New Australian romantic suspense follows Under the Hood, about a Western Australian drug gang, the teenagers they recruit, and the cop who wants to bring them down. When Mark Johnson delves deeper into his investigation into the murder of Tiny Watts, and the involvement of a teenage gang with sleazy lawyer Gino Bennetti and his drug world ties, the last thing he expects is to be interviewing Gino's widow, a woman in a world of trouble. When her husband is shot and killed, it is both a relief and a disaster. Lily has her son to protect and secrets that run deeper than the scars she bears. Mark Johnson is the last person she wants uncovering those secrets, especially the truth about her son Luke's involvement in Tiny Watts's murder. As the investigation continues and Lily's wounds begin to heal, she finds the detective easy to trust and the friendship between them blossoms into more. But the secret Lily holds places everyone in very real danger. When it is finally revealed, Lily will lose her son, the man she's grown to love, her freedom and her life.
Finding love and hope in small towns with dark secrets … Juanita escapes the real world by reading and writing Australian Rural Romance novels with elements of suspense, Australian Fantasy Paranormal and Small Town USA stories. Her romance novels star spirited heroines who give the hero a run for his money before giving in. She creates emotionally engaging worlds steeped in romance, suspense, mystery and intrigue, set in dusty, rural outback Australia and on the NASCAR racetracks of America.
Her husband was dead. Relief and horror warred inside her – but mostly it was relief. Lily Bennetti hadn’t loved her husband Gino in a long time. His brutality, cruelty and lack of care for anything or anyone; combined with the drugs he introduced young, innocent teens to – including his son Luke – was legendary. But now Lily knew she had to hold her secrets tight inside – her protection of Luke was paramount.
Detective Mark Johnson had been after the gang of drug dealers in Perth for a long time – tying the threads of evidence together was proving difficult. But interviewing Gino Bennetti’s widow made him realise if he could get her to trust him, he could well be closer than he had previously. His partner was sure of it, but they needed to do it all by the books, as well as keep Lily and Luke safe from the gang’s retribution.
Could they do it? Or were the gang of low-life criminals far too smart for the local cops?
Under Cover of Dark is the 3rd in the Under the Law series by Aussie author Juanita Kees and is a fast paced, intense ride which I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the first two in the series – this one was no exception. An excellent romantic suspense thriller which I highly recommend.
Under Cover Of Dark is book three of the Under The Law series by Juanita Kees. Detective Mark Johnson was desperate to put Gino Bennetti and his partner behind bars for personal reseason. However, he had no evidence to achieve his aim until Gino Bennetti dies. The readers of Under Cover of Dark will continue to follow Detective Mark Johnson to see if he made his objective of putting away the murder of a young boy.
I love this series, and I enjoyed reading Under Cover of Dark. I like the way Juanita Kees described her settings that allow me to engage with the plot. I love the portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout Under Cover of Dark. Under Cover of Dark was well written and researched by Juanita Kees. I like the way Juanita Kees highlights the social issues that affect all communities.
The readers of Under Cover Of Dark will learn about the devastation and the consequences of family violence. Also, the readers of Under Cover Of Dark will learn that greed and power can have devastating effects. The readers will discover the power of love and respect in helping people to heal from trauma.
A fast moving, sexy story. I looked forward to this book after reading Under the Hood and I was not disappointed. Love a book I can't put down and this was one I could not put down. Detective Mark is a sexy and romantic hero and I loved to hate the villains in this story too. Lily's strength was well written so that she didn't come across as a snivelling victim despite what she has faced. Great stuff. Now I have to go back and find Fly Away Peta.
I have read the entire Tag Raiders series by Juanita Kees. It begins with Fly Away Peta, continues in Under The Hood, and this is the new book in the series, Under Cover of Dark. This book has handsome detective Mark Johnson (from each of the earlier books) centre stage as he tries to save the beautiful but haunted widow, Lily Bennetti and her son, from the drug/gang culture of an (at times) quite sinister capital of Western Australia - Perth. The characters from Under The Hood - TJ and Scott - have a part to play in this book too, and it's nice to see them a little more advanced in their own lives, in Book 3. Ms Kees does romantic suspense beautifully, and her knowledge of teenage issues, particularly drug and gang culture, comes to the fore in this novel. It's not a pretty picture, and the author certainly doesn't try to glorify or gloss over the threat these issues pose to teenagers today. There are some lovely scenes set in the Roleystone area of Perth, where TJ and Scott have their teenage refuge, and where Detective Mark takes Lily to remove her from the threat posed by the drug barons chasing her. It's here where much of the chemistry between the two lead characters begins, and this is sustained throughout the novel, as Lily faces a showdown with the woman who has been a mafia king-pin in the Tag Raiders since day 1. I think readers who enjoy romance with warm, caring characters, real-life issues, and the chills that come with well-written suspense will definitely enjoy Under Cover Of Dark.
Wow! Loved it! Fast paced, thoroughly interesting and engaging story which had me wanting to page turn faster than I could read!!!
A continuation of the Tag Raider series; we have Detective Mark Johnson who has featured previously, investigating the murder of Tiny Watts. The heroine of the story Lily, her story is told so well, it was believable. Loved the chemistry between the two. As characters they both grew as the book went on.
A solid and suspenseful story, action packed story line, fantastic chemistry between Mark and Lily and side characters which added to not hindered the story, I will be reading it again.
I thought I had already written a review but found I haven't which is a bit upsetting to me because I remember at the time when I finished I wanted to shout from the rooftops a recommendation to add this to to your to be read list!!!
If you enjoy a good romantic suspense, then this is the book for you. The story sizzles and there's wonderful chemistry between hero and heroine. Also some hot sex! I'm a sucker for a hunky, Aussie hero so I pretty much loved Mark from the start. And I could relate to Lily, a woman who wants to take care of her son who is involved in drugs and gangs. The story is suspenseful, warm and touching.
I loved this continuation of the Tag Raiders series. The situation Lily finds herself in is horrible and I immediately felt for her. Mark is a fabulous hero who wants to protect her. Throw in a villain that is truly awful and you have a terrific story.
"Under Cover of Darkness" by Juanita Kees....first book by this author and great for those who lie to read mystery and Suspense. We take this journey with Detective Mark Johnson and it keeps the reader riveted from start to finish. 4 out of 5 stars.