Published by Atria Books Publication Date: January 23rd 2018
Pages: 448
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Noah Marshall has had a privileged life thanks to his mother, the highly decorated chief of the Austin Police Department. But all that changes the night she reveals a skeleton thatβs been rattling in her closet for years: she doesnβt deserve her commendations or her medalsβin fact, she deserves to be locked behind bars for what she did to a fellow officer to save her own reputation. When she finally succumbs to the guilt of destroying an innocent familyβs life, she leaves Noah alone to carry the burden of this shocking secret, which she makes him vow never to share.
Gracie Reynolds wasnβt born into trailer park life, but after ten years of learning how to survive in The Hollow, itβs all she knows anymore. At least here people donβt care that she is a byproduct of a white mother and a black father. And they certainly donβt care that her dad was a corrupt Austin cop. Here, she and her mother can almost forget the shame he brought upon themβ¦until a man who clearly doesnβt belong shows up on her doorstep one night, asking questions.
Together, Noah and Gracie set out to uncover the truth about the Austin police departmentβs dark and messy pastΒβbut the scandal they uncover is bigger than they bargained for, and goes far higher up than they ever imagined.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.
This intense, emotional story is filled with suspense and intrigue and it held me spellbound from start to finish. It is a gut wrenching story about good versus evil; about doing what is right no matter what the cost. This is a wonderfully written dark story with unforgettable characters and intricate plot weaving. Β Iβll admit, I was hoping for more romance but the story is so engrossing, I didnβt care.
Noah and Grace are brought together through circumstances beyond their control. Β Noahβs mother makes a request for him to get in touch with Grace and it changes the course of both of their lives. Noah is trying to unravel the confusing mystery of Graceβs father’s death and his mother’s. Β Noah has had an insulated life and has been protected from all the bad things taking place. Β Once his mother dies, Noah has to make some tough decisions. Β He must decide to do what is right or what is easy. Β Noah is a good guy. Β He is charming, endearing, protective, tough and he also has a sweet and naive side.
Grace has had nothing but bad breaks in her life and she has learned she canβt trust anyone. Β Life hasnβt been fair or kind to Grace and she has learned not expect much. Β Yet through it all, Grace has become a tough and strong woman and she hasnβt let life bring her down. Β
There are a lot of secrets and lies and it is dangerous as Noah and Grace try to learn the truth. Although Grace is attracted to Noah she is afraid to let him in. I liked Noah and Grace. Β They are likable and realistic and have a lot of chemistry. Β