Never whisper the truth. Never reveal the past.
In an isolated lighthouse on the California coast, Rowan Winterbourne lives a solitary life with only her secrets for company. For she has a mission that drives her—to avenge herself against Gregory Torval, the powerful drug and arms dealer who murdered her mother and vowed to eliminate everyone in her family.
Then Joe Grantham arrives at her door and, for the first time, Rowan lets her guard down—a dangerous mistake when he blackmails her to go with him to Torval’s private island. There Torval’s decadent birthday celebration rages, and while Joe pursues his own agenda, she’ll provide the perfect distraction.
On Raptor Island, Torval’s will is law and Joe, the closest she has to an ally, is an enigma she can’t trust. One false move, one careless word, and Rowan will die. As dark truths are uncovered, one by one, Rowan recognizes her last chance for the revenge has come. But is it worth everything she must sacrifice to get out alive?
Release Date: Mar 5, 2024
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Canary StreetÂ
Price: $12.99
Rowan Winterbourne enjoys living in a lighthouse on the coast of California. She is a “fixer” for her clients, arranging everything from plumbers, housekeepers, nannies, and anything in between. She gets a shocking request from her first and favorite client, who has learned he has a terminal illness. He asks her to hire an assassin to kill him and prevent any more suffering, and he knows she has the resources to make this happen! This shocking request allows Joe Grantham to enter her life. He isn’t who Rowan thinks he is and blackmails her into taking down a common enemy – in exchange for a very important favor.
The beginning of this book is very intriguing as we meet Rowan and learn a little bit about her and her checkered past. However, as it continued, I didn’t stay engaged in the story. Part of the problem is that the book is described as being a mystery/thriller, but to me, it’s a romantic suspense novel. I enjoyed Dodd’s Cape Charade series but was disappointed in this one. I was expecting one thing, but it didn’t have the tension or complex plot that I expect in a thriller. There is suspense, wondering if Rowan’s mission will be successful and if Joe can be trusted. There is plenty of steamy romance, too, as early as chapter five! However, the characters lack substance, and I found the dialogue to be stilted at times. Some fans of Dodd will enjoy the action and the romance. I liked how the book started and enjoyed how things wrap up in the end, but overall this was not my favorite by Dodd.
~ Christine
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