It is a good thing that this is not my first experience with Heather Graham’s work because if it were after reading this book it would be my last. Based on my prior experience, I went into this book with high expectations, but instead, I ended up being sorely disappointed.
What the story is about.
Kody Cameron returned to Florida to finalise business and personal affairs before returning to New York where she makes a living as a live actress. However, she never expected to be taken hostage by masked men searching for decades old treasure hidden by the notorious criminal Anthony Green.
Nick Connolly is seeking to capture career criminal Nathan Appleby. To achieve this goal, he infiltrated the gang that held Kody hostage. He recognises her, from a brief meeting they had in the past, as the girl he wanted to get to know better. Now Nick faces the biggest challenge of his career, taking down the gang while trying to protect Kody, her employees and the mayor’s son.
My Perspective
The Story
Now after reading the above, you must be asking yourselves what problems could I have with such an exciting premise. Well, I know you would expect a fast-paced, edge of your seat read. Unfortunately, this was not my experience and to make matters worse the romance was below average. The story lacked fluidity making it difficult to follow. The suspense took a long time to build up and by the time it did it was over.
The Characters
Kody: Initially I was not sure what to make of her. I know if I had a gun held to my head, I would pray every chance I get, instead of mouthing off to the man behind the gun. I am not sure what to call her action be it bravery or sheer stupidity. Her actions lacked credibility. However, as the story progressed, I came to admire her strength and selflessness during the hostage crisis.
Nick: Throughout the story, he remained a mystery. I knew nothing about him beyond the current situation. He made a great villain given the circumstances. He was the voice of reason in a volatile situation which
The Villains: I was not impressed by the villains especially the supposed career criminal. Some members of the gang were evidently not cut out for a life of crime. It would seem that Appleby did not call the shots in this situation. I am not an expert on hostage negotiations, but I found it strange that he would allow Nick to negotiate on his behalf, giving him the upper hand. Appleby was a big joke, half the time it appeared he had no idea what he was about.
Character development was lacking, and I had difficulty connecting with the characters.
The Romance
Not only did I not connect with the main characters individually I also did not connect with them as a couple. Their romance lacked credibility and left me with a lot of questions. I have no clue how they found the time to fall in love. Most of their interaction took place during the hostage situation and there was no evidence of any spark during this time. They went on one date then the next thing I know they moved in together and looking forward to getting married.
Recommendation
The reviews for this title were mixed. Honestly, I am unable to understand the five-star reviews. I guess the reviews were geared towards the author instead of the book. Personally, I would not recommend this book. However, I am sure there are some readers who would enjoy this title, but it just was not my thing.
About Heather Graham
HEATHER GRAHAM is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two hundred novels and novellas. She has been honored with awards from booksellers and writers’ organizations for excellence in her work, and she is also proud to be a recipient of the Silver Bullet from Thriller Writers and was also awarded the prestigious Thriller Master in 2016. She is also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from RWA. Heather has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, Mystery Book Club, People and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including Today, Entertainment Tonight and local television.
Nadene's addiction to reading began at an early age, when a family friend gifted her a copy of Wuthering Heights. From that moment she was never without a book.She will read anything as long the material is compelling enough to hold her attention. She gained many experiences through the pages of the books she had the opportunity to read.She created this blog to share her love of books with like minded individuals hopes that in sharing reviews of the books read visitors to the blog will discover their next addictive read. When not reading, Nadene enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching television.
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Oh man! I’ve been working through Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series and I love them. After reading your review, I’ll definitely avoid this one. Thanks for the head’s up!
I have actually not even tried Graham
Yea, I have a feeling I would feel the same way as you did… especially with the hostage negotiations part. That really doesn’t make sense to me.
Exactly Melissa. I am still trying to wrap my mind around it.
It sounded promising, too bad it didn’t work well for you . . . Thanks for the honest review, and I hope your next read is going to make your day! 🙂
Oh goodness. I have been wanting to try her out but will definitely stay away from this one.
Sorry this one didn’t work out too well for you. I do want to read more of Heather Graham but I think I might skip this one.
Oh wow. I love Graham, but have found I don’t like her standalone and it sounds like this totally missed the mark as well.
Yes, it missed the mark. I was disappointed and felt like I wasted precious time with this one.
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this one, Nadene. It’s so frustrating when a book doesn’t live up to its blurb.
Great review.
So true Angie. I was so disappointed.
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this one. I haven’t read her books yet, but glad to know that I shouldn’t start with this one. Very informative review.
Thanks Aleen.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve read one of her books.
Sorry it didn’t work that well for you