Review: Deadly Secrets

Deadly Secrets by Sarah Barrie

 

Description:

 Born and bred on the land, Jordan Windcroft is tough. She's had to be. Her life revolves around running her property almost single-handedly on next to no money, and waiting out her four years of probation — a rap that she took for one of her closest friends.

But there's an end to her problems in sight. Jordan’s probation period is almost up, and if she can just make the cattle sale, there’s a chance she can pull herself out of more than ten years of serious debt and keep her precious farm. The last thing she needs is for Reid Easton to walk into town.

Detective Senior Sergeant Reid Easton drives into Whitewater Creek on a mission to wrap up a three-year drug investigation; his only lead, Jordan Windcroft. The attraction between the two is immediate, but Reid is undercover and Jordan has a secret she can’t risk him discovering. Neither will jeopardise their cause, not for something as transitory as love.
 

My Thoughts:

 

The past couple of weeks for me have been exams, exams and more bloody exams and I just haven't had the time to read. I just didn't have any time to relax with all my studying and its been killing me. I tried to sneak in a couple of chapters every night before bed at least but that became a struggle... Now that they are over - finally! - I get to sit down. Hallelujah! Deadly Secrets was the perfect book for me to get back into the reading mood. There is a lot that I can nitpick about it. There w...more The past couple of weeks for me have been exams, exams and more bloody exams and I just haven't had any time to relax with all my studying and its been killing me. I tried to sneak in a couple of chapters every night before bed at least but that became a struggle... Now that they are over - finally! - I get to sit down. Hallelujah! Deadly Secrets was the perfect book for me to get back into the reading mood. There is a lot that I can nitpick about it. There were some clichés, the middle was a little slow and dragged on a bit too long, the ending was a tad predicable but you know what? I didn't need a perfect book. I needed something entertaining and something fun - which is precisely what I got! I have to say that I simply adored the characters and they were what made this for me. Jordan is everything you can wish for in a female protagonist: funny, strong, independent (not clingy or obsessive), sassy, savvy, feisty, not afraid to stick up for herself, tough... I can go on! I simply loved her approach to life. She never once complained, despite everything thrown her way and she didn't depend on any knight in shining armour or fairy godmother to come and rescue her. She had everything planned out for herself and I really admired her determination. The romance not only beautiful and definitely swoon-worthy, but well developed. There was no instalove. There was a bit of insta-attraction but it wasn't acted upon until appropriate. I completely fell in love with Reid as I read more and more about him. He is loyal, sweet, sassy, funny, passionate and fierce. He is the type to love with all his heart and never give up, ever. I loved his relationship with Jordan and I really wish this had a sequel so I could read more of him! I enjoyed the mystery aspects also. The drug investigation was a little bit duller than I would have expected and I wish there had been a more exciting conclusion, however. The switch over to the next "mystery" (I won't say more than that so it won't be spoiled) was dragged out a little too much for my liking. The second mystery however was super creepy and I loved the thriller vibe it gave. I was kept on my on toes the entire time and loved every minute of it. Overall, I really enjoyed Deadly Secrets. It was a pleasant surprise and a great break from the crappy week I've been having. I would recommend it to New Adult contemporary romance fans that love murder mysteries as well. I am definitely checking out more of this author's work! Note: a copy was provided courtesy of Sarah Barrie and Escape Publishing, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given or taken during this process.