Book 1

I picked up the series box as a freebie a long time ago, and over the years I gathered quite a collection of the author's books in this way. I think it was because of the excellent reviews mostly that I downloaded them, but whatever the reason, I'm glad I did. The few bad ones were, in my opinion, people that didn't take the time to read the book—book trolls with no valid excuse and thumb sucked a review.

This year, I decided to read some of these books and so far, I'm not disappointed with the choice on my TBR list.

This is a fast-paced private investigator story, well written with a steady buildup to the end. It has the reader on the edge guessing until the last chapter.

The underlining romance between Sloane and Nick is another noteworthy happening. For some reason, I feel sorry for Nick as he tries hard to stay true to the relationship while Sloane is on a path of self-discovery and helping others. It all stemmed from her own sad past, which propels her to continue in her quest to help women in dangerous situations.

The suspense a gradual build to the end that kept you engaged and the bad people revealing themselves.

I like the cliffhanger book one ended in and can't wait to get to book 2 in the series. Hoping that it would continue. Because I am a romantic by heart, I really Nick and Sloane can work it out as well. If not, that will also be okay.

Book 2

"Sinnerman, where you gonna run to?

Where you gonna run to?

All on that day

Well I run to the rock, please hide me

I run to the Rock, please hide me

I run to the Rock, please hide me, Lord."

I understand that the original book title of this book was Sinnerman. A very apt name for the second book in the box set I downloaded.

In this book, Sloane Monroe came face to face with a man that haunted her thoughts for three years. A man that caused her much pain in the past. Still not over the death of her sister, she vowed to catch him one way or the other.

Sloane Monroe proved to be a woman that never backs down from a challenge. Even willing to put her own life on the line to capture the man who had Park City in a fearful grip.

When another body immersed, that looked very similar to previous murders committed in the city, Monroe and the police had a tough time to capture the culprit. This time, with the help of the FBI, she was allowed to be part of the investigation and Coop was his usual self—pissed about her involvement.

With Nick out of the picture, she had the freedom to go full-throttle on this case.

Her nose and wit leading her on a very unlikely road to eventually catch the man that haunted her and the city.

Sloane's character had grown from the first book and I can't wait to learn more about her and her dare-devil antics.

Together with Maddie and Lord Berkley, she forged on and left no rock unturned, even if it meant to put herself at risk. She was willing to do so to stop this sadistic person.

A fast-paced thriller mystery that entertains and excites till the very end.

Book 3

In this book Sloane is taken back to her hometown after a schoolfriend was murdered.

A very complex story with an ever-developing main protagonist that must come to terms with her past while searching for a killer who was out to kill all of her former friends.

As secrets come to the surface and heartache amounts you as the reader gets drawn into the life of this small-town life and the secrets it kept.

The fast-paced plotline and suspense didn't disappoint and I am looking forward to read more from this author's books. Especially where the relationship between her and Giovanni is going.

Thank you for this wonderful freebie. It was entertaining, adventurous, with a touch of romance to keep me intrigued. ( )

BLACK DIAMOND DEATH
In this first book, we're introduced to the talented, independent and kick ass Sloane Monroe, as she searches for the truth behind the assumed accidental death of Charlotte Halliwell. But what is the truth and how does it all work together as one?

This story moves at a fairly good pace, allowing the reader to get sucked into the world of Sloane Monroe. Unlike the other female leads out there, Sloane isn't prone to accidents or stumbling along the mystery. Instead, we have a woman who knows how to solve a crime and sets out to do just that. She works hard to make sure that what she does is seeking truth and justice... If she steps on a few toes along the way, she's all right doing that.
We get what feels like sneak peeks into her personal life, knowing there's a mystery to be found there as well. Her friends, lovers, adversaries and clients all weave around her, helping and hindering at every step.
The answer isn't blaringly obvious and while you see all the clues, the answer doesn't appear early on, but rather you discover it along with Sloane.

SINNERMAN
Secrets of Sloane's past are finally revealed, as we discover what happened to her sister Gabrielle. Haunted by her own demons, can she solve the one case that's plagued her for three years now, or will or will Sinnerman win in the end.

Book 1 managed to ease you into the story, before taking off like a shot. Book two simple tosses you, along with Sloane, into the fray. While I greatly enjoyed the chance to see deeper into Sloane's life, elements of it felt off at times. Her relationship took a turn between book 1 and 2, and as the reader that seemed to come out of nowhere, as if we were missing something.
That however is only a small element of the story at large, which delves into the mind of a serial killer in a well-researched way, without dragging the reader into a place too dark. In this case, we know who the killer is and the mystery isn't so much discovering him as it is watching Sloane learn the truth.

I HAVE A SECRET
The little we've learned about Sloane's part pales as we return with her to the place of her birth. Take a trip into the past with her as she searches for the truth, battles demons from the past and releases the truth from its shallow grave.

For book three, we leave the safe home of Park City, Utah, and head out to Tehachapi, California. Seeking out the whole story behind an old friend's murder, the reader is pulled into a small town world, where one family has long held a grip on the truth.
For the reader, we have a chance to see Sloane broken down at times, but also able to see how much stronger she has become. Her relationship is both strong and confusing to both the reader, as well as Sloane herself. At times, the secrets behind Giovanni seem forced, leaving us unsure of him, while at the same time sure he's one of the only ones trustworthy.


I thoroughly enjoyed the books and hope that there is more to come. I would love to delve deeper into Giovanni and see how Sloane fares in that trial. My hope is to see the strong and independent PI be finally happy in her life, content with where and who she is. ( )

I read all the books in this boxed set and posted reviews for each book. Look at those books for full reviews. ( )