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Prison Break Trilogy #2
Tempting Evil
BIG DIE COUNTRY
Joanna Sutton can cope with the fierce winter storm bearing down on the small rural community of Centennial Valley, Montana; the popular romance writer has survived much worse in life.
Haunted by the loss of her husband and child, Jo has found refuge at her family's secluded lodge, but her haven soon becomes a hell. During the ferocious blizzard, a local Boy Scout troop is stranded in the wilderness, compelling Jo to spearhead a desperate rescue mission, aided by a newly arrived stranger with an unknown agenda.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Tyler McBride hears that three escaped convicts are fast approaching Big Sky Country. Hoping to warn Jo, he faxes over the men's mug shots. But they never reach their intended recipient. Then Tyler makes a shocking discovery: two people are dead, and a killer is among the group, along with the woman Tyler loves, searching for his lost son.
More than one innocent life is at stake. For the sake of those Jo cares about most, and for her own survival, she'll need all the cunning, courage, and passion she can muster to survive the mounting terror.
Joanna Sutton can cope with the fierce winter storm bearing down on the small rural community of Centennial Valley, Montana; the popular romance writer has survived much worse in life.
Haunted by the loss of her husband and child, Jo has found refuge at her family's secluded lodge, but her haven soon becomes a hell. During the ferocious blizzard, a local Boy Scout troop is stranded in the wilderness, compelling Jo to spearhead a desperate rescue mission, aided by a newly arrived stranger with an unknown agenda.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Tyler McBride hears that three escaped convicts are fast approaching Big Sky Country. Hoping to warn Jo, he faxes over the men's mug shots. But they never reach their intended recipient. Then Tyler makes a shocking discovery: two people are dead, and a killer is among the group, along with the woman Tyler loves, searching for his lost son.
More than one innocent life is at stake. For the sake of those Jo cares about most, and for her own survival, she'll need all the cunning, courage, and passion she can muster to survive the mounting terror.
419 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 20, 2008
173 people are currently reading
1581 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
110 books5,275 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 24, 2019
Romance writer Jo Sutton returned to her family’s lodge in Montana four years ago following the murders of her husband and nine-year old son. Her healing has been slow but enough that she began a relationship with Tyler McBride, the county sheriff, but pulled away when it looked like things were getting serious. It’s been two months and she’s still unsure. In the meantime, three prisoners who escaped from San Quentin after the earthquake are headed her way. One of them became obsessed with her after reading her books. This man is dangerous and his partner is unstable. To make matters even more troubling, bad weather is descending on the valley, bringing frigid temperatures and blizzard conditions.
This story was frightening from the onset. The tension begins before these creeps even reach the lodge because we get to read their narratives. Communication with law enforcement is already problematic so my imagination just ran away with the potential danger and peril these unsuspecting people were likely to experience. So, be prepared to be uncomfortable for most of this book! And, the weather is as significant a part of the story as any other character. It was fascinating to learn how people in these regions deal with the elements as a regular part of life.
The romance between Jo and Tyler does take a back seat to the suspense and thrills, especially as their relationship had stalled. It didn’t bother me but it may others. However, I loved the scary element and the slow build to the dramatic points. With that said, near the end, I was having to suspend my beliefs a bit much when the prisoners kept eluding local, federal and state law enforcement. It made for exciting situations but I wasn’t buying it. Despite those moments, this was a really good story and I liked that it was connected to the first book, which provides the details regarding the prison break.
This story was frightening from the onset. The tension begins before these creeps even reach the lodge because we get to read their narratives. Communication with law enforcement is already problematic so my imagination just ran away with the potential danger and peril these unsuspecting people were likely to experience. So, be prepared to be uncomfortable for most of this book! And, the weather is as significant a part of the story as any other character. It was fascinating to learn how people in these regions deal with the elements as a regular part of life.
The romance between Jo and Tyler does take a back seat to the suspense and thrills, especially as their relationship had stalled. It didn’t bother me but it may others. However, I loved the scary element and the slow build to the dramatic points. With that said, near the end, I was having to suspend my beliefs a bit much when the prisoners kept eluding local, federal and state law enforcement. It made for exciting situations but I wasn’t buying it. Despite those moments, this was a really good story and I liked that it was connected to the first book, which provides the details regarding the prison break.
