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Morgans of Nashville #3
I'll Never Let You Go
LOVE HURTS
He promised to kill her. One night four years ago, Leah Carson’s husband almost succeeded. Philip stabbed her twenty-three times before fleeing. The police are sure he’s dead. But fear won’t let Leah believe it.
AND SOMETIMES
It starts with little things. Missing keys. A flat tire. Mysterious flowers. All easily explained away if the pattern wasn’t so terrifyingly familiar. Leah has a new veterinary practice and a new life with no ties to her nightmare. But Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent Alex Morgan suspects something. And when another woman’s body is found, stabbed twenty-three times, Leah knows her past has found her.
IT KILLS
As Leah and Alex untangle the horrifying truth, he watches her, ready for the perfect moment. Until death —that was the vow they made. And a killer always keeps his word…
He promised to kill her. One night four years ago, Leah Carson’s husband almost succeeded. Philip stabbed her twenty-three times before fleeing. The police are sure he’s dead. But fear won’t let Leah believe it.
AND SOMETIMES
It starts with little things. Missing keys. A flat tire. Mysterious flowers. All easily explained away if the pattern wasn’t so terrifyingly familiar. Leah has a new veterinary practice and a new life with no ties to her nightmare. But Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent Alex Morgan suspects something. And when another woman’s body is found, stabbed twenty-three times, Leah knows her past has found her.
IT KILLS
As Leah and Alex untangle the horrifying truth, he watches her, ready for the perfect moment. Until death —that was the vow they made. And a killer always keeps his word…
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
1294 people are currently reading
2477 people want to read
About the author
Mary Burton
68 books3,862 followersMary Burton, whose latest novel is THE LIES I TOLD, loves writing suspense, getting to know her characters, keeping up with law enforcement and forensic procedure, morning walks, baking, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.
Mary is routinely featured among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense, thriller and mystery. Upon publication, her novels, including NEVER LOOK BACK and BURN YOU TWICE, consistently rank high on the Kindle eBooks Store Bestseller List. Her novels CUT AND RUN and YOU'RE NOT SAFE were nominated for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Romantic Suspense.
A Richmond native, Mary is the author of forty-five published novels and five novellas as Mary Burton and as Mary Ellen Taylor.
A member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and Romance Writers of America, Mary is known for creating multiple suspense stories connected by characters and/or place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
October 26, 2015
I received "I'll Never Let You Go" by Mary Burton as an ARC from the publisher, Kensington Books via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third novel that I have read by this author, having read “Cover Your Eyes” and “Be Afraid” and while “I’ll Never Let You Go” is classified as romantic/suspense, I feel that it belongs more in the crime/mystery and police procedural genre. This novel can be read as a standalone; however, you will want to read the first two novels in the series first, to get learn more about the characters.
The story introduces us to Leah Carson, a woman who survived a horrific previous marriage only to relive the terror again 4 years later. This woman barely survived her psycho-cop ex-husband's attempt on her life, by being stabbed 23 times.
“He promised to kill her. One night four years ago, Leah Carson’s husband almost succeeded. Philip stabbed her twenty-three times before fleeing. The police are sure he’s dead. But fear won’t let Leah believe it.
It starts with little things. Missing keys. A flat tire. Mysterious flowers. All easily explained away if the pattern wasn’t so terrifyingly familiar. Leah has a new veterinary practice and a new life with no ties to her nightmare. But Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent Alex Morgan suspects something. And when another woman’s body is found, stabbed twenty-three times, Leah knows her past has found her.
As Leah and Alex untangle the horrifying truth, he watches her, ready for the perfect moment. Until death—that was the vow they made. And a killer always keeps his word…”
Leah changed her last name, and has returned to Nashville, her home, after years of therapy. Even though Phillip was declared dead following an accident in South Carolina, she never saw the body, and has an ongoing suspicion he may still be alive. Now she has to re-build her life and learn to survive the recurring nightmare of that night. She should be safe but then things start happening… I like how Leah, tried to stay in control and be tough.
Sexy and smart, single Alex Morgan from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is in charge of putting away bad cops. With a tainted past, he keeps to himself, somewhat cold in his actions. Alex is part of a cop family and one of his brothers has him get involved in a murder investigation. As his cases overlap a romance develops between him and Leah. But Leah had sworn she would never date a cop again. Can she trust him?
But then she starts seeing someone following her. Could Phillip be alive? Has he come back to finish her off?
Ms. Burton has crafted a suspenseful novel that I enjoyed reading. She delivers mystery and intrigue, and keeps you guessing, with smooth writing, an excellent plot, and well-developed characters. I have to say this is my favourite novel so far in the series.
This is the third novel that I have read by this author, having read “Cover Your Eyes” and “Be Afraid” and while “I’ll Never Let You Go” is classified as romantic/suspense, I feel that it belongs more in the crime/mystery and police procedural genre. This novel can be read as a standalone; however, you will want to read the first two novels in the series first, to get learn more about the characters.
The story introduces us to Leah Carson, a woman who survived a horrific previous marriage only to relive the terror again 4 years later. This woman barely survived her psycho-cop ex-husband's attempt on her life, by being stabbed 23 times.
“He promised to kill her. One night four years ago, Leah Carson’s husband almost succeeded. Philip stabbed her twenty-three times before fleeing. The police are sure he’s dead. But fear won’t let Leah believe it.
It starts with little things. Missing keys. A flat tire. Mysterious flowers. All easily explained away if the pattern wasn’t so terrifyingly familiar. Leah has a new veterinary practice and a new life with no ties to her nightmare. But Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent Alex Morgan suspects something. And when another woman’s body is found, stabbed twenty-three times, Leah knows her past has found her.
As Leah and Alex untangle the horrifying truth, he watches her, ready for the perfect moment. Until death—that was the vow they made. And a killer always keeps his word…”
Leah changed her last name, and has returned to Nashville, her home, after years of therapy. Even though Phillip was declared dead following an accident in South Carolina, she never saw the body, and has an ongoing suspicion he may still be alive. Now she has to re-build her life and learn to survive the recurring nightmare of that night. She should be safe but then things start happening… I like how Leah, tried to stay in control and be tough.
Sexy and smart, single Alex Morgan from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is in charge of putting away bad cops. With a tainted past, he keeps to himself, somewhat cold in his actions. Alex is part of a cop family and one of his brothers has him get involved in a murder investigation. As his cases overlap a romance develops between him and Leah. But Leah had sworn she would never date a cop again. Can she trust him?
But then she starts seeing someone following her. Could Phillip be alive? Has he come back to finish her off?
Ms. Burton has crafted a suspenseful novel that I enjoyed reading. She delivers mystery and intrigue, and keeps you guessing, with smooth writing, an excellent plot, and well-developed characters. I have to say this is my favourite novel so far in the series.
June 23, 2017
4.5 stars for I'll Never Let You Go by Mary Burton.
'Till death do us part.'
Some people take their marriage vows more seriously than others. Leah's husband Philip is one of them.
After stabbing Leah 23 times, Philip is declared dead following a car accident.
But 4 years later, strange things are beginning to happen again.
Leah has a mantra 'He's gone. He can't hurt me. I'm safe. '
But deep down, she doesn't believe it.
Mary Burton has struck exactly the right balance in this deftly written thriller. There is a little romance, but not too much. There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot; none of them obvious. She kept me guessing, and reading.
And she is going to keep me reading. This is the second book I have enjoyed from this author and I will be looking for more.
NB: Although this is the third book in The Morgans of Nashville series it works perfectly well as a stand alone.
Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of I'll Never Let You Go by Mary Burton for review.
'Till death do us part.'
Some people take their marriage vows more seriously than others. Leah's husband Philip is one of them.
After stabbing Leah 23 times, Philip is declared dead following a car accident.
But 4 years later, strange things are beginning to happen again.
Leah has a mantra 'He's gone. He can't hurt me. I'm safe. '
But deep down, she doesn't believe it.
Mary Burton has struck exactly the right balance in this deftly written thriller. There is a little romance, but not too much. There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot; none of them obvious. She kept me guessing, and reading.
And she is going to keep me reading. This is the second book I have enjoyed from this author and I will be looking for more.
NB: Although this is the third book in The Morgans of Nashville series it works perfectly well as a stand alone.
Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of I'll Never Let You Go by Mary Burton for review.
October 28, 2015
Before I even get into what I thought about the I'll Never Let You Go... I don't know if it was only my ARC, but the format on this ebook was confusing. There were no spaces in between dialogue/thoughts and completely different scenes. It was very confusing to keep track of who said what and who was thinking what. It slowed down my reading process significantly and took a lot of the enjoyment out of the book.
