Abandoned by Rhonda Pollero Pages: 272
Series: Finding Justice #2
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Goodreads
There is nothing more dangerous than desire . . . Emma McKinley is a bright young lawyer with a very dark secret: She's the daughter of an assassin. Twenty years ago, her father shot and killed the president and Emma has been desperate to understand why ever since. She's changed her name, moved around . . . but the past keeps hunting her down. First came an irresistible job offer, luring her back where the assassination occurred. And now Emma is receiving mysterious newspaper clippings about the shooting as a terrible reminder-and a deadly threat . . . Sheriff Conner Kavanaugh has been burned before. But from the moment he meets Emma, there's something about her he can't resist. Something is haunting her-that much is clear. And as the threats against her mount, he'll do anything to protect her and win her trust. If the past doesn't catch up to them first.
Abandoned has so many things I love to see in romance novels. Emma, the heroine, is a lawyer. LOVE it. Opposites attract trope is prevalent as well which is almost always a win for me! I also love books that feature the children or family members of a murderer or serial killer. I find that fascinating! Add in the snappy dialogue between the hero, Connor, and the heroine, Emma and you have a wonderful set up for romance.
Emma is certainly the dominate one in this story. She is the alpha and Connor is more of the beta. She shines so bright that Connor sometimes seems less noticeable. That being said, Connor is still very swoony and goes above and beyond to keep Emma safe! I liked that they kind of danced around each other, creating that push/pull romance feeling that was a slow burn and tension building. Connor was burned in love before, so there is a bit of internal struggle for him when it comes to love. I felt that made him a very authentic character!
Emma’s father assassinated the President. Her life changed that day: she changed her name, moved, and did everything she could to separate herself from that crime. However, as an adult now, she wants to understand why her dad did what he did. Someone, though, isn’t as keen on her finding out the truth and sends her some anonymous messages to attempt to deter her. Connor is the sheriff of the town and the person Emma must come to trust in order to help her. They have great banter and I enjoyed them as characters.
The mystery is interesting and keeps you turning pages, but the ending felt rushed after all the build up. That is my biggest issue with the story overall! I certainly plan to check out book 1 in the series and this author will be one that goes on my TBR for sure!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: secret identity, dysfunctional family
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
After the Dark by Cynthia Eden, The Devil’s Daughter by Katee Robert, The Darkest Corner by Liliana Hart…then you will probably like Abandoned!
Abandoned
Wow! What an interesting sounding book! Thanks for the review, because I’m putting this on my TBR shelf 🙂
Love the idea of her being the daughter of an assassin! And I love it when opposites attract. Sorry to hear that the ending felt rushed, but it still sounds like a great read!
Sounds like an interesting set up, the heroine’s father assassinated the President? I’m interested. Thanks for the review, Samantha!
Ooh this sounds interesting! I do like books where the parent or family are killers. It makes for a very intriguing dynamic.
Sounds SO good. I’m in the mood for this genre. Awesome review, Sam. ???