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Scarlet Falls #3
Seconds to Live
A Wall Street Journal bestseller
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett avoided his hometown of Scarlet Falls for years—too many bad memories. But when he receives the news that his father is dying, he rushes home only to discover he’s too late. Shaken, Mac retreats to his remote cabin seeking peace and solace. Instead, he crashes his jeep to narrowly avoid running over the naked body of a woman lying in the road. Even more disturbing, when he regains consciousness, the body is gone.
Police detective Stella Dane wants to believe Mac, even if his story about the vanishing body seems far-fetched. But when Mac’s description matches the missing woman she’s been searching for, it raises a disturbing How does a dead body disappear?
Mac and Stella will have to work together to find the answer and catch a psychotic kidnapper—and quickly. The killer has a deadly message to send, and the case is about to become personal…
2016 Golden Leaf Award Winner
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett avoided his hometown of Scarlet Falls for years—too many bad memories. But when he receives the news that his father is dying, he rushes home only to discover he’s too late. Shaken, Mac retreats to his remote cabin seeking peace and solace. Instead, he crashes his jeep to narrowly avoid running over the naked body of a woman lying in the road. Even more disturbing, when he regains consciousness, the body is gone.
Police detective Stella Dane wants to believe Mac, even if his story about the vanishing body seems far-fetched. But when Mac’s description matches the missing woman she’s been searching for, it raises a disturbing How does a dead body disappear?
Mac and Stella will have to work together to find the answer and catch a psychotic kidnapper—and quickly. The killer has a deadly message to send, and the case is about to become personal…
2016 Golden Leaf Award Winner
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
6774 people are currently reading
3124 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Leigh
48 books21.9k followers#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 15 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 803 reviews
March 31, 2023
Heading back to Scarlet Falls from Brazil where wildlife biologist Mac Barrett had been for some months, his hope of arriving before his father died was soon dashed. Mac had avoided Scarlet Falls, but now he was home, and on enforced recuperation, he was soon involved in a murder and missing persons case with Detective Stella Dane. He and Stella had a history, but at the moment they had more important issues to worry about. When first one body was found, and then a second, it seemed the killer was trying to send a message. The young women had something in common - but was it enough? Would they catch the demented murderer before he killed again?
Seconds to Live is the 3rd in the Scarlet Falls series by Melinda Leigh and it was intense! I haven't read the first two in the series, but this one stood alone quite easily. The characters were likeable, the pace electric, the small town enticing - I loved it all. Highly recommended.
Seconds to Live is the 3rd in the Scarlet Falls series by Melinda Leigh and it was intense! I haven't read the first two in the series, but this one stood alone quite easily. The characters were likeable, the pace electric, the small town enticing - I loved it all. Highly recommended.
February 17, 2017
I have enjoyed all the books in this series. New to me author, so I will be checking out more books by her.
Was interested in Mac from the first book. He seemed like a lonely, tortured soul.
Stella works at the local Police Department in Scarlet Falls, Mac's hometown. He returns there from work overseas, due to his father's ill health.
This one kept me guessing until the end. It felt a little bit rushed in the end. I loved catching up with Grant and Hannah, the characters from the first two books. Especially Grant. Loved him.
Was interested in Mac from the first book. He seemed like a lonely, tortured soul.
Stella works at the local Police Department in Scarlet Falls, Mac's hometown. He returns there from work overseas, due to his father's ill health.
This one kept me guessing until the end. It felt a little bit rushed in the end. I loved catching up with Grant and Hannah, the characters from the first two books. Especially Grant. Loved him.
September 17, 2020
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett is working in the jungles of Brazil when he gets the call to return to Scarlet Falls as his father’s health has deteriorated. He’s attacked before he makes it home but manages to get there despite his serious injuries. However, they take a toll after visiting his father and he has an accident on the way to his cabin, caused by him attempting to avoid the body of a woman in the middle of the road. Rookie Detective Stella Dane comes upon the accident and an unconscious Mac but the body of the woman is gone. Based on his description, she appears to be the missing woman Stella is searching for but she’s unsure whether to trust Mac’s recollection.
Of all the Barrett siblings, Mac is the one who seemed the most opaque and I finally learned why. There’s a lot more to him than I’d imagined, which made this one of the many reasons why I enjoyed this story. One other is the return of Stella Dane who is dealing with the mental repercussions from her involvement in a shootout detailed in the last story. She was a patrol officer and is newly promoted to the detectives rank but suffers from personal doubts and anguish from that debacle. Mac and Stella team up on her current investigation involving the abduction of two women but their personal attraction began when he was last home. I loved how they didn’t pretend it wasn’t there and faced their feelings head on. They were incredibly well matched even though I didn’t see that in the last story. Both are two vulnerable people who don’t shy away way from any of their issues and rely on each other to work through them.
I don’t want to minimize the importance of Stella’s case as it was grim and evil. It was always in the background when it wasn’t the main focus of the moment and what was done to the victims was cruel and insensitive. One more unexpected surprise was the adjustments made by the narrator who abandoned those ridiculous male voices she created in the two earlier books. No distractions at all this time and I actually enjoyed her performance! I’m glad I stuck with the audiobook version because she helped keep the story exciting with great pacing. This was a wonderful end to the series and I’m glad to begin its spinoff, Morgan Dane, set up nicely here.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Of all the Barrett siblings, Mac is the one who seemed the most opaque and I finally learned why. There’s a lot more to him than I’d imagined, which made this one of the many reasons why I enjoyed this story. One other is the return of Stella Dane who is dealing with the mental repercussions from her involvement in a shootout detailed in the last story. She was a patrol officer and is newly promoted to the detectives rank but suffers from personal doubts and anguish from that debacle. Mac and Stella team up on her current investigation involving the abduction of two women but their personal attraction began when he was last home. I loved how they didn’t pretend it wasn’t there and faced their feelings head on. They were incredibly well matched even though I didn’t see that in the last story. Both are two vulnerable people who don’t shy away way from any of their issues and rely on each other to work through them.
