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Beautiful Sinners #3

Finding Peace: A Second Chance Found Novel

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One moment was all it took...


When ex-military sniper turned FBI poster boy Luke Pierce meets a drunk and sexy stranger at a bar, he comes close to breaking his rigid control over his emotions. He never expected to see her again, especially not walking into his office several weeks later to report for her first day on his task force.


What begins as a dream job for newly independent Allie quickly turns into a minefield of jealous office flings and run-ins with dangerous criminals, not to mention the knee-buckling kisses with her hot and cold (but mostly hot) partner.


For Luke, resisting Allie once was hard enough, and now that she’s walked back into his world with her intelligence, halo of blonde hair and curves to drive a man insane, he starts to wonder if the life he never dared hope for is within his reach.


But when their scorching connection puts Allie in the sights of the serial killer they’re hunting, suddenly solving this case is an even bigger priority than before. To keep Allie safe, Luke knows he must let her go…but will doing so be the end of them both?

313 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2021

31 people are currently reading
603 people want to read

About the author

Dawn Lockhart

6 books29 followers

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5 stars
36 (22%)
4 stars
45 (28%)
3 stars
50 (31%)
2 stars
16 (10%)
1 star
11 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Angela D.
221 reviews19 followers
March 18, 2021
This is the first novel I've read by Dawn Lockhart and she did not disappoint.
Finding Peace is a romantic suspense book about FBI agent Luke and newly assigned psychologist Allie.

Luke has been searching for a serial killer and his boss thinks bring in the psychologist will help them get a different look at the case and catch the murderer.

They both have pasts that torture and torment them everyday. I really enjoyed the connection between the characters.
I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for unexpected turns, passionate moments and amazing chemistry.

Thank you to the author Dawn Lockhart for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Renee (BookLoveWithRenee).
274 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2021
Finding Peace
*ARC Review*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
@authordawnlockhart_

Luke is an FBI agent working to find a serial killer. Allie is brought in to help. They both try to ignore their feelings & stay professional, but the attraction is just too strong.

This book is so emotional! I smiled with tears I'm my eyes. I was pissed. I got all hot & bothered. I cried & my heart broke. Then I ended with all kinds of warm & fuzzies. Luke is dark, hot, and takes charge. The images Dawn paints of him in his FBI gear and bulletproof vest did something to me 🥵

This is my first read by Dawn & I love her writing style! She is descriptive & creates amazing, well developed characters. There are a few brief references to human trafficking and death, but nothing too harsh. I would definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Tristina Brockway.
Author 7 books135 followers
February 19, 2021
Luke and Allie have a story that's all their own. There's plenty of heat, romance, suspense, action, and much more!

"𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚."

You'll be glad to know that there's a beautiful HEA but the journey is brutal. My heart broke so many times and just when I thought it would mend it broke again. But it's definitely worth it and there are many beautiful moments along the way.

Dawn Lockhart is a new to me author. After reading Finding Peace I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from her in the future!
Profile Image for Daphne Elliot.
Author 30 books1,295 followers
March 26, 2021
Romantic suspense is not my usual genre, but I wanted to give this a try and it did not disappoint! It was like watching a true crime Netflix show only with heat and feels!

Ali is an amazing heroine, plucky, smart and confident. I loved watching her grow throughout this book.

And Luke - is dark and moody - but oh so hot.

Working together to catch a serial killer - these two have explosive chemistry and some serious angst. I LOVED it. Dark and mysterious with a few well timed gut punches finished with a perfect HEA.

Dawn is so talented. Download today!
Profile Image for Arii | The Bookaholic Next Door.
179 reviews32 followers
March 28, 2021
『ɪ ʀᴇᴄɪᴇᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀᴅᴠᴀɴᴄᴇᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀꜱ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ』

Key:
☆ = No Star
★ = Full Star
⭑ = ¼ Star
✦ = ½ Star
⁂ = ¾ Star

𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ★★★✦☆ 《3.5》

~ 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ~
This book was an alright read. It's a romance between an ex-military sniper turned FBI by the name of Luke Pierce and Allie, a girl who works together with Luke as a newly assigned psychologist. Their first meeting was at a bar but quickly escalated to them going to Allie's with the intention of hooking up. They never got that far though because when they arrived, Luke did the gentlemanly thing, and went home because Allie was too drunk. However, he couldn't let such a beauty go without leaving something for her to remember him by so he left his phone number along with any other way she could contact him when she gets sober. Soon after, turns put Allie is the new psychologist who is helping Agent Pierce catch a serial killer. My favourite scenes were probably when they were working on the case. That may be due to my love for crime and thriller associated things. If this book was a movie or television show, I would definitely binge-watch it!

Although this book started really well, there were some things that I would have preferred to be different. For instance, I would have liked more background on the characters, especially Luke. At least with Allie, I got a couple of memories, which I'm not entirely happy with either. I won't say much so I don't spoil the book but I find it very hard to believe that after finding out what Allie's triplet sister did, that she didn't at least feel betrayed for even a second. Personally, some things in the case didn't make sense to me either. While reading, I was also trying to solve the case, I was in full Criminal Minds mode. As I continued reading, some things in the case just didn't add up. They just weren't logical enough. That was probably my for me though because my brain that likes to investigate everything. Lastly, one thing I didn't understand or like for a matter, was Luke's relationship with Hannah. I get that they used each other as a distraction but that's as far as my understanding would go. Although, with all that aside, the book was enjoyable.


༄ IF YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT THE BOOK, OR CHECK OUT MORE OF MY REVIEWS HERE IS MY INSTAGRAM! FEEL FREE TO DM ME ABOUT ANYTHING!
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦:
@𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳
(All other socials are in the link in my Instagram Bio)
Profile Image for annasbook nookk.
959 reviews74 followers
March 1, 2021
This is the novel I've read by Dawn and she did not disappoint.
Its not my usual genre i read but i really enjoyed it.
Finding Peace is a romance suspense book that's based on Luke and Allie.
Two Souls with tragic pasts.
Luke a FBI agent, dark, hot, tormented man and Allie a psychologist, beautiful, strong and also reeling from the past.
They end up working together and the rest of the story is full of angst, action, drama and spice.
This is a must read!!
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,044 reviews23 followers
March 1, 2021
Romantic Suspense!!
Angsty,Hot and action packed.
Luke Pierce is a FBI agent who’s the obsession of a serial killer.
Allie joins his team and becomes a target after they have a one night stand.
There relationship is on again off again.

“We were bound to burn up, Angel. We felt all of it from the moment we met, and the situation we were in was intense. But the good thing about flames is that from the ashes always comes new life...”

I will say there was one scene towards the end that I wasn’t-happy with but it other than that it was a very enjoyable-read.
Profile Image for Blender.
447 reviews13 followers
May 17, 2022
I can’t stand cheating…. And I do consider it cheating when the h finds him smelling of sex with his ow after all the drama they had been through, when he swears he loves her so much and can’t wait to be a family…. But was having sex when she knocked on his front door…. That is NOT love
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for K.
7 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2022
Just no! Basically he cheats on her 🤦🏻‍♀️ & I don’t wanna hear they are not together bla bla. Just stay away
Profile Image for reader_dreamer_4life.
938 reviews30 followers
February 18, 2021
Finding Peace is a romantic suspense story that will have you gripped from the first until the very last word.
FBI Agent Luke hasn't forgotten about the 'angel' he met in a bar weeks ago. The last thing he expected was to see Allie his ray of light, his sunshine, his angel, walk into his office as the newly assigned FBI Behavioural consultant.
The undeniable connection between these two is consuming, steamy, and soul deep. However their journey to a HEA is far from all sunshine and rainbows. Not only must they work together to catch a murderer but Luke is beyond conflicted about Allie. He wants her, he needs her, he wants to keep her safe, and he feels he is too dark for all her light.
The angst, the push and pull, the steam, the suspense, and the action, had my Kindle burning up, my heart aching, pounding, and warming, and me biting my nails with anticipation, praying these two would get a HEA, and feeling utterly frustrated particularly with Luke and a number of his 'decisions'.
I adored Allie, while she carried some scars on her soul she was sweet, smart, sassy, and strong. Luke the sexy broody alpha who also carried many scars on his soul had me like.... aaaahhhhh... I wanted to hug him, shake him, slap him, and finally be the little spoon to his big spoon.
This book may have taken me on an emotional rollercoaster but the beautiful conclusion to Luke and Allie's journey left me with a big smile and a warmed heart.
Profile Image for Lizzie Stanley.
Author 11 books218 followers
March 11, 2021
Holy moly.

I've never really been interested in romantic thrillers before. Nothing against them, they've just never been on my radar. I read TRUE crime, and I read romance novels. They seemed pretty separate in my head.

This is one of the best books I've read this year so far.

One of my priorities as a reader is: are the characters believable? Are they realistically drawn, or are they idealised plot devices that couldn't exist outside of bookland?

I wanted to headbutt Luke sometimes, but if anything that made me love him all the more.

Allie was superb. I stan my girl Allie.

And the killer is deliciously creepy and sinister.

The crime/FBI procedural aspect of it was again not an idealised colour by numbers, and there were some real "oh my god" moments I was not expecting and did not see coming. And the emotional toll it took on both the characters and me as a reader was a totally thrilling rollercoaster.

Genuinely blown away, and have a SEVERE book hangover. How the hell am I going to follow this gem?

Probably by buying Dawn Lockhart's entire back catalogue, to be honest.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
646 reviews10 followers
February 20, 2021
Dawn Lockhart - Finding Peace
💫 REVIEW💫
Due to release March 1st 🖤
So a few weeks ago I got a message asking if I’d be interested in reading this book. After reading the blurb I decided that this would definitely be something I enjoy. I usually read crime or romance but it’s not very often that they have much overlap. This book blurs the lines of both genres for me and it was an enjoyable read. Luke definitely has a history and not just his terrible taste in women, so when Allie bursts into his life he isn’t sure how to take the situation. Allies past is something she’s trying to put behind her and move on. She’s new to New York and is ready to take on the world one serial killer at a time.
The story was interesting and I loved watching the developments in both the case they were working and the feelings they had for each other.
Overall I would recommend this to people who enjoy both genres. It was written well and had the HEA that was needed.
Profile Image for Bookstagram3172.
315 reviews21 followers
February 22, 2021
I received an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
I really like the premise of this book. After meeting in a bar with such a strong attraction to each little did they know they would end up working on a murder case together. An FBI agent with a dark past touched by war and a young psychologist still coming to terms with her own heartbreak, this book had me wanting to keep on reading. The plot was strong and I needed to find out more. It had touches of a thriller with the added romance.
The chemistry between these two main characters was electric, but they couldn’t let this get in the way of their work, could they???
I would definitely recommend this if you like a murder/mystery come office romance.
Profile Image for thehotmesslibrary.
826 reviews21 followers
February 25, 2021
Finding Peace by Dawn Lockhart is a romantic suspense story that focuses on the characters Allie and Luke. Allie and Luke have an instant connection to each other, but one of the doesn’t do commitment and the other has scars from a previous relationship. But this isn’t the only dilemma, both are thrown together to catch a serial killer, before he catches them!

Allie and Luke have an instant attraction with a super steamy connection. At times Luke was really rigid in his stance of not having a commitment with someone, but he just can’t seem to escape his ‘angel’ who is strong, smart and sassy. Do note that there are times where his bullheadedness doesn’t help the situation!

Allie is just one of those characters that you connect with straight away and I loved that she wasn’t jaded, and her new job is a fresh start for her. Overall, a good, suspenseful read with characters that have a steamy connection.

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Profile Image for MyDogAteMyBookReview.
212 reviews46 followers
February 21, 2021
I love this series, a lot!

Luke, you growly, moody bastard. I love him! 😂 he’s the perfect combination of brooding and caring. He’s been on the job so long he’s become jaded and he really wants to solve this serial killer who taunts him. Every new victim haunts him.

Allie is new to the FBI, she isn’t jaded yet. She has her own reasons for wanting to profile. She has scars from her own personal case.

These two meet at a bar, having no idea they’re soon to be co-workers and sparks fly.... it’s a hell of a meet cute the next morning 😂
Profile Image for Michaella Dieter.
Author 13 books237 followers
February 24, 2021
Dawn Lockhart is a new to me author. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There was plenty to like about it...well written with plenty of action, suspense and mystery, it keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens. I enjoy books that make you think you've figured it out, but then it ends up being different, and this did that for me for one of the characters. There's also some angst and heartbreak, but does have a HEA.

⚠️ OW drama, H being with someone else after meeting h.

Unfortunately, I was not a fan of Luke's. I didn't like the way he treated Allie, his 'will I, won't I' changeable moods, how he didn't fight for her, or the whole Hannah situation. Although the HEA did put some of that right, it wasn't enough to change my mind. I was actually rooting for Oliver 😆

Overall, I did enjoy it for the most part... the mystery, suspense, FBI and serial killer aspects keeping my attention.
Profile Image for Loveromancebooks21.
393 reviews6 followers
February 24, 2021
Finding Peace is the first book that I have read by Dawn Lockhart and I absolutely loved it. It is a romantic suspense story that is really gripping. I don't usually read Crime novels but after I read the blurb I really liked the premise of the book.

Luke is an FBI agent working to find a serial killer. Allie is a Behavioural Consultant bought in to help on the case. They first meet in a bar when Allie first moves to town for her new job, imagine their surprise when Allie is bought in to consult on Luke's case. They both try to ignore their feelings and their mutual attraction to each other but their chemistry is just too strong.

The characters are really well developed and the story is full of angst, drama and action but they do get a HEA. I can't recommend this book enough and I look forward to reading more from Dawn.
Profile Image for thenerdybookworm_.
1,646 reviews66 followers
February 28, 2021
Luke is an FBI agent tasked with finding a serial killer. He meets Allie at a bar and take her home. Little does he know that Allie is the psychologist called in to help him with the case. Luke and Allie have immense chemistry right from the start, but because they end up as partners they try to distance themselves from each other.

This story is full of twists and turns, and will put you through an emotional wringer. Dawn Lockhart is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more from her on the future.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,532 reviews80 followers
March 8, 2021
Emotional and Suspenseful Story!

WOW! This is the first book I have read by this amazing author and it will definitely not be the last. Luke and Allie take us on an emotional journey that will have you laughing, crying and falling head over heels for these two amazing people.

Their story is filled with mystery, action, suspense, thrills, passion and plenty of steamy moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what would happen next.

I loved this story. It was well written, with amazing characters and a storyline that left me feeling all gushy inside!
Profile Image for Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm.
1,333 reviews18 followers
March 4, 2021
Combining romance with crime worked for this book. I do prefer romance with an edge because sugary sweet ones can be tiresome.

The book was a little rough in the beginning as we witness Luke picking up Allie in a bar. But once the story moves pass that, I was watching a steamy suspenseful romance unfold.

Both MCs have their issues that haunt them or dog their footsteps. A bit heartbreaking and frustrating at the same depending on which character you’re referring to. I loved Allie but wanted to strangle Luke at times. You’ll understand when you read the book.

Some parts didn’t surprise me especially regarding Luke’s exes while others took me a bit by surprise. Their romance may get the HEA at the end but they have to clear quite a few hurdles and take out a serial killer.

* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jenifer Briggs.
1,520 reviews191 followers
March 4, 2021
Dawn is a new to me author, and such a darn sweetheart, so when she asked me to read her new book, I couldn't say no! I'm such a sucker for a food romantic suspense, and the fact that I was binging Criminal Minds during the time I was reading this book didn't hurt either.😂😂

So here we have Luke and Allie, two perfect strangers who share an intense connection over a chance meeting in a crowded new York bar. But it turns out there's a luck of fate on their side: Allie is the new psychologist that has been called to help solve the FBI case Luke is hellbent on solving. Their connection and chemistry is fierce, and even though at times I didn't necessarily like Luke, I still very much enjoyed this book. The serial killer aspect was done very well, and kept my attention the entire time! I'm looking forward to seeing what else this new author will be releasing!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Profile Image for nothing but amazing books Lacey Threapleton Wygerde.
617 reviews11 followers
March 1, 2021
This is my first books that’s I have read Dawn Lockhart and I really enjoyed it I was romance suspense .I was hooked right from the start . I love how Luke and Allie relationship grow . It’s cute love story with happy ending and I love Those highly recommend this book !!!
188 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2022
It had potential. I think the author tried to do too much in a short book.
The ow drama was unnecessary in this context, if it was going to be included then it should have been an actual issue, not just randomly on and off friends with benefits, who was in their own complicated relationship and didn’t cause drama. Some no people could consider it cheating, I don’t, however I don’t get the dedication of love immediately after sleeping with your long term on and off fling. The real ow drama could be the once hookup turned stalker but that also didn’t actually cause much drama ..
Maybe because I didn’t read the other books in this series I missed some things even though it could be read as a stand-alone… I will not be going back and reading the rest of the series

The case was all over the place, you don’t actually know much from before Allie joined which is fine I guess but you’re telling me not one single person in the fbi could find out the common link between victims.. also you don’t actually know much about the crime or why like was targeted… how did Jenny get involved at all.. I’m left with more questioned because like I said I think the author tried to do too much and had good ideas however this book was just not it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for els✨.
1,081 reviews46 followers
June 8, 2022
- romantic suspense! an FBI agent and his psychologist partner! forbidden romance, age gap, workplace romance, forced proximity
- this man is the definition of hot and cold
- their first time was🥵
- was very proud of Allie for standing up for herself!!
- it did get a bit tiring watching them push each other away
- the pacing in the second half was very good
- Luke pissed me off so much😭 have an adult conversation babes you’re 10 years older than her
- damn Jenny how stupid can you be😭
- I KNEW IT
- no i’m sorry what was that ending
- i am pissed off
- Luke only had that actual bit of character development because of the trope, would they of even gotten back together?? he was sleeping with someone else!!!
- i was really enjoying this book and the ending just ruined it😭
- the ending was very cute and fluffy but idk man it just didn’t sit right with me
- it was all just a bit anti-climatic tbh
Profile Image for One Loves Reading .
1,173 reviews27 followers
March 2, 2021
Goodreads won't let me have a suspense shelf anymore!! Its disappeared. This is a action and suspense!! There is a few
💥💥💥💥

Luke & Allie story is basically a spy romance story. There is a mystery to solve at the FBI and there is a mole. And the mole...I did not see that coming I thought that bitchy attitude was just their characters ohhh no I was so wrong.

Now I REALLY love Allie & Luke first meeting and I love the nickname "Dangerous Angel" their chemistry is all the scale and there is s amazing surpise for the couple.

The villian of the story is very dangerous and what I mean about dangerous is that he plays mind games. Luke has to figure you out the truth & lie


☆MUST READ☆
Action and suspense scenes
Off the scale chemistry
A few good and bad surpises. When I mean bad is affects our characters lives...
22 reviews
June 20, 2022
SPOILER

***SPOILER***

I mean pierce just dropped Allie like nothing and she just went running back to him when she found out she was pregnant with ABS NO GROVELING on his part. I mean to make matters worse she was gone 5-6 weeks and Hannah’ (some girl he used to fuck) is coming out of his bed and she just forgives him.

AND I don’t like his relationship with Hannah. I mean wtf. They had sex and th why obviously care a great deal for each other EVEN THOUGH she’s engaged to someone else OK … and then Allie is okay with them being friends after all of this. Oh hell no 🥴🥴🥴

Allie has abs no backbone I’m sorry. I’m all for sunshine fmc but she let him walk all over her.

2 reviews
August 17, 2022
1 star

even in the beginning i kind of wanted to DNF but i the storyline had enough suspense that j wanted to what happened. hated the H and hated the end. the h let him do whatever he wanted with no consequence. said she hated him but gave into him when all he does is LOOK at her with soft eyes. the end…he literally sleeps with the OW that he said he loved throughout the entire book in his pov but never talked about with the h. then they talk it out, he says he loves her…i personally wouldn’t take that. the h did all the pulling in the relationship and the H did all the pushing. even saying that their intimate moments r mistakes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for dea reads.
136 reviews34 followers
June 9, 2022
I saw a Tik Tok of this book and got so excited because you know hot FBI agent, but very disappointed. THIS BOOK HAS 31 CHAPTERS AND ON CHAPTER 29 SHE GOES TO TELL HIM SHES PREGNANT AND ANOTHER WOMAN IS THERE AND HE SMELLS LIKE S*x , AND WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE IN HIS LOVE FOR HER. AND SHE FORGIVES HIM? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I AM SO ANGRY LIKE THIS BOOK WOULD HAVE BEEN 4-5 STARS, BUT THAT ENDING HELL NO. CHEATING IS A BIG NO

Profile Image for Rhi’d More .
31 reviews
June 13, 2022
Good premise and I enjoyed the FBI side of it. the details fell a little short for me (missing back story, unexplained behaviour changes, Unbelievable medical and police procedures) and really pulled me out of the story.

Disliked the last 20% greatly. Much too rushed, unfleshed out resolution and huge character leaps that just felt forced.

Story has a lot of promise, but needs some fleshing out and fact checking.
Profile Image for Kristin.
2 reviews
June 12, 2022
This book was amazing! I absolutely loved it. The ending could have been a little longer but really, I didn’t mind and I thought everything was tied up well. Will definitely be checking out more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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