Casee’s review of Truth and Consequences (Hearts of the South, Book 1) by Linda Winfree.
For undercover FBI agent Jason Harding, coming face to face with the grown-up version of his adolescent dreams is a nightmare. Kathleen Palmer sees him as a despicably corrupt small-town law officer and a murder suspect. Trapped in a web of his own making, he must see his mission through to the end and bring down the crooked cops who’ve run Haynes County for decades. To do so, he must betray the only family he’s ever known and fight his growing love for Kathleen, a relationship that could get one, or both of them, killed.
Determined to uncover the truth, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Kathleen struggles with her attraction to the one person who’s awakened her since she buried her heart and emotions in her son’s tiny grave. Listening to her heart could destroy all she has left in life—her career and reputation. When the truth about Jason’s identity surfaces, they both face unimaginable consequences: Jason may lose his life and Kathleen the man she loves.
Holly has been after me forever to read this series. I don’t know what took me so long, but I finally started it.
GBI Agent Kathleen Palmer is determined to bring down the corrupt police department in Haynes county. When she and her partner respond to a robbery that ends in suicide, Kathleen hopes that this will be the case that finally brings Haynes County down. When she sees Deputy Jason Harding, she is instantly attracted to him, which baffles and frustrates her. Jason is the cousin of the Haynes County Chief Deputy, Jim Ed Reece. Jim Ed is one of the most evil people that Kathleen has ever come across, but she hasn’t been able to bring him down yet.
Jason Harding has his own reasons for being in Haynes County. One of the hardest things he ever has to do is let Kathleen think he is as corrupt as his cousin. While Kathleen doesn’t remember him, he remembers her from their high school days. She was always the girl that he wanted, someone too sweet and pure for him. It’s just as well that she thinks he’s corrupt b/c Kathleen wouldn’t want him either way.
I enjoyed this book, though some things were over the top. The characters were very well written. Even though Jason knew that his cousin was evil (yes, evil), he was still family; something that Jason has always wanted so desperately. The fact that he would do the right thing was never in question. It was his inner struggle that came across loud and clear.
In the end, all Jason wants to do is protect Kathleen. Kathleen wants to protect Jason. She also wants this chance at happiness that she hasn’t had since her infant son died.
This book definitely made me want to read more.
3.75 out of 5.
This book is available from Samhain Publishing. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
Other books in the series:
I’m so glad you’re finally reading this series!! Yay! Now I have someone else to dish about it with 🙂
I started Fall Into Me last night. I’ve tried to take it slow, but I can’t stop reading the series. LOL