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Sinful Secrets
Event planner Joanna McNamee is scrambling to ensure her father’s company Christmas party goes smoothly, but one disaster after another has her convinced someone is trying to sabotage her career. With the help of a man from her past who she’s still not sure she can trust, she puts the pieces together and realizes her business is the least of her problems—a cold-blooded killer is out to destroy her father and take her as his prized possession.
The last thing Deputy Ryker Kane expects is for a simple truck hijacking to throw him back into the middle of the Black Widow case he’d been forced to abandon, not to mention right into the arms of the sweet woman he’d let walk away ten years earlier. When he finds Jo Jo kidnapped and drugged, he has to use all his wits and skills honed from years as a detective to save them both. Despite the secrets between them, Ryker’s bound and determined to give them a second chance at love.
The last thing Deputy Ryker Kane expects is for a simple truck hijacking to throw him back into the middle of the Black Widow case he’d been forced to abandon, not to mention right into the arms of the sweet woman he’d let walk away ten years earlier. When he finds Jo Jo kidnapped and drugged, he has to use all his wits and skills honed from years as a detective to save them both. Despite the secrets between them, Ryker’s bound and determined to give them a second chance at love.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2016
2 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Ohnoutka
7 books193 followersMelissa writes action packed, heart stopping suspense novels with a touch of romance. She's a big adrenaline junkie where books and movies are concerned, but avoids conflict in her real life as much as possible. Born and raised in Texas, she dreams big and believes good conquers all. Although writing may be her passion, her husband and three kids will always be her greatest blessings. When not hard at work crafting her next novel, Melissa loves spending time with the family, snow skiing, the great outdoors, and to inspire her pesky creative muse, photography and painting. You can learn more about her writing at www.melissaohnoutka.com .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 16, 2016
1 Star
I'm sad to say that I really didn't enjoy this book. Maybe because my expectations were different. I expected it to be more on the romantic side than on the suspense since the cover and the synopsis tells otherwise. Apart from that, there were just so many issues that made me dislike it.
So the story was all about event planner Joanna "Jo Jo" McNamee and Deputy Ryker Kane who used to have an affair in college but weren't able to see each other again due to Joanna's issues about men. Now after several years they meet again and it happens when Jo Jo gets herself into trouble. Sad to say, Jo Jo no longer wants to engage herself with Ryker again so she pretends that she doesn't know him.
Pathetic girl. I know, right? Jo Jo is one of the heroines that are wearing on my nerves. All throughout the book she was all like "I don't want him" blah blah... and I just don't know why she kept on saying that. I have no issues with Ryker. I believe he's a good guy and his intentions are good but I can't see the reason why Jo Jo was hell-bent on avoiding him.
The writing style was good, but it didn't keep my attention. I wished it was written in 1st person POV. I felt like the narrations from both Jo Jo and Ryker were jumbled and confusing.
And as I mentioned, the majority of the book (85%) fell into the suspense/action side. There were little to no romantic scenes. Also, the chemistry between these characters is non-existent. It's difficult to like a book when you don't feel a spark between the characters. Sinful Secrets, for me, was a difficult story to like. :(
(An ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
I'm sad to say that I really didn't enjoy this book. Maybe because my expectations were different. I expected it to be more on the romantic side than on the suspense since the cover and the synopsis tells otherwise. Apart from that, there were just so many issues that made me dislike it.
So the story was all about event planner Joanna "Jo Jo" McNamee and Deputy Ryker Kane who used to have an affair in college but weren't able to see each other again due to Joanna's issues about men. Now after several years they meet again and it happens when Jo Jo gets herself into trouble. Sad to say, Jo Jo no longer wants to engage herself with Ryker again so she pretends that she doesn't know him.
Pathetic girl. I know, right? Jo Jo is one of the heroines that are wearing on my nerves. All throughout the book she was all like "I don't want him" blah blah... and I just don't know why she kept on saying that. I have no issues with Ryker. I believe he's a good guy and his intentions are good but I can't see the reason why Jo Jo was hell-bent on avoiding him.
The writing style was good, but it didn't keep my attention. I wished it was written in 1st person POV. I felt like the narrations from both Jo Jo and Ryker were jumbled and confusing.
And as I mentioned, the majority of the book (85%) fell into the suspense/action side. There were little to no romantic scenes. Also, the chemistry between these characters is non-existent. It's difficult to like a book when you don't feel a spark between the characters. Sinful Secrets, for me, was a difficult story to like. :(
(An ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
November 16, 2016
Well, not sure how I feel about this one. I kind of enjoyed it for the most part but something was missing and that prevented me from giving it a higher rating. It was certainly suspensful and action packed, but sadly it was not enough to make it a great read for me. This started out with a bang but didn't live up to its potential when all was said and done. My main issue was that I disliked the heroine and her stupid behaviour at times, and my biggest letdown was the romance part between Ryker and Joanna and the lack of steaminess in the set up I’ve come to love so much in my books. I didn't feel the chemistry and the passion between them, so it took me a while to care about them as a couple.
Overall, it was an interesting story and I really liked the pacing and the author’s writing style. I just wished I felt more of a connection between the main characters. So, if you’re looking for a romantic suspense very very light on the romance and hot sex scenes, this is the book for you.
ARC kindly provided by publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, it was an interesting story and I really liked the pacing and the author’s writing style. I just wished I felt more of a connection between the main characters. So, if you’re looking for a romantic suspense very very light on the romance and hot sex scenes, this is the book for you.
ARC kindly provided by publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2016
Someone is after event planner Joanna McNamee and Deputy Ryker Kane will make it his mission to keep her safe. Back in college, they shared one special night and then Joanna ran without any explanation. Now fate has given Ryker another chance to convince Joanna they were meant to be.
So this book started out entertaining, but halfway through I started to get really bored with it all. One, this is a romantic suspense, heavy on the SUSPENSE and VERY light on the romance. In fact, we don't get any sexytimes until 95% into the book. Even then it feels really forced since I never felt a romantic connection between these two characters AT ALL.
On top of that, the suspense story was just really silly and ridiculous. I'm talking the characters getting shot multiple times. Buildings blowing up. Crazy baddies that survive situations like the aforementioned building blowing up. Just way OTT. Not to mention I had the baddies figured out from 5% into the book. It is really incredibly obvious.
I also didn't like Joanna. She came across as a bitch, and really a bit too stupid to live. 95% into the book she is still hemming and hawing about whether she wants to get involved with Ryker. Why I have NO clue. The guy never did anything to her. The one misunderstanding is cleared up fairly early in the book. She was just one of those characters you that makes you want to throat punch them.
Overall a pretty middle of the road read.
November 22, 2016
I'm erring on the side of caution with my star rating. I'm still not sure how to really rate this so I did a balance. Parts were worthy of 1 or 2 stars and some were worth 4. So there you go with my calculation :D
Let's be frank. The cover and blurb of this book are ANNOYINGLY misleading. I expected suspense because that's what it stated. But with that cover, I also expected some sexy. Or even some romance. The romance part of this book was BARELY touched upon.
This was romantic suspense... or suspenseful romance? While a connection was created between the main characters, Jojo and Ryker, and they were even given a past hookup, the details were vague. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not. But even their present encounters lacked chemistry so it could just be that the romantic side of their relationship was meant to take a back seat to the drama of the plot.
To me, the suspense and mystery and drama of the plot took centerstage, and that was okay. This story had secrets, betrayals, murder, doubt, confusion, and plenty of action. It was an edge-of-your-seat introduction, for me, to this author's style and I recommend it to those who can appreciate action and suspense.
Let's be frank. The cover and blurb of this book are ANNOYINGLY misleading. I expected suspense because that's what it stated. But with that cover, I also expected some sexy. Or even some romance. The romance part of this book was BARELY touched upon.
This was romantic suspense... or suspenseful romance? While a connection was created between the main characters, Jojo and Ryker, and they were even given a past hookup, the details were vague. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not. But even their present encounters lacked chemistry so it could just be that the romantic side of their relationship was meant to take a back seat to the drama of the plot.
To me, the suspense and mystery and drama of the plot took centerstage, and that was okay. This story had secrets, betrayals, murder, doubt, confusion, and plenty of action. It was an edge-of-your-seat introduction, for me, to this author's style and I recommend it to those who can appreciate action and suspense.
November 6, 2016
3.5 Stars!
This was the first book by this author that I have had the pleasure of reading. I love stories that have to do with cops and suspense, so this was a book right up my alley. But that also means I am a bit jaded when it comes to what I look for in a great read in this genre.
Sometimes in books such as this, the female characters tick me off and in this story, JoJo definitely was one that annoyed me. While she was portrayed as a woman desperately trying to seek approval from her father, I have to ask why would someone go to the lengths and years of BS with no satisfaction or acceptance of the truth? I had a hard time with that.
I did like the character of Ryker. A good man with loads of steam rolling off him. Why JoJo played hard to get, who even knows? He was protective, caring, passionate, and in deep with her but she continued to fight him and be stubborn. But once the walls fell, the story heated up with delicious results!
Overall, I enjoyed the plot. I felt that it was viable and believable with a few issues along the way. For one, it was easy to figure out who the villain was going to be. But the good part is that there were some twists that the author threw in to keep you guessing enough that you wanted to find out the real story.
An easy, yet fulfilling, read with plenty of development possibilities through a series, perhaps. A lovely bit of steam and a good HEA rounds out this romantic suspense story.
This was the first book by this author that I have had the pleasure of reading. I love stories that have to do with cops and suspense, so this was a book right up my alley. But that also means I am a bit jaded when it comes to what I look for in a great read in this genre.
Sometimes in books such as this, the female characters tick me off and in this story, JoJo definitely was one that annoyed me. While she was portrayed as a woman desperately trying to seek approval from her father, I have to ask why would someone go to the lengths and years of BS with no satisfaction or acceptance of the truth? I had a hard time with that.
I did like the character of Ryker. A good man with loads of steam rolling off him. Why JoJo played hard to get, who even knows? He was protective, caring, passionate, and in deep with her but she continued to fight him and be stubborn. But once the walls fell, the story heated up with delicious results!
Overall, I enjoyed the plot. I felt that it was viable and believable with a few issues along the way. For one, it was easy to figure out who the villain was going to be. But the good part is that there were some twists that the author threw in to keep you guessing enough that you wanted to find out the real story.
An easy, yet fulfilling, read with plenty of development possibilities through a series, perhaps. A lovely bit of steam and a good HEA rounds out this romantic suspense story.
October 23, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first book by Melissa Ohnoutka and will not be my last!
Sinful Secrets has everything you need for an evening of romance and suspense. I will admit I don't normally gravite to suspense book but I sure am glad I read this one. Yassssssss!!!!!!
Joanna McNamee is a hard working event planner who believes in hard work and dedication. Unfortunately, there are some people in her life that want to see her fail. (Don't you hate those kinda folks?!?!)
Ryker Kane is a police officer who knows how to fill out a uniform. OMG, is he sexy. You have to love a man in uniform :)........and this man loves and adores Joanna with everything he has. He will do ANYTHING to keep her safe no matter the consequences and there are consequences.
Then the is Denise, the rude step-mother of Joanna, who may or may not be a murderer. Yeah.....the sh** gets real.
I would defiantly recommend this book for us romance book lovers.
This was my first book by Melissa Ohnoutka and will not be my last!
Sinful Secrets has everything you need for an evening of romance and suspense. I will admit I don't normally gravite to suspense book but I sure am glad I read this one. Yassssssss!!!!!!
Joanna McNamee is a hard working event planner who believes in hard work and dedication. Unfortunately, there are some people in her life that want to see her fail. (Don't you hate those kinda folks?!?!)
Ryker Kane is a police officer who knows how to fill out a uniform. OMG, is he sexy. You have to love a man in uniform :)........and this man loves and adores Joanna with everything he has. He will do ANYTHING to keep her safe no matter the consequences and there are consequences.
Then the is Denise, the rude step-mother of Joanna, who may or may not be a murderer. Yeah.....the sh** gets real.
I would defiantly recommend this book for us romance book lovers.
November 15, 2016
I hadn't read anything by this author before - but I'll certainly be looking out for books by her in future! I'll admit that the blurb had me intrigued but the cover nearly put me off trying this book but I'm so glad I decided to give it a go after spotting it on NetGalley. This novel had me riveted from the start and I didn't want to put it down till the very end. It is romantic suspense at its very best, with so many twists and turns you're never quite sure how things can possibly be resolved and a second chance romance, too.
The characters are brought to life in the pages of the book and it is very easy to relate to the leading lady, Joanna McNamee - aka Jo Jo, who is somewhat naive and the leading man, Ryker, a resourceful, determined detective who is only too aware of his background. It shows how people can unwittingly be manipulated by others and that love can motivate people to behave in very different ways. (Can you tell I'm desperately trying not to give away any spoilers? Hope I'm succeeding!)
This is an action packed, suspense filled, well written story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys this genre.
The characters are brought to life in the pages of the book and it is very easy to relate to the leading lady, Joanna McNamee - aka Jo Jo, who is somewhat naive and the leading man, Ryker, a resourceful, determined detective who is only too aware of his background. It shows how people can unwittingly be manipulated by others and that love can motivate people to behave in very different ways. (Can you tell I'm desperately trying not to give away any spoilers? Hope I'm succeeding!)
This is an action packed, suspense filled, well written story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys this genre.
November 25, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
I am really not sure if I liked this one or not. Parts of it were compelling and parts of it were odd to me.
I am not even really able to explain this without going into spoilers of the book, so I think I will leave this one at the idea that the way the plot was structured, it felt like it was backwards to me. Events that should have happened later in the book were at the beginning and those that should have happened earlier were more to the end. I see what the author was trying, a little change of the usual to make the book different. And it was, it just didn't work for me. The events that happened toward the end of this one were needed for me to feel emotionally invested in the things that happened at the beginning. If that makes any sense at all.
I think I recommend this book, but more for what it was trying to be than for what it actually was...again, if that makes sense.
I am really not sure if I liked this one or not. Parts of it were compelling and parts of it were odd to me.
I am not even really able to explain this without going into spoilers of the book, so I think I will leave this one at the idea that the way the plot was structured, it felt like it was backwards to me. Events that should have happened later in the book were at the beginning and those that should have happened earlier were more to the end. I see what the author was trying, a little change of the usual to make the book different. And it was, it just didn't work for me. The events that happened toward the end of this one were needed for me to feel emotionally invested in the things that happened at the beginning. If that makes any sense at all.
I think I recommend this book, but more for what it was trying to be than for what it actually was...again, if that makes sense.
October 25, 2016
3.5 Stars - 3 Flames
Is this the author's first book? NOOOOOO!!! But apparently I've been living under a rock and this is the first for me. You know that book that literally has you on the edge of you seat the entire time while reading it? This could be the book for you. You've got just about everything in here: the need for approval, evil people, a kidnapping, disastrous sabotage, obsessed friend, college fling turned "Mmm", and of course, danger. How am I gonna write this without giving anything away????!!!!!
Jo Jo is an event planner who is trying her hardest to impress her father (who isn't happy about her career choice) by planning a party for his company. But it's not that easy of a job considering there is theft, sabotage and of course the evil people who just can't seem to stay out of it. Things start to look up when Jo Jo's former fling shows up, but then there are trust issues that rear their ugly heads.
Needless to say, Ryker is shocked when he's put back on a case he hadn't worked on for a while, to find his old flame in trouble. He's even more shocked when he finds out that she's directly involved (through her father/girlfriend) to the case and is now not only trying to solve the case, but trying to keep her safe too. Although Jo Jo doesn't want to trust him so easily, Ryker works his way back in to her good graces and the love between the two is great. But the danger is still there and sacrifices have to be made.
All in all, this was a good introduction to the author for me. I liked her writing style and she kept me glued to the story, even when I thought I had everything figured out. This is a great suspense romance and I would definitely recommend it.
*I received this book from the Jeep Diva in exchange for my honest opinion.
Is this the author's first book? NOOOOOO!!! But apparently I've been living under a rock and this is the first for me. You know that book that literally has you on the edge of you seat the entire time while reading it? This could be the book for you. You've got just about everything in here: the need for approval, evil people, a kidnapping, disastrous sabotage, obsessed friend, college fling turned "Mmm", and of course, danger. How am I gonna write this without giving anything away????!!!!!
Jo Jo is an event planner who is trying her hardest to impress her father (who isn't happy about her career choice) by planning a party for his company. But it's not that easy of a job considering there is theft, sabotage and of course the evil people who just can't seem to stay out of it. Things start to look up when Jo Jo's former fling shows up, but then there are trust issues that rear their ugly heads.
Needless to say, Ryker is shocked when he's put back on a case he hadn't worked on for a while, to find his old flame in trouble. He's even more shocked when he finds out that she's directly involved (through her father/girlfriend) to the case and is now not only trying to solve the case, but trying to keep her safe too. Although Jo Jo doesn't want to trust him so easily, Ryker works his way back in to her good graces and the love between the two is great. But the danger is still there and sacrifices have to be made.
All in all, this was a good introduction to the author for me. I liked her writing style and she kept me glued to the story, even when I thought I had everything figured out. This is a great suspense romance and I would definitely recommend it.
*I received this book from the Jeep Diva in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 12, 2016
**I received a copy of Sinful Secrets via Net Galley in exchange for an voluntary review**
Sinful Secrets by Melissa Ohnoutka is a suspense, action packed romance book that will have you attention until the very last. This is my first book by the author and I have say it was surprisingly good, and give it a solid 4.8 stars.
Joanna "Jo Jo" McNamee wants her father to embrace her hard won career of party planner by doing his Christmas party for his company. The only problem is her father's girlfriend, Denise, is trying to sabotage the event with rude comments, delaying her truck carrying supplies and somehow managing to keep her claws into her father. But there is something more sinister going on behind the scenes that a former boyfriend (now Deputy) Ryker Kane who is investigating Denise for possible murders of her rich husbands. Throw in an obsessed childhood friend from Jo Jo's youth, theft of her fathers computer, kidnapping and of course the blooming love between Ryker & Joanna and you've got one heck of a story.
Ryker Kane has transferred from Houston Police department to the sheriff's office to follow up on a lead of the Black Widow killer case that he was working on. Little does he know that he'll find Joanna who was his one night college girlfriend at the event where he's working. Once he finds out the his suspect is connected with her father, he'll do anything to protect Jo Jo even if it may mean his life will be in danger from her childhood. It will take everything he has to keep Jo safe from her attacker even when they are both injured. But he'll also try to convince Jo that he truly loves her and wants a happily ever after.
This was a great book and hopefully if there will be another book for Samantha and Andrew's (Who is Joanna's BFF) story.
Sinful Secrets by Melissa Ohnoutka is a suspense, action packed romance book that will have you attention until the very last. This is my first book by the author and I have say it was surprisingly good, and give it a solid 4.8 stars.
Joanna "Jo Jo" McNamee wants her father to embrace her hard won career of party planner by doing his Christmas party for his company. The only problem is her father's girlfriend, Denise, is trying to sabotage the event with rude comments, delaying her truck carrying supplies and somehow managing to keep her claws into her father. But there is something more sinister going on behind the scenes that a former boyfriend (now Deputy) Ryker Kane who is investigating Denise for possible murders of her rich husbands. Throw in an obsessed childhood friend from Jo Jo's youth, theft of her fathers computer, kidnapping and of course the blooming love between Ryker & Joanna and you've got one heck of a story.
Ryker Kane has transferred from Houston Police department to the sheriff's office to follow up on a lead of the Black Widow killer case that he was working on. Little does he know that he'll find Joanna who was his one night college girlfriend at the event where he's working. Once he finds out the his suspect is connected with her father, he'll do anything to protect Jo Jo even if it may mean his life will be in danger from her childhood. It will take everything he has to keep Jo safe from her attacker even when they are both injured. But he'll also try to convince Jo that he truly loves her and wants a happily ever after.
This was a great book and hopefully if there will be another book for Samantha and Andrew's (Who is Joanna's BFF) story.
November 14, 2016
I think this book had a lot of potential to be a book I loved, but it fell a little flat. There were some things that I liked a lot about this book, but there were also things that bugged me. I do think this author is a strong writer and I would be interested in reading more books by her in the future.
The biggest issue I had with the book was the main character, Jo Jo. I didn't have any issues with her personality. I thought she was a nice woman who cared for those around her. My issue with her was how dumb she was when it came to certain situations. I honestly don't know how she survived this book. I guess her naivety kept the book interesting, but I wasn't a fan of it. I wanted to shake some sense into her!
Ryker was the main male character in this book, and I really liked him. I definitely understood why jo Jo fell for him. Ryker was passionate and there was just something so alluring about him. My only wish for him is that I wish he was developed a little more.
The suspense was the best part about this book in my opinion. I thought the suspenseful moments were very well written. The action was heart racing and well paced. The author did a great job with that part of the book. I would have liked even more of it!
Overall, this was a quick and suspenseful read. Even though the main character was naive and the villain was easy to point out, I still thought this book was entertaining. I look forward to seeing what the author comes out with next.
3 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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The biggest issue I had with the book was the main character, Jo Jo. I didn't have any issues with her personality. I thought she was a nice woman who cared for those around her. My issue with her was how dumb she was when it came to certain situations. I honestly don't know how she survived this book. I guess her naivety kept the book interesting, but I wasn't a fan of it. I wanted to shake some sense into her!
Ryker was the main male character in this book, and I really liked him. I definitely understood why jo Jo fell for him. Ryker was passionate and there was just something so alluring about him. My only wish for him is that I wish he was developed a little more.
The suspense was the best part about this book in my opinion. I thought the suspenseful moments were very well written. The action was heart racing and well paced. The author did a great job with that part of the book. I would have liked even more of it!
Overall, this was a quick and suspenseful read. Even though the main character was naive and the villain was easy to point out, I still thought this book was entertaining. I look forward to seeing what the author comes out with next.
3 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
November 19, 2016
This book is fantastic! Once I started reading this suspenseful tale, I stayed up till after 3 a.m. trying to finish it. Sadly my tired eyes couldn’t keep up with my need to know what happened next, so I had to wait till morning to devour the ending.
The author did a stellar job describing all of the action and emotional turmoil. My heart was racing waiting for what might happen to our lead characters, and it lasted until the climactic ending. Her villains are truly sadistic and psychopathic. I had an inkling of who might be responsible for the torment Joanna and those around her experienced, but the level of deception and players involved was so much beyond what I could have imagined.
What can I say about Ryker and Joanna other than I love them! He’s this tough, sweet, straight-shooter cop. She’s a sassy, smart, and independent woman. And they are perfect for each other! Ryker had to watch Joanna from afar back in high school because he didn’t think he was good enough for the wealthy princess. Little did he know that she harbored the same feelings and wasn’t really as stuck up as he thought she was. These two have history left undone. With all the craziness surrounding them, will they ever get the chance to work it out and finally be together? Their strength and determination gave me hope that they might have a future.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s my first by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. Melissa is truly talented in her ability to weave a tale of betrayal and deceit while adding a bit of romance to the mix.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
The author did a stellar job describing all of the action and emotional turmoil. My heart was racing waiting for what might happen to our lead characters, and it lasted until the climactic ending. Her villains are truly sadistic and psychopathic. I had an inkling of who might be responsible for the torment Joanna and those around her experienced, but the level of deception and players involved was so much beyond what I could have imagined.
What can I say about Ryker and Joanna other than I love them! He’s this tough, sweet, straight-shooter cop. She’s a sassy, smart, and independent woman. And they are perfect for each other! Ryker had to watch Joanna from afar back in high school because he didn’t think he was good enough for the wealthy princess. Little did he know that she harbored the same feelings and wasn’t really as stuck up as he thought she was. These two have history left undone. With all the craziness surrounding them, will they ever get the chance to work it out and finally be together? Their strength and determination gave me hope that they might have a future.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s my first by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. Melissa is truly talented in her ability to weave a tale of betrayal and deceit while adding a bit of romance to the mix.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
November 19, 2016
This was a good read with a great plot I found it very interesting the author gives you mystery, action with a lot of twist and turns. I did think the characters could use a little more developing. It is a romance but more of a suspense read. I would have liked to have seen a little more romance but I totally enjoyed the action and suspense.
Joanna against her father’s wishes dropped out of law school to become a planner. When a truck with her stuff comes up missing leaving her on the hunt to find it. The truck is finally found abandoned her and a friend go to get it back but she finds herself in a mess. Never did she think she would walk into a mess like this.
When Ryker was called to the scene to take over the investigation thing get a little hair. He and Joanna have a past. On seeing him again Joanna does everything to avoid him leaving him thinking she doesn’t remember him. They must learn to work together overcoming the past and pain to put this crime to rest and find out who and what that is behind it. I really liked these characters it is a very believable story you will get lost in.
The author gives you suspense at its finest with a lot of mystery as she spins the tale with twists and turns you won’t see coming. This is a book you will have trouble putting down as you race to see what the outcome is. People come up missing, some are kidnapped, suspense, mystery along with a lot more. There is so much going on in this story that will totally delight you. If you love suspense with lots of action followed by mystery and a little romance this is the book for you. I just could not put this book down.
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Joanna against her father’s wishes dropped out of law school to become a planner. When a truck with her stuff comes up missing leaving her on the hunt to find it. The truck is finally found abandoned her and a friend go to get it back but she finds herself in a mess. Never did she think she would walk into a mess like this.
When Ryker was called to the scene to take over the investigation thing get a little hair. He and Joanna have a past. On seeing him again Joanna does everything to avoid him leaving him thinking she doesn’t remember him. They must learn to work together overcoming the past and pain to put this crime to rest and find out who and what that is behind it. I really liked these characters it is a very believable story you will get lost in.
The author gives you suspense at its finest with a lot of mystery as she spins the tale with twists and turns you won’t see coming. This is a book you will have trouble putting down as you race to see what the outcome is. People come up missing, some are kidnapped, suspense, mystery along with a lot more. There is so much going on in this story that will totally delight you. If you love suspense with lots of action followed by mystery and a little romance this is the book for you. I just could not put this book down.
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November 30, 2016
A second chance at love means Joanna (“Jo Jo”) and Ryker have one more opportunity to get it right. Their relationship had failed but being reunited years later, especially during such tense circumstances, has brought up emotions and feelings long buried. Mistrust is the word of the day and the hostility between them is only tempered by their need to come together to thwart a killer.
Jo Jo is trying to make her mark as an event planner but is thwarted at every turn by a wicked witch and an oblivious father. Things turn deadly though, and having Ryker come back into her life now is the last thing she would have wished for. Thank goodness you don’t always get what you want. Ryker is definitely a man of the ‘white hat’ variety and, despite their past, was determined to keep Jo Jo safe and ferret out the bad guys, whatever it takes.
Romance and shenanigans are usually enough to capture my attention but this story didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I didn’t quite “get” the Jo Jo and Ryker dynamic and their relationship definitely took a back seat to the many twists and turns they found themselves in. I needed more – more heart and more emotion between lovers that didn’t seem to have their moment to shine. ~ Diane, 3 Stars
Jo Jo is trying to make her mark as an event planner but is thwarted at every turn by a wicked witch and an oblivious father. Things turn deadly though, and having Ryker come back into her life now is the last thing she would have wished for. Thank goodness you don’t always get what you want. Ryker is definitely a man of the ‘white hat’ variety and, despite their past, was determined to keep Jo Jo safe and ferret out the bad guys, whatever it takes.
Romance and shenanigans are usually enough to capture my attention but this story didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I didn’t quite “get” the Jo Jo and Ryker dynamic and their relationship definitely took a back seat to the many twists and turns they found themselves in. I needed more – more heart and more emotion between lovers that didn’t seem to have their moment to shine. ~ Diane, 3 Stars
November 14, 2016
3.5 Stars
Over all I thought the book is good there are just certain things that I did not care for. Joanna was a bit much to deal with at times. I found myself bored in the middle and that is not a good thing but I continued on to see how this all played out.
As for Ryker's character, I found him to be a great character that had a lot going for him. He has not forgotten Joanna after their one night and coming to Bram has him wanting to prove to her they were meant to be. This story was more suspense than romance and that alone disappointed me. The plot was good yet I found myself wanting more.
Over all I thought the book is good there are just certain things that I did not care for. Joanna was a bit much to deal with at times. I found myself bored in the middle and that is not a good thing but I continued on to see how this all played out.
As for Ryker's character, I found him to be a great character that had a lot going for him. He has not forgotten Joanna after their one night and coming to Bram has him wanting to prove to her they were meant to be. This story was more suspense than romance and that alone disappointed me. The plot was good yet I found myself wanting more.
October 12, 2016
ARC NetGalley for honest review.
Buckle up as this was probably the most suspenseful romance book I've ever read.
There never seems to be a break in the action and after awhile you wonder how these people can even move from all the damage to their bodies. The romance is sweet. Kane and Jo-jo have known each other since high school and they've been crushing.There were times that Jo-jo annoyed by thinking she was being controlled by men and she managed to talk herself down and it meant she disobeyed and something bad happened. It all added up to a HEA, not to worry.
Buckle up as this was probably the most suspenseful romance book I've ever read.
There never seems to be a break in the action and after awhile you wonder how these people can even move from all the damage to their bodies. The romance is sweet. Kane and Jo-jo have known each other since high school and they've been crushing.There were times that Jo-jo annoyed by thinking she was being controlled by men and she managed to talk herself down and it meant she disobeyed and something bad happened. It all added up to a HEA, not to worry.
October 17, 2016
via netgalley
I loved this book
I loved this book
October 28, 2016
The story starts off with a pacing Joanna "JoJo" McNamee daughter of a controlling oil tycoon who quits law school to become an event planner. This is her big chance planning her Father's over the top Christmas party and she's got an awol party truck with much needed supplies. She's fuming, convinced that her Father's latest (?) love interest Denise is behind this missing truck. Denise has gone out of her way to sabotage her at every turn. Helped by her best friend Sam, she takes off in her truck in search of the missing truck, which she locates abandoned on the side of the road, keys inside no sign of anyone.
Meanwhile we meet Ryker Kane who downsizes his life to return to his small town of Bram after serving on the Houston PD, up for Captain and working on a very big case, he's told to back off. Taking leave and going back to Bram brings back memories of the one night with Joanna and the very brief turn of events that follow. Ryker is called out to investigate a truck reported stolen and shows up at the Country club where the event is taking place. Joanna meets and talks with him. Of course he recognizes her, she doesn't show any sort of recognition of him. She assures him all is well and he leaves. Returns back to the jail and further questions the two in the truck who insist they were hijacked. Things aren't quite adding up for Ryker, but he sets it aside.. for now.
I'm going to set aside a lot of the small details that really make up the body of this story because each one builds up the suspense. The morning after the party as guests are leaving the club, things hit the fan. Ryker is there and taken hostage, Sam is missing and Joanna sets out in search of Sam.
Joanna does remember Ryker and how he broke her heart. He is turn doesn't understand what happened to this girl who literally disappeared from college after their night together, which did not include sex. Neither have forgotten each other. They really both act like strangers to each other, which bothered me a little.
This book continues winding through so many twists and turns it will make your head spin. The minute you think you have an idea of who did what, that goes right out the window. Meanwhile, her father's life is in danger and he's found and in the hospital. Ryker's working with Houston PD to track down the major "bad guys/girls" in this story and again when you think you know something...
dang. Romance was minimal here, these two share a kiss. He backs off. There's no actual coupling until the end of the story.
Honestly I don't know how to review this one. The story line was good. Twisted just enough with so many perverse details and one sick, make that a couple sick twisted people who really did some damage. But I could not relate to the characters at all. There was no pull there, they felt emotionally detached and remote. I refer mainly to Joanna and Ryker, but even the few secondaries were just one dimensional. Again, the plot was just crazy and suspenseful enough to keep you flipping those pages if you didn't expect a whole lot from the characters... and that was ok enough.
I'm going to give it 3.5 stars because of the story. So much potential here with a little life breathed into these two. The potential for spark was there and the plot left plenty of room for it.
**arc from NetGalley and Loveswept in exchange for an honest review**
Meanwhile we meet Ryker Kane who downsizes his life to return to his small town of Bram after serving on the Houston PD, up for Captain and working on a very big case, he's told to back off. Taking leave and going back to Bram brings back memories of the one night with Joanna and the very brief turn of events that follow. Ryker is called out to investigate a truck reported stolen and shows up at the Country club where the event is taking place. Joanna meets and talks with him. Of course he recognizes her, she doesn't show any sort of recognition of him. She assures him all is well and he leaves. Returns back to the jail and further questions the two in the truck who insist they were hijacked. Things aren't quite adding up for Ryker, but he sets it aside.. for now.
I'm going to set aside a lot of the small details that really make up the body of this story because each one builds up the suspense. The morning after the party as guests are leaving the club, things hit the fan. Ryker is there and taken hostage, Sam is missing and Joanna sets out in search of Sam.
Joanna does remember Ryker and how he broke her heart. He is turn doesn't understand what happened to this girl who literally disappeared from college after their night together, which did not include sex. Neither have forgotten each other. They really both act like strangers to each other, which bothered me a little.
This book continues winding through so many twists and turns it will make your head spin. The minute you think you have an idea of who did what, that goes right out the window. Meanwhile, her father's life is in danger and he's found and in the hospital. Ryker's working with Houston PD to track down the major "bad guys/girls" in this story and again when you think you know something...
dang. Romance was minimal here, these two share a kiss. He backs off. There's no actual coupling until the end of the story.
Honestly I don't know how to review this one. The story line was good. Twisted just enough with so many perverse details and one sick, make that a couple sick twisted people who really did some damage. But I could not relate to the characters at all. There was no pull there, they felt emotionally detached and remote. I refer mainly to Joanna and Ryker, but even the few secondaries were just one dimensional. Again, the plot was just crazy and suspenseful enough to keep you flipping those pages if you didn't expect a whole lot from the characters... and that was ok enough.
I'm going to give it 3.5 stars because of the story. So much potential here with a little life breathed into these two. The potential for spark was there and the plot left plenty of room for it.
**arc from NetGalley and Loveswept in exchange for an honest review**
November 17, 2016
•Riveting 4.5 Stars
JoJo runs a party planning company, her father thinks she's wasting her time and wants her to do what he wants. Or as she puts it, wants to dictate what/when/how/where and why she does anything. Go back to school to become a lawyer, and then crawl back to him begging and telling him he was right. NOT gonna happen!!! Someone is out to sabotage her party/progress, and wants her to look like a fool in front of her father. Her truck and crew disappear while they're setting up for her father's annual work Christmas party. After finding the truck minus the crew, a deputy comes to talk to her about it, however she didn't report the truck missing. And to add just another issue, the deputy is none other than Ryker, her almost one night stand in college. But she pretends like she doesn't recognize him. It doesn't matter how attracted she is to him or the pull he seems to have on her. She's got bigger things to worry about, who's really trying to ruin her and how far will it go?
Ryker, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks has had a crush on JoJo since high school. But because of her status stayed away except to help her out a few times. Then they meet up again at a bar in college, but she sneaks out the next morning while he's in the shower without a backwards glance. What made her leave, not come back and ignore his calls? Now he's trying to figure out what's going on around her and her party planning business, before someone gets hurt. For some reason they've been brought together again and he's not going to let her get away so easily this time, not with the pull she's got to feel too.
This story is full of energy and will have you continuously trying to figure out not only who did what, but what's gonna happen next. Will JoJo stop running hiding and away from her feelings for Ryker, or will she just continue to bury her heart in the sand? Will Ryker finally realize it doesn't matter which side of the tracks you're from, you both deserve to have love? Will JoJo's father ever be proud of her? You'll have to read SINFUL SECRETS to find out, but man, what an extremely exciting and emotional roller coaster this was! Melissa Ohnoutka sure does write a powerful story! I received an ARC via IndieSage through NetGalley in exchange for an honest blog tour review.
Favorite Passages~
- It’s a crime as old as time, just with different players and rules.”
- He was still the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
JoJo runs a party planning company, her father thinks she's wasting her time and wants her to do what he wants. Or as she puts it, wants to dictate what/when/how/where and why she does anything. Go back to school to become a lawyer, and then crawl back to him begging and telling him he was right. NOT gonna happen!!! Someone is out to sabotage her party/progress, and wants her to look like a fool in front of her father. Her truck and crew disappear while they're setting up for her father's annual work Christmas party. After finding the truck minus the crew, a deputy comes to talk to her about it, however she didn't report the truck missing. And to add just another issue, the deputy is none other than Ryker, her almost one night stand in college. But she pretends like she doesn't recognize him. It doesn't matter how attracted she is to him or the pull he seems to have on her. She's got bigger things to worry about, who's really trying to ruin her and how far will it go?
Ryker, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks has had a crush on JoJo since high school. But because of her status stayed away except to help her out a few times. Then they meet up again at a bar in college, but she sneaks out the next morning while he's in the shower without a backwards glance. What made her leave, not come back and ignore his calls? Now he's trying to figure out what's going on around her and her party planning business, before someone gets hurt. For some reason they've been brought together again and he's not going to let her get away so easily this time, not with the pull she's got to feel too.
This story is full of energy and will have you continuously trying to figure out not only who did what, but what's gonna happen next. Will JoJo stop running hiding and away from her feelings for Ryker, or will she just continue to bury her heart in the sand? Will Ryker finally realize it doesn't matter which side of the tracks you're from, you both deserve to have love? Will JoJo's father ever be proud of her? You'll have to read SINFUL SECRETS to find out, but man, what an extremely exciting and emotional roller coaster this was! Melissa Ohnoutka sure does write a powerful story! I received an ARC via IndieSage through NetGalley in exchange for an honest blog tour review.
Favorite Passages~
- It’s a crime as old as time, just with different players and rules.”
- He was still the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
November 21, 2016
Joanna Mc Namee has turned her back on becoming the lawyer her father wanted her to be, to instead become an event planner. Now she's been tasked to do her father's company Christmas party, and nothing has gone right, so she's sure someone is trying to sabotage her business. And she has a pretty good guess as to who is doing it. With the help of a man from her past that she's forced to trust, even though she's skeptical, it becomes apparent that there's much more at stake than just a business being destroyed. It would seem that there's a killer out to murder her father, and take her as his possession, but she has no clue as to who the danger is, stalking her. Deputy Ryker Kane has left his job in Houston, to come back home, after a case takes everything out of him, and forces him to abandon. He never expected to be pulled back into the Black Widow case in his small town, and he never thought the girl he never forgot, would be right in the middle of it all. When JoJo is drugged and kidnapped, he has to do everything he's ever learned, to get them both to safety. Will he be able to figure out who is behind all of it before it's too late?!
WOW WOW WOW! This story took off right out of the gate, and I never caught my breath until the very end. The character development is great, with a awesomely colorful cast of secondaries that may or may not need their own stories. Melissa Ohnoutka's brilliant writing style had me totally captivated from cover to cover, and honestly, I felt like I was in the story. Her diabolically evil twists and turns had me dropping so many f-bombs that I should have come with a NC-17 rating while reading. The suspense factor was off the charts exciting, which made for some serious action as well. What had me really going, is the well placed snarky humor that had me rolling in the midst of all the chaos. I absolutely LOVED every minute of this high octane story, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sinful Secrets!
WOW WOW WOW! This story took off right out of the gate, and I never caught my breath until the very end. The character development is great, with a awesomely colorful cast of secondaries that may or may not need their own stories. Melissa Ohnoutka's brilliant writing style had me totally captivated from cover to cover, and honestly, I felt like I was in the story. Her diabolically evil twists and turns had me dropping so many f-bombs that I should have come with a NC-17 rating while reading. The suspense factor was off the charts exciting, which made for some serious action as well. What had me really going, is the well placed snarky humor that had me rolling in the midst of all the chaos. I absolutely LOVED every minute of this high octane story, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sinful Secrets!
November 21, 2016
2-2.5 stars.
To be honest, this didn’t turn out the way I was hoping. Not sure what it was, but this one was just not for me.
We have Ryker and Joanna (Jo Jo) having met years ago and now pretending that their one night stand didn’t happen. Jo Jo needs Ryker help because someone is trying to sabotage her business and things are turning dangerous.
I found there was SOME chemistry between these two, but mostly it was Jo Jo denying her feelings for him constantly, and that gets annoying in time. There was also the mystery of finding out who was trying to ruin her and why, and I felt that was kinda all over the place, and at times it didn’t make much sense.
I don’t know, some things happened too fast and others dragged for a bit. I was also not a fan of the POV, constantly changing. It left me confused at times.
Like I said, this just wasn’t for me.
*Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
To be honest, this didn’t turn out the way I was hoping. Not sure what it was, but this one was just not for me.
We have Ryker and Joanna (Jo Jo) having met years ago and now pretending that their one night stand didn’t happen. Jo Jo needs Ryker help because someone is trying to sabotage her business and things are turning dangerous.
I found there was SOME chemistry between these two, but mostly it was Jo Jo denying her feelings for him constantly, and that gets annoying in time. There was also the mystery of finding out who was trying to ruin her and why, and I felt that was kinda all over the place, and at times it didn’t make much sense.
I don’t know, some things happened too fast and others dragged for a bit. I was also not a fan of the POV, constantly changing. It left me confused at times.
Like I said, this just wasn’t for me.
*Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
November 15, 2016
This was a really great read! Sinful Secrets was the first book I've read by Melissa Ohnoutka but won't be my last. Her characters are vibrant & so engaging. You can't help but be drawn into the story. JoJo is trying to plan her father's Christmas party (& prove to him that leaving law school to be a party planner was a good choice) but her truck full of supplies gets stolen. Enter Ryker, a police detective that has a past wih JoJo. The story just gets more interesting from there.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 20, 2016
**3.5 Stars**
Ten years ago Joanna defied her father's wishes and made a choice for herself. She said no to law school and worked toward her dream of becoming a party planner. There's been tension between the two of them ever since with her Dad seemingly waiting for her to fail.
Ryker, a deputy, has returned home and joined the local police department and is investigating a claim from two employees stating they were held at gunpoint and forced to leave their work truck. When he hears their boss is Joanna, a woman Ryker knows very well and believes realized years ago he wasn't good enough for her, he's not sure what to think.
When Ryker questions Joanna he still feels the attraction, as does Joanna, but neither one act as if they remember the other from their one night of getting acquainted, though not fully intimate. It seems as if both have been living with misconceptions about that night for years.
As situations keep arising around Joanna, her company, friends, and family, she and Ryker talk and not only does Joanna realize she was lied to regarding Ryker's actions that night, but the liar was someone she trusts. The truth soothes the doubts Ryker had about their time together and what they shared.
What happens as the plans, and identities, of those working against Joanna are revealed? Is someone after her Dad? How will Joanna feel once someone's betrayal is revealed? How does it all tie in to the case Ryker was working on before leaving the Houston Police Department? Will Joanna and her Dad reconcile after realizing they were both manipulated? Can Ryker and Joanna keep each other safe? Will they get a second chance to explore the connection they started years ago? Will they get the HEA they were denied before?
One-click now and follow along as these two, reunited by fate and danger, get a second chance to discover the future they were always meant to have. On a personal note, I did figure out very quickly who the danger to Joanna was coming from, but it was still an enjoyable read. Also, while I understand the thinking behind the characters' actions upon seeing each other again for the first time in years, both mistakenly believing things regarding their time together, in each one pretending not to recognize the other, but it's a little farfetched. I could understand if they had only met that one night, but they went to school together. They grew up in the same town. You don't forget a person you literally grew up with, saw every school year, and around town. Secondly, with them still playing that "I don't recognize you" game, why would it not be an issue when Ryker makes a remark regarding Joanna still being addicted to her favorite drink and Joanna commenting that he still remembers? Um, you're not supposed to know each other, remember? And third, I really could've done without Sam, Joanna's best friend, calling Ryker, as she's talking to him, "handsome," "hot stuff," etc., and her remarks regarding how hot he is and how nicely he fills out his jeans while talking to Joanna. She knew how Joanna felt about him, and has since high school, and even after making Joanna see that she's in love with Ryker, shortly after that she, Sam, is on the phone with Ryker, calling him "handsome" and "hot stuff," while arranging for him to spend some time with Joanna. I wouldn't want my best friend saying those things to me regarding the man I have feelings for, or to him directly. Again, these are purely my own preferences and may not bother anyone else.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Ten years ago Joanna defied her father's wishes and made a choice for herself. She said no to law school and worked toward her dream of becoming a party planner. There's been tension between the two of them ever since with her Dad seemingly waiting for her to fail.
Ryker, a deputy, has returned home and joined the local police department and is investigating a claim from two employees stating they were held at gunpoint and forced to leave their work truck. When he hears their boss is Joanna, a woman Ryker knows very well and believes realized years ago he wasn't good enough for her, he's not sure what to think.
When Ryker questions Joanna he still feels the attraction, as does Joanna, but neither one act as if they remember the other from their one night of getting acquainted, though not fully intimate. It seems as if both have been living with misconceptions about that night for years.
As situations keep arising around Joanna, her company, friends, and family, she and Ryker talk and not only does Joanna realize she was lied to regarding Ryker's actions that night, but the liar was someone she trusts. The truth soothes the doubts Ryker had about their time together and what they shared.
What happens as the plans, and identities, of those working against Joanna are revealed? Is someone after her Dad? How will Joanna feel once someone's betrayal is revealed? How does it all tie in to the case Ryker was working on before leaving the Houston Police Department? Will Joanna and her Dad reconcile after realizing they were both manipulated? Can Ryker and Joanna keep each other safe? Will they get a second chance to explore the connection they started years ago? Will they get the HEA they were denied before?
One-click now and follow along as these two, reunited by fate and danger, get a second chance to discover the future they were always meant to have. On a personal note, I did figure out very quickly who the danger to Joanna was coming from, but it was still an enjoyable read. Also, while I understand the thinking behind the characters' actions upon seeing each other again for the first time in years, both mistakenly believing things regarding their time together, in each one pretending not to recognize the other, but it's a little farfetched. I could understand if they had only met that one night, but they went to school together. They grew up in the same town. You don't forget a person you literally grew up with, saw every school year, and around town. Secondly, with them still playing that "I don't recognize you" game, why would it not be an issue when Ryker makes a remark regarding Joanna still being addicted to her favorite drink and Joanna commenting that he still remembers? Um, you're not supposed to know each other, remember? And third, I really could've done without Sam, Joanna's best friend, calling Ryker, as she's talking to him, "handsome," "hot stuff," etc., and her remarks regarding how hot he is and how nicely he fills out his jeans while talking to Joanna. She knew how Joanna felt about him, and has since high school, and even after making Joanna see that she's in love with Ryker, shortly after that she, Sam, is on the phone with Ryker, calling him "handsome" and "hot stuff," while arranging for him to spend some time with Joanna. I wouldn't want my best friend saying those things to me regarding the man I have feelings for, or to him directly. Again, these are purely my own preferences and may not bother anyone else.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
November 2, 2016
Yikes. I'll be honest here, I hate giving a bad review. It makes me feel bad, and I don't like doing it. But, I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, so here we go.
So, first, since I feel really terrible about being honest in this scenario, here's what I did like about the story. The author's writing was good. I liked her pacing and style, but I just couldn't really get into her characters. There are plenty of other high ratings for this book, so maybe it's just me. Again, this is all my opinion, and I hate to write a bad review. I know there's an author on the other end of this that worked very hard on this book, and I don't like making someone feel bad. Basically, I guess this book just wasn't for me.
There were so many things about this book that just didn't work for me. First, the "heroine", Jo Jo. She was what I typically file under TSTL, Too Stupid To Live. Every internal thought she had, every decision she made was completely idiotic, in my opinion. She was way too naive to be believable, and by the end, I disliked her enough that I didn't even care if her and the hero got together, because I felt he deserved better. She was just so unbelievable. Caring about the wrong people and things, and not caring enough about the hero.
Second, the suspense plot. I knew who the main bad guy was, and why, from 6% into the story. And, I was mostly just annoyed after that that nobody else was figuring it out, especially the Jo Jo. Ryker had basically figured it out, but he was working on limited info, so I can forgive that.
Third, Ryker, our hero. I mostly liked him, but he wasn't as well developed as I usually like my heroes to be. There was a little about his past, and how that shaped him, but I would've liked to have understood him more. I also didn't get his insane want for Jo Jo, since I didn't feel like she deserved it, but I tried to go with it. They had a bit of a history, and they both acted like they didn't remember each other at first, which was just silly, in my opinion.
Mostly, I just wish I had liked the heroine. She was so naive and just wasn't relatable to me. She cared too much about the wrong things, made terrible decisions, etc. I get that the bad guy was supposedly a master manipulator, and had her thinking wrongly about things, but I just didn't feel like that was enough to excuse it. Sometimes, I kinda wished I could punch her in the face.
I almost DNF'd this one, but I had to know how it ended. I'm sorry I didn't have nicer things to say here, but I have attempted to give my honest assessment. I know that all stories aren't for all people, and according to the other 5-star reviews, this story was not for me.
So, first, since I feel really terrible about being honest in this scenario, here's what I did like about the story. The author's writing was good. I liked her pacing and style, but I just couldn't really get into her characters. There are plenty of other high ratings for this book, so maybe it's just me. Again, this is all my opinion, and I hate to write a bad review. I know there's an author on the other end of this that worked very hard on this book, and I don't like making someone feel bad. Basically, I guess this book just wasn't for me.
There were so many things about this book that just didn't work for me. First, the "heroine", Jo Jo. She was what I typically file under TSTL, Too Stupid To Live. Every internal thought she had, every decision she made was completely idiotic, in my opinion. She was way too naive to be believable, and by the end, I disliked her enough that I didn't even care if her and the hero got together, because I felt he deserved better. She was just so unbelievable. Caring about the wrong people and things, and not caring enough about the hero.
Second, the suspense plot. I knew who the main bad guy was, and why, from 6% into the story. And, I was mostly just annoyed after that that nobody else was figuring it out, especially the Jo Jo. Ryker had basically figured it out, but he was working on limited info, so I can forgive that.
Third, Ryker, our hero. I mostly liked him, but he wasn't as well developed as I usually like my heroes to be. There was a little about his past, and how that shaped him, but I would've liked to have understood him more. I also didn't get his insane want for Jo Jo, since I didn't feel like she deserved it, but I tried to go with it. They had a bit of a history, and they both acted like they didn't remember each other at first, which was just silly, in my opinion.
Mostly, I just wish I had liked the heroine. She was so naive and just wasn't relatable to me. She cared too much about the wrong things, made terrible decisions, etc. I get that the bad guy was supposedly a master manipulator, and had her thinking wrongly about things, but I just didn't feel like that was enough to excuse it. Sometimes, I kinda wished I could punch her in the face.
I almost DNF'd this one, but I had to know how it ended. I'm sorry I didn't have nicer things to say here, but I have attempted to give my honest assessment. I know that all stories aren't for all people, and according to the other 5-star reviews, this story was not for me.
December 9, 2016
This is the first novel I've read by this author, and while the plot summary seemed intriguing, I honestly couldn't give this book more than a 2.5 star rating.
Joanna McNamee has issues. Her mega-rich father wanted her to go to law school, and instead she dropped out to pursue a career as an event planner. While still in college, she had one special, albeit drunken night with Ryker Kane, and when Joanna party supply truck goes AWOL and is reported stolen, now Deputy Ryker Kane is on the case. Both he and Joanna, who prefers to be called Jo Jo, pretend that they don't know one another. Jo Jo's quasi-stepbrother/younger friend, Keith, tells her that it was a frat bet. She left school and Ryker assumed it was because he was from the wrong side of the tracks and not good enough for her, but when he sees her again, he's more than a little interested in getting reacquainted and makes keeping her safe his main mission. Jo Jo believes that her father's gold-digging your girlfriend, Denise, may be responsible for the missing supply truck, and Jo Jo doesn't trust her at all. By the next morning, although the party was a success, as the resort guests are leaving, they discover that the valuable gems they wore to the event and stored in the resort safe, have been stolen--and that's just for starters.
While this novel was entertaining to begin with, the many plot and subplot devices created more twists than a bowl of rotini pasta, and in addition to not being able to tell the players without a scorecard, there was no time spent on character development in what was supposed to be a romantic suspense novel. Where was the romance? Additionally, Jo Jo, waffled back and forth in her attitude and her behavior toward Ryker so many times it was dizzying, and it made her seem beyond shallow. All we are really shown is their physical attraction to one another, Jo Jo's is mostly bitchy toward him for a variety of reasons this reader couldn't fathom, and their interactions held no warmth or sense of emotional connection.
Additionally, by the time I was halfway through this novel, the plot devices were so profuse and bizarre that they became utterly ridiculous. The number of beatings, chases, multiple shootings, kidnappings, druggings, fires and explosions in which characters who should have died and didn't became utterly unbelievable and ridiculous. Perhaps all these goings-on might have worked in a 500-page novel, but it was way over the top for one that came in at 280 pages, in this reader's opinion.
Joanna McNamee has issues. Her mega-rich father wanted her to go to law school, and instead she dropped out to pursue a career as an event planner. While still in college, she had one special, albeit drunken night with Ryker Kane, and when Joanna party supply truck goes AWOL and is reported stolen, now Deputy Ryker Kane is on the case. Both he and Joanna, who prefers to be called Jo Jo, pretend that they don't know one another. Jo Jo's quasi-stepbrother/younger friend, Keith, tells her that it was a frat bet. She left school and Ryker assumed it was because he was from the wrong side of the tracks and not good enough for her, but when he sees her again, he's more than a little interested in getting reacquainted and makes keeping her safe his main mission. Jo Jo believes that her father's gold-digging your girlfriend, Denise, may be responsible for the missing supply truck, and Jo Jo doesn't trust her at all. By the next morning, although the party was a success, as the resort guests are leaving, they discover that the valuable gems they wore to the event and stored in the resort safe, have been stolen--and that's just for starters.
While this novel was entertaining to begin with, the many plot and subplot devices created more twists than a bowl of rotini pasta, and in addition to not being able to tell the players without a scorecard, there was no time spent on character development in what was supposed to be a romantic suspense novel. Where was the romance? Additionally, Jo Jo, waffled back and forth in her attitude and her behavior toward Ryker so many times it was dizzying, and it made her seem beyond shallow. All we are really shown is their physical attraction to one another, Jo Jo's is mostly bitchy toward him for a variety of reasons this reader couldn't fathom, and their interactions held no warmth or sense of emotional connection.
Additionally, by the time I was halfway through this novel, the plot devices were so profuse and bizarre that they became utterly ridiculous. The number of beatings, chases, multiple shootings, kidnappings, druggings, fires and explosions in which characters who should have died and didn't became utterly unbelievable and ridiculous. Perhaps all these goings-on might have worked in a 500-page novel, but it was way over the top for one that came in at 280 pages, in this reader's opinion.
November 19, 2016
Event planner Joanna McNamee is scrambling to ensure her father’s company Christmas party goes smoothly, but one disaster after another has her convinced someone is trying to sabotage her career. With the help of a man from her past who she’s still not sure she can trust, she puts the pieces together and realizes her business is the least of her problems—a cold-blooded killer is out to destroy her father and take her as his prized possession.
The last thing Deputy Ryker Kane expects is for a simple truck hijacking to throw him back into the middle of the Black Widow case he’d been forced to abandon, not to mention right into the arms of the sweet woman he’d let walk away ten years earlier. When he finds Jo Jo kidnapped and drugged, he has to use all his wits and skills honed from years as a detective to save them both. Despite the secrets between them, Ryker’s bound and determined to give them a second chance at love.
Review:
I liked this book, but for me I would classify it as Suspense with some romantic elements. Even though Ryker and JoJo have been circling each other since high school one night and some lies sends them away from each other and different paths. The chemistry is there between the two, but they spend most of the book getting the crap beat out of them and don't really fully come together until the end. The story circles around two mysteries. One mystery is what is JoJo's father's girlfriend really up to and two who is stalking JoJo. Both are interconnected and have
deadly consequences. There are many twists and turns to keep the story interesting and guessing. There is a lot going on in this story and I meant it when I said they crap beat out of them. Poor Jojo and Ryker get hurt a lot in this book. I felt sorry for them.
I have not read this Author before. I liked her style and her twists and turns in her mysteries. The book is told from dual points of views, Ryker and JoJo's. This is a stand alone title so there is no worry about missing anything.
3.5Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
The last thing Deputy Ryker Kane expects is for a simple truck hijacking to throw him back into the middle of the Black Widow case he’d been forced to abandon, not to mention right into the arms of the sweet woman he’d let walk away ten years earlier. When he finds Jo Jo kidnapped and drugged, he has to use all his wits and skills honed from years as a detective to save them both. Despite the secrets between them, Ryker’s bound and determined to give them a second chance at love.
Review:
I liked this book, but for me I would classify it as Suspense with some romantic elements. Even though Ryker and JoJo have been circling each other since high school one night and some lies sends them away from each other and different paths. The chemistry is there between the two, but they spend most of the book getting the crap beat out of them and don't really fully come together until the end. The story circles around two mysteries. One mystery is what is JoJo's father's girlfriend really up to and two who is stalking JoJo. Both are interconnected and have
deadly consequences. There are many twists and turns to keep the story interesting and guessing. There is a lot going on in this story and I meant it when I said they crap beat out of them. Poor Jojo and Ryker get hurt a lot in this book. I felt sorry for them.
I have not read this Author before. I liked her style and her twists and turns in her mysteries. The book is told from dual points of views, Ryker and JoJo's. This is a stand alone title so there is no worry about missing anything.
3.5Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
November 7, 2016
This is a good read by Melissa Ohnoutka. I thought that the characters could use a little more developing, but the story line flowed really well and made for a good read in the end. This one is full of suspense and a little romance.
Joanna is in charge of planning her father's Christmas party for his office. When Joanna quit law school and became an event planner, her father thought that she was crazy and even told her so. Well, now Joanna is out to prove him wrong and prove that she is in fact in the right profession, but someone else is out to sabotage Joanna. Will Joanna be able to find out who is behind all this before they ruin her in her father's eyes?
Joanna is in a tizzy because she has a truck that is AWOL and it has some of the stuff she needs for the Christmas party she is setting up. When she gets wind that the truck has been abandoned and no one knows what is going on with it, she gets her friend Sam and goes to check it out. Little does Joanna know what she is about to walk into.
Ryker is an old friend of Joanna's, but they have not seen each other in some time. When Ryker is called to the scene of the abandoned truck and these two encounter each other once again, Ryker could swear that Joanna doesn't know who he is by the way she acts. Come to find out though, Joanna does know who Ryker is and wants to try to avoid him at all costs because of the heart ache he gave her years ago. Ryker and Joanna are working on this case together because it involves both of them so they get to talking and things start to come around for them.
When Ryker comes up missing, Joanna knows that it is not a coincidence with this case. Ryker has been taken hostage and Sam is missing. What is Joanna going to do with out them to help her figure this all out? This story will keep you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen between Joanna and Ryker. I did feel like they could have had more of a connection that would have brought them even closer but the overall story was good!
Joanna is in charge of planning her father's Christmas party for his office. When Joanna quit law school and became an event planner, her father thought that she was crazy and even told her so. Well, now Joanna is out to prove him wrong and prove that she is in fact in the right profession, but someone else is out to sabotage Joanna. Will Joanna be able to find out who is behind all this before they ruin her in her father's eyes?
Joanna is in a tizzy because she has a truck that is AWOL and it has some of the stuff she needs for the Christmas party she is setting up. When she gets wind that the truck has been abandoned and no one knows what is going on with it, she gets her friend Sam and goes to check it out. Little does Joanna know what she is about to walk into.
Ryker is an old friend of Joanna's, but they have not seen each other in some time. When Ryker is called to the scene of the abandoned truck and these two encounter each other once again, Ryker could swear that Joanna doesn't know who he is by the way she acts. Come to find out though, Joanna does know who Ryker is and wants to try to avoid him at all costs because of the heart ache he gave her years ago. Ryker and Joanna are working on this case together because it involves both of them so they get to talking and things start to come around for them.
When Ryker comes up missing, Joanna knows that it is not a coincidence with this case. Ryker has been taken hostage and Sam is missing. What is Joanna going to do with out them to help her figure this all out? This story will keep you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen between Joanna and Ryker. I did feel like they could have had more of a connection that would have brought them even closer but the overall story was good!
November 13, 2016
Joanna McNamee quit college and strayed from the career path her controlling father had mapped out for her to follow her own dream of being an event planner. She knows he's deeply disappointed with her choice, so when she is asked to plan an event for him she sees it as a chance to prove to him that she made the right choice. But someone decides to steal her delivery truck and derail her plans, which leaves her scrambling to pull off the job, and has the handsome new deputy knocking on her door...
After serving as an officer for the Houston PD, and having a promotion fall through Ryker Kane decides it's time for a change, so he oads up his things and head for Bram in hopes of a new start. He's hoping his return may also put him in the path of a certain beautiful girl he spent a very memorable night with, and finally have the opportunity to ask her why she walked away. And within days on the job he gets his wish, as she is at the center of his very first case...
This story captured my attention right from the start and held on tight until the last page was swiped. The story line is packed with edge or your seat intensity, a little steamy romance, and brimming with thrilling mystery. Definitely a impressive first read that took me on one exceptional literary ride, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
After serving as an officer for the Houston PD, and having a promotion fall through Ryker Kane decides it's time for a change, so he oads up his things and head for Bram in hopes of a new start. He's hoping his return may also put him in the path of a certain beautiful girl he spent a very memorable night with, and finally have the opportunity to ask her why she walked away. And within days on the job he gets his wish, as she is at the center of his very first case...
This story captured my attention right from the start and held on tight until the last page was swiped. The story line is packed with edge or your seat intensity, a little steamy romance, and brimming with thrilling mystery. Definitely a impressive first read that took me on one exceptional literary ride, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
November 14, 2016
Great read, keep me on my toes the whole book. JoJo an event planner has had a bad day, suppossed to be planning her father's christmas event is missing a truck with supplies. When she locates it abandoned she scrambles to get it there and unloaded in time to please her father. When the cops show up over the truck a blast from her past resurfaces. Ryker a old high school classmate who she ran out on in college due to a miscommucation, has always thought about her and what happened. Ryker who just transfered to the small town out of Houston is stunned when he sees her. She was his one that got away in life.
Once this story gets going there is more danger and running from the bad guys then expected, but it was full of suspense and wondering. The story kept me guessing the whole time and stunned when the truth came out. Does JoJo and Ryker get the hea?
Look forward to more books Ms. Ohnoutka! Honest review in exchange for ARC.
Once this story gets going there is more danger and running from the bad guys then expected, but it was full of suspense and wondering. The story kept me guessing the whole time and stunned when the truth came out. Does JoJo and Ryker get the hea?
Look forward to more books Ms. Ohnoutka! Honest review in exchange for ARC.
November 17, 2016
This is the first one I have read anything from this author. What captivated me was the blurb because I love me some good suspense with romance. This one has some good characters that deliver to my liking. Joanna is doing all she can to give her father the best her company can provide. But events are starting to impede her doing that then it turns into something sinister. Then bam it is deadly coming to get em. This deputy is so yummy but he rides to the rescue plus this is a second chance romance too. the intensity will build in this one in several ways heat and danger but will keep you intrigued through out. There is at times though especially since I am female that she got on my nerves just a bit but ahh that is a woman for ya and hint of daddy's girl. There is a bit of banter that goes with these two but the suspense will drag you to your feet with this wrapping up so sweet a treat to read in romance.
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