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Against - The Raines of Wind Canyon #3
Against the Law
The most unsettled of the "no-account Raines boys," Devlin Raines has long been protecting his heart from injury. But his latest case - and client - forces him to lay everything on the line...
At thirty-two Dev is "mostly retired" from Raines Investigations, content to run operations from his sprawling Arizona home. But Dev has never been able to say no to a beautiful woman, so when Lark Delaney comes to him for help, the former U.S. Army Ranger from Wind Canyon gets back in the game.
Lark is sexy, successful and dedicated to tracking down the baby girl her sister gave up for adoption. It should be a straightforward case, but it's not long before Dev uncovers a shady adoption ring and worse—the child's parents have been murdered and the little girl has been taken.
As the case grows dangerous and Lark needs him more than ever, Dev can't ignore his growing attraction for her. He also can't trust his judgment with women or the emotions he's long-since buried. But there's a chance, if he gets this right and saves Lark's niece, that he'll end up saving himself, too.
At thirty-two Dev is "mostly retired" from Raines Investigations, content to run operations from his sprawling Arizona home. But Dev has never been able to say no to a beautiful woman, so when Lark Delaney comes to him for help, the former U.S. Army Ranger from Wind Canyon gets back in the game.
Lark is sexy, successful and dedicated to tracking down the baby girl her sister gave up for adoption. It should be a straightforward case, but it's not long before Dev uncovers a shady adoption ring and worse—the child's parents have been murdered and the little girl has been taken.
As the case grows dangerous and Lark needs him more than ever, Dev can't ignore his growing attraction for her. He also can't trust his judgment with women or the emotions he's long-since buried. But there's a chance, if he gets this right and saves Lark's niece, that he'll end up saving himself, too.
409 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 22, 2011
316 people are currently reading
1358 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
188 books3,172 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
January 28, 2018
I think I liked Devlin's story the best but they were all good. Now I find out that KM continued this trilogy into a series. Looks good to me!
May 22, 2011
AGAINST THE LAW written by Kat Martin
Raines of Wind Canyon Series, Book #3
02/11 – Mira - Mass Market Paperback, 409 pages
Can true love help you forget the past and start on a new future?
Lark Delaney is fulfilling a promise to her late sister to make sure the baby her sister gave up for adoption is being well cared for. She hires Raines Security to help with the search and once she meets, its owner Devlin Raines she knew the mission was going to be a success. Devlin runs his business and never fraternizes with a client but when Lark walks in the door all bets are off once the case is solved or maybe even sooner. Both Lark and Devlin know the pain of shattered childhood dreams and relationships that have not worked out so they are in this for the short-term and think they have their eyes open and hearts closed – great idea on paper, bad idea in reality.
It looked easy enough to find a child but the adoption turns out to be bogus, the agency a fraud and the parents who adopted the baby are drug cartel money launders. Devlin and Lark go on a roller coaster ride to rescue Chrissy who is the only person left alive after the bad guys get to town and wipe out an entire household but keeping Chrissy safe is not going to be easy. The bad guys keep coming and when they break into Lark’s home and take Chrissy again Dev goes into full Ranger mode calling up friends and making sure everyone including Lark is locked and loaded for a trip to Mexico on a little recon mission.
Lark proves to be a determined, tough woman and someone Dev knows he shouldn’t be falling for but is. They both fight any attraction and even during the most harrowing times they still reach for one another without a thought to long-term love. However, when the mission is complete and everyone back to their life will normal exist without the other in their life?
Loved this series and each one is more suspenseful and exciting than the last. Devlin is the youngest of the brothers but the toughest for sure. He and Lark really shake off the past and work as a team well as if they were made for one another! Ms. Martin knows how to write romance and suspense keeping you on your toes with such well-written text you think you are with them on their adventure.
Raines of Wind Canyon Series, Book #3
02/11 – Mira - Mass Market Paperback, 409 pages
Can true love help you forget the past and start on a new future?
Lark Delaney is fulfilling a promise to her late sister to make sure the baby her sister gave up for adoption is being well cared for. She hires Raines Security to help with the search and once she meets, its owner Devlin Raines she knew the mission was going to be a success. Devlin runs his business and never fraternizes with a client but when Lark walks in the door all bets are off once the case is solved or maybe even sooner. Both Lark and Devlin know the pain of shattered childhood dreams and relationships that have not worked out so they are in this for the short-term and think they have their eyes open and hearts closed – great idea on paper, bad idea in reality.
It looked easy enough to find a child but the adoption turns out to be bogus, the agency a fraud and the parents who adopted the baby are drug cartel money launders. Devlin and Lark go on a roller coaster ride to rescue Chrissy who is the only person left alive after the bad guys get to town and wipe out an entire household but keeping Chrissy safe is not going to be easy. The bad guys keep coming and when they break into Lark’s home and take Chrissy again Dev goes into full Ranger mode calling up friends and making sure everyone including Lark is locked and loaded for a trip to Mexico on a little recon mission.
Lark proves to be a determined, tough woman and someone Dev knows he shouldn’t be falling for but is. They both fight any attraction and even during the most harrowing times they still reach for one another without a thought to long-term love. However, when the mission is complete and everyone back to their life will normal exist without the other in their life?
Loved this series and each one is more suspenseful and exciting than the last. Devlin is the youngest of the brothers but the toughest for sure. He and Lark really shake off the past and work as a team well as if they were made for one another! Ms. Martin knows how to write romance and suspense keeping you on your toes with such well-written text you think you are with them on their adventure.
March 29, 2011
Of the three books in this series, this one fell in between. The first book was a little flat, and I enjoyed the second book quite a bit...this one fell in between the two.
Series Note:
Third book in Martin's "Raines of Wind Canyon" series about 3 brothers who have bad childhoods and who grow up to make good of their lives. I don't think you have to read them in order, but it may help.
Summary:
Devlin Raines is the owner of a successful private investigation company, but these days he's mostly retired an only works on cases that really interest him. When Lark Delaney shows up on his door, at the recommendation of a mutual friend, he's intrigued. Lark's sister recently passed away and on her death bed, her sister asked Lark to find the baby girl she gave up for adoption when she was 16 and make sure she was okay. Lark is determined to complete her sister's dying wish, and make sure her niece is in a safe and loving home. So she goes to Devlin and asks for his help.
As the two begin investigating, it becomes clear that the adoption was less than legal and that they really need to find the little girl and make sure she's alright. Things go from bad to worse when the discover the girl's adopted parents murdered by a ruthless drug lord, but the girl miraculously alive. Lark takes charge of the girl, but it isn't long before the child is kidnapped as revenge. Lark and Devlin will do anything to get her back. And all the while, they try to fight the strong chemistry between them.
Review:
This story had a lot of potential to be a great story. The characters are interesting, the plot potential great, and the romance solid. I was expecting this to be a really interesting story, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Mostly because of the plot and how it all worked out.
