This RITA® Reader Challenge was written by Sabrina from Cheeky Reads. This novel finaled in the Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure category.

Plot Summary: What was supposed to be a quiet vacation in scenic Wyoming turned deadly when Hannah Cooper became the target of a serial killer. Although she survived the attack, the ordeal was far from over. But she wasn’t alone. Not when Riley Patterson appointed himself her protector.

Beneath Riley’s strapping, solemn exterior hid a hard-driving sheriff who would stop at nothing to catch a killer. He promised Hannah safety, but it was the danger he posed that drew her in. Riley was as much a mystery as the man who sought to take her life. Trapped on his ranch, with no one but each other to trust, only justice could set them freeand possibly separate them forever.

And here is Sabrina’s review:

I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense stories and wish that they got more attention from readers and book stores. It seems like the selection of romantic suspense new releases is getting smaller and smaller, but I can say that most of what’s being published is above average. Harlequin Intrigue has been my go-to goldmine for romantic suspense for years, so I was excited to have the chance to review this book.

The suspense plot in this book is extremely well done. It’s smart, unique and keeps you guessing about who the threat really is. The author does a really amazing job of revealing the serial killer’s motivation at the perfect time and with the most impact. I loved that this wasn’t overly done or spoon fed to the reader and that the motivation really is something you don’t expect. Really, the suspense here is top notch.

What was missing slightly for me was more romance. Right off you should know this is very much a behind closed doors story and that wasn’t an issue for me at all. What was an issue was that I felt like the story showed very little real interaction between the hero and heroine that would have led to them falling in love as quickly as they do. Yes, there are some great scenes with them getting to know each other but I would consider them sort of superficial and again, not the kind of quality time that I as a reader buy into as enough for true love.

Without giving away any spoilers, Riley has some deep emotional issues he needs to work through and the heroine Hannah really stirs him up. That part of the story is touching and bittersweet. The author did an excellent job of showing the hero’s internal struggle and emotional journey and that really is the highlight of this book. But, it’s because of these emotional issues that I felt Riley and Hannah actually needed more time together before their professed feelings of love could be explained.

I enjoyed this book and would give the author a top grade for the suspense, but I wanted more of the love story! It does however say good things about the characters that I wanted more pages with them together. If you’re looking for suspense with a lot of heart and emotion then this is a good story for you, but I just wanted a little more quality time between our hero/heroine.

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