Title: Bittersweet Alliance
Author: Kathleen Rowland
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Book Blurb:
Will a snap decision change their lives forever? Bizarre kidnappings stun the Big Island of Hawaii, pulling Danker Donahue back into the game and forcing him to partner with Jolene Kualoha, the woman who left him seven years ago when his DNA showed up in paternity lawsuit. The prejudice-motivated hate crimes are the wildest anyone has ever seen. Victims are being poisoned then released once the ransoms are paid, many losing their lives. In the shadow of Jolene's success as a helicopter pilot, a troubled woman develops a fixation on Jolene and imitates her appearance. Matters turn dark when the copycat is shot dead. Was Jolene the target? Threats mount when she barely survives an accident after her brake cables are severed. When these crimes threaten her sanity, Jolene is forced to trust the one person she thought she’d lost forever, Danker. Instantly, sparks fly between them, and as much as she wants to rekindle their relationship, she must protect her heart. An old enemy, Seamus McGinn, breaks out of a maximum-security prison and invites Danker to a meet-up. Surprisingly, the kidnapper joins forces with McGinn along with his sick fans. McGinn trumpets his ‘murders by ice pick’, and it’s up to Danker to stop him. The whole island is on edge with a live feed from the maniac’s website. In a stolen moment, Jolene shows him hope, and he makes a snap decision that will change their lives forever. Will he make it back to show her?
My Review:
Kidnapping of wealthy Hawaiians brings Danker back working with the one woman who broke his heart when she left him seven years ago. Not only is the person responsible for kidnapping but also poisoning the victims so once they get their hands on the ransom money, they release the victims who then wind up dead from the poison. Danker teams up with Jolene so he can speak to the locals and track down who’s doing these horrible crimes. Little does Danker realize, an old enemy resurfaces and vows revenge on Danker and all those he loves, including Jolene. Can he protect Jolene from this threat or will Jolene be the next victim?
To say I loved this book is a vast understatement. I LOVED IT! There were times when I was prepping for upcoming business meetings and got delayed because I just had to read the next scene. The setting of Hawaii is incredibly detailed, so much so, I swear I could smell the vegetation and the flowers. Kathleen Rowland does such a wonderful job plunging the reader into her stories. It’s deep multiple POV and my favorite POV has to be Violet. I loved getting inside her head and seeing how evil operates. The creepiness of the plot spurred me on until the very last page. The romance is hot and sensual but doesn’t overshadow the suspense. A perfect balance, in my view.
If you’re looking for a romantic suspense to escape the summer heat, pick up Bittersweet Alliance today. Be sure to have a cool beverage with you. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
99 cents or free to read on Kindle Unlimited!
Author Biography:
Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with an erotic love story sure to melt their hearts. Her latest release is Bittersweet Alliance.
Kathleen also has a steamy romantic suspense series with Tirgearr Publishing, Deadly Alliance is followed by Unholy Alliance. Keep an icy drink handy while reading these sizzling stories.
Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels. She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji. Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.
Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors. While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write.
Social Media Links: https://twitter.com/rowlandkathleen
See Kathleen’s most recent books here: http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Rowland_Kathleen
Reviewed by: Mrs. N