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Aspen Falls #3
Dark Horse: Small-Town Romantic Suspense
He can’t let go of the past. And it might cost him a future with the woman he loves. Nate knows how to solve crimes. He’s dedicated his entire life to the force, sacrificing everything in his desperate attempt to absolve himself of the guilt he feels over his own mother’s unsolved death. Sally loves Nate, but three years of waiting for him has proven one his career will always come first. Not her. Frustrated by his constant absence, Sally does the unthinkable. She walks away. Devastated by the break-up, Nate throws himself into a Jane Doe case. But he soon discovers that solving yet another crime does nothing to fill the hole inside him. To make matters worse, Sally is moving on and he doesn’t know if he can ever win her back. But he has to try…especially when unforeseen circumstances put Sally’s life in danger. Especially because he might be the only one who can save her. You’ll love Dark Horse, because of its heart-wrenching romance, nail-biting tension and twists you won’t see coming. Get it now and escape into the mystery today.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2018
81 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Pearl
71 books854 followersMelissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books, ranging in genres from Fantasy to Romantic Suspense to Contemporary Romance. She loves the variety.
"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."
Melissa Pearl is a Forever Love Publishing author. If you'd like to download their Starter Library (3 books for FREE), then you can copy and paste this link into your Internet browser: http://bit.ly/FLP_Library
"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."
Melissa Pearl is a Forever Love Publishing author. If you'd like to download their Starter Library (3 books for FREE), then you can copy and paste this link into your Internet browser: http://bit.ly/FLP_Library
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January 7, 2021I think this is my favorite Aspen Falls novel. I love Nate and Sally. Both such interesting characters with complexities and flaws. I love their soulmate dynamic.
I also love the mystery Nate’s investigating.
For me, this story is full of heart. I feel very lucky to have worked with these characters 🥰
I also love the mystery Nate’s investigating.
For me, this story is full of heart. I feel very lucky to have worked with these characters 🥰
May 15, 2018
I loved this book! Nate's story is my favorite Aspen Falls novel so far. I loved learning more about him and Sally. I am so hooked on this series that I absolutely cannot wait for book four to come out!
May 22, 2018
My favorite in the series. I liked both Nate and Sally, but they both made mistakes. Neither was very good at communicating, or at least, not with each other. When Nate forgets a very important date, Sally finally decides that she has had enough and it's time to stop waiting for Nate to put her first. But, Nate just can't help himself. Work drives him, and his need to see justice isn't something he can just turn off. Instead of facing his issues with Sally, he buries himself in his latest case, the death of a teenage girl buried beneath a shed over a decade ago.
I have to admit, I was a little disappointed in Sally for her decision to break up with Nate, given it wasn't strictly her decision. She put too much faith in her family and not enough in Nate, until much later when she comes to that conclusion herself. Thank you Xavier for stepping up. Nate needed someone in his corner. I was also surprised at the outcome of the murder; it wasn't what I expected and was just so sad. And I think at the end, both Sally and Nate learned something from that case. If Nate had not been involved, Sally's family may have suffered a loss anyway, but it also brought them all closer.
Part of me was a little nervous reading this book. When the H and h are already a couple and having issues, I always wonder what could be the catalyst that is strong enough to drive a wedge between them, where all hope is lost, and if strong enough to do that, what would possibly motivate them both to try again? I am happy to say that the story worked out well. I got mad at Sally's family, was sad about the father that lost his daughter, felt sorry for the boyfriend who never quite got over the girl that he lost, was disappointed in both Sally and Nate, then happy for them again.
I have to admit, I was a little disappointed in Sally for her decision to break up with Nate, given it wasn't strictly her decision. She put too much faith in her family and not enough in Nate, until much later when she comes to that conclusion herself. Thank you Xavier for stepping up. Nate needed someone in his corner. I was also surprised at the outcome of the murder; it wasn't what I expected and was just so sad. And I think at the end, both Sally and Nate learned something from that case. If Nate had not been involved, Sally's family may have suffered a loss anyway, but it also brought them all closer.
Part of me was a little nervous reading this book. When the H and h are already a couple and having issues, I always wonder what could be the catalyst that is strong enough to drive a wedge between them, where all hope is lost, and if strong enough to do that, what would possibly motivate them both to try again? I am happy to say that the story worked out well. I got mad at Sally's family, was sad about the father that lost his daughter, felt sorry for the boyfriend who never quite got over the girl that he lost, was disappointed in both Sally and Nate, then happy for them again.
