Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Cross Her Heart by Melinda Leigh Series: Bree Taggert #1
Published by Montlake Romance on March 17, 2020
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
For more than twenty-five years, Philadelphia homicide detective Bree Taggert has tucked away the nightmarish childhood memories of her parents’ murder-suicide…Until her younger sister, Erin, is killed in a crime that echoes that tragic night: innocent witnesses and a stormy marriage that ended in gunfire. There’s just one chilling difference. Erin’s husband, Justin, has vanished.
Bree knows how explosive the line between love and hate can be, yet the evidence against her troubled brother-in-law isn’t adding up. Teaming up with Justin’s old friend, former sheriff’s investigator and K-9 handler Matt Flynn, Bree vows to uncover the secrets of her sister’s life and death, as she promised Erin’s children. But as her investigation unfolds, the danger hits close to home. Once again, Bree’s family is caught in a death grip. And this time, it could be fatal for her.
I have really loved reading Melinda Leigh’s other series, so I was excited to try the new Bree Taggert series. I buddy read Cross Her Heart with Sophia since we are both huge fans of this author. We both felt right away it was going to be great.
I easily settled into reading right from the start. The world and the characters were all engaging, along with the mystery. Bree is talented and thankfully local law enforcement accepted she would be there. It was interesting for her to work with Matt who was Justin’s friend and his K9. There’s a hint of romance but I appreciate it wasn’t the focus; they just got to know each other here.
Bree leaves her current life and heads back to her old home town for the first time in many years. She comes to town for her sister, to solve her murder and take care of her children. Luckily, she has the support of her detective partner, Dana, who can cook for me anytime. She also has help from Matt, who wants to find Justin.
I loved watching Bree handle everything with such intelligence and compassion. She is really amazing with her daughter’s children, with their best interests in mind. There are too many bad guys available, so it takes time to figure out what happened. Bree faces these big changes in her life, along with the ghost of her parent’s deaths, with such character and personal growth.
I enjoyed Cross Her Heart so much! I highly recommend it. I’m thrilled there will be a new installment, See Her Die this fall. I know I’ll be reading!
Giveaway:
The publisher is allowing me to giveaway a print copy with signed nameplate.
About Melinda Leigh
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker. A life-long lover of books, she started writing as a way to preserve her sanity while raising her kids. Over the next few years, she learned a few things about writing a book. The process was much more fun than analyzing financial statements, and she decided to turn her hobby into a career. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. She is a RITA® Award Finalist and has earned three Daphne du Maurier Award nominations, two Silver Falchion Awards, and a Golden Leaf.
Melinda holds a 2nd degree belt in Kenpo Karate. She’s dabbled in Arnis stick fighting, studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and taught women’s self-defense. She lives in a messy house in the suburbs with her husband, two kids, a couple of shelter dogs and two rescue cats who clearly run the show. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark and disturbing nature of her imagination.
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.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER Friends
Having just started the Mercy Kilpatrick series, I’ve become an instant fan! Love your review of this one and I’ll definitely be listening to it?
I’m loving this one as much or more than Mercy Kilpatrick series. I hope you love it too!
I haven’t read any books by Melinda Leigh yet
I’ve really loved everything I’ve read of hers; I’m a big fan. If you are a fan of mystery/thriller or romantic suspense I highly recommend her.
i don’t think i’ve read any of her books, but as soon as i saw the cover i knew this would be a good one for me
She’s a favorite author of mine in the mystery / thriller / romantic suspense books. I hope you get to try her books.
The name of the author does ring a bell so I think I alredy tried one of her books. This new series looks good !
It’s excellent, very engaging for first in a series.
Oh yes, I will be right there with you snagging the next book. It was great to buddy read this one with you, Anne! 🙂
Thanks Sophia! I was so happy it was such a hit right from the start for both of us. I love starting a book with the sense quickly it will be amazing and being right about it. It makes it easier to read and to discuss.
No, she is a new-to-me author. I can’t wait to read her books. They sounds so good!
It’s fantastic. I hope you get to read it!
I’ve enjoyed Melinda Leigh in the past. Glad to hear her new series was a hit for you and Sophia! 🙂
Thanks! I hope you get to enjoy this one too!
This sounds so good! I really need to try to read some of Melinda Leigh’s books. I am pretty sure that I would like her writing but just haven’t found the time. Great review!
Thank you! I’ve enjoyed everything I have read by Melinda Leigh.
This sounds good Anne. Another series is to add to my KU wishlist!
It’s awesome. I don’t know about you but my KU wishlist is 10 miles long.
Yea! I’m so happy for you that you love the start of this new series. I love the concept of buddy reading. I sometimes do that “be coincidence” but not on purpose. I should investigate that idea more!
The COYER folks loved the buddy read concept so much I’m sure they will be doing it again. COYER is my favorite challenge because it has such fun people.
I loved this one and so did Sophia.
I’ve not read this author before but I’d like to. She writes in a genre I really like.
I really loved this one and recommend it. I have enjoyed everything I have read by this author.
Haven’t had the chance but would love to. This book sounds fascinating.
I love this author’s books and hope you get to try one soon.