Another new book from Karen Rose? Yes, please, and thank you!

I know to expect an epic story from Ms. Rose, but I defenitely wasn't expecting all of what I received in this one!

Between the road trip, the criminals, the budding sexual tension with the main characters, the fun side characters, the mystery, the family connections... This book had so much going on, there was never a dull moment!

I "breezed" through this book (as much one can breeze through a book this size). I found myself sneaking in reading every opportunity I could get. I couldn't get enough of the suspense, curious when the next turn would come.

I don't really know what else to say about this book. It's a wild ride. And everyone needs to hold on tight and dive in!

Quarter to Midnight by Karen Rose is a romantic suspense novel set in present-day New Orleans. Gabe, chef and restauranteur who became famous through a reality show, does not believe his father committed suicide and goes to his father's former partner in hopes of uncovering the truth. Burke, who owns a private investigations firm, feels he's too close to be objective and puts his best detective on the case. Gabe isn't too happy, but that might be more because he won't be able to deny his feelings for Molly if they are working together.

I don't read too much romantic suspense. I love a good suspense novel and I don't mind that characters develop feelings for each other during the incredibly tense and dangerous plot. It's that I don't want to read about them having sex. Karen Rose is one author I make the exception for as I love her characters and her plots grab me and don't let go. But I do skip over the pages when the characters have sex.

I've read several of Rose's romantic suspense novels and they never fail to draw me in. Typically I would shy away from a 600+ page tome but the story reads so fast that I don't realize I'm reading so many pages. Because it does read quickly, you appreciate the length of the book because it isn't over in just a few hours. You can consume great big chunks at a time but still have much more to go which makes it an even more satisfying read. And reading big chunks at a time is exactly what I did over the weekend. It started Friday night when I didn't put it down until 2 am, but I still had plenty to read and enjoy over the rest of the weekend.

There are two somewhat detailed sex scenes so if you are looking for a clean or chaste read, this isn't it. I enjoy the characters and plots so much that I don't overly mind having to skim through the scenes. In the print book they probably are only a page or two long but on my Kindle I had to swipe several times to get past them. I did glance at the scenes since I am writing a review of the book so that I can also tell readers that they aren't overly explicit. I would say the scenes are of the medium heat variety.

Rose isn't one of those authors that turns out a new book every three or four months (at the length of these books that would be impossible) but that's a good thing. It gives the reader a chance to distance themselves from the previous books. I think if I read her books rapidly one after the other I would grow bored as her characters are on the cookie-cutter side and the plot is a bit formulaic. Yet, it is a formula that works as I love her characters just as much as I love the plot.

If you are looking for a suspense novel that will have you on the edge of your seat, then this is a must read book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Wednesday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2022/08/quarter-to-midnight-by-karen-rose-review.html

I really enjoyed Quarter to Midnight. The storytelling was vivid and detailed and there was never a time I wanted to put it down. I loved the different POVs, which helped to create a great build as everything was pieced together, motivations were learned, feelings came into play for Molly and Gabe, and things started to unravel for the bad guy as all the dots connected.

There's a sweet romance happening between Gabe and Molly and I liked their attraction and the bit of heat it created. I liked how they were there for one another in the middle of an intense situation and the bond they formed. I liked learning their personal histories, some of which were incredibly painful and heartbreaking. It balanced well with the story but I thought it was a pretty low-key romance overall.

The mystery and suspense happening was fantastic, I loved the attention to detail and depth. There was a good amount of drama and action with some violent scenes that weren't for the faint of heart. I loved the flow and smoothness of it all as it transitioned between the different voices. The reader knows a lot more than the characters do for some time, which made it exciting as they figured everything out.

There was an awesome group of characters involved that I really liked. In the middle of the intensity, this ragtag crew brought a little levity and fun to the story right when it was needed. There are smaller stories mentioned and I liked that they got some healing and closure as well.

This was 600+ pages and there were times it did feel drawn-out but, in the end, it was the entertainment value and build that kept me turning the page and totally invested.

<b>DNF 37%.</b>

I tried. I honestly tried. But this...this is NOT the Karen Rose I love reading. 37% in felt like I should have been so much further in the book than I was. Lord, even that much took FOREVER to get through. Upon realizing I still had another 65% to go, I had to bail. There was no chemistry between the characters and even the mystery was pretty much solved during this 37%. At least for me it felt that way.