December 18, 2019
This is a perfect Winter read. The setting is a snowed in lodge in Montana and there are escaped convicts heading there. The suspense is palatable and the romance is a slow burn.
Romance author, Joanna Sutton, has known the joy and the sorrow of true love. After her husband and young son were killed four years ago she retreated to her childhood home in rural Centennial Valley, Montana. What remains of her family run a lodge there and it has been the perfect place to write and mourn.
Sheriff Tyler McBride has been notified that there are three escaped convicts suspected to be heading his way. He is also facing a major winter blizzard and a Boy Scout troop, with his brother Wyatt as leader and his son, Jason, along on the trip, who are stranded due to the storm.
Jo and Tyler are finding their way in to each other after the death of her husband and son and the death of his ex-wife leaving him as a single father. When Tyler learns that one of the convicts has an obsession for Jo, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Romance author, Joanna Sutton, has known the joy and the sorrow of true love. After her husband and young son were killed four years ago she retreated to her childhood home in rural Centennial Valley, Montana. What remains of her family run a lodge there and it has been the perfect place to write and mourn.
Sheriff Tyler McBride has been notified that there are three escaped convicts suspected to be heading his way. He is also facing a major winter blizzard and a Boy Scout troop, with his brother Wyatt as leader and his son, Jason, along on the trip, who are stranded due to the storm.
Jo and Tyler are finding their way in to each other after the death of her husband and son and the death of his ex-wife leaving him as a single father. When Tyler learns that one of the convicts has an obsession for Jo, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
August 14, 2008
It actually didn’t take that long to read this one. I had started it on Friday, but because I picked up my copy of Acheron, that one was more important. However, when I finally picked this one back up on Monday, it was damn near unputdownable!
Brennan has a way of writing in descriptions: whether scenery or character development, you get a complete picture of it all.
Joanna still hasn’t gotten over the death of her husband and nine-year-old son four years earlier. While she shows a brave front for her grandfather, sister and niece, she aches daily at the loss. Now she’s staying with her family at their lodge, working everyday and writing. A successful author, she loves writing the stories that touch and warm so many lives.
Tyler wants Joanna with all his being. He’s fallen in love, but is heartbroken when his marriage proposal doesn’t receive the answer he had wanted. Still, he pines for her, waiting for her. He’s raising his son, Jason, alone after his ex-wife dies of cancer, and moved them to Centennial Valley to be closer to his brother, hoping to reclame the friendship they had in their youth.
Tyler receives an anonymous call… two escaped convicts are headed his way - one infatuated with a woman he cut out of a magazine article. The description fits Jo, and with his son stuck in the wilderness with his brother and their Boy Scout troup, tension and suspense are pushed to the forefront.
And rightly so - for one convict, Aaron Doherty, believes he’s in love with Joanna and that she returns his affection. His mental process becomes the header of the novel, and his delusions grow frighteningly. The way Aaron’s mind works (the way Brennan wrote it) is enough to give the reader chills and hope that it never happens to them. In some ways, Doherty is even scarier than the second convict, Chapman, a sadistic killer, who was following Doherty.
Action scenes are great - you see them play out in your mind while reading them. The scenery paint a perfect picture, leaving the reader chilled while reading about a storm howling outside the lodge/cabin. While the love scenes are nice, I felt that there could have been a bigger connection between Tyler and Jo than there was. But what pins the reader is Aaron and his delusions - I don’t think I’ve read a character quite that delusional before.
And after reading the excerpt for Playing Dead, the final book in the trilogy, I sooooo can’t wait to get my hands on it. September 30th can’t come fast enough!
Brennan has a way of writing in descriptions: whether scenery or character development, you get a complete picture of it all.
Joanna still hasn’t gotten over the death of her husband and nine-year-old son four years earlier. While she shows a brave front for her grandfather, sister and niece, she aches daily at the loss. Now she’s staying with her family at their lodge, working everyday and writing. A successful author, she loves writing the stories that touch and warm so many lives.
Tyler wants Joanna with all his being. He’s fallen in love, but is heartbroken when his marriage proposal doesn’t receive the answer he had wanted. Still, he pines for her, waiting for her. He’s raising his son, Jason, alone after his ex-wife dies of cancer, and moved them to Centennial Valley to be closer to his brother, hoping to reclame the friendship they had in their youth.
