I really enjoyed this book it was written well with an engaging narrative, a compelling storyline and well developed characters that were relatable and jumped off of the page. I loved the romance element but the thing I really liked was how suspenseful and mysterious this book was. It was twisty and unpredictable and kept me guessing right until the end. I loved it.

There are certain authors whose books I just have to read, and Melinda Leigh happens to be one of them. I've been patiently waiting for this latest addition to the Bree Taggart Series and it was worth the wait! It's one of those books you'll stay up late reading just because you need to know what is going to happen. Grab this book when it comes out. It can be read as a standalone, but I feel it would be more enjoyable if you have read the other books in the series first. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC.

Sheriff Bree Taggert has discovered two dead bodies, one was her former Deputy who was allowed to retire instead of being fired. Both have been murdered. As she investigates an embarrassing fake video is released, politics become involved and there is a tabloid reporter who is gunning for Bree. I started this book and didn’t want to put it down. There are some great characters in this book, we see Bree navigating the new situation of taking care of her orphaned niece and nephew while still trying to do her job. The suspense starts from the first page and there are all sorts of twists and turns along the way. This book is part of a series but could easily be read as a stand alone. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Bree finds herself in the spotlight again when she discovers two dead bodies at a routine welfare check, however there is nothing routine about it. The victim has made no qualms about his hatred for Bree which makes the scrutiny she will face all the more difficult. Her life has gone from peaceful to chaotic and deadly and this will be a case that will change everything for her. It's thrilling, action pact and I could not put it down! I want more Bree before I've even put this one down!

Sheriff Bree Taggert is back for book 5. Answering what should be a simple welfare check routine call-out, Bree comes across a grisly double homicide. Worst still, one of the victims is a former employee of the Sheriffs department, that Bree tried to get fired a few months ago.
Assisting with the murder investigation is consultant and boyfriend Matt Flynn. As they delve deeper into the victims backgrounds they uncover a number of different suspects, all of whom had reason to kill the pair. But digging around in the pasts of the victims brings a whole new type of trouble to Bree’s door. She suddenly becomes the target of a vicious online smear campaign. And when one of her deputies is kidnapped, it will take Bree and Matt on a crazy ride in order to find the officer before he is killed.
I’m a big fan of Melinda Leigh. I think I’ve read nearly all her books. And ‘Dead Against Her’ was a quintessential Melinda Leigh. Full of suspense and mystery, she knows how to write a good book that is entertaining and easy to read. I have to admit I didn’t like the online bullying subplot though. I found it awfully realistic, which says sometime about the world today.
Overall a great read, can’t wait for the next instalment in the series. 4 stars.

I am a huge fan of the Bree Taggert series and this latest book did not disappoint! Full of all of the things that make this series exciting to read, it is one of my favorites. I love the way that Bree Taggart is able to face the world as as a law enforcement officer and an aunt taking care of young children. There was a great mystery, action, and a little bit of romance! I look forward to the next one! Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was my first time reading a book by author Melinda Leigh. I really enjoyed it. I did not realize at the time this was the fifth in the series but I was able to follow along. In fact I am going to go back and read some of the previous book because I enjoyed so much.

Bree is the sheriff in a small town. She faces some opposition from some of the old school boys who used the badge in illegal ways. The book starts off from the killer point of view. Come to find out the killer murdered one of Bree's ex-deputy who and his mother. She brings in her boyfriend Matt who was a criminal investigator with the past sheriff but who retired and only works on a case by case basis. I loved Bree as a character as she is a strong female who takes her job seriously but also makes time for family. The case has many twist and turns and kept me on the edge of my seat. I read the book in one setting as I could not put it down.

Recommend for those who love Suspenseful thriller.

Received as an ARC for my honest review from Netgalley.

Dead Against Her by Melinda Leigh Another great edition to the Bree Series. Fast paced unique mysteries, engaging characters, nasty and surprising villains, full personality canines and of course Vader. Looking forward to see the development of the attraction between Cady and Todd.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

This was the first book I’ve read from Melinda Leigh. I quickly realized that this was part of a series. While reading the other books would be enlightening (and something I plan on doing), I did not feel lost reading this book.

The book jumped right in to action and captures your attention at the beginning. Bree is the sheriff and is called for a wellness check that turns out to be a double murder. Things start to unravel, as her family, career and relationship are threatened to keep her from finding the truth.

I enjoyed Melinda’s writing of Bree and her being a strong female lead. Bree is trying to find the balance of work and family; to solve the murders and be there for her family and do her best at both.

One thing I felt needed a little more, was her relationship with Matt. It almost seems like they could’ve just been co-workers. I kept wanting more emotion from Matt and Bree (especially when Bree was receiving threatening emails). I would think that Matt, having been in law enforcement, would’ve tried to do more to help her find the culprit.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and will go back to read the books before this. It was a relatively quick read that kept you turning the pages to find out what happens next!

