The Prey - Allison Brennan

Synopsis:
Rowan Smith is living in a borrowed Malibu beach house while her bestselling novel is made into a Hollywood movie.  A former FBI agent with a haunted past.  Rowan thinks she has outrun her demons.  But fiction and reality collide when a dismembered body is found in Colorado the real-life victim had the same name, occupation and looks as a character in Rowan's novel.  By the time the FBI, the LAPD and her pen private bodyguard gather around her, another person is killed - again, the murder is ripped from the pages of Rowan's book.  In the company of a former Delta Force officer with secrets of his own.  Rowan faces and excruciating dilemma: the only way to chase down the tormenting killer is by revisiting the darkness of her past and praying for some way out again.

Review:
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this book.  It is full of action and detective work. There was so much emotion brought on by this book, I was crying then I was angry, then I was contemplative.  You think you have it figured out then, you are let in on another piece of the puzzle.  The villain is twisted beyond words and the hatred he feels for Rowan comes through in every word that is written.  The chemistry between Rowan and her leading man is evident, and while there are some romance scenes, this book it truly about the crimes that are being committed and getting them solved before he strikes again.

Notable Quotes:
"You do have sulking down to an are.  I don't think I have ever been around a woman who could be quiet for three solid hours"  John talking to Rowan on a drive.

Rating:
I gave this book a 4 1/2 out of 5. I loved the story, the characters and how it all played out.  I can't wait for the next book in this series..."The Hunt"

Deep In the Heart - Sharon Sala

Overview:
Samantha Carlyle knows someone is watching her, someone who wants her dead. So she runs to the safety of her tiny Texas hometown, and to the sweet, haunting memories of John Thomas Knight. A dedicated small-town sheriff as tender as he is tough, John Thomas was Sam's best friend and her first love. Fate has carried them down different roads. Sam must trust the proud, strong, and devastatingly handsome lawman with more than her heart, she must trust him with her life. Because there is someone else out there that wants her, and they want her dead.

Review:
I really liked this book. There was a mix of who-done-it and sweet romance. There are lots of twists and turns and many half-truths and meddling family that have gotten in the way of Sam & Johnny. She turns to him when she feels there is no one in the world she can trust, she finds it hard to even trust herself at times. The way that Johnny doesn't give up, and does everything in his power to make her feel safe goes a long way to help ease her fears. There are lots of additional characters that bring this story to life. Don't judge to early as who you think is after her, Ms. Sala keeps you guessing.

Notable Quote:
"That, I think, is how the West was won. That man was a sheriff. A genuine, pissed-off, Texas Sheriff. And if there really is some crazy stalker after Samantha Carlyle, and he runs in to John Thomas Knight, then I pity him...(from Detective Pulaski after his first meeting with Johnny)

Rating:
I give this book a 3 1/2 out of 5. It is a really easy read, the characters are solid, if not predictable.

WELCOME

Welcome to Hope's Book Shelf.  I was asked to think about writing a blog about the books I read, to review & suggest as I come across different authors and stories that I want to share....so this is my work in progress.  I hope you will check back often and follow my reads.  


~ Hope