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Last Seen Alone
When they face the most baffling missing person's case of their careers, a fiercely ambitious lawyer and a homicide detective have no one to turn to for help except each other, from New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin. Up-and-coming attorney Leigh Larson fights for victims of sexual extortion, harassment, and online abuse. She is not afraid to go after the sleaziest targets to get payback for her clients. Leigh is laser-focused on her career—to the exclusion of everything else—until a seemingly routine case and a determined cop turn her world upside down. Austin homicide detective Brandon Reynolds is no stranger to midnight callouts. But when he gets summoned to an abandoned car on a desolate road, he quickly realizes he's dealing with an unusual crime scene. A pool of blood in the nearby woods suggests a brutal homicide. But where is the victim? The vehicle is registered to twenty-six-year-old Vanessa Adams. Searching the car, all Brandon finds is a smear of blood and a business card for Leigh Larson, attorney-at-law. Vanessa had hired Leigh just before her disappearance, but Leigh has no leads on who could have wanted her dead. Faced with bewildering evidence and shocking twists, Leigh and Brandon must work against the clock to chase down a ruthless criminal who is out for vengeance.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2021
440 people are currently reading
13620 people want to read
About the author
Laura Griffin
56 books3,839 followersLaura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and novellas. She is a two-time RITA Award winner, as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura got her start in journalism before venturing into the world of suspense fiction. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages. Laura lives in Austin, Texas, where she is working on her next novel.
Series:
* Texas Murder Files
* Tracers
* Wolfe Security
* Alpha Crew
* Moreno and Hart Mysteries
* Glass Sisters
* The Borderline
Series:
* Texas Murder Files
* Tracers
* Wolfe Security
* Alpha Crew
* Moreno and Hart Mysteries
* Glass Sisters
* The Borderline
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 467 reviews
August 24, 2021
I made a mistake when I chose to read this romantic suspense, a genre I rarely read, by Laura Griffin, I mixed up this Laura with Laura Dave and was guilty of not paying attention to the blurb. However, I read it anyway, and it was a entertaining read, with me particularly liking 30 year old lawyer, Leigh Larson, a partner with Javier in their law firm of Mendez and Larson. Set in Austin, Texas, APD Homicide Detective Brandon Reynolds is partnered with Detective Antonio Pena. He finds himself at a strange scene on a remote road where there is an abandoned car, there is a smear of blood on the car, and a larger pool of blood in the woods close by which suggests murder but there is no body. The car belongs to 26 year old Vanessa Adams, and there is a business card for Leigh at the scene.
When Reynolds catches up with Leigh at the courthouse, she denies that Vanessa is a client of hers, but he can see she is being less than truthful. Leigh specialises in a particular area of law, she represents victims of stalkers, sexual extortion, harassment, controlling partners and online abuse. Her traumatic past has motivated her choice of law specialisation, ensuring a passion and ferocity with which she fights for her clients, unafraid of going after the nastiest and sleaziest predators out there. She has met Vanessa previously, but Vanessa only becomes her client after she gets the paperwork in the post after meeting Brandon. Leigh cannot help carrying out her own investigation, something of which Brandon does not approve, but she will not give up and the two end up working together in what turns out to be a dangerous case.
Leigh and Brandon are attracted to each other, but both have issues when it comes to relationships, can they overcome their problems with trust, and survive to find out what happened to Vanessa? This was an okay crime and mystery read, it is engaging and I can see many readers enjoying it. For me, it's a case of it's me and not the book, this is not a genre that works well for me, and that is not this novel's fault, its just a mismatch between it and this reader. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
When Reynolds catches up with Leigh at the courthouse, she denies that Vanessa is a client of hers, but he can see she is being less than truthful. Leigh specialises in a particular area of law, she represents victims of stalkers, sexual extortion, harassment, controlling partners and online abuse. Her traumatic past has motivated her choice of law specialisation, ensuring a passion and ferocity with which she fights for her clients, unafraid of going after the nastiest and sleaziest predators out there. She has met Vanessa previously, but Vanessa only becomes her client after she gets the paperwork in the post after meeting Brandon. Leigh cannot help carrying out her own investigation, something of which Brandon does not approve, but she will not give up and the two end up working together in what turns out to be a dangerous case.
Leigh and Brandon are attracted to each other, but both have issues when it comes to relationships, can they overcome their problems with trust, and survive to find out what happened to Vanessa? This was an okay crime and mystery read, it is engaging and I can see many readers enjoying it. For me, it's a case of it's me and not the book, this is not a genre that works well for me, and that is not this novel's fault, its just a mismatch between it and this reader. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
September 26, 2021
Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin
Contemporary romantic suspense. Stand-alone.
A woman is missing and Detective Brandon Reynolds has records that Leigh Larson is her attorney. Leigh can’t tell Brandon much since it was weeks since she talked to the woman, plus as an attorney, there is the confidentiality rules she has to follow.
A fast paced and suspenseful novel first for the missing woman and then the reason behind her disappearance. Romance elements between Brandon and Leigh are passionate even though they don’t work together. I think Leigh was reckless in her investigation mostly because she’s an attorney, not a private investigator. She put herself in danger needlessly. But that’s what makes up the suspense typical of this author - the danger the heroine stirs up.
Plenty of twists and turns from beginning to end to keep the reader following.
🎧 I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Cynthia Farrell. She did a wonderful job with the voices of Brandon and Leigh as well as a few other characters. The emotions of suspense, fear and passion were clearly voiced and intense at the right times. The clear enunciation was a bit slow for me so I listened to most of the performance at my usual 1.25 speed.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and DreamscapeMedia.
Contemporary romantic suspense. Stand-alone.
A woman is missing and Detective Brandon Reynolds has records that Leigh Larson is her attorney. Leigh can’t tell Brandon much since it was weeks since she talked to the woman, plus as an attorney, there is the confidentiality rules she has to follow.
A fast paced and suspenseful novel first for the missing woman and then the reason behind her disappearance. Romance elements between Brandon and Leigh are passionate even though they don’t work together. I think Leigh was reckless in her investigation mostly because she’s an attorney, not a private investigator. She put herself in danger needlessly. But that’s what makes up the suspense typical of this author - the danger the heroine stirs up.
Plenty of twists and turns from beginning to end to keep the reader following.
🎧 I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Cynthia Farrell. She did a wonderful job with the voices of Brandon and Leigh as well as a few other characters. The emotions of suspense, fear and passion were clearly voiced and intense at the right times. The clear enunciation was a bit slow for me so I listened to most of the performance at my usual 1.25 speed.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and DreamscapeMedia.
September 18, 2021
2.5 stars, rounded down for stupid armchair detective attorney
The premise of this romantic suspense novel is pretty good. "Missing without a trace" books are my catnip, I can't resist any of them. I'm honestly not a fan of romantic suspense, so maybe that's where this book lost me. I love romance and I love suspense, but the two together often feels like one or the other is not given the development it needs. In this case, I thought both were kind of lacking.
The good:
Like I said, I liked the premise. At the beginning of the book we meet Vanessa who is being chased through the woods (after buying a gun) and disappears. The police find her abandoned vehicle and belongings and a large amount of blood in the woods, but Vanessa has vanished.
The overall suspense story and its conclusion, although a bit predictable, was decent. It flowed well and made sense, most of the dots were connected in the end.
The not-so good:
I didn't feel any chemistry between attorney Leigh and detective Brandon. The first part is all about him investigating and getting distracted by her legs, her perfume, her chest, etc. Then all of a sudden without any development they kiss and then the next meeting they have sex. I didn't get a sense of attraction growing between them other than the lust. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it just felt forced.
Leigh is a stupid armchair detective. She is repeatedly in danger, repeatedly told to step back into her lane as an attorney and leave the detective work to the police. Yet she ignores it over and over again. (Yet still Brandon is attracted to her, go figure). All for a client that she barely remembers and that she received a paltry retainer for. She obviously had a death wish or was just incredibly dumb to keep confronting suspects and investigating on her own.
If not for those things, I would have graded this book a bit higher. I just hate armchair detectives overall, especially when they are intelligent people who should know better. If readers do feel chemistry between the main characters they may be able to overlook the shortcomings of the investigation.
A side quirky thing I noticed, and it happened at least three times, if not more. There are scenes when Character One is either preparing food or has purchased take out. They offer food to Character Two (whose stomach is usually growling) and Character 2 declines. The food offer is presented at least once or twice more before the Character 2 finally gives in and eats (or they leave or get interrupted). It started to become a kind of joke for me because it happened over and over.
I divided my reading of this book between the print copy and the audiobook. I liked the narrator, Cynthia Farrell, and thought she did an excellent job giving voice to both the male and female characters. She kept me engaged and interested in the story.
Overall: I'm just not the right reader for this book. I overanalyze things that maybe some readers would let go. If you like romantic suspense and have enjoyed other books by this author, then you will probably enjoy this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The premise of this romantic suspense novel is pretty good. "Missing without a trace" books are my catnip, I can't resist any of them. I'm honestly not a fan of romantic suspense, so maybe that's where this book lost me. I love romance and I love suspense, but the two together often feels like one or the other is not given the development it needs. In this case, I thought both were kind of lacking.
The good:
Like I said, I liked the premise. At the beginning of the book we meet Vanessa who is being chased through the woods (after buying a gun) and disappears. The police find her abandoned vehicle and belongings and a large amount of blood in the woods, but Vanessa has vanished.
The overall suspense story and its conclusion, although a bit predictable, was decent. It flowed well and made sense, most of the dots were connected in the end.
The not-so good:
I didn't feel any chemistry between attorney Leigh and detective Brandon. The first part is all about him investigating and getting distracted by her legs, her perfume, her chest, etc. Then all of a sudden without any development they kiss and then the next meeting they have sex. I didn't get a sense of attraction growing between them other than the lust. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it just felt forced.
Leigh is a stupid armchair detective. She is repeatedly in danger, repeatedly told to step back into her lane as an attorney and leave the detective work to the police. Yet she ignores it over and over again. (Yet still Brandon is attracted to her, go figure). All for a client that she barely remembers and that she received a paltry retainer for. She obviously had a death wish or was just incredibly dumb to keep confronting suspects and investigating on her own.
If not for those things, I would have graded this book a bit higher. I just hate armchair detectives overall, especially when they are intelligent people who should know better. If readers do feel chemistry between the main characters they may be able to overlook the shortcomings of the investigation.
A side quirky thing I noticed, and it happened at least three times, if not more. There are scenes when Character One is either preparing food or has purchased take out. They offer food to Character Two (whose stomach is usually growling) and Character 2 declines. The food offer is presented at least once or twice more before the Character 2 finally gives in and eats (or they leave or get interrupted). It started to become a kind of joke for me because it happened over and over.
I divided my reading of this book between the print copy and the audiobook. I liked the narrator, Cynthia Farrell, and thought she did an excellent job giving voice to both the male and female characters. She kept me engaged and interested in the story.
Overall: I'm just not the right reader for this book. I overanalyze things that maybe some readers would let go. If you like romantic suspense and have enjoyed other books by this author, then you will probably enjoy this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 21, 2024
Last Seen Alone is a terrific thriller that includes a victim that hasn’t been found, as well as an attorney and a policeman both trying to locate the victim.
Fast-paced, captivating, and filled with deceit and plot turns.
I recommend it for a quick, engaging read.
Fast-paced, captivating, and filled with deceit and plot turns.
I recommend it for a quick, engaging read.
January 29, 2022
Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin is a romantic suspense novel. The story in Last Seen Alone is one that does change the point of view between the characters to give a glimpse into all sides of the story.
Brandon Reynolds is a homicide detective in Austin when he gets a call in the middle of the night to an unusual crime scene. A car has been found abandoned in a remote area and investigators have found a pool of blood that indicates something horrible has happened but no victims can be found.
Brandon follows evidence that the car belonged to a young woman, Vanessa, who is a client of Leigh Larson who had been hired to be her attorney. Brandon questions Leigh but she doesn’t know why anyone would hurt her new client but she can’t help but want to find out so she begins doing some investigation of her own into Brandon’s case.
Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin was a fast paced romantic suspense which I personally really enjoyed. I liked how the characters were brought together over an unusual crime scene and each brought their own to the investigation and the sparks that began to fly between them. Of course there are twists and turns along the way which is expected on the mystery side of the story along with some sparks on the romantic side making a nice combination.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Brandon Reynolds is a homicide detective in Austin when he gets a call in the middle of the night to an unusual crime scene. A car has been found abandoned in a remote area and investigators have found a pool of blood that indicates something horrible has happened but no victims can be found.
Brandon follows evidence that the car belonged to a young woman, Vanessa, who is a client of Leigh Larson who had been hired to be her attorney. Brandon questions Leigh but she doesn’t know why anyone would hurt her new client but she can’t help but want to find out so she begins doing some investigation of her own into Brandon’s case.
Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin was a fast paced romantic suspense which I personally really enjoyed. I liked how the characters were brought together over an unusual crime scene and each brought their own to the investigation and the sparks that began to fly between them. Of course there are twists and turns along the way which is expected on the mystery side of the story along with some sparks on the romantic side making a nice combination.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
July 2, 2024
Mildly enjoyable mystery with a few twists but Leigh the Lawyer character was incredibly unbelievable. All the crazy ways she was naive and careless but was supposed to be a hot shot lawyer. Ugh.
First time author for me— perfect transition from a wrenching biography. I needed something light and easy to read. Scored on both accounts!!
(Reviewed 8/3/22)
First time author for me— perfect transition from a wrenching biography. I needed something light and easy to read. Scored on both accounts!!
(Reviewed 8/3/22)
September 15, 2021
Without a doubt, Laura Griffin is a bestselling and successful author, with a large fan base with her mix of suspense and romance in her books and novellas.
The cover chosen for her book “Last Seen Alone” is very intriguing and paints a mysterious picture for the reader to ponder.
The story starts out well enough with a interesting plot - however, after a while, it started to sound far fetched and unrealistic. Attorney Leigh Larson, starts fairly early on (and continues) to do things that I have a hard time picturing an attorney doing - mainly taking the role of an investigator AND putting herself in grave danger…. wait … wasn’t she supposed to be an just an attorney that was JUST HIRED by Vanessa, the client, the day before she disappeared ?? Would any sane attorney put your entire practice and case load on hold for someone you just met, with only a small retainer given, for legal services to be rendered yet? Yes, the her client is missing… blood present on/near crime scene, but empty car, no body present anywhere. Ok, wouldn’t you think police would have to take it from here? I think most people would, and I would think police would insist on it. Yet apparently, attorney Leigh thinks differently.
As Homicide Detective, Brandon Reynolds, is summoned to investigate the scene of the missing woman, he realizes this is an unusual case and finds Leigh’s business card, The reader may rationalize that a detective would conduct an interview with the attorney to collect whatever info, but I can’t wrap my head around an attorney working as though, almost partner status (because they are attracted to each other) when the police are searching for what they believe is the pursuit and capture of a ruthless criminal. Did I miss something?? Are job roles interchangeable on a whim? Do police or homicide investigators let attorneys or civilians work with them ? This seriously began to mess with my head because it was so wrong and unrealistic from both attorney and police career work. I began a downhill slide because I just couldn’t relate - romance or not. The romance felt based more on physical attraction, mostly to satisfy young urges - also a disappointment.
Sorry to say, that this one didn’t work out for me, but it fell flat on so many levels. However, I deeply appreciate and thank NetGalley, the Publisher, and the Laura Griffin for the opportunity to receive an Advanced Audio Digital Publication in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The cover chosen for her book “Last Seen Alone” is very intriguing and paints a mysterious picture for the reader to ponder.
The story starts out well enough with a interesting plot - however, after a while, it started to sound far fetched and unrealistic. Attorney Leigh Larson, starts fairly early on (and continues) to do things that I have a hard time picturing an attorney doing - mainly taking the role of an investigator AND putting herself in grave danger…. wait … wasn’t she supposed to be an just an attorney that was JUST HIRED by Vanessa, the client, the day before she disappeared ?? Would any sane attorney put your entire practice and case load on hold for someone you just met, with only a small retainer given, for legal services to be rendered yet? Yes, the her client is missing… blood present on/near crime scene, but empty car, no body present anywhere. Ok, wouldn’t you think police would have to take it from here? I think most people would, and I would think police would insist on it. Yet apparently, attorney Leigh thinks differently.
As Homicide Detective, Brandon Reynolds, is summoned to investigate the scene of the missing woman, he realizes this is an unusual case and finds Leigh’s business card, The reader may rationalize that a detective would conduct an interview with the attorney to collect whatever info, but I can’t wrap my head around an attorney working as though, almost partner status (because they are attracted to each other) when the police are searching for what they believe is the pursuit and capture of a ruthless criminal. Did I miss something?? Are job roles interchangeable on a whim? Do police or homicide investigators let attorneys or civilians work with them ? This seriously began to mess with my head because it was so wrong and unrealistic from both attorney and police career work. I began a downhill slide because I just couldn’t relate - romance or not. The romance felt based more on physical attraction, mostly to satisfy young urges - also a disappointment.
Sorry to say, that this one didn’t work out for me, but it fell flat on so many levels. However, I deeply appreciate and thank NetGalley, the Publisher, and the Laura Griffin for the opportunity to receive an Advanced Audio Digital Publication in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin. This was the first book that I have read by Laura Griffin. Apparently, Last Seen Alone is part of The Texas Murder Files Series but it can definitely be read as a stand alone book. It was well written with a suspenseful plot. The characters were quite intriguing and complex. The audiobook was very well narrated by Cynthia Farrell. Last Seen Alone can best be described as a romantic thriller. The romance aspect did not work for me in this book.
The two primary characters in Last Seen Alone were Leigh Larson, a lawyer whose cases focused on victims of sexual assault and domestic and on-line abuse and Brandon Reynolds, an Austin homicide detective. When Brandon gets a late night call about an abandoned car on a deserted road he heads out to check it out. Brandon immediately suspects foul play and possibly homicide. He noticed blood in the car, the victim’s purse, wallet and phone on the seat and a business card for Leigh Larson, attorney-at-law. As his men search the surrounding area, they also found blood in the nearby woods. The car was registered to a Vanessa Adams. She was a twenty-six year old woman who was nowhere to be found. Since Brandon found Leigh Larson’s card in Vanessa’s car, Brandon paid a visit to Leigh Larson to try and find out if Vanessa had indeed been a client. He hoped that Leigh would be able to shed some light on what had happened to Vanessa. Leigh admitted to Brandon that Vanessa had come to see her shortly before she disappeared but Leigh was at a loss for who would want to kill Vanessa. Vanessa had not actually been Leigh’s client until Leigh received an envelope in the mail from Vanessa right after her disappearance. Brandon and Leigh immediately experienced a mutual attraction toward each other and at the same time they seemed to distrust each other at the same time. It was a little annoying how Leigh kept trying to do Brandon’s job even after she was warned to stop. Can Leigh let Brandon do his job as detective so he can figure out what happened to Vanessa or will she continue to defy him and put herself in danger as a result?
I enjoyed listening to Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin. It was a satisfying and complex mystery with twists and turns. Some parts were predictable but I enjoyed them regardless. Many important issues were raised in this book. It explored stalking, revenge after a bad break-up by one of the partners in a relationship and blackmailing. Some parts were quite intense and emotional but other parts were very predictable. The romantic relationship that developed between Leigh and Brandon was an element that could have been left out. This was a strange combination for me. I don’t usually read romantic thrillers and am not sure the two mix well.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The two primary characters in Last Seen Alone were Leigh Larson, a lawyer whose cases focused on victims of sexual assault and domestic and on-line abuse and Brandon Reynolds, an Austin homicide detective. When Brandon gets a late night call about an abandoned car on a deserted road he heads out to check it out. Brandon immediately suspects foul play and possibly homicide. He noticed blood in the car, the victim’s purse, wallet and phone on the seat and a business card for Leigh Larson, attorney-at-law. As his men search the surrounding area, they also found blood in the nearby woods. The car was registered to a Vanessa Adams. She was a twenty-six year old woman who was nowhere to be found. Since Brandon found Leigh Larson’s card in Vanessa’s car, Brandon paid a visit to Leigh Larson to try and find out if Vanessa had indeed been a client. He hoped that Leigh would be able to shed some light on what had happened to Vanessa. Leigh admitted to Brandon that Vanessa had come to see her shortly before she disappeared but Leigh was at a loss for who would want to kill Vanessa. Vanessa had not actually been Leigh’s client until Leigh received an envelope in the mail from Vanessa right after her disappearance. Brandon and Leigh immediately experienced a mutual attraction toward each other and at the same time they seemed to distrust each other at the same time. It was a little annoying how Leigh kept trying to do Brandon’s job even after she was warned to stop. Can Leigh let Brandon do his job as detective so he can figure out what happened to Vanessa or will she continue to defy him and put herself in danger as a result?
I enjoyed listening to Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin. It was a satisfying and complex mystery with twists and turns. Some parts were predictable but I enjoyed them regardless. Many important issues were raised in this book. It explored stalking, revenge after a bad break-up by one of the partners in a relationship and blackmailing. Some parts were quite intense and emotional but other parts were very predictable. The romantic relationship that developed between Leigh and Brandon was an element that could have been left out. This was a strange combination for me. I don’t usually read romantic thrillers and am not sure the two mix well.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 27, 2021
Vanessa Adams’ car is abandoned by the side of the road; her purse, car keys, and wallet left inside. She’s nowhere to be seen, but there’s blood…
Homicide Detective Brandon Reynolds is called in to investigate, and he’s got a bad feeling. One of the clues left in the car is attorney Leigh Larson’s card and so he tracks her down eager to find some answers.
Leigh, an attorney specializing in cases of sexual harassment, revenge porn, stalkers, and more, had one meeting with Vanessa, but she left an impression. Leigh suspected there was more to her story than Vanessa told her and starts looking into it more closely after Brandon questions her about the case. Brandon is less than thrilled with Leigh’s involvement, but as they’re working toward the same goal: finding Vanessa, they form a reluctant partnership.
Last Seen Alone was an addictive read! From page one I was sucked into the mystery of Vanessa’s disappearance, following the trail of clues, and interviewing the suspects. Brandon doesn’t completely trust Leigh’s motives at first and doesn’t want her in danger. But as they investigate, they get to know each other, crossing paths as they get down to the bottom of the story, albeit at different angles.
There’s a definite immediate attraction that neither Brandon nor Leigh welcomes, but it’s irresistible anyhow. Even though they were a bit adversarial at first, they had chemistry! I loved getting to know these two and what made them tick. There was more of a back story for Leigh, the reason she was so passionate fighting for her clients, and I really admired her. The dirtbags she went after deserved some reckoning! I’m sad to say that some of the situations are very true-to-life.
With Last Seen Alone, Laura Griffin combined mystery, police procedural and romance in just the right amounts making for a captivating read!
I alternately read an e-copy and listened to the audio version of Last Seen Alone. Cynthia Farrell is a new-to-me narrator, and it took a bit to get used to her matter-of-fact reading style, but the more I listened, the more I settled in and enjoyed. I listened at my 1.5x normal speed.
A copy was provided by Berkley Books and Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review.
Homicide Detective Brandon Reynolds is called in to investigate, and he’s got a bad feeling. One of the clues left in the car is attorney Leigh Larson’s card and so he tracks her down eager to find some answers.
Leigh, an attorney specializing in cases of sexual harassment, revenge porn, stalkers, and more, had one meeting with Vanessa, but she left an impression. Leigh suspected there was more to her story than Vanessa told her and starts looking into it more closely after Brandon questions her about the case. Brandon is less than thrilled with Leigh’s involvement, but as they’re working toward the same goal: finding Vanessa, they form a reluctant partnership.
Last Seen Alone was an addictive read! From page one I was sucked into the mystery of Vanessa’s disappearance, following the trail of clues, and interviewing the suspects. Brandon doesn’t completely trust Leigh’s motives at first and doesn’t want her in danger. But as they investigate, they get to know each other, crossing paths as they get down to the bottom of the story, albeit at different angles.
There’s a definite immediate attraction that neither Brandon nor Leigh welcomes, but it’s irresistible anyhow. Even though they were a bit adversarial at first, they had chemistry! I loved getting to know these two and what made them tick. There was more of a back story for Leigh, the reason she was so passionate fighting for her clients, and I really admired her. The dirtbags she went after deserved some reckoning! I’m sad to say that some of the situations are very true-to-life.
With Last Seen Alone, Laura Griffin combined mystery, police procedural and romance in just the right amounts making for a captivating read!
I alternately read an e-copy and listened to the audio version of Last Seen Alone. Cynthia Farrell is a new-to-me narrator, and it took a bit to get used to her matter-of-fact reading style, but the more I listened, the more I settled in and enjoyed. I listened at my 1.5x normal speed.
A copy was provided by Berkley Books and Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2021
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) or in this case Audio Copy, provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
As this is a review of an audio book, I've just got to say I'm not a fan of Cynthia Farrell as a narrator. She reads the book rather stiltedly, but her character voices are great. As I settled in with this narrator, the experience got better. The plot itself is vintage Laura Griffin and I loved it. She weaves the very timely issue of sexual harassment and revenge porn into a mystery that details just what the consequences of those crimes can be.
Leigh Larson is a self proclaimed workaholic and she really cares about her clients and making her law practice a success. The cases she takes are victims and she does her very best to make the perps pay and pay a lot. Of course, these cases don't pay all the bills and when a woman comes to her with a fairly routine case, that wasn't unusual. When a hot and determined cop comes to her with questions about what Vanessa Adams needed her services for, Leigh couldn't recall the case or the woman. It turns out, this case was far from routine.
When Austin homicide detective Brandon Reynolds is called out in the middle of the night, it is never a good thing. The abandoned, blood stained car on a country road said to him that nothing good had happened here. He was right. One clue about the missing car owner, Vanessa Adams, was the business card for Attorney Leigh Larson. Brandon is not a fan of attorneys, but the high energy and drop dead gorgeous attorney he meets, and is instantly attracted to, may change his mind.
With Vanessa missing, all Brandon can do is reconstruct her recent past and the contact with Leigh is the only clue he has. Leigh is determined to find out what happened to Vanessa and that puts her squarely in Brandon's path and in his case. A case that is not at all as it appears and takes them on a path of misleading evidence and twisted turns.
As this is a review of an audio book, I've just got to say I'm not a fan of Cynthia Farrell as a narrator. She reads the book rather stiltedly, but her character voices are great. As I settled in with this narrator, the experience got better. The plot itself is vintage Laura Griffin and I loved it. She weaves the very timely issue of sexual harassment and revenge porn into a mystery that details just what the consequences of those crimes can be.
Leigh Larson is a self proclaimed workaholic and she really cares about her clients and making her law practice a success. The cases she takes are victims and she does her very best to make the perps pay and pay a lot. Of course, these cases don't pay all the bills and when a woman comes to her with a fairly routine case, that wasn't unusual. When a hot and determined cop comes to her with questions about what Vanessa Adams needed her services for, Leigh couldn't recall the case or the woman. It turns out, this case was far from routine.
When Austin homicide detective Brandon Reynolds is called out in the middle of the night, it is never a good thing. The abandoned, blood stained car on a country road said to him that nothing good had happened here. He was right. One clue about the missing car owner, Vanessa Adams, was the business card for Attorney Leigh Larson. Brandon is not a fan of attorneys, but the high energy and drop dead gorgeous attorney he meets, and is instantly attracted to, may change his mind.
With Vanessa missing, all Brandon can do is reconstruct her recent past and the contact with Leigh is the only clue he has. Leigh is determined to find out what happened to Vanessa and that puts her squarely in Brandon's path and in his case. A case that is not at all as it appears and takes them on a path of misleading evidence and twisted turns.
August 29, 2021
Who doesn't love a good creepy suspense story this time of year? Last Seen Alone was so what I needed in a good story that kept me on edge and on my toes and let me escape for a few hours into a world I never wish to enter. I couldn't put it down and truly loved every twist and turn.
Well written and will easily capture and hold your attention, Last Seen Alone is one all lovers of mystery is going to enjoy!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Well written and will easily capture and hold your attention, Last Seen Alone is one all lovers of mystery is going to enjoy!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
September 28, 2021
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Last Seen Alone is a suspenseful mystery that had me intrigued from page one. Detectives are on the hunt for a missing person/possible homicide victim, and a lawyer is caught up in case, unable to let it go due to her own past.
I really enjoyed this story and thought the mystery was done really well. Ms. Griffin knows how to leave little clues on each page that makes you race to turn to the next one and hopefully find out the whodunnit. There were some twists and shocking scenes that made it even better and had me gripping my Kindle. And of course we also got some cute scenes with our lead detective, Brandon Reynolds, and lawyer turned part-time sleuth, Leigh Larson.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Last Seen Alone is a suspenseful mystery that had me intrigued from page one. Detectives are on the hunt for a missing person/possible homicide victim, and a lawyer is caught up in case, unable to let it go due to her own past.
I really enjoyed this story and thought the mystery was done really well. Ms. Griffin knows how to leave little clues on each page that makes you race to turn to the next one and hopefully find out the whodunnit. There were some twists and shocking scenes that made it even better and had me gripping my Kindle. And of course we also got some cute scenes with our lead detective, Brandon Reynolds, and lawyer turned part-time sleuth, Leigh Larson.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2021
This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced, steamy, romantic suspense novel. It is a stand alone novel and a real page turner. The characters are likable and engaging, with sizzling chemistry. The female protagonist is smart and capable. The male protagonist is strong, sensitive, and intelligent. It has mystery, intrigue, and a happily ever after ending. I have read every one of Ms. Griffin's outstanding novels and she never disappoints her readers! I am looking forward to reading Ms. Griffin's next novel with great anticipation.
April 2, 2025
The book had a promising premise and likable characters, but I felt the narrative was drawn out.
December 24, 2021
Leigh is an attorney focused on her career, which involves fighting for victims of harassment and online abuse. Brandon is a detective looking for a missing woman who’s car was found abandoned with a pool of blood nearby. Leigh and Brandon are thrown together because the missing woman is Leigh’s client.
Leigh and Brandon are likable characters. They are driven in their careers, and both want to get the answers they are looking for. The story is fast-paced and engaging.
Last Seen Alone combines mystery, action, and romance. Recommended for fans of romantic suspense.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Leigh and Brandon are likable characters. They are driven in their careers, and both want to get the answers they are looking for. The story is fast-paced and engaging.
Last Seen Alone combines mystery, action, and romance. Recommended for fans of romantic suspense.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2021
I could not get into this book. A lot of it had to do with the fact that I just didn't like the main character Leigh and her investigation. The story seemed slow and the mystery never captured my interest.
For me it came off as a tired plot with no appeal and an irritating main character or maybe I've read too many of this type of story.
About 1/3 in I started to skim and then I just moved to the end of the book and called it a day.
I gave it 2 stars because LG has been a favored author.
For me it came off as a tired plot with no appeal and an irritating main character or maybe I've read too many of this type of story.
About 1/3 in I started to skim and then I just moved to the end of the book and called it a day.
I gave it 2 stars because LG has been a favored author.
September 28, 2021
In this stand alone romantic suspense, Laura Griffin gives us one her trademark twisty mystery set in the heart of Austin (which almost serves as another character). When one of attorney Leigh Larson's almost clients, Vanessa Adams, turns up missing leaving behind one of Leigh's business cards, she's convinced it must have something to do with the issue the woman consulted her about. Soon Leigh and Austin PD detective are trying to figure out whether Vanessa is even still alive and if not, who had reason to harm her. Once again Griffin mixes a page turning mystery with steamy romance to deliver my personal catnip of choice that had me reading this one in almost one sitting.
There are some things that deserve trigger warnings, including sexual assault, revenge porn and violence against women in general. There is, however, a promise of justice for an issue that in real life all too often ends up in frustration. It's one of the reasons I keep coming back to this genre. Real life often disappoints but in fiction, the bad guys get their just deserts.
There are some things that deserve trigger warnings, including sexual assault, revenge porn and violence against women in general. There is, however, a promise of justice for an issue that in real life all too often ends up in frustration. It's one of the reasons I keep coming back to this genre. Real life often disappoints but in fiction, the bad guys get their just deserts.
May 28, 2025
Another okay book. I listened to this one and the narrator's voice just didn't work for me - especially the male voices. Lots of repetition with information. The main protagonists is a lawyer who goes after ex-boyfriends who harass and stalk and post revenge porn - I agree this needs to stop and the topic needs more awareness. However, I grew frustrated with the plot. Am I the only person who yells at the speakers in their car when you're listening to an audio book?? LOL!
October 11, 2021
This was a really great story with twists at every turn. Homicide detective Brandon Reynolds is called to an interesting scene; an abandoned car with blood, but no driver. In the car he finds a business card for a local attorney. Leigh Larson vaguely remembers the scared young woman who disappeared and sets out to find her. What follows is twists and turns that point at various suspects. While working together, Leigh and Brandon grow closer and their attraction is electric. I really enjoyed the fast paced nature of this story and the awesome characters that make it extremely entertaining. Totally shocked with some of the events that happen. This is a real page turner that any romantic suspense fan will devour.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
September 29, 2021
I liked this a lot! The heroine occasionally frustrated me, but I thought the hero and heroine were very well matched and I was really rooting for them throughout the book. Was interesting to see revenge porn in one of these books, if my memory serves, that isn't something the author has touched before. It seemed about as matter of fact about the subject as you can get, depressing as it is. As ever, looking forward to the next one.
December 25, 2021
LAST SEEN ALONE
Laura Grifin
So, being born and raised in Texas (Houston Area, not Houston) I thought this might be interesting and jumped on it in a slack reading time (really, how often does this happen?). I actually listened to this one as I was driving quite a bit, and the narrator was ok, so the book had a more ------------ level listen? Know what I mean? But it was ok.
The plot was good, an attorney finds that the police are looking for a possible missing person who might be a client, and then turns out to be a client. The rub here is attorney-client confidentiality and the police who don't know what that is. The client is I think like most, believes they can solve their problem by doing what they want and not listening to the attorney. I mean really, why do people ask the police and attorneys what they should do if they are not going to take the advice to heart? The plot has good twists and turns and only lightly touches the borderline of implausibility.
What I did like was that Griffin sticks with the protocols of evidence investigation and uses some good insight into the forensic examination of the evidence. While the romance was hot and heavy
it wasn't too much and didn't take away from the police aspects of the book, although I agreed with the managing attorney in the firm... let the police do their job. I have already lined up another book by this author to see if this was the norm or the fluke.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Laura Grifin
So, being born and raised in Texas (Houston Area, not Houston) I thought this might be interesting and jumped on it in a slack reading time (really, how often does this happen?). I actually listened to this one as I was driving quite a bit, and the narrator was ok, so the book had a more ------------ level listen? Know what I mean? But it was ok.
The plot was good, an attorney finds that the police are looking for a possible missing person who might be a client, and then turns out to be a client. The rub here is attorney-client confidentiality and the police who don't know what that is. The client is I think like most, believes they can solve their problem by doing what they want and not listening to the attorney. I mean really, why do people ask the police and attorneys what they should do if they are not going to take the advice to heart? The plot has good twists and turns and only lightly touches the borderline of implausibility.
What I did like was that Griffin sticks with the protocols of evidence investigation and uses some good insight into the forensic examination of the evidence. While the romance was hot and heavy
it wasn't too much and didn't take away from the police aspects of the book, although I agreed with the managing attorney in the firm... let the police do their job. I have already lined up another book by this author to see if this was the norm or the fluke.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
October 3, 2021
A standalone (that’s unexpected) about a gung-ho lawyer trying to one-up the police with the newer-style Griffin delayed ending: the one where
Something about this is not as smart as Leigh - or the author - think it is; Griffin is really good at creating a sympathetic setting, but even that can’t distract from Leigh’s dumb behavior here.
Something about this is not as smart as Leigh - or the author - think it is; Griffin is really good at creating a sympathetic setting, but even that can’t distract from Leigh’s dumb behavior here.
November 1, 2021
This was a really interesting one just on the subject matter. I really appreciated seeing a subject like revenge porn and how awful it is being addressed in a book like this. I liked both characters, and while I know the focus of Griffin's books aren't going to be the characters or relationship, I do wish there had been a little bit more on that front. Just in general I could have used a little bit more from the end of this. Still, there were some interesting things Griffin did with this one.
July 13, 2024
Laura Griffin is a seasoned writer of Romantic Suspense with many novels under her belt. This book opens with a terrific hook - a women believes she is being followed in her car and runs off into the woods. The next day we have the cops at the scene led by homicide detective Brandon Reynolds - there is blood on the car and a large pool of it in the woods and they suspect murder but there is no body, so Vanessa Adams is listed as missing. Also in the car is a business card belonging to a local attorney Leigh Larson. Brandon interviews Leigh but all she can tell him is that Vanessa had an appointment with her to ask about the ramifications of subletting her apartment - which was way off Leigh's speciality of suing for harrassment, revenge online porno sex tapes and stalking.
After Brandon leaves, Leigh decides that she will do some investigating herself - and this is when things started to unravel for me. All I could think was why would a busy attorney who doesn't know Vanessa or her background from a hole in the ground, who has a newish law firm started up where she is a partner take time out of her incredibly busy workload to hunt down friends, coworkers and family of Vanessa so she can interview them? Of course Brandon finds out about this and one of many conversations follow with him telling her to butt out and she totally ignoring him. I just didn't get it - if Vanessa had been a friend or family it would have made sense but for me this didn't.
There were also a couple of occasions where Leigh stepped into TSTL territory. An incident happened and yet the next day Leigh was wandering around in a rough neighbourhood, in the dark "investigating". On another occasion she warned someone not to do something as it was dangerous and when she was ignored she promptly got in her car to follow!
The romance didn't get too much page time either, the first 100 pages they were hardly together on the page, both doing their investigating. I never got a sense of intimacy between Brandon and Leigh and by that I don't mean sex. There was very little meeting of minds until the very end of the book when they both shared some background and that was very brief and what was shared was less than we had been privy to earlier in the book, for me it was definitely a case of too little too late. There wasn't enough there for me to close the book, sigh with a goofy grin and picture them riding off into the sunset together. So sadly 2 stars from me on this occasion - but I will definitely pick up another Laura Griffin.
I received an ARC from Netgalley, thank you.
After Brandon leaves, Leigh decides that she will do some investigating herself - and this is when things started to unravel for me. All I could think was why would a busy attorney who doesn't know Vanessa or her background from a hole in the ground, who has a newish law firm started up where she is a partner take time out of her incredibly busy workload to hunt down friends, coworkers and family of Vanessa so she can interview them? Of course Brandon finds out about this and one of many conversations follow with him telling her to butt out and she totally ignoring him. I just didn't get it - if Vanessa had been a friend or family it would have made sense but for me this didn't.
There were also a couple of occasions where Leigh stepped into TSTL territory. An incident happened and yet the next day Leigh was wandering around in a rough neighbourhood, in the dark "investigating". On another occasion she warned someone not to do something as it was dangerous and when she was ignored she promptly got in her car to follow!
The romance didn't get too much page time either, the first 100 pages they were hardly together on the page, both doing their investigating. I never got a sense of intimacy between Brandon and Leigh and by that I don't mean sex. There was very little meeting of minds until the very end of the book when they both shared some background and that was very brief and what was shared was less than we had been privy to earlier in the book, for me it was definitely a case of too little too late. There wasn't enough there for me to close the book, sigh with a goofy grin and picture them riding off into the sunset together. So sadly 2 stars from me on this occasion - but I will definitely pick up another Laura Griffin.
I received an ARC from Netgalley, thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
4 1/2 stars
A few Laura Griffin books ago, I made an off-handed comment about not getting too attached to the individual you read about in the opening scene because Laura will make them worm-fodder. Whether she saw that comment or not, she has since turned that observation on its ear and I no longer know what’s going to happen to that person we read about in the opening chapter. Case in point, Last Seen Alone.
Vanessa Adams is the woman the reader meets at the beginning. The last we see of her she is running through woods. Her car’s found, her body’s not; however, there is a lot of blood in the woods. The police can’t consider this a homicide without a body, but all signs point that way.
Enter Detective Brandon Reynolds and Lawyer Leigh Larson. Brandon contacts Leigh because he found her card among Vanessa’s things. Leigh cooperates with Brandon only so far. There’s something about Vanessa’s case that attracts Leigh, perhaps something Leigh understands that she’s not sharing with Brandon.
Laura Griffin’s writing is, as always, flowing and meticulous, with enough hints and red herrings to keep her readers guessing. She serves up a satisfying ending of the mystery and the budding romance between Brandon and Leigh, who are both thankfully mature and interesting to read about. Everything a reader of romantic suspense could want.
Another excellent novel from Laura Griffin.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A few Laura Griffin books ago, I made an off-handed comment about not getting too attached to the individual you read about in the opening scene because Laura will make them worm-fodder. Whether she saw that comment or not, she has since turned that observation on its ear and I no longer know what’s going to happen to that person we read about in the opening chapter. Case in point, Last Seen Alone.
Vanessa Adams is the woman the reader meets at the beginning. The last we see of her she is running through woods. Her car’s found, her body’s not; however, there is a lot of blood in the woods. The police can’t consider this a homicide without a body, but all signs point that way.
Enter Detective Brandon Reynolds and Lawyer Leigh Larson. Brandon contacts Leigh because he found her card among Vanessa’s things. Leigh cooperates with Brandon only so far. There’s something about Vanessa’s case that attracts Leigh, perhaps something Leigh understands that she’s not sharing with Brandon.
Laura Griffin’s writing is, as always, flowing and meticulous, with enough hints and red herrings to keep her readers guessing. She serves up a satisfying ending of the mystery and the budding romance between Brandon and Leigh, who are both thankfully mature and interesting to read about. Everything a reader of romantic suspense could want.
Another excellent novel from Laura Griffin.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2021
Last Seen Alone is the first book I have read or listened to by Laura Griffin. I enjoyed this story and will look for more. Brandon Reynolds is an Austin homicide detective, who is called out to a possible crime scene. There is an abandoned car with blood stains, but no body. The missing owner of the car is Vanessa Adams and in her belongings is a business card for Attorney Leigh Larson. Leigh Larson is a workaholic lawyer, who is making a name for herself taking cases involving sexual harrasment, stalking, revenge porn and personal crimes against women. When a determined cop, Brandon Reynolds, comes to her with questions about what Vanessa Adams needed her services for, Leigh couldn't recall the case or the woman. With Vanessa missing, Brandon tries to reconstruct her recent past and the contact with Leigh is the only clue he has. Leigh is determined to find out what happened to Vanessa and that puts her squarely in Brandon's path and in his case. A case that is not at all as it appears and takes them on a path of misleading evidence and twisted turns.
This is a contemporary romantic suspense story. Both Leigh and Brandon have a physical attraction to the other immediately upon meeting. As they work together trying to figure out whether Vanessa is even still alive and who had reason to harm her, Leigh and Brandon grow closer and their attraction sizzles. I really enjoyed this fast paced story and thought the mystery was done really well. There were clues scattered throughout that had me listening far into the night to find out whodunnit. There were some shocking twists and turns that made it even better. Of course there were some cute scenes with our lead detective, Brandon Reynolds, and lawyer turned part-time sleuth, Leigh Larson. This is a real page turner that any romantic suspense fan will devour. The narration was performed by Cynthia Farrell, a new-to-me narrator. It took me some time to get used to her somewhat stilted, matter-of-fact reading style, but the more I listened, the more I settled in and enjoyed. She does a good job with the voices, but I found her voice rather dry. I do recommend this one, as it it an entertaining story.
This is a contemporary romantic suspense story. Both Leigh and Brandon have a physical attraction to the other immediately upon meeting. As they work together trying to figure out whether Vanessa is even still alive and who had reason to harm her, Leigh and Brandon grow closer and their attraction sizzles. I really enjoyed this fast paced story and thought the mystery was done really well. There were clues scattered throughout that had me listening far into the night to find out whodunnit. There were some shocking twists and turns that made it even better. Of course there were some cute scenes with our lead detective, Brandon Reynolds, and lawyer turned part-time sleuth, Leigh Larson. This is a real page turner that any romantic suspense fan will devour. The narration was performed by Cynthia Farrell, a new-to-me narrator. It took me some time to get used to her somewhat stilted, matter-of-fact reading style, but the more I listened, the more I settled in and enjoyed. She does a good job with the voices, but I found her voice rather dry. I do recommend this one, as it it an entertaining story.
January 15, 2022
'Last Seen Alone' is a standalone by Laura Griffin and I loved its premise to begin with: a missing woman whose business remains a mystery until the end; a lawyer tangentially involved in the case and a detective find themselves trying to solve what really happened the night she disappeared.
Griffin's pacing is spot-on, as is her clever way of revealing only the things we need to know as readers, with the classic hints and draw-aways and red-herrings inserts. But there's a distinct plot pattern that emerges from a portion of Griffin's books: a meddling protagonist (verging on being TSTL) who shoehorns her way into police business because she thinks she knows better, and it's within this very interference that an attraction develops.
Often both start at odds and stay that way because someone plays detective and pokes their nose into where it doesn't belong, but the case does moves along because (and despite) of these developments such that there isn't really a sagging bit.
I didn't feel much affinity with the protagonists however; Leigh Larson's 'I-know -better-because-this-is-my-area-of-practice attitude' got grating soon enough, more so when she deliberately put herself in danger because it felt like the 'right' thing to do, constantly ignoring Brandon's warning not to do so. That Brandon Reynolds sort of gave her a free pass to it without her facing real consequences of her actions because of his attraction to her diminished the strength and integrity of their pairing.
'Last Seen Alone' did feel like a story that has been retold numerous times, with Brandon and Leigh as characters who somehow have found themselves on Griffin's pages before, just with different names and appearances. Its familiarity might have bred a little contempt as is my confession here, simply because I thought Griffin could have done much, much better, especially with a piecemeal romance where both Brandon and Leigh are connected by the case, frequent meetings, and forced proximity rather than anything more.
Griffin's pacing is spot-on, as is her clever way of revealing only the things we need to know as readers, with the classic hints and draw-aways and red-herrings inserts. But there's a distinct plot pattern that emerges from a portion of Griffin's books: a meddling protagonist (verging on being TSTL) who shoehorns her way into police business because she thinks she knows better, and it's within this very interference that an attraction develops.
Often both start at odds and stay that way because someone plays detective and pokes their nose into where it doesn't belong, but the case does moves along because (and despite) of these developments such that there isn't really a sagging bit.
I didn't feel much affinity with the protagonists however; Leigh Larson's 'I-know -better-because-this-is-my-area-of-practice attitude' got grating soon enough, more so when she deliberately put herself in danger because it felt like the 'right' thing to do, constantly ignoring Brandon's warning not to do so. That Brandon Reynolds sort of gave her a free pass to it without her facing real consequences of her actions because of his attraction to her diminished the strength and integrity of their pairing.
'Last Seen Alone' did feel like a story that has been retold numerous times, with Brandon and Leigh as characters who somehow have found themselves on Griffin's pages before, just with different names and appearances. Its familiarity might have bred a little contempt as is my confession here, simply because I thought Griffin could have done much, much better, especially with a piecemeal romance where both Brandon and Leigh are connected by the case, frequent meetings, and forced proximity rather than anything more.
September 15, 2024
This was an example of an author phoning it in. She put the heroine in incredibly stupid situations that were very dangerous and then had her act as if she just needed to "stiffen her backbone". Griffin had to manipulate pretty much every situation to get the heroine out alive, seriously. I despise authorial manipulation, it's lazy writing. The name of the book should have been Too Stupid To Live. Honestly, the hero never really became a fleshed out character, the side detective was better drawn than the hero. Such a waste of a great premise and money. At $9.99, this book is way overpriced. I know I'm being severe with this review, but this author is usually very good and this was so badly plotted and executed that I checked several times to make sure it was a LG book. I hate giving it a one star review, but that's how I really feel.
I'm tired of wasting my time thinking about this anymore, so I'm done with the review. Done with reading Laura Griffin for a while, too. I think I'm going back to Karen Rose or Rachel Grant for romantic suspense.
I'm tired of wasting my time thinking about this anymore, so I'm done with the review. Done with reading Laura Griffin for a while, too. I think I'm going back to Karen Rose or Rachel Grant for romantic suspense.
November 17, 2021
I’ve really enjoyed all of the books I’ve read from Laura and now I’m ready to read anything she puts out.
I really liked Leigh and Brandon. They’re both good, smart people with difficult jobs. Each of them have a big heart and want the best for the people they work with. I also enjoyed getting some of Antonio’s POV and even though this is a stand alone, I would definitely read his story.
Plot wise, it was good. I liked the story and how Leigh and Brandon’s work were intertwined as it made for some great tension. I always love a bit of romance and this relationship progressed naturally, which had me wanting to smash their faces together. The epilogue was fantastic, even if I wanted just a little bit more.
Overall, this was a great read and I can’t wait for the next story from Laura.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Leigh and Brandon. They’re both good, smart people with difficult jobs. Each of them have a big heart and want the best for the people they work with. I also enjoyed getting some of Antonio’s POV and even though this is a stand alone, I would definitely read his story.
Plot wise, it was good. I liked the story and how Leigh and Brandon’s work were intertwined as it made for some great tension. I always love a bit of romance and this relationship progressed naturally, which had me wanting to smash their faces together. The epilogue was fantastic, even if I wanted just a little bit more.
Overall, this was a great read and I can’t wait for the next story from Laura.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
October 8, 2021
I looove Laura Griffin - and really enjoyed this one. It's a stand alone, not part of any of her series. It was really well done. I loved both the hero and heroine. I thought she portrayed stalking and online harassment really well.
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