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Lancaster Falls #2
Without a Trace
When long-buried secrets are exposed, and the search for truth becomes a race to save a life, how can two men ever hope to find real love?
Losing his brother has shaped Drew to become the man he is today—heartbroken, alone, but determined to make a difference in the world. Joining the military, fighting battles in places that he’s never even heard of, is his attempt to make amends for telling his brother to go to hell. After his brother disappeared, he’d clung to the hope Casey was out there living his life. Of course, he’d be furious at Drew, and probably hate his brother, but at least in Drew’s head, Casey was safe.
One call changes everything. Casey’s body has been found, and the hope that had fueled Drew’s constant search for the truth is destroyed. Coming home to Lancaster Falls to bury his brother and face his mom’s anguish and accusations, is a nightmare made real, and he has nowhere to run from the pain.
Logan has made a home in Lancaster Falls. As a police officer, he plays by the rules, and he would never think of working off-the-grid. All that changes when an anonymous tip crosses his desk, and he is thrust headlong into solving a hundred-year mystery that could be connected with the modern day death of Casey McGuire. Fighting an attraction to Casey’s brother is hard enough, but the infuriating man is there at Logan’s every turn, interfering with the case, breaking the rules, and demanding that Casey’s story be heard.
Losing his brother has shaped Drew to become the man he is today—heartbroken, alone, but determined to make a difference in the world. Joining the military, fighting battles in places that he’s never even heard of, is his attempt to make amends for telling his brother to go to hell. After his brother disappeared, he’d clung to the hope Casey was out there living his life. Of course, he’d be furious at Drew, and probably hate his brother, but at least in Drew’s head, Casey was safe.
One call changes everything. Casey’s body has been found, and the hope that had fueled Drew’s constant search for the truth is destroyed. Coming home to Lancaster Falls to bury his brother and face his mom’s anguish and accusations, is a nightmare made real, and he has nowhere to run from the pain.
Logan has made a home in Lancaster Falls. As a police officer, he plays by the rules, and he would never think of working off-the-grid. All that changes when an anonymous tip crosses his desk, and he is thrust headlong into solving a hundred-year mystery that could be connected with the modern day death of Casey McGuire. Fighting an attraction to Casey’s brother is hard enough, but the infuriating man is there at Logan’s every turn, interfering with the case, breaking the rules, and demanding that Casey’s story be heard.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2020
197 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
317 books2,693 followersRJ Scott is a USA TODAY bestselling author of over 140 romance and suspense novels. From bodyguards to hockey stars, princes to millionaires, cowboys to military, she believes that love is love and every man deserves their own happy ending.
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
March 23, 2020
I closed that book with a happy sight and looking forward to the third part. Yes, this is a MM Romance trilogy with a different couple each time but with an on-going mystery plot. So, no-standalone here.
The action takes place in Lancaster Falls, a small town with, of course, long time families, histories of childhood friendships, the usual expected gossips of a small community. One particular event impacted Lancaster Falls : the sudden disappearance of Casey, a young man, several years ago.
In Book 1, this mystery resurfaced when Sawyer, one of the town cops, had to deal with the discovery of skeletons and it was established that one of them was Casey's.
While the investigation is still going on, in book2, Drew, Casey’s brother, comes back to Lancaster Falls to deal with the loss of his brother and face the consequences of the aftermath of Casey’s disappearance. He needs answers and closure. He deeps down into learning the truth with the overlooking and sometimes the help of Logan, another one of the town cops.
I was as deep into this book as I was in the first one. I felt that it was more focused on the mystery than on the relationship developing between Drew and Logan with lots of push-and-pull that are not my favorite to be honest, but the pace and the intrigue made it up for me. Much more chemistry and less steam between Logan and Drew than it was with Sawyer and Chris who, of course, are there as secondary characters.
Did I mention that, in addition to intrigues, I like when there are sprinkles of friendship, family dynamics into my romances ? And they are there in this trilogy.
In overall, I’m hooked with this story written by RJ Scott, an author that I regularly read and who has hit a lot of my buttons with this series. I’m so ready for the finale !!!
ARC of “Without a Trace” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The action takes place in Lancaster Falls, a small town with, of course, long time families, histories of childhood friendships, the usual expected gossips of a small community. One particular event impacted Lancaster Falls : the sudden disappearance of Casey, a young man, several years ago.
In Book 1, this mystery resurfaced when Sawyer, one of the town cops, had to deal with the discovery of skeletons and it was established that one of them was Casey's.
While the investigation is still going on, in book2, Drew, Casey’s brother, comes back to Lancaster Falls to deal with the loss of his brother and face the consequences of the aftermath of Casey’s disappearance. He needs answers and closure. He deeps down into learning the truth with the overlooking and sometimes the help of Logan, another one of the town cops.
I was as deep into this book as I was in the first one. I felt that it was more focused on the mystery than on the relationship developing between Drew and Logan with lots of push-and-pull that are not my favorite to be honest, but the pace and the intrigue made it up for me. Much more chemistry and less steam between Logan and Drew than it was with Sawyer and Chris who, of course, are there as secondary characters.
Did I mention that, in addition to intrigues, I like when there are sprinkles of friendship, family dynamics into my romances ? And they are there in this trilogy.
In overall, I’m hooked with this story written by RJ Scott, an author that I regularly read and who has hit a lot of my buttons with this series. I’m so ready for the finale !!!
ARC of “Without a Trace” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2020
I thought this one was only getting 4 stars from me and then I got to the end and HOLY HELL!!!
Full review to follow...soonish!
If you haven’t read “What Lies Beneath” than you need to stop right here…
…go get that book and start reading because this is one of those series…you know the type…where each book connects to the next one and chances are very, very good that if you haven’t followed things from the beginning you’re going to get lost and rumor has it that the woods around Lancaster Falls are not a safe place to get lost in.
In the first book we get to meet many of the characters that will continue throughout this series as well as the beginnings of a decade old mystery…What happened to Casey McGuire after he left Lancaster Falls?
For years Casey’s brother Drew (Andrew) chose to believe that Casey was out there somewhere living his life and hopefully being happy or at least he believed that until Casey’s remains were found along with a something more and now ready or not Drew finds himself returning home in search of answers to questions he never wanted to ask…questions like who killed his brother and why?
Logan’s only been in Lancaster Falls for a couple of years. After an injury earned him an early discharge from what was supposed to be a lifetime military career.
Once again the reader is presented with a story that has 2 main story lines the first one being the continuation of the mystery surrounding Casey’s disappearance and the ongoing graffiti that keeps turning up around town and the second one is the relationship that’s developing between Casey and Drew.
There’s a lot of tension as well as antagonism between Drew and Logan, that to say the least makes a relationship seem very unlikely. Drew’s only in town to find out what happened to his brother and help his mom give Casey a proper burial and then he’s out of there or at least that’s how things start for him. While Logan’s determined not to get involved with him because he’s a by the books cop, Drew’s leaving soon and he knows it and he’s the victim’s brother so it just wouldn’t be right, right?
Initially I wasn’t 100% on board with this pairing because I just couldn’t quite see it, but as the antagonism slowly went from antagonism to some rather interesting flirting and both men began to display small gestures that showed their feelings were changing, I began to like this match and for what seems to be some apparent differences these men also share some definite commonalities as well.
Drew and Logan are both ex-military and they’ve both got their own share of issues and alpha male in their basic make-up. But I think I struggled more with Drew’s character than Logan’s because at times he just didn’t really match my impression of what someone who does covert ops and is a sniper would be like…I don’t know maybe he just wasn’t badass enough or at least that’s what I was thinking until I realized that this was only a part of who Drew was. Here in Lancaster Falls he’s just a man, a son, a brother, a friend and he’s someone who’s looking for answers to what happened to one of the most important people in his life…his big brother. Not only that but given that he’s spent the past 10+ years telling himself that Casey’s alive and out there living the life he wanted he’s never come to terms with the reality that his brother’s dead.
In general the pacing for this story was a bit slower than the previous book but I found that especially when it came to the relationship development between Drew and Logan the slower pace just felt more believable.
Now about my favorite part of the to book the ending or to be more precise the last 60 or 70 pages. This is the point at which for me things really started falling into place and I couldn’t put the book down…so yeah I stayed in bed later than usual…sue me, it’s not like I needed to go anywhere #self-isolation, #goodexcuseforreadingmore
While there’s a lot more that I want to say about the ending of this book, I’m trying to keep it spoiler free here, so the best I can comfortably do is to say that for me the ending of this one worked and it worked well. I got some answers and I got more questions but most of all I got left wanting more…so please can it be June now?
*************************
An ARC of ‘Without a Trace’ was graciously provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to follow...soonish!
If you haven’t read “What Lies Beneath” than you need to stop right here…
…go get that book and start reading because this is one of those series…you know the type…where each book connects to the next one and chances are very, very good that if you haven’t followed things from the beginning you’re going to get lost and rumor has it that the woods around Lancaster Falls are not a safe place to get lost in.
In the first book we get to meet many of the characters that will continue throughout this series as well as the beginnings of a decade old mystery…What happened to Casey McGuire after he left Lancaster Falls?
For years Casey’s brother Drew (Andrew) chose to believe that Casey was out there somewhere living his life and hopefully being happy or at least he believed that until Casey’s remains were found along with a something more and now ready or not Drew finds himself returning home in search of answers to questions he never wanted to ask…questions like who killed his brother and why?
Logan’s only been in Lancaster Falls for a couple of years. After an injury earned him an early discharge from what was supposed to be a lifetime military career.
Once again the reader is presented with a story that has 2 main story lines the first one being the continuation of the mystery surrounding Casey’s disappearance and the ongoing graffiti that keeps turning up around town and the second one is the relationship that’s developing between Casey and Drew.
There’s a lot of tension as well as antagonism between Drew and Logan, that to say the least makes a relationship seem very unlikely. Drew’s only in town to find out what happened to his brother and help his mom give Casey a proper burial and then he’s out of there or at least that’s how things start for him. While Logan’s determined not to get involved with him because he’s a by the books cop, Drew’s leaving soon and he knows it and he’s the victim’s brother so it just wouldn’t be right, right?
Initially I wasn’t 100% on board with this pairing because I just couldn’t quite see it, but as the antagonism slowly went from antagonism to some rather interesting flirting and both men began to display small gestures that showed their feelings were changing, I began to like this match and for what seems to be some apparent differences these men also share some definite commonalities as well.
Drew and Logan are both ex-military and they’ve both got their own share of issues and alpha male in their basic make-up. But I think I struggled more with Drew’s character than Logan’s because at times he just didn’t really match my impression of what someone who does covert ops and is a sniper would be like…I don’t know maybe he just wasn’t badass enough or at least that’s what I was thinking until I realized that this was only a part of who Drew was. Here in Lancaster Falls he’s just a man, a son, a brother, a friend and he’s someone who’s looking for answers to what happened to one of the most important people in his life…his big brother. Not only that but given that he’s spent the past 10+ years telling himself that Casey’s alive and out there living the life he wanted he’s never come to terms with the reality that his brother’s dead.
In general the pacing for this story was a bit slower than the previous book but I found that especially when it came to the relationship development between Drew and Logan the slower pace just felt more believable.
Now about my favorite part of the to book the ending or to be more precise the last 60 or 70 pages. This is the point at which for me things really started falling into place and I couldn’t put the book down…so yeah I stayed in bed later than usual…sue me, it’s not like I needed to go anywhere #self-isolation, #goodexcuseforreadingmore
While there’s a lot more that I want to say about the ending of this book, I’m trying to keep it spoiler free here, so the best I can comfortably do is to say that for me the ending of this one worked and it worked well. I got some answers and I got more questions but most of all I got left wanting more…so please can it be June now?
*************************
An ARC of ‘Without a Trace’ was graciously provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2022
I read book #1 last month and when I realized that the three books in the series continued the story from the previous book, I HAD to get the rest of them. The killer is easy to pick out, and I haven't thus far although I do have a slight idea. There are so many in this small town that would be perfectly capable of committing murder. Like all towns and especially small ones, there are secrets that have been kept for generations and are now showing their ugly heads. The series is listed under the M/M romance genre, but I find that it is more of a mystery that happens to have gay characters, although there was a lot more going on between the sheriff and the federal agent than in the first book. The case just keeps on getting stranger, and secrets don’t stay hidden forever. I'm almost done with the 3rd book that finally solves the mystery of what links the bones found in the reservoir and Casey McGuire's life and death.
February 3, 2025
This continue right after the events in book #1. This mystery kept me on my toes and you could say the romance took the backseat. Didn't mind cause this story is good. Can't wait to read the next and find out what's really going on in this small town...
March 15, 2020
This will probably be a dissenting opinion so maybe it’s me not the book. Book one was so great but this continuation was...not. I did get an ARC, so maybe some details were cleaned up before actual publication but I had to actually stop halfway and start reading all over again. I could not reconcile conflicting dialogue between Logan and Sawyer about Drew. When POV’s flipped back and forth between Logan and Drew, adding loads of interactions with numerous secondary characters, it was confusing and hard for me to follow. Reading started to feel like a chore.
I didn’t care much for Drew’s frequent, melodramatic internal dialogue and I could not reconcile his character being some kind of black-ops soldier. Also, the romance was hard to see when they were antagonistic for nearly 3/4 of the story before finally getting a little steamy but without much actual relationship building between them. There were a couple of confrontations before that with kissing but they seemed very non-consensual in how they were shown. The process of connection got buried under a mountain of extra detail and activities each was involved in. At the end, I was let down by the big climactic scene because it felt overdone and far too implausible the way it’s described. Maybe I’m too damned picky, idk.
