Cover Image: Buried Lies

Buried Lies

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Member Reviews

Danger and romance = exciting read!

I’m still reeling from the punch to the stomach Poppy and Noah’s story left me with! I was hoping for excitement and suspense and I got it, ten times over….

Poppy was starting anew in a new home, business and town. Beginning fresh, there was nothing to stop her from building a life with new friends and maybe, just maybe falling in love… Her neighbor Noah was happy to help with that in any way he could. Handsome, protective and totally entranced by the hard-working sweet maker, Noah would go to any lengths to ensure her happiness and safety. And he completely did…

I quickly got lost in this story of ex-military finding new hope and life in a small town. There was a lot going on with danger and drama filling the pages along with a surprisingly sweet and slow relationship between Poppy and Noah. They were so good together as they took baby steps to love. While I knew there was trouble I don’t know if I was ready for how it played out. The story’s climax was knuckle-biting intense and how it unfolded was an emotional powder keg I couldn’t look away from.

Characters to fall in love with and a story to get lost in, made this an easy five star read. I’m thrilled I have a book to catch up on in this series and Molly and Jase to look forward to!

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This is the 2nd book in the Crimson Point series - this one features Sherriff Noah Buchanan and his new neighbour Poppy Larsen .

Poppy hopes that the sorrows and heartache of the past have been left behind as she starts a new life and business in Crimson Point . She slowly begins to come out of her shell and integrate with the community with the help of Noah and his friends …………. but evil surrounds the Town and soon raises its head in an attempt to kidnap Polly .
Who is after her ? ……. her past soon comes to light …… will her new found friends support her? …………. will Noah ?
Can she become more than she was and accept the love and help Noah and his friends want to give to keep her safe ? .

This is an enjoyable fast paced romantic suspense with surprises along the way - I look forward to the next in the series .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
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Wonderfully sweet story that will have you rooting for the characters even as the whole time you know that a happy ending is right around the corner. There is something very comforting about reading a story that you know where it will go but still feel invested and interested in the journey a long the way!

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Really engaging storyline with a chance to get into the head of the baddie!! Noah is the sheriff of Crimson Point and the sexy new neighbour that Poppy could really do without coming to the attention of. Noah, however, is also a nice guy and he just wants to help out his neighbour - he has a feeling that she is on the run from something but isn't too sure what to make of her.

Poppy wants her little business to take flight and let her leave her miserable childhood behind her. But it would appear that her troubles are not quite over yet. Someone has taken waaaay too much interest in Poppy and even her name signals her to her killer stalker!

Lots of drama, a previous history of small town-small mindedness and distrust makes it hard for Poppy to realise that Crimson Point may be small but it is a very open, caring town. Her heroism opens the towns collective heart to her but will they close it just as fast when they learn of her past?

Really enjoyed this - so much so I stayed up till 3am reading it in one go! I had a couple of possible suspects for the gardener - and I even managed to get the right bad guy - go me!!! I really enjoy this small town, high octane romance series! Can't wait for more!

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Great book! It was a quick and easy read with a tons of action. A non-stop pace left you on the edge of your seat.
Can't wait to read more by this author.

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Good story. The ending totally surprised me. Didn't see that one coming.

This was the first book I read in this series and the author is setting up another book, but I didn't like being in the head of characters not in this story - we were with Jase and Molly. It set up the next book, but I'm not sure how it furthered this story.

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A great lovely story full of suspense, mystery action, love, and strong community bond. Poppy decides to start her new life at Crismon Point. Her neighbor and the one who helps her the most is town sheriff and the first man after a long time that makes her feel more. Feelings are mutual and they start a relationship but serial killer ruins it all. Will Poppy be saved? I loved the story both characters were great their attraction hot, and their attraction keeps building and building until explodes in sensual heat. I loved that story was not predictable that it didn't show who was the killer. What it bothered me was POV from persons that will be in the next book. A great intense read that keeps you on the toes and restores your faith in humanity because we see so strong community bond in Crismon Point where people help each other without asking and bill.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

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Hang on for a wild ride. The plot is full of tension, with suspense and steamy romance. I was so curious about Poppy from the first book and her story doesn't disappoint. The bad guy is creepy and the reveal is one you won't see coming. I love these books, can't wait to read the next one.

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Buried Lies was a another great book by Kaylea Cross. It was suspenseful and sexy. The characters were very likeable, and it was a page turner!

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*I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley, but all opinions included are my own.

Kaylea Cross is a new-to-me-author, and I thoroughly enjoyed my first of her reads, tearing through the pages of Buried Lies in an afternoon. Featuring smart, independent leads, a thrilling plot, and a seductive romance, Buried Lies is a gripping, steamy book that’s sure to please all romantic suspense enthusiasts.

Sheriff Noah Buchanan has a sexy new neighbor: Poppy Larsen, a bookshop/café owner who came to Crimson Point for a fresh start. Still struggling with her past, Poppy is determined to resist her attraction to Noah, even if he makes her feel things she’s never felt before.

Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer targeting women in the area, and when he sees Poppy, he wants to make her his newest victim.

Cross skillfully plays up the serial killer’s mystery identity throughout the book, ratcheting up the tension so well that the last quarter of the book really played with my nerves. And she’s even more adept at portraying the romance between Noah and Poppy, so that the culmination of their lovely slow burn feels exciting and authentic. The HEA is satisfying and sweet, and though I was a little sad to finish the book, I know I’ll be reuniting with the characters in this world when I next pick up another Cross book (which will be quite soon.)

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Poppy lives next door to Noah, the hunky sheriff in small town Oregon. Instant attraction, but both are hesitant to act on it because of past issues. A serial killer is watching and we get to see a bit within his mind, which is creepy, but does add to the story of course. I had a few issues that cost a bit in my ranking though. I felt the issue from her past were not needed. High school in another town and state, are past history. Having a "mean" girl pass through was a little unrealistic too, and then to post on social media??? These are women now, not teens, so didn't see the point or the need for this storyline. Overall I would give this 3.5 stars, and would recommend it. A little creepy at times of course, but that is to be expected.

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So basically- get this book, buckle in, remember to breathe, turn the page and hang on for an intense ride. You won’t regret it, I promise. Totally deserves more than 5 stars, just wished I could have given more. Absolutely recommend

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This was a solid 3.5 star book and I really enjoyed it! While it was the second book in a series I didnt feel like I was missing any information while reading, although I will say that it spoils the plot of the first book if that's something that will bother you.

The relationship in this story was incredibly cute. The sherriff was so sweet on her, and this kind of reminded me of Mercy Thompson book one with the whole falling for your neighbor part of it, as well as the danger in this book. I wasnt expecting a thriller, and I found it was an element I really enjoyed, but I will say that darker books like this one are a lot harder for me to rate.

I'd say if I had to rate the writing alone (style, plot points, world building), I'd give the writing four stars. The author drew me in right away, and no matter the character we were with or the characters we were meeting I found that I liked them all. The plot twist about who the murderer was, was done incredibly well. I suspected the person at one point but the author masterfully steers you into suspecting someone else and makes you forget you actually suspected someone else in the first place. The world building was done very well, although it was basically just a fictional city in our world so theres not too much to say about that. I loved the small town vibe.

The part where Poppy is with the serial killer gave me the heebie jeebies and creeped me out so bad I almost felt uncomfortable reading it in the dark. The flower garden thing was so sick and twisted and something that I've never seen in a book before (although I have in a TV show).

And the part at the end where the whole town comes together to help her fix up her place literally had me tearing up. The fact that Noah was willing to move into her place was just SO SWEET. I definitely want to read the other books in the series, book one, as well as the next one that looks like it's going to be Molly and Jase's story. This is an author I will definitely come back to and I'm extremely interested to read anything she writes.

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Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Poppy just moved from out of town looking for a fresh start and a new business. Her neighbor the hot Sheriff makes her feel safe and cherished. Their interactions are sweet and steamy. She fears getting to close and later being burned by his rejection. She was burned before but the Sheriff goes at her pase and truly treats her with respect and affection. The creepiest part of this novel is the serial rapist looking to add Poppy to his collection. We get a personal insight to his thoughts and plans for Poppy. Gave me goosebumps how sick he was.
Great read. Very well written and intriguing. Another hit.

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3.5/5.0

Good overall romantic suspense. The writing is not terribly nuanced but the story flows well and has a good arc, climax and resolution. It keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages! The villain was obviously apparent very early in the story, however, and the insta-love was too much a jump for me to make in order to really buy into the entire premise.

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I loved the storyline itself. I thought the characters were real, relatable and of course meant to be. The suspense was great and I really wanted to see where the characters would take me; not only with their romance but with the suspense. The slight problem I had was the introduction of so many new characters in the early part of the story. This threw me for a loop and while I could tell this is a series and other books will be written, the intro was so early in the reading that I got lost between who was who and how they were the play with the 2 main characters

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Having read both books in this exceptional romantic suspense series I can honestly say that this one is going to keep you up all night! Crimson Point is a friendly, close knit small town on the Oregon coast that appeals to Poppy Larson from the moment she arrives. It’s beautiful, picturesque, and a long way from the unhappy childhood she left behind. The town sheriff, Noah Buchanan, lives right next door and knowing he’s there makes Paige feel safe with the romance that starts to grow between them. But Paige’s sense of security is shattered by the appearance of a serial killer that has been hiding in plain sight and It’s going to take every bit of Paige’s courage and Noah’s tactical training to save her life and her sanity when evil comes calling. This author’s writing talent made me feel like I was inside Paige’s mind while she fights for her life and her sanity. And my heart broke into a million pieces while Noah tries to come to grips with the reality that he might not find her in time. This is a superbly crafted story that is one of the best romantic suspense stories I have ever read. I was so emotionally connected to the heroine I cried with relief and I know these characters will stay with me for a very long time to come. I read a complimentary copy of this book provided by Kobo Writing Life through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

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Excellent suspense/romance book! This is my first read by Kaylea Cross and it won't be the last.
Buried Lies is a touching story told in a small town atmosphere where everyone cares for everyone else and Poppy Larsen needs all of the love and caring she can get. Poppy has past she is running from and she moved to Crimson Point to lay low and hopefully never be found again.
Noah Buchanan is the town Sheriff. He's also very handsome and very single. But Poppy is gun shy and Noah can sense somethings wrong. But he's attracted to Poppy and is willing to go slow to win her trust. Meanwhile he has his hands full with a serial killer case that's been plaguing the area around Crimson Point.
When it comes to trouble Poppy just can't cut a break. There's a creepy guy that pushes himself on her and she feels like she's being watched often.
When Poppy goes missing will Sheriff Buchanan be able to find her in time to save her? Who is the mysterious killer and why has he been stalking Poppy?
Ms. Cross creates wonderful characters and places them in an idyllic small town environment. Despite some of the over the top fantasy of the perfect community I found this book enchanting and intriguing.
The good news is that this is a stand alone book so you'll find all of your questions answered in the end.
It also ends with a HEA.
I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley. I voluntarily wrote my honest review of this book.

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So we meet Poppy who is starting over, getting over some difficult situations and she moves to the town of Crimson Point, I really liked Poppy she was a sweet person regardless of everything that she has been thru and I respect her for that. She meet Noah who is the town sheriff and he has been hurt by love before but their something about Poppy. Unfortunately for them evil is around and they are now going to go thru a rollercoaster of scenarious but with friends and each other they will be able to overcome..Enjoy! (I didn't want to give to much away so that you can grab a copy)

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3.5 stars

Buried Lies is a romantic suspense/thriller with a serial killer and several side stories (ancillary characters in the series who are main characters in the other Crimson Point books). The premise for the story was a good one, and I mostly enjoyed both the romantic element and the "who done it" aspect as it was a bit of a bait and switch (mild spoiler that doesn't really give anything away --- you think you know because another one is too obvious, but then you get a twist you didn't see coming).

Poppy is new to town, having escaped a shadowy past, and something about Crimson Point draws her to it, so she decides to set up both home and shop (bookstore/cafe/bakery) within it. Her next door neighbor just happens to be the very sexy sheriff (Noah), and the interest is subtly mutual. They finally decide to see if there is more to their relationship than friends, but there are forces unbeknownst to either that will seek to rip them apart.

What I liked:
- the plot was interesting; the premise engaging; draws the reader in quickly
- minimal angst in terms of the couple's relationship
- steamy goodness level was at the right balance for me
- the other characters in the book (1 couple were featured in the first book of the series; the others are planned for subsequent installments) were more present than in most books I have read like this one (meaning that there was a lot more attention to things happening outside the main couple's relationship), and their stories were pretty juicy, so the integration of them so significantly into this story seems to have been intended to hook the reader for the longer term

What I didn't like as much:
- For me, the relationship went from 0-60 way too fast in terms of the feelings that developed between the main couple; hopping into bed is one thing - deciding that this is the person for you the rest of your life in that short a time span seemed a little forced (Noah is 38 and Poppy is 26)--- I like an HEA as much as the next reader, but it didn't need to be quite that quick, imo, because of the age/life experience gap and especially since the reader is informed that Noah was cheated on and left high and dry by a former fiancee
-Re the serial killer -- semi-SPOILER the descriptions of the serial killer in the story up to the point where he is revealed don't seem to really match the character when you find out who it is; it was pretty impossible to have guessed, which in one way is good because it keeps the reader guessing, but in others feels like a cheat by the author in that there were too many red herrings that better matched up to the way the "bad guy" was described END SPOILER
- There is all this "drama" about Poppy's past that builds up but really ends up being nothing more than high school-level drama --- not something I would expect such emphasis on in a book about a more mature 26 year old female MC as the author describes her

Overall, a worthwhile read if you like some twists and turns in your romantic suspense novels. I felt like the author wrote this one with the specific goal of hooking the reader with the side stories so that he/she would be interested in continuing on in the series.

Plot --- 3/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steamy Goodness --- 3.5/5
Violence --- Yes - with possible domestic violence triggers (related to the supporting characters, not the main ones in this story)
Language --- Not egregious
POV --- 3rd but slanted by the MC points of view and the serial killer's at times

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