Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing a DRC of this title.

Knife in the Back is the next engrossing book in Rose's New Orleans series, captivating readers with compelling characters, unexpected twists, and a mystery that doesn't pull any punches. This one is probably a little more focused on the suspense than the romance but would definitely recommend to Karen Rose's fans or fans of romantic suspense more generally.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you for this gifted ARC from Berkley Publishing Group, Karen Rose & NetGalley 💕


This was the first book I’ve read by Karen Rose and certainly not the last. This steamy, romantic thriller had me on the edge of my seat! This was written in 3rd person, with multiple POVs.
I didn’t realize this book was book 4 of a series! Although, it was clear there were content related to the other books, it didn’t take me away from the story. I was able to figure out who was who and the relationship dynamics. It also helped that Karen Rose did an amazing job doing quick and subtle recaps throughout this book.

I loved the “found family” and redemption Naomi found. Her character was patient, resilient, compassionate, and bad a$$ ! Her character arc was perfectly done.

Burke. The epitome of a GREEN FLAG.

*SWOON*

The only con was the insta-love? Lust? Trust? Maybe all three? It’s my least favorite trope. But given that these characters were written to be less trusting of others, it was difficult to understand the their connection to each other.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It kept me on my toes of who the villain was! I loved we got to read the villains POV- it really had me guessing! Once the final reveal happened, I was SHOCKED!

I need to go back and read all of Karen Rose books now 💕

Knife in the Back was an exciting and intense read that had me hooked right from the start. I loved the characters, learning about them, and watching them open up and trust. I loved the suspense and intrigue, and the fantastic building details as clues were revealed. I had such a sense of urgency while reading because I had to know what would happen next.

I have loved Burke since book one and was thrilled he was getting a story. I loved learning about his past and the man he is today. He had such a big heart and would do anything for his found family. Naomi was awesome. After learning her history, I felt for her, but liked her strength and determination to do the right thing. I loved Burke and Naomi together. Their first meeting was a bit rocky, but as the story developed and they let their guards down, I loved how their sweet, building attraction grew and how they were there for one another in the middle of an extreme situation.

I loved getting the villain’s POV and trying to piece together who he was. There were very bad things happening, tension, gun fights, and drama, and I found it all thrilling! I loved the twists and turns around every corner and figuring out who was who and who did what. It was gripping!

I loved the action, drama, and the hints being laid out. I thought the build was perfectly timed and I flew through it. I adored the found family that’s been brought together throughout the series, and new people being brought into the fold. The scenes with all the different characters added a nice level of entertainment to the story, as well as a lot of emotional and heartfelt ones. This is officially my favorite story in the New Orleans series. I always vote for reading in order, but this book could 100% be read as a standalone story. This was a total hit!

Naomi Cranston was an officer in NOPD and worked in the evidence section after giving birth to her son. She was convicted of stealing cocaine from the evidence locker and was coerced and served five years. Naomi was released early because the drugs was tested and was drywall. She begins working at a flower shop and her world is upended again. The same one who threatened her before is threatening her again to move their drugs. Her son is threatened again so she goes to a P.I. Burke Broussard who owns Broussard Investigations and hires him to protect her son. Burke was in the military and was a cop but opened his own business. He doesn’t believe Naomi at first until he listens to her whole story. When his employees children are all almost taken, they all move into Burke’s house. Now they must figure out why Naomi was targeted, find out other questions that come up. Will they find the ringleader before anyone else gets hurt?
I absolutely loved this story. Will have you hooked from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down.
A little steamy.
Two former cops.
Secrets.
Forced proximity.
The end shocked me.
Action.

* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *

Burke Broussard and his group of investigators are at it again. Naomi was framed for stealing drugs. After she is released from jail her son is threatened if she doesn’t move drugs again. It’s up to Burke’s crew to protect her and find the bad guys. I really enjoyed this book and catching up with the lives of the people from the previous books.