Tyler receives an anonymous call… two escaped convicts are headed his way - one infatuated with a woman he cut out of a magazine article. The description fits Jo, and with his son stuck in the wilderness with his brother and their Boy Scout troup, tension and suspense are pushed to the forefront.
And rightly so - for one convict, Aaron Doherty, believes he’s in love with Joanna and that she returns his affection. His mental process becomes the header of the novel, and his delusions grow frighteningly. The way Aaron’s mind works (the way Brennan wrote it) is enough to give the reader chills and hope that it never happens to them. In some ways, Doherty is even scarier than the second convict, Chapman, a sadistic killer, who was following Doherty.
Action scenes are great - you see them play out in your mind while reading them. The scenery paint a perfect picture, leaving the reader chilled while reading about a storm howling outside the lodge/cabin. While the love scenes are nice, I felt that there could have been a bigger connection between Tyler and Jo than there was. But what pins the reader is Aaron and his delusions - I don’t think I’ve read a character quite that delusional before.
And after reading the excerpt for Playing Dead, the final book in the trilogy, I sooooo can’t wait to get my hands on it. September 30th can’t come fast enough!
December 19, 2019
After losing her husband and son in an act of violence, Joanna Sutton moves back to her family’s lodge in Centennial Valley, Montana. As an author she’s hoping the quiet will help her start writing again. Those plans get pushed aside though when an escaped convict who has fixated on her arrives at the lodge.
Jo has dealt with so much pain over the last 4 years that I felt bad that she now had to deal with someone like Aaron Doherty. Aaron is probably one of the creepiest killers so far in Allison Brennan’s books. His obsession with Jo is truly terrifying. Aaron’s back story is so sad and I would have felt bad for him if he hadn’t taken his obsessions with women as far as he did.
Sheriff Tyler McBride has moved to Montana with his son after his ex-wife’s death so that he can be closer to his brother. Tyler falls hard for Jo, but she is hesitant to start a relationship. I can totally understand her reasons, but after 4 years she really needs to move on. They would make a great couple.
The setting of this book is incredible. The descriptions of Centennial Valley, Montana were so vivid and alive. I felt like I was looking out a window. I’m not a big fan of the cold, but the thought of curling up with a good book at the lodge and waking up that beautiful scenery is appealing.
I really liked how this story played out. The end wasn’t rushed and the suspense was able to grow. I wasn’t sure from one chapter to the next what Aaron was going to do.
Overall it was a great book with a very intriguing storyline.
Jo has dealt with so much pain over the last 4 years that I felt bad that she now had to deal with someone like Aaron Doherty. Aaron is probably one of the creepiest killers so far in Allison Brennan’s books. His obsession with Jo is truly terrifying. Aaron’s back story is so sad and I would have felt bad for him if he hadn’t taken his obsessions with women as far as he did.
Sheriff Tyler McBride has moved to Montana with his son after his ex-wife’s death so that he can be closer to his brother. Tyler falls hard for Jo, but she is hesitant to start a relationship. I can totally understand her reasons, but after 4 years she really needs to move on. They would make a great couple.
The setting of this book is incredible. The descriptions of Centennial Valley, Montana were so vivid and alive. I felt like I was looking out a window. I’m not a big fan of the cold, but the thought of curling up with a good book at the lodge and waking up that beautiful scenery is appealing.
I really liked how this story played out. The end wasn’t rushed and the suspense was able to grow. I wasn’t sure from one chapter to the next what Aaron was going to do.
Overall it was a great book with a very intriguing storyline.
March 19, 2020
In this romantic suspense from 2008, an earthquake in California allows a prison escape. One escapee, Aaron Doherty, is obsessed and delusional about an author Joanna Sutton. Joanna lives in her grandfather's lodge in Montana where a major winter storm is about to hit. Guest John Miller arrives right before the storm. Of course, he's not John.
As a secondary story, a Boy Scout troop and their scoutmaster are trapped by the storm too. And Sheriff Tyler McBride must save Jo and the others from the escapees.
