Title: Taylor’s Task (Kansas City Heat #4)
Author Name: Jenna Byrnes
Publication Date: November 28, 2014
A rapist changes his targets from hookers to reputable women. Can frightened townspeople rely on the KCPD to solve the crimes?
Detective Jeff Taylor of the KCPD Vice Squad is determined to nab the latest serial rapist preying on the city. As the violence escalates, murmurs of negligence plague the force. Tired of the accusations against the police, Jeff ramps up the investigation. With the members of the local neighborhood watch breathing down his neck, he and the Vice Squad are in a race to apprehend the suspect before anyone else is injured.
Reese Iverson owns the Cock and Bull British Pub, located in direct proximity to where the violence is occurring. Along with matching the reward money, he takes an active role in the neighborhood group. He also has his eye on Jeff, and his interest there is more than professional. Can they work together to solve the case or will their different methods drive them apart?
I loved the interactions between Jeff and Reese. They had great chemistry, and not just because of their instant attraction. They do start off hot and heavy, but it blooms into a great relationship, and the fun is in seeing how they get there.
The plot is really absorbing. It’s not like a typical mystery, where you’re trying to figure out which character is the criminal. It’s mostly about the police officers doing their work and piecing together the case. Don’t read too much into it.
Readers should be aware that although there are no graphic scenes of rape, there are some detailed descriptions of the aftermath of several rapes. That was not clear from the content descriptors, and I think it would be good if that could be added.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading Ms. Byrnes’ other work.
4.5 stars
Jenna Byrnes could use more cabinet space and more hours in a day. She’d fill the kitchen with gadgets her husband purchases off TV and let him cook for her to his heart’s content. She’d breeze through the days adding hours of sleep, and more time for writing the hot, erotic romance she loves to read.
Jenna thinks everyone deserves a happy ending, and loves to provide as many of those as possible to her gay, lesbian and hetero characters. Her favorite quote, from a pro-gay billboard, is “Be careful who you hate. It may be someone you love.”
Thanks for the great reviews!