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elaineandbiting's review against another edition
5.0
Pamela Clare did it again.
The second installment of the I-team series tells the story of Tessa Novak, cop specialist in the I-team of Denver Independent , who eye-witnessed a murder by drive-by only to discover later on a that is wasn't just murder at all but a serious case of human trafficking. Along the way, she discovered a complicated love with the undercover special agent, Julian Darcangelo, who tried his very best to protect her, and keep her at a distance but failed to do so.
It was hot and smoldering, their secrets added to the mystery and complications of their relationship, but in the end, it was a happily ever after.
I gave it 5 stars because Clare hadn't disappointed me at all. The case of human trafficking is practically what I imagined, the movement of the cops, the man behind the huge power of sexual abuse of underage women. This is what I always imagined and my motivations in studying and getting my degree. She gave a concrete evidence of reality while maintaining the romance plot. She gave us, non-investigative writers, the feel of journalism in a real sense of the word.
The second installment of the I-team series tells the story of Tessa Novak, cop specialist in the I-team of Denver Independent , who eye-witnessed a murder by drive-by only to discover later on a that is wasn't just murder at all but a serious case of human trafficking. Along the way, she discovered a complicated love with the undercover special agent, Julian Darcangelo, who tried his very best to protect her, and keep her at a distance but failed to do so.
It was hot and smoldering, their secrets added to the mystery and complications of their relationship, but in the end, it was a happily ever after.
I gave it 5 stars because Clare hadn't disappointed me at all. The case of human trafficking is practically what I imagined, the movement of the cops, the man behind the huge power of sexual abuse of underage women. This is what I always imagined and my motivations in studying and getting my degree. She gave a concrete evidence of reality while maintaining the romance plot. She gave us, non-investigative writers, the feel of journalism in a real sense of the word.
nitzanschwarz's review
4.0
I did not expect to like HARD EVIDENCE half as much as I did. I knew it'll be a nice, fun, quick read to pass time with, as EXTREME EXPOSURE, the first in the series, was. But I never expected it to be more than that. Imagine my surprise, then, to find out just how much I loved the characters and the story of this book, as well as the writing and the romance. So much so that I finished it in one sitting!
Nicely played, Mrs. Clare.
And to think I nearly forgot to review this one! Bless my soul...
This book starts off with a bang - quite literally. One moment Tessa is buying coffee, the next a girl flies into the small establishment and the third - the girl is dead, and Tessa is left feeling she should've done something. Well, she wasn't able to save the girl, but she would make damned sure her killers are brought to justice - no matter what it takes.
This book starts off with a bang - quite literally. One moment Tessa is buying coffee, the next a girl flies into the small establishment and the third - the girl is dead, and Tessa is left feeling she should've done something. Well, she wasn't able to save the girl, but she would make damned sure her killers are brought to justice - no matter what it takes.
She is smart, caring, stubborn, resourceful, and refuses to yield to anything, all of which makes you respect and like her. She's so very human and real in her thoughts and actions, and you have to love the girly yet rough thing she's got going on- she has the best of both world; strength and vulnerability, softness and hardness, dresses like a girl and acts fearlessly like a guy. I loved her. She was a character easy to relate to, and you couldn't stay mad at her for long.
Julian is the man Tessa initially thinks is the killer; he wears a black coat and gloves and looks quite menacing. Only he's the farthest thing away from it; he's a sexy, protective, and guilt-ridden FBI agent in town to catch one of the biggest names in human trafficking. He's strong and brave, has this sexy, brooding quality to him, and you just have to love him from the get-go, more so when he starts acting so damn protective over Tessa. He might've been a jerk sometimes, but never too horribly, and their fighting was just so amusing to read about. The guy is just so sweet without noticing it (I mean, the flowers, the furniture… the espresso machine! Lol), and I loved him.
Of course, their ways just seem to keep crossing paths--and so do their tongues. Accidentally, of course. Their chemistry... Yum-my. Just off the charts! The two of them together were simply hot.
As for the plot - it was interesting, things kept happening and it touched the very heavy subject of human trafficking; one of the most horrifying things in existence. I thought it was much more interesting, albeit morbid, than the plant storyline of EXTREME EXPOSURE.
I knew who the traitor was from a mile away and felt so darn happy when I was right! I thought the entire thing was quite sick, but at least I called it *wink*.
I found it nice to revisit old characters and see how they were. Congrats Kara on the new baby!
Julian is the man Tessa initially thinks is the killer; he wears a black coat and gloves and looks quite menacing. Only he's the farthest thing away from it; he's a sexy, protective, and guilt-ridden FBI agent in town to catch one of the biggest names in human trafficking. He's strong and brave, has this sexy, brooding quality to him, and you just have to love him from the get-go, more so when he starts acting so damn protective over Tessa. He might've been a jerk sometimes, but never too horribly, and their fighting was just so amusing to read about. The guy is just so sweet without noticing it (I mean, the flowers, the furniture… the espresso machine! Lol), and I loved him.
Of course, their ways just seem to keep crossing paths--and so do their tongues. Accidentally, of course. Their chemistry... Yum-my. Just off the charts! The two of them together were simply hot.
As for the plot - it was interesting, things kept happening and it touched the very heavy subject of human trafficking; one of the most horrifying things in existence. I thought it was much more interesting, albeit morbid, than the plant storyline of EXTREME EXPOSURE.
I knew who the traitor was from a mile away and felt so darn happy when I was right! I thought the entire thing was quite sick, but at least I called it *wink*.
I found it nice to revisit old characters and see how they were. Congrats Kara on the new baby!
Also, the rest if the I-Team crew was as funny and amusing as ever; can't wait to read their stories.
One thing that bothers me a little is that Tessaleft the newspaper at the end , as did Kara in the book before. But I saw why she had to do so. I do hope it will not be a repeating pattern.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I did debate the rating with myself for a bit. When I finished reading the first number that came to mind was 5 - because it was really good, especially in light of the fact I never thought it'll be that good. (I'll never doubt you again, Mrs. Clare). But I did have some complaints, most minor and none important enough to write in the review. So, I wavered between 4.5 and 5 but then decided I was just kind of picking at the book, trying to find its faults, and it was silly.
So, 5 it is!
One thing that bothers me a little is that Tessa
In the spirit of full disclosure, I did debate the rating with myself for a bit. When I finished reading the first number that came to mind was 5 - because it was really good, especially in light of the fact I never thought it'll be that good. (I'll never doubt you again, Mrs. Clare). But I did have some complaints, most minor and none important enough to write in the review. So, I wavered between 4.5 and 5 but then decided I was just kind of picking at the book, trying to find its faults, and it was silly.
So, 5 it is!
pigsjillyjiggs's review against another edition
4.0
Fire!!
Super Sexy and suspenseful! I Loved it. Thank God this one didn’t end with a description of home birth though.
Super Sexy and suspenseful! I Loved it. Thank God this one didn’t end with a description of home birth though.
hpitcher15's review against another edition
4.0
I really love the I-team series. They have the perfect mixture of romantic scenes, love scenes, and action scenes. I loved the idea of Marc escaping from jail. You are always surprised by who the bad guys are in the end and I love that, there are so many books out there that are so easy to figure out.
bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve found that sometimes it can be hard to find a good romantic suspense novel. Thankfully there were titles and authors I missed out on initially so I’m having a fun time catching up with some great talent. The I-Team series is a great collection of romantic suspense novels. They do not need to be read in order (because I haven’t and have had no problem following along) but it can clear up some confusion on secondary characters if you do. Tessa is a journalist in Denver working towards a big story. When she thinks she’s uncovered the culprit, she really uncovers FBI agent Julian. As these two work different angels to uncover a human trafficker in Denver, Tessa’s life is on the line and Julian discovers he will do anything to save her. Really great, action packed, sexy story. I’m really enjoying the books from Pamela Clare and I can’t wait to continue reading!
desiree_mcl's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars.
This was even better than Extreme Exposure (I-Team #1).
Julian was dark, delicious, and just all around amazing. Tessa was sweet, brave, and besides a few small issues I had with her she was also amazing. The small issue I had with her was with her being ashamed of her Mom, but I liked that things are better with between them at the end.
The journey Julian and Tessa go on was simply amazing. I loved that he was a certain way with Tessa that he hadn't been with others. As always the secondary characters were wonderful, I loved seeing Reece and Kara again and I can hardly wait to read the other characters stories.
In this novel I have two complaints, it doesn't subtract from the wonderful story but it still irks me a bit. The first complaint is, so far, an issue for me from both Extreme Exposure and Hard Evidence, the bad guys have been very easy for me to figure out. In EE it wasn't as obvious as HE but in HE it was glaringly obvious.
And the final minor issue I had was with Tessa, she doesn't even think of the human trafficking possibility. It's not even on her list of options of what's going on until half-way through the book. So that bothered me, I'm not saying she has to follow the human trafficking idea immediately but she doesn't even think it and then scratch it off the list.
Overall, despite those two or three minor complaints it's a wonderful novel, it's very engaging and like with the first one I was swept away with the characters and I did not want to see it end.
This was even better than Extreme Exposure (I-Team #1).
Julian was dark, delicious, and just all around amazing. Tessa was sweet, brave, and besides a few small issues I had with her she was also amazing. The small issue I had with her was with her being ashamed of her Mom, but I liked that things are better with between them at the end.
The journey Julian and Tessa go on was simply amazing. I loved that he was a certain way with Tessa that he hadn't been with others. As always the secondary characters were wonderful, I loved seeing Reece and Kara again and I can hardly wait to read the other characters stories.
In this novel I have two complaints, it doesn't subtract from the wonderful story but it still irks me a bit. The first complaint is, so far, an issue for me from both Extreme Exposure and Hard Evidence, the bad guys have been very easy for me to figure out. In EE it wasn't as obvious as HE but in HE it was glaringly obvious.
Spoiler
As soon as Julian's former lover came into the picture I'm suspicious of her. There was something in the way Pamela Clare wrote her that I immediately thought she was involved. I think part of the reason was because she was downright hostile toward Julian and although there are a couple reasons given it didn't strike true. So when she shows up at Julian's home and Tessa's alone it wasn't a surprise when she turned out to be working for the bad guy.And the final minor issue I had was with Tessa, she doesn't even think of the human trafficking possibility. It's not even on her list of options of what's going on until half-way through the book. So that bothered me, I'm not saying she has to follow the human trafficking idea immediately but she doesn't even think it and then scratch it off the list.
Overall, despite those two or three minor complaints it's a wonderful novel, it's very engaging and like with the first one I was swept away with the characters and I did not want to see it end.
leabookjoy's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
A second book as great as the previous one =D
Working in the I-Team as investigative crime reporter, Tessa is used to investigate the crimes but not to witness one. Yet when she witnesses the murder of a young girl, Tessa will try everything to find the truth and catch the culprits, even if it put her life in danger ...
Definitely a very great series to read : the writing's style is fluid and pleasant with a lot of action but also humor and romance, the plot was twisted and exciting and I loooooved Julian and Tessa !! They were funny, sassy and sooo sexy =D
In short, I loved this book and I can't wait to read the next one x)
PS: Obviously Denver is THE place to be to find badass and gorgeous men x)
A second book as great as the previous one =D
Working in the I-Team as investigative crime reporter, Tessa is used to investigate the crimes but not to witness one. Yet when she witnesses the murder of a young girl, Tessa will try everything to find the truth and catch the culprits, even if it put her life in danger ...
Definitely a very great series to read : the writing's style is fluid and pleasant with a lot of action but also humor and romance, the plot was twisted and exciting and I loooooved Julian and Tessa !! They were funny, sassy and sooo sexy =D
In short, I loved this book and I can't wait to read the next one x)
PS: Obviously Denver is THE place to be to find badass and gorgeous men x)
katmorrisey's review against another edition
3.0
So I didn't quite connect with Tessa in this book but I liked the mystery and suspense. And Julian was hot, angsty and def had a bit of alpha in him. Talk about my kind of Hero! Can't wait to dive into the third book!
Check out my blog for the full review:
http://crackedandbrokenglass.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-hard-evidence-by-pamela.html
Check out my blog for the full review:
http://crackedandbrokenglass.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-hard-evidence-by-pamela.html
laurenjodi's review against another edition
5.0
Hard Evidence
5 Stars
Synopsis:
After witnessing the murder of a teenage-girl, investigative reporter Tessa Novak believes Julian Darcangelo is responsible for the crime. However, Julian is, in fact, an undercover FBI agent on the trail of a human trafficker and vicious killer. Now, Tessa's reports have brought them closer both to each other and to an unimaginable evil that threatens both their lives.
Review:
The first book in the series, Extreme Exposure, was good but nothing truly special. This book is a huge improvement. The plot is fast paced and suspenseful, the romance is intense and the characters are well-developed.
The human trafficking story is exceptional. Pamela Clare has definitely done her research and it shows in the details. The villain is diabolical and there are some truly frightening moments at the climax of the book that had me holding my breath. I did manage to guess the identity of the FBI mole but this sub-plot is cleverly done with appropriate red-herrings.
The characterization is excellent - Tessa's soft and vulnerable exterior belies her fierce intelligence and determination. She is completely fearless when it comes to her job and I appreciated her dedication even though she does some crazy things, like visiting gang bangers on their turf. It may seem stupid but makes sense in the life of an investigative journalist accustomed to taking risks for the story. Julian is the perfect combination - sexy, courageous and protective with a tad of tortured hero thrown in. Their chemistry is explosive and the development of their hate to love relationship is particularly captivating.
Overall, this is an incredible story with amazing characters. Hopefully the rest of the series will be just as good.
5 Stars
Synopsis:
After witnessing the murder of a teenage-girl, investigative reporter Tessa Novak believes Julian Darcangelo is responsible for the crime. However, Julian is, in fact, an undercover FBI agent on the trail of a human trafficker and vicious killer. Now, Tessa's reports have brought them closer both to each other and to an unimaginable evil that threatens both their lives.
Review:
The first book in the series, Extreme Exposure, was good but nothing truly special. This book is a huge improvement. The plot is fast paced and suspenseful, the romance is intense and the characters are well-developed.
The human trafficking story is exceptional. Pamela Clare has definitely done her research and it shows in the details. The villain is diabolical and there are some truly frightening moments at the climax of the book that had me holding my breath. I did manage to guess the identity of the FBI mole but this sub-plot is cleverly done with appropriate red-herrings.
The characterization is excellent - Tessa's soft and vulnerable exterior belies her fierce intelligence and determination. She is completely fearless when it comes to her job and I appreciated her dedication even though she does some crazy things, like visiting gang bangers on their turf. It may seem stupid but makes sense in the life of an investigative journalist accustomed to taking risks for the story. Julian is the perfect combination - sexy, courageous and protective with a tad of tortured hero thrown in. Their chemistry is explosive and the development of their hate to love relationship is particularly captivating.
Overall, this is an incredible story with amazing characters. Hopefully the rest of the series will be just as good.
valeehill's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
4.0