*** ANOTHER 5 STARS REVIEW FOR JULIE GARWOOD *** KILLJOY by Julie Garwood

 

 

Avery Delaney has always tried to put the past far behind her. Abandoned by her rapacious, conniving mother when she was only three days old, Avery was raised by her grandmother and beloved aunt Carolyn. Then, when she was eleven, she witnessed her grandmother’s violent death, before Avery herself was shot and left for dead. Miraculously she survived. The man responsible is serving time in a Florida prison. This traumatic experience propels Avery into a life of law and order.

Her razor-sharp mind and ability to gather data and decipher evidence has made Avery an expert crime analyst for the FBI. But soon she will have to use every one of her adroit skills on a case that hits painfully close to home.

Avery’s workaholic aunt, Carolyn Salvetti, is certain her (hopefully soon-to-be ex) husband sent her the gold embossed reservation to the posh Utopia Spa in the mountains of Colorado. At first she is resistant, but then figures it will be a welcome respite from the cutthroat advertising business, not to mention a networking extravaganza. Plus she persuades her niece to join her for the two weeks of luxury and decadence.

But Carolyn never makes it to Utopia. Under false pretenses, she is taken to an isolated retreat by a handsome stranger with a dazzling smile, suave demeanor, and the darkest of motives. His name is Monk, a hired assassin. Now, with scant clues and fewer resources, Avery must track down and save Carolyn—and outmaneuver a brilliant killer who is part of an elaborate plot of madness and lethal vengeance.

 

I loved this book. The main couple, Avery and John Paul, are entertaining as they search for Monk. Some chuckles (especially when they butt heads) are sprinkled in to calm the darker parts. I loved that Noah returned in this book. His jabs at John Paul were funny and made John Paul uncomfortable at times. Of course, it wouldn't be Noah if he didn't flirt with Avery. I love him and hope he returns.

I loved the main couple. The character development is spot on. I saw both characters change their attitude, but neither wanted to admit it. John Paul was the first one to realize he was falling in love. Avery knew she was too, but she kept pushing it back and refused to acknowledge her feelings. It was amusing to see and feel them grow together. 

I did admire that Avery wouldn't be intimidated by John Paul. She was a contributor to their investigation and the aftermath. Initially, they thought for themself, and then they became partners. I loved watching it evolve. 

Carrie, Avery's sister, was kidnapped by Monk with two other women. The reasons behind this kidnapping had me on the edge of my seat and kept me engaged. The author never made the women victims but always in control of their situation. I love the way this was handled. These were intelligent women who worked to find a solution.

The narrator, Joyce Bean, does an excellent job capturing the characters' personalities, and she keeps the story flowing nicely.

I'm anxious to get into the next book in the series.

5 Stars