I liked the snowy setting. I never see snow like this in Texas and I'm always impressed at how well northerners deal with it. I liked the Lodge. I admired Jo's search and rescue skills. I did not like Mr. Erotomaniac Aaron. He seemed like a plain ole lunatic to me. I liked the Allison Brennan book I read yesterday better than this one. Aaron was too much for me to take.
As a secondary story, a Boy Scout troop and their scoutmaster are trapped by the storm too. And Sheriff Tyler McBride must save Jo and the others from the escapees.
I liked the snowy setting. I never see snow like this in Texas and I'm always impressed at how well northerners deal with it. I liked the Lodge. I admired Jo's search and rescue skills. I did not like Mr. Erotomaniac Aaron. He seemed like a plain ole lunatic to me. I liked the Allison Brennan book I read yesterday better than this one. Aaron was too much for me to take.
July 19, 2011
I’ve read a few of Brennan’s books and they can be hits or misses. This one leans more towards the latter. First off, I have to mention that the hero and heroine were really dull as they had little to no chemistry. The romance between the two (what little there was) was a yawn-fest. I was ready to hurl if I had to read once more about how his kid was growing up to be a “young man.” The story itself sounded really good but as I kept reading, I found it to be repetitive, especially when it came to the so-called “bad guy.” The repetition of the same thoughts, and flashbacks of his previous killings - how and why he became the person he is – was interesting at first but then became boring as it was overdone quite a few times. I ended up skimming the flashbacks halfway thru as it was repeated enough times already. There was way too much going on and a lot of flashbacks with quite a few of the other characters. The most disappointing aspect of the book was the ending. I’ve read some really bad endings and this one is no exception. I couldn’t believe the way it ended. It was like the author got tired of writing or just didn’t know how to end it. In the end, it was an okay read; not suspenseful and definitely not romantic.
December 21, 2010
This was a very solid romantic suspense. The suspense was well done. It did drag a bit there at the end, but only because I was ready for the bad guy to get his in the end. The romance was there and was a common thread throughout the book, but stayed in the background except right there in the end. It was still good, but more satisfied my want for a suspense more then it did for romance. This is a apart of the trilogy, but I think the books are more connected to the title then anything to do with the books. It felt like a standalone to me.
July 15, 2015
5-big ole disturbed stars! Lol. Seriously, yet another FAB story by one of my FAVORITE authors!
Loved it!!!!
Loved it!!!!
January 21, 2020
I must have gotten used to this author's style in the present series, since I rated Book #2 as 4 stars.
I will continue with this series as a group read on goodreads!
N.B. If violence isn't something you can read, pass these by, dear reader. Having said this, it is not all violent; human relationships and "man vs nature" in Montana winter is one theme, as well as personal relationships in a remote location.
I will continue with this series as a group read on goodreads!
N.B. If violence isn't something you can read, pass these by, dear reader. Having said this, it is not all violent; human relationships and "man vs nature" in Montana winter is one theme, as well as personal relationships in a remote location.
July 2, 2019
I have read better books than this, is why only 4 stars, but still a good read... Great storyline, fast paced and tons of snow :-)
November 26, 2023
I enjoyed this psychological thriller. Even though I don't read romantic stories much, this book really well written. It had me turning pages, completely absorbed!
December 26, 2014
After the murder of her husband and son, Joanna Sutton moved back home to Montana to live with her Grandfather and help run the family lodge. Normally a snow storm wouldn't bother her, but a boy scout was injured while camping and is stranded with his troop a few miles away. The local Sheriff asks Joanna to help with the rescue by snowmobile when the storm lifts. He also informs her that a couple of escaped convicts may be heading their way. Sheriff Tyler McBride doesn't want to scare Joanna by telling her she may be the target of one of the convicts. He cares about her and knows she has been through a terrible ordeal in the past. Tyler faxes photographs of the convicts to the lodge, but they are intercepted by a man who is a guest at the lodge.
This is the second book in Allison Brennan's Prison Break series. First of all, I loved the setting of this book. I hate extreme temperatures (hot or cold) and can't imagine being caught in a blizzard with a killer and not being able to escape. I also liked that there were so many things going on...a blizzard, an injured scout, an avalanche that has blocked the road, and a convict that is obsessed with Joanna to the point that he believes she is in love with him. Both convicts are seriously scary.
