my heart was excited and tense all at the same time. i was gripped but also full of unease. but in the best way. because this book gave me all of that. and when a book of this genre makes you feel all those things you know you have hit on a goody. a winner. but one you will need light on(or off depending on who you'd keep awake with you reading this long into the night) and pillows close(just for comfort you understand.)
i was held tight to our character too. and Eva writes with such wizardry for the characters she has in her books. so you feel you know them. you care about them .you want them to be ok at the same time questioning them. in this book especially you really root for our main character but also you see her lines being blurred by her past and present pains. but oh you also understand them! boy do you.
Quinn was a warrior. she would stop at nothing to get to the end point. wherever that was. but i dont think she quite new it would take her where it does. and the psychological thriller that comes is just fantastic.
Quinn knows she needs justice. but with not knowing who to trust she must find it on her own. and become almost obsessed to do so.
a brilliant book. and i know i want to read anything that Eva does next. she is a sure talent in her genre. i cant comprehend the skill it must take to be this good!

When Provoked is a tense, emotionally layered psychological thriller that introduces readers to Quinn Cole—a woman with a tragic past, a razor-sharp instinct, and a relentless drive for justice. Eva Mackenzie wastes no time plunging readers into a dark and suspenseful world, where nothing is quite what it seems and every character harbors secrets.

Quinn is not your typical heroine. She's tough, emotionally scarred, and teetering on the edge of obsession as she tries to solve a chilling case that hits too close to home. Her voice is raw and authentic, making her both compelling and deeply human. You feel her pain, her fear, and her fury—especially as the line between justice and revenge begins to blur.

The pacing is tight, and Mackenzie expertly balances character development with suspense. The mystery unfolds in layers, keeping you hooked with unexpected twists and a creeping sense of dread. As new clues emerge and alliances shift, you’ll find yourself questioning everyone’s motives—including Quinn’s.

What really elevates this book is the emotional depth woven into the suspense. It’s not just about catching a killer; it’s about confronting trauma, surviving grief, and deciding what kind of person you want to be when you've been pushed to the edge. Mackenzie writes with empathy and insight, particularly when exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the long shadows cast by violence.

When Provoked is a strong series debut—dark, smart, and addictive. Perfect for fans of gritty, character-driven thrillers with a female lead who refuses to play by the rules. It’ll leave you eager to follow Quinn into the next chapter of her story.

I loved this book! I stayed up all night reading as I just couldn’t put it down. I had to find out what happened and I couldn’t go to sleep! I am totally speechless wow!

From the minute I picked it up I struggled to pull myself away I was hooked! There were SO many twists and turns it was amazing! My heart was pounding throughout! Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!

This was truly first-class thriller writing! I’d highly recommend this book it’s a must read when it comes out!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars!