BOOK REVIEW: 'Lethal Lies' by Rebecca Zanetti—5 Stars

Rebecca Zanetti’s latest novel is out and Lethal Lies is wonderfully entertaining romantic suspense! Read our review and enter to win a Blood Brothers prize pack.

[For Mature Audiences; Some Spoilers]

Happy Book Birthday Rebecca Zanetti! Lethal Lies, the latest installment of her action-packed, romantic suspense Blood Brothers series, is out today and it’s so good to be back with the Jones brothers.

You’ll recall that at the end of Deadly Silence, the Jones brothers discovering that Dr. Isobel Madison, the woman who creates them (via genetic engineering) and orchestrates their time at the boys home, has linked up with an anti-government/anti-science separatist group and is actively trying to capture the brothers. Madison also has help from Sheriff Cobb (brother to the man who abused them at the boys home) and kidnaps Ryker’s girlfriend Zara and the young boy, Greg (one of Madison’s “experiments” who was able to escape). Interestingly, Ryker, Heath, and Denver get help from four men who have first-hand knowledge of Madison’s depravity, the Dean brothers from Zanetti’s prequel series, The Sin Brothers (another FANTASTIC series!). Madison is still on the loose, but Ryker and Zara are reunited, while Greg is able to return to his own brothers as well. But recall, the case that brings the Jones brothers to Wyoming is still unsolved. The Copper Killer (a serial killer who rapes and murders red-haired women who have a connection to law enforcement) is still at large. This is where Lethal Lies begins…

We pick up with Heath Jones, now in Washington State to work on the Copper Killer case with the FBI. He’s been sharing information with Special Agent Loretta Jackson; however, he’s learned some bad news: Agent Jackson has been kidnapped by the Copper Killer. Heath also learns that Loretta has a very personal connection to the case; her half-sister, criminal psychologist Anya Best, is actually the murderer’s initial and primary target. The Copper Killer has been using these other murders to taunt Anya. Yet, with her sister’s death, Anya is ready to turn the “game” on its head and bring the Copper Killer right to her. Anya’s plan is to publicly announce that she’s engaged to Heath, thereby angering the murderer and baiting him into coming for her. This way, the police will be able to catch the psycho. Of course, in linking herself to Heath, Anya doesn’t realize that he has his own concerns with trying to stay under the radar and protect his family from Isobel Madison. But there’s something about Anya that makes Heath want to bring her into the Jones family fold and shield her from the Copper Killer’s violence and manipulation. As Anya and Heath’s relationship deepens, we learn that the threats each of them are facing are scarily intertwined.

I need to say how much I love Heath. I just want to hug him to my bosom, pet his hair, and tell him everything will be OK. Heath feels things so deeply. From childhood, he’s been the type of person to protect the defenseless. As a kid, he shields younger kids and animals from bullies. In adulthood, this translates into protecting women from violence and abuse. This is deeply tied to the manner in which Heath loses his own mother. So it shouldn’t surprise us that he would have a soft spot for Anya.

However, it’s important to point out that Anya is no shrinking violet. As a college professor and psychology expert, she’s very skilled in her work and uses that expertise with skill. Anya feels a lot of guilt for reaching out to her sister Loretta about the Copper Killer case. But this makes her even more determined to get justice for Loretta and the other victims. The fact that she finds an ally in Heath, one who understands her motivation, stands by her side, and even shields her, is an added bonus.

It’s also a bonus for us readers because the chemistry and eventual intimacy between Heath and Anya is on fire:

“Let’s make a deal. I won’t be frightened on your scary fighting abilities, and you stop treating me like some fragile woman who shouldn’t be here.”
The feeling of all that silk around his hand was torturing him, but he couldn’t release her. What answer should he give? He did have scary fighting abilities, and she was so fucking fragile and petite. Yet she’d given him an invitations
“Should we seal the deal with a kiss?” he murmured, his gaze dropping to her pink lips…

He leaned in–carefully, to give her plenty of room and time to move away–and pressed his lips against hers. With a low moan, she opened her mouth under his and kissed him back. Hard and fast. His head nearly blew off. He’d expected tentative and sweet. What he got was powerful and dangerous. She moved closer and rolled right on top of him. The second her core came into contact with his, she stiffened and settled in, Both of her hands tunneled int6o his hair for a tight grip, and she kissed him, her tongue dueling with his. In an instant, he went from curious to on fire.”

…

“So you want me.”
“With everything I am.” He’d always give her the truth. She was sweet and kind…and she had a fairness to her that appealed to the better part of him. Even her obvious intelligence spurred him to be better. To want more.
“But it’s a mistake.” Didn’t mean he wouldn’t make it though.
Her smile widened, and she planted her hands on his chest. His heart thundered against them.
“I appreciate the warning, but it doesn’t have to be a mistake. We’re both adults, and you’ve properly warned me about your penchant for taking off.”

…

She couldn’t concentrate. Sensations rose inside her, a series of lightning storms over churning water–all electricity and danger.
He manacled her thigh and tugged.
“Wrap your legs around me.”
She obeyed, clasping her ankles at his back.
“Good.” He shoved in harder, going deeper than she would have thought possible.
She arched against him, taking everything he had. The strength and the power of him–coupled with the gentleness–was more than she’d ever be able to fight. She gave her body to him, memorizing every second.

It’s wonderful to watch Heath and Anya’s love develop, especially while they’re both going through scary circumstances.

Even better, Heath has help from his brother to get them through. I love that we get to see Ryker, Zara, and Denver again. Each of them play a significant part in Heath and Anya’s story. In fact, Ryker and Zara have a moment that makes me flaily and swoony just thinking about it.

It’s also really important that the Jones brothers are on Anya’s case together, because when we learn the truth about the Copper Killer, it hits home in a CRAZY way. It’s a twist that I really don’t anticipate, but heightens the drama and action to an OMG-level.

As we’ve come to expect from Rebecca Zanetti, the path to Heath and Anya’s HEA is fraught with peril, tension, and big reveals. It’s so entertaining and fulfilling! Plus, Zanetti sets up Denver and Noni’s book, Twisted Truths, in the most EPIC way! I’ve been waiting to get under Denver’s skin and the end of Lethal Lies makes me even more excited to do so!

The Blood Brothers series is so MUSTREAD, and Lethal Lies is an awesome addition. If you’re someone who likes your romance to be action-packed, this is for you! There’s action-adventure, mystery, sci-fi, espionage, and the sexiest sexy times!

Thanks to our friends at Forever Romance, we have an excerpt from Lethal Lies to share. Check it out below, then add Lethal Lies to you TBR list and start reading today!

Also, you can enter a giveaway for one of TEN prizepacks that include a copy of Deadly Silence, Lethal Lies, plus swag! Go HERE to enter.

'Lethal Lies' by Rebecca Zanetti, Coming Soon — Courtesy of Forever Romance

Excerpt

She swallowed and met his gaze. “All right. Let me get this straight. We’re going undercover to flush out a killer who’s obsessed with me, and you’re offering to play at being my man for real with no strings or future?” She hoisted the bag onto her shoulder. “That’s some ego. Are you that good in bed?”
“Yes.” And that was definite interest in her eyes.
She clicked her tongue. “I’ll keep your offer in mind.”
“You do that.” He maintained a low and calm voice. “While you’re considering, let’s look at the situation. You have publicly made me your fiancé in order to draw out a killer, which means I have to act as such. Any halfway intelligent law enforcement officer or private investigator would keep his redheaded fiancée very close after the stunt you just pulled. If you’re not with me, the killer is going to be very suspicious.”

She stilled, expressions crossing her face rapidly. “That’s a good point,” she said slowly.
Yeah. Sometimes reality helped him out a little. Plus, the killer had a hard-on for her, and he must already have plans to take her at some point. She’d just upped the timeline. “In addition, you need protection around the clock now, and I’m willing to provide that. So while you’re keeping my offer in mind, we’ll be staying in the same hotel room or same apartment.” He made sure he had her full attention. “While we plan the wedding, of course.”
Her challenging smile thrilled something inside him. “That’s fair.”
He stepped back to give her some space. “Good. Are you ready?”
“Yes.” She looked around the room. “I do have to ask. What if I didn’t agree with you about your keeping secrets from me? Considering people shoot at you, and I’m going to be at your side, it seems fair that you tell me who these people are.” She cocked her head to the side and focused back on him.
“I have more immediate concerns than being fair,” he said smoothly. “You brought me into this mess.”

A frown drew down her eyebrows. “Listen. I want an answer about you.”
“I just gave you one.” At her mulish expression, he searched for better words that wouldn’t end in an argument.
Suddenly, the door blew wide open and bounced loudly off the table. “Anya!” he yelled, jumping for her.