Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Very good book that sucked me in early and didn't let go until the very end. Bella is a reporter for the local paper, as well as doing free-lance articles for other publications. She is currently investigating a story that is very personal to her. Her best friend recently died from an eating disorder, and Bella believes that the beauty pageant industry contributed to it. She plans to go undercover as a contestant for Ms. Mustang Valley in her search for the truth. On the first day of pageant auditions, she meets Holden St. Clair, the security guard hired to protect the contestants.
What Bella doesn't know is that Holden is more than a security guard. He is an FBI agent on the trail of a serial killer who has struck two other pageants. His gut tells him that the Ms. Mustang Valley pageant is the next target. Meeting Bella Colton is a distraction he doesn't want or need.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Bella and Holden. There were sparks from the moment they met, though both were determined to ignore them. Each had their goals, and neither wanted the distraction. But when Bella is attacked that same evening, she is thankful for Holden's presence. When they discover that each has an underlying reason to be there, it doesn't take long for them to agree to work together. Holden's protectiveness runs up against Bella's independence, and learning to trust each other is a big part of the battle. There is an added complication in that Holden was burned by a former girlfriend who was also a reporter. I liked seeing them get to know each other and discover that they had more than just attraction going for them. I especially enjoyed the birdwatching scene as they were able to get away from their troubles for a few hours. But as their feelings for each other grew, each also felt that there was no future in it. There were still those differences, plus the distance between their jobs. However, surviving the danger of the serial killer as they did gave them a new appreciation for what they had together, and the motivation to find a solution. I loved Holden's big moment at the end.
The suspense of the story was excellent. Bella's desire to discover the truth behind the pageant wouldn't allow her to give up, even when it became clear that she was the target of a killer. That first attack was frightening, and even more so when Holden found the hidden camera at her house. Bella's search for answers about the pageant also seemed to stir up some trouble, with attacks on and by other pageant personnel, leaving questions about who was behind the attacks. The tension built as the time for the pageant grew closer, knowing that's when the killer usually strikes. I was on the edge of my seat as the attack finally happened, and Bella's life was on the line. I loved the teamwork that had to happen between Bella and Holden to bring it to an end.
I haven't read any of the other Mustang Valley books yet, but this was easily read as a stand-alone. There were references made to what is probably the ongoing mystery, but they didn't affect my enjoyment of this book. I will read the others, though!
What Bella doesn't know is that Holden is more than a security guard. He is an FBI agent on the trail of a serial killer who has struck two other pageants. His gut tells him that the Ms. Mustang Valley pageant is the next target. Meeting Bella Colton is a distraction he doesn't want or need.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Bella and Holden. There were sparks from the moment they met, though both were determined to ignore them. Each had their goals, and neither wanted the distraction. But when Bella is attacked that same evening, she is thankful for Holden's presence. When they discover that each has an underlying reason to be there, it doesn't take long for them to agree to work together. Holden's protectiveness runs up against Bella's independence, and learning to trust each other is a big part of the battle. There is an added complication in that Holden was burned by a former girlfriend who was also a reporter. I liked seeing them get to know each other and discover that they had more than just attraction going for them. I especially enjoyed the birdwatching scene as they were able to get away from their troubles for a few hours. But as their feelings for each other grew, each also felt that there was no future in it. There were still those differences, plus the distance between their jobs. However, surviving the danger of the serial killer as they did gave them a new appreciation for what they had together, and the motivation to find a solution. I loved Holden's big moment at the end.
The suspense of the story was excellent. Bella's desire to discover the truth behind the pageant wouldn't allow her to give up, even when it became clear that she was the target of a killer. That first attack was frightening, and even more so when Holden found the hidden camera at her house. Bella's search for answers about the pageant also seemed to stir up some trouble, with attacks on and by other pageant personnel, leaving questions about who was behind the attacks. The tension built as the time for the pageant grew closer, knowing that's when the killer usually strikes. I was on the edge of my seat as the attack finally happened, and Bella's life was on the line. I loved the teamwork that had to happen between Bella and Holden to bring it to an end.
I haven't read any of the other Mustang Valley books yet, but this was easily read as a stand-alone. There were references made to what is probably the ongoing mystery, but they didn't affect my enjoyment of this book. I will read the others, though!
