Sandy M’s review of Don’t Breathe a Word (Texas Justice, Book 2) by Christie Craig
Romantic Suspense published by Forever 5 Nov 19
I have loved Christie Craig’s romantic comedies for years. A sense of humor is one of those elusive things that happens in romance less often than not, but she has it down pat. Thus, that’s my entire reason for taking my time reading her foray into romantic suspense, which turns out to be a really idiotic idea. So my apologies to Ms. Craig for selling her short. Don’t Breathe a Word is a terrific book, the edge-of-your-seat kind – great storyline and mystery and the characters will work their way under your skin in no time at all.
The beginning of this story is heartbreaking. We find out right away how Juan lost his family and has become the man he is today – a police detective who is all business, keeping to himself and riddled with guilt. He currently works the cold cases in his precinct, along with two other top-of-their-game officers, and they’ve had some great success. Then one night Juan tries to take down an intruder at his next-door neighbor’s house, only to have the tables turned on him, losing the perp and getting his butt kicked…by a woman.
Said woman is Vicki Holloway, and Juan’s gut tells him things aren’t on the up and up with her, but he’s still attracted – even when he discovers she has a child. Vicki and Bell have been on the run for months with the help of a women’s shelter to keep their identities unknown to the man who killed Vicki’s sister and horribly abused little Bell. Vicki is a super smart cookie, but Juan’s instinct and determination is going to win out, especially the more his guilt lessens, along with his burgeoning and almost unwelcome attraction to Vicki.
The scenes with Bell and Juan are so heart warming. This little girl is just as intuitive as her aunt, knowing Juan’s scars aren’t his fault. Vicki finally realizes she needs help and begins to open up to Juan, which leads to one heck of a relationship. I really like these two – strong, stubborn, honest, and loving. Juan’s slow-but-sure release of the past is also heart wrenching, but it’s definitely time for him to move on. The villain is as dastardly as they come, and I cheered for his hastened end every time Juan gets close.
I didn’t realize this is the second book in the series, but you don’t need to have read the first one. I haven’t and I didn’t miss a damned thing while reading. But I’m definitely going to be delving into Don’t Close Your Eyes very, very, very soon.
Grade: A
Summary:
Police detective Juan Acosta doesn’t only carry scars on the outside. He’s filled with guilt and anger ever since his undercover job led to the murder of those he loved the most. Now he’s living for one thing: revenge. That is, until Juan meets his beautiful new neighbor.
Vicki Holloway prides herself on being capable and independent, but her life is turned upside down when her sister Sara is killed by an abusive ex. Fearing for the safety of her niece, Vicki and the little girl go into hiding…resurfacing in Texas with new identities.
Juan finds his once-frozen heart thawing around Vicki, but he knows she’s hiding something. Juan needs answers, but Vicki isn’t talking. She has to keep her secrets if she wants to keep Bell safe, which means resisting her growing feelings for the sexy, scarred man next door. But when Juan’s quest for justice brings danger to her door, divulging the truth might be the only thing that keeps her alive.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
