I think what makes this book only a three instead of a five for me is how predictable it is. I really enjoyed the writing style, characters and chemistry between Alyssa and Hunter but there was no suspense for me. Every major plot point was painfully obvious and that kind of ruined it for me. 

I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, but it wasn't necessary at all as this is a great stand alone story. I did enjoy the brief background on Alyssa and Hunter's shared history, which gave enough context to their instant attraction to make me believe it. Childhood crushes meeting up as adults is almost always a recipe for some great banter and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed the playful teasing and nicknames between the lead characters without it bordering on annoying. It was a perfect balance of sappiness for my tastes. 

As far as characters go, Hunter was a solid hero with his skills and sarcastic wit. His PTSD and insecurities made him flawed enough to feel authentic. I really enjoyed that he had an outlet to deal with his issues (even if he didn't want to share it with anyone else) instead of bottling everything up. Alyssa on the other hand was strong from start to finish and I wanted everything to work out in her favor. It could be argued that her character was weak for agreeing to marry someone she didn't love, but given the context of the engagement, I would say that was still a strong choice even if it wasn't the right one. 

I'd definitely recommend this book if you're in the mood for some fast paced romance with solid writing and interesting characters, just don't expect a lot of suspenseful moments.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.

My review cross-posted from Joyfully Reviewed

Former Marine Rick Trelane came back from war scarred inside and out, only to find his hometown overrun by a violent motorcycle club.  Although the biggest threat to his home has now been eradicated, Rick still cannot find peace.  The lone bright spot in his life is his friendship with Whitney Peterson.  That friendship is one Rick will do anything to protect – even deny their growing mutual attraction to one another.

Then a dead body shows up and all signs point to Whitney being the prime suspect.  It becomes clear that the woman Rick thought he knew inside and out has secrets, ones he’ll have to uncover if he is to protect her from an unknown danger.  The closer he and Whitney get, the harder it is for Rick to deny his true feelings for her.  But if a killer has his or her way, neither Rick nor Whitney will live long enough to see if their relationship can survive turning from friends to lovers.

Wanted is dark and dangerous with a healthy dose of sexy goodness thrown in.  Dee Tenorio knows how to blend suspense and steam, and this second Deadly Secrets novel has both in spades.

Rick is a hot as hell undersheriff who has held those he cares about the most at a distance since returning from war.  He’s scarred physically and mentally from his time as a Marine and he truly believes he can’t be the kind of man Whitney deserves.  Of course, he’s completely wrong, and Whitney sees right through his shields to the man within.  She’s smart, kind, and giving – wonderful characteristics that endeared her to me as a reader but qualities that shine all the more brightly once you see what she has survived.  Rick isn’t the only one with horrors in his past and one of the great things about Wanted was watching both he and Whitney heal over the course of the story.

Individually, Rick and Whitney are fantastic characters, but as a couple they’re dynamite.  I love a good friends-to-lovers tale and Wanted is an excellent one.  Ms. Tenorio infuses their burgeoning romantic relationship with heartfelt emotion and serious steam – what’s not to love?

Outside of Rick and Whitney’s romance there is a murder mystery that adds a great amount of suspense to the story.  Bodies are turning up in Marketta and Whitney is the prime suspect.  I loved watching the pieces of the puzzle fit together and Ms. Tenorio does an incredible job of keeping the action engaging while seamlessly blending the suspense with the romance.  Wanted is every bit as good as the fantastic first Deadly Secrets novel, Convicted.  I love this series and I hope we get to return to Marketta soon – there’s an intriguing medical examiner whose story I desperately want to read!

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

TV news reporter Samantha Steele is one panic attack away from losing her job. Future on the line and cameraman in tow, she follows her mentor on an exhilarating adventure vacation. When he dies while skydiving, her investigative instincts scream “murdered”, and lead her to gorgeous thrill-seeker Zack Hunter. Zack is an undercover police officer investigating his uncle’s death through the same adventure vacation company. Samantha is a thorn in his side the moment they meet. Not only is she investigating the same case, but the emotionally wounded loner doesn’t want another partner, especially one whose goal is to splash evidence all over the evening news. But Samantha’s persistence is quite a turn-on, and Zack’s overpowering desire makes it harder for him to push her away. When the killer turns his attention to Zack, Samantha might be the only one who can save him, forcing the anxiety-riddled correspondent to finally face her greatest fear.