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nana14's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
btelf94's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
williamz4lyf's review against another edition
3.0
Not the most interesting book I ever read by Sandra Brown. It was a page turner that kept me up to finish, but I wasn't really interested in the characters.
paulabrandon's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars is being generous, because this book is completely ridiculous. However, I figured that Sandra Brown is actually lying in a hammock on her own private island, funded by over 60 potboiler bestsellers, being fanned by tanned cabana boys and sipping from a cocktail. Therefore, she is no longer in touch with reality and how the real world works, or how Earth logic works, and this is reflected in the plots and characters she creates! It's the only thing I can think of to explain why the characters talk and act the way they do here! So I took that into consideration while reading this book.
The plot has Texas Ranger Crawford Hunt saving Judge Holly Spencer, who is presiding over his child custody case, from a gunman who bursts into the courtroom, killing the bailiff, and nearly killing Holly. Crawford gives chase, and a rooftop confrontation ends with the shooter being shot dead by snipers. But was he actually the shooter? After seeing the body in the morgue, Crawford's not so sure. Which means there could be a conspiracy afoot, and that Holly is still in danger. Meanwhile, his "reckless" actions could threaten him getting custody of his daughter! And Holly's ambition to become a permanent judge is risked by her association with Crawford.
None of what can be found within these pages makes much sense. In Sandra Brown's version of our planet Earth, you'll find that:
1) A father in the midst of a custody hearing can show up at 4am in the morning at the presiding judge's house and bully her into telling him what her verdict was going to be. Instead of having him arrested, she breaks down crying and they have sex instead.
2) A Texas Ranger will become a household name and national hero for doing his job. Except for the times when doing his job actually means he's being reckless and that makes him a bad father, or the times he is actually under suspicion for the shooting, despite a court room full of witnesses, including a JUDGE, being able to testify to otherwise. Or if not the shooter, then part of the conspiracy, but without one shred of evidence to back that up.
3) A detective would be so pissed off at Crawford because Crawford dated the detective's sister when they were teenagers, that he would doggedly try to finger Crawford for being involved in the shooting, despite having zero evidence, and despite nobody else thinking the same.
4) The detective who hates Crawford nonetheless lets Crawford be a part of each stage of the investigation as a favour to the slain bailiff's widow, despite believing that Crawford is somehow involved in the shooting. Kind of gives your prime suspect an advantage when he knows every detail of the investigation!
5) The villain wants to kill Crawford, because Crawford's Texas Ranger team stopped a drugs/guns cartel 4 years prior, which cost him a few million dollars. Except villain has a new, lucrative drugs/guns business running, making him millions, and his intricate revenge plot would only expose his involvement in both said plot, and current smuggling operation.
While there was some fun stepping into this magical world where people can do what they like, where you never know what irrational thing someone might do next, I think I've had my fill of Sandra Brown for the time being!
The plot has Texas Ranger Crawford Hunt saving Judge Holly Spencer, who is presiding over his child custody case, from a gunman who bursts into the courtroom, killing the bailiff, and nearly killing Holly. Crawford gives chase, and a rooftop confrontation ends with the shooter being shot dead by snipers. But was he actually the shooter? After seeing the body in the morgue, Crawford's not so sure. Which means there could be a conspiracy afoot, and that Holly is still in danger. Meanwhile, his "reckless" actions could threaten him getting custody of his daughter! And Holly's ambition to become a permanent judge is risked by her association with Crawford.
None of what can be found within these pages makes much sense. In Sandra Brown's version of our planet Earth, you'll find that:
1) A father in the midst of a custody hearing can show up at 4am in the morning at the presiding judge's house and bully her into telling him what her verdict was going to be. Instead of having him arrested, she breaks down crying and they have sex instead.
2) A Texas Ranger will become a household name and national hero for doing his job. Except for the times when doing his job actually means he's being reckless and that makes him a bad father, or the times he is actually under suspicion for the shooting, despite a court room full of witnesses, including a JUDGE, being able to testify to otherwise. Or if not the shooter, then part of the conspiracy, but without one shred of evidence to back that up.
3) A detective would be so pissed off at Crawford because Crawford dated the detective's sister when they were teenagers, that he would doggedly try to finger Crawford for being involved in the shooting, despite having zero evidence, and despite nobody else thinking the same.
4) The detective who hates Crawford nonetheless lets Crawford be a part of each stage of the investigation as a favour to the slain bailiff's widow, despite believing that Crawford is somehow involved in the shooting. Kind of gives your prime suspect an advantage when he knows every detail of the investigation!
5) The villain wants to kill Crawford, because Crawford's Texas Ranger team stopped a drugs/guns cartel 4 years prior, which cost him a few million dollars. Except villain has a new, lucrative drugs/guns business running, making him millions, and his intricate revenge plot would only expose his involvement in both said plot, and current smuggling operation.
While there was some fun stepping into this magical world where people can do what they like, where you never know what irrational thing someone might do next, I think I've had my fill of Sandra Brown for the time being!
darkblonde_'s review against another edition
4.0
It was literally like reading an episode of Longmire. I loved the fact that there were no slow parts. Everything that was done in this story linked to the finale.
I definitely couldn’t stand Neil throughout. He allowed his issues cloud his loyalty. I was thinking he was a crooked cop with the way he was carrying on. Joe, the father in law, pissed me off too. He was being a a-hole and I needed him to sit down somewhere.
I will definitely read more from her. I liked her writing and her take on suspense. This had a little romance to it but it didn’t overpower the story in my opinion. Im definitely going to read more from her.
I definitely couldn’t stand Neil throughout. He allowed his issues cloud his loyalty. I was thinking he was a crooked cop with the way he was carrying on. Joe, the father in law, pissed me off too. He was being a a-hole and I needed him to sit down somewhere.
I will definitely read more from her. I liked her writing and her take on suspense. This had a little romance to it but it didn’t overpower the story in my opinion. Im definitely going to read more from her.
yolireadsss's review against another edition
2.0
Not my favorite of SB and I’ve read many of her books. It pulled me in and in the middle fizzled. It was really slow but I finished.
kiminindy's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent as always. A little suspense, a little romance and a twist at the end. What more could you ask for?
bookish_wife16's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
4.25⭐️- this was my first book by Sandra Brown. I’ve heard great things about her. I wanted to
Read something suspenseful that will keep me guessing. I randomly selected this one from Libby and listened to the audio. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Crawford was a Texas Ranger and I had to look that up to see what that really meant. The fact that this story started out with a shooting in the courthouse really drew me in. Once that took place, Crawford sprung into action and that was the pace of this story. Him being a ranger was a key part I think. The way he handled this case and maneuvered throughout was stealthy.. of a ranger.
I loved the fact that there were no slow parts. Everything that was done in this story linked to the finale. This was like a Columbo story. You basically know who did it but trying to put the pieces together as to why. I loved this take on a suspense.
I definitely couldn’t stand Neil throughout. He allowed his issues cloud his loyalty. I was thinking he was a crooked cop with the way he was carrying on. Joe, the father in law, pissed me off too. He was being a a-hole and I needed him to sit down somewhere.
I will definitely read more from her. I liked her writing and her take on suspense. This had a little romance to it but it didn’t overpower the story in my opinion. Im definitely going to read more from her.
Read something suspenseful that will keep me guessing. I randomly selected this one from Libby and listened to the audio. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Crawford was a Texas Ranger and I had to look that up to see what that really meant. The fact that this story started out with a shooting in the courthouse really drew me in. Once that took place, Crawford sprung into action and that was the pace of this story. Him being a ranger was a key part I think. The way he handled this case and maneuvered throughout was stealthy.. of a ranger.
I loved the fact that there were no slow parts. Everything that was done in this story linked to the finale. This was like a Columbo story. You basically know who did it but trying to put the pieces together as to why. I loved this take on a suspense.
I definitely couldn’t stand Neil throughout. He allowed his issues cloud his loyalty. I was thinking he was a crooked cop with the way he was carrying on. Joe, the father in law, pissed me off too. He was being a a-hole and I needed him to sit down somewhere.
I will definitely read more from her. I liked her writing and her take on suspense. This had a little romance to it but it didn’t overpower the story in my opinion. Im definitely going to read more from her.
rmarcin's review against another edition
3.0
Another solid Sandra Brown mystery with a side of romance. Texas Ranger seeks custody of Georgia and while in the court, a gunman comes in and begins shooting. Who was the intended target and why? Feelings for the judge jeopardize many things in this tale - the custody battle, the judge's seat on the bench, their reputations, the safety of others.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
Top 50 Books of 2015. "Best Romantic Suspense of 2015."
Sandra Brown returns after Mean Streak, with her latest, FRICTION —a sizzling, and intense romantic suspense conspiracy thriller, featuring a sexy tough Texas Ranger, a beautiful driven Judge, and an innocent five year-old- girl, and some evil people threatening all their lives and futures.
Texas Ranger Crawford Hunt’s wife died the previous year. He has been through some tough times, grief stricken, and has gone a little crazy over the last year. He agreed to allow his former wife’s parents custody, in order to raise his five year old daughter, Georgia until he could get back on his feet and deal with the grief.
However, now he has had time to get his act together, and wants nothing more than to regain custody of his much loved daughter. He has waited patiently for this day, as the short visits with his daughter are not enough. His heart breaks each time he leaves her and she loves her daddy. He wants her full time in his own home. He has even hired a designer to prepare his daughter’s room in her favorite color pink, which cost him a fortune, as he prepares to get his daughter back, where she belongs.
The day has finally arrived and he meets his attorney– the custody hearing. Tensions are high and he prepares himself for objections. He decides he will leave his gun at home, as needs to present himself, as a changed man, a good father. After all he has to deal with his father in law, Joe, a former cop, which is his worst enemy. He never has liked him.
In the middle of the hearing, prior to the judge’s final decision, a masked gunman breaks into the courtroom, and begins shooting. Quick to react, Crawford comes to Judge Holly Spencer’s side and saves her life. However, some are not so lucky, killing a bailiff. Immediately, Crawford grabs the bailiff’s gun and goes after the gunman. He is led to the rooftop for a show down.
What comes next is a series of events making Crawford look guilty. Was this the real killer? Who was the gunman? Who was he after? Motive? Holly or Crawford, or someone else?
A sniper kills the gunman, and first it appears Crawford is a hero, until it comes clear to Crawford, he has been set up. In the meantime, Joe is using this impulsive behavior against him, making him look bad. Sgt. Neal Lester, a detective seems to be working against him. With restraining orders, so he is not able to see his daughter, and fear for his life, Holly’s and Georgia’s-- Crawford’s life is spinning out of control. He cannot lose his daughter. He is desperate to solve this case, in order to get his life back.
In the meantime, Holly and Crawford develop an intense sexual attraction. Her running opponent will be watching her every move, while everyone else is watching Crawford. She has recused herself from the case; however, until they know the identity of the real shooter, no one is safe. Crawford and Holly have to steal away for time together, to try and put the pieces of the mystery together.
As always, Sandra never disappoints. The suspense and intensity are smoking hot, with passion, danger, and crime, at a breakneck speed--making for an engrossing riveting non-stop action page-turner. A mix of legal, crime, mystery, courtroom drama, cop procedural, romantic suspense, and thriller – you will root for rough and tough Crawford and a father’s special love for his little girl.
Typical of Brown’s complex multi-layered writing, (one of my favorite authors), expect twists, secrets, turns, and some surprises at the end-- you do not see coming.
If you loved FRICTION, recommend Adam Mitzner’s Losing Faith. An attorney, a judge, a conspiracy, and an affair!
A special thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
Sandra Brown returns after Mean Streak, with her latest, FRICTION —a sizzling, and intense romantic suspense conspiracy thriller, featuring a sexy tough Texas Ranger, a beautiful driven Judge, and an innocent five year-old- girl, and some evil people threatening all their lives and futures.
Texas Ranger Crawford Hunt’s wife died the previous year. He has been through some tough times, grief stricken, and has gone a little crazy over the last year. He agreed to allow his former wife’s parents custody, in order to raise his five year old daughter, Georgia until he could get back on his feet and deal with the grief.
However, now he has had time to get his act together, and wants nothing more than to regain custody of his much loved daughter. He has waited patiently for this day, as the short visits with his daughter are not enough. His heart breaks each time he leaves her and she loves her daddy. He wants her full time in his own home. He has even hired a designer to prepare his daughter’s room in her favorite color pink, which cost him a fortune, as he prepares to get his daughter back, where she belongs.
The day has finally arrived and he meets his attorney– the custody hearing. Tensions are high and he prepares himself for objections. He decides he will leave his gun at home, as needs to present himself, as a changed man, a good father. After all he has to deal with his father in law, Joe, a former cop, which is his worst enemy. He never has liked him.
In the middle of the hearing, prior to the judge’s final decision, a masked gunman breaks into the courtroom, and begins shooting. Quick to react, Crawford comes to Judge Holly Spencer’s side and saves her life. However, some are not so lucky, killing a bailiff. Immediately, Crawford grabs the bailiff’s gun and goes after the gunman. He is led to the rooftop for a show down.
What comes next is a series of events making Crawford look guilty. Was this the real killer? Who was the gunman? Who was he after? Motive? Holly or Crawford, or someone else?
A sniper kills the gunman, and first it appears Crawford is a hero, until it comes clear to Crawford, he has been set up. In the meantime, Joe is using this impulsive behavior against him, making him look bad. Sgt. Neal Lester, a detective seems to be working against him. With restraining orders, so he is not able to see his daughter, and fear for his life, Holly’s and Georgia’s-- Crawford’s life is spinning out of control. He cannot lose his daughter. He is desperate to solve this case, in order to get his life back.
In the meantime, Holly and Crawford develop an intense sexual attraction. Her running opponent will be watching her every move, while everyone else is watching Crawford. She has recused herself from the case; however, until they know the identity of the real shooter, no one is safe. Crawford and Holly have to steal away for time together, to try and put the pieces of the mystery together.
As always, Sandra never disappoints. The suspense and intensity are smoking hot, with passion, danger, and crime, at a breakneck speed--making for an engrossing riveting non-stop action page-turner. A mix of legal, crime, mystery, courtroom drama, cop procedural, romantic suspense, and thriller – you will root for rough and tough Crawford and a father’s special love for his little girl.
Typical of Brown’s complex multi-layered writing, (one of my favorite authors), expect twists, secrets, turns, and some surprises at the end-- you do not see coming.
If you loved FRICTION, recommend Adam Mitzner’s Losing Faith. An attorney, a judge, a conspiracy, and an affair!
A special thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks