What do you think?
Rate this book
Broslin Creek #3
Deathtrap
She'd been "the sick girl" for most of her life. She refused to go straight to "the weird girl". Heart-transplant recipient Sophie Curtis has been in her own antiseptic bubble for so long, she just might not be able to venture out into the real world again. Her spooky body memories are scary enough, but then she finds herself in the cross hairs of a killer.
"Love was blind, people said. But lust was blind, deaf and reckless." Ethan Bing hadn't been a great romantic before he became a cop. Whatever shred of optimism he had left after becoming Broslin Chief of Police had been seared out of him by the unsolved murder of his wife two years before. A new case brings the killer within reach just as Sophie pops into his life. She gets through his defenses like no other before, but soon it becomes clear that she's been selected as the killer's next victim.
"Love was blind, people said. But lust was blind, deaf and reckless." Ethan Bing hadn't been a great romantic before he became a cop. Whatever shred of optimism he had left after becoming Broslin Chief of Police had been seared out of him by the unsolved murder of his wife two years before. A new case brings the killer within reach just as Sophie pops into his life. She gets through his defenses like no other before, but soon it becomes clear that she's been selected as the killer's next victim.
179 pages, ebook
First published May 31, 2013
About the author
Dana Marton
140 books832 followers Dana Marton writes fast-paced action-adventure romances that take her readers all over the globe. She is a Rita Award finalist and the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. She loves writing stories of intrigue, filled with dangerous plots that try her tough-as-nails heroes and the special women they fall in love with. Her books have been published in seven languages in eleven countries around the world.
Sign up for Dana's newsletter and never miss a new release, sale or giveaway. You’ll receive a free copy of her #1 Amazon bestselling book DEATHSCAPE (Broslin Creek #2) for signing up, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Your email will never be used for any other purpose.
https://danamarton.com/fb-newsletter-...
Sign up for Dana's newsletter and never miss a new release, sale or giveaway. You’ll receive a free copy of her #1 Amazon bestselling book DEATHSCAPE (Broslin Creek #2) for signing up, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Your email will never be used for any other purpose.
https://danamarton.com/fb-newsletter-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
May 25, 2013
Another great suspense book from Ms Marton. There are so many mysteries throughout this book from who killed a woman today to still searching for a killer of a woman from two years ago to why a recent heart transplant recipient is drawn to a certain house.
The Chief of Police of Broslin, Ethan Bing has been in a fog since the death of his wife two years ago. It has made him question himself as a husband and Chief since he wasn’t able to protect his own wife. When the latest murder has some clues that seem to point to his wife death he begins to wonder if they really do or if it’s just wishful thinking on his part.
Sophie Curtis was born with heart problems which left her having to live a very sheltered life until she got a heart transplant two years ago. Afterwards she decides she wants to live which ends up with her landing in Broslin and buying a house after some force led her there. She’s always been fascinated with a house that is just down the street from hers which turns out to be Ethan Bing.
There are lots of things that go on throughout the book and you wonder where they are going and how they are going to be related. The author did a great job of making you think its one thing and surprising you with the truth. I highly recommend this book for those that like there suspense with a dash of paranormal.
December 17, 2015
Broslin PD Captain Ethan Bing is investigating the death of a woman that eerily reminds him of the death of his own wife, who was murdered two years previously. He can't help but believe there is a connection, as both women were employed by the same company.
Sophie Curtis is a relative newcomer to the small village of Broslin. Still recovering from a heart transplant, she's living for the first time as a not-sick person. Tired of everyone taking care of her, she wants her own life, make her own decisions, do the things she's never been able to do before.
Sparks fly when these two meet, taking them both by surprise. He still feels guilt over his wife's death and his lack of finding out who was responsible and she's not willing to give up her independence to a controlling man who wants only to protect her.
I love the characters and how they treat each other. They're both bending over backwards to let each other work out their issues.
And as Bing is investigating, he finds a connection from his wife's murder leading right to the woman he's falling in love with. And her life is now in danger.
There are so many suspects .. especially when Bing finds other deaths related to the same company.
The suspense is pretty stable from the very first ... plenty to keep the reader interested and engaged, wanting to see what happens next.
My thanks to the author who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
June 3, 2013
I’ve yet to meet a Dana Marton book I didn’t like.
Ms. Marton creates complex characters and manages to weave them together to tell a great story. How she links all the characters (alive or dead) into such a web without getting a headache, I’ll never know!
Deathtrap kept me guessing the whole way through, I even picked the wrong character as the ‘bad guy’ which hardly ever happens! I’d recommend reading while your brain is fully functional…my own line of thinking was summed up, when Bing tells Sophie how everything relates in solving the case and she tells him “Okay. That makes my head hurt.” I was just so into the book I couldn’t go to bed until I’d finished it and suffered sleep deprived confusion as a result! I do so love to ‘get’ the book I’m reading!
I haven’t yet read Deathscape (Broslin Creek Bk 1), but it seems to me that Deathtrap works just fine as a stand-alone novel. Books like this written for a series but able to be read alone, without getting lost, are great. However it’s always nice to have a broader view of the world you’re ‘living’ in. Looking forward to the next installment.
Huge Thank You to Ms. Marton for the ARC for reviewing too, it was a treat to read before the majority
Ms. Marton creates complex characters and manages to weave them together to tell a great story. How she links all the characters (alive or dead) into such a web without getting a headache, I’ll never know!
Deathtrap kept me guessing the whole way through, I even picked the wrong character as the ‘bad guy’ which hardly ever happens! I’d recommend reading while your brain is fully functional…my own line of thinking was summed up, when Bing tells Sophie how everything relates in solving the case and she tells him “Okay. That makes my head hurt.” I was just so into the book I couldn’t go to bed until I’d finished it and suffered sleep deprived confusion as a result! I do so love to ‘get’ the book I’m reading!
I haven’t yet read Deathscape (Broslin Creek Bk 1), but it seems to me that Deathtrap works just fine as a stand-alone novel. Books like this written for a series but able to be read alone, without getting lost, are great. However it’s always nice to have a broader view of the world you’re ‘living’ in. Looking forward to the next installment.
Huge Thank You to Ms. Marton for the ARC for reviewing too, it was a treat to read before the majority
April 29, 2022
I just finished a new-to-me book in Dana Marton's Broslin Creek series, and it made me want to go back and re-read my favorite in the series, DEATHTRAP. I loved Sophie and Peaches and especially Sheriff Bing! Such great characters. I loved it! Again.
April 27, 2014
Deathtrap by Dana Marton is a 2013 publication.
Sophie was born with a weak heart and was sickly her entire life. Now thanks to a heart transplant she has a new lease on life. She broke up with her fiance and moved into her own home and started a new business. For the first time in her life she can be free and discover what she wants to do and who she wants to be. When a stray dog crosses her path she meets Ethan Bing. The two strike up an stilted conversation but Ethan can't deny an attraction to the new girl in town.
Ethan lost his wife a couple of years ago and is still unable to move forward with his life. Part of the problem is he feels guilty he wasn't home to protect her and part of it is her killer is still out there. When a woman is found dead in a clearing mainly used by teens to make out, a piece of evidence recovered at the scene has Bing wondering if there is a connection between this murder and his the murder of his wife.
Two things about this book put it over into the 4 star category. One was the attention to details involving someone born with an illness and the way people treat someone when they are physically fragile. Also, the small details about dealing with a transplant such as planting a garden and owning a dog which most of us wouldn't give a second thought to, could compromise the immune system for someone in Sophie's situation. I also liked the sense of reality that the author gave us in regards to police work. Even in smaller communities there is always something going on. Drunk and disorderly, break ins, and vandalism calls that come in daily and have to be dealt with all while trying to solve a murder.
I enjoyed the suggestion that Sophie could have been experiencing memories flashbacks from the person who donated her heart. This is a topic horror movies have touched on from time to time. This novel puts an entirely new twist on things though.
Bing is a super sweet guy most of the time. He is very helpful and sees Sophie as a miricle and not "the sick girl" The two of them are honest enough with one another to admit they have a lot baggage they are dealing with but they want to see where things will lead in their relationship. But, when a bombshell gets dropped on Bing he has very mixed emotions about Sophie.
In the meantime, there is a killer out there and Bing needs to get to bottom of things so he can finally move on with his life. There are plenty of twist and turns before the mystery is solved.
This one gets a 4 star rating
Sophie was born with a weak heart and was sickly her entire life. Now thanks to a heart transplant she has a new lease on life. She broke up with her fiance and moved into her own home and started a new business. For the first time in her life she can be free and discover what she wants to do and who she wants to be. When a stray dog crosses her path she meets Ethan Bing. The two strike up an stilted conversation but Ethan can't deny an attraction to the new girl in town.
Ethan lost his wife a couple of years ago and is still unable to move forward with his life. Part of the problem is he feels guilty he wasn't home to protect her and part of it is her killer is still out there. When a woman is found dead in a clearing mainly used by teens to make out, a piece of evidence recovered at the scene has Bing wondering if there is a connection between this murder and his the murder of his wife.
Two things about this book put it over into the 4 star category. One was the attention to details involving someone born with an illness and the way people treat someone when they are physically fragile. Also, the small details about dealing with a transplant such as planting a garden and owning a dog which most of us wouldn't give a second thought to, could compromise the immune system for someone in Sophie's situation. I also liked the sense of reality that the author gave us in regards to police work. Even in smaller communities there is always something going on. Drunk and disorderly, break ins, and vandalism calls that come in daily and have to be dealt with all while trying to solve a murder.
I enjoyed the suggestion that Sophie could have been experiencing memories flashbacks from the person who donated her heart. This is a topic horror movies have touched on from time to time. This novel puts an entirely new twist on things though.
Bing is a super sweet guy most of the time. He is very helpful and sees Sophie as a miricle and not "the sick girl" The two of them are honest enough with one another to admit they have a lot baggage they are dealing with but they want to see where things will lead in their relationship. But, when a bombshell gets dropped on Bing he has very mixed emotions about Sophie.
In the meantime, there is a killer out there and Bing needs to get to bottom of things so he can finally move on with his life. There are plenty of twist and turns before the mystery is solved.
This one gets a 4 star rating
June 4, 2013
DEATHTRAP
by Dana Marton.
Dana Marton just never disappoints me. Her books are varied but always have a strong sexy man who tries to save a woman in trouble.
Dana is the author of over 60 books and the recipient of literary awards and for a good reason, she is a great wrtier.
I read Deathtrap in one sitting. I was unable to put it down. The plot is strong and exciting. Sophie and Bing are perfect for each other and they fought hard to have their relationship despite hardships. I don't want to give anything away but Sophie is a heart transplant recipient and Bing is the Captain of a small town law enforcement agency. There is murder, breaking and entering, suspense, and romance; throw in a big protective dog and you have the recipe for a great read.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes Mystery and Romance.
by Dana Marton.
Dana Marton just never disappoints me. Her books are varied but always have a strong sexy man who tries to save a woman in trouble.
Dana is the author of over 60 books and the recipient of literary awards and for a good reason, she is a great wrtier.
I read Deathtrap in one sitting. I was unable to put it down. The plot is strong and exciting. Sophie and Bing are perfect for each other and they fought hard to have their relationship despite hardships. I don't want to give anything away but Sophie is a heart transplant recipient and Bing is the Captain of a small town law enforcement agency. There is murder, breaking and entering, suspense, and romance; throw in a big protective dog and you have the recipe for a great read.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes Mystery and Romance.
June 26, 2014
The third book in the Broslin Creek series by Dana Marton. Sophie Curtis is out putting up flyers, looking for the owner of the dog that "adopted" her. She meets Broslin Police Chief Ethan Bing and, of course, there is an attraction. But she is damaged. Surprisingly, the scars don't matter to Bing but he has issues of his own and doesn't want to get into a relationship. Bing's wife was murdered a few years earlier and the case was never solved. He needs to concentrate on solving another murder that seems to be connected to his wife's murder. But when Sophie starts having a stalker of her own Bings is the first to show up.
Another great addition to this series. I am anxious to continue. The mystery itself wasn't too hard to guess but it was still entertaining and exciting to read.
Another great addition to this series. I am anxious to continue. The mystery itself wasn't too hard to guess but it was still entertaining and exciting to read.
January 2, 2014
I received a free download of "Deathtrap (Broslin Creek #3)" by Dana Marton in exchange for a honest review. I have to admit that I have not read any other books by this author, but this novel can be read as a stand alone novel. I loved this romantic suspense murder mystery thriller. It had a bit of everything to please any reader, and was definitely a good read.
In Deathtrap, chief of police Ethan Bing - or simply 'Bing' to those who known him - is still haunted by the death of his wife two years ago. He is determined to find her murderer and bring him/her to justice. When he finds a pen with a specific logo at the scene of a murdered woman, he suspects this recent murder is somehow related to his wife's!
Sophie Curtis is new in town. She's purchased a small house and is intent on fixing up the inside and landscaping the yard. Having been too sick for most of her life, Sophie has had her new heart for two years now, and is anxious to experience her: New heart. New House. New Life.
Sophie has just inherited a stray dog that just shows up at her house, a Rottweiler, she named "Peaches" in her yard. In an attempt to find the owner, she creates posters to hang in the neighborhood and runs into Bing while walking past his house...and she seems to be familiar with the house which is strange. Bing is intrigued with Sophie and wants to get to know her better...and Sophie is attracted to him.
But Bing had to solve his wife's murder before he could move on with his life, and Sophie found herself to be a target in the recent murder mystery.
The characters in this novel were very human and believable and the story engaging and difficult to put down. A very enjoyable read.
In Deathtrap, chief of police Ethan Bing - or simply 'Bing' to those who known him - is still haunted by the death of his wife two years ago. He is determined to find her murderer and bring him/her to justice. When he finds a pen with a specific logo at the scene of a murdered woman, he suspects this recent murder is somehow related to his wife's!
Sophie Curtis is new in town. She's purchased a small house and is intent on fixing up the inside and landscaping the yard. Having been too sick for most of her life, Sophie has had her new heart for two years now, and is anxious to experience her: New heart. New House. New Life.
Sophie has just inherited a stray dog that just shows up at her house, a Rottweiler, she named "Peaches" in her yard. In an attempt to find the owner, she creates posters to hang in the neighborhood and runs into Bing while walking past his house...and she seems to be familiar with the house which is strange. Bing is intrigued with Sophie and wants to get to know her better...and Sophie is attracted to him.
But Bing had to solve his wife's murder before he could move on with his life, and Sophie found herself to be a target in the recent murder mystery.
The characters in this novel were very human and believable and the story engaging and difficult to put down. A very enjoyable read.
June 2, 2013
This is book 2 in the Broslin Creek series but is essentially a stand alone book. The characters from book one are only mentioned in this book. I have not read any book that i can recall with a heart transplant person in them. Sophie Curtis is one such person. Her whole life she's been the sick girl. Unable to do the things she's dreamed of. Now though with a new heart she's starting to work on a long list of things she wants to do. She broke up with her boyfriend who only wanted her if he could run her life. She moved away from where she grey up and bought a place of her own and is running a successful company from home. While out for a walk she comes across a stray dog. A rottweiler with a sweet disposition really but it takes her a while to get used to him when she can't find the owner and is stuck with him. The dog is what causes her to meet Ethan Bing. Ethan or "Bing" as everyone calls him is the towns police chief. He's got his own demons. Hi wife was murdered two years ago and he still has no clue as to who killed her and why. Then another murder takes place with a connection to his wife's murder. Between investigating the murders and Sophie he is twisted up inside about where his loyalties should be. Guilt is a heady thing sometimes. Then comes a HUGE twist in the investigation when he realizes that Sophie is tied up into things. This is a another example of Dana Marton's ability to write romantic suspense. She keeps you guessing right up to the end. The emotional factor in this story is huge when you see everything that is going on with both main characters and you can get a little hung up on that and you ask yourself what would you do if it was you.
June 4, 2013
Loved it! My sister has been raving about Dana's books and Deathtrap is my first. Now I can't wait to read all of Dana's other books.
Small town Broslin characters make you feel right at home. The mysterious twists range from peeping toms to home invasions to murder. Intertwined with the romance of Sophie and Bing, the suspense keeps you from putting the book down. I love the inclusion of Peaches the dog as companion and protector. Who doesn't consider and cherish their pet as a family member? Also, Dana's subtle humor with the attitude of Mango the cat was not lost on me.....see if you can find that too.
Please reference the link for a detailed review. I don't like to be a spoiler so I'll just end by saying how much I enjoyed this book! I can't wait to get another! Go and get one for yourself too! Happy Reading!
Deathtrap
Small town Broslin characters make you feel right at home. The mysterious twists range from peeping toms to home invasions to murder. Intertwined with the romance of Sophie and Bing, the suspense keeps you from putting the book down. I love the inclusion of Peaches the dog as companion and protector. Who doesn't consider and cherish their pet as a family member? Also, Dana's subtle humor with the attitude of Mango the cat was not lost on me.....see if you can find that too.
Please reference the link for a detailed review. I don't like to be a spoiler so I'll just end by saying how much I enjoyed this book! I can't wait to get another! Go and get one for yourself too! Happy Reading!
Deathtrap
June 3, 2013
Given an ARC for an honest review.
Another great book by Dana Marton! It kept me guessing throughout how everything was connected and who was responsible for the murders.
Police chief Ethan Bing is trying to deal with the murder of his wife 2 years ago. Its still an unsolved case. When another woman is murdered he is sure there is some connection between the two.
Sophia Curtis has grown up having a weak heart. She finally decides to get a heart transplant and start living her life. She moves to Broslin because she felt a pull toward the house down the road. This happens to be Bing's house.
Throughout the book there are a lot of twists and turns and clues to who is the killer and Sophia is trying to figure out why she is drawn to Bing.
Great book and would definitely recommend this book and the first book of this series Deathscape!
Another great book by Dana Marton! It kept me guessing throughout how everything was connected and who was responsible for the murders.
Police chief Ethan Bing is trying to deal with the murder of his wife 2 years ago. Its still an unsolved case. When another woman is murdered he is sure there is some connection between the two.
Sophia Curtis has grown up having a weak heart. She finally decides to get a heart transplant and start living her life. She moves to Broslin because she felt a pull toward the house down the road. This happens to be Bing's house.
Throughout the book there are a lot of twists and turns and clues to who is the killer and Sophia is trying to figure out why she is drawn to Bing.
Great book and would definitely recommend this book and the first book of this series Deathscape!
May 31, 2013
Ding! Ding! Ding! Dana has won herself a prize for another great book. I don't know where her ideas come from but she is wonderful about making them come alive. Her characters make you want to invite them to dinner. Her plots are complex yet she makes them flow seamlessly and they make sense. This one isn't quite as grizzly as Deathscape was. There are emotional highs, emotional lows that make you want to say "stupid" and lots of police action to keep you on your toes. Please don't skip over this or any of Dana' s other books. You will be sorry. Her books are better and better the more she writes. Add this one to your library.
June 1, 2013
"I just finished reading Deathtrap by Dana Marton and I loved it as it met all aspects of genres I look for rolled into one - mystery, suspense, romance as well as law and order. I was totally entertained from the very first paragraph as she put me right there along with Captain Bing and his officers working through a crime scene and took me along for a wonderful ride! I loved Sophia and how she was able to overcome the obstacles that had been her life until she received a gift...which would prove to much more than what she had anticipated!
I can honestly say I highly recommend Ms. Morton's books to anyone seeking another author to enjoy! I anxiously look forward to future books from her!"
I can honestly say I highly recommend Ms. Morton's books to anyone seeking another author to enjoy! I anxiously look forward to future books from her!"
June 3, 2013
SO many things I liked about this - Sophie seemed so quirky, but strong in spite of what she had gone through health wise. Bing was a hero with a tragedy haunting him but he was not over the top tormented. He made some mistakes in his plans and relationship with Sophie but it was completely understandable and is what a person in Real Life might do, facing a similar situation. The mystery was absorbing and a little sordid, also somewhat like R.L. The realization about Sophie's donor was unexpected at least for me and very valid reason for the two to feel torn apart. Of course I liked the HEA too. And loved Peaches the dog.
June 3, 2013
This is the second book in a series,( but it does also stand alone). The main Characters are a women what had donated heart and a widowed Police Captain. and add a Rottweiler to the mix. You have the beginnings of a very well written book with lots of action, misunderstandings, Murder, and mystery.Dana Marton, does a great job of keeping you interested in what is going on in the town of Broslin Sophia had moved to Broslin with the last year or so and Captain Ethan Bing had lost his wife to a murderer in the last 2 years. this story has all the makings of Romance, suspense, drama and it keeps you reading until the very last page.
great job Dana
great job Dana
September 28, 2013
Not a bad book but not a great book. The characters were likable. Didn't love or hate them. Story line was ok. It was not a straight who done it which was nice. You did have some hints to help you try to figure out who it was.not a clear idea from the start as to who the murderer was.
Nice beach read book. Easy to pick up. And put down and still remember what is going on.
Nice beach read book. Easy to pick up. And put down and still remember what is going on.
January 6, 2016
I love romantic suspense, and Marton is one of my favourite authors. Her heroes are hot, her heroines likable, and the suspense page-turning. Whenever I pick up a Broslin Creek story, I just know I'll be up all night. Rollicking good reads!
June 2, 2013
Great read! Loved the characters, was rooting for them from the beginning.
May 4, 2020
I recommend this book.
If you have not read “Deathscape” the book comes before this one in the series that’s okay you don’t have to read it first.
As always I enjoyed the book by Dana. Her books have plenty of drama and romance and you really get a feel for the characters of her books. Look forward to the next book in this series.
Sophie Curtis had a heart transplant 2 years ago from someone in Broslin. She moved to Broslin about six months ago to her own house to live alone and take care of herself.
Captain Ethan Bing, of Broslin PD. met Sophie when she fainted on his door step. She looks into his house and believes she has been there before. He walks her home and gives her a business card in case she needs anything. He is drawn to her and does not understand why.
Jeremy Denvil owns his own consulting company and is Sophie’s ex-fiancé. He wants to get back with Sophie as he thinks she cannot take care of herself.
Sophie is afraid of dogs from a past mishap and one follows her home after walking at the park. She has to learn to accept the dog and not be afraid of him. She names him Peaches as not dog can go to long without a name.
Someone is breaking into Sophie’s house and messing up her yard….. Why?
Can Ethan and Sophie overcome all the destruction that comes their way to make a relationship work?
To find out the answers to the below pick up the book:
Whose heart did Sophie get when she got the transplant?
Who is the killer of Ethan’s wife and why is she dead?
Some favorite parts from this book:
A half smile came to play on his lips. “You’re easy to be around. And easy on the eye. That’s a bonus.” He caught himself. Took a step back. “I have no right to be saying that. I’m not in a place where—”
“I’m attracted to you too,” she blurted, then wished the earth would just open up beneath her and swallow her up along with the wave of embarrassment that washed over her. She had no idea how to act around a man she was attracted to. She was pitifully inexperienced when it came to dating.
He stepped closer with an intense, thoughtful look on his face. “We shouldn’t do this.”
Her heart gave a hard thud.
“You probably can’t kiss.” Another step closer. “What does the doctor say?”
“We never kissed,” she deadpanned. “Dr. Pratt and I are not interested in each other that way.”
The sound of his deep laughter broke the tension between them. He moved a little closer still.
“Dr. Pratt says intimacy is all right, unless the other person is sick.” She couldn’t believe she just said that. Why not put a neon sign on her forehead? DESPERATE FOR SEX.
“This isn’t going to work.” He leaned his forehead against hers, the skin-to-skin contact jolting. “This isn’t the right time for either of us.” His hands slid up her arms. “I shouldn’t kiss you,” he said.
And then he did.
Holy heavens.
He didn’t do more than brush his lips over hers, and her head was swimming. Her heart seemed to skip several beats, which gave her a moment of anxiety before she remembered that it might be normal. Things like that were frequently mentioned in romance novels.
She’d just never thought it was real, that she could ever feel a wave of desire as intense as this.
Bing slowly put his arms around her, drawing her closer, and suddenly her breasts were snuggled against his hard chest. Tingles ran across her skin. Then he nibbled on her lower lip gently, and her knees went weak. She lifted her hands to his waist, for support first, then they somehow slipped around him and moved up the rippling muscles of his back. His body felt like a work of art under her fingertips.
A long minute of bliss passed before he eased back to look at her.
She stared at him, dazed, then gathered herself.
“I’m not like this normally.” They barely knew each other, even if she’d felt an instant connection, almost from the moment she’d met him.
He raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”
“Brazen.” If that was the right word.
He shook his head, that half smile coming out again. “Think again. You just locked lips with the police captain on your front stoop for everyone to see.”
She felt her face flush as he watched her, conflicting emotions crossing his face. The half smile disappeared as he stepped back.
“Don’t say it,” she blurted. “Don’t say it was a mistake, or apologize or—” She wanted to keep that one perfect moment as it was, even if they never had another.
His gaze darkened. “Apologizing couldn’t be further from what I’m thinking.”
Did the air thin suddenly? She felt like it did. He watched her with an intensity that made it impossible to look away from him. As if he was wrestling with an important decision.
Then he turned from her, strode to his pickup, and drove away.
On his way back to the station, he stopped for some coffee at the country store. The drive-through would have been faster at one of the chains, but the country store had Mildred behind the counter. She was eighty-two, still worked most every day, and got a kick out of being the Captain’s favorite.
Bing ordered the daily special, which turned out to be hazelnut mocha with almond milk. He liked his coffee black, but Mildred was proud of her specials. Her friends came in and made a big deal about them, and it kept her happy.
“Best one yet,” he told her with a smile. “Given some more thought about running away with me?”
“Drive by the house Sunday morning.” She flashed her own come-hither grin. “Pull up to the back. One whistle and I’ll shimmy down the drainpipe.”
From anyone else her age, that would have been an impossibility, but if anyone could do it, Mildred would. She had that kind of spirit.
“Don’t you believe her.” Eddie Gannon, the town handyman, came up behind Bing. He was in his fifties, and lived alone above the diner, a man of many skills. He drove the big plow in the winter for the town and went around fixing whatever needed to be fixed for the rest of the year. He winked at Mildred. “She’s been leading me on like that for years.”
Mildred giggled.
“We can duke it out in the back,” Bing offered to Eddie. “I have to warn you. I’m not going to give her up easily.”
They joked on for another minute or two while he paid.
He held up two new locks when she let him in—one regular, one dead bolt. “I can install them. It’ll take ten minutes.”
“Thank you. Okay.”
He smiled. “Hey, that’s progress. At the very least, I expected you to arm-wrestle me for the drill.”
“You’re not helping because you don’t think I can handle it.”
“So why am I helping?”
“Some men can’t express their emotions, so they show that they care by doing things. It’s a manly thing.” She’d been reading her self-help books in the evenings.
His lips stretched into a grin. And there was a moment of connection between them, as they stood in her entryway, just looking at each other. Maybe he was right. Maybe the attraction was a natural thing. God, what woman wouldn’t be attracted to him?
“I’ll be right outside in the cruiser by the curb,” he said once they were finished and the dishes put away. “Just to make sure whoever broke in doesn’t come back to give you any more trouble.”
“I have new locks. I have Peaches. And just as a warning…” She put her fists up. “I float like a bee and sting like a butterfly.”
“I was going to point out that if we lived together permanently, you’d have unlimited access to this.” He gestured with a hand at his body like the hostess at the board on The Price is Right, while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
If you have not read “Deathscape” the book comes before this one in the series that’s okay you don’t have to read it first.
As always I enjoyed the book by Dana. Her books have plenty of drama and romance and you really get a feel for the characters of her books. Look forward to the next book in this series.
Sophie Curtis had a heart transplant 2 years ago from someone in Broslin. She moved to Broslin about six months ago to her own house to live alone and take care of herself.
Captain Ethan Bing, of Broslin PD. met Sophie when she fainted on his door step. She looks into his house and believes she has been there before. He walks her home and gives her a business card in case she needs anything. He is drawn to her and does not understand why.
Jeremy Denvil owns his own consulting company and is Sophie’s ex-fiancé. He wants to get back with Sophie as he thinks she cannot take care of herself.
Sophie is afraid of dogs from a past mishap and one follows her home after walking at the park. She has to learn to accept the dog and not be afraid of him. She names him Peaches as not dog can go to long without a name.
Someone is breaking into Sophie’s house and messing up her yard….. Why?
Can Ethan and Sophie overcome all the destruction that comes their way to make a relationship work?
To find out the answers to the below pick up the book:
Whose heart did Sophie get when she got the transplant?
Who is the killer of Ethan’s wife and why is she dead?
Some favorite parts from this book:
A half smile came to play on his lips. “You’re easy to be around. And easy on the eye. That’s a bonus.” He caught himself. Took a step back. “I have no right to be saying that. I’m not in a place where—”
“I’m attracted to you too,” she blurted, then wished the earth would just open up beneath her and swallow her up along with the wave of embarrassment that washed over her. She had no idea how to act around a man she was attracted to. She was pitifully inexperienced when it came to dating.
He stepped closer with an intense, thoughtful look on his face. “We shouldn’t do this.”
Her heart gave a hard thud.
“You probably can’t kiss.” Another step closer. “What does the doctor say?”
“We never kissed,” she deadpanned. “Dr. Pratt and I are not interested in each other that way.”
The sound of his deep laughter broke the tension between them. He moved a little closer still.
“Dr. Pratt says intimacy is all right, unless the other person is sick.” She couldn’t believe she just said that. Why not put a neon sign on her forehead? DESPERATE FOR SEX.
“This isn’t going to work.” He leaned his forehead against hers, the skin-to-skin contact jolting. “This isn’t the right time for either of us.” His hands slid up her arms. “I shouldn’t kiss you,” he said.
And then he did.
Holy heavens.
He didn’t do more than brush his lips over hers, and her head was swimming. Her heart seemed to skip several beats, which gave her a moment of anxiety before she remembered that it might be normal. Things like that were frequently mentioned in romance novels.
She’d just never thought it was real, that she could ever feel a wave of desire as intense as this.
Bing slowly put his arms around her, drawing her closer, and suddenly her breasts were snuggled against his hard chest. Tingles ran across her skin. Then he nibbled on her lower lip gently, and her knees went weak. She lifted her hands to his waist, for support first, then they somehow slipped around him and moved up the rippling muscles of his back. His body felt like a work of art under her fingertips.
A long minute of bliss passed before he eased back to look at her.
She stared at him, dazed, then gathered herself.
“I’m not like this normally.” They barely knew each other, even if she’d felt an instant connection, almost from the moment she’d met him.
He raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”
“Brazen.” If that was the right word.
He shook his head, that half smile coming out again. “Think again. You just locked lips with the police captain on your front stoop for everyone to see.”
She felt her face flush as he watched her, conflicting emotions crossing his face. The half smile disappeared as he stepped back.
“Don’t say it,” she blurted. “Don’t say it was a mistake, or apologize or—” She wanted to keep that one perfect moment as it was, even if they never had another.
His gaze darkened. “Apologizing couldn’t be further from what I’m thinking.”
Did the air thin suddenly? She felt like it did. He watched her with an intensity that made it impossible to look away from him. As if he was wrestling with an important decision.
Then he turned from her, strode to his pickup, and drove away.
On his way back to the station, he stopped for some coffee at the country store. The drive-through would have been faster at one of the chains, but the country store had Mildred behind the counter. She was eighty-two, still worked most every day, and got a kick out of being the Captain’s favorite.
Bing ordered the daily special, which turned out to be hazelnut mocha with almond milk. He liked his coffee black, but Mildred was proud of her specials. Her friends came in and made a big deal about them, and it kept her happy.
“Best one yet,” he told her with a smile. “Given some more thought about running away with me?”
“Drive by the house Sunday morning.” She flashed her own come-hither grin. “Pull up to the back. One whistle and I’ll shimmy down the drainpipe.”
From anyone else her age, that would have been an impossibility, but if anyone could do it, Mildred would. She had that kind of spirit.
“Don’t you believe her.” Eddie Gannon, the town handyman, came up behind Bing. He was in his fifties, and lived alone above the diner, a man of many skills. He drove the big plow in the winter for the town and went around fixing whatever needed to be fixed for the rest of the year. He winked at Mildred. “She’s been leading me on like that for years.”
Mildred giggled.
“We can duke it out in the back,” Bing offered to Eddie. “I have to warn you. I’m not going to give her up easily.”
They joked on for another minute or two while he paid.
He held up two new locks when she let him in—one regular, one dead bolt. “I can install them. It’ll take ten minutes.”
“Thank you. Okay.”
He smiled. “Hey, that’s progress. At the very least, I expected you to arm-wrestle me for the drill.”
“You’re not helping because you don’t think I can handle it.”
“So why am I helping?”
“Some men can’t express their emotions, so they show that they care by doing things. It’s a manly thing.” She’d been reading her self-help books in the evenings.
His lips stretched into a grin. And there was a moment of connection between them, as they stood in her entryway, just looking at each other. Maybe he was right. Maybe the attraction was a natural thing. God, what woman wouldn’t be attracted to him?
“I’ll be right outside in the cruiser by the curb,” he said once they were finished and the dishes put away. “Just to make sure whoever broke in doesn’t come back to give you any more trouble.”
“I have new locks. I have Peaches. And just as a warning…” She put her fists up. “I float like a bee and sting like a butterfly.”
“I was going to point out that if we lived together permanently, you’d have unlimited access to this.” He gestured with a hand at his body like the hostess at the board on The Price is Right, while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
September 7, 2022
Poor Sophie hasn't had much of a life really, sickness and home schooling have ruled it, a long term relationship ended when she got better and didn't need the same care. Finding a stray dog changes her newly settled life. Bing has been tormented by the murder of his wife but being Chief has meant focussing on the day to day crimes, but a clue in a new murder might just be what he needs. Both characters are vulnerable in their own ways, both are trying to move forward but also still tied to their pasts as well. I loved the chemistry when they met, both are caring, loving and supportive people not expecting to find a relationship. It isn't all plain sailing though, a few twists and turns and lots of suspects mean both are kept busy. Gripping and suspenseful, a fair amount of action and excitement had me fully invested in the outcome. Wonderful characters and a bit of teasing make this a well written and engaging book. The series so far is fabulous and I'm really enjoying reading it, heading straight into book 4 now.
January 13, 2021
I’ve absolutely loved all three books in this series ( that’s all I’ve read so far). I’m hooked on the writing style of this author, love staying on edge and feeling the emotions of the characters. I felt for Sophie and loved how she and the chief of police (Bing) can’t help falling for each other. He’s still on a mission to find out who killed his wife two years ago but finds Sophie so refreshing. There’s a situation that occurred and I cried for them. Will they be able to move forward? Thankfully they finally get a very happy ever after. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the rest.
April 27, 2018
This is the first installment in the DANGEROUS ATTRACTION anthology that I have enjoyed. Despite an ultimately over explained paranormal element, the heroine is well drawn and interesting. Jack is a bit more one note (by design).
June 10, 2020
Sophie is a great character and was dealing with body memories as a transplant patient. Ethan is still investigating his wife's murder. The two have some great chemistry along with action and suspense as they unravel the mystery. Was happy that Ethan finally got his story. Loved it!
June 21, 2017
I never saw the ending coming...totally pick the wrong guy as the killer. Loved how you spun the tale. I have read the first 3 of this series and can't wait to read the rest
March 9, 2019
I loved this book - love happy endings but this author has you hooked from page one. Reading all I can get from Dana.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'books-boxed-sets'
April 22, 2020In boxed set - "Dangerous Passions: 12 Tales of Contemporary Sexy Hot Alpha Heroes"
February 20, 2021
Suspense till the end, sprinkled with romance and heartache and a Rottweiler to fall for ... excellently written!
one star less because the format is off and inconvenient to read
one star less because the format is off and inconvenient to read
November 26, 2021
Enjoyable Suspense
Deathtrap is a good story with some interesting characters. I enjoyed the romance and the conflict between the hero and heroine.
Deathtrap is a good story with some interesting characters. I enjoyed the romance and the conflict between the hero and heroine.
April 29, 2022
Heavy on the mystery and light on the romance (a couple kisses and 1 quickie in the kitchen). Good characters, although Bing acts like an idiot a couple times. He is lonely and a workaholic in the beginning but after he meets Sophie, you see his funny side.
Quotes:
Love was blind, people said. But lust was blind, deaf, and reckless.
“Overcomplicating things much?”
She blew out some air. “I can’t help it. I’m a woman.”
“Thank God for that.” And then he dipped his head and brushed his lips against hers, pulling back just when her fingertips began to tingle. “I’m okay with complications.”
He groaned as he pulled away, steadying her to make sure she didn’t slide off. “You’re going to be the death of me. I’m an old man. Cop years count double. I don’t know if I can take this much excitement.” Then he leaned back to kiss her hard one last time. “Well, hell, I’m willing to die trying.”
(Jack and Bing)
“How is Disneyland?”
“First couple of days, I wanted to call you to send in a SWAT team to get me out. You get used to it after a while. Thousands of screaming kids can be fun. Who knew?”
“Stop drinking the water immediately,” Bing joked, happy to hear Jack happy.
“Oh yeah?” She played along. “What other enticements were in that speech?”
“I was going to point out that if we lived together permanently, you’d have unlimited access to this.” He gestured with a hand at his body like the hostess at the board on The Price is Right, while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
She laughed out loud. She definitely wanted full access. More than she wanted to learn horseback riding. “Ever thought about going into sales?”
He gave a look of mock shock. “Of this?” He gestured at his body again. “That’s completely against the law. I’m a police captain.”
Quotes:
Love was blind, people said. But lust was blind, deaf, and reckless.
“Overcomplicating things much?”
She blew out some air. “I can’t help it. I’m a woman.”
“Thank God for that.” And then he dipped his head and brushed his lips against hers, pulling back just when her fingertips began to tingle. “I’m okay with complications.”
He groaned as he pulled away, steadying her to make sure she didn’t slide off. “You’re going to be the death of me. I’m an old man. Cop years count double. I don’t know if I can take this much excitement.” Then he leaned back to kiss her hard one last time. “Well, hell, I’m willing to die trying.”
(Jack and Bing)
“How is Disneyland?”
“First couple of days, I wanted to call you to send in a SWAT team to get me out. You get used to it after a while. Thousands of screaming kids can be fun. Who knew?”
“Stop drinking the water immediately,” Bing joked, happy to hear Jack happy.
“Oh yeah?” She played along. “What other enticements were in that speech?”
“I was going to point out that if we lived together permanently, you’d have unlimited access to this.” He gestured with a hand at his body like the hostess at the board on The Price is Right, while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
She laughed out loud. She definitely wanted full access. More than she wanted to learn horseback riding. “Ever thought about going into sales?”
He gave a look of mock shock. “Of this?” He gestured at his body again. “That’s completely against the law. I’m a police captain.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews