Romantic Suspense has to have at least two qualities for me to become truly invested in the story: suspense that keeps me on the edge of my seat and romance that doesnt cheapen the suspense.
I was completely satisfied and more in When the Smoke Clears. It has an excellent level of high-drama suspense, but when the fear drops out just a little bit, the romance is there to pick up the slack. And dont expect those moments of down time to really last, because just when I would start getting comfortable BAM! something would come out of nowhere to rock the storyworld all over again.
Never once during the six hours I spent reading this book, did I figure out the villain. Oh I had my guesses here and there, but it sure took me by surprise when I found out at the end. I would have liked a little more hint and play that this character could have been the villain, but I still think it was laid out well.
The characters are strong and likeable, the action clear-cut and oh so fast paced. The novel utilizes great dialogue and setting and more than once I felt a chill creep up my spine.
AND to top it all off, the main plot of the story is still left hanging, to be cleared up in book two...or three, only the author knows. But I do know, with the kind of ending I was given, Im going to be on pins and needles to get book two!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
**Available February 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**
I was completely satisfied and more in When the Smoke Clears. It has an excellent level of high-drama suspense, but when the fear drops out just a little bit, the romance is there to pick up the slack. And dont expect those moments of down time to really last, because just when I would start getting comfortable BAM! something would come out of nowhere to rock the storyworld all over again.
Never once during the six hours I spent reading this book, did I figure out the villain. Oh I had my guesses here and there, but it sure took me by surprise when I found out at the end. I would have liked a little more hint and play that this character could have been the villain, but I still think it was laid out well.
The characters are strong and likeable, the action clear-cut and oh so fast paced. The novel utilizes great dialogue and setting and more than once I felt a chill creep up my spine.
AND to top it all off, the main plot of the story is still left hanging, to be cleared up in book two...or three, only the author knows. But I do know, with the kind of ending I was given, Im going to be on pins and needles to get book two!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
**Available February 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
I have been a fan of Lynette Eason's writing since I read her first book. They are full of mystery and suspense like you wouldn't believe! But you know how it is when a new series comes out and you are unsure if you will like it or not? That is how I felt with this one. I liked the former series with the detectives and police officers so I was undecided about this one with a smokejumper. Read below to find out how I liked it!!
To start off, there is a detective in this book as well so it kind of made me like it better:) And Hunter is not only a detective, but a really nice detective! One of the good guys that makes you feel good all over. After Alexia has an incident while doing her job, she takes some time off attend a reunion. Needless to say, she is still in trouble, or at least, she gets in trouble. From there it spins off into so many different directions you have to pay close attention.
One thing I really liked is that Lynette didn't just leave her previous characters behind, but you find out that Alexia is a friend of Serena, who was in the previous series. I enjoy when an author brings back characters from previous books. Makes you feel like they haven't really left:) This book is full of suspense and at times I thought the bad guy was a certain someone but come to find out, it was someone totally different. The end is left somewhat hanging so you have to read the next book. If you like a good mystery, or the book that makes you read late into the night to find out the ending, this is the book for you! After reading this book, I am still a fan of Lynette Eason!!
Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes but I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
To start off, there is a detective in this book as well so it kind of made me like it better:) And Hunter is not only a detective, but a really nice detective! One of the good guys that makes you feel good all over. After Alexia has an incident while doing her job, she takes some time off attend a reunion. Needless to say, she is still in trouble, or at least, she gets in trouble. From there it spins off into so many different directions you have to pay close attention.
One thing I really liked is that Lynette didn't just leave her previous characters behind, but you find out that Alexia is a friend of Serena, who was in the previous series. I enjoy when an author brings back characters from previous books. Makes you feel like they haven't really left:) This book is full of suspense and at times I thought the bad guy was a certain someone but come to find out, it was someone totally different. The end is left somewhat hanging so you have to read the next book. If you like a good mystery, or the book that makes you read late into the night to find out the ending, this is the book for you! After reading this book, I am still a fan of Lynette Eason!!
Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes but I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
Renee C. (steelergirl83) reviewed When the Smoke Clears (Deadly Reunions, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
I adore Lynette's suspense fiction and her previous series, Women of Justice was one of my favorites last year. This year she's introduced a new cast of characters with her new series Deadly Reunions. If it's possible to tell from just one book this series is going to have suspense and thrills in spades, even more so than in her previous books. Readers who love danger should be well pleased.
Alexia Allen left her dysfunctional family immediately after graduating from high school. A near death experience in a firefight due to sabotage of her breathing apparatus leads her back to her estranged mother but unfortunately not away from the person who's trying to kill her. On the day of her arrival she's witness to a murder in her mother's home, attacked on her way to visit her mother in the hospital and she meets a handsome detective, Hunter Graham, who becomes more than just her protector.
While When the Smoke Clears is certainly a thrilling read I'm just a bit disappointed in the direction that this story took. From the cover and description I thought there would be more in this book about firefighting unfortunately that's not the case. This is more of a detective drama, that said it's still a really entertaining, edge-of-your-seat kind of read. A few times while reading some things didn't quite add up such as how the murderer got into Alexia's mother's house when they had to take the keys from the body after they had already been in the house but the story was still very engrossing. The conclusion of this story definitely makes you want to read the next book in the series whatever it will be because not everything is all wrapped up nicely in a bow as you might expect. In spite of not being my favorite book of all time I definitely plan on picking up book two. I hope you enjoy this story if you give it a chance!
*I received my complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for posting my honest opinion/review of the book for the tour.*
Alexia Allen left her dysfunctional family immediately after graduating from high school. A near death experience in a firefight due to sabotage of her breathing apparatus leads her back to her estranged mother but unfortunately not away from the person who's trying to kill her. On the day of her arrival she's witness to a murder in her mother's home, attacked on her way to visit her mother in the hospital and she meets a handsome detective, Hunter Graham, who becomes more than just her protector.
While When the Smoke Clears is certainly a thrilling read I'm just a bit disappointed in the direction that this story took. From the cover and description I thought there would be more in this book about firefighting unfortunately that's not the case. This is more of a detective drama, that said it's still a really entertaining, edge-of-your-seat kind of read. A few times while reading some things didn't quite add up such as how the murderer got into Alexia's mother's house when they had to take the keys from the body after they had already been in the house but the story was still very engrossing. The conclusion of this story definitely makes you want to read the next book in the series whatever it will be because not everything is all wrapped up nicely in a bow as you might expect. In spite of not being my favorite book of all time I definitely plan on picking up book two. I hope you enjoy this story if you give it a chance!
*I received my complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for posting my honest opinion/review of the book for the tour.*
Okay, its obvious from the beginning that this is the kind of book that will grab your attention in the same way someone can grab the front of your shirt and insists on keeping it until the last page. Apparently, someone is VERY determined to destroy Alexia Allens life from the beginning of the story. This is the kind of book that should be made into a movie (thats how I pictured the plot unfolding while reading it).
Even though Alexia is a firefighter and smokejumper (had to look this one up and found it on Wikipedia. A smokejumper is a wildland firefighter who parachutes into a remote area to combat wildfires), the book only has her on active duty at the start. I really wish there had been more parts of the story allowing her to be an active firefighter. She thinks like a first responder and firefighter throughout the book, but she doesnt get to play a hero in this book as a killer hunts her down.
As great as this story was, there were a few things I didnt enjoy about it:
Police officers are killed
There is intense abuse in Alexias family
There are minor characters in the story who question Alexias innocence
There are some parts of the plot that are left unanswered (which leaves room for a sequel but I really wanted more questions answered)
In spite of the above mentioned, I was really taken with this story. One thing I loved about this book, someone names her pets after Star Wars characters.what a treat to read about Yoda and Chewy! When the Smoke Clears is extremely well written, nonstop action, and there is no profanity as we watch constant attempts on Alexias life and those around her. There are three house fires, one explosion, and several unexpected attacks so there is plenty of violence but I considered the purpose to all of it and realized the MAIN message in this story was about forgiveness. There is much tragedy in Alexias family that causes her to leave home the day she graduates from high school and so many things go unanswered or are forgotten because of the trauma she experienced. She has several flashbacks in the story and finally understands all that happened. She learns how much God loves her, starts reading her best friends Bible, and learns to pray for the first time. It is a nice ending and despite my not liking everything that went on, the story had my full attention and thats evidence of great writing!
Even though Alexia is a firefighter and smokejumper (had to look this one up and found it on Wikipedia. A smokejumper is a wildland firefighter who parachutes into a remote area to combat wildfires), the book only has her on active duty at the start. I really wish there had been more parts of the story allowing her to be an active firefighter. She thinks like a first responder and firefighter throughout the book, but she doesnt get to play a hero in this book as a killer hunts her down.
As great as this story was, there were a few things I didnt enjoy about it:
Police officers are killed
There is intense abuse in Alexias family
There are minor characters in the story who question Alexias innocence
There are some parts of the plot that are left unanswered (which leaves room for a sequel but I really wanted more questions answered)
In spite of the above mentioned, I was really taken with this story. One thing I loved about this book, someone names her pets after Star Wars characters.what a treat to read about Yoda and Chewy! When the Smoke Clears is extremely well written, nonstop action, and there is no profanity as we watch constant attempts on Alexias life and those around her. There are three house fires, one explosion, and several unexpected attacks so there is plenty of violence but I considered the purpose to all of it and realized the MAIN message in this story was about forgiveness. There is much tragedy in Alexias family that causes her to leave home the day she graduates from high school and so many things go unanswered or are forgotten because of the trauma she experienced. She has several flashbacks in the story and finally understands all that happened. She learns how much God loves her, starts reading her best friends Bible, and learns to pray for the first time. It is a nice ending and despite my not liking everything that went on, the story had my full attention and thats evidence of great writing!
Alexia Allen fights fires. When she has a brush with death while trying to save a child she is ordered to take leave while the incident is under investigation. She decides to attend her 10 year class reunion and stay at her moms house. As soon as she arrives trouble starts. Hunter Graham was drawn to Alexia in high school but she didn't seem to show any interest. Now ten years later he's Detective Graham and still finds himself drawn to her. Even when it seems she's in the center of all kinds of trouble, from murder to arson. Not to mention family secrets. Who is really behind all the trouble and will she survive long enough to actually find out?
From beginning to end, When the Smoke Clears is loaded with non-stop action and suspense! I literally could not flip pages fast enough. I was totally enthralled with not only the story but the characters as well. The family dynamics in Alexia's family as well as Hunter's family we realistically portrayed. I was completely on the edge of my seat through the whole book and while the end is partially concluded (in a satisfying way), the door is wide open for the next book in the series. Which I can not wait to read!!! Two things came across to me while I was reading. One, no matter what we go through God walks through it with us. Always working in every situation. Two, that God can change hearts and forgiveness is part of that change. That's not always easy as we see in Alexia's case. I thoroughly enjoyed When the Smoke Clears and would highly recommend it. It's an edge-of-your-seat tale that once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down!!! It's Book 1 in the Deadly Reunions Series. A thank you goes to Lynette Eason as well as Revell for providing this complimentary copy for my review! Well done Lynette!!!!
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (February 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0800720075
ISBN-13: 978-0800720070
From beginning to end, When the Smoke Clears is loaded with non-stop action and suspense! I literally could not flip pages fast enough. I was totally enthralled with not only the story but the characters as well. The family dynamics in Alexia's family as well as Hunter's family we realistically portrayed. I was completely on the edge of my seat through the whole book and while the end is partially concluded (in a satisfying way), the door is wide open for the next book in the series. Which I can not wait to read!!! Two things came across to me while I was reading. One, no matter what we go through God walks through it with us. Always working in every situation. Two, that God can change hearts and forgiveness is part of that change. That's not always easy as we see in Alexia's case. I thoroughly enjoyed When the Smoke Clears and would highly recommend it. It's an edge-of-your-seat tale that once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down!!! It's Book 1 in the Deadly Reunions Series. A thank you goes to Lynette Eason as well as Revell for providing this complimentary copy for my review! Well done Lynette!!!!
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (February 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0800720075
ISBN-13: 978-0800720070
Alexia graduated from high school & fled her home. She found solace working as a fire fighter a long way from her hometown & establishing a new life. However, she does stay in touch with a good friend who informs her that her mother is very ill.
After some coaxing, Alexia decides to go home & check on her mother - the mother that she absolutely detests. Once arriving at her house, she starts having flashbacks of things that happened in her past - an abusive father, a bad house fire, her sister's death, her dad's disappearance, & her mother's abandonment.
These problems are compounded when her old boyfriend (who also was abusive) is killed. From then on, her life becomes a roller coaster with constant attempts made on her life. She has no idea who might want her dead - except someone no one would believe. Will she survive the bitter attempts on her life?
In comes Hunter - a detective whose partner (Katie) believes Alexia is responsible for some of the things happening. He falls hard for Alexia; is he seeing Alexia as innocent just because he likes her? Could she be guilty of murder & arson?
This is a great book that captures the attention. I love seeing how her family came together. It shows how God amazingly can bring good from things that were meant for bad.
NOTE: I would recommend reading this book before Deadly Reunions #2 (When a Heart Stops). Unfortunately, I read them out of order. Although it was ok, it would make more sense if I would have read them in order; the plots kind of go together in a specific order. They do refer to things that happen in book 1 when reading Deadly Reunions Bk. #2.
After some coaxing, Alexia decides to go home & check on her mother - the mother that she absolutely detests. Once arriving at her house, she starts having flashbacks of things that happened in her past - an abusive father, a bad house fire, her sister's death, her dad's disappearance, & her mother's abandonment.
These problems are compounded when her old boyfriend (who also was abusive) is killed. From then on, her life becomes a roller coaster with constant attempts made on her life. She has no idea who might want her dead - except someone no one would believe. Will she survive the bitter attempts on her life?
In comes Hunter - a detective whose partner (Katie) believes Alexia is responsible for some of the things happening. He falls hard for Alexia; is he seeing Alexia as innocent just because he likes her? Could she be guilty of murder & arson?
This is a great book that captures the attention. I love seeing how her family came together. It shows how God amazingly can bring good from things that were meant for bad.
NOTE: I would recommend reading this book before Deadly Reunions #2 (When a Heart Stops). Unfortunately, I read them out of order. Although it was ok, it would make more sense if I would have read them in order; the plots kind of go together in a specific order. They do refer to things that happen in book 1 when reading Deadly Reunions Bk. #2.
