Forbidden attraction
This story has characteristics of a suspense thriller / investigative drama for good part of the book until it changes into to romantic suspense, then largely romance. Icy FBI agent Evie is on the hunt for a serial killer, but somehow in this quest she comes to know the unsub in a way that tests her, even elicits feelings in her, and likewise he is drawn to her. But the adventure is paved in brokenness.
This story was exceedingly well-written. This author has range -- from science fiction, to paranormal, to contemporary romantic suspense. In Her Vigilante, I felt as if I were reading a slice of law enforcement, the day-to-day of the FBI agents' Evie and Jeremiah's partnership, their vices, the agents' begrudging affection for each other, as well as the forbidden feelings for the Vigilante. I loved understanding Evie's brokenness, in bits and pieces discovering the cause, yet seeing her strength on display despite her past troubles. Equally, the hero was portrayed with complexity, also broken, yet a spirit of wonder, warmth, and alpha male gritty darkness. He and Evie's attraction was heart-pumping, fire in temerity; the passion of the love scenes was a mixture of resistant, dominance, and all-consuming surrender. These played like movies in the mind. While not a lot of love scenes, the ones that occurred were fervent and striking and appropriate for this romantic suspense tale. They were absolutely explosive.
I was particularly charmed by all the characters. They were so uniquely appealing, struggling from traumatic pasts. They complemented each other, particularly their individual backgrounds and stories. I was sympathetic to all of them. I experienced all the feels for the hero, one of the most compelling and complex heroes I've read, exuding a range of divergent traits, including and most remarkable to me, tenderness and predatory traits, harmoniously linked.
I didn't find the story dark, nor traditionally taboo, but others might characterize it as such given some of the themes.
My only quip with the storyline was that it took a bit to establish itself. It seemed to take off closer to the halfway point, and by then I believed I was reading a suspense thriller rather than a romance. The romance, though, when it arrived evoked such feeling that I was very moved by the end of the book. Excellent writing, endearing characters, and great story. 4.5 stars