Reviews

Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade

shannlynn's review

emotional tense fast-paced

5.0

This is the second book in the Philly Heat Series although you can read it as a standalone. It is simply phenomenal! I devoured this book in one day because I had no choice. I couldn’t put it down, I was addicted. The author has vaulted to the top of my watch list, and I’ll be picking up any and everything they release.  This is a fast-paced story that will hook you from the beginning and never let go. After reading the synopsis and knowing it will include determination to bring a child killer to justice, you know it will be captivating. Emotions ran high and I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed tears here and there in some parts, but I won’t spoil any part of this marvelous book. Getting to know Lexi and Xavier and being wrapped up in their world was exhilarating to say the least. The characters were incredibly well-developed, and the plot has nothing missing. I highly recommend this book even if it isn’t your normal genre because I think you’ll fall for the author’s writing!

wilko's review

5.0

This had the perfect balance of danger, mystery as well as attraction and not knowing where the investigation would go or who to trust. Lexi is considered a loose cannon and Xavier unbeknownst to her is bought in to basically being her down but after their first case together he starts to learn more about what makes her tick as well as the real her underneath all the amour she has put on place after her husband who was also on the force killed himself. Lexi is determined to finally find the evidence to get Book who we slowly learn more about and find out just what true evil is and along the way she starts to open her heart back up not just to Xavier who also didn't expect to feel the attraction between them, but also to her friends again who have supported her on the sidelines waiting for her to be ready. You definitely won't be putting this book down until the end and be ready for a twist towards the end that shocks you!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

finleykjames's review

4.0

This book has so many interesting elements—a great storyline, fantastic characters, and enough romance and suspense to fill a few volumes. I’ve never been what one could call a “fan” of police dramas and mysteries, but this book has certainly given me pause in that viewpoint. I couldn’t stop reading, too intrigued and drawn in. The characters might as well be real people with how well they were written. Even the background characters were amazing and integral to the story. If you enjoy books with suspense, crime, and an ensemble of characters you’ll love, this is for you.

duckygal's review

4.0

 

This is the second book in the Philly Heat series, this time following detective Alexandra and Detective Xavier’s story. This is a darker book than the first so if darker themes e.g., suicide, child murder, abuse etc is not something you are comfortable reading about, I would advise you not to read this book. 

The plot was interesting, I found that I was unable to put the book down as I became immersed. The way things unfolded, I couldn’t get enough, I thought this one was even better than the first. 

Both Alex and Xavier each have their own traumas in their pasts and it creates well-rounded, complex characters. Their development is clear as the narrative unfolds, as does their relationship. The characters are believable in their priorities and how they respond to events (and each other) to bring the killer to justice. 

This was a great addition to the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Moving straight onto the next book! 

mweatherholtz's review

5.0

Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade is book 2 in the Philly Heat series and a great addition to the series it was. Alexandra Danvers, a homicide detective, and Xavier Knight, a detective assigned to investigate Alexandra to make sure she is fit for undercover duty. So far I’ve read 3/4 of the books in this series and they have renewed my interest in romantic suspense novels. I really enjoy how much the author manages to create such realistic characters in real life situations, and keeps you hanging on her every word. This whole series are quick, clean, reads, that are hard to pull yourself away from. Although the author is new to me with this series I’ll be looking forward to finishing it and checking out her backlog.

piperkitty's review

4.0

Lexi ever since her husband killed himself she's found herself with an unsavory reputation. Welcome her new partner Xavier the first case they work on is barriers of bad news of a child murdered. She knows who the killer is he's big trouble and the reason she got this reputation in the first place

tracyreadslots's review

dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 

The second book in the Phily Heat series, and what a continuation to the first A Love Restrained. 

In this book we meet Alexandra a detective in homicide who is working to bring a child molester and killer to justice, no matter what it costs her, she is also dealing with the suicide of her husband. 

Xavier an undercover police trouble-shooter is put on the case to see if Alexandra is safe to continue her job, and undercover any corruption within the unit. 

The two are partnered together and their relationship does develop but certainly has its ups and downs. 

Taking into account PTSD, suicide and child abduction and murder this is a really dark story that has trigger points, but saying that I found that I was invested in the characters, the story is really well written, and the characters grow and develop, their relationships, their support network, and the system work with them and against them. 

Another engaging read by an author that is certainly on my must read more from list. 

sturgesschildren3's review

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is the perfect example of don’t judge a book by its cover ! When looking at the cover you’d expect a contemporary romance but what you get is soooooooo much more ! Yes there is romance but the story that leads to it is just brilliant ! If I had to “label” it I’d call it a crime thriller laced with steam and spice 😉


Lexi list her husband to suicide but there’s scandal attached to it , a good cop dies and the bad guy goes free , he’s so cheeky he actually sued the city !? Lexi is left looking like the grieving widow that’s loosing her mind and it seems everyone in the precinct is out to get her and that doesn’t even include the mind games being played ….


Xavier is sent to investigate her and comes in as her new partner , their first case is that of a murdered child and my skins crawls as it seems history may be repeating itself but Lexi is being blocked from all sides but she’s not scare to listen to her gut and she’s determined to find the truth fortunately her new partner sees her worth and has her back in more ways than one …. 


This was a brilliant read that had me on the edge of my seat and “ Book” made my skin crawl from the moment I met him , justice does prevail and there’s a few twists in the tale 😉


One to shout from the rooftops ❣️📕

lacymerc12's review

5.0

This is a dark story. About a cop named Lexi that lost her husband . She and her partner are working on case . I can’t wait to read more from this author. Great story line . You have to read to rest of the book to see what happened.

faithfulgirl4's review

adventurous challenging emotional fast-paced

5.0

 

Lexi Danvers is still trying to come to grips with the horrible and untimely death of her husband, Robert. On top of that, she's given a new partner in the homicide division. As a detective, she's dedicated to her job, sometimes too much. As a friend and lover, she's not as dedicated and uses people, although it's not always purposeful.

Xavier Knight is the new detective assigned as Lexi's partner. He's not without some skeletons in his closet either, although he keeps that door pretty closed. What he's not happy about is that he's been hired to keep an eye on Lexi. She's a loose cannon and could become a liability to the division. Xavier isn't sure he can defy the trust of his partner.

There is a child killer on the loose and Lexi is pretty sure she knows who's committing these crimes. How can she solve these murders when her shield is in question?

I love this author and this is only the second book I've read of hers. This story is gritty and covers some very difficult themes that are unfortunately happening far too often in our country. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Flade's work!