Veena’s review of Red on the River by Christine Feehan
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 28 Jun 22 

Vienna Mortenson is killing two birds with one stone. She’s in Sin City to participate in a gambling tournament to which she got a personal invitation and then she’s going to be doing some extreme sports with her women friends as part of a bachelorette party for one of their own. The first curve ball that disrupts her plans is an ex-lover who shows up undercover, staying in the adjoining suite, with an agenda that might possibly include her. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, is that someone is trying to kill her. Can she and her friends stay ahead of trouble long enough to enjoy their plans?

The one jarring note for me is the extreme detail the author goes into with regard to poker tournaments and Vienna’s strategy and gift that helps her win those tournaments. There is also a lot of detail of the edgy activities the women enjoy that made me a bit itchy.  I have to admit I almost abandoned the book midway, but managed to persevere to enjoy the meat of the spine-tingling suspense I was looking forward to.

Zale is a special operator who is undercover at the casino hotel where Vienna is playing her tournament. They had been lovers for a while, but then he disappeared suddenly on her. Now he’s back and looking to pick up where he left off, but he might actually be falling short of achieving what he desires, even if it does appear Zale’s mission might overlap with whomever is targeting Vienna. Zale is trying to complete his mission while trying to keep Vienna safe and reestablish his romantic relationship.

I did enjoy the women and their various personalities, especially as we start to see a little bit of the baggage each woman is carrying. None of these women are strangers to danger and deal with the death stalking them with courage and determination.  As the story runs its course, secrets and hidden truths come out into the daylight, and the book actually becomes very interesting as it rushes toward an excellent finish.

While nowhere in the marketing does it state this book is a part of a series beginning with Murder at Sunrise Lake, it becomes clear we’ve met some of the characters before. I, for one, wished I had refreshed myself on Book1, because there are some references that are relevant.

Grade: C

Summary:

Vienna Mortenson isn’t your typical gambler. She prefers to stay under the radar, using her poker winnings to support her family and her community, including the local search and rescue team, which she heads up. Out in the backcountry there’s no time for hesitation when lives are on the line. Vienna prides herself on being tough and decisive. She’s not the sort to make a fool of herself over a guy, especially one who left her high and dry without a backward glance.

Zale Vizzini’s job constantly puts him in harm’s way. Working undercover and disappearing for months at a time isn’t exactly a recipe for a stable relationship. Despite the challenges and the risks, Zale wants something real with Vienna. He just needed time to figure out how to be in her life without putting her in danger. Now, he’s determined to win her back, and he’s ready to lay all his cards on the table.

As their friends’ wedding approaches, Zale takes advantage of the festivities to make a play for Vienna’s heart. But there are more deadly forces waiting to strike in the rugged terrain of Nevada and the western Sierras. Soon both of their lives are threatened, and the odds are stacked against them….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: