Fractured Trust, the third installment in Sheila Kell’s Coastal Investigation series, delivers a slow-burn, suspense-driven narrative that keeps the tension high and the pages turning. Kell crafts an intense story that deepens the emotional stakes for returning readers while expanding the series’ overarching world.
Title: Fractured Trust
Author(s): Sheila Kell
Series: Coastal Investigation #3
Also in this series: Deadly Betrayal , Read Between the Lines
Published by Cunningham Publishing on August 6, 2024
Pages: 239
Genre(s): Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchase
Format: eBook
Purchase: Amazon
Rating:
Series Rating:
Prepare for an enthralling journey through a thrilling novel of deceit and fractured trust by romantic suspense bestselling and award-winning author Sheila Kell. Feel the tension mount as a series of nightmares turned into reality. Join JD, Henry Kyle, and Cassie as they confront these challenges and fight to keep their family united.
Life seems to be falling perfectly into place for Cassie and JD. They've just left Henry Kyle at his first summer camp and are filled with anticipation for two weeks of uninterrupted bliss. They've even set a tentative wedding date. But then, a string of unforeseen tragedies strikes, putting their love and commitment to the ultimate test.
Henry Kyle is excited as he prepares for his first summer camp adventure. However, his enthusiasm is dampened by worry when his dad misses the first important call. Fearing the worst, Henry mentally prepares himself to take drastic measures, even if it means disregarding the camp rules.
JD and Cassie are about to experience how troubles always arrive in threes. Get ready to witness the transformative power of overcoming adversity as they navigate these challenging times.
This installment follows Cassie McKay and J.D. Walker as they prepare for a future together, with wedding plans on the horizon and J.D.’s son, Henry Kyle, off to camp. J.D.’s stability with Cassie crumbles when a sudden motor vehicle accident sends him to the hospital and leaves him in a coma. Soon after, someone with sinister intentions lures Henry Kyle away from camp. The dual crises immediately raise the suspense, and the need to understand how these events connect drives the story forward.
I found myself thoroughly invested in uncovering the link between these incidents. Kell weaves the mystery effectively, maintaining suspense while revealing just enough to keep the reader hungry for more. The antagonist is especially well-written; their planned, methodical actions add a creepy layer to the story and raise the tension. However, the story leaves several questions about the antagonist unanswered, which weakens the mystery and leaves certain elements unresolved.
J.D.’s behavior throughout the book did test my patience at times. While his fear is understandable, his inconsistent reactions towards Cassie can be frustrating. Still, this emotional turbulence adds realism and complexity to his character.
A welcome addition is the involvement of characters from Kell’s HIS series, whose presence enriches the narrative and provides a seamless crossover that fans will appreciate.
Overall, Fractured Trust delivers an engaging, suspenseful read with strong character dynamics and a well-executed mystery.
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The Final Hurdle delivers a gripping and emotionally charged finale to the Coastal Investigation series. This installment brings high-stakes tension and strong suspense, making it a fitting conclusion to Cassie and JD’s story arc.
Title: The Final Hurdle
Author(s): Sheila Kell
Series: Coastal Investigation #4
Also in this series: Deadly Betrayal , Read Between the Lines
Published by Cunningham Publishing on March 13, 2026
Pages: 130
Genre(s): Romantic Suspense
Source: Author
Format: eBook
Purchase: Amazon
Rating:
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He’s a PI fighting for redemption.
She’s the woman who refuses to let him fall.
Together, they’re about to face the storm of their lives.JD Walker walked away from the police force in disgrace, broken by alcohol and betrayed by the partner he once trusted with his life. Years later, he’s sober, he’s built something worth fighting for—a thriving PI career, a fierce fiancée at his side, and the unconditional love of his eleven-year-old son.
Until Alan Kearns comes back.
JD’s former partner hasn’t forgotten—or forgiven. And he’s chosen the week of JD’s beach wedding to strike. First come the rumors. Then the sabotage. And finally, the one move JD can’t forgive—using Henry Kyle to prove JD will never outrun his past.
As storms gather over the Mississippi coast, JD and Cassie must stand together against a ruthless enemy determined to dismantle their future. Trust will be tested. Vows will be threatened. And only by facing the shadows can they claim the light—and each other—for good.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After the turmoil of the previous book, Cassie and JD finally seem to be at peace and ready to enjoy the calm before their upcoming wedding. That calm quickly shatters when JD’s former partner from his days as a cop returns seeking revenge. The timing couldn’t be worse, and the threat becomes intensely personal.
JD and Cassie push themselves to their limits as they confront the greatest challenge of their lives. With JD at risk of losing everything, Cassie’s determination to protect the man she loves adds emotional weight and urgency to the plot.
The tension never lets up, and the motive rooted in jealousy feels believable and well-executed. I was fully engaged from start to finish and satisfied with how the story ultimately brought everything full circle.
A strong, compelling conclusion to the series—definitely a standout for fans of romantic suspense.
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About Sheila Kell
Sheila Kell writes about the romantic men who leave women’s hearts pounding with a happily ever after built on memorable, adrenaline-pumping stories. Or, (since her editor attempts to cut down her long-windedness) simply “Smokin’ Hot Romance & Intrigue.” Her debut novel, His Desire (HIS Series #1), launched as an Amazon #1 romantic suspense bestseller and Top 100 overall, later winning the Readers’ Favorite award for best romantic suspense novel. As a Southern girl who has left behind her days with the U.S. Air Force, and as a University Vice President, she can usually be found nestled in the Mississippi woods, where she lives with her cats and all the strays that magically find her front door. When she isn’t writing, she has her nose in a good book, is dealing with the woodland critters who enjoy her back porch, or is wishing she had a genie to do her bidding.Sheila is a member of Romance Writers of America. For more information, visit Sheila’s website and subscribe to her newsletter:
