Saturday, March 07, 2015

REVIEW: Pretty Reckless by Jodi Linton

Title: Pretty Reckless (Deputy Laney Briggs #1)
Author: Jodi Linton
Publisher: Entangled: Ignite
Publication Date: March, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Description: Welcome to Pistol Rock, Texas where everyone knows secrets last about as long as the sporadic west Texas rain showers.

Laney Briggs has long been considered reckless by the denizens of her hometown, but she’s finally turned it all around—she’s happily engaged to the local veterinarian and she’s become a Pistol Rock deputy sheriff. Everything’s fine and dandy—until a dead body turns up and her ex, Texas Ranger Gunner Wilson, decides to stick his boots into the town’s first murder case. Of course, the troublesome cowboy’s rugged good looks and T-shirt-straining muscles are already leaving Laney knee-deep in hot water, but she’ll be damned if she lets Gunner trample all over her turf. She’s decided that, instead of conflict, she wants a contented, steady life with her vet—a life in which Gunner Wilson and his seemingly endless ability to undermine her resolve and her libido plays no part. Still, it’s hard to keep her head as forbidden sparks ignite and suspicions arise between old rivals and old flames. And when the bodies start to pile up, Laney has to ask the lethal bad boy for a hand—and a truce in exchange for his help. But after uncovering the pack of lies surrounding not only her job but her heart… Having an ex-boyfriend as an ally might not be the best idea, but it’s certainly the most reckless, and Laney has always been pretty reckless…


My Thoughts: With Pretty Reckless, new to me author Jodi Linton introduces the reader to a feisty spitfire named Laney Briggs, a former school teacher turned Sheriff's Deputy in the small town of Pistol Rock, Texas. Murder isn't something that happens in this tiny little town so when Laney finds herself investigating her first murder case, she crosses paths with old flame, Gunner Wilson, a Texas Ranger whose relationship with Laney ended with a shotgun loaded with rock salt. Laney is now engaged to the local veterinarian and though she insists long and loud that she loves her fiancé, Gunner is determined to kick up a little dust over her shiny red cowboy boots.

This book was a lot of fun to read. I really liked Laney and Gunner together. Their chemistry and feelings were very evident though Laney trys very hard to fight it. Gunner is a pure rascal to the bone but you have to admire his tenacity. He's not a perfect hero and he is no innocent bystander. Some would even say that receiving an ass full of rock salt was the least he deserved. Once he arrives in Pistol Rock, he is like the proverbial moth to Laney's bright flame. He can't stay away and doesn't seem to care if he will get burned.

What initially appears as a run of the mill murder investigation quickly turns sinister when Laney starts receiving threats from an unknown source and more dead bodies start showing up.

The story moves at a very good pace and the author does an excellent job of describing the scenes with such clarity and detail, the reader is able to feel what Laney feels, all the way down to the dry dusty Texas landscape. I was able to guess early on who the true villains in the story are but what I was not expecting was the final show-down which had some intense nail-biting moments.

My Final Verdict: This is a very good start to a series that packs a punch. If you like your heroes to wear Stetsons and boots with a "Howdy Ya'll" drawl that will make your toes tingle, then Pretty Reckless will fit the bill. Turn up the A/C, pour yourself an iced glass of sweet tea, turn off the phone and get ready to be thoroughly entertained.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Pretty Reckless from the author in exchange for an honest review.


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I am not a professional reviewer, but I love to read and share my opinions on my reading with others who are interested. I work full time but my ideal perfect day would be to curl up with a good book. The majority of the books I review here are from my private collection and my reviews are provided purely for entertainment purposes. I receive no compensation whatsoever for sharing my thoughts and review on any book. If you would like me to review your book, please email me at sharalsbooks@yahoo.com Happy Reading! :o)