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cranberrytarts's review
4.0
It looks like I might be coming out of my romantic suspense funk. I really enjoyed this. It's a gripping tale filled with twists and turns. I suspected the killer early on but enjoyed watching the rest figure it out.
The main - and secondary - characters were well written. Anna annoyed me at times, but then so did Dante.
Burton balanced the suspense and romance perfectly. Fans of her more erotic romance titles might be disappointed - there isn't a lot of sex here. Personally I think that worked in the context of the story and didn't take away from the romance at all.
Overall a well written, chilling suspense flavored with the perfect amount of romance.
The main - and secondary - characters were well written. Anna annoyed me at times, but then so did Dante.
Burton balanced the suspense and romance perfectly. Fans of her more erotic romance titles might be disappointed - there isn't a lot of sex here. Personally I think that worked in the context of the story and didn't take away from the romance at all.
Overall a well written, chilling suspense flavored with the perfect amount of romance.
vera_ann's review
2.0
It started out really good. The glimpse of the past to pave the way for so much in the story and the intensity of the scene. Dante comes back to town and I get a feel where the author comes from writing contemporary romance, but adding the whodunit suspense part. Throughout the book I did want to know who the killer was and had some guesses and thoughts.
Now what dropped my rating so much. The characters started out great, plot promising, but....
There were many parts that didn't come across as emotional as they could have and probably should have. The romance wasn't really very developed. Really everything could have been developed more. The characters and plot. As it is it just made the end feel too rushed and unsatisfying.
As a first attempt at a different genre for the author it was actually really good. The author has said she is not continuing the series at this time, but if she does pick it up again I would read more of her Romantic Suspense. As a start of a series it was pretty good and while it is not a cliffhanger ending, there are still some things interesting enough to continue to read if there was more. I think if I was rating this as a start of a series with more to come I may up the rating a bit more, though not by too much.
Now what dropped my rating so much. The characters started out great, plot promising, but....
There were many parts that didn't come across as emotional as they could have and probably should have. The romance wasn't really very developed.
Spoiler
It was more like being told how much they loved each other and talked so much about being together forever as kids. So that means they see each other, she is kind of suspicious of him, her dad say "oh i made him leave" so all is good now. It just didn't seem to have that feel of they worked out their past and tension it was just magically gone.As a first attempt at a different genre for the author it was actually really good. The author has said she is not continuing the series at this time, but if she does pick it up again I would read more of her Romantic Suspense. As a start of a series it was pretty good and while it is not a cliffhanger ending, there are still some things interesting enough to continue to read if there was more. I think if I was rating this as a start of a series with more to come I may up the rating a bit more, though not by too much.
mistwithanie's review
3.0
I cannot say enough good things about Jaci Burton, but this book just makes me want to come up with some more. I was very intrigued with this group of characters and how they all centered around each other. How their relation is tested as a group but also between Anna and Dante. The time lapse and trying to figure out where they have arrived. With a killer on the loose, one who knows their most protected secret with family and friends in danger, this romantic thriller keeps you on your toes as they run through the suspect list.
I am always trying to figure out the ending before I actually get their and once I had someone in mind, I couldn't believe it but yet it was so perfect. I hope you enjoy untwisting this puzzle, and good luck!
I am always trying to figure out the ending before I actually get their and once I had someone in mind, I couldn't believe it but yet it was so perfect. I hope you enjoy untwisting this puzzle, and good luck!
franjessca's review
3.0
Full Review posted at Book Lovin' Mamas
What Jaci Burton does though, makes you as a reader go. WHOA, I wasn't expecting it to be that character. I had to re-read a few sentences in the book to make sure I got the killer's name right. I couldn't believe it. I think that is what made me interested in this book the most.
I recommend this book to all the romantic suspense lovers out there. As for the usual readers who love paranormal romance and are expecting some major heated love scenes remember, not every author is the same. Jaci Burton is a fantastic author. I definitely liked this book, but it wasn't my fave of the year. I do look forward to the next book in the series and hope the next character Jaci writes about is Gabe. He had a mystery to him, and I want to know why he chose the job he did in this book after that attack 12 years ago. I think he's hiding something.
What Jaci Burton does though, makes you as a reader go. WHOA, I wasn't expecting it to be that character. I had to re-read a few sentences in the book to make sure I got the killer's name right. I couldn't believe it. I think that is what made me interested in this book the most.
I recommend this book to all the romantic suspense lovers out there. As for the usual readers who love paranormal romance and are expecting some major heated love scenes remember, not every author is the same. Jaci Burton is a fantastic author. I definitely liked this book, but it wasn't my fave of the year. I do look forward to the next book in the series and hope the next character Jaci writes about is Gabe. He had a mystery to him, and I want to know why he chose the job he did in this book after that attack 12 years ago. I think he's hiding something.
mxphoebesviewpoint's review
5.0
[bc:The Heart of a Killer|11164528|The Heart of a Killer (The Killer, #1)|Jaci Burton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1305052791s/11164528.jpg|15334611]
This is the first time I have read a mystery romance written by Jaci Burton and I loved The Heart of a Killer. The success of a mystery to me is if I do not guess the killer and I debated between two for most of the book and then at the last minute added a third - no I am not going to tell (laugh). I will say like a good mystery movie, everybody dies and that is the best part. As a reader of many series books you automatically assume who is going to live and Burton surprises with the direction of this series and I loved it. Anna and Dante have great chemistry and a past which helps to solidify a foundation that would not normally have during this mystery. The only thing I have to say I was a little unsatisfied with was the romantic ending as it seemed beneath the characters to me - like a cop out - a play on words here. Everything else is top notch.
#TheKIller #PG13sex #mysteryromance #mystery #romance #JaciBurton #TheHeartOfAKiller #4Stars #PhoebesRainbowWorld #FlippingRainbows
This is the first time I have read a mystery romance written by Jaci Burton and I loved The Heart of a Killer. The success of a mystery to me is if I do not guess the killer and I debated between two for most of the book and then at the last minute added a third - no I am not going to tell (laugh). I will say like a good mystery movie, everybody dies and that is the best part. As a reader of many series books you automatically assume who is going to live and Burton surprises with the direction of this series and I loved it. Anna and Dante have great chemistry and a past which helps to solidify a foundation that would not normally have during this mystery. The only thing I have to say I was a little unsatisfied with was the romantic ending as it seemed beneath the characters to me - like a cop out - a play on words here. Everything else is top notch.
#TheKIller #PG13sex #mysteryromance #mystery #romance #JaciBurton #TheHeartOfAKiller #4Stars #PhoebesRainbowWorld #FlippingRainbows
bookishlyruby's review
5.0
Published at http://rubys-books.blogspot.com/2011/11/book-review-heart-of-killer-by-jaci.html
I've been reading Ms Burton's books for years now and I've never encountered a book that I didn't like. This book is no exception.
The first book in the series The Killer, The Heart of a Killer is a wonderful story of teenage lovers reunited, second chances and a serial killer. If there's one author that can make this story work, I think that's Jaci Burton.
First of all, I loved the fact that I couldn't figure out who the killer was. I was absolutely shocked when the killer was revealed and even more when his motives surfaced. I did not expect that. And I think that's what makes a good suspense, or at least for me. The not knowing something. It's not suspense for me if I can anticipate, you know?
Second, the characters were amazing and complex. Dante was a bad boy as a teenager and twelve years haven't changed him that much. He's still a bad boy, only his lethal now. The army polished him, making him more dangerous, sexier and more mature. He is still in love with Anna, even after not seeing her for over a decade, and he's willing to do anything to protect her. He's also very fond of his foster brothers, even if he didn't keep in contact with them. I'm guessing he didn't do it because of the temptation of coming back.
Anna is very different than when she was a teenager. If she was shy and innocent and sweet before her attack, now she is tougher, more serious and more careful about who to trust. Even so, I think she too couldn't forget Dante, although I'm sure she tried.
I think this series will be a very good one. I can't wait for the next book, see if we're going to find out more about Gabe.
I've been reading Ms Burton's books for years now and I've never encountered a book that I didn't like. This book is no exception.
The first book in the series The Killer, The Heart of a Killer is a wonderful story of teenage lovers reunited, second chances and a serial killer. If there's one author that can make this story work, I think that's Jaci Burton.
First of all, I loved the fact that I couldn't figure out who the killer was. I was absolutely shocked when the killer was revealed and even more when his motives surfaced. I did not expect that. And I think that's what makes a good suspense, or at least for me. The not knowing something. It's not suspense for me if I can anticipate, you know?
Second, the characters were amazing and complex. Dante was a bad boy as a teenager and twelve years haven't changed him that much. He's still a bad boy, only his lethal now. The army polished him, making him more dangerous, sexier and more mature. He is still in love with Anna, even after not seeing her for over a decade, and he's willing to do anything to protect her. He's also very fond of his foster brothers, even if he didn't keep in contact with them. I'm guessing he didn't do it because of the temptation of coming back.
Anna is very different than when she was a teenager. If she was shy and innocent and sweet before her attack, now she is tougher, more serious and more careful about who to trust. Even so, I think she too couldn't forget Dante, although I'm sure she tried.
I think this series will be a very good one. I can't wait for the next book, see if we're going to find out more about Gabe.
mslizalou's review
5.0
One of best books ever by Jaci Burton. Great RS story and I loved Dante and Anna as a couple. They had much to overcome to be together. They had to work together to solve murders that were connected to a secret that happened to them 12 years ago.
I did figure out the "bad guy" before the reveal, but it was done so well, I really did keep questioning my theories the entire time.
I did figure out the "bad guy" before the reveal, but it was done so well, I really did keep questioning my theories the entire time.
tiggerreads's review
4.0
Sexy. Hot. Good read. The mystery was good, but I had guessed the villain at about halfway through. I didn't have motive, but still. Maybe I am reading way to many rom-suspense novels. Of course, it could be all the crime procedurals I watch. Regardless, it was good. If you like hot military men, strong women, and a good mystery, read this one.
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