Face Off (Evelyn Talbot Chronicles, #3)

by Brenda Novak

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Face Off by Brenda Novak is the third book in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles. I have been following this series from the beginning and I found this installment to be most exciting and intense of them all. This was the point where a notorious serial killer has his most desirable prey in his grasp. The one victim who managed to escape twenty-two years ago. He just needs to find the right moment to make his move where we would have the ultimate showdown between hunter and prey.

Evelyn Talbot was focused on her work at Hanover House and her relationship with Amorok, but she was not settled. Anxiety plagued her as she waited for the day when the terror from her past, Jasper Moore, will catch up to her. What she did not know was the terror was closer than she could imagine. Hiding in plain sight, Jasper has managed to infiltrate Evelyn and Amarok's life without their knowledge.

From the beginning, I found Evelyn to be an inspiring character. I admired her strength and determination. To have experience such a traumatic event at the hands of a psychopath but was willing to work with such persons on a daily basis to learn what made them tick.

I loved how patient Amorak has been with Evelyn. Their relationship has grown, however, uncertainties and family drama on Evelyn's part had the potential to derail it. These two could not get a break.

Jasper was the focus of this story. I got a glimpse of his personality in the previous installment, however in Face Off I had the chance to delve deeper into his mind. Narcisstic and sociopathic to the core, you cannot help but fear for everyone he encounters..

There was a lot happening in this installment to keep everyone on their toes. A tourist has gone missing, a mystery Amarok has to solve. Then there was his ex who would do anything to rekindle their relationship and Evelyn’s sister who had her own share of drama came for a visit. This visit led to Evelyn making a major decision, which would likely affect both her personal and professional life.

Conclusion/Recommendation
I loved how nicely Jasper's story ended and Evelyn and Amarok can finally enjoy their relationship to the fullest.

I enjoyed the series, and I would recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.

Narration
I enjoyed the narration by Therese Plummer. This isn't my first time listening to her narration. She did an excellent job with a great cast of characters. The way she portrayed each one was on point.