Twelve years ago, Sarah Baker was abducted by the Watt Lake Killer and sexually assaulted for months before managing to escape. The killer was caught, but Sarah lost everything: her marriage, her child, and the life she loved.
Struggling with PTSD, Sarah changes her name to Olivia West and finds sanctuary working on Broken Bar Ranch. But as her scars finally begin to heal, a cop involved with her horrific case remains convinced the Watt Lake Killer is still out there. He sets a lure for the murderer, and a fresh body is discovered. Now Olivia must face the impossible—could the butcher be back, this time to finish the job?
As a frigid winter isolates the ranch, only one person can help Olivia: Cole McDonough, a writer, adventurer, and ranch heir who stirs long-dormant feelings in her. But this time, Olivia’s determination to shut out her past may destroy more than her chance at love. It could cost her her life.
By Sher on June 2, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This writer knows how to tell a story, which makes me glad I read this book. The only caution I have for other readers is that A Dark Lure is a romantic suspense novel, not really a psychological thriller as it's categorized on the Kindle First page. The romance plot is prominent, with many scenes built around the electric glances and verbal sparring between the central couple. I am not a big fan of romances, but the characters here are developed and interesting. Admittedly, the hero and heroine fit the standard expectations of the genre - she's tough and feisty, he's ultra cool and masculine without undermining her, and their attraction is immediate despite differences between them - but these characters also have some depth with their complicated histories, and the well-developed secondary characters bring a lot to the story and make it feel more grounded.
There are some unrealistic elements in the suspense plot. The killer not only dangles clues intentionally, he even arms his target to give her a sporting chance. Also, an investigator who believes the killer is still out there long after the case is closed lures the killer into making a move. This trap might be smart, except that it unveils the heroine's new identity and leads the killer directly to her without alerting her that she's in danger. She is a little slow to put it together on her own, but fortunately the hero is good at noticing bread crumbs. In the end, I looked past these story elements because it is a romance, which often involves a degree of fantasy, and I enjoyed the story, which really is well written. Readers who dislike romances or want gritty realism should probably select something else. I do recommend the book for those who enjoy romantic suspense, or who might be open to giving the genre a chance. This is a good one.
There are some unrealistic elements in the suspense plot. The killer not only dangles clues intentionally, he even arms his target to give her a sporting chance. Also, an investigator who believes the killer is still out there long after the case is closed lures the killer into making a move. This trap might be smart, except that it unveils the heroine's new identity and leads the killer directly to her without alerting her that she's in danger. She is a little slow to put it together on her own, but fortunately the hero is good at noticing bread crumbs. In the end, I looked past these story elements because it is a romance, which often involves a degree of fantasy, and I enjoyed the story, which really is well written. Readers who dislike romances or want gritty realism should probably select something else. I do recommend the book for those who enjoy romantic suspense, or who might be open to giving the genre a chance. This is a good one.
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