I really liked the premise...Lark wants to make sure the baby her sister gave up for adoption is okay after her sister dies and she asks Dev to help. Great potential there. And it starts off well as the dig around trying to find out what happened to the baby and find out it was an illegal adoption. I was interested in that part. But then things start to go kind of commando. Bring in a ruthless drug lord, a kidnapping, a trip to the Mexico, battles with drug lords while making deal with the drug lord's rival, guns and death and all that...and it gets to be a bit much. I really could have done without all the drug lord stuff.
The romance was fairly decent, though. Lark is a pretty interesting character, a well-known purse designer and Dev a bit of the enigmatic Alpha who has never gotten over being dumped by his fiance. They set off sparks between them right from the start, but Dev doesn't mix business with pleasure, nor does he do relationships anymore. But the two can't resist each other. It's a pretty good romance. I didn't love it, but I did enjoy it.
Martin also introduces some supporting characters that she says she hopes will be spun-off into a second series. I'd probably read it. And you also get some time with the characters from the past books, which is nice.
I think those of you who have been reading this series and enjoying it will probably like this book.
Series Note:
Third book in Martin's "Raines of Wind Canyon" series about 3 brothers who have bad childhoods and who grow up to make good of their lives. I don't think you have to read them in order, but it may help.
Summary:
Devlin Raines is the owner of a successful private investigation company, but these days he's mostly retired an only works on cases that really interest him. When Lark Delaney shows up on his door, at the recommendation of a mutual friend, he's intrigued. Lark's sister recently passed away and on her death bed, her sister asked Lark to find the baby girl she gave up for adoption when she was 16 and make sure she was okay. Lark is determined to complete her sister's dying wish, and make sure her niece is in a safe and loving home. So she goes to Devlin and asks for his help.
As the two begin investigating, it becomes clear that the adoption was less than legal and that they really need to find the little girl and make sure she's alright. Things go from bad to worse when the discover the girl's adopted parents murdered by a ruthless drug lord, but the girl miraculously alive. Lark takes charge of the girl, but it isn't long before the child is kidnapped as revenge. Lark and Devlin will do anything to get her back. And all the while, they try to fight the strong chemistry between them.
Review:
This story had a lot of potential to be a great story. The characters are interesting, the plot potential great, and the romance solid. I was expecting this to be a really interesting story, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Mostly because of the plot and how it all worked out.
I really liked the premise...Lark wants to make sure the baby her sister gave up for adoption is okay after her sister dies and she asks Dev to help. Great potential there. And it starts off well as the dig around trying to find out what happened to the baby and find out it was an illegal adoption. I was interested in that part. But then things start to go kind of commando. Bring in a ruthless drug lord, a kidnapping, a trip to the Mexico, battles with drug lords while making deal with the drug lord's rival, guns and death and all that...and it gets to be a bit much. I really could have done without all the drug lord stuff.
The romance was fairly decent, though. Lark is a pretty interesting character, a well-known purse designer and Dev a bit of the enigmatic Alpha who has never gotten over being dumped by his fiance. They set off sparks between them right from the start, but Dev doesn't mix business with pleasure, nor does he do relationships anymore. But the two can't resist each other. It's a pretty good romance. I didn't love it, but I did enjoy it.
Martin also introduces some supporting characters that she says she hopes will be spun-off into a second series. I'd probably read it. And you also get some time with the characters from the past books, which is nice.
I think those of you who have been reading this series and enjoying it will probably like this book.
October 24, 2014
WOW!! This is the best of The Raines of Wind Canyon yet. This book has passion, suspense and it just keeps you on an emotional roller coaster.
This is the story of youngest brother, Devin. Dev is a rich, hot, former Ranger who was dumped three days before the wedding by bitch, Amy. He can't get past that. Lark was sent to him by his former Ranger buddy, Clive, to help her find the 4 year old her sister put up for adoption. This should be simple, right? Wrong. The journey these two take is scary and very real. I think that is what makes this such a great book - it could so happen, or not. Anyway it was a great plot and an awesome book.
This is the story of youngest brother, Devin. Dev is a rich, hot, former Ranger who was dumped three days before the wedding by bitch, Amy. He can't get past that. Lark was sent to him by his former Ranger buddy, Clive, to help her find the 4 year old her sister put up for adoption. This should be simple, right? Wrong. The journey these two take is scary and very real. I think that is what makes this such a great book - it could so happen, or not. Anyway it was a great plot and an awesome book.
May 25, 2017
Great book there were spots that made me cry and spots that I was happy as ever keeping me on the edge of my seat
August 2, 2021
Compared to the other 2 I’ve read in this series, I enjoyed it more because the problems were bigger (and therefore more engrossing). Dev is a mostly retired private investigator hired by Lark to help find the baby of her dead sister. They find a lot more than they ever anticipated. I try to just go with it and enjoy the book, but there are a few things in this series that really bug me. One has to do with the sex scenes. In one, the man didn’t use a condom in the heat of the moment because he was so into it. That’s not sexy to me at all. Part of the appeal of these books are the protective man and forgetting the condom isn’t protective. It means the woman should not have trusted him to take care of her. A second issue is that in a few of these books, and this one glaringly, these guys are total man-whores. Yuck. A third is the crazy privileged lives the characters are leading. For this author, that seems to be part of the fantasy, so it’s easier for me to let go of than the other two. But the books still have the basics of romantic suspense and are entertaining. I read the ebook. 3/5
February 26, 2011
I am a big fan of Kat Martin and have read every single book she has put out but this one didn’t really do it for me. It was a good read and completed the trilogy of the Raines brothers nicely but it didn’t hold my attention like the first two, Against the Wind and Against the Fire.
Lark is a well-known bag designer with her life all planned out, but when her sister passes away asking just one thing from her Lark’s world gets turned upside down. She must fulfill her promise and find her niece that was given up for adoption at birth. She hires Dev, an ex-Ranger and owner of an investigation firm, to help track the little girl down. Dev has commitment issues with women after being left by his fiancé just days before their wedding he has been bed hopping ever since. He’s the typical rich playboy. When Lark shows up he reigns in his instant attraction though because he has one rule; you don’t mess around with clients. But Lark wouldn’t mind a no-strings-attached romp in the sheets and makes her feelings known. A back and forth battle between them insues; about sex, feelings and the danger surrounding them. A simple job to track down adoptions records turns into a take down of a hokey adoption agency and a battle with drug lords that lead them across the Mexican border.
Against the Law starts out slow and we don’t see any action, romantically or otherwise, until around the middle of the book. But once the action hits it continues until the end and there were quite a few twists. The chemistry between Lark & Dev was intense, though Dev resisted it at first. Neither of them is looking for a long-term relationship which adds another rut in the road for these two. Again though, you have to make it to around the halfway point of this book before it get's interesting and you can connect with them. Individually though, I didn't feel there was enough depth to the their characters, especially Dev, who I was looking forward to.
Also, the brand name dropping was overused. Every time someone pulled a phone out it was a iPhone or a Blackberry; “Scroll through the contacts on my iPhone,” “Take a picture with my Blackberry,” ect. Over and over again.
The romance and outcome was predictable and some aspects lacked realism because whatever Dev needed was conveniently dropped in his lap; back-up, weapons, information. Great world-building though and some of the side characters were pretty interesting. We might even see some stories from them later on. We also see small bits from the other two Raines brothers, more towards the end.
I would recommend Against the Law though if you have read the previous two books in the series, just to wrap it up, it was enjoyable but I have read a lot better from Mrs. Martin.
Lark is a well-known bag designer with her life all planned out, but when her sister passes away asking just one thing from her Lark’s world gets turned upside down. She must fulfill her promise and find her niece that was given up for adoption at birth. She hires Dev, an ex-Ranger and owner of an investigation firm, to help track the little girl down. Dev has commitment issues with women after being left by his fiancé just days before their wedding he has been bed hopping ever since. He’s the typical rich playboy. When Lark shows up he reigns in his instant attraction though because he has one rule; you don’t mess around with clients. But Lark wouldn’t mind a no-strings-attached romp in the sheets and makes her feelings known. A back and forth battle between them insues; about sex, feelings and the danger surrounding them. A simple job to track down adoptions records turns into a take down of a hokey adoption agency and a battle with drug lords that lead them across the Mexican border.
Against the Law starts out slow and we don’t see any action, romantically or otherwise, until around the middle of the book. But once the action hits it continues until the end and there were quite a few twists. The chemistry between Lark & Dev was intense, though Dev resisted it at first. Neither of them is looking for a long-term relationship which adds another rut in the road for these two. Again though, you have to make it to around the halfway point of this book before it get's interesting and you can connect with them. Individually though, I didn't feel there was enough depth to the their characters, especially Dev, who I was looking forward to.
Also, the brand name dropping was overused. Every time someone pulled a phone out it was a iPhone or a Blackberry; “Scroll through the contacts on my iPhone,” “Take a picture with my Blackberry,” ect. Over and over again.
The romance and outcome was predictable and some aspects lacked realism because whatever Dev needed was conveniently dropped in his lap; back-up, weapons, information. Great world-building though and some of the side characters were pretty interesting. We might even see some stories from them later on. We also see small bits from the other two Raines brothers, more towards the end.
I would recommend Against the Law though if you have read the previous two books in the series, just to wrap it up, it was enjoyable but I have read a lot better from Mrs. Martin.
August 23, 2013
Against the Law
3 Stars
Similar to the first two books in the series, the basic premise has potential but the execution is poor with overly descriptive and redundant scenes.
Lark and Dev have tangible chemistry and there are, thankfully, no fade to black scenes as in book #2. That said, neither character is particularly likable. Dev is afraid to commit and constantly muses over the possibility of being with other women while Lark comes across as flirty and also mentions the possibility of having sex with another man. Their relationship is based almost solely on sex and their HEA is not believable.
The plot starts out well with the black market adoption ring. Unfortunately, this storyline is underdeveloped and plays out far too quickly. The book then goes off in a completely different, and unrealistic, direction with megalomaniac drug lords, rival cartels and special forces operatives taking over.
In sum, this series is nothing special and the secondary characters who will be the focus of future books are not that interesting.
3 Stars
Similar to the first two books in the series, the basic premise has potential but the execution is poor with overly descriptive and redundant scenes.
Lark and Dev have tangible chemistry and there are, thankfully, no fade to black scenes as in book #2. That said, neither character is particularly likable. Dev is afraid to commit and constantly muses over the possibility of being with other women while Lark comes across as flirty and also mentions the possibility of having sex with another man. Their relationship is based almost solely on sex and their HEA is not believable.
The plot starts out well with the black market adoption ring. Unfortunately, this storyline is underdeveloped and plays out far too quickly. The book then goes off in a completely different, and unrealistic, direction with megalomaniac drug lords, rival cartels and special forces operatives taking over.
In sum, this series is nothing special and the secondary characters who will be the focus of future books are not that interesting.
September 11, 2019
Third Romance in the Raines Brothers Series. Dev is investigating a bogus adoption agency. We already knew Dev is 6 2 of ripped virile male perfection and his client is a bombshell. The convention wouldn’t have it any other way. The text is refreshingly well edited and the storyline leads the reader along to begin with. Of course the chemistry is there and her girlie parts feel the heat and there’s pulsing behind the zipper of his jeans. The inevitable sex scene occupies chapter 13. Whether or not this is intended as fore-shadowing the arch-villain makes his apperance soon after, the little girl gets abducted, Dev re-enters the life of his lady-love, he, his brothers, and their black ops friends ride to the rescue where no law enforcement agency would dare to go.... It all gets predictable, tedioius, and taudry, and I lost interest.
May 11, 2014
This was book 3 in the series and is Dev's story. Lots of action due to a drug cartel, murders, kidnapping, rescues, romance and love. Takes place in AZ, Los Angeles, Mexico and Wyoming. Lark and Chrissy get under Dev's skin no matter how he tries to fight it. Reunited with the other Raines brothers and their families plus meet up with Dev's team to help right wrongs and get Chrissy back. Nice closure and a happily ever after. The epilogue tied up all the loose ends but left the door open for more action in future books in the Against series that I can't wait to read!
April 16, 2011
Never again Kat Martin. So much potential, yet so lame. Ugh.
August 30, 2013
I'd give the Raines brothers trilogy a solid 3.5 stars.
May 25, 2020
When I read The Collector by Nora Roberts directly proceeding this book, I critiqued it as having a sexist Hero...well, the 'Hero' from this book makes Ash from that book look like positively enlightened by comparison.
Dev is gross. Sorry, not sorry.
Look, I understand that with romantic suspense, there is a certain level of alpha-male macho BS inherently there and I can forgive some of that. But there were just so many times I cringed during this book from him being a possessive, controlling, pushy, domineering, macho jerk.
I have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past, but they were mostly her historical novels which were written several years ago. I'm thinking that if I went back and read them again I would probably see some of those same characteristics in those love interests, so perhaps it's just something that bothers me more now than it did in my early twenties when I read them.
I also didn't have much love for Lark, our heroine. She has pretty much no personality, and aside from the fact that she has red streaks in her hair and designs handbags, I really don't know that much about her.
But did I mention that she designs handbags? Because she totally does. Don't worry if you forget though, because it's mentioned in virtually every chapter, every time she is leaving one place for another. Perhaps in print it wouldn't have struck me as being as awkward as it felt via audiobook, but the number of times we're told that she 'grabs her Lark bag' or 'she almost forgot her Lark bag' just felt forced, as if the author really wants us to remember that SHE IS A DESIGNER.
