Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
At the beginning of this series, Simone Colton's father and uncle were murdered. Simone, a psychology professor, deals with her grief by trying to profile his killer. As this book opens, she faces the knowledge that all of her conclusions had been wrong. In the previous book, Hidden Target, the killers were identified and one captured. Simone still feels a burning need to be involved and eventually talks the FBI agent into letting her help a little.
Brad understands Simone's need but hesitates over her involvement. He finally gives in and allows her to watch video interviews with the suspect in custody. She surprises and impresses him with her insight into the suspect's attitude and behavior. I liked how Brad's respect motivated him to use her suggestions.
I liked watching the relationship develop between Simone and Brad. Sparks of attraction were present from the time they met, though both tried to ignore them. Simone recently ended a relationship and planned to wait before getting involved again. Brad mostly gave up on the idea of marriage because past relationships haven't handled his job well. After discouraging Simone's involvement in the case for so long, it was fun to see Brad succumb to her pleas. Time spent together became exercises in self-control as the attraction grew stronger.
When Simone falls afoul of the suspect's father, it arouses Brad's protective instincts. After several threats and an attack on her life, Brad decides the only recourse is to take Simone away from Chicago completely. I loved their time together in the cabin, as close quarters and no distractions gave them a chance to get to know each other. Both struggled to maintain their distance in the face of strengthening attraction and unexpected emotions. The river scene brought those emotions roaring to the surface along with the desire to celebrate being alive, though Brad later felt guilty for "taking advantage" of Simone's vulnerability.
Meanwhile, the suspect still at large receives help from his buddy's father, enabling him to evade capture. Determined to escape, Leo takes steps to end the threat that Brad and Simone pose. The tension increases as Leo waits for his chance, and Brad and Simone have no idea the danger is so close. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as I watched Brad go after Leo, followed by Simone, who couldn't remain behind when worried about his safety. The resolution was a nail-biter with Brad's life at risk.
I ached for both Brad and Simone when it was all over. Brad allows his fears to push Simone away, leaving her with a broken heart. Simone struggles to move on while putting on a brave face for her family. I loved the conclusion as Brad puts his well-earned misery behind him and goes after what he wants. The depth of his emotions as he faced the woman he loved was the perfect ending.
There was one thread from the story arc left hanging - the claim on the Colton business. I don't know if this is just something that fell through the cracks of a multi-author series or if it will show up later through a different set of Coltons. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
#netgalley
Brad understands Simone's need but hesitates over her involvement. He finally gives in and allows her to watch video interviews with the suspect in custody. She surprises and impresses him with her insight into the suspect's attitude and behavior. I liked how Brad's respect motivated him to use her suggestions.
I liked watching the relationship develop between Simone and Brad. Sparks of attraction were present from the time they met, though both tried to ignore them. Simone recently ended a relationship and planned to wait before getting involved again. Brad mostly gave up on the idea of marriage because past relationships haven't handled his job well. After discouraging Simone's involvement in the case for so long, it was fun to see Brad succumb to her pleas. Time spent together became exercises in self-control as the attraction grew stronger.
When Simone falls afoul of the suspect's father, it arouses Brad's protective instincts. After several threats and an attack on her life, Brad decides the only recourse is to take Simone away from Chicago completely. I loved their time together in the cabin, as close quarters and no distractions gave them a chance to get to know each other. Both struggled to maintain their distance in the face of strengthening attraction and unexpected emotions. The river scene brought those emotions roaring to the surface along with the desire to celebrate being alive, though Brad later felt guilty for "taking advantage" of Simone's vulnerability.
Meanwhile, the suspect still at large receives help from his buddy's father, enabling him to evade capture. Determined to escape, Leo takes steps to end the threat that Brad and Simone pose. The tension increases as Leo waits for his chance, and Brad and Simone have no idea the danger is so close. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as I watched Brad go after Leo, followed by Simone, who couldn't remain behind when worried about his safety. The resolution was a nail-biter with Brad's life at risk.
I ached for both Brad and Simone when it was all over. Brad allows his fears to push Simone away, leaving her with a broken heart. Simone struggles to move on while putting on a brave face for her family. I loved the conclusion as Brad puts his well-earned misery behind him and goes after what he wants. The depth of his emotions as he faced the woman he loved was the perfect ending.
There was one thread from the story arc left hanging - the claim on the Colton business. I don't know if this is just something that fell through the cracks of a multi-author series or if it will show up later through a different set of Coltons. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
#netgalley