Now onto my thoughts of the story...
I was kinda bored. I didn't connect with Alex or Leah. I thought Alex was cold and unfeeling throughout and Leah was a little to OCD for me. Also, I didn't find it all that difficult to figure out who the bad guy was.
I also wouldn't classify this book as a Romantic Suspense. I found absolutely NO romance.
Rating: 2 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Now onto my thoughts of the story...
I was kinda bored. I didn't connect with Alex or Leah. I thought Alex was cold and unfeeling throughout and Leah was a little to OCD for me. Also, I didn't find it all that difficult to figure out who the bad guy was.
I also wouldn't classify this book as a Romantic Suspense. I found absolutely NO romance.
Rating: 2 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
September 13, 2015
I had previously read and enjoyed a book in this series by this author so I was keen to read this latest addition to the Morgan's of Nashville series.
The story features Leah Carson, a woman who survived a horrific previous marriage only to relive the terror again 4 years later. Like many good Crime Thrillers this book is full of suspense and surprises and can be read as a stand alone as well as part of this excellent series.
The other main character Alex is an unpopular officer due to his role of investigating dodgy cops but he gets results.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Kensington Books for supplying me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The story features Leah Carson, a woman who survived a horrific previous marriage only to relive the terror again 4 years later. Like many good Crime Thrillers this book is full of suspense and surprises and can be read as a stand alone as well as part of this excellent series.
The other main character Alex is an unpopular officer due to his role of investigating dodgy cops but he gets results.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Kensington Books for supplying me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
September 20, 2015
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Copy received via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 3rd in the series, can be read as a stand alone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Possibly.
Rating - 3 stars
★Review★
I am not quite sure why this is classed as "romantic" suspense. Tbh it is less romance and more a "vague sense of attraction with no real fire or true depth of feeling to it" suspense.
Although, I actually did quite like the hero, he was a bit staid and unemotional, but I liked him. The heroine was ok, but never felt like I really got to know her as other than an overly paranoid (although with good reason) victim.
There are a fair few POV's in this book and at times I was unsure just who's head we were in.
And the plot twist at the end, tbh, just came out of left field and felt very forced. I have at the beginning felt it might be going that way, but then, when we were in the villain's head as the book went on, changed my mind again, as it just did not fit, but no turns out my feeling to start had been right, but even so, it did not feel right, and I went back through all the villain POV pages, and it still felt forced. As if the author wanted the big twist that came out of left field, and did it regardless of the fact that it actually fit or made sense or not.
All in an okish 3 stars, but was more on the suspense side as opposed to the romantic suspense for me, but it felt like it was a HFN, and not a HEA to me, and far too many POV's, made worse by us thinking we had one persons POV, only to get to the end and have to completely re jig our thinking on that. That to me is not a well done plot twist, but rather like a triangle shaped plot twist made to fit into the circle shaped space.
Copy received via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 3rd in the series, can be read as a stand alone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Possibly.
Rating - 3 stars
★Review★
I am not quite sure why this is classed as "romantic" suspense. Tbh it is less romance and more a "vague sense of attraction with no real fire or true depth of feeling to it" suspense.
Although, I actually did quite like the hero, he was a bit staid and unemotional, but I liked him. The heroine was ok, but never felt like I really got to know her as other than an overly paranoid (although with good reason) victim.
There are a fair few POV's in this book and at times I was unsure just who's head we were in.
And the plot twist at the end, tbh, just came out of left field and felt very forced. I have at the beginning felt it might be going that way, but then, when we were in the villain's head as the book went on, changed my mind again, as it just did not fit, but no turns out my feeling to start had been right, but even so, it did not feel right, and I went back through all the villain POV pages, and it still felt forced. As if the author wanted the big twist that came out of left field, and did it regardless of the fact that it actually fit or made sense or not.
All in an okish 3 stars, but was more on the suspense side as opposed to the romantic suspense for me, but it felt like it was a HFN, and not a HEA to me, and far too many POV's, made worse by us thinking we had one persons POV, only to get to the end and have to completely re jig our thinking on that. That to me is not a well done plot twist, but rather like a triangle shaped plot twist made to fit into the circle shaped space.
January 27, 2016
Leah Carson's husband stabbed her 23 times in the name of love. He had abused her enough, she moved out. He got angry ... very angry. It was like "if I can't have you, no one will have you'.
Four years have passed. Leah has moved on... made much easier by her husband's death. She is now a veterinarian and trusts animals much more than people ..especially men. Because she had been stalked for months before he tried to kill her, she still journals, listing anything that seems out of line. She never saw her husband's body and when strange things begin to happen, she can't help but wonder if he really died.
The only person who half-way believes her is Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Agent Alex Morgan. So has her husband come back to haunt her ...or is this a new stalker?
Mary Burton writes some of the best Romantic Suspense around ... heavier on the suspense, lighter on the romance. There are twists and turns and roller coaster rides. You get good cops .. bad cops ... people who lie...people with secrets.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves Romantic Suspense.
Four years have passed. Leah has moved on... made much easier by her husband's death. She is now a veterinarian and trusts animals much more than people ..especially men. Because she had been stalked for months before he tried to kill her, she still journals, listing anything that seems out of line. She never saw her husband's body and when strange things begin to happen, she can't help but wonder if he really died.
The only person who half-way believes her is Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Agent Alex Morgan. So has her husband come back to haunt her ...or is this a new stalker?
Mary Burton writes some of the best Romantic Suspense around ... heavier on the suspense, lighter on the romance. There are twists and turns and roller coaster rides. You get good cops .. bad cops ... people who lie...people with secrets.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves Romantic Suspense.
December 18, 2015
A special thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
K I L L E R! 5 Stars+ Top Books of 2015. Best Flawed Law Enforcement Family "Morgans of Nashville " of 2015.
One of my favorite authors, talented storyteller, Mary Burton returns following her last cliffhanger, Be Afraid (Morgans of Nashville #2) with another multi-layered, twisted “must read” psycho-crime thriller, I’LL NEVER LET YOU GO (Morgans of Nashville #3). Two women haunted by their past, a mysterious brutal killer, and a family of Morgans prepared to solve the case, and connect the dots--before it is too late.
If you read the previous two books in the series (highly recommend), you learn about Leah Carson--at the ending of the last book, her psycho-cop husband has found her once again and is determined to kill her.
Philip has a sick, obsessive love for his wife. Young when they met, Leah was charmed by the cop, who eventually wanted to control, stalking, intimidating, playing head games; making Leah think she is crazy.
When she finally escaped him, he hunts her down--stabbing her twenty-three times, leaving her for dead, while he escaped. It was their wedding anniversary. Her wacko husband believes in "death do us part." After all, Phillip, was a smart cop, so no one believed his stalking attempts, until he almost killed her. She had spent years keeping daily journals, to help develop patterns for the cops.
I’ll Never Let You Go picks up four years later. Leah changed her last name, and has returned to Nashville, her home, after years of therapy, plastic surgery, and support groups. She still suffers from PTSD,, nightmares, and paranoia. Even though Phillip was declared dead following an accident in South Carolina, she never saw the body, and has an ongoing suspicion he may still be alive. She still keeps her daily journals, with any events which seem suspicious.
After attending veterinarian school in Knoxville, she now is a successful veterinarian in Nashville—keeps to herself, and does not want anyone to know her past business. Even though it is difficult with her visible scars on her hands and arms. However, the others on her body she keeps hidden with her clothes, applying certain makeup to cover up the ones on her face.
Shortly after the book opens a woman cop, Deidre Jones befriends her which she met at the local gym. She invites her to her running group. Even though Leah still has problems running, she is determined to get back to the world of the living- to have some sense of normal.
In the meantime, of course the famous Morgans are back! A family of cops, from their late father, Buddy Morgan, a legend in the Nashville Police Department homicide Squad.
TBI Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (sexy) cool and collected Alex Morgan is in charge of putting away bad cops (star character). Due to a past traumatic event in his life, he keeps his emotions intact; his family thinks he is cold and removed; with an uncaring demeanor. He is single with the looks and brains; however, not into relationships, or conversations.
All the Morgan kids are in law enforcement (we have met in other books). His older brother, Deke heads up the Nashville Police Department Homicide Squad (dating lawyer, Rachel), Rick also works homicide with Deke, and adopted baby sister, Georgia, a forensic technician and a singer at the local nightclub Ruby, when she is not working. Deke and Rick loved homicide; however, Alex did not see himself in TBI in the next decade, as he has political ambitions.
