REVIEW: TATTOOED (Book 3) Pamela Callow

dear readers,

I discovered Pamela Callow with her first novel and have loved her books since...oh, she's Canadian, too! (I received an ARC for Tattooed from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

TATTOOED

(Kate Lange: Book 3)

Written by Pamela Callow

genre: mystery, suspense, thriller

3.5 STARS

Kate Lange's past is coming front and center staring with France Sloan. Frances has ALS and wants Kate to lobby for assisted suicide on her behalf. Frances is the mother of Kenzie Sloan who was once friends with Imogen. It was Kenzie's house party that Kate dragged Imogen from and ultimately led to the car accident and Imogen's death. The memories flood back as Kenzie, now a tattoo artist, is coming to visit with her mother in her final days. Kenzie's former boy friend, McNally, has also been recently released from prison and has his sight on both Kenzie and Kate.
With Randall in New York, Kate is unsure where there relationship stands and if she should wait for him. Ethan Drake her former fiancee has decided he wants to try again and will do anything for her. In the next few days things from the past will bubble to the present and only some will make it through.

I love Kate Lange and this series. I like that it is set in Eastern Canada but not in Toronto (set in Nova Scotia). I remember the Sue Roderiguez case and how it affected everyone. I liked the plot of this book but it some how felt impersonal. Every sub-plot seemed a bit rushed but this is in comparison to rest of the series. I still liked this novel and would recommend this series.

PAST REVIEWS OF BOOK #1 & #2:

DAMAGED
(Kate Lange: Book One)
genre: mystery, thriller, suspense

4 STARS

Damaged is Callow's debut suspense novel but don't try to label it as just a medical or legal thriller because you will miss out on SO much.  Kate Lange, a new lawyer in Nova Scotia, is being haunted by her past (her sister's death and the break up of her engagement) so throws herself into a new case.  Her legal advice to her new client appears to have led to her granddaughter's death.  As Kate tries to clear her reputation she is thrown  in the path of a serial killer!

A new favourite character and author! A strong female character and I love mysterious brooding Randall! I cannot wait to get my hands on the 2nd Kate Lange book. I also really like the fact that it is set in Nova Scotia, Canada versus Vancouver or Toronto.

INDEFSIBLE

(Kate Lange: Book Two)

genre: mystery, thriller, suspense

4 STARS

A great follow up book to Damaged. Randall Barrett is looking forward to spending time with his children this summer but things go wrong from the beginning.  First his son decides to go camp instead of sailing with him, and his ex-wife reveals a devastating secret in the heat of an argument.  The next morning his ex-wife is found dead from a fall of the balcony and he is the main suspect. 

Kate lange is an associate at his law firm and just months ago they had sparks fly and they are still burning.  Will Kate be able to help Randall when everyone else has left him to drown.

I love that these novels are set in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) versus the usual Vancouver or Toronto setting.  Callow being a lawyer and from Halifax brings out the realism in the novel.  It is a quick pace thriller.


love,
kris

!!!SIZZLING!!! New Romantic Suspense: Review

dear readers,

One of my guilty pleasures is reading romantic suspense novels.  The great novels have a fine balance of romance and suspense.  There is a killer loose and a heroine and hero are thrown together not only to solve a case but also to fight their passion for one another.  I stay away from the porn and violence that sometimes is disguised as a romantic suspense.  You want to leave the book a bit shaken with the thoughts of the villain and stirred within with the love of the characters.  I don't want to be left disturbed and in need of a shower.  A new author - well new to me - Jami Alden's work is closer to the former.

BEG FOR MERCY 

(Book 1)
3.5 STARS

Megan Flynn is finally going to sleep with her new homicide detective boyfriend, Cole Williams only to have it interrupted by a phone call. Her brother has been arrested for rape and murder.  Fast forward 2 years where Sean Flynn is on death row with Megan putting her own life on hold to get him out.  Cole in a bid to save his career publicly stated Megan was not serious to him and he felt that Sean was guilty.

For the sake of his sanity and his sister's Sean decides to forgo anymore appeals.  This only causes Megan to investigate on her own.  She is putting herself in danger getting to the truth but she must find the killer.  Cole worries for her safety but helping her could lose him his job.  But can he really live without her anymore?

I galloped through this spicy novel.  Megan is a bit annoying but then again if I had someone on death row depending on me to rescue them I'd be highstrung too.  Cole is yummy and fierce  - no match for the killer or Megan.  I was more intrigued by Sean who has a past in the Army and this quiet sexiness.  Jami Alden seems to be an author to keep an eye on.

HIDE FROM EVIL                                                  

(BOOK TWO)

4 STARS

Sean Flynn is now free and trying to put the past few years behind.  Krista Slater - Sean's Prosecutor - feels guilty and angry that she had the wrong man and almost had him put to death.  She tries to put things right by continuing the investigation on her own dime.  Her one hope is Sean's help but he does not want to get involved - and neither do some other people.

When Krista attempts to gain Sean's help they are dragged into a fight for their life.  They don't know who they can trust and only have each other to turn to.

Krista is like a Hitchcock heroine - a gorgeous cold blonde.  She is tough as nails and out to prove herself to the world but has a quiet vulnerability that makes her very likeable.   Sean is just what she needs to bring out the warmth and in turn she brings Sean to life.  This novel has quick-paced action in both suspense and romance.  This series seems to get better and I cannot wait for Talia and Brooks story.

RUN FROM FEAR
(Book Three)
4 STARS
Talia Vega survived the Seattle Slasher with the help of the ex-Green Beret, Jack Brooks. Wanting to leave her terrifying past she moves to another town close to her now college bound sister, Rosario. She also wants to get away from Jack who she feels greatly attracted to but thinks he sees her as a broken victim.

Soon Talia starts receiving items that David, her ex-lover and mad man, had given to her and her home is being violated. Rosario calls Jack and suddenly Talia is not only running for her life but for her heart.

Jack has tried to forget Talia but can't and he will jeopardize his heart, job and life to keep her safe and for a moment with her. Together they must work together to find the her stalker.

Another great novel by Jami Alden and I am so glad she decided to write Talia and Jack's story. From book one I have liked Talia and could not wait to find out more about her. She is a strong woman stuck in a bad situation and thought herself in love with a man who loved her.
This novel also features men and women from Alden's Gemini Trilogy as Jack is a member of Gemini Security. Although I already know the outcome of the trilogy I will give book 1 a shot. I do kind of wish I would have known this before as I am a stickler with order.

http://www.jamialden.com/

love,
kris