Reviewed by Lynn on
The past is also the present in the life of Russell 'Rusty' McClane. He may be on the straight and narrow after going against his adopted parents' wishes but he's proved them wrong and they in return are really proud of what he's achieved. Still, he has secrets he's keeping from them and his other adopted siblings simply because they don't need to know this aspect of his life, until Portland PD officers turn up at his parents' house looking for him; They want to question him in regards to a missing woman...one he was the last to see.
When Legal Investigator Harper Blake meets Russell McClane her reaction flags him as a bad boy but there's something about him which she finds attractive...not a good sign. Her job is to find evidence to defend him from allegations the police department is trying to pin on him only she uncovers far more than anticipated.
The sparks of attraction between the protagonists are visible right from their first meeting but the opinions they hold for each other are the opposite. Yet with every interaction, they are drawn together despite not wanting to admit these feelings, either to themselves or each other.
The fast-paced narrative kept me focused and enthralled reading this page-turner. As I've previously read one of the other books in the series, I enjoyed catching up on the others in the McClane clan too. As heroes go, I have a weakness for flawed characters and Rusty fits this description perfectly, something he would agree himself as he's never fitted into the family like the others. However, it is satisfying in the end when his secrets are revealed and he finally accepts the past and realises he is a worthy and respected member of the family.
The writing is engaging with an original narrative. For those who have read any or all the previous three books will recognise links that tie the four adopted siblings together in a unique way. All the books are standalone with the author incorporating the connections without the reading feeling as if they are missing any details. Of course, you'll want to read the other books, simply because who doesn't love a romantic suspense with well-developed characters and an intriguing storyline?
***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 6 November, 2018: Reviewed