There were many other side characters who all blended together for me. Mostly other men who were also varying levels of macho douchebag. And heaven forbid if any of them made eye contact with Lark, because Dev was Not. Having. It. Isn't that romantic? *puke*
As far as the plot goes, I actually thought the first third to half of the book was interesting. Dev is a private detective and Lark is looking for a child that her recently-deceased sister gave up for adoption a few years prior. What starts out as just being a simple inquiry turns mysterious when they can't find records of the adoption and the couple who handled the adoption have disappeared. I was all set for the book to be focused on their search for her niece and this couple who were obviously breaking the law.
But then they find her about halfway through the book, very easily. Dev doesn't even do much to facilitate the finding, aside from calling a bunch of other people to do the dirty work. So we don't actually see him solving anything. He's just told after the fact about the info other people dug up.
Once they find the niece, the story takes a turn that I ended up absolutely hating. It felt like it was done to create tension and drama and for me it felt very unbelieveable and out of left field.
Last, and also least, is the romance. Yikes. This is pretty much instalust, which is fine in some cases, but for me they never get to a point where they earn their romance. At first he doesn't want to mix business with pleasure, but of course they do eventually. But there is never a real foundation for them falling in love. When they think about each other, it is ALWAYS sexual. And quite often inappropriate. They'll be in the middle of tracking down her niece, who has been kidnapped by a drug kingpin, and she'll start obsessing about having sex with him and getting aroused...and then go back in the next paragraph to worrying about her niece. It feels very awkward and sorry, not sexy. Oh, and if I took a shot every time Dev talked about Lark compared to other women and how she's so original and unique (i.e. 'not like other girls') I'd be in the ER with alcohol poisoning. And the thing is, it's never something about her mind or interests. It's almost always about her physical appearance or ability.
So yeah. I didn't think this worked on any level really. It's supposed to be a romantic suspense, but it was neither suspenseful nor romantic. I have one more of her books on my shelves that I've had for years that I'll pick up and try, but as it's another romantic suspense I'm not holding out much hope.
Dev is gross. Sorry, not sorry.
Look, I understand that with romantic suspense, there is a certain level of alpha-male macho BS inherently there and I can forgive some of that. But there were just so many times I cringed during this book from him being a possessive, controlling, pushy, domineering, macho jerk.
I have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past, but they were mostly her historical novels which were written several years ago. I'm thinking that if I went back and read them again I would probably see some of those same characteristics in those love interests, so perhaps it's just something that bothers me more now than it did in my early twenties when I read them.
I also didn't have much love for Lark, our heroine. She has pretty much no personality, and aside from the fact that she has red streaks in her hair and designs handbags, I really don't know that much about her.
But did I mention that she designs handbags? Because she totally does. Don't worry if you forget though, because it's mentioned in virtually every chapter, every time she is leaving one place for another. Perhaps in print it wouldn't have struck me as being as awkward as it felt via audiobook, but the number of times we're told that she 'grabs her Lark bag' or 'she almost forgot her Lark bag' just felt forced, as if the author really wants us to remember that SHE IS A DESIGNER.
There were many other side characters who all blended together for me. Mostly other men who were also varying levels of macho douchebag. And heaven forbid if any of them made eye contact with Lark, because Dev was Not. Having. It. Isn't that romantic? *puke*
As far as the plot goes, I actually thought the first third to half of the book was interesting. Dev is a private detective and Lark is looking for a child that her recently-deceased sister gave up for adoption a few years prior. What starts out as just being a simple inquiry turns mysterious when they can't find records of the adoption and the couple who handled the adoption have disappeared. I was all set for the book to be focused on their search for her niece and this couple who were obviously breaking the law.
But then they find her about halfway through the book, very easily. Dev doesn't even do much to facilitate the finding, aside from calling a bunch of other people to do the dirty work. So we don't actually see him solving anything. He's just told after the fact about the info other people dug up.
Once they find the niece, the story takes a turn that I ended up absolutely hating. It felt like it was done to create tension and drama and for me it felt very unbelieveable and out of left field.
Last, and also least, is the romance. Yikes. This is pretty much instalust, which is fine in some cases, but for me they never get to a point where they earn their romance. At first he doesn't want to mix business with pleasure, but of course they do eventually. But there is never a real foundation for them falling in love. When they think about each other, it is ALWAYS sexual. And quite often inappropriate. They'll be in the middle of tracking down her niece, who has been kidnapped by a drug kingpin, and she'll start obsessing about having sex with him and getting aroused...and then go back in the next paragraph to worrying about her niece. It feels very awkward and sorry, not sexy. Oh, and if I took a shot every time Dev talked about Lark compared to other women and how she's so original and unique (i.e. 'not like other girls') I'd be in the ER with alcohol poisoning. And the thing is, it's never something about her mind or interests. It's almost always about her physical appearance or ability.
So yeah. I didn't think this worked on any level really. It's supposed to be a romantic suspense, but it was neither suspenseful nor romantic. I have one more of her books on my shelves that I've had for years that I'll pick up and try, but as it's another romantic suspense I'm not holding out much hope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2014
My thoughts and feelings while reading:
0.0% Excited for this one - another ex-military hero! <3 Dev's interested me in the other books - I want to know more about him! Hope he doesn't resist Lark too much in this book :) Excited to start this one! :)
2.0% The favor of working with a gorgeous brunette—even if she was a hundred-eighty degrees from his usual type—didn’t seem like too much to ask.
Yh well your usual type hasnt worked out so well has it Dev! And we both know you're dissatisfied with all these hookups!
5.0% For an instant, he imagined those long legs wrapped around his waist, imagined cupping that amazing ass in his hands as he drove into her.
<3 So hot - hes not going to be able to resist for long! I hope not anyway! :)
7.0% The next few days were going to be a whole lot harder than he had thought. He shifted against the bulge beneath the fly of his jeans and fought not to smile at the pun.
Haha you might be able to fight the smile but I cant! haha <3
12.0% Town’s wife left him when his pro-football salary took a nosedive. He isn’t very trusting of women.”
:( I hope we have a book about Town :)
19.0% She sauntered toward him, lightly brushed against him as she passed. “Too bad you don’t mix business with pleasure.” Without looking back, she turned and sashayed back down the hall. Dev watched the sway of that great ass and silently cursed Madman Monroe.
Haha go Lark!! <3
20.0% He might have his own set of rules, but so did she, and there was nothing to prevent her from having a little fun at his expense.
Yeah I totally love Lark! <3
24.0% I LOVE this case! I think it's gonna get a lot more complicated soon though! I also love Dev and Lark - I cant wait to see more of them soon :) <3
“She’s definitely that and a whole lot more.” “I meant the case,” Jackson said,
Haha we can see where Devs mind really is! Haha :) and yay Jackson!!! <3
29.0% Turning her head into his chest so she couldn’t see the horror around her, he walked past the nanny out into the hall.
Awwww I love Dev! <3
30.0% But as he watched them together, saw the love in Lark’s pretty face, an odd feeling settled in his chest.
<3 <3
33.0% Till then, taking her to bed would have to wait at least a few more days.
I love how a couple days ago he wasnt taking her to bed at all! haha <3
37.0% Chrissy peeked around Aida and her lips curved into a smile. “I’m getting a lot of new friends.”
Awwww! <3 Chrissy! She's soooo cute! <3
38.0% The smile Dev cast Steve’s way looked downright wolfish. “Why don’t you use my office,” he suggested. “Lark, you know where it is…just down the hall from my bedroom.” Her eyes widened. Dev’s tone made it sound as if she’d been sleeping there.
Looool! I LOVE JEALOUS DEV! <3 <3
39.0% On the other hand, she refused to put Chrissy in the same situation she had been in before, with a family who mostly ignored her. Or at least, since Chrissy rarely mentioned them, it certainly seemed that way.
Hmmm her family doesnt seem that nice :( Im loving Lark though! <3
40.0% Jesus. He was hard as granite, filled and near to bursting, and he hadn’t even gotten her out of her clothes. “God, I need you,” he said, aching and so stiff he throbbed with every heartbeat.
Finally!! SO HOT!! <3
41.0% Don’t move” he warned. “Ive been waiting too long for this” She cupped his face between her hands and kissed him couldnt resist just a little wiggle. Dev hissed in a breath. “Naughty girl. You’re asking for trouble. Youd better watch out.” Oh she felt naughty all right. And hot. So incredibly hot. She wiggled again arched up to take more of him. “Dammit!” Dev drove deep kissed her hard as he lost control
<3 <3
42.0% She managed a wobbly smile. “Goodbye, Devlin Raines.” Something moved across his features. “Goodbye, Lark Delaney.”
:'( :'(
44.0% “I’m already a father. I’d like to be a father again—but I don’t want to rush things too much.”
Awww I love Jackson! I love getting to see glimpses of these amazing Raines brothers! <3 <3
45.0% He wasn’t about to break that vow. Not now or anytime in the future.
Oh Dev! Lark is not Amy - no where near!
I've been so busy the last few days Ive not had time to read :( Im hoping to get lots read tonight and tomorrow though :) Im loving this book - wish I had more time! Stupid RL! :(
hmmm..currently at 70% but Im going to give the audio book a try now. Ive never read a book like that but Im curious.. Thank god for a 30 day free trial :)
Oh maybe not :( Its american not UK :(
47.0% Just do as I say
Oh no no no no! NOOO!
50.0% “She shot one of them, Town.” His mouth curved into a ruthless half smile. “Lark killed one of the bastards.”
Good - Go Lark! I <3 that Dev's not hesitated to be there for her! <3
52.0% It made sense. All of the men in the group were ex-soldiers. They were proceeding as if this were a military operation.To them it is! I <3 that these men are all going after Chrissy! <3 their loyalty to one another is amazing! <3
57.0% She nodded and moved away from him, giving both of them room to breathe. Still, the air in the room was thick with sexual heat and she wondered if making love wouldn’t be easier than trying to deny the hunger they were feeling.
I love the tension and chemistry between these two! <3
58.0% For some reason Cantrell has captured my attention - I hope we get a book about him! :)
She flicked a glance at Dev, saw Montez watching her, saw the moment Dev realized it. “Forget about it,” she heard him say. “That goes for all of you.”
<3 LOVE IT! <3
61.0% “Chrissy. My name is Chrissy…Delaney.”
Aww! I love Chrissy!
63.0% Devlin Raines had branded her as his and she would never get over him. She belonged to him and no other man would do.
<3 <3
65.0% “Jesus, I’ve never met a woman I want the way I want you.”
<3 I love that, Dev! <3
67.0% “I’m going. I’ll find a way to get there if I have to walk every step of the way.”
<3 go Lark! <3
70.0% Chrissy’s eyes remained solemn. “Are you my mama now?” Lark swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Yes, sweetheart, I am.” “That’s good. A little girl needs a mama.” Lark hugged her tighter. “That’s right, she does.”
Awwwwwwwwwwwww! <3 <3 <3
75.0% As much as she wanted to deny it, Gracie was right. Dev and the others weren’t the sort to settle down. Or even to fall in love.
With the right woman, they would!! Don't give up Lark!
77.0% She watched him walk away, his strides long and confident. On the surface, he looked like an average man, but she thought there was a core of steel beneath his every-man facade. She wondered if she would see him again and smiled, somehow certain she would.
Awwwww! Im glad about Emilio and Gracie - they seem great for each other! <3
78.0% “Chrissy seems to have a lot of uncles lately.”
Yep and I LOVE it! <3 <3
79.0% It isn’t too late, he told himself. If he was careful, if he set things on a more even course, he could protect himself.
Oh Dev! No you don't need protecting from Lark, she's not going to hurt you! :(
83.0% She could feel it. And looking at the tight set of Dev’s jaw, she was sure he could feel it, too.
Oh no, what's going to happen!
85.0% She looked at him as if just hearing him say it turned her on. Jesus, it sure as hell turned him on. “Don’t look at me like that unless you mean it. Because I’m so wired right now, I could take you all night long and still not get enough.”
<3 Dev! But I wanna know what the hell is going on! What is La Guerra up to?!
88.0% One thing she knew. Losing Dev Raines was going to be the hardest thing she’d ever done.
Oh no :( my heart is going to break, I know it! :'(
89.0% He came with a rush, a release so fierce his head fell back and he clenched his jaw to keep the primitive cry locked in his throat.
<3
91.0% Haha I love Jackson and Gabe! <3 <3
93.0% But now he knew the difference, knew what a real woman was. “Town!” Shouting for his friend, he pounded down the hall.
Yesssssssssss! :D <3 <3
95.0% “You said the don called you on your way over here.”
Oh thank god you remembered that! <3 <3
96.0% He swallowed, glanced away. When he spoke, his words came out softly. “I want to say it. I want to say it so much it hurts. But I’m afraid. I’m scared of what will happen if I do.”
Oh Dev how are you so perfect! <3
98.0% All of them were married to beautiful, talented women, and all of them were well-loved. And deeply in love with their wives.
<3 the Raines! <3
99.0% “Besides,” Sarah said, “about halfway through the ceremony, he looked a little misty-eyed himself.”
Aww! I <3 that! <3 <3
100.0% Awwwwwwwwwww! Loved it! The case was amazing, Chrissy was awesome and Dev n Lark were incredible! I cant wait to read the other books in this amazing series! <3 <3 <3
0.0% Excited for this one - another ex-military hero! <3 Dev's interested me in the other books - I want to know more about him! Hope he doesn't resist Lark too much in this book :) Excited to start this one! :)
2.0% The favor of working with a gorgeous brunette—even if she was a hundred-eighty degrees from his usual type—didn’t seem like too much to ask.
Yh well your usual type hasnt worked out so well has it Dev! And we both know you're dissatisfied with all these hookups!
5.0% For an instant, he imagined those long legs wrapped around his waist, imagined cupping that amazing ass in his hands as he drove into her.
<3 So hot - hes not going to be able to resist for long! I hope not anyway! :)
7.0% The next few days were going to be a whole lot harder than he had thought. He shifted against the bulge beneath the fly of his jeans and fought not to smile at the pun.
Haha you might be able to fight the smile but I cant! haha <3
12.0% Town’s wife left him when his pro-football salary took a nosedive. He isn’t very trusting of women.”
:( I hope we have a book about Town :)
19.0% She sauntered toward him, lightly brushed against him as she passed. “Too bad you don’t mix business with pleasure.” Without looking back, she turned and sashayed back down the hall. Dev watched the sway of that great ass and silently cursed Madman Monroe.
Haha go Lark!! <3
20.0% He might have his own set of rules, but so did she, and there was nothing to prevent her from having a little fun at his expense.
Yeah I totally love Lark! <3
24.0% I LOVE this case! I think it's gonna get a lot more complicated soon though! I also love Dev and Lark - I cant wait to see more of them soon :) <3
“She’s definitely that and a whole lot more.” “I meant the case,” Jackson said,
Haha we can see where Devs mind really is! Haha :) and yay Jackson!!! <3
29.0% Turning her head into his chest so she couldn’t see the horror around her, he walked past the nanny out into the hall.
Awwww I love Dev! <3
30.0% But as he watched them together, saw the love in Lark’s pretty face, an odd feeling settled in his chest.
<3 <3
33.0% Till then, taking her to bed would have to wait at least a few more days.
I love how a couple days ago he wasnt taking her to bed at all! haha <3
37.0% Chrissy peeked around Aida and her lips curved into a smile. “I’m getting a lot of new friends.”
Awwww! <3 Chrissy! She's soooo cute! <3
38.0% The smile Dev cast Steve’s way looked downright wolfish. “Why don’t you use my office,” he suggested. “Lark, you know where it is…just down the hall from my bedroom.” Her eyes widened. Dev’s tone made it sound as if she’d been sleeping there.
Looool! I LOVE JEALOUS DEV! <3 <3
39.0% On the other hand, she refused to put Chrissy in the same situation she had been in before, with a family who mostly ignored her. Or at least, since Chrissy rarely mentioned them, it certainly seemed that way.
Hmmm her family doesnt seem that nice :( Im loving Lark though! <3
40.0% Jesus. He was hard as granite, filled and near to bursting, and he hadn’t even gotten her out of her clothes. “God, I need you,” he said, aching and so stiff he throbbed with every heartbeat.
Finally!! SO HOT!! <3
41.0% Don’t move” he warned. “Ive been waiting too long for this” She cupped his face between her hands and kissed him couldnt resist just a little wiggle. Dev hissed in a breath. “Naughty girl. You’re asking for trouble. Youd better watch out.” Oh she felt naughty all right. And hot. So incredibly hot. She wiggled again arched up to take more of him. “Dammit!” Dev drove deep kissed her hard as he lost control
<3 <3
42.0% She managed a wobbly smile. “Goodbye, Devlin Raines.” Something moved across his features. “Goodbye, Lark Delaney.”
:'( :'(
44.0% “I’m already a father. I’d like to be a father again—but I don’t want to rush things too much.”
Awww I love Jackson! I love getting to see glimpses of these amazing Raines brothers! <3 <3
45.0% He wasn’t about to break that vow. Not now or anytime in the future.
Oh Dev! Lark is not Amy - no where near!
I've been so busy the last few days Ive not had time to read :( Im hoping to get lots read tonight and tomorrow though :) Im loving this book - wish I had more time! Stupid RL! :(
hmmm..currently at 70% but Im going to give the audio book a try now. Ive never read a book like that but Im curious.. Thank god for a 30 day free trial :)
Oh maybe not :( Its american not UK :(
47.0% Just do as I say
Oh no no no no! NOOO!
50.0% “She shot one of them, Town.” His mouth curved into a ruthless half smile. “Lark killed one of the bastards.”
Good - Go Lark! I <3 that Dev's not hesitated to be there for her! <3
52.0% It made sense. All of the men in the group were ex-soldiers. They were proceeding as if this were a military operation.To them it is! I <3 that these men are all going after Chrissy! <3 their loyalty to one another is amazing! <3
57.0% She nodded and moved away from him, giving both of them room to breathe. Still, the air in the room was thick with sexual heat and she wondered if making love wouldn’t be easier than trying to deny the hunger they were feeling.
I love the tension and chemistry between these two! <3
58.0% For some reason Cantrell has captured my attention - I hope we get a book about him! :)
She flicked a glance at Dev, saw Montez watching her, saw the moment Dev realized it. “Forget about it,” she heard him say. “That goes for all of you.”
<3 LOVE IT! <3
61.0% “Chrissy. My name is Chrissy…Delaney.”
Aww! I love Chrissy!
63.0% Devlin Raines had branded her as his and she would never get over him. She belonged to him and no other man would do.
<3 <3
65.0% “Jesus, I’ve never met a woman I want the way I want you.”
<3 I love that, Dev! <3
67.0% “I’m going. I’ll find a way to get there if I have to walk every step of the way.”
<3 go Lark! <3
70.0% Chrissy’s eyes remained solemn. “Are you my mama now?” Lark swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Yes, sweetheart, I am.” “That’s good. A little girl needs a mama.” Lark hugged her tighter. “That’s right, she does.”
Awwwwwwwwwwwww! <3 <3 <3
75.0% As much as she wanted to deny it, Gracie was right. Dev and the others weren’t the sort to settle down. Or even to fall in love.
With the right woman, they would!! Don't give up Lark!
77.0% She watched him walk away, his strides long and confident. On the surface, he looked like an average man, but she thought there was a core of steel beneath his every-man facade. She wondered if she would see him again and smiled, somehow certain she would.
Awwwww! Im glad about Emilio and Gracie - they seem great for each other! <3
78.0% “Chrissy seems to have a lot of uncles lately.”
Yep and I LOVE it! <3 <3
79.0% It isn’t too late, he told himself. If he was careful, if he set things on a more even course, he could protect himself.
Oh Dev! No you don't need protecting from Lark, she's not going to hurt you! :(
83.0% She could feel it. And looking at the tight set of Dev’s jaw, she was sure he could feel it, too.
Oh no, what's going to happen!
85.0% She looked at him as if just hearing him say it turned her on. Jesus, it sure as hell turned him on. “Don’t look at me like that unless you mean it. Because I’m so wired right now, I could take you all night long and still not get enough.”
<3 Dev! But I wanna know what the hell is going on! What is La Guerra up to?!