When they find a body dismembered and burned and a business card with Deidre’s name on it, they begin to investigate her suspicious activity, since she was a cop. Alex notices Leah and Deidre are spending time together, so arranges to go out with Leah to learn more, by getting his brother Rick to leave his dog at the vet to board.
Leah is tormented about being in public, with panic attacks, and uneasy around cops, based on her past experience. She is not ready to date and uncomfortable being in social settings, more comfortable around the animals at work. She is always looking for the nearest exit, or over her shoulder, ensuring all doors at home and car are locked, rechecking numerous times.
Then crazy things start occurring—from flowers delivered with an anniversary note, suspicious activity on her credit card, flat tires, crazy texts, and a lab left at the vet to board, like the one she had as a child, and a mover showing up at her house to move her stuff.
All the things Phillip would do. Then she starts seeing someone following her. Could Phillip be alive? To further send her over the edge, it is drawing near their anniversary date. Has he come back to finish her off? She is terrified. What wait four years?
In the meantime, her new friend does not show up for running one morning; Leah finds her stabbed to death in her home. Twenty-three times, same as her. She is distraught. Could any of this be connected to her? Her friend also had an ex-husband, a local sheriff, who was making problems and stalking Deidre.
Since Alex is involved in the case, Leah and Alex are thrown together. Both are very standoffish and not very forthcoming about their suspicions. More things start happening, and Alex digs into Leah’s background and learns of her past. He has to figure out the connection between Leah’s ex-husband, Phillip, what Deidre was involved in, her ex-husband, and her current boyfriend. Is there possibly a connection to Deidre and Phillip? Leah had sworn she would never date a cop again. However, Alex is controlled, always assessing. Can she trust him?
As it draws closer to the anniversary date, Alex wants to protect Leah; however, he is attacked, they find a bug, and more complications. While a budding romance is in the background, the first order of business is the lurking constant danger---is Phillip really alive? Who are the other bodies? Who murdered Deidre and why? Who is behind all the suspicious activity?
Now, this is a thriller! I love Mary’s smooth sharp writing style - Riveting . . She grabs you from page one to the end, hooking you immediately. She never lets you know the identity of the evil twisted killer. There could be one, two, three, or more suspects--multi-layered and complex. When they are speaking, you have no clue who is talking; further building the suspense.
Read in one sitting-- could not put it down! She adds just the right amount of romantic suspense; however, keeping the main theme of the book a strong crime mystery psycho-thriller and cop procedural. One of my favorite genres, Burton delivers mystery and intrigue, and keeps you guessing, with smooth writing, excellent plot planning, and well-developed characters.
Loved Leah and Alex together! This is one not to miss. Even though I loved the last two installments, I think this is my favorite thus far.
Upcoming:
So excited about her upcoming Vulnerable coming March 29, 2016. (Yes, you receive a tantalizing preview).
In addition, look for the Killer Nashville Noir: Cold-Blooded, coming Oct 27 with a collection of authors, including Mary with some of her characters from past books.
JDCMustReadBooks
K I L L E R! 5 Stars+ Top Books of 2015. Best Flawed Law Enforcement Family "Morgans of Nashville " of 2015.
One of my favorite authors, talented storyteller, Mary Burton returns following her last cliffhanger, Be Afraid (Morgans of Nashville #2) with another multi-layered, twisted “must read” psycho-crime thriller, I’LL NEVER LET YOU GO (Morgans of Nashville #3). Two women haunted by their past, a mysterious brutal killer, and a family of Morgans prepared to solve the case, and connect the dots--before it is too late.
If you read the previous two books in the series (highly recommend), you learn about Leah Carson--at the ending of the last book, her psycho-cop husband has found her once again and is determined to kill her.
Philip has a sick, obsessive love for his wife. Young when they met, Leah was charmed by the cop, who eventually wanted to control, stalking, intimidating, playing head games; making Leah think she is crazy.
When she finally escaped him, he hunts her down--stabbing her twenty-three times, leaving her for dead, while he escaped. It was their wedding anniversary. Her wacko husband believes in "death do us part." After all, Phillip, was a smart cop, so no one believed his stalking attempts, until he almost killed her. She had spent years keeping daily journals, to help develop patterns for the cops.
I’ll Never Let You Go picks up four years later. Leah changed her last name, and has returned to Nashville, her home, after years of therapy, plastic surgery, and support groups. She still suffers from PTSD,, nightmares, and paranoia. Even though Phillip was declared dead following an accident in South Carolina, she never saw the body, and has an ongoing suspicion he may still be alive. She still keeps her daily journals, with any events which seem suspicious.
After attending veterinarian school in Knoxville, she now is a successful veterinarian in Nashville—keeps to herself, and does not want anyone to know her past business. Even though it is difficult with her visible scars on her hands and arms. However, the others on her body she keeps hidden with her clothes, applying certain makeup to cover up the ones on her face.
Shortly after the book opens a woman cop, Deidre Jones befriends her which she met at the local gym. She invites her to her running group. Even though Leah still has problems running, she is determined to get back to the world of the living- to have some sense of normal.
In the meantime, of course the famous Morgans are back! A family of cops, from their late father, Buddy Morgan, a legend in the Nashville Police Department homicide Squad.
TBI Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (sexy) cool and collected Alex Morgan is in charge of putting away bad cops (star character). Due to a past traumatic event in his life, he keeps his emotions intact; his family thinks he is cold and removed; with an uncaring demeanor. He is single with the looks and brains; however, not into relationships, or conversations.
All the Morgan kids are in law enforcement (we have met in other books). His older brother, Deke heads up the Nashville Police Department Homicide Squad (dating lawyer, Rachel), Rick also works homicide with Deke, and adopted baby sister, Georgia, a forensic technician and a singer at the local nightclub Ruby, when she is not working. Deke and Rick loved homicide; however, Alex did not see himself in TBI in the next decade, as he has political ambitions.
When they find a body dismembered and burned and a business card with Deidre’s name on it, they begin to investigate her suspicious activity, since she was a cop. Alex notices Leah and Deidre are spending time together, so arranges to go out with Leah to learn more, by getting his brother Rick to leave his dog at the vet to board.
Leah is tormented about being in public, with panic attacks, and uneasy around cops, based on her past experience. She is not ready to date and uncomfortable being in social settings, more comfortable around the animals at work. She is always looking for the nearest exit, or over her shoulder, ensuring all doors at home and car are locked, rechecking numerous times.
Then crazy things start occurring—from flowers delivered with an anniversary note, suspicious activity on her credit card, flat tires, crazy texts, and a lab left at the vet to board, like the one she had as a child, and a mover showing up at her house to move her stuff.
All the things Phillip would do. Then she starts seeing someone following her. Could Phillip be alive? To further send her over the edge, it is drawing near their anniversary date. Has he come back to finish her off? She is terrified. What wait four years?
In the meantime, her new friend does not show up for running one morning; Leah finds her stabbed to death in her home. Twenty-three times, same as her. She is distraught. Could any of this be connected to her? Her friend also had an ex-husband, a local sheriff, who was making problems and stalking Deidre.
Since Alex is involved in the case, Leah and Alex are thrown together. Both are very standoffish and not very forthcoming about their suspicions. More things start happening, and Alex digs into Leah’s background and learns of her past. He has to figure out the connection between Leah’s ex-husband, Phillip, what Deidre was involved in, her ex-husband, and her current boyfriend. Is there possibly a connection to Deidre and Phillip? Leah had sworn she would never date a cop again. However, Alex is controlled, always assessing. Can she trust him?
As it draws closer to the anniversary date, Alex wants to protect Leah; however, he is attacked, they find a bug, and more complications. While a budding romance is in the background, the first order of business is the lurking constant danger---is Phillip really alive? Who are the other bodies? Who murdered Deidre and why? Who is behind all the suspicious activity?
Now, this is a thriller! I love Mary’s smooth sharp writing style - Riveting . . She grabs you from page one to the end, hooking you immediately. She never lets you know the identity of the evil twisted killer. There could be one, two, three, or more suspects--multi-layered and complex. When they are speaking, you have no clue who is talking; further building the suspense.
Read in one sitting-- could not put it down! She adds just the right amount of romantic suspense; however, keeping the main theme of the book a strong crime mystery psycho-thriller and cop procedural. One of my favorite genres, Burton delivers mystery and intrigue, and keeps you guessing, with smooth writing, excellent plot planning, and well-developed characters.
Loved Leah and Alex together! This is one not to miss. Even though I loved the last two installments, I think this is my favorite thus far.
Upcoming:
So excited about her upcoming Vulnerable coming March 29, 2016. (Yes, you receive a tantalizing preview).
In addition, look for the Killer Nashville Noir: Cold-Blooded, coming Oct 27 with a collection of authors, including Mary with some of her characters from past books.
JDCMustReadBooks
September 25, 2015
I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.
I love Ms. Burton's books, I really do, but here the writing style was too clipped. It was like it was following a marching tune... it didn't give me the impression of flowing, if you know what I mean...
Still the story was excellent and very disturbing because it was so real life-like! Brrr!!!
The stalking husbands, boyfriends, lovers that become violent... it is really disturbing being able to peek inside those sick minds... And here we do get it!
The way they swing between love and hate is incredible! And frightening!
An excellent suspense with a little romance!
I love Ms. Burton's books, I really do, but here the writing style was too clipped. It was like it was following a marching tune... it didn't give me the impression of flowing, if you know what I mean...
Still the story was excellent and very disturbing because it was so real life-like! Brrr!!!
The stalking husbands, boyfriends, lovers that become violent... it is really disturbing being able to peek inside those sick minds... And here we do get it!
The way they swing between love and hate is incredible! And frightening!
An excellent suspense with a little romance!
February 15, 2016
First I have to say that I would definitely classify this as more suspense than romantic suspense as I didn't feel there was much romance going on in this book.
Having said that, I do like the fact the Mary Burton's books don't usually have people falling deeply in love in the space of a week. Not saying it never happens, just find it hard to believe when I'm reading certain books.
This story was a little predictable in parts, but she did manage to surprise me more than once.
I found Leah's behavior and actions believable for someone who had been through what she survived, and I liked her resolve to no longer be a victim. I definitely formed more of a connection with the Leah character than I did with Alex. I wish we had gotten a bit more into him and his story and how it formed his personality.
All in all, this was another solid entry in the Morgan family series.
Having said that, I do like the fact the Mary Burton's books don't usually have people falling deeply in love in the space of a week. Not saying it never happens, just find it hard to believe when I'm reading certain books.
This story was a little predictable in parts, but she did manage to surprise me more than once.
I found Leah's behavior and actions believable for someone who had been through what she survived, and I liked her resolve to no longer be a victim. I definitely formed more of a connection with the Leah character than I did with Alex. I wish we had gotten a bit more into him and his story and how it formed his personality.
All in all, this was another solid entry in the Morgan family series.
December 29, 2015
This is the first book for me by this Author I understand that it is book 3 in the Nashville series.
I enjoyed it so much so going back to read book one and two.
Leah Carson was stabbed 23 times by her husband Philip 4 years ago she survives the attack and Philip is killed in a car accident.
But then strange things start to happen things that remind her of what Philip used to do to her but he died didn't he.One of Leah's friends Deidre a cop is murdered killed the same way her husband tried to kill her is that a confidence or something else.
Full of suspense and twists a fantastic read.
Thanks to Netgalley the Author and publisher for a chance to read this book.
I enjoyed it so much so going back to read book one and two.
Leah Carson was stabbed 23 times by her husband Philip 4 years ago she survives the attack and Philip is killed in a car accident.
But then strange things start to happen things that remind her of what Philip used to do to her but he died didn't he.One of Leah's friends Deidre a cop is murdered killed the same way her husband tried to kill her is that a confidence or something else.
Full of suspense and twists a fantastic read.
Thanks to Netgalley the Author and publisher for a chance to read this book.
October 24, 2015
ARC REVIEW
Book Three of the Morgan's of Nashville series, yea! Oh my gosh this book! Alex Morgan the tight ass of the family shows a softer side when Leah Carson walks into his life. I loved this book it was constant sitting on the edge, anticipation of what's going to happen next. It had a Shyamalan kinda twist, well I wasn't expecting it, but then looking back I'm thinking how could I miss it. Mary Burton is great, I love her suspense, the romance plays second fiddle to the romance but the romance always feels sincere never rushed; her characters are realistic and strong. Even the sections from the pov of the killer gives more to the creepiness of the book.
Leah Carson had the courage to leave her abusive relationship, and what did it get her stabbed twenty-three times by her crazy ex-husband. Leah almost died if it wasn't for the fact that she slept with the phone under her pillow, 911 on speed dial, and an experienced police officer who kept her from bleeding out. Four years later she is getting to the point where she wants to move on with her life she is a vet at a local Nashville clinic. She still keeps a meticulous journal of the day's events more habit and OCD then paranoia these days she even is willing to start dating again.
Alex Morgan works for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, other cops either tolerate him or despise him. His brother Deke has called him on his latest case; a torso is found, that's it just a torso that was also burnt to a crisp. Alex was called in because in in a bag close by was the business card for a vise cop, Deidre Jones that Alex just started investigating. The initial reason Alex asked Leah out was because she is friends with Deidre, but it wasn't the only reason, he feels a connection with her an attraction he hasn't ever felt with anybody ever before. Alex isn't the only one with ulterior motives, Deidre befriends Leah for reasons of her own, but before she could accomplish her mission she is murdered, stabbed twenty-three times.
Leah is becoming increasingly paranoid, things that her ex did before the escalated and tried to killer her have been happening again and now with Deidre killed in the same manner that almost took her life and especially since she found Deidre's body she's struggling to remain calm, after all her ex is dead. When Leah finally trust Alex enough to confide in him everything that's been happening, Alex finally tells her he doesn't think her ex is dead. The relationship between Alex and Leah is slow moving, the attraction is definitely there but the trust is slow going and Leah soon realises that when Alex commits himself to someone he does it wholeheartedly, he may not show his emotions, but it's all in the little things he does and nothing will stand in the way of him protecting Leah.
Overall, this is a great book for the season. It's creepy and intense a great nail biter.
Book Three of the Morgan's of Nashville series, yea! Oh my gosh this book! Alex Morgan the tight ass of the family shows a softer side when Leah Carson walks into his life. I loved this book it was constant sitting on the edge, anticipation of what's going to happen next. It had a Shyamalan kinda twist, well I wasn't expecting it, but then looking back I'm thinking how could I miss it. Mary Burton is great, I love her suspense, the romance plays second fiddle to the romance but the romance always feels sincere never rushed; her characters are realistic and strong. Even the sections from the pov of the killer gives more to the creepiness of the book.
Leah Carson had the courage to leave her abusive relationship, and what did it get her stabbed twenty-three times by her crazy ex-husband. Leah almost died if it wasn't for the fact that she slept with the phone under her pillow, 911 on speed dial, and an experienced police officer who kept her from bleeding out. Four years later she is getting to the point where she wants to move on with her life she is a vet at a local Nashville clinic. She still keeps a meticulous journal of the day's events more habit and OCD then paranoia these days she even is willing to start dating again.
Alex Morgan works for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, other cops either tolerate him or despise him. His brother Deke has called him on his latest case; a torso is found, that's it just a torso that was also burnt to a crisp. Alex was called in because in in a bag close by was the business card for a vise cop, Deidre Jones that Alex just started investigating. The initial reason Alex asked Leah out was because she is friends with Deidre, but it wasn't the only reason, he feels a connection with her an attraction he hasn't ever felt with anybody ever before. Alex isn't the only one with ulterior motives, Deidre befriends Leah for reasons of her own, but before she could accomplish her mission she is murdered, stabbed twenty-three times.
Leah is becoming increasingly paranoid, things that her ex did before the escalated and tried to killer her have been happening again and now with Deidre killed in the same manner that almost took her life and especially since she found Deidre's body she's struggling to remain calm, after all her ex is dead. When Leah finally trust Alex enough to confide in him everything that's been happening, Alex finally tells her he doesn't think her ex is dead. The relationship between Alex and Leah is slow moving, the attraction is definitely there but the trust is slow going and Leah soon realises that when Alex commits himself to someone he does it wholeheartedly, he may not show his emotions, but it's all in the little things he does and nothing will stand in the way of him protecting Leah.
Overall, this is a great book for the season. It's creepy and intense a great nail biter.
April 21, 2021
Four years ago, Leah Carson was stabbed by her estranged husband twenty-three times and barely managed to survive. Now she's in Nashville working as a vet, still carrying scars from the past, both physical and mental. She has a strange sense of being watched. Other odd things have been happening that she details in a journal.
Alex Morgan is investigating Deidre Jones, a possibly crooked cop. Deidre and Leah are friends, which is how he comes into Leah's orbit. He is currently investigating the death of somebody who had their head, hands and feet removed. Then a woman is murdered....stabbed twenty-three times. How is all of this linked? Did Philip fake his death and is now back to kill Leah?
Classified as romantic suspense, this has little of either. There's really not much happening in terms of plot. Something will happen, and the characters will recount it other people over and over again. Lots of the book just felt like Leah always thinking she was being watched, and looking at her scars in the mirror. However, she was a well-developed character. Her behaviour throughout the book really rang true as somebody who was a survivor of horrific violence. Leah is probably the best part of the book.
As a character, Alex Morgan is completely dead on arrival. He has absolutely zero personality and I couldn't understand what Leah saw in him. Then we have a ridiculous, out-of-place sex scene in which Leah is giving Alex a blowjob despite knowing there's a listening device in her house! And this is a woman who flinches just from being touched! What the heck was going on there? The twist at the end was pretty arbitrary, but granted, I didn't spot it. Charlie the dog is a sweetie.
All in all, thought, I'd probably let this one go. Burton has done better.
Alex Morgan is investigating Deidre Jones, a possibly crooked cop. Deidre and Leah are friends, which is how he comes into Leah's orbit. He is currently investigating the death of somebody who had their head, hands and feet removed. Then a woman is murdered....stabbed twenty-three times. How is all of this linked? Did Philip fake his death and is now back to kill Leah?
Classified as romantic suspense, this has little of either. There's really not much happening in terms of plot. Something will happen, and the characters will recount it other people over and over again. Lots of the book just felt like Leah always thinking she was being watched, and looking at her scars in the mirror. However, she was a well-developed character. Her behaviour throughout the book really rang true as somebody who was a survivor of horrific violence. Leah is probably the best part of the book.
As a character, Alex Morgan is completely dead on arrival. He has absolutely zero personality and I couldn't understand what Leah saw in him. Then we have a ridiculous, out-of-place sex scene in which Leah is giving Alex a blowjob despite knowing there's a listening device in her house! And this is a woman who flinches just from being touched! What the heck was going on there? The twist at the end was pretty arbitrary, but granted, I didn't spot it. Charlie the dog is a sweetie.
All in all, thought, I'd probably let this one go. Burton has done better.
October 15, 2015
Leah leaves her husband and he stalks and stabs her but despite that she goes on to make a life for herself. Then strange things start happening that scare her and make her suspicious that these events may be tied to her past. A murder links back to Leah and the TBI agent, Alex, assigned to investigate the murder keeps coming back to the crime committed against Leah. The two are attracted to each other but with Leah’s past can they connect. Great read!! I would like to thank the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
December 16, 2023
Lots of twists and turns, brilliant read.
December 17, 2015
Reviewed by Gemini
I’ll Never Let You Go was a very well laid out romantic suspense. It’s the third book in the Morgans of Nashville series. I haven’t read the other books but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I was very impressed at the level of suspense that is permeated throughout this book. I’ll Never Let You Go centers around Leah Carson who was stabbed 23 times by her law enforcement husband Philip Latimer 4 years prior. Miraculously, she survives and Philip supposedly dies in a car accident. It’s a few weeks away from their wedding anniversary and strange things are starting to happen. While looking into a possible corrupt cop, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Agent Alex Morgan ends up going out on a date with the cop’s new friend who just so happens to be Leah Carson. Several bodies start to drop including the cop being investigated. All signs point to the possibility that Leah’s dead husband is responsible.
The twists and turns in this book are hard to predict and keep things very unsettling. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, you’re wrong. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. It’s been awhile since I have read a suspense novel this good. The characters are very well written and I was truly invested in what happens to them. Leah portrays a strong woman that fights very hard to regain her footing after spending the past 4 years still looking over her shoulder. Alex Morgan is a very focused and confident investigator even though no one else in law enforcement likes him because he investigates cops. They are eventually pulled together like magnets and Alex does everything he can to protect her and unravel the mystery. Bringing the other Morgan siblings along for the ride, shows just how strong a family filled with cops can be. I just may have to go back and read the other books in the series to get to know them better.
**Received a copy from Kensington Books in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
I’ll Never Let You Go was a very well laid out romantic suspense. It’s the third book in the Morgans of Nashville series. I haven’t read the other books but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I was very impressed at the level of suspense that is permeated throughout this book. I’ll Never Let You Go centers around Leah Carson who was stabbed 23 times by her law enforcement husband Philip Latimer 4 years prior. Miraculously, she survives and Philip supposedly dies in a car accident. It’s a few weeks away from their wedding anniversary and strange things are starting to happen. While looking into a possible corrupt cop, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Agent Alex Morgan ends up going out on a date with the cop’s new friend who just so happens to be Leah Carson. Several bodies start to drop including the cop being investigated. All signs point to the possibility that Leah’s dead husband is responsible.
The twists and turns in this book are hard to predict and keep things very unsettling. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, you’re wrong. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. It’s been awhile since I have read a suspense novel this good. The characters are very well written and I was truly invested in what happens to them. Leah portrays a strong woman that fights very hard to regain her footing after spending the past 4 years still looking over her shoulder. Alex Morgan is a very focused and confident investigator even though no one else in law enforcement likes him because he investigates cops. They are eventually pulled together like magnets and Alex does everything he can to protect her and unravel the mystery. Bringing the other Morgan siblings along for the ride, shows just how strong a family filled with cops can be. I just may have to go back and read the other books in the series to get to know them better.
**Received a copy from Kensington Books in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
December 8, 2015
A very taut and intriguing story, with engaging characters. I pretty much love all of Burton's books, and this is one of her best.
March 28, 2018
I enjoyed this romantic suspense that held my attention throughout even though it was a bit light on the romance. I was intrigued by the personalities of main characters and could understand how they were shaped by their circumstances. Detective Alex asks veterinarian Leah on a date because she is a friend of a woman involved in a case he is working on.
October 29, 2015
3.5 stars
I do enjoy this series. The Morgan family is dysfunctional yet intensely loyal and they're all very different. This story is Alex's. Unlike the rest of his family, he's not a police officer, but works for the Tennesse Bureau of Investigations or TBI. Specifically, his job is investigating cops suspected of being dirty, which makes him unpopular with the police. Alex keeps tight control of his emotions and can come across as cold and unfeeling. He's neither but he doesn't show his emotions easily. When he asks Leah out, it's for business reasons, not personal. She's connected to a police officer he's investigating. Interestingly, there's no real interest between them until about halfway through the book and they don't actually do anything about it until almost the end of the book. So while it's marketed as a romantic suspense, it's really a mystery that has a little bit of romance in it.
At 63% in the story, we get this:
As she pictured Alex waiting for her at the top of the hill, attraction snapped. The sensation was odd, something she hadn't felt in a very long time. She'd been too nervous on their so-called date to feel anything other than nervous, but she felt something now. Energy hummed in her veins. Her skin warmed. As much as she wanted to embrace the unexpected feelings, she feared them. She'd once been attracted to Philip.
The two men appeared to be similar, powerful and in charge, but she could see now that Philip was weak compared to Alex. Power, not fear, radiated from Alex, and the way he looked at her made her a little weak.
Instead, "I'll Never Let You Go" is a story of when love and romance go wrong and turn into abuse and stalking. Burton handles the topics with sensitivity and clearly shows us the psychological and emotional effects. The story is gripping, and kept me guessing. Every time I thought I knew who the killer was and who was stalking Leah, a new wrinkle would come up and I'd change my mind again. It was intense but with sweet moments, especially at the vet office where Leah works. I was worried for a while about a dog in the story but she escapes unscathed.
Leah was occasionally paranoid, though not without reason, but she managed to keep stay in control and to take protective measures. She's afraid but doesn't let it rule her life. I liked Leah. Despite the hell she lived through, she's pulled her life together and made a new life. She does have trouble trusting people and making friends but she is trying. Alex, who as I mentioned also maintains a tight control, is smart, tricky, and determined. When he sets his eyes on a goal, he doesn't quit but he is adaptable.
Alex and his brothers are working several cases which all circle back to Leah and her dead husband. Or is he dead? Burton ratchets up the tension and keeps us guessing. Is he dead? or alive? Who killed Leah's friend? Her ex-husband? Leah's maybe-dead husband? Someone else unrelated? "I'll Never Let You Go" is suspenseful and engaging and worth staying up late for.
I do enjoy this series. The Morgan family is dysfunctional yet intensely loyal and they're all very different. This story is Alex's. Unlike the rest of his family, he's not a police officer, but works for the Tennesse Bureau of Investigations or TBI. Specifically, his job is investigating cops suspected of being dirty, which makes him unpopular with the police. Alex keeps tight control of his emotions and can come across as cold and unfeeling. He's neither but he doesn't show his emotions easily. When he asks Leah out, it's for business reasons, not personal. She's connected to a police officer he's investigating. Interestingly, there's no real interest between them until about halfway through the book and they don't actually do anything about it until almost the end of the book. So while it's marketed as a romantic suspense, it's really a mystery that has a little bit of romance in it.
At 63% in the story, we get this:
As she pictured Alex waiting for her at the top of the hill, attraction snapped. The sensation was odd, something she hadn't felt in a very long time. She'd been too nervous on their so-called date to feel anything other than nervous, but she felt something now. Energy hummed in her veins. Her skin warmed. As much as she wanted to embrace the unexpected feelings, she feared them. She'd once been attracted to Philip.
The two men appeared to be similar, powerful and in charge, but she could see now that Philip was weak compared to Alex. Power, not fear, radiated from Alex, and the way he looked at her made her a little weak.
Instead, "I'll Never Let You Go" is a story of when love and romance go wrong and turn into abuse and stalking. Burton handles the topics with sensitivity and clearly shows us the psychological and emotional effects. The story is gripping, and kept me guessing. Every time I thought I knew who the killer was and who was stalking Leah, a new wrinkle would come up and I'd change my mind again. It was intense but with sweet moments, especially at the vet office where Leah works. I was worried for a while about a dog in the story but she escapes unscathed.
Leah was occasionally paranoid, though not without reason, but she managed to keep stay in control and to take protective measures. She's afraid but doesn't let it rule her life. I liked Leah. Despite the hell she lived through, she's pulled her life together and made a new life. She does have trouble trusting people and making friends but she is trying. Alex, who as I mentioned also maintains a tight control, is smart, tricky, and determined. When he sets his eyes on a goal, he doesn't quit but he is adaptable.
Alex and his brothers are working several cases which all circle back to Leah and her dead husband. Or is he dead? Burton ratchets up the tension and keeps us guessing. Is he dead? or alive? Who killed Leah's friend? Her ex-husband? Leah's maybe-dead husband? Someone else unrelated? "I'll Never Let You Go" is suspenseful and engaging and worth staying up late for.
November 2, 2015
Wow! The ending took me completely by surprise! Didn't see it coming at all! Leah Carson survived her ex-husband stabbing her twenty-three times although he'd gotten away at the time. Later, however, his car had crashed and caught fire, killing him in the process. While Leah knew he couldn't hurt her any more, she still has nightmares, is constantly looking over her shoulder, and still takes precautions wherever she goes.
Alex Morgan works for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations. When his brother, Deke, a police officer, calls him to take a look at a case, Alex is glad to help out. The victim was a fellow cop, also stabbed twenty-three times. As he begins to look into things, he finds a connection to Leah. He also feels attracted to her, something unusual for him. They don't call him "The Iceman" for nothing. He's cold and methodical when it comes to his job but those traits have a tendency to flow over into his personal life. When it appears her ex might not be dead after all, the case takes on a new urgency for Alex. He's not about to let anything happen to Leah, not when he's just found her.
Plenty of twists and turns to keep you flipping the pages. I loved the family dynamics of this series. All of the Morgan's are involved in law enforcement in some manner and have a close relationship with one another. While Georgia, the only female of the group, can get away with picking on Alex, none of the others can. That doesn't mean they don't have each other's back. When Alex is injured they all show up at the hospital then make fun of the fact he's only bruised while a couple of them have bullet wounds.
I also loved the plot. It's not your standard thriller although some elements are familiar. The author does a great job of characterization. There's good diversity there, no cookie-cutter characters. This is one I definitely recommend!
Alex Morgan works for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations. When his brother, Deke, a police officer, calls him to take a look at a case, Alex is glad to help out. The victim was a fellow cop, also stabbed twenty-three times. As he begins to look into things, he finds a connection to Leah. He also feels attracted to her, something unusual for him. They don't call him "The Iceman" for nothing. He's cold and methodical when it comes to his job but those traits have a tendency to flow over into his personal life. When it appears her ex might not be dead after all, the case takes on a new urgency for Alex. He's not about to let anything happen to Leah, not when he's just found her.
Plenty of twists and turns to keep you flipping the pages. I loved the family dynamics of this series. All of the Morgan's are involved in law enforcement in some manner and have a close relationship with one another. While Georgia, the only female of the group, can get away with picking on Alex, none of the others can. That doesn't mean they don't have each other's back. When Alex is injured they all show up at the hospital then make fun of the fact he's only bruised while a couple of them have bullet wounds.
I also loved the plot. It's not your standard thriller although some elements are familiar. The author does a great job of characterization. There's good diversity there, no cookie-cutter characters. This is one I definitely recommend!
October 19, 2015
Romantic Suspense Emotionless
Hmm, I have to disagree with the genre on this one. This is suspense with a teeny, tiny bit of gratuitous sex thrown in for good measure. More than anything, this reads like one of those best selling suspense books so many male authors write, not near enough character development for me to consider romantic.
That said, Ms. Burton is a good writer, her words flow easily. This is my first book by her, and I'm thinking this is probably an issue only with this book, but these two characters are so emotionally stunted that my heart never even came close to engaging.
With Alex, the male lead, we see no vulnerability, no humor, no friends, no emotion, no nothing. Completely unappealing, even his body movement is described as robotic. At some point, fairly late in the book, he all of a sudden realizes he admires the heroine. That's it, no professions of love, or even like, before jumping in bed.
Leah's reason for jumping into bed with Alex? Revenge. She knows her ex is listening. The sex scene was so out of place in this novel, not at all fitting with Leah's character, who stiffens up even with just a hand on her shoulder. Then all of a sudden she's taking the lead in bed without any issues at all?
At least 50% of this book is spent dwelling on the past, which got old pretty quick. Told in third person from at least five perspectives, which didn't help with the momentum.
Bottom line, this is not what I consider Romantic Suspense. Not at all.
The story has a few bad words and one intimate scene, plus violence.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Hmm, I have to disagree with the genre on this one. This is suspense with a teeny, tiny bit of gratuitous sex thrown in for good measure. More than anything, this reads like one of those best selling suspense books so many male authors write, not near enough character development for me to consider romantic.
That said, Ms. Burton is a good writer, her words flow easily. This is my first book by her, and I'm thinking this is probably an issue only with this book, but these two characters are so emotionally stunted that my heart never even came close to engaging.
With Alex, the male lead, we see no vulnerability, no humor, no friends, no emotion, no nothing. Completely unappealing, even his body movement is described as robotic. At some point, fairly late in the book, he all of a sudden realizes he admires the heroine. That's it, no professions of love, or even like, before jumping in bed.
Leah's reason for jumping into bed with Alex? Revenge. She knows her ex is listening. The sex scene was so out of place in this novel, not at all fitting with Leah's character, who stiffens up even with just a hand on her shoulder. Then all of a sudden she's taking the lead in bed without any issues at all?
At least 50% of this book is spent dwelling on the past, which got old pretty quick. Told in third person from at least five perspectives, which didn't help with the momentum.
Bottom line, this is not what I consider Romantic Suspense. Not at all.
The story has a few bad words and one intimate scene, plus violence.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 2, 2015
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was super excited to give it a try. Leah was in an abusive and controlling marriage and decides to live her husband Phillip. After that he starts stalking her and one night stabs her 23 times the kicker is he is a police officer.
Now it's 4 years later and weird things are starting to happen. Missing keys, flowers, moving truck ready to move her, and the list goes on. Even though her husband is dead she doesn't think all these things are happening for a reason.
Alex is one of the good guys and he works to take down dirty cops so he might not be the most liked but at least he's doing honest work. While investing a detective he starts seeing Leah but he knows she has a story. Together these two have a mystery to solve. Is her ex still alive and coming after her or is someone else behind the weird things happening.
I liked this book but I didn't fall in love with it. I liked the characters and how they fit well together but the ending I found a little annoying. Right away I had 2 suspects and of course they kept popping up but how he went about doing things was completely crazy.
I enjoyed this mystery had some romance and it wasn't all doom and gloom. It kept me interested and I wanted to see if I was right on who the stalker/killer was.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author and read the first few books in this series. I can't wait to read more about alex and his family.
Now it's 4 years later and weird things are starting to happen. Missing keys, flowers, moving truck ready to move her, and the list goes on. Even though her husband is dead she doesn't think all these things are happening for a reason.
Alex is one of the good guys and he works to take down dirty cops so he might not be the most liked but at least he's doing honest work. While investing a detective he starts seeing Leah but he knows she has a story. Together these two have a mystery to solve. Is her ex still alive and coming after her or is someone else behind the weird things happening.
I liked this book but I didn't fall in love with it. I liked the characters and how they fit well together but the ending I found a little annoying. Right away I had 2 suspects and of course they kept popping up but how he went about doing things was completely crazy.
I enjoyed this mystery had some romance and it wasn't all doom and gloom. It kept me interested and I wanted to see if I was right on who the stalker/killer was.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author and read the first few books in this series. I can't wait to read more about alex and his family.
September 22, 2015
A fantastic read. I won't be happy now until I've read every single book in Mary Burton's backlist!
Dark and thrilling, I'll Never Let You Go had me awake until late into the wee hours after reaching the end of the book and not being able to let it go.
It is atmospheric and full of suspense. The author pulls no punches with the killing of her characters and there is a real sense of danger and terror enveloping the story. I loved that the romantic side of the plot, although evident, was placed firmly in the sidelines to allow suspense and drama to take centre stage.
From the opening chapter I developed a liking for and attachment to Leah who had to suffer and survive domestic abuse, stalking as well as having to make a slow trek back from death's door after a horrifying attempt on her life. I inwardly cheered for her as she got her life back together and made new friends. I liked Alex as well despite his emotional detachment from people. His professionalism and genuine concern for Leah won me over fairly quickly.
The mystery and suspense unfolded with many twists and turns. I thought very early into the novel that I had a good idea of how the story would go but I was wrong! I was not expecting the twists that occurred and I was as genuinely surprised as the characters themselves at the turn of events towards the end of the novel.
Copy received in exchange for an honest review
October 30, 2015
Mary Burton has a real winner! I'll Never Let You Go is page turning suspense that just keeps building till the end!
Leah Carson was almost killed by an obsessive husband. Leading up to the night of her stabbing 4 years ago no one quite believed that her husband, Phillip, was as bad as she claimed. After all, he was a decorated officer - all around nice guy. After she left him he was everywhere she went, called her, sent her presents. Then the night came where he stabbed her 23 times and told her he wouldn't let her live.
She did barely.
Four years later she is a veterinarian back in Nashville. She starts noticing strange and random occurrences. It can't be happening again. Phillip is dead. He died in a car accident a few weeks after trying to kill her or is he?
Mary Burton does an awesome job of portraying a stalking victim. Fear----Isolation----Panic attacks----all that would consume a stalker's target. She has a strong character in Leah Carson. She has portrayed a stalker very well also. Highly Intelligent----Obsessive----Only One Love. Her other characters are well developed too.
If you like sitting on the edge of your seat suspense and tension, you will love I'll Never Let You Go. When you get to the end, she also has a twist.
I received this book free from the publisher for review purposes. You can find out more about Mary Burton at http://www.maryburton.com/
Leah Carson was almost killed by an obsessive husband. Leading up to the night of her stabbing 4 years ago no one quite believed that her husband, Phillip, was as bad as she claimed. After all, he was a decorated officer - all around nice guy. After she left him he was everywhere she went, called her, sent her presents. Then the night came where he stabbed her 23 times and told her he wouldn't let her live.
She did barely.
Four years later she is a veterinarian back in Nashville. She starts noticing strange and random occurrences. It can't be happening again. Phillip is dead. He died in a car accident a few weeks after trying to kill her or is he?
Mary Burton does an awesome job of portraying a stalking victim. Fear----Isolation----Panic attacks----all that would consume a stalker's target. She has a strong character in Leah Carson. She has portrayed a stalker very well also. Highly Intelligent----Obsessive----Only One Love. Her other characters are well developed too.
If you like sitting on the edge of your seat suspense and tension, you will love I'll Never Let You Go. When you get to the end, she also has a twist.
I received this book free from the publisher for review purposes. You can find out more about Mary Burton at http://www.maryburton.com/
September 18, 2015
Mary Burton always provides a well-crafted thrilling story for those who read her books. The Morgans of Nashville has been and continues to satisfy.
Leah Carson is a survivor. She was in an abusive marriage, traumatized and nearly died at the hands of her husband. She survived, became a productive member of society and yet still deals with PTSD. Alex Morgan is with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. He is not always liked by fellow officers since he is usually looking for bad cops. His brother, Deke, calls him in to assist on solving the murder of a police – a woman that was also under suspicion and being investigated by Alex. Leah was a friend of the deceased cop so questioned by Alex. Strange things begin to happen to Leah that create suspicion and provide suspense in this tightly written novel. Alex and Leah along with Deke and their sister Georgia are all on the case to find the murderer. Rick, their other brother makes a short appearance, too.
To get the best impact from the writing and the story I would recommend NOT reading the end of this book first. I have a habit of doing so but then read the book anyway to find out how the author has put the story together. This is one book better read from page one through to the end without skipping around.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the copy of this book to read and review.
4.5 Stars
Leah Carson is a survivor. She was in an abusive marriage, traumatized and nearly died at the hands of her husband. She survived, became a productive member of society and yet still deals with PTSD. Alex Morgan is with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. He is not always liked by fellow officers since he is usually looking for bad cops. His brother, Deke, calls him in to assist on solving the murder of a police – a woman that was also under suspicion and being investigated by Alex. Leah was a friend of the deceased cop so questioned by Alex. Strange things begin to happen to Leah that create suspicion and provide suspense in this tightly written novel. Alex and Leah along with Deke and their sister Georgia are all on the case to find the murderer. Rick, their other brother makes a short appearance, too.
To get the best impact from the writing and the story I would recommend NOT reading the end of this book first. I have a habit of doing so but then read the book anyway to find out how the author has put the story together. This is one book better read from page one through to the end without skipping around.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the copy of this book to read and review.
4.5 Stars
October 28, 2015
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really like this series. Each book can easily be read as a standalone, but knowing the backstories of the other members of the Morgan family makes the books that much more complete. I love a series with a strong family as its' basis. That the book also has a great suspense plot and a sweet romance with characters that click is an added bonus.
Leah left her abusive marriage to a Nashville cop four years ago. The cop responded by stabbing her 23 times. He took off, crashed his car and died. Leah is putting her life together with a new job as a veterinarian and new friends. But some fears take a long time to die and she still has some spidy moments and is always aware. She is slow to trust, but has resolved to move forward with her life.
Alex is an agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, TBI. His job is to find and remove the bad cops and it doesn't win him any popularity contests. He is a very self-contained person. His current target, Deidre, is one of the only friends Leah has. He has used his brothers dog to cultivate a relationship with Leah in order to get information on Deidre.
The cases that Alex is investigating overlap with his growing relationship with Leah. Just when Leah is starting to feel secure is the time she needs to be most aware.
I really like this series. Each book can easily be read as a standalone, but knowing the backstories of the other members of the Morgan family makes the books that much more complete. I love a series with a strong family as its' basis. That the book also has a great suspense plot and a sweet romance with characters that click is an added bonus.
Leah left her abusive marriage to a Nashville cop four years ago. The cop responded by stabbing her 23 times. He took off, crashed his car and died. Leah is putting her life together with a new job as a veterinarian and new friends. But some fears take a long time to die and she still has some spidy moments and is always aware. She is slow to trust, but has resolved to move forward with her life.
Alex is an agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, TBI. His job is to find and remove the bad cops and it doesn't win him any popularity contests. He is a very self-contained person. His current target, Deidre, is one of the only friends Leah has. He has used his brothers dog to cultivate a relationship with Leah in order to get information on Deidre.
The cases that Alex is investigating overlap with his growing relationship with Leah. Just when Leah is starting to feel secure is the time she needs to be most aware.
July 10, 2016
Mary Burton is not a really well known author but I have read some of her books and liked them. This one was also an enjoyable read.
Leah struggles with her life four years after her husband tried to kill her. Even though he is dead, she still has trouble with moving on. Going on a date with a cop Alex is a big deal for her, but she doesn't know that Alex is partly interested in her because she is a friend of Deirdre he is investigating. When Deirdre gets deadly stabbed with a knife in a manner Leah once had been the case starts to be even more complicated.
I really liked the crime part of this book. The atmosphere of fear is really well done. The case is intriguing and engaging. The ending is also accurate.
The characters are quite nice. Although, Alex personality isn't as developed as Leah, but it didn't bother me while reading. Maybe because Leah is a really complicated and fascinating heroine. She is definitely strong while still fighting with the demons from her past and trying to move on with her life. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any strong feelings between her and Alex, despite their obvious attraction. I believe the sex scenes are a bit out of place regarding their relationship. But otherwise it was okay.
I'm giving this book 3.5 star.
Leah struggles with her life four years after her husband tried to kill her. Even though he is dead, she still has trouble with moving on. Going on a date with a cop Alex is a big deal for her, but she doesn't know that Alex is partly interested in her because she is a friend of Deirdre he is investigating. When Deirdre gets deadly stabbed with a knife in a manner Leah once had been the case starts to be even more complicated.
I really liked the crime part of this book. The atmosphere of fear is really well done. The case is intriguing and engaging. The ending is also accurate.
The characters are quite nice. Although, Alex personality isn't as developed as Leah, but it didn't bother me while reading. Maybe because Leah is a really complicated and fascinating heroine. She is definitely strong while still fighting with the demons from her past and trying to move on with her life. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any strong feelings between her and Alex, despite their obvious attraction. I believe the sex scenes are a bit out of place regarding their relationship. But otherwise it was okay.
I'm giving this book 3.5 star.
September 14, 2015
I generally like Mary Burton books, and have been a fan of the Morgans of Nashville series. This was, unfortunately, my least favorite so far. Burton creates a terrific heroine, and writes strong female characters quite well. Leah Carson was such a heroine, in that she refused to let the past define her future. Her deceased husband's cruel abuse and stalking could have left her emotionally crippled for life, but she continued to fight for normalcy. Then things start going wrong, and then really wrong. Pop in Morgan brother Alex, a tightly wound Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent to solve a murder oddly connected to Leah, and the sparks should have flown. Instead, for me as a reader, they kinda fizzled. Alex's character struck me as the same time of controlling machismo that Leah's abusive husband had. That pretty much did it for me in terms of enjoying their budding romance.
On the other hand, Burton crafted a really tight mystery that left me guessing until the end. I enjoyed the surprise twist a great deal, and that saved the book as far as I'm concerned.
I will definitely look forward to the next Burton novel.
On the other hand, Burton crafted a really tight mystery that left me guessing until the end. I enjoyed the surprise twist a great deal, and that saved the book as far as I'm concerned.
I will definitely look forward to the next Burton novel.
September 20, 2015
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest and open review.
I've read most of Mary Burton's previous books so I was delighted to be accepted to read "I'll Never Let You Go".
This is definitely my favourite book by Ms Burton. I was drawn in on page 1 and literally couldn't put it down.
She has the ability to create tension that builds and builds.
Eve though we know who the perpetrator is, it doesn't detract from the story. Personally I think he is one of the nastiest characters I've ever come across in a book. It's a sign of a great author when they can instil such feelings.
I found myself reading faster and faster as the climax approached.
A real heart-pounding thriller with an OMG twist that I'd never have guessed.
An out-standing read.
I've read most of Mary Burton's previous books so I was delighted to be accepted to read "I'll Never Let You Go".
This is definitely my favourite book by Ms Burton. I was drawn in on page 1 and literally couldn't put it down.
She has the ability to create tension that builds and builds.
Eve though we know who the perpetrator is, it doesn't detract from the story. Personally I think he is one of the nastiest characters I've ever come across in a book. It's a sign of a great author when they can instil such feelings.
I found myself reading faster and faster as the climax approached.
A real heart-pounding thriller with an OMG twist that I'd never have guessed.
An out-standing read.
September 11, 2015
An AWESOME book!! It's been a long time since I've read a suspense novel that left me slack jawed and speechless. Just when I though I had it all figured out, I was left even more confused. There were so many twists and turns that I was tempted to jump to the end to find out who was behind it all. I'm glad I didn't; I had to sacrifice hours of my sleep time but it was well worth it. I love that a lot of the reading/writing was dialogue between characters instead of long drawn out scenes describing every little detail. And speaking of characters, Leah, I really enjoyed her character. She was strong and determined in spite of what she edured; my kind of girl. Read it, you will not be disappointed.
May 24, 2020
This book was a complete mess. The story was amazingly inconsistent - the dialogue didn’t match up with the action, the character’s thoughts didn’t match up with what they said or did, and, really, nothing anyone did made much sense at all.
As just one example (that really bugged me) - our main gal, Leah, has been traumatized by an abusive ex-husband who tried to kill her, which has made her pay obsessive attention to and journal every odd detail of her daily life. Then, after Leah is already on the alert following a series of strange happenings, a mysterious client “Brian Lawrence” drops a dog off at her vet clinic and never returns to pick her up. Leah calls and leaves Brian a message about picking up the dog. The next (?) day, the agent investigating Leah’s stalking and a possibly-related murder asks Leah if she knows Brian Lawrence, and she responds “Never heard of him.” Really, Leah? I’m pretty damn sure you just left him a message - that seems like something you, of all people, would remember in your heightened state of alert - but ok maybe you forgot? Nope!!! Because then a couple of days later there is a whole scene where Leah is all “Brian Lawrence brought the dog into the clinic.” Why didn’t you remember this when your life was potentially at stake, Leah? The book is riddled with things like this:
- Leah’s credit card is scammed, yet she never goes online to look at her account and see what’s up? Seems weird for someone so on top of her shit (even minus a psycho ex).
- Then, after she already knows the police suspect her husband is still alive, and she plausibly is under threat she still does incomprehensible things. I.e., she knows someone has a key to her house when the moving company is able to get in, but instead of having the locks changed then and there, she goes back to work for hours, then goes home, alone, to a (supposedly) empty house - and is just all la-di-da unpacking and waits until midnight to have the locks changed. Sure that makes sense, a woman who has literally been nearly killed and is anxious every moment of her life is going to be super duper lax about changing the locks after a known security breach.
- David tells the police that he dated Diedre for a month, but then talks about how hot and heavy it was “last summer” (the book takes place in January). Hmm, Agent Morgan, shouldn’t that have caught your attention that maybe David is a big old liar?
- Diedre allegedly told her friend that David isn’t one to form lasting relationships and that David told Diedre he wanted to ask Leah out and that Diedre didn’t object to that, she was only like “yea Leah’s kinda jumpy.” Then we find out David is married. So you’re telling me that this man told his side piece that he wanted to make HER FRIEND his second side item and she was like totally yea ok but for now let’s keep sleeping together?!
Stories have to make sense, and not a damn thing in this book made any sense. I really hate nitpicking others’ writing - and feel a tad guilty even writing such a negative review, but I think with a suspense/investigative thriller - being able to keep the story straight kinda (ok, REALLY) matters. When this many inconsistencies start adding up, it makes for a bad book and comes off as sloppy writing and editing to me.
As just one example (that really bugged me) - our main gal, Leah, has been traumatized by an abusive ex-husband who tried to kill her, which has made her pay obsessive attention to and journal every odd detail of her daily life. Then, after Leah is already on the alert following a series of strange happenings, a mysterious client “Brian Lawrence” drops a dog off at her vet clinic and never returns to pick her up. Leah calls and leaves Brian a message about picking up the dog. The next (?) day, the agent investigating Leah’s stalking and a possibly-related murder asks Leah if she knows Brian Lawrence, and she responds “Never heard of him.” Really, Leah? I’m pretty damn sure you just left him a message - that seems like something you, of all people, would remember in your heightened state of alert - but ok maybe you forgot? Nope!!! Because then a couple of days later there is a whole scene where Leah is all “Brian Lawrence brought the dog into the clinic.” Why didn’t you remember this when your life was potentially at stake, Leah? The book is riddled with things like this:
- Leah’s credit card is scammed, yet she never goes online to look at her account and see what’s up? Seems weird for someone so on top of her shit (even minus a psycho ex).
- Then, after she already knows the police suspect her husband is still alive, and she plausibly is under threat she still does incomprehensible things. I.e., she knows someone has a key to her house when the moving company is able to get in, but instead of having the locks changed then and there, she goes back to work for hours, then goes home, alone, to a (supposedly) empty house - and is just all la-di-da unpacking and waits until midnight to have the locks changed. Sure that makes sense, a woman who has literally been nearly killed and is anxious every moment of her life is going to be super duper lax about changing the locks after a known security breach.
- David tells the police that he dated Diedre for a month, but then talks about how hot and heavy it was “last summer” (the book takes place in January). Hmm, Agent Morgan, shouldn’t that have caught your attention that maybe David is a big old liar?
- Diedre allegedly told her friend that David isn’t one to form lasting relationships and that David told Diedre he wanted to ask Leah out and that Diedre didn’t object to that, she was only like “yea Leah’s kinda jumpy.” Then we find out David is married. So you’re telling me that this man told his side piece that he wanted to make HER FRIEND his second side item and she was like totally yea ok but for now let’s keep sleeping together?!
Stories have to make sense, and not a damn thing in this book made any sense. I really hate nitpicking others’ writing - and feel a tad guilty even writing such a negative review, but I think with a suspense/investigative thriller - being able to keep the story straight kinda (ok, REALLY) matters. When this many inconsistencies start adding up, it makes for a bad book and comes off as sloppy writing and editing to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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