When the search for a missing woman brings private detective James Wellington to Rabun County, Georgia, he finds more than he bargained for – including an instant spark with the county sheriff’s younger sister, Willow McCloud. The cold case heats up as a string of break-ins and a seemingly unrelated murder put James at the center of a violent storm. Under fire and under suspicion, James finds himself in both professional and personal free fall. Can he save his reputation – and Willow – from an elusive killer before it’s too late?
One fine day in the not-too-distant past, Lisa Clark O’Neill left Wittenberg University with a BA in English, which she promptly neglected. After working as an interior designer, decorative artist, and Montessori art teacher (there may have been a BA in art as well,) she finally settled into the role of mother to two very fine children. However, two years of doing the stay-at-home-mom brain cell melt drove her to pull out a pen and one of her old college notebooks. That turned into six manuscripts. Lisa spent subsequent years avoiding housework by burying her nose in just about every romance novel she could get her hands on, after completely falling in love with the genre. Her own work falls into the romantic suspense sub-genre, with strong comedic undertones. Two of Lisa's recent novels, Circumstantial Evidence and Malice, were chosen as Best Reads of 2015.
the setup… James Wellington is a private investigator from Charleston who is pursuing a lead related to one of his cases, a woman who’s been missing for 15 months. It’s brought him to Lakemont, Georgia in Rabun County and though he’s not optimistic, James feels obligated to see it through for his friend. One of the first persons he meets is Willow McCloud, a fascinating woman who owns and operates an outdoor destination company, and there’s an immediate connection. Trouble is that she’s the younger sister of the sheriff and James seems to have brought an unusual spate of criminal activity with him.
the heart of the story… The prologue actually details the moment Cassandra Collins went missing so it was a pretty chilling start. James is from the Wellington family who was introduced in the Southern Comfort series but it isn’t necessary to have read those books. He’s the youngest and the one we knew very little about, though I was happy about the crossover. Willow is a free spirit, extremely athletic and was no one’s stereotypical “baby sister.” She has serious skills and can handle herself. I loved their banter and interplay, which paved the way for the ramp up to something more passionate. It made sense and didn’t feel like instalove as a consequence. Things got really dangerous, however, as the mystery surrounding James’ case seemed to find its center in Lakemont.
the bottom line… The story didn’t lack for suspects, including some red herrings, but it was difficult to eliminate anyone because it wasn’t clear what happened to Cassandra, the why and if she was even still alive. I enjoyed assembling and dissecting the clues but was just as drawn to James and Willow. Their romance and relationship is fresh and unconventional. And! There’s an adorable dog named Lump in the middle of it all that brought cuteness and smiles. The resolution of the mystery was interesting, some I’d figured out but most a revelation. I’m a fan of the McCloud siblings and adding a Wellington just made this a great reading experience.
I love the fast-paced story, sharp banter, and chemistry coming off the pages in waves. There is a formula to romantic suspense, sure, but this author consistently succeeds with it. Can’t wait for her next book.
As usual Lisa brought her A game. Very witty (totally enjoyed the snarkiness) and as usual laughed at loud. As her books always involve a criminal mystery it was once again a puzzle to solve. I so enjoy the journey and love story that she takes us on. The romance is always tastefully done without feeling one is in a porn movie but with real feeling. I love the fact that it is not the focus of the book but an enhancement. As usual when I started the book didn’t put it down until I fell asleep. Love this writer
This is such a great book ! Lisa Clark O'Neill is definitely one of my favorite authors. She has feisty female characters and great storylines. Her thrillers are fabulous. Even though there is often darkness in the plot, there is always that touch of humor. Her focus on The South is great. I highly recommend all of her books !
Lisa’s books are always entertaining, edge of your seat who dunnits that leave you guessing and this book is no exception. It had me guessing until the end. The characters are well written and had just enough to snark to make you laugh. The romantic aspect was well done and not so over the top to make me feel like I was reading another romance novel. I can’t wait for the next installment!
It was everything I didn’t know I needed! While I have read all of Ms. O’Neill’s books, it’s been a while since I have read the book that James was in and I don’t really remember it...but with that said, you don’t need to have read any previous books to follow the story line. Which is amazing! (The story is amazing not the fact that you don’t need to have read any of the previous books) Willow is my new girl crush and James is just yummy. I love the banter between these two, and I can’t wait to see more of them in other books in this series.
Lisa Clark O'Neill has done it again! I have literally read all of her books at this point. She does romantic suspense really well. This is the second book in her Rabun County series and is the story of Willow, Sutton's sister from Slowburn, and James, a Wellington brother from the Southern Comfort series. James is a PI on the search for a missing woman. His investigation takes him to Rabun Co where he and Willow have a hilarious meet-cute. Sparks fly while baddies are unmasked. Can't wait for Ethan's story to round out the McCloud family's story.
I love reading Lisa Clark O'Neill's books. Her books are a mix of mystery, romance, & humor. Free Fall is set in a small rural mountain town in the northern Georgia. Characters include a sheriff, PI, tomahawk/knife throwing store owner, murderer, & my favorite character Chuck, also known as Lump. Relax, get comfortable, & enjoy Free Fall. I just wish Lisa could write a little faster.
The second book book in a new series taking place in the beautiful mountains of Georgia.
I won't say to much about the story because I don't want to spoil anything, but I was surprised when the plot was finally revealed. I had to force myself to stop reading because I needed to go yo bed.
The main characters were very likeable and I really enjoyed their interactions and pet with a lot if character is always a bonus in a story.
James and Willow had a ruff way to finding their everlasting love. To much mayhem for me. A lot of mystery that I couldn't solve. Love the location and details. Great job 🤔🤗
Do people not proof read or edit anymore? It's an annoying distraction and pulls me out of the story. Thankfully this is just a pallet cleanser for a much heavier book I just finished.
Great intriguing plot with very well developed characters and connections. One of those books that is very difficult to put down and is very worth the read!
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I kept getting interrupted as I started this book so I kept forgetting little details. When I finally had a stretch of time to dive in, I was fully engaged but had missed a few things. This didn’t detract at all which is a testament to Lisa’s skill.
I am sentimental about this one anyway, as I had a long lost pet who reminded me of Lump. I really loved the characters and while none of my suspects ended up being the killer, it was a fun exercise. Great book and a series I really enjoy!