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Reviews tagging 'Kidnapping'

Temptation Trails by Claire Kingsley

9 reviews

dark tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I have so many thoughts. The premise of this book, crime-wise, is great. It’s haunting and scary and, for once, I actually didn’t guess the killer beforehand! But there were also some non-murdery happenings in this book that gave me the heebie jeebies. Namely, Garrett’s incredibly inappropriate misuse of his authority and power as a police officer. This is a slight spoiler but I’m not going to cover it up as I think it’s important. The man literally follows Harper in his car for no reason, pulls her over which, let’s face it, is an incredibly scary and dangerous situation for many people, particularly minorities and our most vulnerable, and asks her on a date. Would I, as a woman driving alone, feel comfortable rejecting a date if a police officer had pulled me over to the side of the road and was leaning over me? Hell no. I’d be terrified. That was so inappropriate and creepy that I almost DNF’d. I am fully aware that this is a romance book and Harper was attracted to him but, come on, there is nothing romantic about using your authority to put someone in a vulnerable position and then ask something of them.

On another note, Owen was very sweet and I hope he lives the best life ever (not in law enforcement). An actual angel. 

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funny mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

The bad luck thing became really annoying by the time I got halfway through the book to the point I almost DNFed a few times. I found the pacing a bit confusing as well. At some points they were wishy washy then suddenly they’re in love and then seemed to be moving slowly again.
I also found it odd that FMC questioned MMC’s “paranoia” considering she also was getting creepy vibes, finding weird gifts, believed she had bad luck, seemingly trusted MMC and believed him to be a good officer 🤷🏻‍♀️

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adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The bad luck thing felt a little cliche but I get it was needed to drive the plot forward. I liked that Owen became a dominant character and I loved his relationship with Harper. I knew it wouldn’t be Matt that was the killer, it was too on the nose. But I wish I’d gotten to hear more about Phillip so I could try to figure it out because there was no way I wouldn’t guessed that bc we didn’t really know his character before it was figured out. Overall it was a cute book.

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dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

That’s more like it! After being slightly disappointed with Storms and Secrets, this was definitely more what I’ve come to expect from the books in this world: Funny, somewhat mysterious, with a sweet, swoony romance! 

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

It was an interesting read, but I don’t think the book is really memorable. I wasn’t so blown away that I will reread.
But overall a fun and relaxing book. Really cute new family, and all of the characters are nice.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

My personal favourite of the series so far. There was the right balance between the suspense/mystery and the romance. I liked that they acknowledged how fast Harper and Garrett were moving and how frequently they thought to check in with Owen on his feelings about their relationship. 

Harper's run of bad luck added a funny common theme and I really enjoyed how this added to the suspense but also lightened certain moments. She  was bright and lovely as a character. I liked how sensible Garrett was but could be impulsive when he needed to be and how the protective instinct was warranted in this book. 

The ending of this book was a touch predictable but nice nonetheless. I liked how the suspense played out and how a lot of loose ends were tied up for all the characters, including some of the side characters. A lovely small town feel to it. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

ENG
While there wasn't anything particular that would be bad about this book, I just didn't feel much. I felt like the whole romance was too insta-love and rushed that the main focus was on the mystery, which would be fine if it didn't feel like picking up the same-plot romantic suspense all over again. I really liked Owen, his kid, who brought some character to the story. Gavin as a potential romantic partner wasn't doing it for me - I didn't feel like there had been banter or flirting. As a result, I didn't particulary see the chemistry between mcs. 
But I do like some sweetness in a form of baking in the romance.

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