Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Kaden Vaughn is a former Hollywood stunt driver. He
believes the skeletal remains found in Pike, Wisconsin, belong to his brother’s
fiancé. Kaden intends to solve the woman’s mysterious disappearance for his
deceased brother. However, the authorities’ methods in handling the case seem
shady and dubious. Kaden’s only ally is the owner of the local grocery store.
Someone does not want them poking their nose into the case and tries to scare
them off. Can Kaden protect Lia from the true murderer? What terrible secrets
will they dredge up? And at what cost?
Lia Porter runs and operates her family-owned grocery
store. When a body is discovered near town, she recalls an incident she had
witnessed fifteen years ago. Lia disagrees with the authorities’ conclusion on
the case. The only person who shares her suspicions is the ruggedly handsome
stranger from Hollywood. She and Kaden start their own investigation, only to
learn more than what they bargained for. Someone in Pike wants to keep their
secrets hidden, and they are willing to kill to keep them. Will Lia become
another unfortunate victim? Will she and Kaden solve the fifteen-year-old case?
Kaden is such a positive inspiration. He came from a
rough upbringing with an alcoholic father. Kaden wisely escaped that lifestyle
and found his path in life. I admire Kaden’s determination to honor his
brother’s memory by solving the case that destroyed him. He may not have liked
his brother’s fiancé, but he set aside his differences to investigate her
strange disappearance. What I like the most about Kaden is his protectiveness
towards Lia. He knows their investigation is dangerous, and he did not want to
jeopardize her safety or livelihood.
It took me a while to warm up to Lia. She came off too
serious and strait-laced for my tastes. However, my opinion changed as the
story progressed. Kaden’s presence allowed Lia to tap into her hidden adventurous
side. I understand Lia’s dislike of how others viewed her. She grows tired of
being labeled as a dependable, by-the-book killjoy, who refuses to take risks.
What I admire the most about Lia is her reasons for keeping her family-owned
grocery store open. It is more for the residents than profit.
DESPERATE ACTS is the fourth book in Alexandra Ivy’s
romantic suspense series, PIKE, WISCONSIN. This is my first foray into the
author’s romantic suspense books. I am more familiar with her paranormal
romances. The story can stand alone. The only commonality each book in the
series shares is the setting: a small town called Pike in Wisconsin. I like how
the story focuses more on Kaden and Lia’s amateurish investigation than their
romance. The romance element is there, but it is subtle.
DESPERATE ACTS is a gripping tale of two strangers
partnering up to solve a cold case. I plan on checking out the other books in
this series. I cannot wait to learn what other dark and dangerous secrets Pike,
Wisconsin has.
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