Devious (A Bentz/Montoya Novel)

Love all her books I start them and I can’t put thendown

I've read the previous six books in this series, so I was completely up to speed with the recurring characters (Bentz & Montoya). Overall, I have enjoyed this series. For the most part, the previous books all had decent story lines and good enough mystery/suspense elements to keep me interested. I thought this book fell flat in those departments, though. The H and h (Slade & Valerie) were likeable enough, though I personally found Slade to be more likeable than Valerie. Valerie's character was written in such a way that she really came across as being high strung and bitchy. I don't think that was really the intent, but it was the result. The "thing" that occurred between Slade and Camille (Valerie's sister) a couple of years prior to the start of the story was really overblown from Valerie's perspective. While I totally understand why she got so upset at both of them (I would have, too), she ultimately chose to believe her lying, slutty sister instead of her own husband. Given Camille's track record, I didn't think that was the smartest reaction from Valerie, especially given the extremes that she took things to. Since this book is billed as a romantic suspense, I expected more of a focus on Slade and Valerie. Unfortunately, there isn't much of a focus on those two in the book. Sure, they are together a lot as the search for the killer is underway, but throughout most of the story, their relationship is still in a fractured state, so there's lots of squabbling and bitchiness going on. Not what I like in my fiction. There is also too much focus, IMO, on Cruz and Lucia. Neither of them plays any kind of a pivotal role in this book, so those side stories just detracted from what should have been more of a focus on Slade and Valerie. From a romantic standpoint, this book is a dud. The mystery/suspense elements were okay, but not great by any means. There were several threads that were just left hanging, which is one of those things that always bothers me (unless a book is billed as being part of an ongoing saga that you know will pick back up in the next entry of the series). The Bentz/Montoya books don't connect in that kind of way. In each of these books, you will find two new main characters (that are supposed to be the romantic element), and each of these can really be read as stand alones. It took me a few days to finish this one simply because I had so much trouble getting involved in the story. It wound up being more of a chore for me to finish it, which is never a good thing when I'm reading for enjoyment. I wouldn't recommend spending a lot on this one, especially if any of the issues I mentioned tend to be deal breakers for you.

Wow! I was totally surprised at the ending, very suspenseful! I’m looking forward to Bentz and Montoya taking “Him” down permanently this time! Lisa Jackson never fails me!

I really love this series of Lisa Jackson! The story gets me involved! I try my best to overlook all the errors! There are so many spelling, and proofreading errors that I sometimes want to avoid reading this and the other books! I mean really bad errors! That being said, I do enjoy the series and the book. Please, find better proof readers! The reading errors are really elementary and to a writer should be embarrassing. I do enjoy the stories and the plots. It’s just irritating to see so many writing errors. Thanks for the continued content of the series. Please, look into finding better proofreaders!

I enjoyed reading this book with its twists and turns but somehow Val didn’t seem like a real person to me and when did she find time to operate her bread & breakfast?