Title: Dangerous Relations
Author: Marilyn Levinson
Genre: Suspense
Book Blurb:
“A master of the mystery & suspense genre.” -Midwest Book Review
After Ardin Wesley's cousin, Suziette, is murdered, her widower, Brett, asks Ardin to help him adopt Suziette's little girl. Trouble is, no one knows the identity of the child's natural father, and Ardin wants to adopt Leonie herself. Although she’s drawn to Brett and attraction blooms as they grow close, an abusive ex-husband turned Ardin against love. Not to mention, Brett feels betrayed once he learns of her plans to adopt the toddler.
Then someone sets fire to Ardin's aunt's house, and she barely escapes with her life. Despite their differences, Brett offers her shelter, and together, they work to create a secure home for the bereft little girl. But they need to discover the identity of her father before someone else dies to protect his terrible secret.
Fans of Karen Rose, Fern Michaels, and Lisa Jackson will enjoy Marilyn Levinson.
Excerpt:
The phone rang five minutes later. It was Detective Rabe.
“Just want you to know, Marshall Crewe is out and about as of ten o’clock last night last night,” he told Ardin. “He’s highly agitated. Still insists he’s innocent.”
Ardin sighed. Worried as she was about Aunt Julia, she’d forgotten about Crewe. “Do you think he’ll come after me?”
The detective clucked his tongue. “Couldn’t say. My gut tells me he won’t, but I’d feel a lot better if I could spare someone to look after you. Frankly, I’m glad Mr. Waterstone’s playing watchdog, though he’s probably at work now.”
“I’m glad to hear you don’t consider Brett a suspect,” she said sarcastically.
“Come on, Ms. Wesley. Did I ever say I did? Do us both a favor and keep your wits about you. Stay home or in public places.”
Amazing. Not one innuendo or hostile comment. It was almost as though Detective Rabe had turned into a friend. Too bad he wasn’t any further along with the murder investigation.
The garage mechanic arrived in Ardin’s car. She took him back to the repair shop, settled her bill, then drove to Aunt Julia’s.
The house was a disaster. A blue tarp shielded the open roof from the elements. The brick facade was blackened. Boards covered broken windows.
Ardin walked around to the back of the house. It was in even worse condition, with furniture scattered about the lawn, the same lawn where, less than a year ago, Suziette and Brett’s wedding had taken place.
Poor Aunt Julia. Ardin hoped the sight of her home’s destruction wasn’t going to bring on another heart attack.
Buy Links:
Retailers: https://books2read.com/u/boNw0a
What’s your favorite activity to shake off the winter doldrums?
I love traveling, reading, knitting, doing Sudoku, and visiting with my grandchildren, Olivia and Jack, on FaceTime.
Why is your featured book a cure for the winter blues?
Dangerous Relations is a fast-paced domestic suspense with hints of a romance plot that is sure to get your heart racing.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs March 1 – 31, 2025
Drawing will be held on April 1, 2025.
Author Biography:
A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, romantic suspense, and novels for young readers. Her Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series was a King Rivers Life Magazine's "Best of 2014," and on Book Town's 2014 Summer Mystery Reading List. She’s an Agatha nominee, a Library Journal "Pick of the Month," on Goodreads's list of the 200 "Most Popular Books Published in 2017,” a Suspense Magazine Best Indie, and was on Book Town's Summer (and) Fall Reading Lists. She also writes under Allison Brook. She is co-founder and past president of the Long Island chapter of Sisters in Crime. She resides in New York with her family.
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