Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The intensity and urgency are apparent as defense attorney Ellington is called to the home of his brother Parker. Parker, a Chicago police officer, is accused of murdering his partner and lover, DA Jonathan Wyler. The scene there is intense, with Parker devastated and in shock, the violence of the murder, and the attitudes of the responding officers. Ellington is determined to prove Parker's innocence.
Because Parker is part of the Chicago police department, headed by Jerome Black, Parker and Ellington's father, the mayor assigns a special investigator to the case. Angela is a take-no-prisoners kind of investigator. She is unbiased, intelligent, and doesn't suffer fools gladly.
The book was a terrific mixture of suspense and romance. Ellington and Angela connected the first time they met and quickly realized that both wanted to find the truth. Thanks to Angela's attention to detail, I enjoyed the deeper-than-usual look at the investigative process. I loved that she was suspicious of the accusation from the beginning, and watching her tear a strip off the lead detective in the case was a pleasure to see. The realization that something is fishy is reinforced when the mayor turns around and fires Angela when she refuses to go along with his preferred scenario. Determined to see the truth exposed, Angela joins Ellington, and they combine forces on their investigation.
The story intensified with each new piece of information they uncovered. There is evidence of corruption and cover-ups; the closer they get to the truth, the more danger they are in. They also discover that there is a personal element to the setup that comes as a shock to everyone. I loved seeing the unquestioning support of all family members for Parker. Their brother Mingus, the private investigator, plays a significant role in uncovering vital information. When the person behind it all makes his move, Ellington's mother and Angela are in extreme danger. The twists and turns of the resolution had me glued to the pages until it was all over. The stunning end was not what I expected, and it will be interesting to see its long-term effects in the next book.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ellington and Angela. They are alike in their pursuit of the truth, and working together allows them to get to know each other. I like how well they connected and how easily they talked about anything. Their attraction is evident from the start and continues to grow throughout the book. I liked that neither one fought their feelings and that they were able to express them. I also loved that Angela had such a realistic view of what it takes to have a good relationship. I have no that she and Ellington will stay together, but she is determined to take it slowly enough to be sure. Her conversation with Ellington at the end was great.
I loved seeing more of Ellington's family. The relationship between his parents is an excellent example for the entire family. The teasing and snarkiness among the siblings were hilarious to watch, but it all stops when it comes to supporting a brother or sister in trouble. I can't wait to see what is in store for sister Vaughan.
#netgalley
Because Parker is part of the Chicago police department, headed by Jerome Black, Parker and Ellington's father, the mayor assigns a special investigator to the case. Angela is a take-no-prisoners kind of investigator. She is unbiased, intelligent, and doesn't suffer fools gladly.
The book was a terrific mixture of suspense and romance. Ellington and Angela connected the first time they met and quickly realized that both wanted to find the truth. Thanks to Angela's attention to detail, I enjoyed the deeper-than-usual look at the investigative process. I loved that she was suspicious of the accusation from the beginning, and watching her tear a strip off the lead detective in the case was a pleasure to see. The realization that something is fishy is reinforced when the mayor turns around and fires Angela when she refuses to go along with his preferred scenario. Determined to see the truth exposed, Angela joins Ellington, and they combine forces on their investigation.
The story intensified with each new piece of information they uncovered. There is evidence of corruption and cover-ups; the closer they get to the truth, the more danger they are in. They also discover that there is a personal element to the setup that comes as a shock to everyone. I loved seeing the unquestioning support of all family members for Parker. Their brother Mingus, the private investigator, plays a significant role in uncovering vital information. When the person behind it all makes his move, Ellington's mother and Angela are in extreme danger. The twists and turns of the resolution had me glued to the pages until it was all over. The stunning end was not what I expected, and it will be interesting to see its long-term effects in the next book.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ellington and Angela. They are alike in their pursuit of the truth, and working together allows them to get to know each other. I like how well they connected and how easily they talked about anything. Their attraction is evident from the start and continues to grow throughout the book. I liked that neither one fought their feelings and that they were able to express them. I also loved that Angela had such a realistic view of what it takes to have a good relationship. I have no that she and Ellington will stay together, but she is determined to take it slowly enough to be sure. Her conversation with Ellington at the end was great.
I loved seeing more of Ellington's family. The relationship between his parents is an excellent example for the entire family. The teasing and snarkiness among the siblings were hilarious to watch, but it all stops when it comes to supporting a brother or sister in trouble. I can't wait to see what is in store for sister Vaughan.
#netgalley