May 11, 2018
Nate is a detective. He solves crimes, keeps the town safe. He’s dedicated his entire life to his job, placing it above everything and everyone. Even the woman he loves. His mother's death by a hit and run driver when he was a small child has scarred him. His need to personally solve every crime is his attempt to deal with the guilt he feels over not being able to identify the driver and to make sure that no other family suffers the pain he feels daily. Sally has loved Nate from the first day they met but she can't take anymore. She knows that he will never put her first. She can never have the family she wants, the life she wants with Nate because his job will always be more important. So she breaks both of their hearts and walks away. Devastated by the break-up, Nate throws himself into a Jane Doe case. But he can't numb the pain. His job isn't filling the Sally-sized hole in his life To make matters worse, Sally is moving on with someone who is promising her the life she's always wanted.
Dark Horse is my favorite of the Aspen Falls novels so far. The characters, the mystery, the twists and turns captivated me from beginning to end. Nate and Sally broke my heart. Nate frustrated and angered me. He was NOT a bad guy. In fact, he's a really good guy but he's missing the point of life. Life is for living; not regrets, not guilt. A rewarding job is important but will never be as important as the people you open your heart to. Stupid, blind, cowardly, short-sighted. These adjectives could all describe him but mostly he was only human. Sally wasn't perfect either. She never told Nate how lonely she was, how she felt hurt and ignored. She complained too much about his faults and she allowed her family to act in a hurtful way towards him. Watching these two so clearly in love risk losing their HEA was so painful. It shows how fragile the human heart can be. These characters were both so genuine and both stole my heart!
The Jane Doe case was intriguing and heartrending. Again a story of how desperate love can make each one of us. The aspects of this case were so interwoven, so well-crafted with Nate and Sally's story. The tension and drama, the love story and murder mystery, the surprises all make for a great read.
Dark Horse is my favorite of the Aspen Falls novels so far. The characters, the mystery, the twists and turns captivated me from beginning to end. Nate and Sally broke my heart. Nate frustrated and angered me. He was NOT a bad guy. In fact, he's a really good guy but he's missing the point of life. Life is for living; not regrets, not guilt. A rewarding job is important but will never be as important as the people you open your heart to. Stupid, blind, cowardly, short-sighted. These adjectives could all describe him but mostly he was only human. Sally wasn't perfect either. She never told Nate how lonely she was, how she felt hurt and ignored. She complained too much about his faults and she allowed her family to act in a hurtful way towards him. Watching these two so clearly in love risk losing their HEA was so painful. It shows how fragile the human heart can be. These characters were both so genuine and both stole my heart!
The Jane Doe case was intriguing and heartrending. Again a story of how desperate love can make each one of us. The aspects of this case were so interwoven, so well-crafted with Nate and Sally's story. The tension and drama, the love story and murder mystery, the surprises all make for a great read.
August 21, 2018
https://celebrityreaders.com/2018/08/...
I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4 stars — OK, if you guys want to know the honest truth, I apparently forgot about this review. I don’t even know how that happened. I finished this like almost 3 months ago and wrote a few vague notes, and then…what? What happened? I don’t even know. It got lost in the shuffle? I think part of it was that there was a little thing that bugged me in the story (I had an issue with Sally’s family, and they weren’t redeemable in my eyes), but since this was a bit of a mini beta read, the author was going to play around with it a bit (and I saw some of her changes and they looked much better). So I initially didn’t want to review until I’d read the final copy, but I guess I’ll just leave that part out and I can expand my review in the future.
In the meantime this is going to be a bit of a lackluster review. I remember getting MEGA FEELZ in this one with Nate and Sally. I really felt for them with the struggles they went through in their relationship, and it got me in my heart. It was a pretty emotional read as a result, b/c relationships are hard, and it’s hard to watch a couple reach a breaking point based on poor communication (on both sides). It’s funny, b/c they both made mistakes and made me want to smack them, but I also wanted to hug the crap out of them too. They were very flawed.
I found the mystery storyline really interesting. I thought I had it all figured out, and I did guess some things pretty early, but there were twists that I didn’t see coming, and it’s all those little details that made it fun.
And that’s all I got. Lamesauce right? All I remember is that I really enjoyed so much of it, there were just a few problem areas that are likely not as big of problems anymore. Helpful right? Ah well.
I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4 stars — OK, if you guys want to know the honest truth, I apparently forgot about this review. I don’t even know how that happened. I finished this like almost 3 months ago and wrote a few vague notes, and then…what? What happened? I don’t even know. It got lost in the shuffle? I think part of it was that there was a little thing that bugged me in the story (I had an issue with Sally’s family, and they weren’t redeemable in my eyes), but since this was a bit of a mini beta read, the author was going to play around with it a bit (and I saw some of her changes and they looked much better). So I initially didn’t want to review until I’d read the final copy, but I guess I’ll just leave that part out and I can expand my review in the future.
In the meantime this is going to be a bit of a lackluster review. I remember getting MEGA FEELZ in this one with Nate and Sally. I really felt for them with the struggles they went through in their relationship, and it got me in my heart. It was a pretty emotional read as a result, b/c relationships are hard, and it’s hard to watch a couple reach a breaking point based on poor communication (on both sides). It’s funny, b/c they both made mistakes and made me want to smack them, but I also wanted to hug the crap out of them too. They were very flawed.
I found the mystery storyline really interesting. I thought I had it all figured out, and I did guess some things pretty early, but there were twists that I didn’t see coming, and it’s all those little details that made it fun.
And that’s all I got. Lamesauce right? All I remember is that I really enjoyed so much of it, there were just a few problem areas that are likely not as big of problems anymore. Helpful right? Ah well.
May 14, 2018
In the previous books we had already met Nate and Sally, but deepening their story was very interesting.
Nate has some childhood trauma since he witnessed his mother's death and is constantly plagued by it. His way of coping with the trauma is to devote himself to working as a detective, as he can pick up the bad guys and provide a closure to the families.
Sally is a dedicated and gentle nurse, who loves Nate unconditionally, even though he has already failed her at various times, always putting his job first.
When Nate leaves Sally waiting on an important night to do a job, she realizes that she may not have a future with him the way she would like and decides to abandon him.
Nate buries himself even more at work to smother the pain of losing Sally as she tries to move on with her life without Nate.
Investigating an old case leaves Nate busy, but when after a few twists Sally's life is in danger, he will do anything to save her.
This is a great story with fascinating characters!
I highly recommend the reading.
Nate has some childhood trauma since he witnessed his mother's death and is constantly plagued by it. His way of coping with the trauma is to devote himself to working as a detective, as he can pick up the bad guys and provide a closure to the families.
Sally is a dedicated and gentle nurse, who loves Nate unconditionally, even though he has already failed her at various times, always putting his job first.
When Nate leaves Sally waiting on an important night to do a job, she realizes that she may not have a future with him the way she would like and decides to abandon him.
Nate buries himself even more at work to smother the pain of losing Sally as she tries to move on with her life without Nate.
Investigating an old case leaves Nate busy, but when after a few twists Sally's life is in danger, he will do anything to save her.
This is a great story with fascinating characters!
I highly recommend the reading.
May 17, 2018
Oh my god! That was one hell of a book. I loved this story
and wanted to know what would happen since book one.
This is book three a d just as well-written and thought out as
the others. But so much better.
This is Nate and Sally's story. And omg it needed a warning
label. Buy one box of tissues with it. I have never cried so
much over a book. This book has two stories in one. First
the sad story of their breakup and then the sad story of the
murder. I was so mad at Nate when he stood up sally on her
birthday. What the hell was he thinking? But when she left
him I thought maybe now he would get it. But it took wise
words from someone he least expected to wise him up. But
by then she was with Oscar. And when Sally is taken it will
be up to Nate to save her, but man, are you in for a surprise
as to who the bad guy is. And will Nate find her in time?
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you
enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book,
please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it
when you do; they value your opinions too.
and wanted to know what would happen since book one.
This is book three a d just as well-written and thought out as
the others. But so much better.
