Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Tangled Threat by Heather Graham Published by Harlequin on September 1, 2019
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 256
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
A body hanging from the infamous History Tree unraveled their teenage love. Now Maura Antrim is again tangled up with Brock McGovern. Twelve years later, they’re back where that murder occurred—where Brock had been arrested and then released, where Maura had run, too scared to stand by his side. But with two women missing, and Brock now an FBI agent, Maura is determined to help. Together, they’ll have to confront a threat that never died and see if their passion has withstood the test of time.
Tangled Threat has the soft feel of Heather Graham’s romantic suspense. There is a lot of history, and history of murders and missing women. The atmosphere is similar to the Krewe Hunters series but there are no paranormal aspects just the weight of history.
Brock and Maura have not seen each other or spoken in 12 years but now they are back where they parted. Another woman is dead and more are missing. Brock was sent for the case because he knows the place and many of the people. Unfortunately, they know him too.
While I found the relationship somewhat believable, it wasn’t very satisfying. There were lustful thoughts and how the other was the only one they ever really loved. They came together. But they didn’t talk much. Brock and Maura knew each other and could understand the looks they gave each other. Uh, really?
The case was a bit better as Brock and the local people tracked down leads and collected information. Maura, of course, had to insert herself into things frequently, putting herself in danger. The killer was a surprise but the discovery method was predictable. Neither the romance or the mystery was quite strong enough for me.
About Heather Graham
Also published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell’s Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette’s Shadows, and for Harlequin’s mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children’s charity.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 Lightning in Her Hands by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland @poet_raquelvgil #MarcellaBlack @AceRocBooks@BerkleyPub@PRHAudio#LoveAudiobooks - October 10, 2024
- Gathering Mist by Margaret Mizushima @margmizu @crookedlanebks - October 8, 2024
- Sunday Series: Joe Pickett by CJ Box @cjboxauthor #DavidChandler @RecordedBooks#SundaySeries #LoveAudiobooks - October 6, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Releases
- COYER Hunt
I’m sorry this didn’t work out for you. It is so frustrating when the hero and heroine just get each other without having to say a word. I find that so unrealistic. Also, the woman who puts herself in dangerous situations is a huge turn off for me. We have more self preservation than that!
Great review.
Thanks. She wasn’t totally stupid about it but it was a bit unrealistic to think she could get involved as much as she did in an FBI investigation. It was a fun read but not so believable.
sorry it didn’t work so well for you. i read it and enjoyed it. a lot of books have the women putting themselves in danger. i find it pretty easy to let reality take a back seat
It’s an enjoyable read. I don’t mind women putting themselves in danger when they have skills but to work an FBI investigation was a step too far. Her work did put her in the locations already. At least she was careful, but not careful enough.
Sometimes the romance lines in a romantic suspense does feel rushed and underdeveloped. I love when I find ones where they are equally balanced. Bummer about the unrealistic feel because she pushes into the investigation.
Yes I expect romantic suspense to be faster romance because of the danger giving heightened emotions. This wasn’t exactly that. Like many in this genre, the couple already knows each other which helps.
I enjoy her books but it’s been a while and I know that some are better than others
Yes. I think that’s true with most authors that some books are better than others since we all have personal preferences. Those preferences mean we will like some books more than others.
Sorry this one wasn’t a little better for you. I have read and enjoyed this author in the past. It sounds like the romance was just lacking in this one. Great review!
Thank Carole. I do enjoy this author and will continue to read her books.
I have this in my stack of books. I’ve got several of hers to catch up on. Her stories have plenty of strong females and I’m all for that.
Strong females – yes. Good point. I will be interested to see what you think about it.