Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Hunting a Hometown Killer by Shelly Bell in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't sure going into this book what I would think, but I really enjoyed it. Once I got into the book I couldn't stop. I loved the love story behind the murder mystery. It was a sweet and thrilling book.

Julia is being stalked and harassed and no one seems to be taking it seriously imagine her surprise when she realizes the music the killer tattoos on his victims seems to be her work. Rhy is a FBI special agent who is on the case defined the composer killer that's leaving the music tattoos on his victims when he stumbles upon Julia. After a bit it seems someone is clearly out to get her and Rhy will do everything he can to catch the killer and protect Julia.

There was just so much in this book to enjoy. As always I love getting to know the characters and their backstories to what led to where they currently are which also made it easier to understand why they made certain choices throughout the book. There was attraction still simmering between the two but I'm glad that nothing became of it really in this book this was a clean book which I appreciate. Clearly the two cared about each other but I was kind enough curious when they would get together. Then there was a whole killer thing and what was his interest in Julia. I was curious someone he would try to strike on her and how it would play out. Overall this was just a really fun mystery suspense novel and I really enjoyed reading it.

This is a Romantic Suspense/Mystery, and this is the first book in the Shield of Honor series. The mystery in this book kept me guessing, and I love how it was written. The romance is a second chance romance, and I loved getting to how the characters backstory. I also enjoyed seeing the characters connection, and the fact they pulled against the connection they have for each other. This book had me not wanting to stop reading this book, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Intrigue) or author (Shelly Bell) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Harlequin Intrigue books get me every time! And this one was no different. But I will say this is the first book I've read by Shelly Bell and I was beyond impressed. It was just so freaking good! I'm a hardcore Harlequin fan and pretty much read every Intrigue and Romantic Suspense novel they put out each and every month and have been since I was about twelve. And I have a habit of going back and reading the ones that were published before I got into them as well. So I have a lot of favorites and reading all of them has definitely helped me to create a list of authors that I keep an eye out for. And after this, Shelly Bell is absolutely going on that list!

Julia and Rhys were smoking hot together and the chemistry between them easily came through every word on every page. And while that was more than enough to keep me hooked, there was also enough action to have me flipping the pages faster and faster. Getting to the end was inevitable, as it always is, but it was certainly worth it with this one. And as a bonus, it's only the first one in a new series. So you know I'll be eagerly awaiting the next one! I know that sometimes multiple authors get in on one series when it comes to Harlequin, so I'll also be sure to be on the lookout for anything else by Shelly Bell because she has made a fan in me!

Hunting a Hometown Killer by Shelly Bell is a romantic suspense book and the first book in a new series. I really enjoyed this book and it kept me guessing for the majority of the book. I loved the chemisty between Rhys and Julia, a good second chance romance. I would recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Harlequin and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Terrific mix of second chance romance and suspense. Rhys is an FBI agent assigned to find a serial killer plaguing his hometown. The biggest clue is the music tattooed on the back of each victim. A break in the case comes when the town prodigy recognizes it as a piece she wrote. Now Rhys needs Julia's help to catch the killer.

Rhys and Julia have a history together. They were in love as teenagers, making plans for their future, when Rhys suddenly broke up with her. Brokenhearted, Julia left for Europe and hasn't returned for twelve years. Tired of the stress of constant performances, she plans to rest, relax, and spend time writing music and playing with the local symphony. The last thing she wants is to risk her heart by getting involved with Rhys again, but she can't say no to helping stop the killer.

Matters become complicated very quickly when Julia is attacked. Determined to keep her safe, Rhys moves into Julia's house to stay close to her. It is immediately apparent that the sparks between them have never died. Rhys refuses to contemplate renewing his relationship with Julia, as his reasons for the breakup haven't changed. I ached for Rhys and the events that had such a devastating effect on him and his family. Julia also prefers to protect her heart from being broken again. Rhys and his family were the only people she felt loved by until that brutal rejection by Rhys. I hurt for Julia and her lonely childhood and how that extended into her adult life. Her music is the only thing that gives her joy.

I liked watching the rekindling of their romance. No matter how they try, there is no denying that they still care for each other. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to maintain a "friends-only" distance. I loved seeing Julia welcomed back into the circle of Rhys's family and how his brothers and father tried to make him see that they belonged together. Julia can tell that Rhys is hiding something from her that keeps him from giving in to their growing feelings. It takes nearly losing her to the killer for Rhys to realize the truth behind his fears and overcome them. I loved the ending and seeing them looking toward their future together.

The suspense of this story was outstanding. I was sucked into the story immediately by the unusual actions of the killer. Once Julia came on the scene, the action and suspense built quickly. Besides the serial killer and his apparent link to Julia, there was also a stalking mystery to be solved. It was interesting that Julia had received threatening letters as a teen and started up again after she returned. Are there two different criminals haunting Julia, or are they the same person? As the investigation continued, Rhys felt that they were finally closing in on the killer, then an unexpected twist tossed a new player into the mix. The final confrontation was terrifying, and I was glued to the pages until it was all over. There was a twist at the end regarding Rhys's mother, and I wonder if that will continue into the next book.

I liked Rhys's brothers and father. I understood Rhys's anger at his father over the tragic events of his childhood. While it brought the three brothers closer together, seeing its effect on their father was painful. I liked how their father ultimately took responsibility for what he did (and didn't) do and was taking steps to mend their rift. I loved that all three brothers were in law enforcement and that they worked together to solve the case. The current sheriff is worse than useless, and it is hard to fathom his actions regarding his treatment of Julia. I'd love to see Rhys's brother, Joshua, become sheriff.

This is a fast-paced book with a crime tv show edge. The tropes of childhood best friends to lovers and the second chance romance is perfectly executed. Recommend for a fast, romantic read with a suspense vibe. Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley for access to the ebook.

This is the first Shelly Bell I have read. I enjoyed this book even though second chance romance is one of my least preferred tropes. The short length of a category romance keeps the story tight and the plot moving.

Rhys is an FBI agent investigating a series of murders in his hometown. Julia is a world class violinist returning after over a decade in Europe. I didn't entirely buy the barriers to their relationship (I usually don't with second chance. The murder mystery felt very procedural whic does work for me.

A well written quick read.

Hunting a Hometown Killer (Shield of Honor #1) by Shelly Bell
This is the first book in this series and the first book I have read by Shelly Bell - it won't be the last. There is murder, suspense, angst, terror, mystery, a strong H/h, close family, second chances, some laughs, lots of tears. Edge of your seat action and my twists and turns where you think you have it figured out only to have it take another turn. This all gets you to a very HEA. I can't wait for the next book.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building Wonderful characters Entertaining Romantic Witty Twisted Happily Ever After Page-turner Tragic Unpredictable Tear-jerker Action-packed Haunting Easy-to-read scary.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This was a great read and had me guessing right from the start. The second chance romance was on point as well. Lots of intensity in characters and mystery for those wanting suspense.

Definitely would recommend this book to readers!

This was a thrilling FBI law enforcement romance. The angels of a serial killer and symphony were masterfully executed. I was completely drawn in by this tale. Second chances, animosity, false trails, this book really kept me on my toes and guessing. This is my first from this author but I look forward to reading more.

The pacing and mystery of this book was pretty good, but it included one of the tropes I absolutely HATE but the fact I didn't immediately DNF says how much I enjoyed the other parts lol.

As a crime tv show and childhood best friends to lovers second chance romance lover. It was all right there to make the perfect book. FBI agent working the case of a serial killer who's MO matches his childhood best friends/girlfriends description but she's not in our small town? She moved away? SUPRISED! She's back and so is the killing.




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!!SPOILERS!! Whole book/ending spoilers!!
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Including the trope I hate that ruined it for me. Main character has rich affluent parents and the violin instructor(?) takes her under his wing as if he was her parent. and he's the killer, and he's been obsessed with her. I absolutely hate tropes where the parents are either dead or horrible and then the one that is a mentor and sorta raises them has a werid obsession or is a threat to their safety.

Rhys is an FBI agent and is investigating murders in his hometown. Women are being murdered and musical notes are being tattooed on their back. They are blonde and beautiful. Julia is a violinist and has returned to Laurel Creek after being in Europe for twelve years. When she sees the music notes, she informs Rhys that they are written by her. Someone broke into her house and stole her sheet music. Rhys is the reason she left years ago when he lied and said he didn't love her. It's a race against time to find the "Composer" before he strikes again.

Suspenseful story. I didn't really like Julia. She seemed childish to me. But this story did have me on the edge of my seat.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley*

This book is a very well written and edge of your seat page turner. I throughly enjoyed the plot and well developed characters. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

This little book kept me on the edge of my seat to see how it ended. I read this quickly and it kept me evolved and entertained. This was a great little thriller.
I just reviewed Hunting a Hometown Killer by Shelly Bell. #HuntingaHometownKiller #NetGalley