This is Nate and Sally's story. And omg it needed a warning
label. Buy one box of tissues with it. I have never cried so
much over a book. This book has two stories in one. First
the sad story of their breakup and then the sad story of the
murder. I was so mad at Nate when he stood up sally on her
birthday. What the hell was he thinking? But when she left
him I thought maybe now he would get it. But it took wise
words from someone he least expected to wise him up. But
by then she was with Oscar. And when Sally is taken it will
be up to Nate to save her, but man, are you in for a surprise
as to who the bad guy is. And will Nate find her in time?
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you
enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book,
please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it
when you do; they value your opinions too.
June 5, 2018
After three years, and to many broken promises, Sally has had enough of being at the bottom of Nate's list of priorities. Nate is devastated when when the love of his life breaks up with him. He is dedicated to his job as a detective with Aspen Falls PD, some people might call him obsessed. Nate will finally realize that he has to let go of his past and make Sally one of his top priorities, but he will have to race against time in order to save her from a murderous con man.
Wow, I think this is an exciting murder mystery, with lots of suspense and a happily ever after. The characters are fascinating and well written, I loved this book. Fantastic, a must read!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Wow, I think this is an exciting murder mystery, with lots of suspense and a happily ever after. The characters are fascinating and well written, I loved this book. Fantastic, a must read!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
May 4, 2018
Dark Horse (Aspen Falls Novel) Best book in the series so far. I absolutely love Nate but he is such a bitter pill. Nate & Sally are an adorable couple that you can't help but fall in love with. The Jane Doe case just gave me sorrow with agony of mind & a broken heart. I love the mystery twist around the whole narrative. A suspenseful novel that will keep you on your toes & guessing till the end. The supporting character's intertwine & blend well in this interwoven well crafted novel & series. Totally worth reading the series. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this suspense series.
May 16, 2018
Dark Horse by @melissapearlauthor and @annacruise
I loved this book so much.
EVERYTHING was right about this book. The mystery, the heartbreak, the ending.... ahhhh!!!!
It was a brilliant read and I found once I started I just couldn’t stop. ❤️❤️ I needed to keep turning the pages.
Nate is an Aspen Falls Detective that it so dedicated to his job, that he puts his work before his long term girlfriend, Sally.
When Sally is left 2nd best one too many times, she realises it’s time to walk away.
💔💔💔💔💔
Reading Nate’s POV my heart was breaking, then reading Sally’s POV it was breaking in a whole different way.
It is my favourite book of the series so far.
This books shows how you can love someone soooo much but sometimes you need more than love to continue a relationship.
It’s a great read and I highly recommend this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 25, 2018
melissa has really done it with this book. she has made a book with suspense, drama, heartbreak and a good twist.
Nate is so dedicated to the force that Sally feels walking away is the best option. while dealing with heartbreak Nate dives into another case. When he learns Sally has moved on it tears him up inside. He does everything he can to get her back but shes in danger and he might be the only person who can help. Will Sally forgive him ?
Nate is so dedicated to the force that Sally feels walking away is the best option. while dealing with heartbreak Nate dives into another case. When he learns Sally has moved on it tears him up inside. He does everything he can to get her back but shes in danger and he might be the only person who can help. Will Sally forgive him ?
May 18, 2018
This is the story from Aspen Falls you have been waiting for. Nate and Sally were meant for each other. But being meant for each other does not mean that your relationship will last or be smooth sailing. Relationships take time and patience, not just understanding and Sally has finally decided enough is enough. If Nate will not give her any time, then it is definitely time to move on even at the cost of her own broken heart. Sally leaving Nate will either be the wake up call he has been needing or nothing can bring them back together.
May 2, 2018
This is my favourite by far in this series. This story had it all, I had my 'aha, I knew it!' moment and was so pleased with the outcome.
Nate and Sally were a great couple despite her snobby family. It was rocky there for a while, there was plenty of drama, heartache and mystery to keep the reader wondering how this could possibly end. I loved it and highly recommend this series.
Nate and Sally were a great couple despite her snobby family. It was rocky there for a while, there was plenty of drama, heartache and mystery to keep the reader wondering how this could possibly end. I loved it and highly recommend this series.
May 24, 2018
While I've loved each book in this series, I think this might be my favorite so far. I loved how the relationship was already established but the trials in the book were still interfering. I honestly thought the twists were great but was annoyed with her family(most of them). There were a few moments where slapping someone ran through my mind. The mystery mixed with the up front turmoil led to a great thrilling texture for the book. Nate was my favorite character in this one but I loved Sally as well. You'll have to read it yourself to find out why. Already wanting to read it again and I just finished.
May 8, 2018
A beautiful story of Nate and Sally. Nate has guilt and Sally is tired of waiting for him. A definite read for everyone.
January 12, 2021
So far this book is my favorite one in the series. I really loved Nate and Sally! They are really amazing. I love them as much as I loved Blaine and Rosie! I love Melissa Pearl's writing!
May 15, 2018
A Fantastic, Must Read Story
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. I really enjoyed this book. It is an enjoyable, engaging book with a great, dramatic well written storyline that had me hooked from the first chapter, it really kept me engrossed, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are lovely and have great interaction and super chemistry that held my attention. I liked their story. Melissa Pearl has written another Brilliant, Keep you on your Toes, Must Read Story
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. I really enjoyed this book. It is an enjoyable, engaging book with a great, dramatic well written storyline that had me hooked from the first chapter, it really kept me engrossed, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are lovely and have great interaction and super chemistry that held my attention. I liked their story. Melissa Pearl has written another Brilliant, Keep you on your Toes, Must Read Story
May 18, 2018
Wow, what a story, I would say read this book you will not be sorry you did! At least I hope you like it as much as I did. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
May 18, 2018
Fantastic book. I did not want to put it down once I got started.
May 7, 2018
I was privileged enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for a voluntary and honest review.
This was one amazing, sweet, heart warming, nail biting story. Oh the feels you will feel you'll be hooked from the first page, you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat by the last. You are definitely going to fall in love with Nate and Sally. There really isn't any word to describe how amazing this book is.
This was one amazing, sweet, heart warming, nail biting story. Oh the feels you will feel you'll be hooked from the first page, you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat by the last. You are definitely going to fall in love with Nate and Sally. There really isn't any word to describe how amazing this book is.
May 16, 2018
Nate and Sally are my favorite couple in the Aspen Falls series! I loved their emotional journey as they worked to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of their happily ever after.
Dark Horse has the perfect balance of romance & suspense. The mystery had me guessing until the end with a twist that I didn't see coming. I can't wait to read the next Aspen Falls Novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
Dark Horse has the perfect balance of romance & suspense. The mystery had me guessing until the end with a twist that I didn't see coming. I can't wait to read the next Aspen Falls Novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
November 14, 2023
Dark Horse is the third book in the Aspen Falls series, and I have been waiting for this story from book one. Nate is a driven detective, you could say hard core, and Sally is his long-suffering and seemingly ever-patient girlfriend. But the thing is, people will only be long-suffering and ever-patient for so long, and I couldn't wait to see how this would pan out.
I wasn't disappointed.
Nate is an arse, pure and simple. He doesn't get on with Sally's family (and yes, they may be just slightly judgemental and over-bearing). He doesn't see the reason they don't like him though - because he never puts Sally first. It will take losing Sally and realising just exactly what she means to him, before Nate has a snowball's chance in hell of changing his ways.
I loved how this story progressed. There wasn't much from previous characters in this one, apart from Blaine telling him a few uncomfortable home truths. I don't think it needed it though. There was enough story going on with the historical murder, and what was happening now between Nate, Sally, and Oscar.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I adored the character development both Nate and Sally went through as they came to their own realisations.
This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 16, 2018
I wasn't disappointed.
Nate is an arse, pure and simple. He doesn't get on with Sally's family (and yes, they may be just slightly judgemental and over-bearing). He doesn't see the reason they don't like him though - because he never puts Sally first. It will take losing Sally and realising just exactly what she means to him, before Nate has a snowball's chance in hell of changing his ways.
I loved how this story progressed. There wasn't much from previous characters in this one, apart from Blaine telling him a few uncomfortable home truths. I don't think it needed it though. There was enough story going on with the historical murder, and what was happening now between Nate, Sally, and Oscar.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I adored the character development both Nate and Sally went through as they came to their own realisations.
This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 16, 2018
August 30, 2021
Its hard to be angry at him when he's doing his job to keep the town safe and protect others, but he puts all that before his wife and love. and that's unacceptable so she does the unthinkable and walks away. And he tries to ignore it and pretend that it's no big deal, but that's impossible, especially when she is in danger. Love the characters, love the storyline, and love the whole book!
I received an advanced copy of this book in return of my honest opinion!
I received an advanced copy of this book in return of my honest opinion!
June 18, 2018
I have to say that I think that this book is the one book in the Aspen Falls series that I had been most excited about reading. I had actually hoped that Nate and Sally's book would have been the second book. But unfortunately or may be fortunately the second book was Lucas and Alaina's book. I will say I'm almost happy that Nate and Sally's book wasn't the second book. It made me anticipate this book that much more than before.
I have to say that I loved Nate in this book. If you can't remember who Nate is, that's ok. Nate is Blaine's half brother, the one who lost his mother when he was just a child. Nate hasn't ever really gotten over what happened to his mother right in front of him, its what has pushed him in his career. Its what made him lose focus on what the most important thing in life was. There were moments where my heart broke for Nate. And than there were the moments were I became a bit frustrated with him.
Oh Sally...... Sally.... Sally..... I felt for her I really did. In a way I understood why she stuck by Nate's side, she truly loves him. But on the other hand I wonder at times why she put up with so much from Nate. And man I couldn't stand her family at all, they were a bit stuck up and snob-ish.
I thought that his was a really written book that started off with a bang and held my attention from start to finish. I'm happy that Nate and Sally finally got their HEA and didn't let anything else get in their way.. I will say that there was a twist I didn't see coming, although I'm not sure if you should call it a twist.
I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5!!!!!
I have to say that I loved Nate in this book. If you can't remember who Nate is, that's ok. Nate is Blaine's half brother, the one who lost his mother when he was just a child. Nate hasn't ever really gotten over what happened to his mother right in front of him, its what has pushed him in his career. Its what made him lose focus on what the most important thing in life was. There were moments where my heart broke for Nate. And than there were the moments were I became a bit frustrated with him.
Oh Sally...... Sally.... Sally..... I felt for her I really did. In a way I understood why she stuck by Nate's side, she truly loves him. But on the other hand I wonder at times why she put up with so much from Nate. And man I couldn't stand her family at all, they were a bit stuck up and snob-ish.
I thought that his was a really written book that started off with a bang and held my attention from start to finish. I'm happy that Nate and Sally finally got their HEA and didn't let anything else get in their way.. I will say that there was a twist I didn't see coming, although I'm not sure if you should call it a twist.
I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5!!!!!
July 16, 2018
>Book Review – Dark Horse
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 3rd in the Aspen Falls series and ends in an HEA. Nate is a workaholic policeman obsessed with solving crime due to a childhood trauma. His girlfriend of 3 years, Sally, always supported him, but gets tired of always being 2nd to his job in his life. There is a lot of tension between Sally’s family and Nate. Her family sees how he treats her well, but like an afterthought. They keep pushing a different guy at her.
>This story has a mystery that Nate is involved with that eventually involves Sally. The main part of this story is the angst in the relationship between Nate and Sally. Here are 2 people in love with each other, but actions need to be louder than words. Sally’s family really comes across as unpleasant. They never trust Sally’s judgement, until the end.
>This book is appropriate for a young adult (18+) audience. I am giving this book 5 stars. The mystery is a good one and the characters are ones you really care about.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 3rd in the Aspen Falls series and ends in an HEA. Nate is a workaholic policeman obsessed with solving crime due to a childhood trauma. His girlfriend of 3 years, Sally, always supported him, but gets tired of always being 2nd to his job in his life. There is a lot of tension between Sally’s family and Nate. Her family sees how he treats her well, but like an afterthought. They keep pushing a different guy at her.
>This story has a mystery that Nate is involved with that eventually involves Sally. The main part of this story is the angst in the relationship between Nate and Sally. Here are 2 people in love with each other, but actions need to be louder than words. Sally’s family really comes across as unpleasant. They never trust Sally’s judgement, until the end.
>This book is appropriate for a young adult (18+) audience. I am giving this book 5 stars. The mystery is a good one and the characters are ones you really care about.
