Book Review: Fatal Deception by Marie Force

Title: Fatal Deception
Series: Fatal #5
Author: Marie Force
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published: 11/12/2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre(s): Romantic Suspense

DESCRIPTION

The wife of the White House deputy chief of staff has been beaten to death, and their one-year-old daughter is missing. D.C. Police Lieutenant Sam Holland is in charge of the murder investigation, but she's forced to collaborate with Special Victims Unit detectives as well as thorn-in-her-side FBI Special Agent Avery Hill. Then, a cold case of her father's resurrects old hurts—a distraction Sam cannot afford.

As Sam's investigation heats up, so does Nick's political career—and the heat carries over to their bedroom. Will Sam put the pieces together in time to catch a killer and find the baby, or will ambition, greed and lies prove fatal?

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MY THOUGHTS

In preparation for the release of this fifth novel in The Fatal Series, I re-read the other four (plus the novella) last week. The two books I had previously rated four stars were upped to five, and if it were possible I would rate Fatal Deception even higher! While reading it I chuckled, laughed, and even snorted a few times. The banter between Sam and her detectives was beyond clever. And then there was the chemistry between Sam and Nick. I would go so far as to say they are one of my absolute favorite literary couples. I felt a sense of awe from the first page to last for the story as a whole, and for the details. They all added up to one remarkable read! My admiration for the characters certainly doesn't end with Sam and Nick. The supporting characters are all so incredibly vivid to me, as well. I was captivated by every aspect of the investigation, and especially by the taking down of the powerful family who considered themselves above the law. The epilogue was not of the happily ever after variety, as this is a continuing series, but it sure was extremely gratifying!

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HIGHLIGHTS

"How was she supposed to ponder a potential pregnancy when she couldn't even talk about it without bawling her head off? 'But I think about our baby every day. I think about them all, but that one...' 'I know.' He tightened his hold on her, with one hand on the back of her head to keep her snuggled into his chest. 'You don't have to decide anything until you're ready.'

'Well, we have to decide something or practice abstinence until we do.'

'I do not know this word of which you speak.'"

~ An exchange between Sam and Nick

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"Happy to oblige, even if the cross-pollination of my world and Nick's world continues to give me hives."

~ Sam Holland to Lindsey McNamara

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(Note: Truthfully, I didn't highlight anything and only made two notes in my Kindle copy. Believe me, it's not because nothing deserved to be highlighted, it's because too much did. I'm serious. The entire series is first class writing all the way.)

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Book Review: The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts

Title: The Perfect Hope
Series: Inn Boonsboro Trilogy #3
Author: Nora Roberts
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published: 11/06/2012
Publisher: Berkley
Genre(s): Fantasy, Contemporary Romance

DESCRIPTION

Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out—with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a tool belt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except apparently Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn Boonsboro…

As the former manager of a D.C. hotel, Hope is used to excitement and glamour, but that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the joys of small-town living. She’s where she wants to be—except for in her love life. Her only interaction with the opposite sex has been sparring with the infuriating Ryder, who always seems to get under her skin. Still, no one can deny the electricity that crackles between them…a spark that ignited with a New Year’s Eve kiss.

While the Inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope’s experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome—and embarrassing—appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder’s emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him.

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MY THOUGHTS (Short and Sweet)

Oh my goodness! What a way to finish out the trilogy. I had a feeling that Ryder and Hope's story would be my favorite and I was right. Laughed often. Loved everyone. Want to visit Boonsboro again. Nobody does dialogue, amazing friendships, and sibling silliness like Nora. The Perfect Hope was...PERFECT!

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HIGHLIGHTS

"You know, sometimes what goes around comes around; sometimes it doesn't, and a good kick in the balls has to be enough."

~ Ryder Montgomery

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"If Ryder doesn't make you laugh, you toss him back. Sex isn't worth it if he doesn't make you laugh."

~Justine Montgomery

~*~

"I'm so happy to love you. So happy to have you, just exactly the way you are."

~ Hope Beaumont 

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