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book and I was NOT disappointed! Like the other books in this series, there was a nice balance of suspense, sprinkled with a little bit of romance. I found this story to be fast-paced and action packed, making it hard to put down. There were also a couple of plot twists that caught me completely by surprise, which I enjoy as it means the book isn't predictable and keeps me reading to find out how it all turns out.

In my opinion, Melinda Leigh has done a fantastic job with the main character, Sheriff Bree Taggert. Bree is driven, focused, and dedicated to her job and her family (raising her niece and nephew after her sister was murdered). I like that she isn't political and just wants to do her job without having to deal with unnecessary bullsh!t.

While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning because all the books are great. And, if you have the time, read the Morgan Dane series, too (Morgan makes a few cameo appearances in this book which was a nice touch).

I have to admit that when I finished this book I had a brief moment of panic as I couldn't recall if this was the last book in the series. After some brief research, it appears that two more books are planned (phew) so now I will just need to patiently wait for the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing a copy for review.

Another gripping thriller starring Bree Taggert and her team, “Dead Against Her”, by Melinda Leigh (Montlake), is an absorbing read of suspense and romance.
This is a quick, easy read – I read it in on setting –, blending suspense and romance, with engaging, relatable characters.
It’s lovely to watch the interactions between Bree, Matt and their families and friends/colleagues. Bree manages to balance family and a demanding job but not without anguish.
I particularly liked Todd and Cady’s tentative romance. They’re both sweet, decent people and such interesting characters: Todd and the shyness and loneliness and Cady’s fears and reticence. I wish we’ll have more parts with this endearing couple in the next stories.
I also enjoyed the chance to meet again Morgan Dane, another Melinda Leigh’s heroine.

Sheriff Taggert has just discovered two dead bodies, one of which is a former deputy. She is in a rush to find out who committed this horrible crime, but things get complicated when she continues to get threats and someone starts a scandal. Can she put the pieces together in time?

Melinda Leigh’s books are a great mix of suspense, mystery, and heart. Every book gets better and more enjoyable. This is a must read for anyone who loves a good suspense story!

Bree has her work cut out for her in this book and it's going to take everyone on her side plus some to come out on top and solve the case.

When Oscar and his mom are found dead it's going to be a difficult task to prove who did it especially with the bad blood between them. When someone is trying to sabatoge her at the same time it may be a career ending case. This is full of twist and turns and will keep your interest from beginning to end.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dead Against Her is another incredible installment to the Bree Taggert series. Bree is called to a murder scene that is gut wrenching and on top of that she knows the victim but who would do this?
Bree and her investigator Matt Flynn have theirs hands full with this when Bree is targeted personally by someone who has created naked pictures and video of her. This is putting a lot of pressure on her as the public calls for her resignation.
The twists are coming hard and fast and you won't believe what's around the corner until it hits you in the face.

Do not miss this. If you haven't read any of the other Bree Taggert stores I would recommend that you do so, however it isn't necessary to enjoy this one.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Montlake

Thanks once again to Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this Arc.
Sheriff Bree Taggert is on a well person check when she stumbles onto the scene of two murder victims, one of those being someone she knows.
As the case unravels it becomes evident that someone is out to get Bree removed as Sheriff.
I flew through this book in a day, a great read. It helps to have read the previous books to understand the backstory and Bree’s relationship with the murder victim. Can’t wait for the next Bree story.

An adrenaline-pumping, cop procedural that I devoured over a four-hour flight journey.

When doing a well-being check on an elderly widow in her county, Sheriff Bree Taggert comes across a double homicide - the widow, Camilla Brown and her son Eugene Oscar - a corrupt deputy whom Bree had forced to resign from her department just a few months ago. As Bree and her team of deputies, along with criminal investigator, Matt Flynn race to solve the murder, she is also faced with a personal crisis. Someone has it out for Bree, sending her crude messages and threats, and trying to oust her from her position. Bree realizes that she can no longer ignore the threats when she becomes a suspect in Eugene's murder.

There was a lot going on in the story - Eugene's murder investigation, Matt and his dogs, Todd and Cady's potential romance, Bree's dynamics with her neice and nephew, the smear campaign against Bree, the missing case of chief deputy Todd Harvey, etc - but there was nary a dull moment throughout. Even though I had my doubts as I hopped from chapter to chapter, the author masterfully tied all these links together in a heart-pounding finale.

While this was your regular procedural drama, what stood out for me in this book were: 1) the dog rescue and training program by Matt and his sister Cady, and 2) the insight given into deepfakes and revenge porn - a heinous, malicious way to demoralise and humiliate women. And that final chase scene was simply too good.

Overall, a fast-paced, compelling read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The beginning of the book grips you as you see the world navigated by the killer and the book never looses that grip on you right until the very end. A page turning delight.

When Sheriff Bree Taggert is called to an isolated far to check on an elderly widow.sge instead stumbles upon the scene of a double homicide. One of which is the dead body of her former corrupt deputy Eugene Oscar. Who Bree recently uncovered his corrupt ways and forced out of the police department.

It is up to Bree and Matt to uncover what exactly has gone on in the isolated farm. But as they dig deeper into the troubling history of their form deputy Bree becomes the target of a sick and devious campaign which is set out to destroy not only her, but her reputation, her career, her family , her friends, her relationship with Matt and points Bree at being the prime suspect in the killings.

When Matt goes missing during the investigation Bree knows that she must be onto something and refusing to back down she is determined to find the true killer not only for herself but to save Matt's life.

A very well written book, that will grip you instantly and have you trying to piece all the puzzle pieces together as you try to uncover what has really gone on.

*Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.*

This story begins in a shocking way: from the killer's point of view. We witness the crime around which it´s going to revolve the plot, and the author does it in such a way that she hooks you with amazing ease.
An outstanding beginning.

From this point on, we meet again with Bree, Matt and a whole cast of (by now) old acquaintances. I was really looking forward to seeing them again.

As always, Ms. Leigh writes suspense like no other. Despite the facts that (to me) there were too many “active fronts”, and that (as usual with this author) the family drama is always plenty present, I have not been able to stop reading with a certain eagerness. I needed, “needed” to know how it all was going to end. There had come a time when I almost forgot that a crime was being investigated. I was hooked on everything going on around it. That's how good this author is.

The romance, at this point, is more a travel companion than a protagonist. The relationship is fully established now and the author lets us glimpse another romance.

Perhaps the only downside is that the ending did not feel enough… categorical. I wanted to see Bree putting some characters “in their place”, but of course, that would go against the very essence of this heroine…

I have said it before and I´ll say it again: It doesn't make sense to start reading this series for this installment. They are so good and entertaining. Better start at the beginning.

***

Esta historia comienza por todo lo alto: desde el punto de vista del asesino. La autora nos hace testigos del crimen sobre el que va a girar toda la trama y lo hace de tal manera que te engancha con una facilidad pasmosa.
Un comienzo de 10.

A partir de ahí, volvemos a reencontrarnos con Bree, Matt y todo un elenco de ya viejos conocidos. Estaba deseando de volver a verlos, la verdad.

Como siempre, Ms. Leigh escribe el suspense como nadie. A pesar de que me ha parecido que había muchos frentes abiertos, y a pesar de que (como ya es habitual con esta autora) el drama familiar está siempre presente, no he podido dejar de leer con cierta ansia. Necesitaba, “necesitaba” saber cómo iba a acabar todo. Ha llegado un momento en el que casi olvidé que se estaba investigando un crimen. Estaba enganchada a todo lo que lo rodeaba. Así de buena es esta autora.

El romance ya a estas alturas es más un compañero de viaje que un protagonista. La relación está completamente asentada y la autora nos deja entrever otras relaciones.

Quizás la única pega es que el final me ha parecido poco tajante. Yo quería ver a Bree “poner en su sitio” a algunos de los personajes, pero claro, eso iría en contra de la propia esencia de la protagonista…

Lo he dicho con anterioridad y lo vuelvo a decir: No tiene sentido comenzar a leer esta serie por esta entrega. Es muy buena y muy entretenida. Mejor empezar por el principio.

Another fantastic addition in the Bree Taggert series. Bree and Matt face a lot of challenges as they investigate a double murder that includes a previous deputy. With the struggles of being a mom to her niece and nephew Bree struggles to find balance. When a deputy goes missing Bree and Matt will do anything to find him. Will they solve the murder? Will they find her deputy?

Really enjoy this series! Thank you netgalley for complimentary copy!
Highly recommended

Someone is out to get Sheriff Bree Taggert.and they won’t stop until they destroy her. It all starts with a double homicide and everyone knows that the ex deputy that was killed had a axe to grind with Bree. But who wanted him dead and why kill the old lady? There are some suspects that all seem to be hiding something but the focus is been taken away from the case as someone is out there sending fake videos that paint Bree in a bad light. Maybe it is time to walk away from the job as it is taking time away from the family & she is tired of hiding her relationship with Matt.
The race is on as one of her deputies has gone missing and it points to a group that will kill him if they don’t find him soon. Will Bree be able to solve the case & save her deputy? A good read. I love that Bree is a strong woman that cares deeply for the ones that are closet to her. She never gives up. Good to see her & Matt’s relationship progressing. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.