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Desert Heat #1
Unlock the Truth
Dena Roman needs closure. Three months ago, her sister’s murdered body was found in the California desert. When a second body is found at the same site, Dena jeopardizes her public relations position to go undercover and investigate. But falling for the main suspect isn’t part of her plan.
Zeke Cabrera needs help. He sold a portion of his family’s Three C’s Estates to keep his citrus farm afloat, but when bodies are unearthed on the site, he’s suspected of murder. Help comes in the form of a communications expert who makes all the difference in his life and business-–and in his heart.
Amidst an attack on her life and run-ins with a cantankerous foreman, Dena digs for the truth, even as she forms a strong bond with Zeke. But can their newly found love survive all the deep secrets hidden at Three C’s Estates?
Zeke Cabrera needs help. He sold a portion of his family’s Three C’s Estates to keep his citrus farm afloat, but when bodies are unearthed on the site, he’s suspected of murder. Help comes in the form of a communications expert who makes all the difference in his life and business-–and in his heart.
Amidst an attack on her life and run-ins with a cantankerous foreman, Dena digs for the truth, even as she forms a strong bond with Zeke. But can their newly found love survive all the deep secrets hidden at Three C’s Estates?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2013
32 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Robena Grant
13 books261 followersBorn in Australia, Robena now lives in Southern California. She has two adult children. Loves travel, hanging out with friends and family, reading, cooking, singing really bad karaoke, drinking really good red wine, chomping on chocolate, and swigging coffee. And she hates filling out forms because they give her a headache.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 20, 2013
Unlock the Truth
In a world where many romantic suspense books start out with a bang and continue on from there at a whirlwind pace, I was pleasantly surprised to settle into the artful unfolding story of, Unlock the Truth.
Well crafted, painting vivid pictures, the book resolves a step at a time, giving the reader the chance to digest subtle and deceptive events.
Dena Roman’s sister was murdered and her body found in the California desert. Then a second body is found at the same site. Needing closure, she heads south from L.A. to Three C’s Estates, to find answers.
Zeke Cabrera sold a portion of his family Estates to help business. Now, after two bodies are found on the recently-sold property, he's suspected of murder. Though Dena forms a tender bond with Zeke, is it safe to trust him?
She searches for the truth, losing her job and making some enemies in the desert along the way. She spearheads an art festival and confronts Zeke’s citrus competitor. She also offers a better future to one of Zeke’s trusted young farm workers. How many more secrets must she unlock before she solves her sister’s death?
I recommend this book for those who prefer cozy suspense to edgy thrillers, going deep but not dark, and who still believe that love conquers all.
In a world where many romantic suspense books start out with a bang and continue on from there at a whirlwind pace, I was pleasantly surprised to settle into the artful unfolding story of, Unlock the Truth.
Well crafted, painting vivid pictures, the book resolves a step at a time, giving the reader the chance to digest subtle and deceptive events.
Dena Roman’s sister was murdered and her body found in the California desert. Then a second body is found at the same site. Needing closure, she heads south from L.A. to Three C’s Estates, to find answers.
Zeke Cabrera sold a portion of his family Estates to help business. Now, after two bodies are found on the recently-sold property, he's suspected of murder. Though Dena forms a tender bond with Zeke, is it safe to trust him?
She searches for the truth, losing her job and making some enemies in the desert along the way. She spearheads an art festival and confronts Zeke’s citrus competitor. She also offers a better future to one of Zeke’s trusted young farm workers. How many more secrets must she unlock before she solves her sister’s death?
I recommend this book for those who prefer cozy suspense to edgy thrillers, going deep but not dark, and who still believe that love conquers all.
February 22, 2014
See my review at
http://romancing-the-book.com/2014/02...
http://romancing-the-book.com/2014/02...
July 26, 2015
I was not a fan of Dena at all. She was just too much. She seemed full of herself with certain things she would do. I feel like saying that she was too comfortable in Zeke's house/on his property. She just did what she wanted without talking to anyone else, even if it involved them.
In the end, this was an alright read. There just weren't any real surprises. I knew right away after being introduced to Cyril that he was most likely the killer. Why? Was't sure but still. Nothing really new or different here.
Questions/Comments:
Dena ends up going to a small town type place, where everyone knows each others business and whatnot. What small town has a Starbucks? Seriously though.
