Sandra Brown is a favorite author of mine. I find myself counting the days until the next book is released as they are packed with suspense and you are sucked into the story immediately. Seeing Red did not disappoint. Beginning with the prologue and onto 20% of the book, you are dizzy because the development of the story is so good. I could not put this book down and so many chapters had a "cliffhanger".

Kerra is a reporter in Dallas who wants to make a name for herself. She has been wanting to interview the Major for a very long time. The Major is a national hero who saved a little girl during a bombing and the iconic photo of him carrying her away from the carnage is still fresh in the nation's memory bank, even 25 years later. Kerra wants to capitalize on the 25th year anniversary with an interview. The Major stopped doing interviews years ago, so Kerra reaches out to his son, Trapper for help. He is resistant to help as he has not spoken to his father in years and their relationship is contentious.

Kerra manages to convince the Major to agree to the interview. The interview goes well, but it also makes many people nervous, including Trapper. Soon Kerra and the Major soon learn that they are in danger, but have no idea why. Trapper steps in to try to protect Kerra and the two begin to unravel years of secrets tied to the bombing.

I am being careful not to offer any spoilers as this story had your guessing to the very end. The author did not hold back with the details and the diabolical twists that lead through the plot. The journey is well worth it. I already counting the days for the next book

Sandra Brown has justifiably earned her place as one of the top romantic suspense authors. Seeing Red gives us a scorching physical attraction between Kerra and Trapper, while keeping us on edge as past and present intertwine and secrets unravel.

That being said, and get ready to boo me, this was not one of her best books. And of course that's subjective. Brown's storytelling is, as always, remarkable. I could see the characters and feel their emotions. But I wasn't invested in the story as I normally would be.

Some of the word choices felt dated and/or strange for the specific characters. For instance, every single character referred to the bathroom as the "powder room". Maybe it's a regional thing, but I've never heard anyone under 70 use that term. It seemed particularly odd coming from cops and a rugged man in his thirties. Also, criminals who broke into a certain place were referred to as "intruders". Again, maybe it's a regional thing, but no one I know would tell me they had "intruders" in their home.

Another problem area for me came with the lack of romance and abundance of sex. Quite a bit of and quite graphic sex, in fact. I missed the softness of the relationship. The characters' actions and dialogue felt more like edgy erotica than romance.

The pace is steady, and the plot takes us to some interesting places with a couple interesting twists. But the reasoning behind it all, for me, felt weak. I can't explain why without giving spoilers.

Despite my complaining, the story held my interest and I enjoyed spending time with the characters. And, as I said, my complaints are specific to me. If you're in the mood for steamy suspense, give this one a try.

I’ve just recently started picking up Sandra Brown books again. I still remember her steamy romances from long ago – they were STEAMY!!! Now her books are more suspense and thriller than romance, at least that’s what I thought while reading Seeing Red.

Seeing Red was definitely suspenseful and thrilling. I loved the plot, and John Trapper kept me guessing more than once. He was fantastic – I truly loved him. He always had a plan. I never knew what was coming next, or what he had waiting in the wings.

This book had me on the edge of my seat for most of the time. I never knew who I could trust. I was second guessing everyones motive – it was a NAIL BITER for sure.

I loved the plot!!! It was masterfully crafted. Suspenseful, and highly entertaining – which is exactly what I’ve come to rely on when reading a Sandra Brown novel. Her books never disappoint. If I listen to the audiobook, or as it was in this case, reading the ebook, I can be assured that I’ll be sucked into the book right away. Her books are never slow paced. Even though this relationship was rather slow burn – the plot opened with a BANG and that’s how it continued.

Of course I wished there would have been more sexual tension. There was for sure a good amount of mutual attraction, but did the couple steam up the pages? No. They slowly came together towards the end. I thought it fit the storyline, but I would have loved a little bit MORE.

Like I said, I still remember her steamy romance novels and miss them quite ardently.

But otherwise this book was a HIT, right where it counted. It was the perfect novel for a rainy afternoon, for a sunny day at the beach, or just a lazy day in bed. It gripped me, and didn’t let go until it was done. I can honestly say that Sandra Brown’s books have been one of my more highly anticipated novels throughout the last couple years. Because her name guarantees thrilling and captivating entertainment, perfectly crafted plots, and immaculate writing on top of fascinating and truly likable characters.

Very well done!!!!!

This review will be posted on my blog on August 3rd.

This may very well be the perfect book. Mystery and romantic suspense combined with complex characters makes this story a must read. Kerra is a TV journalist who is pursuing the story of a lifetime but it just might get her killed. John, an ex ATF agent, has his own agenda but realizes he must protect Kerra at all costs. Full of twists and turns, I couldn't put this book down. Loved it!

I haven't read many of Sandra Brown! She has captivated my attention with this book..very good characters. Very good twist in the story..I received my copy from NetGalley for an honest review its very good .if you are a fan of Sandra you will not be disappointed in her book once again. Hope you get your copy August 15th.

4.5 stars

It’s very rare that a book keeps me up late reading and if it does then it’s definitely a good one. That was the case with Seeing Red by Sandra Brown. As the clock ticked closer to 12AM, I couldn’t stop until I knew everything.

Kerra Bailey is a TV journalist seeking an interview with Major Franklin Trapper. Twenty-five years ago, Major became a national icon when he was photographed leading a handful of survivors to safety after the bombing of a Dallas hotel. Kerra is willing to use any means necessary to get an exclusive with the Major--even if she must secure an introduction from his estranged son, former ATF agent John Trapper. Still seething over his break with both the ATF and his father, Trapper wants no association with the bombing or the Major. Yet Kerra's hints that there's more to the story rouse Trapper's interest despite himself. But when the interview ends with gun fire …

My one complaint about this book is no more than a small pet peeve of mine. The man and woman always have the hots for each other and end up in bed. It doesn’t quite ring true. Of course, I’ve never been in a situation even remotely close to this so it wouldn’t ;) I love romance but just once I would like a mystery/suspense/thriller where the two running for their lives don’t have the hots for each other.

Let’s forget that complaint and focus on the most important thing here - the suspense, which is off the charts. Seeing Red is full of eye popping, mouth hanging open reveals. I have a love/hate relationship with them. Here comes this big surprise and you must keep reading because that reveal couldn’t mean what you think it means. Could it? WOW! Page turning action all the way through. Never a dull moment. I thought I knew who was responsible, but I was wrong. Brown kept turning me in direction after direction. I love a surprise, last minute twist. And Brown delivers all of that and more in Seeing Red.

Grab your copy now! Brown fans new and old will love this one.

Great mystery, sizzling sex, "Seeing Red" has it all.

Most readers have a list of "go-to" authors they can count on to delivery an amazing read every single time. Sandra Brown places very high on my author "go-to" list. And once again, she delivers an intriguing read in Seeing Red - complete with flawed characters, sexual tension, and a plot laden with lies, secrets, and conspiracies that kept me guessing until the end.

Kerra Baily is a smart, tenacious, by-the-book, rising television journalist on the trail of the story that will make her career. It's the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Pegasus Hotel, and she is determined to score an interview with national hero Major Franklin Trapper. The major became a hero 25 years ago when he emerged from a burning, bombed hotel, guiding a group of people to safety including the five-year-old girl he carried in his arms. His fame was headline news for years afterwards as he made appearances and accepted awards, but he later dropped out of sight refusing all interviews. His regrettable choice of fame over family cost him the loss of a relationship with his son, John.

John Trapper is a proud, intelligent, wary, sometimes hot-headed ex-ATF agent turned private detective who can often be found at the bottom of a bottle. He deeply resents his father's past neglect and remains convinced the truth of the bombing and aftermath has never been revealed. Shunned by his colleagues, John continues his off-the-record investigation determined to find the real bombing mastermind and redeem himself and his derailed career. He's sloppy drunk the day Kerra approaches him for help securing an interview with his now hermit-like dad, the Major. He refuses her, but she leaves him with an intriguing picture and a directive to get a magnifying glass and take a closer look. And so their journey begins.

Family dynamics, secrets, conspiracy, murder, and a taut underlying current of sexual tension drive this fast-paced story. Readers will need to buckle up and hang on as they race through some classic Brown twists and turns to reach another satisfying conclusion served up with a cherry on top - a surprise, of course. The detail-oriented plot line reeks of danger and sets a tone of tense anticipation with flawed characters fighting for survival (and against their undeniable attraction), making Seeing Red a hard book to put down before reaching the end. Intense Suspense + Sizzling Romance = A Page Burning Must Read!

Wow! Good story! It's well written and very well developed. This is primarily a mystery, but there's also a romance that weaves around and through the mystery. There's the old explosion which was presumably solved, and then there is the new attempted murder which is presumably solved. But, were the crimes actually solved? And what is their association if any? That's the mystery.

This book was fast paced and had you guessing til the end on what was going on. It had some romance and plot twists. 25 years ago there was a bomb blast at the Pegasus hotel, in Dallas. Major Trapper saved lives including a little girl. Now a TV journalist wants to talk to the Major but he is delcining so she goes to his son to get his help and the story goes from there.

First , Thank you Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for giving me the honor of reviewing this book by Sandra Brown. I'm a HUGE fan of hers . Sandra Brown is a master storyteller!!!! This book has a great storyline. Perfect balance of suspense and romance and is emotionally charged . Attempted murder , tainted heroism and other surprises . This story is about a bombing at the Pegasus Hotel in downtown Dallas 25 years ago . Mayor Franklin Trapper became a hero when he rescued several people from the collapsed building. He was photographed carrying a 5 year old girl out of the rumble . He was in constant demands for interviews till he suddenly stopped and shunned all media .
On the Anniversary of the bombing , Kerra , a Dallas reporter, tries to interview the Major with no luck so she contacts his son Trapper . Trapper doesn't want the interview to happen, afraid it will put the Major and Kerra in danger .
There are a lot of secrets and suspense. I did not want this book to end !! I believe this is my favorite Sandra Brown book yet. A MUST read !!!!! Loved this book !

Sandra Brown has written another great book! Full of suspense, romance, mystery, and hard to put down.

Tthis book kept me guessing an when the protagonist was revealed I was totally surprised. A very enjoyable read.

This is a story that is full of suspense and thrills, set in Texas with a washed up, seeing red, private detective, John Trapper, who quit the ATF prior to being fired. Kerra is an up and coming TV journalist with a secret history that goes back 25 years to the bombing of the Pegasus Hotel in Dallas that claimed the lives of so many. John is the estranged son of Major Franklin Trapper, a man who became a national hero when he was captured in an award winning photograph bringing out a child and others from the chaos of the bombed Pegasus Hotel. Kerra approaches a reluctant John to smooth the path to interviewing the Major who is now a recluse. He refuses until he learns of Kerra's secret, which persuades the Major to agree to a televised interview. This event turns out to stir a hornet's nest as Kerra barely survives a scenario in which the Major is shot.

John whose life at 11 years old years old changed radically with his father's fame, was investigating the hotel bombing whilst working at the ATF, his certainty that there was more to the bombing than was uncovered led to him parting ways with the ATF. He now renews his interest in the case looking to protect both his father and Kerra, now targets for shadowy ruthless figures. After a difficult beginning, John and Kerra join forces as they attempt to evade the attempts on their lives and other desperate dangers. They are the focus of attention of both the local police and other law enforcement agencies such as the Texas Rangers and the FBI. Aided by the shady lawyer, Rime Carson, John investigates amidst a host of suspects, betrayal, deeply buried conspiracies, whilst trying to stay alive and finding his relationship with Kerra deepening to become significantly more serious.

This is typical Sandra Brown territory of a story laden with tension and suspense with the two protagonists finding themselves in a relationship with plenty of chemistry between them. The volatile and protective John Trapper complements a Kerra whose character is that of doing things by the book until the turmoil she finds herself in the midst of and her feelings for John push her into new territory. Although there is the additional factor in the prospect of a spectacular exclusive for her. If you are looking for an entertaining thriller with some romance, then this an ideal book for you. Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for an ARC.

Typical Sandra Brown--set in Texas. Single woman, Disreputable cowboy.

25 years ago there was an explosion in a hotel and Major Trapper rescued some guests and became a hero. Since then he has shied away from the limelight. Kerra Bailey is a reporter and she wants to interview Major Trapper about the events of the bombing. Major Trapper's son, John Trapper, is a former ATF agent and Kerra needs him to introduce her to his father. While Kerra is doing the interview, things go horribly wrong. Kerra and John must team up to find out the truth from 25 years ago and hopefully not get hurt or killed in the process. There are lots of twists and turns in this book and lots of suspense that keeps you reading and reading until the very end. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This book was all I hoped for and more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Loved the writing, loved the characters and loved the story.

7/18/2017

Seeing Red by Sandra Brown

5 Stars

Not super exciting but still brilliant

I would like to thank Sandra Brown, Grand Central Publishing/Hachette, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Twenty-five years ago, the nation was rocked by the tragic bombing of a prominent Dallas hotel. The culprit confessed and the case was quickly closed, but for John Trapper, the repercussions had only begun. As one of the few survivors of that event, his father, Major Franklin Trapper, had had his life transformed by fame. As a hero, The Major used his influence for the good of the people, but as Trapper’s father, it was as if he had ceased to exist. The destruction of the Pegasus Hotel plagued Trapper’s adult life, poisoning every ounce of happiness he managed to gain. Finally, tension and resentment built to a crescendo, resulting in the estrangement of father and son.

Now, new information about that fateful day has come to light in the form of Kerra Bailey. A journalist, she’s determined to interview the reclusive Major, and when all other avenues are exhausted, she asks John to provide her with an opportunity. When he denies her, she plays her trump card—and he decides he simply cannot resist watching his father’s face when she introduces herself. They expect the media to go into a frenzy at the revelation…but they don’t expect to make someone nervous enough to want them dead. As they keep off the radar, they realize they have to work together to find the real mastermind behind the bombing…before he silences his loose ends forever.
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Sorry if that synopsis is crappy, I’m trying really hard not to spoil anything.

I’m always in awe of Sandra Brown’s talent when I read her work. She writes with an unwavering bluntness, with no euphemisms to soften reality and protect the genteel, while not going so far as to alienate the reader with discomposure and unease. She writes at once dark violence and tender romance. Simple sentences with layers of depth. It’s a difficult balance, but she masters it—as well as those chapter-ending cliff hangers she’s so good at.

This was a great book! I have a few minor issues with it, but overall I very much enjoyed it. Brown’s mysteries are always an intriguing maze; I try to find the correct path but come up against false leads that make me look closer. Even when I thought I had it figured out, I wasn’t one hundred percent sure until the veil dropped, and Brown continued to surprise me. Honestly, it doesn’t disappoint me that it was so easy to guess the culprit, because he really didn’t seem to matter all that much. Dealing with him was kind of just a matter of wrapping up the plot.

I really sympathized with the main characters. I cared about them, and I was glad things worked out for them—mostly—but I can’t say I’d want to be friends with them. I don’t care how sexy Trapper was, or that deep—very deep—down he was a good man and capable of great, unconditional love. He was an asshole, and didn’t seem to care that he was (which, by definition, is accurate). Sure, he was motivated by love, but he was ashamed of it. And I wouldn’t call him honorable. He made for a fantastic bad-boy hero and had a complete arc, but at times I was hard-pressed to tolerate his short fuse and kiss-my-ass attitude. His personality was absolutely consistent, though, so kudos to Brown. Kerra… I liked Kerra, she was a good, strong heroine, but I don’t feel that we got much insight into her thoughts. We skimmed the surface, but this was primarily Trapper’s story, and I don’t think I got to know Kerra well enough.

One thing that disappointed me was the lack of action. There were exciting scenes, but nothing that jump-started my adrenaline. This is going to sound weird, but I love when either the hero or heroine gets shot or otherwise grievously injured, because I’m sick in the head and love the heart-wrenching drama. I waited and waited for something like that to happen, but it never did, and I was bummed. Relative, another issue I had was with all the dialogue, especially toward the end. There was a lot of talk and not enough action. Usually I space out through long paragraphs of description or exposition, but this time I spaced out during the long conversations.

SPOILERS!

As much as I want to avoid spoilers, I feel compelled to call bullshit on the child’s identity remaining secret for a quarter century. If that event/photograph was as big a deal as Brown made it out to be, there would have been people who wouldn’t stop investigating until they ferreted out the truth, most likely wanting to claim fifteen minutes of fame. And I just have a hard time buying that it would have been difficult to figure out. Wouldn’t it be a process of elimination to figure out who the child could be, and a matter of fact-checking to make an educated guess? A simple name change and sealed adoption records aren’t huge hurdles, if they were hurdles at all. But whatevs, it made for great fiction.

Overall, I might not be rereading this novel like I do others of Brown’s (ones where there are dramatic grievous injuries, mostly), but I did enjoy it and will recommend it to friends.

noapologybookreviews.com

Seeing Red was such a wonderful book. I enjoyed it very much. Many twists and turns. Lots of surprises. It was a greT mystery and thriller. It kept me engaged and my mind turning trying to figure out the clues.
****I voluntarily reviewed and gave my honest opinion of this Advanced Readers Copy of this
book from NetGalley****