Romance and a mystery!? Sign me up! This book kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end! I kept thinking that I knew what was going to happen, but the twists and turns were sooo good!

I love the protective side of Rowan on his quest with Evie to track down the killer – I’m all about the strong female characters, but I love the swoon-worthy heroes that are there to protect them! I love these kinds of books because it mixes everything I love – romance, mystery and even humor during tense moments. The story flowed well and the journey these two take is so so good! Would recommend to all my friends!

This reprint of Watching You by Leslie Kelly is the first book in the Hollywood Heat trilogy. What started out as a one-way crush becomes far more when Jessica Jensen finally meets the man of her dreams, heartthrob Reece Winchester, a Hollywoo icon. A one-night stand with the uber successful man becomes a season of secrets and danger. While it is more than evident that Reece quickly falls for Jessica, the baggage he brings into the relationship could destroy any chance of a happy future together.

In fact, Reece is the eldest brother of a Hollywood dynasty, and Reece, along with brothers Rowan and Raine have secrets that are soon to be unburied. No doubt these secrets will have a powerful impact on what could be a lasting relationship between Reece and Jessica.

Someone is aware of events of the past concerning the Winchester brothers and it just might be time to pay up. What secrets are the brothers hiding and how far will they go to keep them buried? Who is watching and how deep will the danger get, for the brother and now Jessicca as she has become part of their lives? Will Jessica be able to trust Reese completely and will she become a victim of the danger that is now facing her?

What a thrilling story! I loved this book by Leslie Kelly! I kept this print ARC on my shelf for nearly a year but boy am I glad I grabbed it and sat down and read it, which I did from cover to cover in one sitting. In fact, I also read Nowhere to Hide, previously titled Wanting You with the same vigor and zeal that I read this book. I am more than eager to read the third book in the series.

Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

The synopsis of Nowhere to Hide sounds great! Sadly I couldn't get into the book at the moment - I will pick it up again at a later date.

I love it when I find a new author I like, and Leslie A. Kelly has created an outstanding romantic suspense novel with Nowhere to Hide. This novel had a great storyline with subtle subplots, lots of mystery, and plenty of surprises to keep you guessing. Bundle all that with a charming love story that wasn't instalust but wasn't slow burn either; it all equaled out to a really well-balanced entertaining book, and I'm now looking forward to the final book in the series so I can know the answer to the big mystery.

Our heroine, Evie, is beautiful, but more than that, she's incredibly smart and brave. She's got a sarcastic side that is quite humorous, and she's by no means a shy retiring violet. I especially like when we are reading from her POV the thought processes she goes through that spur her actions. She's reasoned and so smart that you cannot help but like and admire her.

Meanwhile, our hero is a good match for Evie, and although he finds her lovely to start, he admires her bravery and intelligence first. As I said, this was not instalust--there was an attraction on both their parts; however that was not the driving factor of their relationship to start, and time was taken for them to get to know each other. There was mutual respect.

Add in the delicious mystery, and this book hit on all cylinders. The story's pacing was good, and the build-up to the culmination of the story kept you on the edge of your seat. The payoff was stellar and left you with a bit of a cliffhanger. Now I have to read the next book, and I wish I had read the first one. These Winchester brothers are something; all very different, but the story that ties them together is compelling, and I can't wait for the finish.

This is the second in the Hollywood Heat series, and while I haven’t read the first book yet I had no problems sliding into this story.

I haven’t read a lot of romantic suspense books but turns out I’m super into this genre, who knew!

Rowan Winchester is a police officer trying to distance himself from his Hollywood family. There are dark secrets in his family’s past that he deosn’t want dug up. Along comes Evie Fleming, a true-crime novelist, nosing around some of LA’s most notorious deaths, including the ones that haunt Rowan’s family history. Plus, she’s gorgeous, smart, and is sure to prove dangerous to Rown in more ways than one!

This book is told from both of their perspectives, which I always really enjoy. Plus, this book will have you turning the pages fast from the very first chapter, and Evie and Rowan’s chemistry is smokin’ from the beginning, so clear your schedule and set your phone to airplane mode because you’re going to want to binge this one!

I devoured Nowhere to Hide, I loved it so so much. This is exactly what the kind of romantic suspense I adore, and it reminded me how much I really enjoy the genre.

The whole time I was reading it reminded me of two shows and one nonfiction book that I loved:

The Following. The whole serial killer aspect and how the story played out reminded me a lot of this show.

Bosch. Did the book just remind me of Bosch because it’s set in the same areas of LA? Maybe. But all the scenes in the police station and the other officers gave me serious Bosch vibes (side note: this is probably one of my favorite shows ever and I highly recommend it!)

I’ll be Gone in the Dark. One of my favorite true crime books ever. Evie’s character and the plot reminded me a lot of this book.

A romance between a true-crime writer and a hot police officer is maybe my favorite romantic suspense coupling ever? I really loved Evie’s character (my strong female protagonist sweatshirt is very appropriate for her!) and Rowan was so kind and swoony. Especially after their not at all cute meeting in the beginning. This book sucks you in and gets your heart racing from page one and I loved it.

The chemistry between Evie and Rowan is excellent throughout the whole book. So much sexual tension, and they have great interactions while working on the case together. There is on page steam, but by the time it happened in the book all I could think about is who the killer might be. Let the record show, I had a lot of suspects but was surprised by who it was.

I did read this series a bit out of order (started but never finished the first book) and it worked fine as a stand alone. I’m very invested in the underlying Winchester story that goes through all the books, I’m definitely planning to go back and finish the first book. I’m dying to read the next book though! I’m so curious how Raine’s book will play out.

Nowhere to Hide was a total win for me, I highly recommend reading it!

Ohhh first time reading this author but not last. Couldn’t put it down. Evie writes books, but not just any kind of book. She writes about serial killers. When walking home one night she is mugged, Rowan Winchester steps in to save her from other acts the mugger might want. They instantly spark. But a dark secret his family has might come between them, if a serial killer doesn’t..


I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

A great mystery romantic read. I love a small town mystery romances. My first read by Leslie Kelly but it definitely hit the spot. Evie is writer researching her newest book when she stumbles across what she believes to be a dangerous new killer. Teaming up with officer Winchester, Evie must convince him she is right and catch a killer.

I have chosen not to give feedback on this title, which is probably pretty obvious as it was released almost 3 months ago.

My apologies for the delay. I don't want to rate/review titles that don't work for me when they are close to release or available on NetGalley, but it seems I forgot to go back and update the DNF status.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.

Laura

Love this series. The characters the story everything is exactly what I look for in a good book. I much prefer Hollywood/actor or in this case former child actor to rock star romance and I can't turn down a really good suspense either combine that with great characters and a family secret what's not to love.

Nowhere to Hide starts off with a bang sucking me into the story right away. There’s a lot of danger, and suspense wondering if Evie will be safe and not knowing exactly who is behind the sinister threat hanging over her. I really liked Evie, and her inquisitive spirit. I will say some of her actions in the end bordered on TSTL, and resulted in a tragedy, but technically it wasn’t her decision in the moment so I can’t really say it was all her. Still, it was a bit annoying.

The romance was a slow burn, and even though both were attracted at first meet there were some obstacles to overcome before either would give into their desire. Rowan was hesitant because he didn’t fully trust, at first, Evie’s intentions. Was worried if he let her in, she’d betray the family’s secrets, but I liked how it all turned out.

Nowhere to Hide was a nice blend of action, mystery, danger, and romance. There was a mystery that wraps up in this installment, but there’s also a mystery arc started in the first book involving the Winchester’s sister, their agent and the brothers that isn’t yet solved. I didn’t read the first book and I didn’t feel too left out of the loop. I’m eager to see how it all turns out in the next book.

Leslie Kelly has been an auto-buy author for me since I read the very first Harlequin book by her years ago. While I adore her super sexy books, I have to say her romantic suspense books have always been my favorites. Wanting You hit on all my favorite things about a romantic suspense with the action starting on the very first page. I'm not going to lie, I wanted Rowan's story as soon as we met him in I’ll Be Watching You. I always find a favorite character when I know there is a trilogy, and usually have to wait for the third book to get that story. Was so happy Rowan's book was second in the series.

Rowan Winchester was one of the famous Winchester kids of Hollywood legend, but now is a police officer for the LAPD. When he stepped up to rescue Evie Fleming from an attack on the streets of LA, they both worked on the theory it was a random attack. However, as Evie is in Hollywood to look into many famous unsolved mysteries, the LAPD soon assigns Rowan to be her bodyguard of sorts. Let me just say the chemistry between Rowan and Evie was there pretty much from the very first. I loved seeing them move from cautious friends to lovers. It really did give me all the feels.

While the romance between them was strong, the suspense was the biggest focus of this book and I loved every single second of it. Just when I thought Ms. Kelly was going one way with the story, she totally and completely threw me off. I've been reading romantic suspense books for years, and have to say Nowhere To Hide was one of the best ones I've ever read. I honestly make it my goal to figure out all the thought process of the bad guys before the reveal, and while I did have part of my theory correct, I was completely wrong in my final guess. I love when an author pulls me so deeply into the story, I don't want the story to end.

I also can't wait to find out the final truth to the mystery surrounding the Winchester family and the death of Harry Baker. I'm impatiently awaiting the final pieces of the puzzle in this amazing series! I highly recommend Nowhere To Hide to fans of romantic suspense and have to say it is my favorite romantic suspense book I've read this year.

Rating: 5 Stars (A+)

Actual review 4.5 stars

A thrill ride read from start to finish. There aren’t enough romantic thrillers, which is a big shame. This is one of the best I’ve read recently, second only to Mia Sheridan’s Where The Blame Lies/Where The Truth Lives duet.

Going in, I wasn’t aware this was book 2 in a series, and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything until the hero, Rowan, began talking about his brothers and their situation. At this point, I did feel I was going in half blind, but at the same time, it didn’t detract from the main story, Rowan and Evie’s story, it just would have helped to understand Rowan’s hostility towards Evie when she reveals her career and why she’s there.

After coming face-to-face with death during her time at University, Evie used her experiences and poured her thoughts, feelings and natural investigative nature into becoming a successful true crime novelist. The story begins with a bang and it’s action packed from the first page. Thankfully Rowan is in the right place at the right time and assists Evie when she needs it most. The attraction between the two is instantaneous and a low simmer continues between the pair for most of the story. Rowan has secrets and a family to protect so he can’t let down his guard and let Evie in. Evie refuses to give up her integrity and stop investigating the suspicious death of a close family friend to Rowan and his brothers. Until one can bend, they can’t be together no matter how hot the attraction burns.

In her line of work, Evie has made numerous enemies, a serial killer she helped put away who continues to contact her and a potential new serial killer who’s radar she has become the main focus of, to name a few, so it is no surprise someone is trying to get to her, but Rowan has sworn to protect her, but he refuses to put his own heart on the line to do so.

A very well written storyline, there are twists and turns you won’t see coming, along with the series sub plot, which is still left unanswered at the end, I couldn’t put this down.

Great characters, great storyline, if it weren’t for the need (in my opinion) to have read book 1, I would be giving this 5 stars, without a doubt.

I couldn’t put this book down! It is the second book in the Hollywood Heat series and can be read as a standalone.

This book follows true-crime novelist Evie, who is researching Hollywood’s most notorious deaths, and Rowan, a police detective with familial ties to some of those deaths.

I loved this book! There was some instalust between Evie and Rowan but I didn’t mind it in this case. I really liked both characters and felt drawn to both of them. I loved this story. The research into Hollywood deaths was fascinating to me, even if it was fictional. I also loved trying to figure out who was after Evie. I didn’t predict it, which really made me happy! I hate when romantic suspense is predictable.

This is a definite five star for me and I can’t wait to read the next one!

I enjoyed this book. Liked staying on edge, but felt the romance was a bit slow. Loved that I was surprised at who the killer was. Happy that they got their happy ever after.

It’s so hard to write a review for a romantic suspense when the entire book hinges on the suspense! But that’s just proof of how nicely everything is tied together. And good god, Leslie A. Kelly delivers a book that is packed with so much, you’ll be wishing you could go back and read all the other bits again. So I’m going to do what I can to tell you why you need to add this book to your TBR right away.

Evie is a writer of true crime. Having been a key witness in a murder trial during college, Evie’s life has never been the same. She took the witness stand and put the man behind bars. And since then she’s been digging into murders and serial killers and making a life for herself writing these books. Evie’s more or less famous for the books she’s publishing and now, she’s in LA trying to get one of her books made into a movie while also working on her next book about notorious crimes committed in the City of Angels. Evie doesn’t always have her head on a swivel, but she’s careful. And the last place she expects to get mugged is LA. And then she meets gorgeous and secretive Dectective Rowan Winchester.

Rowan wasn’t always a cop. As a child star and a member of a famous Hollywood family, Rowan and his two brothers lost their sister to suicide and then the man responsible for that suicide is killed and the crime is too close to home. So Rowan stepped away from everything and became a cop with the LAPD. He’s got enough and more skeletons in his closet that it’s bursting at the seams. But that doesn’t stop him from getting involved with Evie.

Thanks to him saving her and Evie trusting Rowan, they’re paired together while she’s working on her book. Rowan has to fight his attraction to Evie while they’re working and she’s doing the same. It’s a constant battle that they’re at, but eventually things start to slip. And their desire for each other overpowers everything else. But in the middle of all of this, there’s someone out there trying to hurt Evie and stop her from writing her book. Someone who has no love for her or her writing.

“Evie wasn’t exotic, orange, yellow, and red sunshine. She was quiet midnight, mysterious and alluring, from her coloring to her personality. After this afternoon, though, he also knew she was cool breezes and churning waves and hot skin on cold sand.”

The twists and turns, the bumps and slopes and everything in between just totally captivates you. I had an inkling of who the ‘killer’ might be when we met them, but I kept telling myself that I was wrong. Which is great, because it just goes to show how much work was put into this story. It’s dark and twisted and it’s gruesome and it’s hot and steamy and it’s so brilliant.

As a new romantic suspense reader, I am always afraid of what kind of books I’m going to come across in the genre, but every single time, I’m so impressed with what I find. And Leslie A. Kelly has truly introduced me to a whole new world of romantic suspense that I’m going to happily live in.

Thanks to Wildfire Marketing Solutions and Leslie A. Kelly for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book I have read by this author, and I was completely hooked! I truly enjoyed the suspense of this novel.
Rowan wants to leave his past in the past. After rescuing Evie from an attack on her life, he realizes he's not going to be able to do that. His family has secrets.
Evie gets justice for a beloved friend after she was killed by a serial killer. That sets her on a path, connecting dots she shouldn't be, unearthing another dangerous killer.
Rowan and Evie have amazing chemistry from the beginning, and this book was crazy engaging. Please check out this series!

Evie Sullivan has a knack for looking at crimes and finding missing information. After her friend was brutally killed and she was the key witness putting away her killer the last thing she wants to hear is this killer gets a new trial. In LA researching her new book and also a possible serial killer getting attacked was not in her plans nor was meeting sexy cop Rowan Winchester. Once Rowan found out she was a writer and what she was writing about he knew he need to make sure he kept his distance. Little he he know Evie has the answers his brothers have been looking for. Now to keep Evie safe from whoever was trying to hurt her and to avoid the chemistry between them. Yup that’s not gonna happen. Love these two together. So can’t wait for Raine’s book.

Full review to be published online in mid to late September.

NOWHERE TO HIDE by Leslie Kelley is Romantic Suspense at its best. Evie Fleming is in Los Angeles researching her latest true-crime book when she is attacked out of nowhere. Police officer Rowan Winchester happens to be in the right place at the right time to stop Evie’s attacker from mugging her or possibly worse. Rowan ends up being assigned as a bodyguard to keep Evie safe. He also wants to make sure she that while she is nosing around the most notorious deaths in Los Angeles, that she not include the ones that haunt his own family. While researching her latest book, Evie suspects that there’s a new dangerous killer prowling the city killing women. Now Evie and Rowan are working together to try to find this killer, while their attraction grows. When the killer focuses on Evie, she and Rowan realize they'll have to solve this case fast if they want to stay alive.

Rowan is a wonderful, warm guy who tries to lighten moments for Evie, whose job keeps her immersed in dark deeds and twisted crimes. I loved how Rowan was teasing Evie about her fear of snakes while they were visiting the site of some very dark and horrific murders. She got back at him teasing him about his fear of spiders. It was nice seeing they could be funny among the darkness. At the same time I loved how in tune these two were while questioning former and current police officers who were involved with the unsolved cases of the murdered women; victims of this unknown serial killer. Great RS, highly recommended read for fans of the genre.

Investigating cold cases for her next true crime book should be a safe endeavor, but Evie Fleming’s stay in Los Angeles is off to a dangerous start when she’s accosted in a dark alley by the infamous Cecil Hotel. Luckily, LAPD officer and former child star, Rowan Winchester is in the right place at the right time to save Evie from this brutal attack. He is drawn in against his will to assist with her research that hits too close to home with his family’s dark past when she looks into an unsolved murder of a man he once considered family.

Risking his life on the police force is a daily occurrence for Rowan, but as he helps Evie dig deeper into decades-old murder cases that appear to be connected, he also begins risking his heart on a chance at happiness with the calm and tenacious Evie. But soon his secrets, her past interactions with a serial killer, and her current hunches collide dangerously and they are challenged like never before.

VERDICT: Kelly continues the Winchester family mysteries in the series’ second entry with this fast-paced, steamy romance that true crime and mystery obsessed readers will love.

Review soon to be published in Library Journal.