At one point Dena decides it's a good thing to pretend to be Zeke's girlfriend. Why? Not totally sure exactly. Anyways, if she was his girlfriend (seemed to be only when the police were around) what girlfriend wouldn't be upset, worried (anything emotion along that line)then guy is being arrested? Dena is way too nonchalant for my liking, given the situation. She kisses him, skips over to her car and follows. She doesn't act like anything bad is happening.
Dena ends up quitting her job because she wants to help Zeke and find her sisters killer. "Next car, haha, I'm unemployed. I've got a sick mother to take care of. I can't even afford a bike." Given that statement, how would she manage to open her own business as an investigator? I never understood that. Much less, pay Manny $12 and hour, for at least 8 hours a day? Where is she getting her money from?
So Dena is trying to help Zeke and his situation. She ends up offering a reward for any info on the dead girls, before even talking to Zeke about it. $20k! That's not a small amount of money, yet, again Dena is so free spirited she feels like she can do anything.
Dena and Zeke end up waking up (prior to them having relations), to have Stanton at the doorstep. Dena wants to act natural and all because
"nothing happened last night." So course the most natural thing for her to do would be going out in front of them in only a tiny kimono. She then seems upset that Stanton doesn't really bother to check her out, considering she's not even wearing a bra. Seriously?
Why does she try to get the stray cats to come back? I didn't understand that part either. I mean, yes, Zeke's mother use to feed them but it's been a couple years now. Why would she do that considering they weren't dating or anything? It's like she's basically moving in.
What is with the sex scenes? Why are the women the only ones that are making noises when having sex/orgasming? I mean come on! All the guy does is grunt or groan and that's it. But the woman is moaning, screaming, blah, blah, blah. I don't get it.
Dena and Zeke are talking about Rocky and the fact that he has very clean fingernails and looks like he might polish them. "Don't you think that's odd for a man of the land?" That had to have the strangest comment in this book. I mean who says stuff like that? She couldn't have just said for a man that works outdoors?
Then with her knowing that Zeke's mother and Rocky might have been having a sexual relationship, she jumps right on the gay wagon because of his nails? No sense.
What type of shower would you have to 'reach up' to turn the faucet off? If you're standing?
Again Dena with her weird comments. "Did you recognize any of the youths?" Really?
"Jim Bauer and Hal Harmon ambled into the bar right on time." Yet, how did Zeke know that was them considering he'd never met them before?
Why would Hal and Jim do what Cyril told them to do? Neither man was working for Cyril, in fact, they were considering Cyril working for them.
Zeke gets mad when he finds out that Dena was there to investigate the murder of her sister, not just a friend. "I know I should have told you before we got involved, but I got so caught up in making love that I forgot..." Really? At this point they'd only had sex the one time. I don't that comment. She had plenty of time to spill the beans prior to having sex with him, yet she makes it seem as though they'd been having a lot.
So Zeke is riding a horse over to the old house that Rocky is hiding in. While he's on a trail "A weight dropped onto his back..." How old is Cyril? From what I've read about him, I thought he was an old man...not someone that would be climbing trees(?) and jumping onto moving horses. And when Zeke has his rifle aimed at Cyril, how in the world does he manage to get it away?
In the end, this was an alright read. There just weren't any real surprises. I knew right away after being introduced to Cyril that he was most likely the killer. Why? Was't sure but still. Nothing really new or different here.
Questions/Comments:
Dena ends up going to a small town type place, where everyone knows each others business and whatnot. What small town has a Starbucks? Seriously though.
At one point Dena decides it's a good thing to pretend to be Zeke's girlfriend. Why? Not totally sure exactly. Anyways, if she was his girlfriend (seemed to be only when the police were around) what girlfriend wouldn't be upset, worried (anything emotion along that line)then guy is being arrested? Dena is way too nonchalant for my liking, given the situation. She kisses him, skips over to her car and follows. She doesn't act like anything bad is happening.
Dena ends up quitting her job because she wants to help Zeke and find her sisters killer. "Next car, haha, I'm unemployed. I've got a sick mother to take care of. I can't even afford a bike." Given that statement, how would she manage to open her own business as an investigator? I never understood that. Much less, pay Manny $12 and hour, for at least 8 hours a day? Where is she getting her money from?
So Dena is trying to help Zeke and his situation. She ends up offering a reward for any info on the dead girls, before even talking to Zeke about it. $20k! That's not a small amount of money, yet, again Dena is so free spirited she feels like she can do anything.
Dena and Zeke end up waking up (prior to them having relations), to have Stanton at the doorstep. Dena wants to act natural and all because
"nothing happened last night." So course the most natural thing for her to do would be going out in front of them in only a tiny kimono. She then seems upset that Stanton doesn't really bother to check her out, considering she's not even wearing a bra. Seriously?