I think this is one series by Karen I'll be skipping. *sigh* This really sucks as she's an automatic go to and this was a highly anticipated read.

Sorry Molly & Gabe, but I'm outtie.

***4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account***

"...what he means is, someone in law enforcement might be complicit, or responsible."

"...he changed the kiss, covering her body with his own, going from sweet to full on sex in a heartbeat...(saying)...I want to touch you all over. I want to learn what you like. I want to taste you. I want to be inside you, and I want to hear you moan for me."

The above two quotes perfectly explain the sexy suspenseful mystery romance Quarter To Midnight by intricately creative mystery romance author Karen Rose.

This very detailed (over 600 pages) novel is the first in a new series about a tough, loyal, and clever group of private investigators. The story begins with the death of a major character and is the catalyst for unraveling the corruption, lies and secrets that have been destroying lives throughout New Orleans.

When Rocky's death is ruled a suicide his famous son Chef Gabe Hebert seeks out help from his father's old partner, Burke, on the police force, now owner of a premiere P.I. firm. Burke hands off the case to his best P.I., former military, martial trained Molly.

Molly and Gabe are acquaintances. She frequents his restaurant and has admired his, "... square jaw, sexy grin and dark red hair." Gabe has noticed her, "...golden blond (hair) with a face like Grace Kelly and a body like Marilyn Monroe."

Despite their chemistry and close proximity they both soon realize that Rocky's death has far reaching consequences and many people who will kill to keep them from getting to the truth.

I was fully immersed in this intense twisty detailed story and completely invested in Molly and Gabe's relationship. There are a lot of characters but the writer has a knack for making the important ones stand out. Quarter To Midnight is a perfect balance of romance and suspense anytime.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Karen Rose is a new-to-me author, and after reading this book, I’m left wondering what rock I’ve been living under. I’m a romantic suspense junkie, and this story was right up my alley. It’s fast-paced and intriguing, with an intricate plot that kept me guessing far into it. Primary and secondary characters are well developed, and I simply loved Molly and Gabe and loved them together. Molly is a compassionate yet strong female protagonist, and Gabe is equally strong but not afraid to allow emotions to bubble to the surface. And their merry band of gypsies, so to speak, are both hilarious and fierce in their pursuit of answers and justice. Set in and around New Orleans, this tale of post-Katrina survivors and the city it devoured was entertaining, thought-provoking, page-turning, and spine-tingling goodness. Now excuse me while I check out Karen Rose’s backlist as I simultaneously look forward to her next book!

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4.5 stars)

Gabe Hebert, chef turned private investigator, works alongside an actual PI, Molly Sutton, to find his father’s killer. He’s able to work with Molly because he initially went to his father’s best friend Burke. It was Burke who assigned Molly to this case.The police ruled the death as a suicide, but Gabe is certain that it was murder, and he wants answers.

Molly is a strong woman. Former Marine, she handles the most dangerous situations with flair, all while drawing closer to Gabe. As you read this exciting book, it’s hard to imagine that it only takes place in the course of one week! That ratchets the danger level even higher, especially considering what the characters experience in the course of that week.

Gabe’s dad was a cop for years, and the job was not easy. In fact, this made Gabe certain that this was not the career he wanted. So, he became a chef. Despite his primary talent taking place in the kitchen, he does an amazing job working with Molly while trying to pursue his father‘s killer.

While Gabe and Molly are working feverishly to find the killer, said killer is leaving bodies left and right. This book is dark, harrowing, and truly intense. It is Karen Rose at her best. With more than one point of view, this book never loses a beat when it comes to pacing.

How exciting that Quarter to Midnight is the first book in a new series by the brilliant Karen Rose! Danger, suspense and romance, blended with intensity and danger, made this book a compelling page-turner. The series is set in New Orleans, and it is truly an atmospheric book as the good guys and the bad guys fight their way to the finish.

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

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/S386EbxecVk

Corruption knows no bounds.

In this new novel by Karen Rose, she drags us into the seedy underbelly of New Orleans and the corruption that reigns through multiple entities, and you never know who you can trust and still stay alive. The action doesn't stop in this book, and while the time frame that it covers for a majority of the book is only a few days (a week at the most), I was worn out by the time all was said and done. My emotions were pushed and pulled in every direction, and I was dragged into this story kicking and screaming. Ok, not really, but the intensity is not for the faint of heart.

While we know the players that are wreaking havoc, we don't really know who everyone is since some have nicknames. But you have to know that the corruption runs deep and high up the food chain of the police department and politicians. Gabe hires Burke Broussard's PI firm to find out what happened to his father when an independent autopsy reveals foul play. This brings Molly Sutton into his orbit, and it is instant chemistry. Granted, they know of each other from his restaurant, but this is the first time they are properly introduced. From here on, it is a battle to keep their feelings low-key until this situation is sorted out. That doesn't last too long, and there are some romantic interludes between the two, with other characters smirking throughout at their behavior. Despite Gabe's career as a chef, he can hold his own when it comes to helping track down the culprits and discovering the truth.

There are so many characters you might need a playbook to follow along. However, it won't take long to get into the book's rhythm and keep track of everyone involved. At least, I could remember almost everyone and whether they were good or bad. 

Outside of the action, there is levity, humor, romance, and suspense. As clues were unearthed, I started putting the pieces together but never would have guessed some of the answers that were revealed in the end. I missed a big clue regarding Lamont, but it isn't surprising when I look back at how certain things are handled or portrayed. I was shocked at what some of the characters were capable of doing, but I really shouldn't be, considering how crazy this world is these days.

I don't know if this will be a series, but I wouldn't mind taking a trip back to New Orleans with these characters. I would like to learn more about Val, a minor character because she sounds fascinating.

We give this book 4 paws up. It is a long book at a little over 600 pages, but I can't think of much that could have been cut to trim down the length. Every scene was needed to move the story forward.

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2022/08/02/quarter-to-midnight-by-karen-rose/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

4.5 hearts

<blockquote>I love the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/194054-romantic-suspense" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Romantic Suspense</strong></em></a> series. I've read them all. I started the series with the first Cincinnati book, with Faith and Deacon.  It was actually #16 overall. Then I went back and read the previous 15 books. I would not jump into this in the middle of the series. One could start at the beginning of a city since those stories connect well, and they seem to be labelled on Goodreads.</blockquote>
The <em><strong>Romantic Suspense</strong></em> books are long, about double the size of a normal book but the author uses every word to our pleasure.   Her development of a world and its characters is masterful.   <strong>Quarter to Midnight</strong> is the first in a new city - New Orleans.   So it is only the beginning of this story arc.

In New Orleans, our core group,  is a private detective agency filled with former law enforcement officers, so  also well-connected to many law enforcement officers.  They know there is corruption in the department and some of them have been subject to discrimination because they were honest.  Honest cops are a threat to those on the take.

The case here is a former cop's death being covered up as a suicide when it is not.  The cop was investigating a cold case murder and interestingly everyone around that cold case keeps dying.  His son, Gabe hires the PI firm to find out what happened to his father. Burke, the head of the PI firm, was his father's old partner.  It becomes a master class in security and witness protection as the criminals try to kill everyone who might know anything including the PIs and their families.

I love how realistic the characters are.  They are not perfect but they have authentic feelings and work so hard, but they have some flaws which sometimes gets them hurt.  Luckily, the bad guys are also realistic and don't make perfect choices either, which helps to get them caught.  The course of the investigation is brutal with its life and death consequences and suspenseful because true to life, not everyone makes it out alive.  Overall, the strategies are smart and the operatives are competent.

This grim, fast-paced evil is balanced by the compassion and relationships between the "good guys" and their families. I love the pieces of black, white, gray in a flow of the events over the course of the investigation.  There is also the romance here between the son, Gabe, who is a restauranteur and pastry chef, and Molly, the main PI assigned to his case and protection.  He goes from being suspicious of her and her abilities to respecting and loving her.

Another city, another team of investigators, and of course another gritty, suspenseful plot to tighten in the reader’s gut and consume the thoughts until well past the final page. I’ve only been following along with Karen Rose’s Romantic Suspense series since Cincinnati and have made a start on the older series, but that first book I read made me a fan of her thrilling writing.

Quarter to Midnight begins a new leg in the series and a good place for new readers to start. There are appearances of familiar faces from past series, but doesn’t affect the plot of this new book.

An older, retired New Orleans cop knows his days are numbered because the wrong people know he has been poking into what they need to keep hidden. His convictions are deep that they need to be stopped, but never gets the chance to finish what he started before his pursuers got to him.

A career as a chef and determined to stay out of policing doesn’t mean Gabe is ignorant enough to accept the cause of his dad’s death as suicide. Gabe Hebert wants the truth especially since the independent autopsy shows the investigators blatantly ignored and even suppressed the medical evidence. He goes to his dad’s old cop turned private investigator friend and Broussard assigns his best, former Marine, Molly Sutton, to the case.

Molly and Gabe share the sparks between them as they work the case. They soon learn they are up against some powerful, ruthless people who have a great bit of the NOPD in their pocket. And the body count mounts as the witnesses and potential problems are eliminated with Molly and Gabe on the to-do list along with a key person from the past, Xavier Morrow. They need to beat the clock and a dark agenda if they are to save others and stay alive.

I’ve learned to never get antsy when I see the huge page count of Karen Rose’s books. I no sooner settle in at page one and it is not unusual that I don’t come up for air until a large portion of the book is gone. And, then I’m distracted until I can return to the book. Forget everything else once I hit that point near the end when the suspense explodes and I can’t leave off until there is a wrap up.

The book pace clips along and swaps narrators each chapter or more often, but the development is strong and I never feel the story rushing by.

Quarter to Midnight was no exception. I enjoyed the change in setting to New Orleans and the situation of the dirty members of the justice system from cops on up that shifted the investigation team to the private sector. Never fear, there are still good people working in the justice system and a larger team emerges, some from past books and other new quirky civilian characters particularly Broussard’s capable investigation team and his network in the city, to go after the corruption even if it puts them on the hit list. I liked seeing how modern private investigators work their jobs and seeing tough, competent Molly in action.

Quarter to Midnight is also a change-up with Gabe being a talented chef and restaurant co-owner with the looks that rival his food for causing people to drool. His lead role is different from the law enforcement types and yet he can’t be discounted as a team member. The romance comes on early and quickly, but the pacing of the book makes it work. I like how both are smart about it and relatively smart in their investigating.

There are more than a few secondary storylines particularly that of Xavier Morrow that trail around and through Gabe and Molly’s plot and eventually all tie in. Xavier was a young murder witness who was rescued by Gabe’s dad and what he saw puts him in a killer’s crosshairs to keep him from getting to Gabe and telling what he knows.

As in previous books, the reader is privy to the villain’s and cronies thoughts and some actions. One would think this would ruin the tension of the suspense element, but in reality it adds to it. The person is right in the middle of it all and seemed to be getting their way. I hated the gruesome body count and wanted justice to catch up with all who were involved.

The book introduced a huge cast and I teased out a few I can see getting the next books in this new portion of the series. I was mentally and emotionally exhausted after this all in a good way. There is more to be had from New Orleans and I look forward to getting back to it with the next installment. If you like your murder mysteries more police procedural laced with a gritty criminal underbelly and shining with true heroes on the side of justice, give this latest book or any of the past city sub-series a go.

This scintillating jump into a world of corruption and greed will have you hooked right off the bat! A brand new series from Karen Rose is always intriguing and this kickoff does not disappoint. In a different style of evil than the serial killers and cults that we're used to with Rose, we embark on layers of corruption that keep building throughout and delivering an addictive story line that will keep you coming back for more. I'm looking forward to more in the series!

Molly Sutton is dedicated and trustworthy and I enjoyed getting her back story and seeing her reconnect with a familiar face to Rose fans. She's easy to like.

Gabe Hebert is a sincere guy and I felt for him from the start. He wants answers and is willing to question whatever he has to in order to get them. He knows the man he admired and won't settle for anything diminishing that.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a high level of intrigue with a scandal interwoven and an addictive romance brewing along the way.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars

Karen Rose is back with a new series set in New Orleans. This one follows Molly, who has moved to New Orleans to work with her former CO at his private investigative service for those who couldn’t find justice elsewhere. When she is assigned to a case involving a suspicious suicide, she meets the victim’s son, Gabe. Gabe is successful chef who believes his dad’s case has been botched by dirty cops. The two work together to figure out the truth.

Karen Rose always writes entertaining, steamy mysteries with plenty of twists and memorable characters. This one is no different. It is dark and gritty and immediately pulls you into the world. The pacing is excellent and I was trying to guess the ending the whole time (and was wrong). I cannot wait to read more about this world.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Quarter to Midnight is the first book in the New Orleans series by Karen Rose. This suspenseful crime thriller with a hint of romance will pull you in from the beginning and hold your attention until the shocking end—an intriguing story with loads of characters to keep track of and plenty of twists and turns. I was so absorbed in this book it sucked me into the mystery surrounding the crime.