June 27, 2019
4.25 stars for another memorable book in the Aspen Falls Series. I was looking forward to Nate's and Sally's story, as they were mentioned in the previous books. Coming in, I knew Nate was the work-alcoholic police detective that had issues with his family. Sally came across as Nate's very patient and sweet girlfriend. Her sweetness ends when Nate misses another date, this time her birthday celebration, and it's the last straw. I really can't blame her for moving out and moving on from Nate. Though with all their issues, you just feel the deep love this couple has for each other.
Nate continues to bury his head in his work, and starts an intriguing case that reaches back in to the small town history. He also starts to work on repairing his relationship with his dad. He is really taken back when he hears Sally is dating, a guy that seems to the perfect man for her. A guy even Nate seemed to liked at one time.
If you like suspense, mystery, and plenty of twist along with undying love, this is the book for you.
Nate continues to bury his head in his work, and starts an intriguing case that reaches back in to the small town history. He also starts to work on repairing his relationship with his dad. He is really taken back when he hears Sally is dating, a guy that seems to the perfect man for her. A guy even Nate seemed to liked at one time.
If you like suspense, mystery, and plenty of twist along with undying love, this is the book for you.
December 22, 2018
Nate is a detective that solves crimes and keeps the town of aspen falls safe. He takes his job very seriously putting it above everything including the woman he loves. He has scars from his past that he cant get over. Losing his mother at a young age at the hands of a drunk driver. He solves every single crime in his attempt to deal with the guilt of losing his mother and not being able to identify the man that killed his mother. Sally has loved Nate since day one. But she has finally reached her breaking point and cant take anymore. This was a rough book to get through as it was heart wrenching to watch these so clearly in love risk losing everything . Melissa showed just how fragile the heart can be. She wrote just an amazing story with these two characters. The case that Nate threw himself into was just as intriguing. This was a story with intense drama, murder mystery and love . One of my favorite in this series
April 30, 2025
Tropes: Second chance, HEA
At 60% in the book, “Ordinary” by Alex Warren started to play on repeat in my brain. That song is, to me, so sad and so filled with love. Which is how I see Nate for the bulk of this book. I would have finished it sooner, however, I struggled with the part where he needs a second chance. I saw the break up coming and I just could not get over it. It took me several days to confront the emotions behind Nate and Sally breaking up. Melissa Pearl and Anna Cruise did a wonderful job in this book with that whole scene, and subsequent heart breaking moments between Nate and Sally following, before the reconciliation. This 3rd book in the series was just as thrilling, emotional and lovingly written as the first two were. On to the 4th!
At 60% in the book, “Ordinary” by Alex Warren started to play on repeat in my brain. That song is, to me, so sad and so filled with love. Which is how I see Nate for the bulk of this book. I would have finished it sooner, however, I struggled with the part where he needs a second chance. I saw the break up coming and I just could not get over it. It took me several days to confront the emotions behind Nate and Sally breaking up. Melissa Pearl and Anna Cruise did a wonderful job in this book with that whole scene, and subsequent heart breaking moments between Nate and Sally following, before the reconciliation. This 3rd book in the series was just as thrilling, emotional and lovingly written as the first two were. On to the 4th!
June 18, 2018
Brilliant 3 book in the Aspen Falls series which i just devoured. This one focus on Nate who's a police detective and Sally who's a nurse. While they love each other Nate's work obsession drives a wedge between the couple and Sally leaves. Licking his wounds Nate dives into a murder mystery. Sally on the other hands ends up dating family friend and employee Oliver who the family thinks is a match better match. Will Nate be able to find the killer of the murder school girl and is there more to Oliver than meets the eye.
I can't wait for the 4 book in this series
I can't wait for the 4 book in this series
December 19, 2018
Non-stop read
This may be the best in the series. Nate is a detective whose demons cause him to work too much. Sally is the sweet nurse he loves with until he misses her birthday celebration because he got caught up in a case. Her family encourages her to go out with a friend of the family. The characters are interesting and well developed. The writing is intense. I stayed up way too late reading trying to figure out the mystery within a mystery. Can't wait to read the next book!
This may be the best in the series. Nate is a detective whose demons cause him to work too much. Sally is the sweet nurse he loves with until he misses her birthday celebration because he got caught up in a case. Her family encourages her to go out with a friend of the family. The characters are interesting and well developed. The writing is intense. I stayed up way too late reading trying to figure out the mystery within a mystery. Can't wait to read the next book!
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