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Mystery Lake #1
Defenseless
A murdered woman, a powerful politician, and a witness who’s no longer willing to stay in the shadows.
Eighteen years ago, Bela Houseman became a loose end. The powerful man who murdered her mother knows who she is and exactly what she saw that night. Giving up everything she’s ever known, including her own name, is the only way to protect herself. Now, as the lead cyber security expert at HICC, an elite private security firm, Sabina O’Malley has mostly made peace with her past. Until a postcard arrives on her doorstep that shatters her carefully crafted safety.
There are two things special operative, Chad Warwick knows for certain. The first is that he’s wanted Sabina since his first day at HICC. The second is that she’s hiding something—something big. Her ability to evade questions is practically an art form, though, and the bits and pieces she gives him aren’t enough. They aren’t enough for him to help her. Nor are they enough for him to take a chance and love her the way he wants to.
But when an ambush occurs on a secluded mountain road and Sabina is the target, she knows the killer is finally cleaning house. Now, revealing all her secrets and exposing the truth is the only way she’ll ever be safe. From California to São Paulo to Washington, DC, Chad and Sabina uncover a trail of murder, corruption, and fraud. A trail that could tear them apart just when they’ve finally come together.
Eighteen years ago, Bela Houseman became a loose end. The powerful man who murdered her mother knows who she is and exactly what she saw that night. Giving up everything she’s ever known, including her own name, is the only way to protect herself. Now, as the lead cyber security expert at HICC, an elite private security firm, Sabina O’Malley has mostly made peace with her past. Until a postcard arrives on her doorstep that shatters her carefully crafted safety.
There are two things special operative, Chad Warwick knows for certain. The first is that he’s wanted Sabina since his first day at HICC. The second is that she’s hiding something—something big. Her ability to evade questions is practically an art form, though, and the bits and pieces she gives him aren’t enough. They aren’t enough for him to help her. Nor are they enough for him to take a chance and love her the way he wants to.
But when an ambush occurs on a secluded mountain road and Sabina is the target, she knows the killer is finally cleaning house. Now, revealing all her secrets and exposing the truth is the only way she’ll ever be safe. From California to São Paulo to Washington, DC, Chad and Sabina uncover a trail of murder, corruption, and fraud. A trail that could tear them apart just when they’ve finally come together.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2022
460 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Tamsen Schultz
42 books348 followersTamsen Schultz is the author of several romantic suspense novels and American Kin (a short story published in Line Zero Magazine). In addition to being a writer, she has a background in the field of international conflict resolution, has co-founded a non-profit, and currently works in corporate America. Like most lawyers, she spends a disproportionate amount of time thinking (and writing) about what it might be like to do something else. She lives in Northern California in a house full of males including her husband, two sons, three cats, a dog, and a gender-neutral, but well-stocked, wine rack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 11, 2022
It was going great until Sabina and Chad got together. After that it was too much mush for my taste.
May 5, 2022
I love everything Tamsen Schultz has ever written and her new book, Defenseless, is probably the best of all her books.
I was immediately pulled in and the non-stop action kept me flipping pages faster and faster. This book is incredible. The characters are wonderful, I loved Sabina and her sister so much! The mystery and suspense is intense and the romance is very sweet. This book has it all and I cannot wait for book 2 in this series.
If you're a romantic suspense lover, these books - ANY of Tamsen's books - are your jam.
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC at my request. My thoughts are my own.
I was immediately pulled in and the non-stop action kept me flipping pages faster and faster. This book is incredible. The characters are wonderful, I loved Sabina and her sister so much! The mystery and suspense is intense and the romance is very sweet. This book has it all and I cannot wait for book 2 in this series.
If you're a romantic suspense lover, these books - ANY of Tamsen's books - are your jam.
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC at my request. My thoughts are my own.
January 13, 2024
Defenseless by Tamsen Schultz is a nice blend of romance and mystery. Neither overpowers the other. The plot carries the book. The spice is minimal and mostly closed door. The characters are loveable, and there's a HEA ending.
I've been reading a lot of dark, psychological thrillers and dystopian fiction, so I would not classify it as particular suspenseful. However, I did find it to be an enjoyable and entertaining palate cleanser.
Although it's the first in a series, there isn't a cliffhanger or foreshadowing that would give any hints as to the next. The books in the series are connected through the Warwick family, but I doubt reading them in order is necessary.
I've been reading a lot of dark, psychological thrillers and dystopian fiction, so I would not classify it as particular suspenseful. However, I did find it to be an enjoyable and entertaining palate cleanser.
Although it's the first in a series, there isn't a cliffhanger or foreshadowing that would give any hints as to the next. The books in the series are connected through the Warwick family, but I doubt reading them in order is necessary.
July 4, 2022
Sabina and Chad
This was an excellent start to a new series, and a new-to-me author. I wasn’t sure what to expect when picking this up, but I was pleasantly surprised. There was a large cast of characters introduced, but this was primarily Chad Warwick and Sabina’s story.
Sabina has a secret past and Chad knows she’s hiding things from him. He feels a connection to her but keeps her at arms length for two years because he’s an all or nothing kind of guy and Sabina refuses to give him more than pieces of herself. They move out to Mystery Lake, a small town in the Sierra’s, from DC to start a new office for the security firm they work for. Sabina’s past quickly catches up with her and she realizes her mistake in not trusting Chad with her secrets.
In this book, Chad and Sabina work with their new office and their families to keep Sabina safe and finally get justice for her mother’s murder. It was a great mix of suspense, thrill, mystery and a little romance.
This was an excellent start to a new series, and a new-to-me author. I wasn’t sure what to expect when picking this up, but I was pleasantly surprised. There was a large cast of characters introduced, but this was primarily Chad Warwick and Sabina’s story.
Sabina has a secret past and Chad knows she’s hiding things from him. He feels a connection to her but keeps her at arms length for two years because he’s an all or nothing kind of guy and Sabina refuses to give him more than pieces of herself. They move out to Mystery Lake, a small town in the Sierra’s, from DC to start a new office for the security firm they work for. Sabina’s past quickly catches up with her and she realizes her mistake in not trusting Chad with her secrets.
In this book, Chad and Sabina work with their new office and their families to keep Sabina safe and finally get justice for her mother’s murder. It was a great mix of suspense, thrill, mystery and a little romance.
May 2, 2022
Defenseless is the first in the new Mystery Lake series by Tamsen Schultz. It has a link to her wonderful Doctors Club series through the main characters, Chad and Sabina. Co-workers for two years, they have long been attracted to each other, but it takes a threat from Sabina's past to bring them together. Like all her other books, Defenseless is a wonderful suspense novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The romance is heart-breaking in part but described so well I was rooting for them from the first page to the last. With them setting up a new office for their company, I expected the next book to be about another member of the team. Instead, we can all look forward to seeing more of Chad's delectable cousins. I am grateful for my ARC. The opinions are entirely my own.
May 3, 2022
Excellent start to a new series that fans of the Windsor Series are really going to love. We meet a large cast of characters and I can't wait for more of the Warwick family. This is Chad and Sabina's story. You may remember them from the Doctor's Club books. Coworkers first, both want more but are holding back. Chad isn't stupid and knows she is hiding things. Sabina's past is about to come back with a vengeance.
There is action and suspense, humor, a slow burn hot romance. The cast of characters are intriguing and will leave you wanting more. There are a few appearances by fan favorites from previous series as well. I had to read this one straight through. I was hooked. I loved the ending and can't wait for the next book!
There is action and suspense, humor, a slow burn hot romance. The cast of characters are intriguing and will leave you wanting more. There are a few appearances by fan favorites from previous series as well. I had to read this one straight through. I was hooked. I loved the ending and can't wait for the next book!
May 3, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this first book in Tamsen Schultz's new series, set in northern California.
It is packed with interesting characters, investigators, crooked politician(s), and the search for justice and closure for twin sisters who have been on the run since they saw their mother's murderer as they quietly arrived home late one night when they were eighteen.
A very large family of brothers and cousins are introduced -- most of whom live near the eponymous Mystery Lake. I expect that the following stories in this series may feature others of the same family, their friends and other associates. I'm down to read them all -- it's a must-have series for me.
Thanks to the author for an advanced reading copy; this review is independent and my own.
It is packed with interesting characters, investigators, crooked politician(s), and the search for justice and closure for twin sisters who have been on the run since they saw their mother's murderer as they quietly arrived home late one night when they were eighteen.
A very large family of brothers and cousins are introduced -- most of whom live near the eponymous Mystery Lake. I expect that the following stories in this series may feature others of the same family, their friends and other associates. I'm down to read them all -- it's a must-have series for me.
Thanks to the author for an advanced reading copy; this review is independent and my own.
May 28, 2022
I've read a few Tamsen Schultz books (well series actually, so quite a few books!) and they never fail to be a good read. Defenceless is the first in a new series; Mystery Lake. Like many of her other books, there's a really good blend of thriller and romance here, it isn't too heavy on the romance, but there's certainly more than enough her to make it more than just a thriller with a romantic subplot.
This is a new series, but it is interconnected with some of the other books and series' from Schultz. We have a few mentions of previous characters and characters in this book have appeared before.
This was a good and gripping read that kept me keen to find out how things were going to play out right until the end. Another great start from a strong author; recommended.
This is a new series, but it is interconnected with some of the other books and series' from Schultz. We have a few mentions of previous characters and characters in this book have appeared before.
This was a good and gripping read that kept me keen to find out how things were going to play out right until the end. Another great start from a strong author; recommended.
April 27, 2022
After an initial burst of excitement, Defenseless, the new novel by Tamsen Shultz, slows down just a tad, enough to let you catch your breath, then picks back up and is almost non-stop action until almost the very end. I liked the mention of previous characters, made a good tie-back, but does not overwhelm or erase any of the new action and characters being introduced. I know Tamsen is planning a whole series, but not exactly sure who will be the main stars in the next one. I would think that is a sign for a good writer, just enough to lead in but not enough to give it away!
Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
February 15, 2023
DNF:50% Too Slow & Not Enough Romance
Character Development: Good with interesting backgrounds. Dialogue flowed.
Romance Plot: Very Slow Development~PG-13 Chemistry/Sensuality level: Declaration of love before there was even a kiss. Mature couple: 42/36 years old.
Suspense Plot: Intriguing, but also slow to action. Typical Damsel in Distress, who witnessed a crime, and former Military, alpha male, with lots of powerful connections, who will stop at nothing to save the day.
Writing: Good, but slow, which made it difficult to keep interest. So, DNF’d at about 50%.
This book definitely needed more chemistry, more humor, and more intrigue to keep this reader’s attention.
Character Development: Good with interesting backgrounds. Dialogue flowed.
Romance Plot: Very Slow Development~PG-13 Chemistry/Sensuality level: Declaration of love before there was even a kiss. Mature couple: 42/36 years old.
Suspense Plot: Intriguing, but also slow to action. Typical Damsel in Distress, who witnessed a crime, and former Military, alpha male, with lots of powerful connections, who will stop at nothing to save the day.
Writing: Good, but slow, which made it difficult to keep interest. So, DNF’d at about 50%.
This book definitely needed more chemistry, more humor, and more intrigue to keep this reader’s attention.
January 30, 2023
meh
As enthralling as this tale was, it took far too long for the real plot to emerge. There was so much early fluff that could have been compressed and the later bits elaborated better. I felt that once the story actually took off it lacked and some parts were rushed and got confusing because of it. I found myself constantly rereading certain passages to make sure I was getting it right.
As enthralling as this tale was, it took far too long for the real plot to emerge. There was so much early fluff that could have been compressed and the later bits elaborated better. I felt that once the story actually took off it lacked and some parts were rushed and got confusing because of it. I found myself constantly rereading certain passages to make sure I was getting it right.