Thank you to Penguin/Random House Publishers and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Wow! I feel as if I have been running for my life as I lived inside this book for the past two days. I need a break! Molly Sutton served in the Marines and was a law enforcement officer in North Carolina before a terrible situation caused her to leave her job and North Carolina behind to move to New Orleans with her sister and niece. Her former CO, Burke Broussard, has an elite private investigative service business, and he hires her to work with him. This is not your average private investigative service. This is high dollar and highly trained operatives that work for him. Rocky Herbert worked for the New Orleans Police Department for a long time, and when his death is ruled a suicide, his son, Gabe Hebert, a famous New Orleans chef does not believe it. He hires Burke's firm, and Burked assigns Molly as is his protector. She is resistant at first, but the sparks starting flying between them soon. From that point forward it is "game on" . It is obvious there is deception and deep corruption in the bowels of New Orleans, and they do not know who they can trust. This storyline and plot were perfectly drawn out so you can see the back story of what Rocky was investigating and who he was protecting. It is full of an unforgettable cast of characters who literally come alive off of the page. These characters had steel will and drive to find the truth without fear. Gabe has "inherited" his dad's dog, Shoe, and you will fall in love with him if you are a dog lover! The deeper I fell into the book, the relentless tension had my nerves in a jumble. I wanted to help them run and find the wolves in sheep's clothing. There was action in every chapter and suspense that will leave you wanting more as you turn the pages late into the night! I wish I could give this one more than FIVE stars! If you like taut mysteries and do not mind a little bloodshed, this book will pull you deep into it!

I love knowing without a doubt when I open a Karen Rose book, I'm in for an intense, highly atmospheric reading experience with complex interwoven plot lines and a full cast of well developed, dimensional characters. I know I need to be one hundred percent present without distractions, giving my full attention to the story or risk missing some of the essential minute details and clues woven in that are classic Karen Rose. I know I'm about to be highly entertained with a story that is all-consuming, volatile and most likely graphic. I'm happy to say that Quarter To Midnight holds true to pattern, proving to be another gripping read by this talented author.

Quarter To Midnight is the first in a new series by Author Karen Rose. Set in New Orleans, it takes advantage of both the colorful, flamboyant setting of the city and the dark, deadly swampland surrounding it which Rose extensively draws from to set pace and tone, driving the story forward with undertones of impending doom. As the story opens, retired police officer Rocky Herbert is found dead from a gunshot wound that is assumed to be self-inflicted. However, his famous son Chef Gabe Herbert suspects foul play and turns to his father's friend ex-police officer turned Private Investigator Burke Broussard for help. Burke knows firsthand that the police department is a cesspool of corruption, especially among the brass, as are the political and judicial arena's in NOLA so he keeps the investigation under the radar, soliciting only those he trusts with his life to help. Burke assigns his best investigator ex-marine Molly Sutton to the case without first catching the electric undercurrent of attraction flowing between Molly and Gabe. No problem - Molly would never cross that line with a client . . . would she?

As Molly digs deeper, she uncovers information about an old case that Rocky had been ordered to let go but continued working after his retirement that involved a five year old boy called Xavier who saw a woman murdered in the middle of the flooding from Hurricane Katrina. All these years later, someone is searching for Xavier - desperate to silence him to keep their connection to the murdered woman from seeing the light of day. As the story progresses, bodies begin piling up, dirty secrets come oozing out and the story line becomes quite convoluted with suspects and motives. One thing's crystal clear . . . someone in high places is willing to kill to keep his/her dark secret.

Quarter To Midnight is an intense story of greed, corruption and abuse of power, but also a story of love, perseverance and justice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. The intensity of the story line is sporadically broken up with short bursts of comic relief provided by the crazy sidekick of one of the main characters as well as by a feisty old woman who delivers hilarious one liners, causing people to dismiss this wise lawyer from way back as frivolous. This is a grave mistake on their part. Rose's unique blend of romance, suspense and laugh out loud moments goes down as smooth as a cold glass of sweet iced tea on a hot New Orleans day. Molly and Gabe's chemistry serves to satiate those readers looking for the "romance" in romance suspense, and those looking for an intricate crime plot line that will keep them guessing until the end will also feel gratified.