One thing I didn't like is the fact that over half of the story is told in flashback. We learn in flashback about the killer's childhood, the murder of Joanna's family, Tyler and Joanna's first meeting, and their relationship up to this point. The fact that the couple does not actually have a scene together (in the present) until the middle of the book really hurt the romance portion of the story. But the suspense was top-notch. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the second book in Allison Brennan's Prison Break series. First of all, I loved the setting of this book. I hate extreme temperatures (hot or cold) and can't imagine being caught in a blizzard with a killer and not being able to escape. I also liked that there were so many things going on...a blizzard, an injured scout, an avalanche that has blocked the road, and a convict that is obsessed with Joanna to the point that he believes she is in love with him. Both convicts are seriously scary.
One thing I didn't like is the fact that over half of the story is told in flashback. We learn in flashback about the killer's childhood, the murder of Joanna's family, Tyler and Joanna's first meeting, and their relationship up to this point. The fact that the couple does not actually have a scene together (in the present) until the middle of the book really hurt the romance portion of the story. But the suspense was top-notch. My rating: 4 Stars.
July 7, 2022
Tempting Evil
3 Stars
***Minor spoilers ahead***
Unfortunately, this is not one of Brennan's better works. While the basic suspense premise and character have potential, the writing is problematic with too much telling and not enough showing. There is also an abundance of unnecessary repetition of internal musings for all of the characters, which slows the action and the pacing.
While this is supposed to be romantic suspense, it is more of a suspense thriller with minor romance elements. Joanna and Tyler's relationship is lackluster and their emotional connection feels contrived, especially as she is apparently still grieving for her late husband and son.
Although dark and gritty scenes in books and films do not usually bother me if there is a purpose to them, this book contains a couple of instances of gratuitous mayhem that add little to the narrative or characterization.
Finally, it irks me when authors provide backgrounds for villains that ostensibly mitigate their crimes. No, I do not sympathize with the obsessive murderous stalker because his mother neglected him.
Hopefully, the next installment will be better as the plot premise is very intriguing.
3 Stars
***Minor spoilers ahead***
Unfortunately, this is not one of Brennan's better works. While the basic suspense premise and character have potential, the writing is problematic with too much telling and not enough showing. There is also an abundance of unnecessary repetition of internal musings for all of the characters, which slows the action and the pacing.
While this is supposed to be romantic suspense, it is more of a suspense thriller with minor romance elements. Joanna and Tyler's relationship is lackluster and their emotional connection feels contrived, especially as she is apparently still grieving for her late husband and son.
Although dark and gritty scenes in books and films do not usually bother me if there is a purpose to them, this book contains a couple of instances of gratuitous mayhem that add little to the narrative or characterization.
Finally, it irks me when authors provide backgrounds for villains that ostensibly mitigate their crimes. No, I do not sympathize with the obsessive murderous stalker because his mother neglected him.
Hopefully, the next installment will be better as the plot premise is very intriguing.
November 19, 2024
I liked the premise of this one, the setting and the idea of trying to track a killer in such an inhospitable environment is intriguing. The villain was also pretty interesting. However it did start to get repetitive. There would be many passages where we weren’t revealing anything new. A lot of time is spent repeating the villains pathological musings or the FMCs thoughts on the MMC and her past life. When the killer escapes four times, your heroes start to feel incompetent.
I struggle with the romance scenes in these novels. I liked the set up of Jo and Tyler already having some past relationship but the writing is hallmark level cheesy.
I could have done without Doug. I think reading so many of these books in a row really makes the sexual violence increasingly bothersome.
If I’m being picky, every time Joanna called her son “Timmy” I involuntary scrunched my face up. This book made me realise I have unhealed trauma from watching Passions way too young and being scarred by creepy doll/boy Timmy 🙃
I struggle with the romance scenes in these novels. I liked the set up of Jo and Tyler already having some past relationship but the writing is hallmark level cheesy.
I could have done without Doug. I think reading so many of these books in a row really makes the sexual violence increasingly bothersome.
If I’m being picky, every time Joanna called her son “Timmy” I involuntary scrunched my face up. This book made me realise I have unhealed trauma from watching Passions way too young and being scarred by creepy doll/boy Timmy 🙃
May 27, 2008
I tell ya, I really like Tyler and Jo's story. Jo is still grieving the loss of her son and husband from 4 years ago and that has been a wall between her and Tyler. An escaped convict is tracking Jo and is desparate to make her his and in an attempt to save Jo, Tyler will have to make some life changing decisions....lives will be lost and love will be found.
This is a great series, I can't wait for the next one.
This is a great series, I can't wait for the next one.
June 20, 2012
Maybe I've read too many Allison Brennan books this year, maybe I just couldn't get into our hero and heroine. I don't know.
So far Aaron is the most whiny and pathetic villain of any of her books. Usually they're so diabolical or fatally flawed, or inhumanly murderous. Aaron was just a pathetic loser. Usualy I'm stoked on the perversity of their actions. Not so with this one.
Add in the underwhelming (for me) romantic plot and I found myself right in the middle of the road.
So far Aaron is the most whiny and pathetic villain of any of her books. Usually they're so diabolical or fatally flawed, or inhumanly murderous. Aaron was just a pathetic loser. Usualy I'm stoked on the perversity of their actions. Not so with this one.
Add in the underwhelming (for me) romantic plot and I found myself right in the middle of the road.
February 18, 2020
Jo Sutton is a romance writer with a tragedy-filled life. Her husband and nine-year-old son were murdered by her sister’s ex-husband.
Living as a recluse while helping her grandfather run their family lodge in the middle-of-nowhere Montana, Jo fills her time writing. But what she doesn’t know is that some of her fans might be more into her than they are into her writing.
Due to the same earthquake that broke through the first book of this trilogy, escaped convicts from San Quentin are still at large. And three of them are on their way to Jo’s family lodge.
Allison Brennan is an author of numerous novels, as well as a multitude of series. In this particular series, an earthquake allows for a number of convicts to escape prison in California. So far, in the first and second book of the trilogy, a different convict is focused on — along with their target victim.
I’ll be honest, before reading this trilogy, I had never considered the possibility of a prison break due to an earthquake. The reality behind this potential happening demonstrates the research that Brennan puts into every novel she writes.
Jo Sutton struggles to make peace with her life. Just as many readers will be able to relate. The escaped convicts put her life, and the lives of those she cares about most, in dangers she could have never imagined.
Aaron Doherty, one of the three convicts still on the run, has fantasized about his life with Jo Sutton. He believes they’re meant to be together. He believes she loves him, too. He believes that every book she has ever written was written specifically for him.
He has a goal in mind and it’s to get to Jo. But not to just get to her. But to share his life with her. To convince her that she loves him, always has, and always will.
He has even gone as far as to get vengeance for her — on the man who killed her husband and son.
But how can he tell Jo what he has done for her without her jumping to conclusions about who he is?
Brennan paints a horrifying tale for readers to follow as characters trek through numerous blizzards for safety and survival. She depicts the challenges of love, trust, loss, and getting the most out of life.
Definitely not a book for the light-hearted, as I know I’ll be keeping an eye over my shoulder for awhile after finishing this read.
Living as a recluse while helping her grandfather run their family lodge in the middle-of-nowhere Montana, Jo fills her time writing. But what she doesn’t know is that some of her fans might be more into her than they are into her writing.
Due to the same earthquake that broke through the first book of this trilogy, escaped convicts from San Quentin are still at large. And three of them are on their way to Jo’s family lodge.
Allison Brennan is an author of numerous novels, as well as a multitude of series. In this particular series, an earthquake allows for a number of convicts to escape prison in California. So far, in the first and second book of the trilogy, a different convict is focused on — along with their target victim.
I’ll be honest, before reading this trilogy, I had never considered the possibility of a prison break due to an earthquake. The reality behind this potential happening demonstrates the research that Brennan puts into every novel she writes.
Jo Sutton struggles to make peace with her life. Just as many readers will be able to relate. The escaped convicts put her life, and the lives of those she cares about most, in dangers she could have never imagined.
Aaron Doherty, one of the three convicts still on the run, has fantasized about his life with Jo Sutton. He believes they’re meant to be together. He believes she loves him, too. He believes that every book she has ever written was written specifically for him.
He has a goal in mind and it’s to get to Jo. But not to just get to her. But to share his life with her. To convince her that she loves him, always has, and always will.
He has even gone as far as to get vengeance for her — on the man who killed her husband and son.
