Mean Streak

by Sandra Brown

"Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her. While police suspect Jeff of "instant divorce," Emory finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won't tell her his name. She's determined to escape him and willing to take any risks necessary to survive. As her husband's deception is revealed, and the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the unnamed man is, in fact, her rescuer from those who wish her dead--and from heartbreak."--Back cover.

• ISBN10: 1455581151
• ISBN13: 9781455581153
• Publish Date: 28 July 2015 (first published 1 January 2014)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Little, Brown & Company
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 496
• Language: English

Reviews

[Stephanie]

This review was originally posted on Once Upon a Chapter





Mean Streak by Sandra Brown was a fantastic break for me. It's been such a long time since I've read a romantic suspense and Mean Streak really brought it. I read this book during a busy time period for me. Work has been hectic for sure. It took me about 25% through the book to really get invested but once I was I couldn't put it down. This kind of surprised me because I've only read two other books by Brown and they fell flat for me. I wasn't sure what to expect and I think that worked to my advantage.

What I loved about Mean Streak by Sandra Brown is that I was constantly guessing. I didn't know what to think. For a romantic suspense or mystery that is the number two priority. I don't want to know who the bad guy is or what's hiding around the corner. I want to discover that as the characters discover it. That happened for me in this book. I really enjoyed having that because it takes a crafty writer to be able to do that for me.

If that was my second priority, what is my first? Characters. If I don't connect with the characters, I just do not enjoy the book. Unless of course I'm supposed to hate them and then I kinda love to hate them. Either way I didn't have a problem with that. I really enjoyed Emory's character. I enjoyed all of the characters. There were two that I hated but that was what was supposed to happen. I can't really go in to any more detail about the characters without giving the story away.

So far it sounds like this book should be a five star read but it wasn't. It lost a star for me when at the end a hot button topic was revealed. I don't really enjoy having those topics in my fiction. Reading for me is an escape so when the real world comes knocking in my escape I tend to get a little cranky. This was a minor problem for me. Brown's writing style, her characters, and the way she revealed it all to the reader is what made me really enjoy Mean Streak by Sandra Brown!

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Author Bio: Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including DEADLINE (2013), LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011), TOUGH CUSTOMER (2010), SMASH CUT (2009), SMOKE SCREEN (2008), PLAY DIRTY (2007), RICOCHET (2006), and CHILL FACTOR, all of which have jumped onto the Times bestseller list in the number one to five spot.

Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into thirty-four languages.

Brown holds an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She served as the president of the Mystery Writers of American in 2012 and was named ITW's Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Places to find Sandra Brown: Site ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads

Purchase links: Grand Central ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo ~ iTunes

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Sandra Brown is one of my all time favourite authors so when the opportunity arose for me to read and review her latest novel Mean Streak I was ecstatic. While reading this novel I was reminded of the reason for loving Ms. Brown's work. She knows how to weave a story that will hold her reader's attention from the very first line. This ability was re-enforced in Mean Streak. I was compelled to keep reading as I was eager to find out what was going to happen next.

Mean Streak is an entertaining read. It's a page turner that is filled with several edge of your seat and nail biting moments. The plot is filled with so many twists and turns it was like being on a roller coaster ride. It is emotional, shocking and riveting.

As is common with romantic suspense novels, the romance is limited however the few love scenes that were present were quite intense.

The characters were entertaining and humourous and it was easy to develop a connection with them. My favourite of the lot was the male protagonist. The air of mystery surrounding him made him intriguing. It was difficult to determine if he was the hero or the villain. He was likable which will have readers rooting for him. My least favourite is Jeff, Emory's husband. It was evident that his relationship with his wife was not all rosy. He is jealous of her accomplishments and tried to justify it by cheating on her.

Mean Streak is a story of love, betrayal and rediscoveries. It will keep you guessing at every page turn. If you are looking for an exciting and suspenseful read, then look no further as Mean Streak has it all.

NB I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.