There are many names and details to keep straight, some not seemingly relevant to this particular volume but part of the story arc, I guess. It will be very difficult to remember all of it for the third book. I was also unable to find where any 100 year mystery was supposed to be. I will probably read it to see if I’m right about who is involved, since it seems obvious to me. I will hope I’m wrong and get pleasantly surprised by an unexpected twist.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
I didn’t care much for Drew’s frequent, melodramatic internal dialogue and I could not reconcile his character being some kind of black-ops soldier. Also, the romance was hard to see when they were antagonistic for nearly 3/4 of the story before finally getting a little steamy but without much actual relationship building between them. There were a couple of confrontations before that with kissing but they seemed very non-consensual in how they were shown. The process of connection got buried under a mountain of extra detail and activities each was involved in. At the end, I was let down by the big climactic scene because it felt overdone and far too implausible the way it’s described. Maybe I’m too damned picky, idk.
There are many names and details to keep straight, some not seemingly relevant to this particular volume but part of the story arc, I guess. It will be very difficult to remember all of it for the third book. I was also unable to find where any 100 year mystery was supposed to be. I will probably read it to see if I’m right about who is involved, since it seems obvious to me. I will hope I’m wrong and get pleasantly surprised by an unexpected twist.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
March 20, 2020
I was extremely invested in the mystery aspect of this series. The romance bits feel like parallel lines though. In the sense that you don't see any real development, just insta-lust in the first pages fastracked to "I must be in love with you" in the last pages.
November 28, 2020
LOVED this, even better than the first I think. I was feeling a bit smug about half way through thinking that I knew what was going on, oh how little did I really know. You're going to want to carve out some time for this to be read in one sitting, trust me. I need book 3 STAT!!
taking-a-break
August 19, 2020I am not ready to call this a DNF...yet...I might get back to it. I do still want to know if I am right about the killer.
I don't know how far I got, I returned it to KU and didn't note it. I think about 50 pages or so? Maybe?
It really wasn't working for me though.
I don't know how far I got, I returned it to KU and didn't note it. I think about 50 pages or so? Maybe?
It really wasn't working for me though.
December 21, 2020
I loved this second book in the trilogy too. After the first book I was a bit scared but also couldn’t help myself jumping right into this one. Scared because I knew things would get uglier, grittier. Couldn’t help it because I would get Logan’s book. He stole my attention in book one and didn’t leave me disappointed here.
Meeting Drew in this book was painful. You could feel his hurt and confusion. I just wanted to hold him.
The romance/mystery arcs wasn’t as well balanced in this book sadly. It took Logan and Drew a long time to get to it and when they finally did the mystery paced up letting the romance take a backseat. Much to my dismay.
Of course this book ended in a cliffhanger even bigger than the one in the first book.
Meeting Drew in this book was painful. You could feel his hurt and confusion. I just wanted to hold him.
The romance/mystery arcs wasn’t as well balanced in this book sadly. It took Logan and Drew a long time to get to it and when they finally did the mystery paced up letting the romance take a backseat. Much to my dismay.
Of course this book ended in a cliffhanger even bigger than the one in the first book.
March 20, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Without a Trace is the second installment in the Lancaster Falls series, and it’s just as good as the first (What Lies Beneath). This story picks up exactly where book one left off, so I’ll begin by telling you that you must read book one first. It’s not a book where you can just jump in and get an idea of what’s happening, and there are a lot of things happening…the investigation into Casey’s death, who may be spraying graffiti on the town’s buildings, Drew’s interference and PTSD, and a multitude of minor characters to keep up with. It’s all very compelling and I was caught up in the book as soon as I opened it.
I found Logan to be a good man, even though he seems to be sort of carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He’s my favorite character in the story. Drew was, at least at first, difficult to like. I understood why, of course. He wanted to know what happened to Casey even though he really doesn’t want to be back in Lancaster falls. He’s also suffering PTSD from all he’s seen and done overseas. So, Drew was rather corrosive from the start, although he gets better.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Without a Trace is the second installment in the Lancaster Falls series, and it’s just as good as the first (What Lies Beneath). This story picks up exactly where book one left off, so I’ll begin by telling you that you must read book one first. It’s not a book where you can just jump in and get an idea of what’s happening, and there are a lot of things happening…the investigation into Casey’s death, who may be spraying graffiti on the town’s buildings, Drew’s interference and PTSD, and a multitude of minor characters to keep up with. It’s all very compelling and I was caught up in the book as soon as I opened it.
I found Logan to be a good man, even though he seems to be sort of carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He’s my favorite character in the story. Drew was, at least at first, difficult to like. I understood why, of course. He wanted to know what happened to Casey even though he really doesn’t want to be back in Lancaster falls. He’s also suffering PTSD from all he’s seen and done overseas. So, Drew was rather corrosive from the start, although he gets better.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
July 4, 2020
I enjoyed the overall feel of this book just like I did with the first in the series. A small town during a hot summer, finding bones and the remains of a missing young man from town. This sets up what could be a creepy, thrilling mystery. It was and it wasn’t for me.
I found the entire mystery intriguing enough to keep reading. I had it figured out correctly from book one but there is even more than what happened to Casey. There are some major secrets in this town and it seems pretty obvious who could be behind them. I do hope if I’m right that the third book will be a great story to make up for that.
What I struggled with most was the dialogue and who was talking. I had to re-read certain passages to get it straight and there were a few times I still was confused! I also thought there were a few time jumps or even moments when I wasn’t sure if it was the same day or not. This hurt the story for me because it felt like I had to focus on this and less on the story. It hurt my head.
I also wasn’t fond of the lack of relationship development. I thought the attraction was there but the kisses were awkward and strange and the sex scenes were boring. I felt like the relationship was put on the back burner or just thrown in as an afterthought. I didn’t buy the declarations of love because I never thought there was enough built between them to warrant that.
The story did go over the top at the end but I’m used to reading mysteries so I do become picky. I think the book had not much happening throughout the entire story until the end when all this over dramatic stuff happens. It just felt off in its pacing.
I hope I don’t have the same issues with the next book. This is such an interesting mystery and there’s so much potential. This series can be great and I have higher hopes for the final book!
I found the entire mystery intriguing enough to keep reading. I had it figured out correctly from book one but there is even more than what happened to Casey. There are some major secrets in this town and it seems pretty obvious who could be behind them. I do hope if I’m right that the third book will be a great story to make up for that.
What I struggled with most was the dialogue and who was talking. I had to re-read certain passages to get it straight and there were a few times I still was confused! I also thought there were a few time jumps or even moments when I wasn’t sure if it was the same day or not. This hurt the story for me because it felt like I had to focus on this and less on the story. It hurt my head.
I also wasn’t fond of the lack of relationship development. I thought the attraction was there but the kisses were awkward and strange and the sex scenes were boring. I felt like the relationship was put on the back burner or just thrown in as an afterthought. I didn’t buy the declarations of love because I never thought there was enough built between them to warrant that.
The story did go over the top at the end but I’m used to reading mysteries so I do become picky. I think the book had not much happening throughout the entire story until the end when all this over dramatic stuff happens. It just felt off in its pacing.
I hope I don’t have the same issues with the next book. This is such an interesting mystery and there’s so much potential. This series can be great and I have higher hopes for the final book!
April 25, 2020
Well, I do like it when I'm right. And though I was right about the one thing, there's still a further mystery to get answers for. The investigation part of this storyline has me solidly hooked, and I'm definitely going to be reading the next one to get my answers. It's not even that it's not fairly obvious who's behind it and probably part of the motivation but R.J. Scott has managed to obscure the whys to enough things to reel me all the way in. I've simply got to know.
The relationships, not so much. They aren't bad. I didn't have time to review the first *seriously, I had to know what was going on!* but in What Lies Beneath, Sawyer and Chris's romance was sweet, even if it was insta-love. There's a lot more UST and build up to Logan and Drew's actual romance and a whole lot less steam but honestly I was ok with that. Again, I want that why.
What I wasn't ok with was Drew. I liked him, he wasn't terrible but oh man, did I want to smack him upside the head, a lot. I understood his issues, I did, and I sympathized with him. But I'm pretty much used to my MCs having a little bit of common sense, not charging in and doing things that can actually hinder the investigation. And sometimes his grief and emotional issues went right over into asshole territory. I did like Logan and the author did a great job in making him believable as himself and exactly the right type person for Drew.
Despite my minor niggles, this was a highly readable story and I'm sincerely looking forward to the next book.
The relationships, not so much. They aren't bad. I didn't have time to review the first *seriously, I had to know what was going on!* but in What Lies Beneath, Sawyer and Chris's romance was sweet, even if it was insta-love. There's a lot more UST and build up to Logan and Drew's actual romance and a whole lot less steam but honestly I was ok with that. Again, I want that why.
What I wasn't ok with was Drew. I liked him, he wasn't terrible but oh man, did I want to smack him upside the head, a lot. I understood his issues, I did, and I sympathized with him. But I'm pretty much used to my MCs having a little bit of common sense, not charging in and doing things that can actually hinder the investigation. And sometimes his grief and emotional issues went right over into asshole territory. I did like Logan and the author did a great job in making him believable as himself and exactly the right type person for Drew.
Despite my minor niggles, this was a highly readable story and I'm sincerely looking forward to the next book.
April 11, 2020
There were a few moments when it seemed to go slowly - more to build up than for any real plot reason. I thought the last 15% was amazing and it upped the stars to 5 for me. Really looking forward to Josh's story in the next one and finding out what happened.
This was also very sad - you get an idea of who Casey was and it feels quite heartbreaking as felt through Drew's emotions - that to me me was the best part. Superbly done - you feel as if you are experiencing it.
This was also very sad - you get an idea of who Casey was and it feels quite heartbreaking as felt through Drew's emotions - that to me me was the best part. Superbly done - you feel as if you are experiencing it.
November 11, 2020
~ 3.5 stars ~
March 24, 2020
Welcome back to Lancaster Falls, Pennsylvania where evil and the good old boys network still retain a modicum of control on the town. It’s time to delve into the demise of Casey McGuire, whose remains were discovered at the conclusion of What Lies Beneath, the first book in RJ Scott’s must read in order trilogy. In Without a Trace all hope is now gone that Casey just left town because of a disagreement and is living a happy and fulfilling life. Now those left behind are seeking answers, justice and closure.
Taking a break from the military career that has given him purpose, Drew McGuire returns to Lancaster Falls to find out what happened to his brother Casey. Drew is abrasive and determined, letting nothing stand in his way of finding answers. Barging into town he immediately clashes with the local PD, becoming a major thorn in their backside.
Theirs is not a sugary kind of bonding, but an alpha/alpha face-off for dominance that is entertaining and seductive.
Logan Hennessy, an ex-military man himself, has been with the Lancaster PD for two years after receiving a medical discharge. He takes his job seriously vowing to protect and serve the community. Logan recognizes the haunted look in Drew’s eyes and sees beyond the bluster that the man exudes.
Drew and Logan feel their immediate connection and their banter and physical altercations only intensify the erotic air between them. Theirs is not a sugary kind of bonding, but an alpha/alpha face-off for dominance that is entertaining and seductive. Yet, when their hearts take over and they stop overthinking – support, companionship and compassion surface. They still thrive on the dominance aspect but their relationship finds a certain balance.
This mystery is well written, with enough doubt that you can’t quite put your finger on the perpetrator....
Both these men are determined to discover the truth behind Casey’s death. Drew stirring up every hornet nest he possibly can and Logan with his methodical and pragmatic approach to the investigation. When they join forces, the threads begin to unravel, and the secrets unveil themselves.
This mystery is well written, with enough doubt that you can’t quite put your finger on the perpetrator. But when the climactic reveal occurs, it makes complete sense. The pressing question left in book one of the Lancaster Falls series, What Lies Beneath, is answered while more questions are introduced. All That Remains, the conclusion in the trilogy, hopefully brings closure to evil and secrets that haunt those in this sleepy little town.
Taking a break from the military career that has given him purpose, Drew McGuire returns to Lancaster Falls to find out what happened to his brother Casey. Drew is abrasive and determined, letting nothing stand in his way of finding answers. Barging into town he immediately clashes with the local PD, becoming a major thorn in their backside.
Theirs is not a sugary kind of bonding, but an alpha/alpha face-off for dominance that is entertaining and seductive.
Logan Hennessy, an ex-military man himself, has been with the Lancaster PD for two years after receiving a medical discharge. He takes his job seriously vowing to protect and serve the community. Logan recognizes the haunted look in Drew’s eyes and sees beyond the bluster that the man exudes.
Drew and Logan feel their immediate connection and their banter and physical altercations only intensify the erotic air between them. Theirs is not a sugary kind of bonding, but an alpha/alpha face-off for dominance that is entertaining and seductive. Yet, when their hearts take over and they stop overthinking – support, companionship and compassion surface. They still thrive on the dominance aspect but their relationship finds a certain balance.
This mystery is well written, with enough doubt that you can’t quite put your finger on the perpetrator....
Both these men are determined to discover the truth behind Casey’s death. Drew stirring up every hornet nest he possibly can and Logan with his methodical and pragmatic approach to the investigation. When they join forces, the threads begin to unravel, and the secrets unveil themselves.
This mystery is well written, with enough doubt that you can’t quite put your finger on the perpetrator. But when the climactic reveal occurs, it makes complete sense. The pressing question left in book one of the Lancaster Falls series, What Lies Beneath, is answered while more questions are introduced. All That Remains, the conclusion in the trilogy, hopefully brings closure to evil and secrets that haunt those in this sleepy little town.
April 9, 2024
I've given this a C for narration and a C- for content at AudioGals
Each book in RJ Scott’s Lancaster Falls trilogy features a different central couple, but the suspense plot – which kicks off when a skull and other human remains are found half-buried in a dried-up lakebed – is ongoing. I listened to book one, What Lies Beneath, towards the end of last year and enjoyed it, and I eagerly snapped up Without a Trace so I could continue with the story. I looked back at my review of book one to remind myself of events, and noted I’d mentioned excellent chemistry between the two leads, a really good and sometimes claustrophobic small-town vibe and had given good grades for both story and narration, so I had high hopes for book two.
What Lies Beneath centred on the story of Casey McGuire, whose sudden disappearance several years earlier devastated his family and the local community. The discovery of the skull, followed by the discovery of more human remains fuels speculation that the missing teen has finally been found, and Without a Trace opens pretty much where the previous book left off, with Casey’s younger brother Drew – who joined the military not long after his brother vanished and hasn’t been back since – bursting into the office of newly-minted police chief Sawyer Wiseman and demanding answers. News of the discovery of the bones has spread and he’s taken leave from his unit (it’s never actually specified what branch of the military he works for) to come home to Lancaster Falls to find out the truth once and for all. He has no faith in the police department whatsoever, remembering the days of former Captain Sandoval – who never made waves or went out of his way to investigate Casey’s disappearance when it happened – and he’s clearly distraught and seething with anger. Even though the new chief of police, Sawyer Wiseman, is one of his oldest friends, Drew won’t listen to him or his assurances that he’s as keen to get to the bottom of things as Drew is; he’s determined to go it alone and prepared to tear the town apart to get answers if he has to.
Naturally, that attitude doesn’t endear him to Sawyer or to his second-in-command, Logan Henessey, a former military man himself, who, after a medical discharge, decided he wanted to continue to serve and protect and has been with Lancaster Falls PD for a couple of years. He immediately recognises in Drew a man who has seen and done too much and who is haunted by it, but he can’t afford to let that sympathy affect his judgement – especially not when, as quickly becomes clear, Drew is intent on kicking over every anthill and upsetting every apple cart in town and doesn’t much care who he upsets in his quest to get to the truth about what happened to Casey.
Without a Trace suffers from what I often call “middle book-itis”. It’s a bridge between the opening set-up and the finale, and seems to be treading water a lot of the time. And that might be okay, if there was something else going on to pick up the slack – like the development of a romantic relationship between the two leads – but there isn’t. Drew and Logan spend very little time together until around the three-quarter mark, and when they do interact, Drew is metaphorically spitting and snarling at Logan for no other reason than that Logan is trying to do his job and stop Drew acting like a bull in a china shop and putting people’s backs up. It’s not even an antagonists-to-lovers situation, because there’s no spark or chemistry between them whatsoever; we’re told they’re attracted to each other, but there’s no discernible connection between them, and the ILYs at the end come completely out of nowhere. It’s insta-love of the worst kind and the sex scenes are of the “blink and you’ll miss it” variety. Quite honestly, I’d rather they’d not been included at all as they add nothing to the development of the story or relationship and felt forced.
There also seemed to be a lot more internal monologuing and a lot less dialogue in this story than the last one, and I found Drew’s frequent outbursts and melodramatic internal dialogue impossible to reconcile with the fact of his being a member of some kind of hush-hush military unit. I understand he’s devastated at finally receiving confirmation that his brother is dead and not off living a happy life elsewhere as he’d tried to believe, but at times, he comes across more like the worst kind of curl-tossing, foot-stamping TSTL heroine than a grown man who is also a badass black-ops soldier.
With all that said, I did actually enjoy the suspense plot despite its being pretty slow going. Under Logan’s influence, Drew does eventually learn to think before he acts and becomes a better investigator in the process, and as in the previous book, one of the ongoing plotlines in resolved – here, we discover who is responsible for the cryptic graffiti messages that are being left around town – and we get a few more clues as to what might have happened to Casey.
Sean Crisden is a narrator I enjoy listening to and I’ve given high grades to a number of his performances, but I’m sad to say I can’t do that this time. I don’t know if my disappointment with the story led to a disappointment with the narration, but it seemed to me that he was as disengaged from it as I was and, dare I say it, was just “phoning it in.” All the things he does well – pacing, vocal characterisation and differentiation – were perfectly fine; he does a good job with his portrayal of Drew’s mother and the other female cast members, and his voice acting in the dialogue was as good as ever. But the narrative portions of the story were really flat – and as there was a LOT of narrative and internal dialogue this was especially noticeable. It really felt as though he was reading through a list and he wanted to get to the end. I hate writing reviews like this, especially of a performer who is usually terrific, so I’m going to tell myself he must have been having an off-day or three when he recorded this one.
Without a Trace proved to be a disappointment, but I’m invested enough in the overall story arc to want to finish out the series to find out how everything is resolved. Book three, All That Remains was released in September; fingers crossed I’ll be able to report more positively on that one.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
Each book in RJ Scott’s Lancaster Falls trilogy features a different central couple, but the suspense plot – which kicks off when a skull and other human remains are found half-buried in a dried-up lakebed – is ongoing. I listened to book one, What Lies Beneath, towards the end of last year and enjoyed it, and I eagerly snapped up Without a Trace so I could continue with the story. I looked back at my review of book one to remind myself of events, and noted I’d mentioned excellent chemistry between the two leads, a really good and sometimes claustrophobic small-town vibe and had given good grades for both story and narration, so I had high hopes for book two.
What Lies Beneath centred on the story of Casey McGuire, whose sudden disappearance several years earlier devastated his family and the local community. The discovery of the skull, followed by the discovery of more human remains fuels speculation that the missing teen has finally been found, and Without a Trace opens pretty much where the previous book left off, with Casey’s younger brother Drew – who joined the military not long after his brother vanished and hasn’t been back since – bursting into the office of newly-minted police chief Sawyer Wiseman and demanding answers. News of the discovery of the bones has spread and he’s taken leave from his unit (it’s never actually specified what branch of the military he works for) to come home to Lancaster Falls to find out the truth once and for all. He has no faith in the police department whatsoever, remembering the days of former Captain Sandoval – who never made waves or went out of his way to investigate Casey’s disappearance when it happened – and he’s clearly distraught and seething with anger. Even though the new chief of police, Sawyer Wiseman, is one of his oldest friends, Drew won’t listen to him or his assurances that he’s as keen to get to the bottom of things as Drew is; he’s determined to go it alone and prepared to tear the town apart to get answers if he has to.
Naturally, that attitude doesn’t endear him to Sawyer or to his second-in-command, Logan Henessey, a former military man himself, who, after a medical discharge, decided he wanted to continue to serve and protect and has been with Lancaster Falls PD for a couple of years. He immediately recognises in Drew a man who has seen and done too much and who is haunted by it, but he can’t afford to let that sympathy affect his judgement – especially not when, as quickly becomes clear, Drew is intent on kicking over every anthill and upsetting every apple cart in town and doesn’t much care who he upsets in his quest to get to the truth about what happened to Casey.
Without a Trace suffers from what I often call “middle book-itis”. It’s a bridge between the opening set-up and the finale, and seems to be treading water a lot of the time. And that might be okay, if there was something else going on to pick up the slack – like the development of a romantic relationship between the two leads – but there isn’t. Drew and Logan spend very little time together until around the three-quarter mark, and when they do interact, Drew is metaphorically spitting and snarling at Logan for no other reason than that Logan is trying to do his job and stop Drew acting like a bull in a china shop and putting people’s backs up. It’s not even an antagonists-to-lovers situation, because there’s no spark or chemistry between them whatsoever; we’re told they’re attracted to each other, but there’s no discernible connection between them, and the ILYs at the end come completely out of nowhere. It’s insta-love of the worst kind and the sex scenes are of the “blink and you’ll miss it” variety. Quite honestly, I’d rather they’d not been included at all as they add nothing to the development of the story or relationship and felt forced.
There also seemed to be a lot more internal monologuing and a lot less dialogue in this story than the last one, and I found Drew’s frequent outbursts and melodramatic internal dialogue impossible to reconcile with the fact of his being a member of some kind of hush-hush military unit. I understand he’s devastated at finally receiving confirmation that his brother is dead and not off living a happy life elsewhere as he’d tried to believe, but at times, he comes across more like the worst kind of curl-tossing, foot-stamping TSTL heroine than a grown man who is also a badass black-ops soldier.
With all that said, I did actually enjoy the suspense plot despite its being pretty slow going. Under Logan’s influence, Drew does eventually learn to think before he acts and becomes a better investigator in the process, and as in the previous book, one of the ongoing plotlines in resolved – here, we discover who is responsible for the cryptic graffiti messages that are being left around town – and we get a few more clues as to what might have happened to Casey.
Sean Crisden is a narrator I enjoy listening to and I’ve given high grades to a number of his performances, but I’m sad to say I can’t do that this time. I don’t know if my disappointment with the story led to a disappointment with the narration, but it seemed to me that he was as disengaged from it as I was and, dare I say it, was just “phoning it in.” All the things he does well – pacing, vocal characterisation and differentiation – were perfectly fine; he does a good job with his portrayal of Drew’s mother and the other female cast members, and his voice acting in the dialogue was as good as ever. But the narrative portions of the story were really flat – and as there was a LOT of narrative and internal dialogue this was especially noticeable. It really felt as though he was reading through a list and he wanted to get to the end. I hate writing reviews like this, especially of a performer who is usually terrific, so I’m going to tell myself he must have been having an off-day or three when he recorded this one.
Without a Trace proved to be a disappointment, but I’m invested enough in the overall story arc to want to finish out the series to find out how everything is resolved. Book three, All That Remains was released in September; fingers crossed I’ll be able to report more positively on that one.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
March 17, 2020
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
The second book in this series is a slower and slightly less atmospheric follow up to the first. This time, the focus of the book has shifted from the sheriff to Logan, his deputy, and Drew, who returns to Lancaster Falls after his brother’s remains are found.
I really enjoyed Drew and Logan as lead characters. A special ops soldier, Drew’s mental and emotional health is fragile before he learns of his brother’s death. Drew’s initial response is violent and emotional but he becomes a more effective investigator as he learns to channel his rage more appropriately. Logan is a calming force for Drew and his own military experience helps him understand Drew’s mindset. Most of the focus of the story is on the dynamics between the two men, with less time spent on the actual investigation than in the first book. There is great chemistry and a few hot scenes between Drew and Logan but I’m not sure this works as an actual romance novel and their path to a future HEA isn’t completely clear.
The investigation drags somewhat in this story. There isn’t any sort of progress until near the end of the book and I didn’t enjoy the way the characters go round and round in circles without anything actually happening. I like to keep up with the investigation in a crime story but I hate it when the answers are too easy. In this book, I guessed part of the ending far too early and I’m pretty sure I’ve already guessed most of the ending of the trilogy. While the story slowly builds the personalities and characters of the citizens of Lancaster Falls, the baddies are a little bit too obvious by the end of this story.
I will admit that I struggled with the explosive and completely implausible last scenes in this book. What starts as a subtle, atmospheric crime story becomes OTT melodrama for several pages that don’t necessarily make sense for the characters involved based on previous actions and interactions.
I will read the third book in this series because I want the closure but I really didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one. Hopefully the third book impresses me more.
The second book in this series is a slower and slightly less atmospheric follow up to the first. This time, the focus of the book has shifted from the sheriff to Logan, his deputy, and Drew, who returns to Lancaster Falls after his brother’s remains are found.
I really enjoyed Drew and Logan as lead characters. A special ops soldier, Drew’s mental and emotional health is fragile before he learns of his brother’s death. Drew’s initial response is violent and emotional but he becomes a more effective investigator as he learns to channel his rage more appropriately. Logan is a calming force for Drew and his own military experience helps him understand Drew’s mindset. Most of the focus of the story is on the dynamics between the two men, with less time spent on the actual investigation than in the first book. There is great chemistry and a few hot scenes between Drew and Logan but I’m not sure this works as an actual romance novel and their path to a future HEA isn’t completely clear.
The investigation drags somewhat in this story. There isn’t any sort of progress until near the end of the book and I didn’t enjoy the way the characters go round and round in circles without anything actually happening. I like to keep up with the investigation in a crime story but I hate it when the answers are too easy. In this book, I guessed part of the ending far too early and I’m pretty sure I’ve already guessed most of the ending of the trilogy. While the story slowly builds the personalities and characters of the citizens of Lancaster Falls, the baddies are a little bit too obvious by the end of this story.
I will admit that I struggled with the explosive and completely implausible last scenes in this book. What starts as a subtle, atmospheric crime story becomes OTT melodrama for several pages that don’t necessarily make sense for the characters involved based on previous actions and interactions.
I will read the third book in this series because I want the closure but I really didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one. Hopefully the third book impresses me more.
May 20, 2020
This is really becoming a fabulous mystery. While Drew & Logan have found peace in each other, the historical issues within the town are slowly being unraveled. Can’t wait for the final book !!!
April 21, 2024
Drew et Logan avec un Culomètre à 🍑🍆
📣 Livre reçu en service presse.
Le mystère s'intensifie à Lancaster Falls et les secrets du passé commencent à être révélés.
Avertissement : même si le couple change, ce tome deux est la suite directe du premier, cette chronique risque donc de vous spoiler.
Maintenant que les ossements de Casey ont été retrouvés, son petit frère Drew, est de retour pour trouver des réponses. Mais il va être confronté, non seulement à son passé, mais aussi à l'officier Logan qui se mettra sur son chemin.
On avait déjà pu avoir un aperçu de la place de Drew au sein de Lancaster Falls et ce tome 2 nous le confirme. Étant le meilleur ami de Sawyer, capitaine de police (T.1) et Josh, propriétaire de l'hôtel (T.3), il a une grande place dans la communauté et son retour après sa disparition à la fuite de son frère, fait jazzer.
Côté enquête, nous sommes servi ! On sent que l'auteure met en place tout un mystère dont on aura toutes les réponses en fin de saga tout en donnant des indices pour la résolution de la mort de Casey. Peu à peu, on voit les engrenages s'emboîter dans vraiment comprendre dans sa globalité ! Passé, présent, tout se mélange. Cela permet aussi d'en apprendre un peu plus sur différents personnages secondaires à l'histoire qui restent importants !
Concernant la romance, j'ai eu un peu plus de mal à m'y retrouver, notamment parce que j'avais l'impression de passer à côté de tous les rapprochements. Je trouve que l'utilisation de certains temps du passé ne donnait pas une immersion totale dans la romance et j'ai eu du mal à m'attacher au personnage. J'attendais, par exemple, de Drew qu'il s'effondre et qu'il soit ramassé puis soutenu par Logan, mais non. On sait qu'ils sont attirés l'un par l'autre mais on ne le ressent pas dans la lecture.
Bref, maintenant qu'on sait qui a tué Casey, j'ai hâte de comprendre pourquoi et surtout, en apprendre un peu plus sur Josh dans le prochain tome qui le concerne !
📣 Livre reçu en service presse.
Le mystère s'intensifie à Lancaster Falls et les secrets du passé commencent à être révélés.
Avertissement : même si le couple change, ce tome deux est la suite directe du premier, cette chronique risque donc de vous spoiler.
Maintenant que les ossements de Casey ont été retrouvés, son petit frère Drew, est de retour pour trouver des réponses. Mais il va être confronté, non seulement à son passé, mais aussi à l'officier Logan qui se mettra sur son chemin.
On avait déjà pu avoir un aperçu de la place de Drew au sein de Lancaster Falls et ce tome 2 nous le confirme. Étant le meilleur ami de Sawyer, capitaine de police (T.1) et Josh, propriétaire de l'hôtel (T.3), il a une grande place dans la communauté et son retour après sa disparition à la fuite de son frère, fait jazzer.
Côté enquête, nous sommes servi ! On sent que l'auteure met en place tout un mystère dont on aura toutes les réponses en fin de saga tout en donnant des indices pour la résolution de la mort de Casey. Peu à peu, on voit les engrenages s'emboîter dans vraiment comprendre dans sa globalité ! Passé, présent, tout se mélange. Cela permet aussi d'en apprendre un peu plus sur différents personnages secondaires à l'histoire qui restent importants !
Concernant la romance, j'ai eu un peu plus de mal à m'y retrouver, notamment parce que j'avais l'impression de passer à côté de tous les rapprochements. Je trouve que l'utilisation de certains temps du passé ne donnait pas une immersion totale dans la romance et j'ai eu du mal à m'attacher au personnage. J'attendais, par exemple, de Drew qu'il s'effondre et qu'il soit ramassé puis soutenu par Logan, mais non. On sait qu'ils sont attirés l'un par l'autre mais on ne le ressent pas dans la lecture.
Bref, maintenant qu'on sait qui a tué Casey, j'ai hâte de comprendre pourquoi et surtout, en apprendre un peu plus sur Josh dans le prochain tome qui le concerne !
March 15, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the series - and I have to admit that having read the previous one when it first came out, I did take a little while to get back into the underlying story. You most definitely need to read them in order, and ideally together. I am writing this assuming that you are up to date!
Drew left Lancaster Falls devastated that his brother Casey had vanished. Now that Casey's bones have been found, he rushes back from his military life to find out what really happened. He hasn't been back once, and much has changed, but at the same time very little. He is angry, wants answers and used to being part of the action he struggles to behave like a civilian.
I loved how he and his mother manage their reunion, and how we see them reconcile the hurt and the distance. As awful as the grief is at Casey's death, it also enables them to mourn him rather than live in uncertainty and hope. It is well written and moving without ever being sentimental. In fact I would say that stoicism and a degree of anger remains throughout the book, which makes it an intense read a lot of the time.
As we get the story from the viewpoint of both Drew, and Logan, an ex-Ranger who has worked in the PD for the last two years, we benefit from the newcomer and the desperate brother giving us their take on the relationships and interactions in the town. The fact that they are also battling a strong attraction to each other, incapable of resisting it, yet also not in a place that it makes sense to get close. There is some confusion as to whether they need it to avoid what is happening in the investigation, or whether it is in spite of it, but it gives an interesting edge to the situation and also gives us hope that Drew will be able to view his life differently and more peacefully in the future.
There is another book to come, so it is no surprise that there is a bit of a cliffhanger, but it is not in relation to the men, so feels less stressful than last time!
This is the second book in the series - and I have to admit that having read the previous one when it first came out, I did take a little while to get back into the underlying story. You most definitely need to read them in order, and ideally together. I am writing this assuming that you are up to date!
Drew left Lancaster Falls devastated that his brother Casey had vanished. Now that Casey's bones have been found, he rushes back from his military life to find out what really happened. He hasn't been back once, and much has changed, but at the same time very little. He is angry, wants answers and used to being part of the action he struggles to behave like a civilian.
I loved how he and his mother manage their reunion, and how we see them reconcile the hurt and the distance. As awful as the grief is at Casey's death, it also enables them to mourn him rather than live in uncertainty and hope. It is well written and moving without ever being sentimental. In fact I would say that stoicism and a degree of anger remains throughout the book, which makes it an intense read a lot of the time.
As we get the story from the viewpoint of both Drew, and Logan, an ex-Ranger who has worked in the PD for the last two years, we benefit from the newcomer and the desperate brother giving us their take on the relationships and interactions in the town. The fact that they are also battling a strong attraction to each other, incapable of resisting it, yet also not in a place that it makes sense to get close. There is some confusion as to whether they need it to avoid what is happening in the investigation, or whether it is in spite of it, but it gives an interesting edge to the situation and also gives us hope that Drew will be able to view his life differently and more peacefully in the future.
There is another book to come, so it is no surprise that there is a bit of a cliffhanger, but it is not in relation to the men, so feels less stressful than last time!
March 22, 2020
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I'd been desperate to get my hands on this book. Without a Trace is the second installment in the Lancaster Falls trilogy. The mystery that commenced in book one continues in Without A Trace but this story is told from the point of view of Drew, whose brother was killed and Logan, a local cop investigating the murder.
Drew has returned to Lancaster Falls after the remains of his brother Casey, who disappeared 12 years earlier were discovered, along with other remains. Drew is angry and determined to discover who killed is brother. He proceeds to start is own investigation and ask questions around town which stirs up trouble.
Logan, a cop investigating Casey's death keeps crossing paths with Drew. The chemistry between them is hot and their romance is a sizzling slow burn. They are a great match and a case of opposites attracting. Logan is quiet, steady and follows the rules while Drew ignores the rules to get what he wants. On the mystery side of things more clues are uncovered and we slowly start to realise who might be involved in Casey's death.
By the time the story is finished while we have some answers there are still many more questions. The third and final installment in this series, All that Remains, cannot come out fast enough. This story gets 5 amazing stars from me.
.
I'd been desperate to get my hands on this book. Without a Trace is the second installment in the Lancaster Falls trilogy. The mystery that commenced in book one continues in Without A Trace but this story is told from the point of view of Drew, whose brother was killed and Logan, a local cop investigating the murder.
Drew has returned to Lancaster Falls after the remains of his brother Casey, who disappeared 12 years earlier were discovered, along with other remains. Drew is angry and determined to discover who killed is brother. He proceeds to start is own investigation and ask questions around town which stirs up trouble.
Logan, a cop investigating Casey's death keeps crossing paths with Drew. The chemistry between them is hot and their romance is a sizzling slow burn. They are a great match and a case of opposites attracting. Logan is quiet, steady and follows the rules while Drew ignores the rules to get what he wants. On the mystery side of things more clues are uncovered and we slowly start to realise who might be involved in Casey's death.
By the time the story is finished while we have some answers there are still many more questions. The third and final installment in this series, All that Remains, cannot come out fast enough. This story gets 5 amazing stars from me.
.
March 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this just like the last one but once again we need to wait for the last book in the trilogy to solve the mystery. Drew has a lot to work through in this book and really Logan is the calm and steady one for him, I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that Logan didn’t know him as a kid but he understands him. They have both been through stuff in the military and now Drew is trying to figure out his life without it.
I look forward to the conclusion of this trilogy and if it doesn’t have to do with the evil three in twon I will be sorely disappointed.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
I look forward to the conclusion of this trilogy and if it doesn’t have to do with the evil three in twon I will be sorely disappointed.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
July 21, 2020
Not as good as the first book, but I still like it.
At the end of the first book, Drew returns to Lancaster Falls. He left for the army shortly after his brother Casey went missing. After the events of the first book, Drew is determined to solve his brother's case. Logan has been living in Lancaster for about 2 years since his injury as a Ranger. And has settled in as a cop. The two meet when Drew storms into the station causing chaos and Logan has to restrain him. So even though they try to keep this hatred between them, an attraction is there that is hard to ignore.
I loved the build up of the enemies to lovers trope we had. I also loved the banter between the two. But when they finally give in to each other, it falls flat. All this build up and then....meh. It was also a very, very, very slow build up. The story does focus more on the mystery, which I am really enjoying. But I think the romance could have had way more heat than it did. Really disappointed in that part of the book being as I was so excited for this couple. And even though I loved these guys separately, I wasn't feeling them together.
I will definitely continue to the final book because I am loving the mystery. Just as in the first book, only part is solved. I'm looking forward to see how this ends. I just hope our next couple has more heat.
At the end of the first book, Drew returns to Lancaster Falls. He left for the army shortly after his brother Casey went missing. After the events of the first book, Drew is determined to solve his brother's case. Logan has been living in Lancaster for about 2 years since his injury as a Ranger. And has settled in as a cop. The two meet when Drew storms into the station causing chaos and Logan has to restrain him. So even though they try to keep this hatred between them, an attraction is there that is hard to ignore.
I loved the build up of the enemies to lovers trope we had. I also loved the banter between the two. But when they finally give in to each other, it falls flat. All this build up and then....meh. It was also a very, very, very slow build up. The story does focus more on the mystery, which I am really enjoying. But I think the romance could have had way more heat than it did. Really disappointed in that part of the book being as I was so excited for this couple. And even though I loved these guys separately, I wasn't feeling them together.
I will definitely continue to the final book because I am loving the mystery. Just as in the first book, only part is solved. I'm looking forward to see how this ends. I just hope our next couple has more heat.
March 16, 2022
this one was so slllloooooowww both the progress on figuring out the crime and the romance between Drew and Logan. I waited till 70% for a rushed hate sex scene and then boom they were in love , it left me scratching my head. The I was just waiting for it to be over so I could start the next one and right at the end there we are finally giving an exciting Oh Shit moment to the case;
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June 27, 2020
I don't think I quite warmed up to Drew. And like in the previous book the romance was super fast. I have some thoughts on who is the guilty party. I think I have it figured out why Casey was depressed.
That mistrust and anger that Drew pointed at Sawyer. It didn't rang true.
That mistrust and anger that Drew pointed at Sawyer. It didn't rang true.
March 21, 2020
Well, this one was a disappointment :(
For almost the full length of the book, nothing happens, except very long internal monologues from two characters who hold no interest to me, and had me skipping ahead full paragraphs. I liked Logan in the previous book, but here... not at all. He was running around, getting snarled and shouted by everybody, writing notes and accomplishing nothing.
And Drew? Drew was an asshole who thinks that sorrows give you a free card to act like a tosser.
And the romance? I didn't see one. I saw two men mixing aggression with lust, one of them (Drew) coming as a creep who would kiss another man just because he wanted to.
I will read the third when it comes out, but I really hope it will be better than this one :/
For almost the full length of the book, nothing happens, except very long internal monologues from two characters who hold no interest to me, and had me skipping ahead full paragraphs. I liked Logan in the previous book, but here... not at all. He was running around, getting snarled and shouted by everybody, writing notes and accomplishing nothing.
And Drew? Drew was an asshole who thinks that sorrows give you a free card to act like a tosser.
And the romance? I didn't see one. I saw two men mixing aggression with lust, one of them (Drew) coming as a creep who would kiss another man just because he wanted to.
I will read the third when it comes out, but I really hope it will be better than this one :/
March 27, 2020
Slow going (but that may have been external factors); we now know the how but the why is saved for book three (maybe), and this one ends on a minor cliffhanger. The main characters were very damaged which was amply illustrated in the shifting viewpoints.
July 5, 2020
A whole bunch of fussy busy-work, underwhelming romance, and culprits who were obvious from the beginning. So much could've been taken out of this and it would've been fine. The original mystery gets buried in the noise.
August 30, 2020
Story: 7
Writing: 7
First MC: 8
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 5
Mystery: 5
Sexual tension: 5
Humor: 4
Hotness: 5
Product placement: 3
Ridiculousness: 2
Annoying: 2
Ending: 7
Audio: 10 (7h 3min)
To re-read: 5
Writing: 7
First MC: 8
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 5
Mystery: 5
Sexual tension: 5
Humor: 4
Hotness: 5
Product placement: 3
Ridiculousness: 2
Annoying: 2
Ending: 7
Audio: 10 (7h 3min)
To re-read: 5
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