Review: Buried Lies by Kaylea Cross

Sammy’s review of Buried Lies (Crimson Point, Book 2) by Kaylea Cross
Romantic Suspense published by Kaylea Cross Inc. 27 Nov 18

After reading Book 1, Fractured Honor, I immediately read this book. Wow! I was blown away. This book takes all the things I loved from the first book and takes it to the next level. Things took a dark turn, and to say this was an edge-of-your-seat read would be an understatement. Romantic Suspense is one of my favorite sub-genres and it’s not often you will find a 50/50 ratio of suspense to romance, I think Kaylea Cross is fantastic at balancing the two. Poppy, Noah, and the rest of the cast are back and it’s one hell of a ride. I suggest you buckle your seat belts and break out the Kleenex, because this book will give you chills, break your heart, rejoice over Poppy and Noah’s hard-fought love for each other, and the bad guy getting his just desserts.

Poppy Larson moved to Crimson Point in Fractured Honor. She bought an old building and turned it into a Bookstore Cafe. She’s a hard worker and she has no time and is a little gun shy to hook up or have any sort of relationship with the hunky sheriff. Things start to get a little difficult since Poppy and Noah are also neighbors. Noah is very interested in the woman who strolled into town with her head down and a work ethic that he’s amazed by. It also doesn’t hurt that Poppy is beautiful and she’s not falling at his feet. Noah is in lust with the new girl.

Noah and Poppy do get to know each other as neighbors. Noah also knows something is not right with Poppy, and by not right he knows something’s up because she keeps everything very close to her vest, which only intrigues him more. After Poppy finishes getting her store in order, she has her sights on fixing up her newly purchased house. She’s down on funds, so she decides to do the outside garden herself. Noah offers her some names of the local landscapers and she happily takes him up on his offer to help her out. Meanwhile, Noah is also dealing with the potential of a serial killer in his part of the world, and the killer seems to be edging closer to Crimson Point.

Things between Carter and Molly are getting worse. Carter’s behavior has now become abusive toward Molly and everyone is trying to keep Molly safe, as well as keep Carter safe. This is painful, I need to be honest. Jase was in love with Molly before Carter and Molly got together. Molly picked Carter and Jase took himself out of the picture. Now, I don’t know if Molly was aware that Jase had feelings for her, but from what I have read she doesn’t seem to give any indication that she’s aware of his feelings. With that said, I was holding out hope that Carter would somehow find out what is going on with his head injury and him and Molly would find their way back, especially because Molly is also pregnant with Carter’s baby. Things took another turn and I am not sure how I am feeling about it. I have Jase and Molly’s book downloaded, but I am not really ready to read it yet. I should just trust the author and take the ride, because she has not failed me yet, but I am still recovering from the outcome of Carter’s fate.

Poppy and Noah are getting to know one another and it’s sweet and sexy. Unfortunately for Poppy, her past makes an appearance in her small town and she is horrified. This is where you will learn about her past and you get to see how Noah and the rest of the gang stand with her and for her. These are the parts that make you want to move there and find a few friends like Poppy. Just when things heat up between Noah and Poppy, there is something sinister stalking her, and when he catches his prey, the clock is ticking and Noah goes into beast mode. I am not going to divulge the suspense in this story. You need to experience the terror all for yourself. I will tell you it’s downright scary and I almost pooped my damned pants. When Noah and the FBI figure things out, I was blown away by the revelations. This is a pretty hard part as well, very emotional, and also, with all the horror that has happened to Poppy, very beautiful as well, thanks to her friends and Noah. Of course, the bad guy is dealt with and Poppy recovers. Things in Crimson Point are heating up. While I am excited to find out more, I am dreading the outcome too. Of course, I am going to read the next book because Kaylea Cross has some really great writing chops.

Noah and Poppy’s HEA was everything I needed it to be and more. The rest of the cast of characters have me coming back time and again because, dammit, I care about all of them. That’s what makes these books worth reading. It’s a series that needs to be read if you love romantic suspense. From the small town to the people to the breathless suspense and the satisfying relationships, it’s a must read.

Grade: A

Summary:

She left her painful past behind.

Poppy Larsen is finally free. She moved to Crimson Point to make a new life for herself, full of bright possibilities. A whole new world awaits her, if she can find the courage to trust again—even her gorgeous neighbor, the town sheriff. But darkness lurks in the picturesque Oregon Coast town, concealing a deadly threat that’s closer than she ever imagined.

Now a killer is watching her from the shadows.

Sheriff Noah Buchanan can’t help but be intrigued by his new neighbor. She’s hard working, sexy as hell, and unlike most of the women in town, she hasn’t thrown herself at him. After it becomes clear that she plans to put down roots here, he finds himself falling more and more for Poppy and her big heart. When someone from her past tries to hurt her, it triggers all his protective instincts. But the real danger is hiding in plain sight. When the unthinkable happens, Noah is thrust into a race against time to save her before it’s too late.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: