Once Upon a Twilight!: Lyrical Press

Unforgiven
Deep Ops #5

Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Romantic Suspense
Released: 06/07/2022
Review Source: Review Copy | Netgalley

Run: Gemma Falls never expected to use her game theory expertise to outrun a killer. But for years, that skill is all that kept her one step ahead of a deadly stalker. When Gemma gets the chance to teach at D.C. University, she hopes she and her young daughter have found a safe harbor. The only flaw is the arrogant philosophy professor who’s always underfoot giving unwanted advice—in his sexy British accent . . .

Hide: Jethro Hanson has blood on his hands. He’s working within ivy-covered university halls now, but he knows that his work with the Deep Ops team and the deadly acts he once committed for the sake of Queen and country place him beyond forgiveness—until he meets Gemma . . .

Seek: Soon, the passion between them stuns them both. But when Jethro discovers a threat is fast overtaking her, he must choose between the redemption he seeks—and releasing the ever-present killer inside . . .

Unforgiven is book five in the Deep Ops series however I read this as a standalone. Whilst previous relationships and couples were obvious throughout, I never felt like I was missing out on anything. I'm actually going to read the whole series when I have time because I really enjoyed this book - it gave Maya Banks/Cynthia Eden vibes and it's been a while since I've read this type of romantic suspense.

Gemma is a single mother to her three-year-old, Trudy, and has been running for years. Knowing what her violent ex-fiancé is capable of, Gemma will continue to run and protect her family until it's finally safe to settle down - if it's ever safe. Jethro has just as much baggage - a serial killer brother who's trying to frame him for murder. Gemma and Jethro meet at D.C University where they both work - Jethro is a charming Brit and Gemma is a single mother keeping under the radar, but as her friendship blooms with Jethro, Gemma find's herself on the radar of a serial killer and her past finally catches up with her.

For me, a romantic suspense isn't the same without the sense of community within the book. Unforgiven was loaded with a group of friends who pulled together in Jethro's time of need - people who would do anything and sacrifice everything to ensure their friend's safety, and it was done perfectly. The romance wasn't at centre stage but the plot, suspense and deep ops crew made up for that. The English dialect was done well - as a Brit I often cringe at the movie-like, unrealistic dialect but in Unforgiven, it was really well written!

Overall, Unforgiven was a brilliant read. If you love family orientated books, single mother's and suspense then you will love this.

Welcome to our stop on THE GIRL HE KNOWS tour for Kristi Rose. This tour is hosted by Jen Halligan PR.

The Girl He Knows
Author: Kristi Rose
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Chick Lit | Romance
Released: August 18th 2014
Review Source: Lyrical Press | Blog Tour

Waking up naked next to a good looking man is not a bad way to start the day. Especially since Paisley missed all those opportunities in college, when she was too busy supporting her no good, thankfully now, ex-husband. The problem? This hottie is Hank, her best friend’s older brother, a guy she’s known her entire life.

Stopping after one night is the right thing to do. Being with him clearly breaks the best friend code, and from his career as a Naval officer to his Boy Scout reputation, everything about him screams monogamy and commitment. Two things Paisley has had enough of.

When Hank presents a “no strings attached” offer, it’s too good to be true. She can enjoy him while still embracing being single. But, poor choices force her to confront old fears of love and loss, and Paisley has to decide if Hank is worth the risk. The alternative is never experiencing the real deal. Or far worse, settling for less.

This is another book that I really loved reading. The main characters are Hank and Paisley. Paisley wakes up in the morning not knowing where she is but then she rolls over in the bed and sees Hank. Even though he is really gorgeous and single she would love to be with him but there is one thing. He is her best friends brother. How will she explain that?

Hank decides to have this offer for them to have a no strings attached relationship. So when they want to see each other then they can but don't have a relationship with each other. But every place that she goes to she is always running into him. Plus she hasn't told her best friend that she is sleeping with her brother.

I loved the book from the beginning to the very end. There wasn't any disappointments in the story and I would love to read another book by this author hopefully it will be a sequel. The other thing that I loved about this book was it kept you on your toes and you always wished this happened to you when you were at that age. Sometimes you wished your life was like a book.

Kristi Rose was raised in central Florida on boiled peanuts and iced tea. She’s lived by an active volcano, almost fallen off a mountain, and was married in Arkansas by a J.O.P in flip flops named Earl. Today, as a proud military wife and mother of two, she’s been lucky enough to travel the world. No matter where she is, she enjoys watching people and wondering what’s their story? That’s what Kristi likes to write about: everyday people, the love that brings them together, and their journey getting there. Kristi is a member of RWA. You can follow Kristi at www.kristirose.net, like her Facebook page: Kristi Rose, or send her a tweet @krosewrites. The Girl He Knows is her debut novel.