I don’t want to minimize the importance of Stella’s case as it was grim and evil. It was always in the background when it wasn’t the main focus of the moment and what was done to the victims was cruel and insensitive. One more unexpected surprise was the adjustments made by the narrator who abandoned those ridiculous male voices she created in the two earlier books. No distractions at all this time and I actually enjoyed her performance! I’m glad I stuck with the audiobook version because she helped keep the story exciting with great pacing. This was a wonderful end to the series and I’m glad to begin its spinoff, Morgan Dane, set up nicely here.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
June 12, 2016
Seconds To Live by Melinda Leigh has once again pulled me into the lives of the Barrett family of Scarlet Falls and I just don’t want it to end. Romantic suspense in this author’s hands never fails to entertain!
This is the third Scarlet Falls book and focuses on the youngest of the family, PhD wildlife biologist, Mac Barrett. Mac is the youngest and had the most difficulty getting his personal life on track. He feels guilty over past bad decisions and is more comfortable in the South American jungle than dealing with family, but the call has come that his father is dying and he needs to come home.
Scarlet Falls newly promoted Detective Stella Dane is still dealing with guilt over her firearms performance in book two which she feels led to the deaths of two fellow officers. As she is investigating the dead body of one woman and the disappearance of another, Mac has possibly seen the missing woman. Mac wants in on the investigation and Stella wants that and more.
Mac and Stella both have to deal with guilt and reveal secrets while working together to solve two murders and find their missing friend. Mac also needs to decide on whether he will stay in Scarlet Falls and live the type of life he never thought he wanted.
Once again Ms. Leigh gives the perfect balance of character personal growth, hot romance and suspense that keeps you guessing. These characters pull you right into the story, so while this book can be read as a standalone, this series does have family issues that arc over the three books and is better read in order.
Thanks very much to Montlake Romance and Net Galley for the free copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review. It was definitely my pleasure!
This is the third Scarlet Falls book and focuses on the youngest of the family, PhD wildlife biologist, Mac Barrett. Mac is the youngest and had the most difficulty getting his personal life on track. He feels guilty over past bad decisions and is more comfortable in the South American jungle than dealing with family, but the call has come that his father is dying and he needs to come home.
Scarlet Falls newly promoted Detective Stella Dane is still dealing with guilt over her firearms performance in book two which she feels led to the deaths of two fellow officers. As she is investigating the dead body of one woman and the disappearance of another, Mac has possibly seen the missing woman. Mac wants in on the investigation and Stella wants that and more.
Mac and Stella both have to deal with guilt and reveal secrets while working together to solve two murders and find their missing friend. Mac also needs to decide on whether he will stay in Scarlet Falls and live the type of life he never thought he wanted.
Once again Ms. Leigh gives the perfect balance of character personal growth, hot romance and suspense that keeps you guessing. These characters pull you right into the story, so while this book can be read as a standalone, this series does have family issues that arc over the three books and is better read in order.
Thanks very much to Montlake Romance and Net Galley for the free copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review. It was definitely my pleasure!
July 6, 2018
I am on a roll with this author! I really like her writing- the mysteries are good, the heroines are strong and the heroes are solid men (none of them have been manwhores😃).
July 19, 2016
...Stella’s boss...
I wanted to make you smile now, because when you start reading this book, you’ll not be smiling....
The murderer was really creepy and completely crazy!
Until almost the end I didn’t get who it was!!! I thought it was everybody else, but not the right one! LOL
This actually happened!!! OMG!!!
You have to read the book, I’ll not spoil it for you!
Apart from the very good mystery, I love the couple here! Mac and Stella were perfect! Even if both have some issues (Mac with his recently departed father and Stella with PTSD from the shooting gone bad), they don’t run away from them, but sincerely admit that they need help. There’s absolutely no drama! They both act like a normal people! I loved that!!!
Also the romantic (hot, hot) part was well balanced. There’s not smexy times during tight situations, or out of contest. It was tastefully done, with a little bit of humor! I appreciated that they were honest with their attraction. There was no oh, I want him, but I don’t want to suffer or, I want her, but I’ll just break her heart, so I’ll leave stuff and it was refreshing!
All in all a really, really good RS!!!!
September 8, 2020
After two days of exhaustive travel, Wildlife Biologist Mac Barrett hurries home only to be told his father has died. Grief stricken, Mac wants to be alone. While driving to his cabin in a storm, he swerves to avoid a naked woman laying on the road and crashes into a tree. After extracting himself from his jeep, Mac can't find the woman. Detective Stella Dane listens to his story and believes him. Mac's description of the woman matches that of Dena Miller who was reported missing earlier in the day. But why was she laying on the road? Where has she been? And, does her disappearance have anything to do with the death of another woman in this small town?
This is the last book in the Scarlet Falls trilogy and my favorite. We met Mac in the previous books, but really didn't get to know a lot about him. He was very secretive and seemed to want to leave town whenever he got the chance. Mac's past as a teenage gang member addicted to drugs plays heavily in the plot. We also met Stella Dane in the last book who was promoted to detective. This is her first case as lead detective. She wants to make a good impression on the Chief.
This was a well-balanced romantic suspense story. I thought Mac and Stella were great characters and they suited each other. The pacing of the book is good. It starts out with a bang and never lets up. I enjoyed the mystery and didn't figure out who the killer was. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This is the last book in the Scarlet Falls trilogy and my favorite. We met Mac in the previous books, but really didn't get to know a lot about him. He was very secretive and seemed to want to leave town whenever he got the chance. Mac's past as a teenage gang member addicted to drugs plays heavily in the plot. We also met Stella Dane in the last book who was promoted to detective. This is her first case as lead detective. She wants to make a good impression on the Chief.
This was a well-balanced romantic suspense story. I thought Mac and Stella were great characters and they suited each other. The pacing of the book is good. It starts out with a bang and never lets up. I enjoyed the mystery and didn't figure out who the killer was. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
August 24, 2017
It would have been a four star read if not for the instalove. The storyline was interesting. The romance played out as an afterthought and might have been better if it wasn't there. The two didn't date. They were together a culmination of a few hours over several days before they said I love you. I didn't feel love between the two. Lust, admiration, a growing attraction outside of the physical, yes to all. But not love.
June 26, 2016
I really liked the start of this story and was immediately pulled into the plot as well as to the characters. This is the first one in this series that I have read and it worked well as a stand-alone. There are references to events that probably happened in prior book(s), but it didn't impact my enjoyment of this book.
I really liked the two lead characters and thought the supporting characters were a good mixture. I really liked Mac and Stella together as well as individuals. Stella is a strong heroine which I adore. This book had a very short time frame - everything happened between when Mac's father died and when he was buried. Due to this short time frame it seemed like Mac and Stella were thinking and saying the "L" word a little too quick. They had met previous to this timeframe, but still it felt a little too "insta".
The serial killer plot was good but I wished that there was more legwork and clues prior to the final scene. It seemed a little too rushed. It didn't feel like they were following up on a couple of people and then Mac is kidnapped and we quickly eliminate suspects and rush to the rescue. There was a little TSTL moment which I was disappointed in, but... I also would have preferred them investigating and discovering the killer and his motivations versus the having the killer due a confessional download. I get tired of the killer doing a monologue.
I liked Melinda Leigh's writing style and intend to go back and read the first two books in this series.
I really liked the two lead characters and thought the supporting characters were a good mixture. I really liked Mac and Stella together as well as individuals. Stella is a strong heroine which I adore. This book had a very short time frame - everything happened between when Mac's father died and when he was buried. Due to this short time frame it seemed like Mac and Stella were thinking and saying the "L" word a little too quick. They had met previous to this timeframe, but still it felt a little too "insta".
The serial killer plot was good but I wished that there was more legwork and clues prior to the final scene. It seemed a little too rushed. It didn't feel like they were following up on a couple of people and then Mac is kidnapped and we quickly eliminate suspects and rush to the rescue. There was a little TSTL moment which I was disappointed in, but... I also would have preferred them investigating and discovering the killer and his motivations versus the having the killer due a confessional download. I get tired of the killer doing a monologue.
I liked Melinda Leigh's writing style and intend to go back and read the first two books in this series.
June 17, 2016
Police Detective Stella Dane is investigating the murder of a young woman whose body was found in an alley. It’s obvious she was tortured before taking an overdose of heroine. What’s worse is that Stella knows the victim personally.
And then a second abduction and another body found, much in the same way as the first one.
Wildlife Biologist Mac Barrett arrives back in town to see his dying father, only to find that he is too late. All of his family live in Scarlet Falls, but because of some past history … and a huge secret that he carries …. he’s been staying away.
Seeing Stella again makes him yearn to set down roots, but first he has to share his secret. Stella has always had a ‘thing’ for Mac, but because he stays away for months at a time, she’s never let herself get too attached to him.
When the killer targets Stella, Mac is determined to protect her.
I have enjoyed this romantic suspense series. Mostly suspense… with just enough romance to add to the story and not detract. I like watching the relationship between Stella and Mac grow amidst all the danger that surrounds them.
My rating is 5 stars … both for this story and the series as a whole.
Many thanks to the author / Montlake Romance / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
And then a second abduction and another body found, much in the same way as the first one.
Wildlife Biologist Mac Barrett arrives back in town to see his dying father, only to find that he is too late. All of his family live in Scarlet Falls, but because of some past history … and a huge secret that he carries …. he’s been staying away.
Seeing Stella again makes him yearn to set down roots, but first he has to share his secret. Stella has always had a ‘thing’ for Mac, but because he stays away for months at a time, she’s never let herself get too attached to him.
When the killer targets Stella, Mac is determined to protect her.
I have enjoyed this romantic suspense series. Mostly suspense… with just enough romance to add to the story and not detract. I like watching the relationship between Stella and Mac grow amidst all the danger that surrounds them.
My rating is 5 stars … both for this story and the series as a whole.
Many thanks to the author / Montlake Romance / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
December 27, 2021
The only reason why I gave this 3 stars that it just didn't feel very realistic. I mean Mac's reveal was just kind of like seriously? I think that it was just the only way that the author could include him in this series. But things did wrap up nicely with the Barrett family. But seriously, Mac's reveal was so dumb. And don't tell me he has to worry about the local drug dealers, and that's why he stayed away from home, but that gets dealt with off screen. Bah. Stella was good though once again I had a hard time believing that she even liked Mac and the whole I love you thing came in like five seconds it seemed.
"Seconds to Live" follows Stella, a detective working in Scarlet Falls. Some young women are turning up dead and it appears a serial killer is operating in the town. When Mac Barrett returns home, he ends up involved because he claims he saw one of the women laying in the road. Mac is given special permission to ride along with the police (don't ask) and then the two of them find themselves trying to hunt down a killer and start to fall for each other.
I don't know. Mac was always my least favorite of the siblings, but this one had me sighing. Long and low. I think it's cause the reveal was ridiculous and made zero sense. him being an expert tracker though, that I bought. I wish we had honestly followed more about Stella cause a spin off series follows her sister, Morgan, and I love that series.
"Seconds to Live" follows Stella, a detective working in Scarlet Falls. Some young women are turning up dead and it appears a serial killer is operating in the town. When Mac Barrett returns home, he ends up involved because he claims he saw one of the women laying in the road. Mac is given special permission to ride along with the police (don't ask) and then the two of them find themselves trying to hunt down a killer and start to fall for each other.
I don't know. Mac was always my least favorite of the siblings, but this one had me sighing. Long and low. I think it's cause the reveal was ridiculous and made zero sense. him being an expert tracker though, that I bought. I wish we had honestly followed more about Stella cause a spin off series follows her sister, Morgan, and I love that series.
September 23, 2020
As the final book in the Scarlet Falls Trilogy, "Seconds to Live" is a great wrap to the trilogy. I especially like the honest relationship between the hero and heroine. It was great that two character recognized their attraction and didn't play games with each other. I also liked that the baddie was not reveled until close to the end. This was a solid romantic-suspense.
Mac Barrett is the youngest child in the Barrett and bore the burden of growing up with a disabled dad and a sick mother. He escaped by using drugs and it almost destroyed his life. He got straight with the help of his oldest brother and went on to become a wildlife biologist, and a DEA Agent. He left Scarlet Falls, NY and only rarely returned to visit. He preferred putting the South American drug dealers out of business. After receiving news of his fathers immanent death, he returns home too late. He has a lot to process, but on his way home he crashes his Jeep avoiding a woman lying in the road. When he returns to look for her, she's gone.
Stella Dane is a new police detective on the Scarlet Falls force. She suffered a trauma that haunts her and is affecting her work. When the body of a high school friend turns up posed and another woman is taken from her home, Stella is concerned that Scarlet Falls may have a serial killer. When she gets the report that Mac saw a woman in the road, she is very concerned, especially when the body vanishes.
There were sparks the last time Mac and Stella met and it doesn't take long for those sparks to turn into a full fledged fire. They are honest with each other and their passion is hot. Trust doesn't come easy for Mac, but he trusts Stella and together they set out to catch this killer.
Mac Barrett is the youngest child in the Barrett and bore the burden of growing up with a disabled dad and a sick mother. He escaped by using drugs and it almost destroyed his life. He got straight with the help of his oldest brother and went on to become a wildlife biologist, and a DEA Agent. He left Scarlet Falls, NY and only rarely returned to visit. He preferred putting the South American drug dealers out of business. After receiving news of his fathers immanent death, he returns home too late. He has a lot to process, but on his way home he crashes his Jeep avoiding a woman lying in the road. When he returns to look for her, she's gone.
Stella Dane is a new police detective on the Scarlet Falls force. She suffered a trauma that haunts her and is affecting her work. When the body of a high school friend turns up posed and another woman is taken from her home, Stella is concerned that Scarlet Falls may have a serial killer. When she gets the report that Mac saw a woman in the road, she is very concerned, especially when the body vanishes.
There were sparks the last time Mac and Stella met and it doesn't take long for those sparks to turn into a full fledged fire. They are honest with each other and their passion is hot. Trust doesn't come easy for Mac, but he trusts Stella and together they set out to catch this killer.
July 1, 2016
This was exactly what an entertaining romantic suspense novel should be like. Part 3 in the Scarlett Falls series, this one focuses on Mac, the baby, and the wild child of the Barrett family, who is returning home to say goodbye to his dying father. Mac meets up again with Detective Stella Dane. These two met in book 2, Minutes to Kill. These books work as stand-alones, but as the same characters keep reappearing I would suggest starting with book 1, Hour of Need. You won't regret it!
Stella is investigating the murder of a young woman, and when a second one disappears, Mac inserts himself in the investigation. This had a really good mix of suspense and relationship dilemmas / personal growth. The Barrett family pulled me into their lives right from book 1 and I love coming back to these characters. There were enough twists to keep the serial killer chase exciting and unpredicted. Great writing, thoroughly enjoyable book/series and solid audiobook narration by Cris Dukehart.
Stella is investigating the murder of a young woman, and when a second one disappears, Mac inserts himself in the investigation. This had a really good mix of suspense and relationship dilemmas / personal growth. The Barrett family pulled me into their lives right from book 1 and I love coming back to these characters. There were enough twists to keep the serial killer chase exciting and unpredicted. Great writing, thoroughly enjoyable book/series and solid audiobook narration by Cris Dukehart.
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September 17, 2021Series: Scarlet Falls, book 3
I was not so engrossed in SECONDS TO LIVE as with previous books in this series. The more I read it, the more I wanted to finish it and move on to something else. The problem was that I could not "get into" the main characters heads. Storyline was constantly switching between different characters and it felt like non of the characters could held writer's attention for long. It soon became quite annoying that just when I start to warm up to Mac or Stella, there comes switch of pov and once again attention wanders away. I also dislike when I'm forced to read villain's POV and their antics! Why spent so much page time on brute who enjoys torture and killing?
Basically this story felt like another re-run of Grant & Ellie and Hannah & Brody, so it may as well have been the same book/s. It was okay read but sadly nothing special or memorable.
I was not so engrossed in SECONDS TO LIVE as with previous books in this series. The more I read it, the more I wanted to finish it and move on to something else. The problem was that I could not "get into" the main characters heads. Storyline was constantly switching between different characters and it felt like non of the characters could held writer's attention for long. It soon became quite annoying that just when I start to warm up to Mac or Stella, there comes switch of pov and once again attention wanders away. I also dislike when I'm forced to read villain's POV and their antics! Why spent so much page time on brute who enjoys torture and killing?
Basically this story felt like another re-run of Grant & Ellie and Hannah & Brody, so it may as well have been the same book/s. It was okay read but sadly nothing special or memorable.
January 22, 2022
This is the 3rd book of the Trilogy of Scarlet Falls (NY). I enjoyed this one the best! Well, how could you not with Mac being the male dominant figure in the book.
Well, Stella wasn’t bad herself, except for her puking, but that was even understandable.
AnnaBelle, didn’t make much of a showing, but she was still there.
Colonel was put to rest, and he sure raised 1 heck of a family, even with some flaws along the way.
This was a good Trilogy, the first one that I read in a long time! I finished it, with a smile on my face so that is good.
Oh… yes, it can quit raining in Scarlet Falls anytime it wants to!
This was Snag A Read For Free’s Trilolgy of the Month read!
Well, Stella wasn’t bad herself, except for her puking, but that was even understandable.
AnnaBelle, didn’t make much of a showing, but she was still there.
Colonel was put to rest, and he sure raised 1 heck of a family, even with some flaws along the way.
This was a good Trilogy, the first one that I read in a long time! I finished it, with a smile on my face so that is good.
Oh… yes, it can quit raining in Scarlet Falls anytime it wants to!
This was Snag A Read For Free’s Trilolgy of the Month read!
June 7, 2016
This right here is what amazing romantic suspense novels are all about for me. Melinda Leigh really did a superb job on this installment in her Scarlet Falls books. There are so many viable suspects here. I made my guess early on. I have to make my guess. Books that have a criminal element to them turn into some sort of a guessing game for me. I even had a slightly plausible motive for the character I picked. I was so completely wrong. The actual psycho here when it was revealed was a complete surprise. His motives made for some intense scenes. The killer was all about finding The One. I even made a guess at who The One would turn out to be and totally got that wrong too. Melinda has filled this book with shockers.
The baby Barrett finally gets his book. Mac is the youngest of the Barrett’s. He did the same as his siblings. He left Scarlet Falls, got an education, and didn’t look back much less return home. He fled to the Amazon jungles and his love of studying wildlife biology. He also took all the guilt with him of how he failed his family as a teen. At this point in the series it has been a little over fifteen months since they were all called home when one of their siblings was killed. Things have changed, everyone has gotten older, wiser, and now they are choosing to stay, to be a family again. Sadly it is one more death that has Mac returning home.
The newest detective on the Scarlet Falls Police Department’s team Stella Dane is tired of dead bodies turning up in her town. She still hasn’t fully got past what happened last fall that caused the death of two officers dead and left her with some serious anxiety where her firearm is concerned. Finding out that the very handsome Mac Barrett has possibly seen one of her victims is not what she needs. Her superior has issued his warnings about rogue Barrett’s interfering in a police investigation yet Stella like the idea of Mac near her to assist in her search for a killer. She enjoys even more that she is getting to know the man that Mac really is.
Now let’s talk about The Colonel for a small second. That man did not raise his children. He trained little soldiers for everything that could possibly ever happen to someone in the military. I could not imagine growing up in the Barrett house. His children are alive due to his methods though. You kind of want to dislike him for the things he put those children through but in the end you simply have to give him a fist bump.
Seconds to Live of course has some page time for Ellie and Grant, and Hannah and Brody. This family is finally getting back together and truly becoming a family thus Leigh gives some pages over to that. In true Barrett fashion though the siblings get out and ban together to bring down the criminal element that has infested their hometown.
The baby Barrett finally gets his book. Mac is the youngest of the Barrett’s. He did the same as his siblings. He left Scarlet Falls, got an education, and didn’t look back much less return home. He fled to the Amazon jungles and his love of studying wildlife biology. He also took all the guilt with him of how he failed his family as a teen. At this point in the series it has been a little over fifteen months since they were all called home when one of their siblings was killed. Things have changed, everyone has gotten older, wiser, and now they are choosing to stay, to be a family again. Sadly it is one more death that has Mac returning home.
The newest detective on the Scarlet Falls Police Department’s team Stella Dane is tired of dead bodies turning up in her town. She still hasn’t fully got past what happened last fall that caused the death of two officers dead and left her with some serious anxiety where her firearm is concerned. Finding out that the very handsome Mac Barrett has possibly seen one of her victims is not what she needs. Her superior has issued his warnings about rogue Barrett’s interfering in a police investigation yet Stella like the idea of Mac near her to assist in her search for a killer. She enjoys even more that she is getting to know the man that Mac really is.
Now let’s talk about The Colonel for a small second. That man did not raise his children. He trained little soldiers for everything that could possibly ever happen to someone in the military. I could not imagine growing up in the Barrett house. His children are alive due to his methods though. You kind of want to dislike him for the things he put those children through but in the end you simply have to give him a fist bump.
Seconds to Live of course has some page time for Ellie and Grant, and Hannah and Brody. This family is finally getting back together and truly becoming a family thus Leigh gives some pages over to that. In true Barrett fashion though the siblings get out and ban together to bring down the criminal element that has infested their hometown.
April 7, 2018
2.5 stars. One star for the writing, one star for MCs I liked, and half a star for a safe read.
Engagingly written with MCs you can't help but root for, I enjoyed this. The mystery was a little understated, but the multiple povs kept it from becoming boring. I really liked the h who was a good mix of strength and femininity. This story also featured an H who was at a good point in his life. He's ready to move on from his past and become fully adult instead of just running away from his problems. I admired that. There wasn't a whole lot of focus on the romance, which made it seem less gushy and more like a realistic relationship between two adults. I always appreciate that about a Melinda Leigh story. There isn't any angst, hemming and hawing, love triangles, or any OP drama. So refreshing. It was also nice to see the other couples from the previous books and I'm looking forward to starting the Morgan Dane series.
Engagingly written with MCs you can't help but root for, I enjoyed this. The mystery was a little understated, but the multiple povs kept it from becoming boring. I really liked the h who was a good mix of strength and femininity. This story also featured an H who was at a good point in his life. He's ready to move on from his past and become fully adult instead of just running away from his problems. I admired that. There wasn't a whole lot of focus on the romance, which made it seem less gushy and more like a realistic relationship between two adults. I always appreciate that about a Melinda Leigh story. There isn't any angst, hemming and hawing, love triangles, or any OP drama. So refreshing. It was also nice to see the other couples from the previous books and I'm looking forward to starting the Morgan Dane series.
October 20, 2018
This is the third book in the Scarlet Falls Trilogy and it is Mac Barrett's story as well as Stella Dane's story. Stella is a newly promoted detective and she is on the case of missing and murdered women. The first victim was a highschool friend of Stella's. She does not want the second kidnapped woman to become a murder victim, but time is running out. Meanwhile, Mac returns home from the jungles of South America after being almost killed by drug runners. He is also told that his father is dying and if he wants to see him one last time, he needs to get home. Stella and Mac begin to rekindle a friendship they started in the first book of this series and they begin to fall in love. As Stella finds herself in a rush against time to find the third victim, the Barrett family come to her aid in style.
Mac and Stella both have to deal with guilt and reveal secrets while working together to solve two murders and find their missing friend. Mac also needs to decide on whether he will stay in Scarlet Falls and live the type of life he never thought he wanted. The main characters are written with just the right balance of flaws and personal growth. This is a suspenseful story and it kept me guessing until the end when the culprit was finally revealed to the reader. hot romance and suspense that keeps you guessing. I have enjoyed this romantic suspense series. More suspense, with just enough romance to add to the story and not detract. I like watching the relationship between Stella and Mac grow amidst all the danger that surrounds them. This is a series, but this and any of the books can be read as a standalone, however I would recommend reading them in order. I enjoyed listening and reading along with this book from Kindle Unlimited.
Mac and Stella both have to deal with guilt and reveal secrets while working together to solve two murders and find their missing friend. Mac also needs to decide on whether he will stay in Scarlet Falls and live the type of life he never thought he wanted. The main characters are written with just the right balance of flaws and personal growth. This is a suspenseful story and it kept me guessing until the end when the culprit was finally revealed to the reader. hot romance and suspense that keeps you guessing. I have enjoyed this romantic suspense series. More suspense, with just enough romance to add to the story and not detract. I like watching the relationship between Stella and Mac grow amidst all the danger that surrounds them. This is a series, but this and any of the books can be read as a standalone, however I would recommend reading them in order. I enjoyed listening and reading along with this book from Kindle Unlimited.
October 9, 2018
I pressed onward to the third Barrett siblings' story in the Scarlet Falls trilogy and I'm pretty sure this was my favorite of the three. Mac and Stella were great characters and all the suspense surrounding them had me riveted to my audio.
Seconds to Live is the third and final leg in a trilogy. It works best in order as the characters were introduced in earlier books and the previous lead characters have a strong presence in this one. In fact, I accidentally grab the first in the spin-off (Morgan Dane) series first of all the books and now I can see the strong ties with that one since this one showed the actual scenes that were only referenced in that one.
Seconds to Live was shot out of a canon right from the beginning. Mac Barrett is facing danger down in South America with drug runners in the jungle and Stella Dane is put on the case of a new sadistic killer roaming around Scarlet Falls. Mac comes back when Grant leaves him a message that their dad is dying. He has issues with his dad and his choices in the past just like Grant and Hannah and his coping mechanism has been to draw away from the rest and stay away. After Lee's death and the near misses for both his remaining siblings and his bewildered young nephew, he knows he has to stop running and face things. This decision coincides when he nearly runs over a woman's body in the road only to have it disappear. Fortunately, Detective Stella Dane believes him because it matches the description of a missing woman from her case. Now, Mac and Stella must catch a killer who tortures his victims.
I've always enjoyed how this author balances the romance and suspense elements even while delivering a compelling character growth element, too. Mac and Stella both carry around their fair share of grief and guilt. He feels bad for turning to drugs and gang back in high school and failing his family by always doing a runner while she feels bad for a missed shot that allowed a killer to go on killing others. They both learn to face their issues while teaming up on the case and exploring their personal attraction.
Stella is a sensational heroine. She's a cop through and through and she wants to prove herself, but she's not stupid about it and keeps her head even when she has doubts after her missed shot. Mac was a pretty great guy to have along and I loved that surprised twist the author pulled out about him.
Like the previous stories, the villain gets some moments and they were truly chilling. I actually figured out who it was not long after I met all the characters involved in the story and was thrilled to discover that I had it right and even got the motive (which is scary since this person is not sane). Besides the killer, there are a few other plot threads that offer more villains so Stella and Mac's story was never lacking for excitement.
What more can I say after my fourth encounter with the redoubtable Cris Dukehart that I haven't already said? Her narration is consistently on point for this series and the genre. Her characters and approach to the story was fantastic.
All in all, this last of the Scarlet Falls trilogy and bridge to the Morgan Dane series did its job. It was strong on action and suspense and spicy romance while delivering characters that were well-developed and providing a compelling layered plot.
Seconds to Live is the third and final leg in a trilogy. It works best in order as the characters were introduced in earlier books and the previous lead characters have a strong presence in this one. In fact, I accidentally grab the first in the spin-off (Morgan Dane) series first of all the books and now I can see the strong ties with that one since this one showed the actual scenes that were only referenced in that one.
Seconds to Live was shot out of a canon right from the beginning. Mac Barrett is facing danger down in South America with drug runners in the jungle and Stella Dane is put on the case of a new sadistic killer roaming around Scarlet Falls. Mac comes back when Grant leaves him a message that their dad is dying. He has issues with his dad and his choices in the past just like Grant and Hannah and his coping mechanism has been to draw away from the rest and stay away. After Lee's death and the near misses for both his remaining siblings and his bewildered young nephew, he knows he has to stop running and face things. This decision coincides when he nearly runs over a woman's body in the road only to have it disappear. Fortunately, Detective Stella Dane believes him because it matches the description of a missing woman from her case. Now, Mac and Stella must catch a killer who tortures his victims.
I've always enjoyed how this author balances the romance and suspense elements even while delivering a compelling character growth element, too. Mac and Stella both carry around their fair share of grief and guilt. He feels bad for turning to drugs and gang back in high school and failing his family by always doing a runner while she feels bad for a missed shot that allowed a killer to go on killing others. They both learn to face their issues while teaming up on the case and exploring their personal attraction.
Stella is a sensational heroine. She's a cop through and through and she wants to prove herself, but she's not stupid about it and keeps her head even when she has doubts after her missed shot. Mac was a pretty great guy to have along and I loved that surprised twist the author pulled out about him.
Like the previous stories, the villain gets some moments and they were truly chilling. I actually figured out who it was not long after I met all the characters involved in the story and was thrilled to discover that I had it right and even got the motive (which is scary since this person is not sane). Besides the killer, there are a few other plot threads that offer more villains so Stella and Mac's story was never lacking for excitement.
What more can I say after my fourth encounter with the redoubtable Cris Dukehart that I haven't already said? Her narration is consistently on point for this series and the genre. Her characters and approach to the story was fantastic.
All in all, this last of the Scarlet Falls trilogy and bridge to the Morgan Dane series did its job. It was strong on action and suspense and spicy romance while delivering characters that were well-developed and providing a compelling layered plot.
September 17, 2020
Second to Live
4 Stars
Returning home from Brazil to see his father one last time, wildlife biologist Mac Barrett crashes his jeep to avoid the body of a woman in the road on a dark and rainy night. When he comes to, the body is missing , but police detective Stella Dane is convinced it matches the description of a missing woman. Can Mac and Stella stop a vicious madman before he takes his next victim?
The final installment in the Scarlet Falls series is gripping from the first page. Mac epitomizes the word "hero". Not only is he sexy as sin, but he is intelligent, resilient and oozes honesty and integrity. Stella is also a very appealing heroine. Her strength of will and determination to seek justice for the victims is admirable. Mac and Stella's attraction is realistic and believable, but it is their respect for one another that really makes their relationship work.
The suspense plot is well written with a decidedly creepy villain. There are several red-herrings to keep the reader guessing, but it is possible to work out the "who-dun-it".
All in all, an excellent conclusion to the trilogy focusing on the Barrett siblings and the spin-off revolving around Stella's sister, Morgan, looks fantastic.
4 Stars
Returning home from Brazil to see his father one last time, wildlife biologist Mac Barrett crashes his jeep to avoid the body of a woman in the road on a dark and rainy night. When he comes to, the body is missing , but police detective Stella Dane is convinced it matches the description of a missing woman. Can Mac and Stella stop a vicious madman before he takes his next victim?
The final installment in the Scarlet Falls series is gripping from the first page. Mac epitomizes the word "hero". Not only is he sexy as sin, but he is intelligent, resilient and oozes honesty and integrity. Stella is also a very appealing heroine. Her strength of will and determination to seek justice for the victims is admirable. Mac and Stella's attraction is realistic and believable, but it is their respect for one another that really makes their relationship work.
The suspense plot is well written with a decidedly creepy villain. There are several red-herrings to keep the reader guessing, but it is possible to work out the "who-dun-it".
All in all, an excellent conclusion to the trilogy focusing on the Barrett siblings and the spin-off revolving around Stella's sister, Morgan, looks fantastic.
June 7, 2016
Great author. I have read her other characters stories and this was just as great. This story has so many twists and turns you can't put the book down. Mac comes home to Scarlet Falls because he has been notified his father is dying only to arrive too late. Trying to deal with his father’s death he decides he needs time alone so he heads to his cabin only to crash his car trying to avoid the dead woman’s naked body in the road. He calls the police, Det Stella Dane shows up, and when she arrives the body has disappeared. Now they try to find this missing body but more bodies start to appear. As they investigate Stella uncovers details that may link the missing body and a murder and Stella’s kidnapped missing informant together and couple that with the growing attraction between the two makes for a great read. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
July 20, 2016
Steamy and fast paced suspense
This was my first book to read in this series, and I didn’t feel like I missed anything by jumping into the middle of it. I'm likely now to go back and read the previously released books. This book really made for a page turner. The plot was action packed and never dull. The characters were solid. It was also a pretty steamy romance which surprised me. I'm glad it was offered as a kindleunlimited and I will definitely check out more of this writers work.
This was my first book to read in this series, and I didn’t feel like I missed anything by jumping into the middle of it. I'm likely now to go back and read the previously released books. This book really made for a page turner. The plot was action packed and never dull. The characters were solid. It was also a pretty steamy romance which surprised me. I'm glad it was offered as a kindleunlimited and I will definitely check out more of this writers work.
February 21, 2023
I have so many thoughts about this book.
The first 2 books in the series focus on the mystery and the romance is more or less of an afterthought. And the author does OK with that formula. (Keep in mind that this is not some great work of literature, I'm just reading for fun.)
Having said that, the third book tries too hard with the romance and completely botches the mystery. The author tries to depict Mac (male MC) as some type of Indiana Jones (wildlife biologist who works undercover for the DEA), which is fine, but in the end it feels like he is doing all these random things that are not relevant to the story at all.
As for the mystery, there are 2 women who are killed in the space of a week, and Stella (female MC) deducts that the 2 murders are connected, on account of their appearance (both have dark, short hair etc) and how the bodies are staged. Both victims are killed by heroin overdose. During the investigation, the detectives figure out that the first victim was a former addict and she went to NA meetings, and that she may have been kidnapped outside of the NA meeting. They never put 2 and 2 together until maybe the last 20% of the book, that the 2nd victim was also a former addict. They have a CI who attends these NA meetings and no one asks her if she knows victim # 2. Of course until Mac (MMC) is kidnapped, no one can figure out the connection between all these characters. (*eyeroll*). The revelation is hilarious "oh they are all former addicts!".
I know the purpose of the book is to have the investigation drag out, but I thought this was the stupidest timeline. I certainly would want to fire all these cops and hire someone who has actual brains to solve a possible serial killer spree.
This book also does the setup for the Morgan Dane books which is extremely inorganic to the story. We have Lance (MMC in Morgan Dane) who pops up here and there in this book and it was so cringey. Well, since I had read the Morgan Dane books first, I at least knew what was going on.
I think I've ranted enough about this book at this point. Bless you if you have read so far :)
The first 2 books in the series focus on the mystery and the romance is more or less of an afterthought. And the author does OK with that formula. (Keep in mind that this is not some great work of literature, I'm just reading for fun.)
Having said that, the third book tries too hard with the romance and completely botches the mystery. The author tries to depict Mac (male MC) as some type of Indiana Jones (wildlife biologist who works undercover for the DEA), which is fine, but in the end it feels like he is doing all these random things that are not relevant to the story at all.
As for the mystery, there are 2 women who are killed in the space of a week, and Stella (female MC) deducts that the 2 murders are connected, on account of their appearance (both have dark, short hair etc) and how the bodies are staged. Both victims are killed by heroin overdose. During the investigation, the detectives figure out that the first victim was a former addict and she went to NA meetings, and that she may have been kidnapped outside of the NA meeting. They never put 2 and 2 together until maybe the last 20% of the book, that the 2nd victim was also a former addict. They have a CI who attends these NA meetings and no one asks her if she knows victim # 2. Of course until Mac (MMC) is kidnapped, no one can figure out the connection between all these characters. (*eyeroll*). The revelation is hilarious "oh they are all former addicts!".
I know the purpose of the book is to have the investigation drag out, but I thought this was the stupidest timeline. I certainly would want to fire all these cops and hire someone who has actual brains to solve a possible serial killer spree.
This book also does the setup for the Morgan Dane books which is extremely inorganic to the story. We have Lance (MMC in Morgan Dane) who pops up here and there in this book and it was so cringey. Well, since I had read the Morgan Dane books first, I at least knew what was going on.
I think I've ranted enough about this book at this point. Bless you if you have read so far :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2019
3.25 stars
This one was okay. My problems in this were showing off the hero to be so macho. Why didn't he turn to the police about his old gang ages ago? That plot point was a bit too much. Overall okay.
This one was okay. My problems in this were showing off the hero to be so macho. Why didn't he turn to the police about his old gang ages ago? That plot point was a bit too much. Overall okay.
January 1, 2019
Much better than the first two books in this series.
March 23, 2025
Very Lifetime movie-ish, but readable.
February 5, 2025
4.5 Stars
Seconds to Live was an amazing read featuring an intriguing mystery and a romance between a police detective and a wildlife biologist.
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett has avoided being in his hometown as much as possible over the years. But when he receives news that his father is dying, he rushes home only to arrive too late. Heading home to his remote cabin, he crashes his jeep after spotting a naked woman lying in the road who disappears once he regains consciousness. Detective Stella Dane thinks Mac's story is out there but when the description of the woman he saw matches that of a local woman who just went missing, she wonders if it could be the same woman. As the two work together to find out what happened, their investigation leads them down a deadly path.
Seconds to Live opens with Stella arriving at a crime scene where the body of a young woman has been found. Stella used to know the victim and after the woman's death is found to be suspicious, she jumps fully into the investigation. Shortly after the discovery of the body, another woman in town goes missing although it's not initially clear if the two cases are related. There were several theories explored in the investigation and I liked how the author did a great job keeping you guessing on where the mystery would go next. The final confrontation with the killer was very well done and the scene had the perfect mix of action and suspense.
Mac's character interested me in the previous books in the series even though he was only a minor character in those books. He's been working as a wildlife biologist in South America for several years and only periodically shows up in Scarlet Falls. We learn in this book that Mac's background isn't what we've been told before and I liked the direction the author took his character. Mac and Stella have been attracted to one another since they met during the events of the first book. The two have great chemistry and I liked the build-up in their romance. The steamy scenes are very well done and I was happy with the direction their relationship went.
Overall Seconds to Live was my favorite book in the Scarlet Falls series and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for some great romantic suspense.
Seconds to Live was an amazing read featuring an intriguing mystery and a romance between a police detective and a wildlife biologist.
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett has avoided being in his hometown as much as possible over the years. But when he receives news that his father is dying, he rushes home only to arrive too late. Heading home to his remote cabin, he crashes his jeep after spotting a naked woman lying in the road who disappears once he regains consciousness. Detective Stella Dane thinks Mac's story is out there but when the description of the woman he saw matches that of a local woman who just went missing, she wonders if it could be the same woman. As the two work together to find out what happened, their investigation leads them down a deadly path.
Seconds to Live opens with Stella arriving at a crime scene where the body of a young woman has been found. Stella used to know the victim and after the woman's death is found to be suspicious, she jumps fully into the investigation. Shortly after the discovery of the body, another woman in town goes missing although it's not initially clear if the two cases are related. There were several theories explored in the investigation and I liked how the author did a great job keeping you guessing on where the mystery would go next. The final confrontation with the killer was very well done and the scene had the perfect mix of action and suspense.
Mac's character interested me in the previous books in the series even though he was only a minor character in those books. He's been working as a wildlife biologist in South America for several years and only periodically shows up in Scarlet Falls. We learn in this book that Mac's background isn't what we've been told before and I liked the direction the author took his character. Mac and Stella have been attracted to one another since they met during the events of the first book. The two have great chemistry and I liked the build-up in their romance. The steamy scenes are very well done and I was happy with the direction their relationship went.
Overall Seconds to Live was my favorite book in the Scarlet Falls series and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for some great romantic suspense.
July 14, 2024
This is my least favourite of the trilogy. I couldn't connect with the MCs as a couple, their chemistry didn't work so well as the previous ones.
Also, the mystery was fragmented, too many clues and suspects, leading threads that ended up in pointless pursuits. In the end I couldn't care less for the villain or the MC's HEA..
Also, the mystery was fragmented, too many clues and suspects, leading threads that ended up in pointless pursuits. In the end I couldn't care less for the villain or the MC's HEA..
January 28, 2020
Good story
I liked this one as much as the others. I love this whole series, i love that this is the beginning of the Morgan Dane series. I love the way Melinda Leigh writes her thriller romance storytelling.
I liked this one as much as the others. I love this whole series, i love that this is the beginning of the Morgan Dane series. I love the way Melinda Leigh writes her thriller romance storytelling.
March 31, 2017
Two-haiku review:
Women being killed
She's cop, he's home from jungle
Can they catch killer?
Excellent series
Well written, great characters
Bad guys are real bad
Women being killed
She's cop, he's home from jungle
Can they catch killer?
Excellent series
Well written, great characters
Bad guys are real bad
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