Lethal Lies

The story was interesting and the suspense side was exciting but I did not like Heath and Anya together. Apart, the characters are good, but I didn't enjoy reading about their relationship, how it started, unfolded, and concluded. The series is great and Rebecca Zanetti is one of my favorite authors but this story was a miss for me. However, this won't stop me from reading future books in the series. I'm really looking forward to the next book. ***I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***

AudioBook Review: Stars: Overall 4 Narration 5 Story 4 Heath Jones is a private investigator working on unmasking the Copper Killer and keeping his own name, and his investigative agency Lost Bastards, and himself, out of the spotlight while he does what he came to do. He and his “blood brothers’ Denver and Ryker have gotten some new information that brings their ‘specialness’ into focus with Ryker’s new woman Zara, and they’ve all been looking a bit more into their pasts as they continue to care for and protect the Lost, Broken and perhaps forgotten. But Anya Best is neither forgotten nor lost – although she is broken, but she instantly has Heath’s guard up – determined to protect her, find her sister taken by the Copper Killer, and find a way to keep Anya under wraps when her determined and occasionally stubborn heedlessness for her own safety gets in the way. Heath – so broken yet so determined, and even attracted to Anya – but more than anything he is going to see she is safe – even if that means the two will butt heads. Frequently. Anya is adorable and utterly stubborn, with a real chip on her shoulder about appearing to need anyone or anything as she is determined to find her sister and unveil the killer. She’s not immune to Heath’s charms – as knuckleheaded as he may be at times, but she’s also not willing to NOT use her own good ideas to bring the threats into the light. When they finally realize that perhaps together they could do more than apart, a tentative friendship begins, and Anya’s use of the media unfortunately brings them into public notice by both the sheriff and the doctor: integral people in Heath’s life and the struggles he and his brothers went through. This isn’t an insta-love, protect me, damsel in distress while he ‘Prince Charmings” his way about the slippery slope of sharing his feelings and building a connection. No, this is a story where both Anya and Heath reveal bits about themselves in often painfully heart-stopping moments, that lets the connection build as we see they are made for one another. Narration for this story is provided by Karen White, and she brings each character to life, allowing the ‘villains’ to feel slightly greasy and mal-intentioned, with Heath’s rather alpha-bluster and discombobulation when facing Anya and actually talking rather than ordering is clearly present and adorable. Anya is what one would expect from a woman who is tired of everything piling on and this last thing was just The LAST straw that she intends to softly manage. She’s bold, and while her determination is fueled by a bit of raging at the unfairness (and her fear) of her sister being snatched, there’s also a softer caring side that is apparent in that jumble of emotions. Fast paced, twisty and full of moments that will make you gasp – White handles all of the emotional impact and allows it to breathe and develop – giving listeners a true ‘hand on the throat’ build to a climax that is perfectly timed and appropriate. I can’t wait for the next. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.