Rue Toulouse

by Debby Grahl

[Lindsey Gray]

Hot Cajun hero? Check. Sophisticated Southern princess? Check. Evil family members with murderous intentions? Check. All these elements with the backdrop of the Big Easy make for a sexy thriller that will have you panting from beginning to end.

Caterine and Remi have both been burned before, but when they bump into each other on a street near Jackson square, they are ready to jump back into the fire.

After the masquerade where the two have a passion filled encounter, "Princess" Caterine's fear of the repercussions of her behavior scare her away from her sexy pirate, Remi. It doesn't take long for fate to throw the pair back together when her life is threatened by one of her own family members. Remi jumps at the chance to protect his beautiful princess with his life.

One thing that makes an outstanding thriller, in my opinion, is not giving away the mystery villain until the bitter end. Grahl achieved my expectations and kept me guessing the entire read. With so many bad apples on the Doucette family tree, it surprised me that they all weren't in on it together. No one is counted out as a suspect until the final showdown which had me cursing in French and biting my nails in fear for the couple's lives.

I loved all the tidbits of French sprinkled throughout the story. It really added a sultry element to the southern landscape of New Orleans. I was also incredibly hungry when I finished this novel. Mentions of beignets, gumbo, mudbugs, and red beans and rice had my stomach growling. Looks like I'll be dishing up a Cajun feast in my kitchen soon thanks to Debby Grahl and I can't wait!

Thanks so much to Debby Grahl and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for gifting me a copy of Rue Toulouse in exchange for an honest review.