Detective Kevin Jacobs believes integrity is the most important trait a cop can possess, until a beautiful doctor accuses him of murder and he's forced to take her hostage in order to clear his name. Rebecca Daniels cooperates with Kevin, and soon finds herself in a fight for her very life -- and also for her heart
Melanie Atkins a multi-published author of romantic suspense, a fan of crime dramas, and an avid reader. Writing is more than an escape for her -- it's a way of life. She grew up in the Deep South listening to tall tales and penning stories about her cats. Now she writes gripping stories of love, suspense, and mystery with the help of her furry little feline muses.
Rebecca Daniels is a dedicated child psychologist tasked with helping young Meg Jacobs after the deaths of her parents. However when she witnesses a murder and is kidnapped by handsome police officer, Kevin Jacobs, she realizes her life will never be the same again.
Rebecca Daniels is having a bad day. After witnessing Judge Boyton get shot she falls unconscious. When she wakes up, she sees two men struggling. One gets away. One kidnaps her - Officer Kevin Jacobs.
Kevin has been framed. He's been on the lam trying to prove his innocence, but he realizes he can't let Rebecca go free. She might rat him out. Instead, Kevin kidnaps her. Rebecca is reluctant. Kevin takes her to his brother's house and Rebecca realizes that Kevin is Meg's niece. Soon Rebecca comes to believe that Kevin is being framed and decides to help him.
Rebecca reaches out to an old friend and former law enforcement officer, Gruber. However, she and Kevin quickly learn that Gruber is the cause for all of Kevin's troubles.
Kevin reaches out his old buddy, JT Romano, who puts Kevin and Rebecca in a safe location. Will Kevin and Rebecca give into the chemistry between them, or does Gruber have a few surprises up his sleeve?
Atkins' writing is sharp, grabbing the reader right away and plunging them into the action immediately. Atkins is a master of suspense, heightening the tension with each scene. The dialogue is crisp. Atkins uses a good economy of words to paint vivid descriptions in the reader's mind. Her knowledge of New Orleans gives the setting a rich authenticity.
Atkins' characters are intriguing. Kevin is a cop on the edge, on the run, and frustrated that he can't get a break. When Rebecca makes a choice to stay with him, it gives him the push and resolve he needs to stay the course he's set himself on.
Rebecca has always been on the run, or at least that's how it feels to her. She's in the Witness Protection Program. Kevin's resolve to prove his innocence no matter what teaches Rebecca that she doesn't have to run anymore. She has a life she can claim if she's brave enough to face her demons.
The story is sophisticated for romance readers. Atkins' love scenes are sensual and full of emotion. "Beloved Captive" is an exciting addition to the New Orleans Detective Series.
Wow, Atkins got back on track with this story in the New Orleans Detective series, which I found to be the best so far. It was a nice treat to see J.T. and Kelly and Slade working together with a new character, Kevin Jacobs (who actaully made a brief appearance in #3) A really good beginning to the story - that was both exciting and a good way to introduce Kevin, Becca and the plot conflict with Sonia. The on the run scenes worked well - and I thought eveything built to a satisfying double climax - two characters being in danger at the same time in different locations. Kevin's commitment to cleaning up the polcie and his sorrow over his loss were demonstrated rather than described. Kelly was a terrific heroine - resourceful and sensible. Thus they were a very likeable couple. I also liked that characters slated to be in upcoming books were introduced. So I am moving on to the next in the series!