88.0% One thing she knew. Losing Dev Raines was going to be the hardest thing she’d ever done.
Oh no :( my heart is going to break, I know it! :'(
89.0% He came with a rush, a release so fierce his head fell back and he clenched his jaw to keep the primitive cry locked in his throat.
<3
91.0% Haha I love Jackson and Gabe! <3 <3
93.0% But now he knew the difference, knew what a real woman was. “Town!” Shouting for his friend, he pounded down the hall.
Yesssssssssss! :D <3 <3
95.0% “You said the don called you on your way over here.”
Oh thank god you remembered that! <3 <3
96.0% He swallowed, glanced away. When he spoke, his words came out softly. “I want to say it. I want to say it so much it hurts. But I’m afraid. I’m scared of what will happen if I do.”
Oh Dev how are you so perfect! <3
98.0% All of them were married to beautiful, talented women, and all of them were well-loved. And deeply in love with their wives.
<3 the Raines! <3
99.0% “Besides,” Sarah said, “about halfway through the ceremony, he looked a little misty-eyed himself.”
Aww! I <3 that! <3 <3
100.0% Awwwwwwwwwww! Loved it! The case was amazing, Chrissy was awesome and Dev n Lark were incredible! I cant wait to read the other books in this amazing series! <3 <3 <3
February 22, 2023
Against the Law by Kat Martin was awesome and I highly recommend reading.
The main characters are Declining 'Dev' Raines and Lark Delaney. Lark is a highly successful woman who designs designer bags out of LA. She has a younger who recently dies and she promises to find her sister's daughter that she gave for adoption. Her dying wish is to ensure the baby, a 4 year old girl,is with a loving family. Fortunately for Lark she can find the basic information and is referred to Dev by one her friend Molly husband Clive. Clive and Dev were in the military together and Dev is in Clive's debt.
Lark barges into Dev's life to ask for his help in finding her sister Heather's daughter. Dev is ex military and owes a successful reliable security firm out Arizona with a second location on the west coast. Dev hot and has choice of any woman whenever he wants. Back to Dev and Lark. Because Dev owes Clive a debt and against gut instinct he goes ahead and help find the baby. With the help of the internet and several associates he is able to track down the adoption agency and the parents. The adventure and attraction between is only getting started. They stumble into false adoption, baby trafficking, and murder
With help they find the baby, Chrissy, and is love insisting for Lark and Dev knows it. Lark plans to Chrissy and story takes another twist into drug trafficking doms, baby/kids trafficking, LOVE, family, and friendships. Dev and Lark must fight to keep Chrissy safe and with them. In the meantime fight against the strong attraction they have for each and move on away separately. Even Chrissy loves Dev. Luckily for them they have a great set of family and friends that is aware and offer encouragement.
.....
Dev, Lark, and Chrissy are united.
I could easily read a squeal of these three. I'm glad there are other Raines books available.
Hope I did spoil the book too much for anyone. I really enthusiastic book.
The main characters are Declining 'Dev' Raines and Lark Delaney. Lark is a highly successful woman who designs designer bags out of LA. She has a younger who recently dies and she promises to find her sister's daughter that she gave for adoption. Her dying wish is to ensure the baby, a 4 year old girl,is with a loving family. Fortunately for Lark she can find the basic information and is referred to Dev by one her friend Molly husband Clive. Clive and Dev were in the military together and Dev is in Clive's debt.
Lark barges into Dev's life to ask for his help in finding her sister Heather's daughter. Dev is ex military and owes a successful reliable security firm out Arizona with a second location on the west coast. Dev hot and has choice of any woman whenever he wants. Back to Dev and Lark. Because Dev owes Clive a debt and against gut instinct he goes ahead and help find the baby. With the help of the internet and several associates he is able to track down the adoption agency and the parents. The adventure and attraction between is only getting started. They stumble into false adoption, baby trafficking, and murder
With help they find the baby, Chrissy, and is love insisting for Lark and Dev knows it. Lark plans to Chrissy and story takes another twist into drug trafficking doms, baby/kids trafficking, LOVE, family, and friendships. Dev and Lark must fight to keep Chrissy safe and with them. In the meantime fight against the strong attraction they have for each and move on away separately. Even Chrissy loves Dev. Luckily for them they have a great set of family and friends that is aware and offer encouragement.
.....
Dev, Lark, and Chrissy are united.
I could easily read a squeal of these three. I'm glad there are other Raines books available.
Hope I did spoil the book too much for anyone. I really enthusiastic book.
December 6, 2019
Against the Law by Kat Martin is an exciting read. It is everything a romantic suspense novel should be. A young woman who lost everyone she loved, swears an oath. Finding the baby that her younger sister gave away. Make sure the baby is with a good family. Lark finds one hell of a detective and man in Dev.
A man that could be in GQ magazines, love having different women in his bed, and building his fortune. Only those things are not as fun as he thought they would be. Having been hurt by women in the past, Dev thought endless one night stands was life. But until, an empty feeling sinks in and a renewed energy filling in the form of one woman, Dev may find his calling.
Dev wanted love and the whole package. He never found that in his mother nor his ex-fiancee. Now, women have left a bitter taste in his mouth. Never would he leave himself so vulnerable again. Then, enters Lark.
Lark is everything gorgeous inside and out. She has humor, grace, love, and intelligence. Her beauty stuns all men. Lark is wanting to find her niece. Dev is the man for the job. However, what should be a quick job leads to so much more.
The chemistry was instant and hot. The plot quickly escalated out of control. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how bad things were going to go. I rooted for each protagonist. Kat Martin had me cheering for them both. Most of all, the pair of characters got under my skin and snuck their way deep into my heart.
Against the Law is a must read romantic suspense novel. I loved it. It was fast-paced, well-written, and intriguing.
I bought this book from a local bookstore in town. This is my voluntary review.
A man that could be in GQ magazines, love having different women in his bed, and building his fortune. Only those things are not as fun as he thought they would be. Having been hurt by women in the past, Dev thought endless one night stands was life. But until, an empty feeling sinks in and a renewed energy filling in the form of one woman, Dev may find his calling.
Dev wanted love and the whole package. He never found that in his mother nor his ex-fiancee. Now, women have left a bitter taste in his mouth. Never would he leave himself so vulnerable again. Then, enters Lark.
Lark is everything gorgeous inside and out. She has humor, grace, love, and intelligence. Her beauty stuns all men. Lark is wanting to find her niece. Dev is the man for the job. However, what should be a quick job leads to so much more.
The chemistry was instant and hot. The plot quickly escalated out of control. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how bad things were going to go. I rooted for each protagonist. Kat Martin had me cheering for them both. Most of all, the pair of characters got under my skin and snuck their way deep into my heart.
Against the Law is a must read romantic suspense novel. I loved it. It was fast-paced, well-written, and intriguing.
I bought this book from a local bookstore in town. This is my voluntary review.
