Lisa Renee Jones

I was immediately captivated by the whirlwind romance between Mia and Grayson. Their story is more than just a love affair; it's a profound journey of heartbreak, healing, and the power of second chances. Despite the initial charm of their unexpected connection, the revelation of Grayson's true identity and the subsequent betrayal left me reeling alongside Mia. Their love, tested by trials and treachery, felt incredibly real and poignant. The narrative masterfully intertwines elements of show more suspense and vulnerability, making it impossible not to root for their reconciliation. This book is a testament to the complexities of love and trust, woven into a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. show less

I delved into the intricate world of Tyler Hawk, a man haunted by his past and driven by a fierce desire for power and independence. The story unfolds with suspense and passion, revolving around Tyler's complicated connection with Bella, a strong-willed woman working for him. Their mutual attraction simmers beneath the surface, complicated by their professional roles. While the narrative teased a forced proximity, marriage-of-convenience angle, I found myself unsure about the viability of show more their relationship in this installment. The cliffhanger ending left me intrigued but wanting more, questioning the direction of their story. Despite my reservations, the book offered an engaging mix of steamy romance and workplace tension, making me eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Tyler and Bella's journey. show less

The intense dynamic between Jax North and Emma Knight, set against a backdrop of luxury and deceit, made for a compelling read. Their tumultuous relationship, marked by passion and the shadows of their families' pasts, kept me on edge. Jones' skillful storytelling, with its twists and emotional depth, made the characters' journey of love, trust, and redemption resonate with me. The story masterfully balances the thrill of mystery with the heat of romance, making it an unforgettable show more experience that kept me hooked until the end. show less

I find myself joining all the other reviewers in saying, "I need more and I need it now!" The queen of leaving us hanging has done it again!

Detective Lilah Love is used the jokes about her name, she's used to the horrors of brutal crime scenes, and she's used to being alone. A pile of bodies all murdered in the same way call her back home to the Hamptons, a place she isn't used to being around people she isn't used to seeing. Determined to track down the killer she begins gathering data, show more only to find herself the target of eerie notes that relate to something she thought was in the past. The notes, the bodies, and those fighting to keep everything covered up reveal to her that maybe the tie in between all the murders is herself.

"He is the devil, but then, I am no angel. He made sure of that."

Oh my, Lisa Renee Jones has done it again, but this time from the perspective of a beautiful, complicated woman who doesn't have the time for romancing. It's different for LRJ and I really enjoyed Lilah Love and her crude mouth. She's a different sort of female character, very complex and strong in many ways, but also incredibly broken and weighed down by life. She covers things up with wit and sarcasm and she believes she protects others by keeping everything to herself. Her past is a difficult one and though it is fitting of the story, it's painful to watch a piece of her past haunt her in a very present and active way. Then there's the men, oh the men. The list goes on and on, from family members to exes to coworkers, Lilah is surrounded by a sea of men who don't really want her to uncover the truth, who don't really want her to be as strong as she is. They treat her delicately, like she's breakable and simply unable to handle the realities. The men ignore her role, her strength, and are simple unaware of the past that made her into the woman she is. She remains fierce, strong willed, and increasingly agitated by the assumptions of those around her.

"There's always a murder where you are, Lilah."

Which brings me to the meat of the story, the murders of four individuals that, for some reason, the men don't want her to work. Lilah Love is neck deep in the mystery, but Murder Notes is a thriller not a mystery and that is very apparent as it is revealed to readers that somehow Lilah is tied into all of this. In very lengthy, maybe too lengthy, detail LRJ tells us of Lilah's pasts, of the current crime scenes, of the lives of every individual possibly involved, and the history that surrounds the current murders. There's a stalker, an assassinator, a long simmering romance, political aspirations, friends, enemies, and two cartels that just can't seem to get along when left to their own devices. It's fairly complicated and quite a lot to remember, which was tedious at first, but in time I was attached to this story and just as addicted to solving the crime as Lilah. Unfortunately, Murder Notes is book one in a series and we are left with a cliffhanger that promises answers, and likely more questions, are to come.

"It bleeds because you bleed."

I'm not sure how long I can wait for answers in the Lilah Love series, the danger too great to ignore and the passionate lust between Lilah and another just promises there is more smut to come. There's secrets to uncover, lies to disprove, and a deadly killer and a stalker who must be found out. Murder Notes is an engaging, character-driven thriller from the incredible Lisa Renee Jones. It's a series you won't be able to walk away from and one you won't be able to guess the ending of.

ARC provided. show less