capsandclauses's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
rockchick's review against another edition
3.0
Second chance romance. Far fetched plot but overall enjoyable.
mags_louise's review against another edition
4.0
This was an enjoyable murder mystery, that kept me pretty much engaged throughout and having never read any of the previous books. I certainly didn't feel like I was missing out.
As for the two main characters Jim and Hallie they were both likable and I really wasn't expecting much from the romance element of the story. Especially after the terms of the will are revealed. Yet it was much stronger than I expected. There were a few hot moments scattered throughout and certainly Jim and Hallie shared some chemistry.
As for the suspense element, I didn't really feel it. For me it was much more of a murder mystery and a solid one at that. Although personally I did find it a little on the long side and towards the end I did find myself getting distracted from what was going on.
However this story did have a bit of everything I enjoy from this genre and I would certainly recommend it to others too.
***I was kindly provided with an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
As for the two main characters Jim and Hallie they were both likable and I really wasn't expecting much from the romance element of the story. Especially after the terms of the will are revealed. Yet it was much stronger than I expected. There were a few hot moments scattered throughout and certainly Jim and Hallie shared some chemistry.
As for the suspense element, I didn't really feel it. For me it was much more of a murder mystery and a solid one at that. Although personally I did find it a little on the long side and towards the end I did find myself getting distracted from what was going on.
However this story did have a bit of everything I enjoy from this genre and I would certainly recommend it to others too.
***I was kindly provided with an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
shai3d's review against another edition
I really liked the characters in this book. They are all so realistic with their faults and strengths that they almost jump right off the pages. Hallie is a really good person which is a testament to her strength of will since her mother was absent even when she was right there and her father was a real piece of work. Jim has grown into a wonderful man who is open to learn from his experiences.
The unfortunate part is that someone is determined to see that Hallie doesn't meet the requirements of her father's will and won't stop at anything to ensure her failure. It made for a great story to see how Hallie, Jim and their friends work together to ensure her safety and to ensure that she is able to inherit the money her father left to her.
I really enjoyed this book. The villain in this story really worked behind the scenes up until the very end which made for a surprising finish. I think that my readers who enjoy a contemporary romance with a bit of danger tossed in would really like this book.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
maustin18's review against another edition
2.0
This was difficult for me to get into. The "so what" factor was missing for me on why the characters go together.
bananatricky's review against another edition
4.0
Hallie Cavanaugh left Paradise, Idaho years ago and has never looked back. Until her father's death compels her to attend the funeral.
Henry Cavanagh was an obnoxious, manipulative blackmailer in life and his will tries to do the same after his death. Hallie gets his million dollar house and its contents outright but to get a share of his fortune she needs to spend six months in the house AND not have a sexual relationship with Jim Lawson.
Jim Lawson was the original bad boy to Hallie's good girl at school but since then he's straightened up, become a cop, and is a widower with a daughter, Mac. But when Hallie comes back to town all the old feelings come flooding to the surface.
As secrets come to light and Jim and Hallie fight their sexual attraction someone is trying to get Hallie to leave Paradise, but who?
I really enjoyed this book, I see that this is the fourth in a series - I was not aware of this when I was reading the book and I would say this could definitely be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed this book, there is a good balance between the sexual tension and the escalating attacks on Hallie as the secrets of the past gradually unravel. I think what sets this apart from other mystery-romances is the depth of the emotional connections and the backstory. Jim and Hallie talk through their feelings and past events.
I ran the full range of emotions reading this book, I cried when I read about Jim's wife, I was shouting in my head towards the end, and I laughed out loud at some of the events.
Recommended for those who enjoy a realistic thriller romance.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Henry Cavanagh was an obnoxious, manipulative blackmailer in life and his will tries to do the same after his death. Hallie gets his million dollar house and its contents outright but to get a share of his fortune she needs to spend six months in the house AND not have a sexual relationship with Jim Lawson.
Jim Lawson was the original bad boy to Hallie's good girl at school but since then he's straightened up, become a cop, and is a widower with a daughter, Mac. But when Hallie comes back to town all the old feelings come flooding to the surface.
As secrets come to light and Jim and Hallie fight their sexual attraction someone is trying to get Hallie to leave Paradise, but who?
I really enjoyed this book, I see that this is the fourth in a series - I was not aware of this when I was reading the book and I would say this could definitely be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed this book, there is a good balance between the sexual tension and the escalating attacks on Hallie as the secrets of the past gradually unravel. I think what sets this apart from other mystery-romances is the depth of the emotional connections and the backstory. Jim and Hallie talk through their feelings and past events.
I ran the full range of emotions reading this book, I cried when I read about Jim's wife, I was shouting in my head towards the end, and I laughed out loud at some of the events.
Recommended for those who enjoy a realistic thriller romance.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
allenfarm's review against another edition
3.0
Hallie and Jim knew each other as teenagers and in fact it was Jim who was Hallie's "first". Through her father's tyrannical efforts, they were separated when Hallie went off to college. Fast forward to the present and Hallie is back for the reading of her father's will when family secrets are exposed and her father is back to his dictatorial methods, even in death, working to keep Jim and Hallie apart. Add in a half brother and a mystery - her father died under suspicious circumstances and the killer is now after Hallie. Jim, Paradise PD sets out to protect her and find out the identity of the killer. Once started, I couldn't put it down. Several twists and turns and I went back and forth on who the killer would be. A solid 4th book in the Paradise ID series from Rosalind James.
aimee70807's review
5.0
This was a good one, especially the action- and emotion-packed ending. Made me cry, which is always a good sign. :-)
georgiewhoissarahdrew's review
3.0
Milk chocolate - that's what Rosalind James' books are - milk chocolate. Not at all unpleasant; in fact, entirely satisfying in their way. But, ultimately, without the bite and depth of dark bitter chocolate.
Only a narrow cross-section of life features in an RJ story - the MCs are fine hetero cis specimens, there's a rural setting, small-town values, an ease with guns and a singular lack of diverse characters (not even a token gay BFF). From time to time, if I want a Nora Roberts without the home renovation sub-plot, I'll read & enjoy a Rosalind James - she has a good line in H/h back-chat - but each time I read one, I become a little more conscious of what's not there.
Only a narrow cross-section of life features in an RJ story - the MCs are fine hetero cis specimens, there's a rural setting, small-town values, an ease with guns and a singular lack of diverse characters (not even a token gay BFF). From time to time, if I want a Nora Roberts without the home renovation sub-plot, I'll read & enjoy a Rosalind James - she has a good line in H/h back-chat - but each time I read one, I become a little more conscious of what's not there.
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