But how can he tell Jo what he has done for her without her jumping to conclusions about who he is?
Brennan paints a horrifying tale for readers to follow as characters trek through numerous blizzards for safety and survival. She depicts the challenges of love, trust, loss, and getting the most out of life.
Definitely not a book for the light-hearted, as I know I’ll be keeping an eye over my shoulder for awhile after finishing this read.
May 18, 2019
Poor Poor Joanne. Losing both her son and her husband due to her sister abusive ex husband? Its no wonder her heart is closed to loving anyone! Sheriff Tyler Bride falls head heels in love with our protagonist and even proposes but cant see past her grief. How can she love another child when her own is dead?
It doesnt help these feelings are pushed at her when there are serial killers loose. Not just one but two? Shocking, Tylyer must get to his love and brother and son before all is lost to him.
This book whilst simple as we already know who the killer is and the motivation behind it I found it quite sad. Firstly 12 year boy going after serial killers? Hmmm
But oh lots of bodies drop but it wouldnt have been more if it wasnt for one of the escapees giving up location of where the other ex cons were. I think theres a story there! A set up to maybe just maybe he might actually be innocent? Now theres a story!
But Jo actually loses her sister in this struggle and now has the custody of her 11 year old niece? Poor her but maybe there is a redemption for her after all.
I enjoyed the chase immensely for it and loved the thrill. This series could very well be a good hit tv series!
It doesnt help these feelings are pushed at her when there are serial killers loose. Not just one but two? Shocking, Tylyer must get to his love and brother and son before all is lost to him.
This book whilst simple as we already know who the killer is and the motivation behind it I found it quite sad. Firstly 12 year boy going after serial killers? Hmmm
But oh lots of bodies drop but it wouldnt have been more if it wasnt for one of the escapees giving up location of where the other ex cons were. I think theres a story there! A set up to maybe just maybe he might actually be innocent? Now theres a story!
But Jo actually loses her sister in this struggle and now has the custody of her 11 year old niece? Poor her but maybe there is a redemption for her after all.
I enjoyed the chase immensely for it and loved the thrill. This series could very well be a good hit tv series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2024
Good enough to keep me interested throughout the whole book without being outstanding. a prison break during a blizzard and a group of people isolated at a guest house in the snow,throw in a group of boy scouts and shake the bag. The prisoners have a higher profile than any of the other characters in the book, including the sheriff and the heroine of the story. I would read more by this author as it did keep moving and was entertaining. I cant quite put my finger on why it just came across as a little flat, maybe it was just that you knew who the murderers were right from the start and rather than following the clues you are following the action. Enjoyed the writing style, some of the characters could have done with a little more definition and it was never clear who the narrator of the story was,most of the thoughts seemed to be from the killer Doherty but the author didnt want us to see totally through his eyes, maybe that is why it came across as a little detached from the action.
March 4, 2020
A good read and full of action with a dash of romance. I love the stories and writing style of Allison Brennan, and while I enjoyed this story, it is not one of my favorites. I struggled with the beginning and staying interested in the story. I enjoy the trilogy and liked seeing more about O’Brien, but I felt this story was not as vivid and captivating.
With that said there are some great surprises and secrets in this story. I did not see Trixie’s confession coming. I also thought the play on community and goodwill of friends/neighbors was good and instrumental to the story. I liked seeing Han get sassy and I am excited to see book three and what happens with Mitch, Han, Megan, O’Brien and whoever else is in the third book!
With that said there are some great surprises and secrets in this story. I did not see Trixie’s confession coming. I also thought the play on community and goodwill of friends/neighbors was good and instrumental to the story. I liked seeing Han get sassy and I am excited to see book three and what happens with Mitch, Han, Megan, O’Brien and whoever else is in the third book!
January 16, 2021
book #2 of a trilogy? a small connection, but could be a stand-alone
I didn't like this one as much as the first. I didn't make a connection with the heroine, Joanna Sutton, an author that a prisoner has an obsession for. The prisoner escapes San Quentin prison, and travels all the way to remote Montana, in winter, during a snowstorm, to declare his love for her, though he has never met her before, only read her books.
Joanna's husband and son had died a few years before, murdered by her sister's abusive husband, in front of her. She still has guilt and feelings for her family, but has started to have feelings for the Sherriff, Tyler, and his son.
I didn't like this one as much as the first. I didn't make a connection with the heroine, Joanna Sutton, an author that a prisoner has an obsession for. The prisoner escapes San Quentin prison, and travels all the way to remote Montana, in winter, during a snowstorm, to declare his love for her, though he has never met her before, only read her books.
Joanna's husband and son had died a few years before, murdered by her sister's abusive husband, in front of her. She still has guilt and feelings for her family, but has started to have feelings for the Sherriff, Tyler, and his son.
August 30, 2018
After the death of her husband and child Joanna Sutton went home to her family's secluded lodge to help run it and continue to write her popular romance novels. But with a fierce winter storm baring down on them, a local Scout troop lead by Wyatt McBride is stranded with an injured member, and she has to lead a team out to rescue them. meanwhile Wyatt's younger brother, Chief of police, Tyler McBride gets info about 2 prisoners are heading to Jo's families lodge . Tyler has to get to the lodge before the prisoners arrive and start killing those he love,
April 18, 2019
Напрегнат трилър, с елементи на love story. Точно частта със секса можеше да е по- пестелива и да не разваля добрия трилър. На места логиката куцаше малко, не всички образи имаха някаква дълбочина изобщо, случващото се на моменти беше пресолено, но прекрасните снежни пейзажи успяваха да загладят местата. Със сигурност не е изобщо от най- добрите книги на тази тематика, които съм чела, но не намирам времето си за загубено.
November 18, 2019
This was a pretty interesting book about an inmate, obsessed with an author, whom escapes from prison and sets out to win this author's love. However, it's a set to a backdrop of a series of Winter storms in a remote area of Montana where this author lives. The book kept my attention and I enjoyed it even though I had not read the Prison Break Trilogy #1. There are enough references to the original story that you can understand what happened.
July 3, 2023
This was a good read. Kept my attention. She does a great job telling the story but I gotta say the obligatory sex scene near the end is really unnecessary. It in no way is important to the story. I’ve read her newer work and can’t remember if she does this still but I noticed it in this series. Just felt there was no need for such a ‘detailed and explicit’ romantic/sex scene so other than that the book was good. 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2025
The romance part is way too sappy for me. Full disclosure, I can't abide Hallmark or Lifetime TV and hated The Notebook. Did not finish.
I liked her Max Revere series but bailed on Lucy Kincaid. Giving this author one more book to keep her spot on my reading list 🙂.
If you loved The Notebook and enjoy Hallmark and Lifetime channels, this book and well liked author (4 and 5 star reviews) is highly recommended for you!
I liked her Max Revere series but bailed on Lucy Kincaid. Giving this author one more book to keep her spot on my reading list 🙂.
If you loved The Notebook and enjoy Hallmark and Lifetime channels, this book and well liked author (4 and 5 star reviews) is highly recommended for you!
October 9, 2018
This story w0uld be a good movie; full of action & suspense.
Jo's husband & son were murdered. She goes to the family's lodge
in a secluded part of Montana during the winter.
Two prison escapees show up there. One has an imagined love affair
with Jo. She writes romance novels & he thinks she writes them for him
but she doesn't even know him. Interesting; scary!
Jo's husband & son were murdered. She goes to the family's lodge
in a secluded part of Montana during the winter.
Two prison escapees show up there. One has an imagined love affair
with Jo. She writes romance novels & he thinks she writes them for him
but she doesn't even know him. Interesting; scary!
January 13, 2021
Joanne, a writer who, lost her husband and son to a killer. As she mourns them both for years, she builds a new life at her family lodge. As the man who falls in love with her tries to get her to trust and love again, they both learn they may never get a second chance to try again, as three escape convicts threaten everyone in the town. Joanne also learns secrets she never saw coming.
April 6, 2021
This book grabs you right away and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It revolves around Joanna Sutton whose husband and son were murdered. The man that did it is in a cell next to Aaron Doherty who is an erotomanic, and Joanna is his obsession. Doherty escapes prison and goes to stay at her lodge and then it starts getting scary!!!
January 29, 2019
I liked this book a lot. It was a good story and the one or two sex scenes didnt take away from the story. Not overly graphic either which is always a good point for me. I liked the characters and the villain was crazy. The inner dialogue he had with himself was interesting to read
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