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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?

498 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2021

40 people are currently reading
22 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Clark O'Neill

23 books246 followers
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.

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5 stars
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59 (35%)
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12 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,630 reviews1,342 followers
June 27, 2022
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.

Posted on Blue Mood Café
Profile Image for Jessica.
282 reviews15 followers
September 1, 2021
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.
Profile Image for Leslie.
32 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2021
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
418 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2021
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 !
Profile Image for Judi Rae.
29 reviews9 followers
May 21, 2021
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!
Profile Image for AmandaJR.
871 reviews8 followers
May 22, 2021
It was everything

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.
Profile Image for Kate.
250 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2021
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.
162 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2021
Another Southern Winner

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.
Profile Image for Amber.
19 reviews
May 22, 2021
Twisty Turny Excellent Ride!

Fun, twisty, turny, romantic tension, and suspense keep you guessing all the way through.

Well crafted story will grab you and keep you hooked until the end!
Profile Image for Saskia.
1,775 reviews52 followers
May 26, 2021
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.

I recommend this book.
314 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2021
So happy Lisa Clark O'Neill wrote another great book

I have read all of this author's books -- everyone of them a fantastic read. Hope she is working on another that will soon be published.
357 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2021
A unusual way to finding love

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 🤔🤗
Profile Image for CrystalGayle.
2 reviews
October 18, 2021
Proof read?

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.
Profile Image for Liz Woolard.
49 reviews
May 26, 2021
Always a twist in plot

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!
45 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2021
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Profile Image for Celticsiren.
291 reviews
June 8, 2021
Everything I have come to expect from Ms. O'Neill's books. Witty dialogue, sassy, strong women, steamy romance and a mystery to tie it all together.
Profile Image for Wendy Johnson.
254 reviews9 followers
June 12, 2021
Excellent! When I sat down to read, it was hard to put down. Did not figure out the mystery until it was revealed at the end.
Profile Image for Rowan.
88 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2021
Gah! This one kept me guessing!

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!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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