Deadly Rumors

September 15, 2017
When a private investigator and an FBI agent with a sexual history work together, she might think they're trying to solve a cold case, but he's mostly trying to keep her alive.When Carver Banks shows up at Zoe Harrington's doorstep, she wants nothing to do with him. After their history, both in bed and out of it, Carver knows it will be hard to get the PI where he wants her, but her life is on the line. Unfortunately, he doesn't think it's a good idea to tell her that, so he brings her in to "help" with an FBI cold case. As the pair face continued exposure, old feelings return to the surface, leading to a constant struggle between work and lust. But as they jump across the country, the imminent danger to Zoe grows while Carver continues to keep her in the dark about his true purpose. Meanwhile, a leak in the Bureau and threats from old enemies leave them both in even more danger. And Carver is gradually wearing down Zoe's resistance to opening her heart to him. With the third book in the Rumors series, Hodges (I Heard a Rumor, 2015, etc.) moves the story out of North Carolina but not away from some familiar characters. With problems ranging from overly quick declarations of love to slow progress in other areas of the story, the novel doesn't quite live up to its predecessors. A readable addition for fans of the series.

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 25, 2017
Readers looking for action, witty conversation, sensual heat, and feisty and captivating characters will eagerly embrace this exhilarating third (after I Heard a Rumor) in Hodges’s Rumors series. FBI agent Carver Banks knows hot-blooded private investigator Zoe Harrington would rather shoot him than work with him. A few years back, he seduced her while undercover, and after they shared a steamy night, he had her arrested (in connection with crimes committed by her then-sister-in-law) and almost ruined her family’s business. But when Carver learns that Zoe’s being targeted by a ruthless criminal—and is unaware of the threat—he requests her help with a case so he can protect her without her knowledge. Zoe balks at what she calls his “savior complex” and would be furious if she knew he was trying to save her. She becomes suspicious when the ambitious workaholic Carver isn’t bothered by the lack of progress in the case. When Zoe’s family is put in danger, Carver struggles to deal with the aftermath of his deception. Strong characters and good sexual chemistry make it easy to overlook the implausibility of Carver falling so hard for Zoe after only a few interactions.

November 1, 2017
FBI agent Carver Banks has not been able to forget his night with PI Zoe Harrington. He knows the head of a crime organization they battled against on a previous investigation now wants Zoe dead. Carver is determined to keep her safe, and he wants her back in his life. Zoe still cares for Carver, but she doesn't want to, and she can't imagine trusting him. He and she evade criminals outside and inside the FBI to protect the people they love. Sexy banter heats up the pages, and Zoe's twin, Zach, and his fiancee, from I Heard a Rumor (2015), make a memorable reappearance as Hodges builds taut suspense, along with the romance, in this fast-paced sequel. For fans of Suzanne Brockmann or Julie Garwood.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)