30 August 2016

Review: Without Warning by Lynette Eason


Not Eason's Best


I don’t know if this is a true story or not. But it’s good, and it illustrates a point:

A couple were in court asking for a divorce. The judge asked the husband why he wanted a divorce. “Because she’s always reading and won’t stop reading when I talk to her.” The judge asked the wife the same question. Her answer? “Because he always talks to me when I’m trying to read.”

I had a similar problem while reading Without Warning. My family kept wanting me to talk to them or do their laundry or cook their meals. And the result is that I’m not sure if I found it difficult to get into Without Warning because of the constant interruptions, or if it just wasn’t that gripping or engaging. And it’s romantic suspense. It’s supposed to be gripping and engaging.

When I finished Without Warning, I felt ‘meh’. I felt like finishing it was a chore, and I was relieved it was over.

A week later, I can’t remember a single thing about the book. Yet I still don’t know if that was the fault of my beloved family and their constant interruptions, or the fault of the book. It got 4½ stars from Romantic Times, which says their reviewer enjoyed it, so maybe it’s just me.

Here’s the Amazon description:

Taut Writing and Breakneck Pacing That Will Keep Readers Up All Night

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.

Witty dialogue and a simmering attraction will have readers flying through this tension-laced thriller. Eason exercises complete control of her readers' emotions as they race through the pages to discover the truth.


Okay, that reminds me of a few things. Like there was too much sexual tension between Daniel and Kate considering he’s supposed to be her client. And the big reveal of the evildoer didn’t entirely make sense. It’s not that it’s a bad novel, more that I didn’t engage with the plot of the characters, and she has written better books.

And, no, I didn't find it kept me up at night. More the opposite.

Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for providing a free ebook for review.

3 comments:

  1. We'll just have to disagree on this one, Iola. I really liked this book. But I know what you mean about the villain -- his motivation seemed a bit weak. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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    1. I really think this one was me as much as the book - especially as you liked it (yes, I read your review but didn't want to add a depressing comment). I usually love Lynette Eason's novels, so here's hoping I enjoy the next one more.

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    2. I've found my "attitude" really has a bearing on my views of a book -- whether I am in the mood for the particular genre. Reviewing on a deadline is especially difficult when I am reading a romance, but yearn for a good mystery. I was definitely in the mood for romantic suspense when reading this book. I also want you to know that I value your opinions and look forward to reading your reviews. Thanks! :)

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