Why does she try to get the stray cats to come back? I didn't understand that part either. I mean, yes, Zeke's mother use to feed them but it's been a couple years now. Why would she do that considering they weren't dating or anything? It's like she's basically moving in.
What is with the sex scenes? Why are the women the only ones that are making noises when having sex/orgasming? I mean come on! All the guy does is grunt or groan and that's it. But the woman is moaning, screaming, blah, blah, blah. I don't get it.
Dena and Zeke are talking about Rocky and the fact that he has very clean fingernails and looks like he might polish them. "Don't you think that's odd for a man of the land?" That had to have the strangest comment in this book. I mean who says stuff like that? She couldn't have just said for a man that works outdoors?
Then with her knowing that Zeke's mother and Rocky might have been having a sexual relationship, she jumps right on the gay wagon because of his nails? No sense.
What type of shower would you have to 'reach up' to turn the faucet off? If you're standing?
Again Dena with her weird comments. "Did you recognize any of the youths?" Really?
"Jim Bauer and Hal Harmon ambled into the bar right on time." Yet, how did Zeke know that was them considering he'd never met them before?
Why would Hal and Jim do what Cyril told them to do? Neither man was working for Cyril, in fact, they were considering Cyril working for them.
Zeke gets mad when he finds out that Dena was there to investigate the murder of her sister, not just a friend. "I know I should have told you before we got involved, but I got so caught up in making love that I forgot..." Really? At this point they'd only had sex the one time. I don't that comment. She had plenty of time to spill the beans prior to having sex with him, yet she makes it seem as though they'd been having a lot.
So Zeke is riding a horse over to the old house that Rocky is hiding in. While he's on a trail "A weight dropped onto his back..." How old is Cyril? From what I've read about him, I thought he was an old man...not someone that would be climbing trees(?) and jumping onto moving horses. And when Zeke has his rifle aimed at Cyril, how in the world does he manage to get it away?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2017
Lovely story. Well written. I liked all the characters, except for the bad guys, of course. Glad it's a trilogy. I'm off to find the second book.
June 8, 2015
Reviewed by Nadene
Book purchased by the reviewer
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I am an avid fan of romantic suspense so I was definitely psyched to read and review this title. Although the author was new to me I chose the book because I found the blurb to be rather intriguing. I didn’t know what to expect as I was not familiar with Ms. Grant’s writing style.
Unlock the Truth is atypical of the romantic suspense that I have come to enjoy. It was not fast paced and it never really gave me that nail biting or edge of your seat feeling that one would expect from a suspenseful read. However, in-spite of this it was not a boring read. For me this title was more of a cozy mystery with an element of romance.
I thought the author dealt with the mystery element quite well. It had me guessing from one moment to the next as to who the villain was. When I thought I had it figured out Ms. Grant stirred things up and threw me a curve. The romance between Dena and Zeke was sweet, however I thought it could have been better developed. I felt it was a bit rushed.
Unlock the Truth is the first book in the Desert Heat series and I found it to be an enjoyable read. Based on my experience with this title I am definitely looking forward to the other books in the series.
Book purchased by the reviewer
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I am an avid fan of romantic suspense so I was definitely psyched to read and review this title. Although the author was new to me I chose the book because I found the blurb to be rather intriguing. I didn’t know what to expect as I was not familiar with Ms. Grant’s writing style.
Unlock the Truth is atypical of the romantic suspense that I have come to enjoy. It was not fast paced and it never really gave me that nail biting or edge of your seat feeling that one would expect from a suspenseful read. However, in-spite of this it was not a boring read. For me this title was more of a cozy mystery with an element of romance.
I thought the author dealt with the mystery element quite well. It had me guessing from one moment to the next as to who the villain was. When I thought I had it figured out Ms. Grant stirred things up and threw me a curve. The romance between Dena and Zeke was sweet, however I thought it could have been better developed. I felt it was a bit rushed.
Unlock the Truth is the first book in the Desert Heat series and I found it to be an enjoyable read. Based on my experience with this title I am definitely looking forward to the other books in the series.
October 4, 2015
~~~~~~Dena Roman needs closure. Three months ago, her sister's murdered body was found in the California desert. When a second body is found at the same site, Dena jeopardizes her public relations position to go undercover and investigate. But falling for the main suspect isn't part of her plan. Zeke Cabrera needs help. He sold a portion of his family's Three C's Estates to keep his citrus farm afloat, but when bodies are unearthed on the site, he's suspected of murder. Help comes in the form of a communications expert who makes all the difference in his life and business--and in his heart. Amidst an attack on her life and run-ins with a cantankerous foreman, Dena digs for the truth, even as she forms a strong bond with Zeke. But can their newly found love survive all the deep secrets hidden at Three C's Estates~~~~~
****My Review ~~~~This is the first book that I have read from this Author and it is fantastic.~~~~~
Steady paced story and developed characters . I loved the chemistry between Dena and Zeke.Murder,mistrust ,family secrets and guilty feelings all wrapped up in this story!
I give this story 5 stars and recommend it to everyone!
****My Review ~~~~This is the first book that I have read from this Author and it is fantastic.~~~~~
Steady paced story and developed characters . I loved the chemistry between Dena and Zeke.Murder,mistrust ,family secrets and guilty feelings all wrapped up in this story!
I give this story 5 stars and recommend it to everyone!
February 12, 2017
Loved it.
Very good book murder, mystery, and love. What more could you want. Well worth the time to read. Very entertaining.
Very good book murder, mystery, and love. What more could you want. Well worth the time to read. Very entertaining.
April 16, 2014
Robena Grant has me convinced she took a PI course just to write this book. That's how well she used the details to give life and spunk to Dena Roman, LA communications specialist and aspiring private detective. Dena's world turned upside down when her sister was murdered and buried in the desert close to the ranch of lawyer Zeke Cabrera. When a second woman is found dead on the site, Dena sees her chance: she can visit the place her sister died, spin media for Zeke, and maybe catch a killer. What she doesn't expect is to fall in love with the ranch, the desert, and Zeke while using her new skills to track a dangerous man who is very good at covering his tracks. Will Dena find justice for her sister and closure for her family? Or will the wrong man pay for the crimes? Grant keeps you turning pages to find out. Great start to a different kind of series.
June 11, 2013
I really like Dena and Zeke from the start. Exciting and engaging charaters carry you through this thrilling story. I love a good mystery and can't wait for the next book in the series.
Really great writing. Wonderfully paced with just enough action and romance to keep it balanced! Really sweet romance with a bit of intrigue. Nothing too dark or scary here.
*Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.*
Really great writing. Wonderfully paced with just enough action and romance to keep it balanced! Really sweet romance with a bit of intrigue. Nothing too dark or scary here.
*Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.*
February 26, 2014
Bastante flojo. Demasiadas inconsistencias y demasiado previsible. Es un jarro de agua fría que la protagonista se lleve todo el libro “imponiendo” su presencia al protagonista a toda costa y pese a quien pese. Pocos giros sorprendentes, por supuesto mentiras de por medio y el típico final donde todas las piezas encajan empalagosamente a la perfección.
No me ha gustado aunque tampoco me ha sacado de mis casillas, para pasar el rato puede servir, nada más.
No me ha gustado aunque tampoco me ha sacado de mis casillas, para pasar el rato puede servir, nada más.
February 1, 2014
Great story and a surprise when the killer is revealed. The relationship between Dena and Zeke builds to a hot, steamy encounter with a satisfying conclusion. (No spoilers here!) A must read for fans of the contemporary and mystery romance genres. 5 stars!
January 24, 2016
Desert life
I love stories that take place in S. California, where I live. This story was very nicely put together and kept me reading wanting to know which way the author was going to go. The description of the land and environment was right on. I recommend this book.
I love stories that take place in S. California, where I live. This story was very nicely put together and kept me reading wanting to know which way the author was going to go. The description of the land and environment was right on. I recommend this book.
Want to read
March 12, 2013Amazon freebie 3/12/13
March 17, 2013
This was a great free read. Really enjoyed it.
All the characters were great and the story flowed well.
All the characters were great and the story flowed well.
March 26, 2013
Really liked this book, the mystery as well as the romance was a good read. 5 stars
February 3, 2017
Easy read
The book was an easy read, simple plot line. Overall it was a nice story. At times a little too much of a fairy tale which made things a little predictable.
The book was an easy read, simple plot line. Overall it was a nice story. At times a little too much of a fairy tale which made things a little predictable.
February 4, 2017
4.5 stars
4.5 stars for this mysterious story. Zeke and Dena have quite an eventful beginning. Lots of interesting stuff going on raising many questions but little answers.
4.5 stars for this mysterious story. Zeke and Dena have quite an eventful beginning. Lots of interesting stuff going on raising many questions but little answers.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews