and all knew and cared for and about one another.
* That I felt I was part of the story
* That the bad guys were caught and dealt with
* The way all the pieces came together
* Reading the work of a new-to-me author that I would willingly read more of.
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that human trafficking happens more often than we might believe and also knowing there is nothing I can do about it
* Saying goodbye to the characters and community.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Supposed Crimes for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
January 28, 2021
Once I started reading I realized this is actually the 6th book in a series. Throughout the story there are bits and pieces of the background story. These were just enough so this book can be read as a stand-alone yet it also made me think about getting my hints on the previous books since Monarch was a pleasurable read with realistic characterizations and a nice setting in a small town in Washington.
Claire Lance is the deputy sherrif when her mentor/friend dies and she becomes the sherrif, immediately forced into a situation where she will need to fall back on her previous life to protect the town she now considers her own.
While the story didn't have a complicated plot, the storyline was rather simple and straightforward, it did keep my attention and I wanted to know what would happen. For me it could have used some more action or at least setbacks or something. Everything went too smoothly for my taste and Claire hardly got a real challenge. Which feels a bit inconsistent with the danger described at the start of the book.
Still, enjoyable, good writing and characters so I would recommend to anyone who wants an easy to read thriller to relax with.
***An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
Claire Lance is the deputy sherrif when her mentor/friend dies and she becomes the sherrif, immediately forced into a situation where she will need to fall back on her previous life to protect the town she now considers her own.
While the story didn't have a complicated plot, the storyline was rather simple and straightforward, it did keep my attention and I wanted to know what would happen. For me it could have used some more action or at least setbacks or something. Everything went too smoothly for my taste and Claire hardly got a real challenge. Which feels a bit inconsistent with the danger described at the start of the book.
Still, enjoyable, good writing and characters so I would recommend to anyone who wants an easy to read thriller to relax with.
***An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
April 18, 2021
THis is a great read - I made it through in one Sunday. A fast paced, well written story that can definitely be enjoyed as a stand alone book - However, I need to find out what has gone into shaping Claire, her wife Jodie and the other characters in this series. I have to read the other books in the series! Claire is a happily married Deputy in the Northwest. She lives in a small town that is a tourist magnate for nature lovers. Though a very small town, the population has more than it's share of lesbians in positions of responsibilities- I want to live there. Claire's boss, Ruck, stumbles on a few unsavory characters but dies before he can tell Claire his fears and suspicions about what their activities mean to the picturesque town they call home.
May 10, 2021
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢👮♀🌨❄️🌬💨👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of "Monarch" by Geonn Cannon from Supposed Crimes (via NetGalley).
So, here it is !!!
My rating : 3 ⭐️
The story sets in the quiet Washington island small town of Squire’s Isle and focuses mainly on Claire Curran formerly known as Claire Lance … Claire married Jodie, took her name and let her dark past and days on the run behind her… She’s about to become sheriff. But a secret criminal operation and the murder of a dear friend and fellow police officer show that her days of being Claire Lance, vigilante folk hero, may never be over … When a ferocious blizzard hits the island, isolating it from the mainland and FBI backup, Claire puts her "armor" on and prepares to do battle with bad men.
This is Book 6 in the series … Knowing that Book 5 came out something like seven years ago and had "The End" written on the last page, that was a nice surprise! And maybe that’s still not the conclusion of Claire’s adventures … 🤞🤞🤞🤞
It was nice to meet Claire and Jodie once again, as well as the Geonn’s good lil touches of smart-ass humor … But it was too short for my own taste (this book was a very quick and easy read) and let’s say it, the pacing and chain of events were quite unbelievable. It’s all "quiet" and suddenly, things happen very quickly … and they happen so fast that they seem less than believable nor logical (not the first time it happens in the series, BTW).
A slower pace with more suspense, more thorough detective work on Claire's side (Cal did all the legwork) and more screen time for Jodie and other secondary characters (OK, Claire is a seasonned cop, but she’s not better than the entire FBI SWAT team, she could have used more help … I won’t say more about the intrigue, not to spoil the mystery) would have been appreciated.
Oh, I also wish the author had a more thorough edition process ‘cause what could have been a great book (and also a great series for that matter) is just de good one due to too numerous typos, missing words, mistakes and other tiny details ( for example : "--" instead of "—") found all along the story… & it also would have been even more enjoyable to read if the text had been justified …
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Yep, even if not as much as I hoped …
- Did I find the characters believable? => Not totally …
- Is this book now included in my "must be re-read"-list? => Yep !! Because I still like Claire Curran/Lance a lot …
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope, unless a thorough edition work is done (the remark stands for the entire series BTW)
- Would I read another book by this author? => Definitely !! Hopefully (at least) another tome in the CL saga … and, for sure, some other series and a few standalones as well …
- Would I recommend this book => Despite the few flaws …Yes !!
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢👮♀🌨❄️🌬💨👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of "Monarch" by Geonn Cannon from Supposed Crimes (via NetGalley).
So, here it is !!!
My rating : 3 ⭐️
The story sets in the quiet Washington island small town of Squire’s Isle and focuses mainly on Claire Curran formerly known as Claire Lance … Claire married Jodie, took her name and let her dark past and days on the run behind her… She’s about to become sheriff. But a secret criminal operation and the murder of a dear friend and fellow police officer show that her days of being Claire Lance, vigilante folk hero, may never be over … When a ferocious blizzard hits the island, isolating it from the mainland and FBI backup, Claire puts her "armor" on and prepares to do battle with bad men.
This is Book 6 in the series … Knowing that Book 5 came out something like seven years ago and had "The End" written on the last page, that was a nice surprise! And maybe that’s still not the conclusion of Claire’s adventures … 🤞🤞🤞🤞
It was nice to meet Claire and Jodie once again, as well as the Geonn’s good lil touches of smart-ass humor … But it was too short for my own taste (this book was a very quick and easy read) and let’s say it, the pacing and chain of events were quite unbelievable. It’s all "quiet" and suddenly, things happen very quickly … and they happen so fast that they seem less than believable nor logical (not the first time it happens in the series, BTW).
A slower pace with more suspense, more thorough detective work on Claire's side (Cal did all the legwork) and more screen time for Jodie and other secondary characters (OK, Claire is a seasonned cop, but she’s not better than the entire FBI SWAT team, she could have used more help … I won’t say more about the intrigue, not to spoil the mystery) would have been appreciated.
Oh, I also wish the author had a more thorough edition process ‘cause what could have been a great book (and also a great series for that matter) is just de good one due to too numerous typos, missing words, mistakes and other tiny details ( for example : "--" instead of "—") found all along the story… & it also would have been even more enjoyable to read if the text had been justified …
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Yep, even if not as much as I hoped …
- Did I find the characters believable? => Not totally …
- Is this book now included in my "must be re-read"-list? => Yep !! Because I still like Claire Curran/Lance a lot …
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope, unless a thorough edition work is done (the remark stands for the entire series BTW)
- Would I read another book by this author? => Definitely !! Hopefully (at least) another tome in the CL saga … and, for sure, some other series and a few standalones as well …
- Would I recommend this book => Despite the few flaws …Yes !!
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢👮♀🌨❄️🌬💨👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
January 29, 2021
This book was a classic thriller with a few twists. Admittedly, I had no idea it was part of a series when I selected it to read. What drew me in were the location (island in Washington), the main character (a lesbian sheriff with a checkered past), and the desire for a quick escape.
This book was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the main characters and the strong women. I enjoyed reading about a place where the women in charge are generally queer, to the point where it is so normalized it doesn't really even get mentioned.
A few things about the plot were less than ideal. First, the pacing and chain of events were a little unbelievable. Things happen so quickly they seem less than believable. Additionally,
There were definitely some jumps in logic (possibly some overzealous editting) that had me questioning how progress happened so quickly...
But, I got what I wanted--a queer thriller set in a place I love. No complaints.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Supposed Crimes for the opportunity to read and review this book!
This book was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the main characters and the strong women. I enjoyed reading about a place where the women in charge are generally queer, to the point where it is so normalized it doesn't really even get mentioned.
A few things about the plot were less than ideal. First, the pacing and chain of events were a little unbelievable. Things happen so quickly they seem less than believable. Additionally,
There were definitely some jumps in logic (possibly some overzealous editting) that had me questioning how progress happened so quickly...
But, I got what I wanted--a queer thriller set in a place I love. No complaints.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Supposed Crimes for the opportunity to read and review this book!
May 4, 2024
I received an ARC copy and realized this is the sixth in a mystery thriller series. The book did really well at giving me a good amount of back story so I understood the main character. Claire Lance was once a police officer in Chicago and went undercover. When she is found out she is set up for killing her girlfriend and spends time on the wrong side of the law (think The Fugitive) until she can clear her name. In this story she is married and is a deputy who has been living for 6 years on a small island off the coast of Washington state. When the sheriff is killed it is up to her to investigate and she stumbles into a ring that is trafficking in women.
I liked the writing style and thought the dialogue between characters was good. I enjoyed the small town, touristy location. I felt the chill of the winter storm that cuts off the town from the mainland while the main action is taking place. And I appreciated that Claire did use other officers and volunteers to help her and didn't go all vigilante and do everything herself. Her wife Jodie has the right amount of concern, support and love for someone putting their life on the line. *I read and reviewed this for NetGalley in March 2021. It must not have been on GR when I originally read the ARC and I am adding now in 2024.
I liked the writing style and thought the dialogue between characters was good. I enjoyed the small town, touristy location. I felt the chill of the winter storm that cuts off the town from the mainland while the main action is taking place. And I appreciated that Claire did use other officers and volunteers to help her and didn't go all vigilante and do everything herself. Her wife Jodie has the right amount of concern, support and love for someone putting their life on the line. *I read and reviewed this for NetGalley in March 2021. It must not have been on GR when I originally read the ARC and I am adding now in 2024.
January 21, 2021
3/5
***Special thanks to NetGalley and Supposed Crimes for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
I did not realize that this book was a part of a series.... but I was able to pick up the overall story pretty easily. This is a murder mystery featuring a wlw main character in a small town. This has a very similar vibe to the USA network show Eyewitness which is based on the Norwegian show Øyevitne (which I HIGHLY recommend).
This book was very entertaining, I loved the relationship between the main character and her wife, in addition, I liked how the small town was portrayed.
I would recommend this novel
***Special thanks to NetGalley and Supposed Crimes for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
I did not realize that this book was a part of a series.... but I was able to pick up the overall story pretty easily. This is a murder mystery featuring a wlw main character in a small town. This has a very similar vibe to the USA network show Eyewitness which is based on the Norwegian show Øyevitne (which I HIGHLY recommend).
This book was very entertaining, I loved the relationship between the main character and her wife, in addition, I liked how the small town was portrayed.
I would recommend this novel
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews