Mine By Design

by Becky Moore

When Abby Markham witnesses the murder of a local cop with ties to a political dynasty, she finds herself not only in the crosshairs of a killer, but also on the radar of a powerful US senator. The clock is ticking for her survival, and Detective Ben Owens knows the best way to keep Abby safe is to keep her close. But as the danger escalates, so does their attraction. With their backs against the wall, Ben and Abby will risk everything to make sure she survives a dangerous web of political corruption, lies, and deceit.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2021

About the author

Becky Moore is a lifelong southerner with a penchant for storytelling and a propensity to try anything at least once. As a result, she can make an adventure out of any situation. She loves to read and write contemporary romance, and romantic suspense. In her down time, she's an avid gardener, hiker, kayaker, bicyclist, swimmer, and community volunteer. She spent over a dozen years working as a writer, graphic artist, photographer and PR whiz in the pharmaceutical advertising, hi-tech, performing arts, and HIV/AIDS (grantwriting) fields before venturing into her current status of author, freelance writer and adjunct instructor. Becky is a PAN member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as a member of SCBWI, and the North Carolina Writer's Network.

Keep up with Becky at www.BeckyMoore.net.

Reviews

[Bookreviewgirl_xo · Rating 4 out of 5]

*The ARC copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review*

My Rating - 3.75/5

Abby found herself witnessing someone being murdered; a police officer whom she tried to save but simply unable to given by the fact that he'd been shot. She met Ben when he went to her house to take her statement regarding her murder witnessing as well as investigating about why her alarm bell rang these past few days when she wasn't home. The attraction between them was undeniable. Soon Ben realized Abby's life was in danger. Since then they found themselves wrapped up in a pretty dangerous situation and discovered some unexpected secrets. But both Ben and Abby stuck together throughout the whole time and found themselves falling in love with each other.

My Feelings -

- It was so painful to read when the police officer was dying and Abby was accompanying him!😭

- So I don't understand why did Steven look so surprise learning about Abby and Ben? I mean, he was babysitting Abby when Ben asked him to when the day Ben went to take Abby's statement, right? I'm confused. Did I read that part wrong or something?

- Okay, the author really should've either stick with the name Steve or Steven or cleared the part that both were the same person. Because at some places she mentioned them like both were different. I almost thought they're siblings. 😕

- I liked Abby and Ben's relationship because they conversed a lot which basically lacked in most of the books. It's a nice change.

- What was in the second time capsule? We never learned that. Ugh!

- I really liked Jim, Abby's assistant and Mike.

- The last twist literally blown my mind. Wasn't expecting that at all. Holy shitface!

- There wasn't any steamy scenes which was a bummer tbh! But they did make out with passion a lot.😉

- No epilogue.😒

I liked this book. Specially the mysterious & thriller aspect and the romance part was a plus point because I loved Abby & Ben's relationship. I definitely suggest this book but there were definitely some point when I was pretty confused and felt unsatisfied.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mine by Design is really a thriller with a romantic theme running through it. While Ben and Abby are attracted to one another from the moment that they meet and this attraction grows into a relationship, the main storyline here is actually the threat that they find themselves in the middle of.
After digging up a time capsule in the grounds of the house that she has bought, Abby finds herself in the middle of a great deal of danger. Not only has someone been setting off the alarm on her property, but she also comes across a policeman who has been attacked and is dying. Before long, things escalate even further and Abby finds that her life is being threatened.
The story is interesting and had me guessing what was going to happen right until the end. There were a few things that I spotted before they were revealed, but there were plenty of twists and turns that I didn't guess. As I mentioned before, the romance element of this story takes second place to the main thriller element. Having said that, Abby and Ben work well together and it doesn't feel tacked on to the rest of the book. It works well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, WAY back in the day, if a book had a pirate ship on the front it was coming home with me. I spent a lot of time (and money) reading those books and I don't regret one second. But I have to say that I'm so drawn now to romantic suspense written by men AND women. John Sandford, C. J. Box, Lisa Gardner, Sandra Brown, Jayne Ann Krentz, J. D. Robb, David Baldacci, Stuart Woods...just to name a few. "Mine by Design" had all the things I love. Strong woman lead with a sexy, tough Police Detective standing by to keep her alive and maybe fall in love too. Highly recommend this book by an up-and-coming author. Looking forward to her next novel.

[Karen Mccraw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book after a recommendation at our book club.  I don't normally read romance, but this one was billed as action/suspense/romance so I thought I'd give it a try.  I enjoyed the fast paced story.  From the first scenes where Abby was witnessing the death of a police officer, you were drawn to her gentleness/strength.  Her relationship with Ben, the police officer assigned to protect her, was also fast paced and fun to read.  Just the right amount of suspense there also.  The story line twists towards the end of the book were fun to watch unfold also.  Really enjoyed the book.   Maybe a sequel in the works for the Apex PD?

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun entertaining read for a thriller. I liked both main characters. I loved their chemistry and well they work together ALSO how their relationship didn't interfere with resolving the case.
I liked the twists and turns and although I guessed some the book never become boring.
Overall a fantastic read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kat Doran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Energetic, interesting plot. Well drawn characters. Steamy romance. Who could ask for more?
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

[Christy Warthen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing!

The plot is engaging from paragraph one to the final word. The characters are well developed and genuine. I loved Ben and Abby’s journey.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

[Natalie and Jeremy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read with suspense and action. Strong female lead and interesting characters. Romance without being cheesy, feels realistic with interesting twist in plot.

[Dolly Sickles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopefully readers will see that somewhere along the line, politicians started focusing more on themselves than on the people they serve, and they’ll get a glimpse into the corruption and greed that drive powerful men to do bad things to powerless people.

*Originally published at Frolic: https://frolic.media/romantic-suspens...