Author Karen Rose is known for her long intricate stories and at over six hundred pages, Quarter To Midnight holds true to form. And yet, once I got sucked into the story, I burned through pages searching for answers and reached The End before I realized how much time had passed. Rose demands readers' attention with her meticulous writing style and precise attention to the smallest of seemingly unimportant details which often hold the key to solving the mystery. I'm happy to say Rose's New Orleans Series is off and running full speed, and I can't wait for more. Highly recommend to fans of romance suspense and mysteries!

Karen Rose takes her heart-pounding, suspense filled stories to New Orleans in Quarter to Midnight, the first installment from her new series. We're introduced to new characters and taken on a crazy adventure that had me second guessing everything I thought I knew. From page one the story went in multiple directions between a large group of characters but it was never too much and the story flowed very easily between the different settings.

The mystery spanned decades and had me going back and forth between what I thought I knew from the past and what was currently happening which was really fun. I loved the way the story was woven between these different events and had me trying to connect the dots along with the investigators.

And of course there was the romance between Molly and Gabe that was a very fun way to break up some of the heavier and more suspenseful storylines. I loved getting to know them and seeing them together. Overall, I can't wait to see all of these characters again and find out what else Ms. Rose will have in store for New Orleans.

Rose does not disappoint. Rarely does a title start from a man's point of view, but I enjoyed this one very much. What a great read and it certainly kept me on my toes! My suspense/thriller readers will love it.

Molly Sutton, former marine and now private investigator, lives in New Orleans working for her former CO, Burke Broussard. Corruption seems rampant in the NOPD so Molly’s friend and boss left to aid people who have been denied justice, or need a specialized kind of help. Molly came to the Big Easy after a family tragedy along with her sister and niece.

Molly is quite surprised to find celebrity chef, Gabe Herbert, requesting the agency’s help after his father passes. Gabe’s father, Rocky, was a former policeman who left the force because of the men in upper command being on the take. His father’s death ruled a suicide, Gabe finds reasons to believe what happened is something very different and so is on a mission to prove a crime was committed. Molly had been admiring Gabe from afar in his renown restaurant so working with him against her better judgement proves challenging to keep things purely professional. Gabe questions Molly skills and abilities initially. As they spend time together, Gabe comes to understand she has what it takes to do the job.

This book has a huge scope of characters, plots, and what seems to me an inordinate number of dead bodies, some past and others present with numbers bordering on the absurd. There are several points of view including those of the bad guys so that the story feels rather disjointed at times. With so many different characters’ POVs in the mix, Molly and Gabe’s relationship seems rushed without much time to develop. Most of the characters, except of course the evil ones, are all likeable; however, there is just too much going on to make this an enjoyable story for me.

When Celebrity Chef Gabe Hebert needs someone to investigate the suspicious death of his retired police officer father, he turns to his father's friend Burke Broussard who is a private investigator. Burke assigns one of his best agents, Molly Sutton, who is a former Marine.

Molly knows Gabe. She's dined in his restaurant on many special occasions and been attracted to him. The case gets complicated fast. First, they have to find a young man for whom Gabe's father Rocky has set up a trust fund. Gabe fears that his father had been unfaithful to his mother who died of cancer, but soon learns that the young man was someone his father rescued as a five-year-old from a rooftop during Hurricane Kristina. Xavier had seen a murder, but when Rocky is able to go back and check it out the body is gone.

Rocky has investigated the case often over the years despite being discouraged by his superiors. Now that he is dying of cancer, he is making one last push to solve the long-ago crime. Then he dies of a supposed suicide, but Gabe commissions his own autopsy when the department wants to accept the verdict as suicide. Rocky wasn't a suicide!

But someone named Lamont wants to finally clean up all the loose ends remaining from his murder of his mistress during Kristina and Xavier and Gabriel on high on his list of loose ends. As the deaths pile up, at one they count fifteen victims, Gabe and Molly and the rest of Broussard's team have to quickly track down witnesses who can help solve the crime. They are in a race with Lamont and his confederates who are killing them before Gabe and Molly can find them.

This was an entertaining, but very long, romantic suspense title. I enjoyed the romance between Gabe and Molly. I also enjoyed trying to figure out who Lamont was as the heroes try to figure out who the villains are.

Fans of intricate romantic suspense titles will enjoy this story.

i got this book as an arc and it turns out it really wasn't just for me. nothing against the book itslef, it was well-written and interesting just this type of thriller/suspense is not so much my speed. it was kind of an interesting perspective on the usual law enforcement vs working outside the law debate but not enough of the plot to really keep me interested sorry!