August 4, 2023
The book started off very slow. It did not start picking up until about chapter 10 or 11 and even then it remained slow. The book was very predictable. It was more like a bad Lifetime movie that you can’t stop watching!
January 28, 2023
Sounded intriguing and did not disappoint. I found on kindle unlimited, first time author for me and now I find out there are other series. Love the premise and thoroughly enjoyed the main characters. There is a whole slew of characters which I hope means they each get their own story. Corrupt politician, but have no fear this is not a political book. Page turner wanting to know what happens next, wanting to know the characters more. Chad and Sabina were great. I see both sides and the author brought it in before it became repetitive. When something comes out further into the book about Chad, it broke my heart and made me stop and think how something like that probably plays out every day all over the world. Grab it and jump on the Mystery Lake Band Wagon. I am going to have to check out Tamsen Schultz other series. #defenseless #mysterylake #tamsenschuktz #devilsgatepress #kindleunlimited
April 30, 2022
Sabina and her sister used to carry different names. They used to have different lives. They used to be able to spend time together more often.
A conniving man who was dating their mom put an end to her life and their childhoods.
Now grown, can they trust the security folks Sabina works with to help them regain each other?
If they want to survive, the girls might have no choice- if they want to survive.
Can they reclaim living life with less fear and maybe a shared past they can talk about?
action and drama packed edge of your seat adventures with some steamy stuff!
A conniving man who was dating their mom put an end to her life and their childhoods.
Now grown, can they trust the security folks Sabina works with to help them regain each other?
If they want to survive, the girls might have no choice- if they want to survive.
Can they reclaim living life with less fear and maybe a shared past they can talk about?
action and drama packed edge of your seat adventures with some steamy stuff!
March 12, 2024
Excellent 1st in Series!
Defenseless, written by Tamsen Schultz, is the first book in the Mystery Lake series. This is also the first book I have read by this Author, but it won't be the last. The book grabbed me from the first page and kept me engrossed until the last! The book is well written, with wonderful world building and likeable/relatable characters. The storyline is fast paced and has adventure, mystery, intrigue, drama, danger, friendships, family, and love as well as a happily ever after for the main male/female characters. I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
Defenseless, written by Tamsen Schultz, is the first book in the Mystery Lake series. This is also the first book I have read by this Author, but it won't be the last. The book grabbed me from the first page and kept me engrossed until the last! The book is well written, with wonderful world building and likeable/relatable characters. The storyline is fast paced and has adventure, mystery, intrigue, drama, danger, friendships, family, and love as well as a happily ever after for the main male/female characters. I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
April 28, 2022
Defenseless is the first book in the new Mystery Lake Series and is centered in California, although events also take place in other areas including Sao Paolo. There is a lot of intrigue and suspense involving murder, attempted murder, crooked politics and changed identities. The author’s writing style evolves with each new series so there are new reader experiences rather than repetitions like a soap opera. This is an exciting story I’m really looking forward to the rest of this series.
April 28, 2022
Schultz delivers again on mystery, intrigue, and romance in the first book in her Mystery Lake Series. As soon as they set up shop in the CA mountain town, the new cast of characters is challenged by a powerful politician trying to keep an old murder and witness out of sight. Kept me reading until the end. Can’t wait for the next book in the series and how the family and friendships develop. Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
April 29, 2022
If you have not read any of Tamsen's novels, you don't know what you're missing. I started with her Drs. club series and have been hooked ever since. This new Mystery Lake series is nothing but spectacular in my opinion. Just the right amount of action, suspense and heat between Chad and Sabina, who both work for HICC in different capacities. I'm so looking forward to more in this series!
I received an advanced reader copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced reader copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2024
Only took 18 years to get justice.
Great read. Good characters. Good moves for Chad and Sabina, how they liked each other but secrets kept them struggling with their relationship. All the others involved could see it. The sisters trying to hide after witnessing their mother's killer and on the run for 18 years. Discovered and had to deal with trying for justice. Try it you'll like it.
Great read. Good characters. Good moves for Chad and Sabina, how they liked each other but secrets kept them struggling with their relationship. All the others involved could see it. The sisters trying to hide after witnessing their mother's killer and on the run for 18 years. Discovered and had to deal with trying for justice. Try it you'll like it.
May 9, 2022
An exciting first book in a new series.
Defenseless, by Tamsen Schultz, is an exciting first book in a new series. Teenage twins Bela and Nala, accidentally witness the murder of their mother. This begins an escape and long journey of hiding and living separate lives until circumstances bring them together again. Will they find justice for their mother?
Defenseless, by Tamsen Schultz, is an exciting first book in a new series. Teenage twins Bela and Nala, accidentally witness the murder of their mother. This begins an escape and long journey of hiding and living separate lives until circumstances bring them together again. Will they find justice for their mother?
May 18, 2022
loved it
I have read all of Tamsen’s book to date. Felt like I waited forever for Chad’s story. Especially since he seemed lonely in all the books he showed up in. Sabina seemed sad while working with Nora on her case. Happy endings. Can not wait to hear what happens with Kara. As always keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
I have read all of Tamsen’s book to date. Felt like I waited forever for Chad’s story. Especially since he seemed lonely in all the books he showed up in. Sabina seemed sad while working with Nora on her case. Happy endings. Can not wait to hear what happens with Kara. As always keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
May 20, 2022
Awesome
I really enjoy reading the books by this author they slowly wrap you into the story and then next thing you know you have done an another all- nighter!
This book does not disappoint in that department, I loved Sabrina and Chad and the secondary characters I look forward to reading more of this series. Oh and catching little glimspes of those from previous books.
I really enjoy reading the books by this author they slowly wrap you into the story and then next thing you know you have done an another all- nighter!
This book does not disappoint in that department, I loved Sabrina and Chad and the secondary characters I look forward to reading more of this series. Oh and catching little glimspes of those from previous books.
April 27, 2022
Loved it. Fantastic romantic suspense. Interesting characters with unusual back stories. I eagerly await the next one in this new series. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
May 11, 2022
Whenever I read a Tamsen Schultz book I know there will be suspense, lots of interesting characters, twists and turns and romance.
Defenseless is no exception, can’t wait for book #2 in the Mystery Lake Series.
Defenseless is no exception, can’t wait for book #2 in the Mystery Lake Series.
May 13, 2022
I found this book very exciting. Each player in this book deserves a book of their own. Hopefully it will happen. The plotting and planning to reach an end was terrific.
I highly recommend reading this.
I highly recommend reading this.
May 24, 2022
What a griping story.
I like the way this book starts, it pulls you in immediately. The love story and the final end are full of twists and turns. What a great read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I like the way this book starts, it pulls you in immediately. The love story and the final end are full of twists and turns. What a great read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 1, 2022
such a great read!
This book was everything I thought it’d be! I love the character developments, the twin sisters make you appreciate your siblings more. The plot was well written and I love all the characters that played a part in this book.
This book was everything I thought it’d be! I love the character developments, the twin sisters make you appreciate your siblings more. The plot was well written and I love all the characters that played a part in this book.
November 3, 2022
Excellent!
This book has everything I love in a book. It has interesting, enjoyable characters, a great mystery, romance, and an interesting setting. The story is well written and moves along at a good speed. I really love this book and will read more by this author.
This book has everything I love in a book. It has interesting, enjoyable characters, a great mystery, romance, and an interesting setting. The story is well written and moves along at a good speed. I really love this book and will read more by this author.
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June 19, 2023Not the type of book that I'm going to read again. I somewhat had problems with the point of view of the main characters. They seemed to swapped within a chapter. Not all to problematic if some sort of scene divider was in place, but there wasn't any. Let me bring it down to two words: nice book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews