Fatal Embrace (Romantic Suspense) [Kindle Edition]

Aris Whittier (Author)

Book Description

Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red-Hot” Read

High-spirited horse trainer Jessica Stanson stumbles into the perfect job on one of the most elite ranches in Montana. Or at least it would be if her boss, ex-detective Michael Carven, stopped acting like he didn't want her there. Jessica has to prove herself to him on the ranch, and also try to penetrate his armor to get to the man inside. Michael Carven is a man who has left a difficult past behind him, and now works at his dream job raising horses under the Montana sky. But he knows that the past has a way of coming back to him, and soon enough, it does. A wave of violence hits the nearby small town of Riverside, nestled deep in the mountains, as a cunning serial killer preys on the population. Against his will, Michael finds himself both drawn into the case and coming to care for his independent new trainer. And if having a killer on the loose wasn't enough, his two worlds collide when Jessica becomes the only material witness in the case. Before it is over, Michael and Jessica will put everything they know and hold dear on the line to catch a vicious, cunning killer - and to protect each other as well.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Whittier (The Truth About Being a Bass Fisherman's Wife) makes a promising fiction debut with a tale of romantic suspense set in the contemporary west. When a serial killer rapes and murders three young women, retired detective Michael Carven hires a new trainer, Jessica Stanson, to run his Montana horse ranch so he can investigate. A young woman with a sunny disposition, Jessica tries to crack the protective emotional shell of the loner Michael. To complicate matters, Jessica fits the profile of the serial killer's victims and becomes the only material witness who can testify to the killer's identity. Frustrated with his lack of progress in solving the crimes, Michael decides to risk using Jessica as bait. The two main narrative threads—the effort to track down the killer and the growing attraction between the well-portrayed hero and heroine—come together only late in the story, giving the book a choppy pace. At times the protagonists behave illogically and secondary characters have no impact on the main action, but despite these flaws, this cross-genre novel should have wide appeal.
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Review

"...action-packed suspense...A reader can envision this story while reading it, as if it is playing on the big screen..rife with passion from the characters and suspense,..This tale has it all ... I hope Ms. Whittier has another release soon. I look forward to it!"
--The Road to Romance (November 2004) (The Road to Romance 20041101)

"Fatal Embrace is a page-turner and moves with the speed of lightening. It is so easy to like the characters that Aris Whittier has created; they are interesting, intelligent, and totally believable. The narration is also outstanding. The identity of the killer is abig surprise, as are the motives for the murders, but otherwise this is a very good romantic suspense novel that is easy, enjoyable reading."
--America Online Romance Fiction Forum, January 2005 (America Online's Romance Fiction Forum 20050101)

"...a promising fiction debut...this cross-genre novel should have wide appeal."
--Publisher's Weekly (November 2004) (Publisher's Weekly 20041101)

"...nail-biting, suspenseful writing...an author on the rise...well plotted out with twists and turns that keep readers riveted throughout the book...this book is fast-paced and chilling in its intensity...Aris Whittier is one writer readers are sure to be embracing as a 'must read' author."
--Love Romances (November 2004) (LoveRomances.Com 20041101)

"I was simply amazed...Fast paced, vivid descriptions, and a scenic local blended into one fabulous book...couldn't put it down..had me on the edge of my seat...Fatal Embrace will have you making room on your keeper shelf."
--Tami Sutton, Escape to Romance (October 2004) (EscapeToRomance.com 20041001)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 321 KB
• Print Length: 280 pages
• Publisher: Five Star (September 13, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0042X9A3Y
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #245,712 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Terror in Montana. April 19, 2005

By Detra Fitch VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Michael "Mike" Carven owns and operates a ranch in Montana. Until three years ago he had been the best detective around. But when his fiancée had been murdered, he had been unable to deal with it. Mike's partner, Dan Walker, had been handed the position of Chief and Mike concentrated on his ranch.

After a few recent serial killings in the area, Dan goes to Mike for help. Mike has the ability to get inside the mind of a killer. It was what had made him such a good detective. Mike agrees to help. In exchange, Dan locates and hires Mike a new foreman to help train horses, teach children's classes, and organize the ranch hands. Dan found Jess Stanson, whose reputation showed him to be the best around.

"Jess" turns out to be short for Jessica. No one expected a woman to show up. Mike is determined to fire her, but Jess turns out to be just as stubborn as he. Mike soon admits that Jess really IS the best. Things around the ranch improve. Even the hands respect her and treat her as one of their own. (Pranks and all.) As Jess settles in, Mike softens toward her and he begins to open up.

When the next body is found, the young victim's photo is shown on television. Jess recalls seeing the lady with a man on the day she disappeared. Jess is able to give a very good description of the killer. Problem is that the killer had noticed Jess seeing him with the victim. Now the killer has Jess marked as his next prey.

***** This story could take you to the edge of insanity with suspense. Therefore, the author adds humor and romance to help ease your blood pressure. No boredom in this novel. Expect to stay up late in order to read "just one more chapter". *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not that great September 1, 2005

By Cherlisa Lee

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

For a mystery, this book wasn't that great. It focused more on the romance, which in my opinion was lacking, than the mystery. There was no suspence. Not very much chemistry between the characters. And in the end the killer made no sence. I don't think I'll be buying another on of her books.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing story development and ending August 7, 2012

By Samantha

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

When I started reading this book, I found it fairly entertaining. However, as the story progressed, it seemed like the author had trouble developing the characters and the mystery. The main character's behavior was erratic and the romance seemed bland. The mystery never developed into anything very suspenseful. In the end, the author didn't bother explaining much to the reader about the murders and the reasons behind them, almost has if the author didn't have good explanations herself. Even if this novel is free, it's not worth wasting your time on it considering the disappointing ending.

More About the Author

Aris Whittier is a romance writer. She writes suspense, contemporary, and commercial woman's fiction. Her debut novel, Fatal Embrace is a romantic suspense that was featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine as a Red-Hot Read. Foolish Notions is a contemporary romance that has just a touch a mystery too. Across Eternity is a beautiful love story that transcends time. Visit Aris Whittier at: facebook.com/ArisWhittier