Outstanding!
Great characters both the main ones, supporting and even the villains were well drawn.
Speaking of M.C.'s that would not only be Juan and Nicki but also her daughter Bell and Juan's dog, Sweetie. Sweetie is more of a supporting character and that support is where her story comes in. Support and comfort as well as cuteness is part of her story. Bell also adds sweetness to the story. She is also direct and at times wise beyond her years when it comes to pain and fear. I can see why she grabs Juan's heart and he desires to protect her.
The emotions and the tension of hiding is well done. It kept the intensity level up throughout the book. Emotions ranged from fear, loss, guilt, nightmares, trying to recover from tragedies too. Fear is kind of a weak word for some of the people; it's more like terror. There is also tenderness that grows between Juan, Nicki and Bell. I liked seeing how they were drawn to each other and formed a strong bond even before they really realized it.
Juan IS a good guy and the story shows it time and again. He also works with two other men in the cold case division and they are a tight group. Connor and Mark show throughout the story how well they work together with Juan. As a team they have solved supposedly unsolvable cold cases. They also show how they have Juan's back even as they give him a "hard time" some of the time. It's a guy thing. Now that this author is on my radar, I want to read more of her stories. That includes the stories of the men of this unit.

There were a couple of other "stories" or mysteries going on at the same time but be patient the author does a good job of fitting the puzzle together. It's without getting too confusing either. It also leads to some really good surprises too. At least one that I didn't see coming. I always like that.
That tenderness between Juan and Niki? It will lead to sex between them but it won't overtake the story.
The story ramps up to more tension before another twist comes up. Another one that I didn't see coming either. More information comes out at that time to fill in some of the questions.
A good Epilogue fills in the rest. Another plus for me is that this book was able to stand all on it's own. That is good because this is the first one that I have read in the series.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

This is book 2 in the Texas Justice series but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone and still understand it. This one is about Juan Acosta and Vicki Holloway. Juan see's the daily reminder that he didn't save his wife and child in the scar on his face. He only lives for one thing now, revenge. Until his new neighbor moves in and he knows that something else is going on with her and her daughter. Vicki ran after she believes she saw the man she believes killed her sister, even knowing he is supposed to be dead. And with help she and her niece move to Texas with new identities and are now known as Nikki and Bell becomes her daughter. But when he finds out what they are running from, can he keep them safe and not let his own demons bring him down?

Overall, this was a good book. I just had a hard time getting into as it started off very slow for me. It also seemed to be more suspense than romantic suspense which threw me off since I was expecting more of that in there. The characters themselves were great, the story line was good, it was just slow for me to get to where it needed to. I would still read it again though since it was good read, just not my favorite!

This is the second entry in the Texas Justice series and it was just as well written and engaging as the first. This is my favorite of the series so far. I thought that Juan and "Vicki" were amazing together. I'm glad that Juan's story was next since he seemingly had the most heartache of the three cold-case detectives, but I can't wait to see where the series takes us in the future. Great author, and great series!

Juan Acosta has a new neighbor, he knows this because he saw his dog making the acquaintance of a child. Now his dog has alerted him to something else and he sees someone trying to break in the back door.

Being a cop and a good neighbor he starts to give chase. This becomes my first giggle in this book. Never underestimate the power of a woman alone with a child.

When the officers she called get there, Juan knows he's never gonna live this down. In the aftermath, he also realizes his neighbor is hiding something.

Twists, turns and danger abound as Juan falls for his neighbor Nikki and her daughter Bell. They both have issues they need to face and work on but this journey is one best undertaken together.

I couldn't put this book down as Juan's past surfaces with Nikki's present.

Craig does a great job developing these characters and creating lots of tension and suspense. Because the story is told in 3rd person, you get a peek at all the characters, not just the hero and heroine. In romantic suspense, I love this approach. Vicki and Juan have a very interesting dynamic and I loved that they both had a companion (Vicki has her niece and Juan has his dog-they both add to the story well).
Bottom line: great romantic suspense!

DON’T BREATHE A WORD is the second story in the Texas Justice series. Although I didn’t read the first story (yet), I was fully able to follow and completely enjoy Juan and Vicki’s stories – and they each have a unique story to be told that just happens to collide together not only in romance but in the danger zone as well. I will go back for the first book since I’m now invested in these detectives who are facing such challenges and such changes in their lives that I want to know how it all began.

Since this is a puzzle, a mystery, and a Romantic Suspense tale I don’t intend to give away details. I was drawn into this story quite quickly, the pace was even throughout and hit the highs in pacing at just the right moments for me. I adored little Bell and one loco crazy mini-poodle both together and separately. Juan has such guilt that is tearing him up inside, and Vicki suffers from a likewise guilt for far different reasons. Watching them become close, beginning to trust in each other was a tempting journey. The danger is apparent, and the tensions build until we have answers – or at least I believe we do, I never know with a series what might crop up again.

This one is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, one you won’t want to miss especially if you love Romantic Suspense that pulls you in with a tight plot, good writing and characters (both main and secondary) that feel real and believable. I’d not hesitate to recommend DON’T BREATHE A WORD to any Romantic Suspense reader.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Texas Justice #2, The Cold Case Unit of Anniston PD has a new case when they look into a young stripper's disappearance, the murder of her boyfriend, and the connection they had to the gang leader/drug dealer who killed Juan Acosta's wife and unborn baby. Juan already killed him in the line of duty but the large scar on his face serves as a daily reminder that he failed his family. Finding the person responsible for this cold case and maybe even finding the stripper alive will help, or so he hopes. But then there is his new neighbor and her daughter something just doesn't feel right he knows they are running from something but he doesn't know what and he's determined to find out.

Vikki Holloway gained guardianship of her niece, Bell, after her sister died in a hit and run. Vikki always suspected her sister's abusive husband as the culprit but never had proof and it seemed pointless to prove it after he died but then Vikki swore she saw him leave her apartment after ransacking it and then he called her threatening her. Scared for her niece she ran and with the help of AWCO they got new identities. After almost being found in Arizona they moved to Texas where she became Nikki Hanson and Bell became her daughter.

Juan felt intrigued by Nikki and her daughter and oddly protective of them too. He knew they were hiding something but the more he got to know them the more he felt inclined to help them, not even the truth scared him off it just made all the more determined to keep them safe. All the while Juan and his team mates are working his cold case which has suddenly become hot again with the only witness disappearing only to reappear and get shot at and put into a coma. Vikki is hesitant to accept any help from anyone but Juan isn't easily put off, the sexual attraction is one thing but Vikki starts to actually trust Juan.

Overall, I loved this book. It was an exciting read with great characters, Bell is adorable. I loved the descriptive foreplay and then leaving the sex up to the reader's imagination it was just enough to satisfy me. It is a nicely balanced romantic suspense and it can be read as a standalone. I look forward to Connor's book next.

When Estelle @readforeverpub describes this as a romantic suspense I was all in. I love myseteries/thrillers and romance! This one did not disappoint. This is a book in a series but it reads as a stand alone. I was eager to pick this book up and find out if Bell and Nicki would stay safe. Juan is easy to fall in love with. There was plenty going on in this story to keep you turning pages. I can’t wait to go back and read book 1 in the series now.

him down keeping him from living this life. Until his new neighbor arrives with a little girl and he has to come face to face with life and death.

The story starts off fast and than slows down quickly giving readers time to understand the action of the characters and their reactions to each other.

The story is about life, death, romance, and family.

Christie Craig is able to bring reader into her world holding the readers hostage until they have read every last work.

Thank you to Netgalley advance copy of Christie Craig Don't Breathe A Word.

Don’t Breathe a Word is the first book I have read by this author and though it is second in a series (Texas Justice) it can be easily read and enjoyed as a standalone. In this book, we follow multiple points of view, by Vicki, Juan, and the bad guys as well so there is not as much drawn out suspense this way but still enough to make it an enjoyable read and there are still a few twists and turns to keep it engaging. The prologue starts the story off with a bang and really draws you in and sets up the angst and emotional turmoil for Juan that he has to overcome in the rest of the read. I really enjoyed Vicki and Juan’s first encounter – lots of laughs, poor Juan! Bell definitely captures your heart, she is adorable and there is even a deranged tiny poodle that is a constant escape artist that earns a few chuckles, as well. The mix of Juan’s cold cases and the mystery of his new neighbor intertwine during the book and add to the suspense and mystery aspect of the overall story. There are a lot of obstacles these two characters have to deal with and overcome in order to have a chance at happiness and a future together but the author does a good job of weaving the storyline in a steady paced, intriguing way that provides a satisfactory ending for all.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book that I voluntarily read and reviewed.

I really enjoyed the suspense/mystery angle here. It was dynamic, compelling, and kept me guessing. I do love a good cold case, so I really like that aspect of the story. I'll admit it took me a little longer to warm up to the romance. To be honest, I think I might have warmed up to it quicker without the prologue. After "meeting" his wife and feeling their love for each other in that scene, it took longer for me to get into the romance. The characters are complex and layered, which I always appreciate. Overall a good read. 3.5 stars.

*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3
I didn’t realize when I picked this book up that it was book two in the series. That being said Don’t Breathe A Word easily stands on its own. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not reading the first book. I do plan to go back and read book 1 Don’t Close Your Eyes. I enjoyed Don’t Breathe A Word, it started a little slow. It was interesting following Juan’s cold case along with Vicki’s case. I did find that it the story was a little predictable but the journey to the end was good.
I would recommend this book if you are looking for a suspense with a dash of romance.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Don’t Breathe a Word is a very well written romantic suspense. A great plot with many twists and turns that pulled me immediately into the story. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

Christie Craig's Don't Breathe A Word was everything I expect from her books. I liked the characters, the story was suspenseful and exciting and I was totally involved in their lives and relationship,

Juan is damaged. Losing his wife and unborn child hurt him in ways that don't heal easily. Vicki has secret and cannot trust anyone, not even a well-meaning cop. She's amazing with the child she's raising and Juan is so cool with his little neighbor. Both are realistic and the pace at which they start to overcome their issues was perfect.

I love a lot of suspense in my romance novels and this book delivered. The action has me quickly turning pages to find out "what next."

This book started off a little slower than the first. It was a little more difficult for me to get into, but maybe it was just me being distracted. Either way the further I got into this story the more I enjoyed it. But the end I couldn’t put it down. It had my heart racing and me trying to read so fast, I just had to know what was happening next! I love these books and hope this series continues!

Was so glad to get to read this second book in Texas Justice series. This time we meet a woman on the run from her sisters abusive ex and an cop still mourning the murder of his wife and unborn daughter.. The cute Bell, niece/daughter of Nicki.
The story keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see who was going to be killed next. Also a secondary story that was intriguing.

This was a great read. The pacing was perfect and kept me reading until the end. The story was a blend of action, sentiment and romance. A great follow up to the first book in the series that can easily be read as a stand alone.

This was the first ARC copy i have received from Netgalley and it did not disappoint! I want to start off by saying i did not read the first instalment of the Texas Justice series, but after finishing this book I will 100% be going back to read the first one. This was also my first, and wont be the last, book I have read from this author!

First off, this book had me hooked from the first chapter. I felt like I was reading a script of my favourite episode of some of my favourite crime television shows. It was perfectly written and the story line was amazing and not rushed. Christie did an amazing job at creating and developing the characters and their story lines. I have to say I love all 3 of the main characters; Vicki (Nicki), Bell and Juan. Their real life struggles made them easy to relate to which made it such an enjoyable book to read.
I also really enjoyed how the plot of the entire novel came full circle. From circumstances that are explained in relation to each individual character at the beginning of the novel to the end this author did an amazing job and left no loose ends.
I rated this book a 5 star and I'm excited I found a new author to become crazy about! Looking forward to reviewing other readers reviews after this book is officially published and for more of this series to come out!

Vicki is on the run with her niece, who she is raising after her sister was killed. Vicki thought her past was dead and buried but it is back and wants revenge. She has changed her name and has moved in next door to Juan. Juan is a cop with the cold case unit and is still trying to piece his life back together. When he was undercover his cover was blown and his wife and daughter were killed. When Juan accidentally reveals Vicki’s location, he’ll do anything to keep her and her niece safe.
First time reading this author and WOW I don’t know how I missed her. This story will have you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. Action, secrets, and heartbreak. It will grab you from the first and not let go til the end.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

This is the second book in the Texas Justice series and can be read as a standalone. Christie Craig provides a fast-moving plot centered around a multitude of emotional contradictions including vengeance, trust, guilt, and love. The main characters are all superlatively developed and draw the reader’s sentiment from the first page. Craig has the narrative brimming with action the entire way through. The romantic scenes do read somewhat awkward but not enough lower any expectation of what this book has to offer. Highly recommended. 5 stars.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Forever for this ARC. #DontBreatheAWord was read and reviewed voluntarily by #wayward_readers and all thought and opinions are my own.