December 21, 2018
Even though I enjoyed the book there were a couple of things that troubled me. When Chrissy gets kidnapped, Dev and Lark seem as concerned about having sex as they are with finding Chrissy. Although sex would be a good stress-reliever, their sexual tension went beyond that, and I just found their obsession with the sex perplexing when a child has been kidnapped and is possibly being sexually abused (she's saved in time). I think this is what bothered me most about the book.
Then there's Dev's fixation on his broken relationship resulting in his fear of marriage. This miraculously changes within a 15 minute encounter with his devious ex-fiance.
The couple that manipulated people into illegal adoptions, and started this whole scenario, get off scot-free.
However, I liked the action and the sex (inappropriate as it was, in some sections of the book).
Then there's Dev's fixation on his broken relationship resulting in his fear of marriage. This miraculously changes within a 15 minute encounter with his devious ex-fiance.
The couple that manipulated people into illegal adoptions, and started this whole scenario, get off scot-free.
However, I liked the action and the sex (inappropriate as it was, in some sections of the book).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2020
The tension and sexual attraction are high in this romantic suspense. Lark goes to Dev for help in finding the child her sister gave up for adoption 4 years ago. Dev takes the case as a favor to a mutual friend. But things quickly spiral out of control when they discover the family that adopted the child were involved with a major Mexican drug lord. Dev struggles with his own growing feelings for Lark and the child while also trying to keep them safe. I think Martin does a great job of keeping the suspense high in these novels, and keeping you turning pages. You want to know how they will resolve it, how they will finally be safe and find their HEA, but at the same time, the stories and characters are crafted so well that you don't want it to end.
April 19, 2018
I was looking forward to this story because I loved the first two, and I loved Dev's presence in them.
The story line was good, and kept me turning the page. I didn't feel the chemistry between Dev and Lark as I did with the couples in the first two books in the series. I also felt the timing of the steamy scenes was inappropriate. Lark's choices just didn't sit well with me. She was much too concerned with Dev when she should have been a mess about her daughter.
The epilogue was very scattered and forced.
I still enjoyed the book, but overall it was a disappointment compared to the first two.
The story line was good, and kept me turning the page. I didn't feel the chemistry between Dev and Lark as I did with the couples in the first two books in the series. I also felt the timing of the steamy scenes was inappropriate. Lark's choices just didn't sit well with me. She was much too concerned with Dev when she should have been a mess about her daughter.
The epilogue was very scattered and forced.
I still enjoyed the book, but overall it was a disappointment compared to the first two.
September 27, 2022
This is the third book in The Raines of Wind Canyon series. I have loved reading these stories that follow the Raine brothers. I can’t wait to continue the series.
Lark Delaney just lost her younger sister to cancer. Now she’s looking for the daughter that her sister gave up for adoption as a teen so she can ease her mind that she’s being raised by a good family. Dev Raine is an ex Army Ranger and PI. He owes a friend a favor and is hired to help Lark find her niece.
Their investigation leads them to some shady characters. Before they know it, danger surrounds them. Not to mention they are fighting feelings that neither of them want. Will they find Larks Niece?
Lark Delaney just lost her younger sister to cancer. Now she’s looking for the daughter that her sister gave up for adoption as a teen so she can ease her mind that she’s being raised by a good family. Dev Raine is an ex Army Ranger and PI. He owes a friend a favor and is hired to help Lark find her niece.
Their investigation leads them to some shady characters. Before they know it, danger surrounds them. Not to mention they are fighting feelings that neither of them want. Will they find Larks Niece?
July 16, 2021
This story is Book 3 in the Raines of Wind Canyon. Dev Raines has semi retired from Raines Investigations. Lark Delaney shows up at Dev's house and begs him to help her find her 4 year old niece. They are attracted to each other right away but determined to find the child and stay professional during the process. The case should be straight forward and fairly easy but it becomes dangerous and Dev needs to reach out to his former associates to keep Lark safe. Good story. I enjoyed it very much.
February 16, 2018
The hero was a little whiny (waaa, some girl broke my heart so I'll just play the field forever so no one else can waaa). But the heroine was right up my alley. A sexy, successful woman who is fulfilling a promise to a deceased sister. I also love that there are some characters that have mixed characteristics (bad and good). I look forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2018
This book was a lot more plot driven than were the first two in the series. What I really found ironic here is that Devlin is supposed to be the playboy of the Raines brothers, but he had fewer steamy scenes than they did. It was fine with me though. The fast paced, well-researched, and interesting plot is what is what kept me wanting more. This is definitely my favorite of the three!
October 1, 2020
Another winner in this series
OMG! So much action and drama. The story just kept building both the romantic tension between Dev and Lark but also the stressful tension of danger. It was a wonderful roller coaster ride to read. Like the three brothers stories hope they come up again in the future books in this series. Would love to know if babies are in those men’s futures
OMG! So much action and drama. The story just kept building both the romantic tension between Dev and Lark but also the stressful tension of danger. It was a wonderful roller coaster ride to read. Like the three brothers stories hope they come up again in the future books in this series. Would love to know if babies are in those men’s futures
October 5, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in a day. All three books in this series are fantastic. Lark hires Dev to help find her dead sister’s child and I loved staying on edge. They tried fighting their feelings but can’t help falling for each other and her niece Chrissy too. Glad they finally got a very happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
November 1, 2024
This was an awful book, even when taking into account the genre. The writing is terrible. Phrases excused as sentences, sentences that make no sense, lame descriptions and stilted dialogue. The sex scenes have no heat or originality. The plot had some promise, but was crafted so poorly as to be tedious and boring. Just all around bad.
August 20, 2025
Good grief!
I like a romance, but don't need the excessive descriptions and smutty thoughts. I only read this because I thought the actual mystery sounded interesting. This was not the case, however, as it was only a hook to get you into the usual, classic drug cartel crap.
I'm done with this series.
I like a romance, but don't need the excessive descriptions and smutty thoughts. I only read this because I thought the actual mystery sounded interesting. This was not the case, however, as it was only a hook to get you into the usual, classic drug cartel crap.
I'm done with this series.
August 18, 2019
Against the Law
Drug cartels, murder, kidnapping, and a long search for her dead sisters little girl that she was forced to give up when she was first born. All that's missing is the great looking, well built man to help her through all the bodies to her niece.
Drug cartels, murder, kidnapping, and a long search for her dead sisters little girl that she was forced to give up when she was first born. All that's missing is the great looking, well built man to help her through all the bodies to her niece.
December 19, 2020
Great reading
Great reading about Dev and Lark. Lark hires Dev to find her sister little girl who she had put up for adoption. Full of mystery and intrigued as they have to deal with the drug cartel.
Great reading about Dev and Lark. Lark hires Dev to find her sister little girl who she had put up for adoption. Full of mystery and intrigued as they have to deal with the drug cartel.
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