WINNIE'S REVIEW:
What do you get when you mix a legal suspense story with a romantic comedy? You get talented author Jayna Breigh’s debut novel, The Hunted Heir. I was expecting the mystery and suspense part, but the witty, amusing banter between DeMarcus and Nona and the entertaining, humorous observations by G’Mama surprised and delighted me.
“G’Mama would have been a good attorney. She’d let DeMarcus off the hook, then circle back around to the topic like an old fox trying to steal chickens from a coop.”
“God plus one is a majority. He’ll never leave you or forsake you. And he’s enough.”
The characters in this book are well-drawn and multi-layered. I enjoyed their interactions and the way they changed and grew. The fake engagement between Demarcus and Nona was a fun addition and gave some comic relief to the seriousness of the suspense.
“Sticky tape and gum held their fake engagement together. . .”
“She had him boxed up so tightly in the frenemy zone, it was cutting off his circulation.”
The story is well-written and kept me turning the pages. It held my interest throughout and was a perfect blend of a captivating plot, compelling characters, and some swoony romance. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Another New Year's Eve, and Nona Taylor's prayer remained unanswered. Still."
Nona's fledgling private investigation business was hanging on by a thread, and now she was mentally preparing herself to face the Lord above in hopes that somehow this would be the year that she could lay her burden down. Never in Nona's wildest dreams did she imagine that agreeing to a small favor for Pastor Grant would introduce her to the one and only (or so he thought!) DeMarcus Johnson . . . who in her moment of peril (perceived or actual) became her fake fiance. And that ball just kept rolling . . .
On a more serious note, Pastor Grant had indeed received a piece of correspondence that could either be legitimate or part of an identity scam; was it possible that he was heir to a fortune? Nona was determined to find out. Meanwhile, DeMarcus just happened to need a competent investigator while he tries to settle a legal matter for his boss, in hopes that his dream of becoming a partner in the law firm comes to fruition. Things get a little dicey when Nona cannot wiggle out of her "engagement", and the pastor's case gets curiouser and curiouser . . . all while Mr. "Big Head" Johnson keeps pushing the charm button . . . wait, stop the bus! . . . G'Mama has all the answers . . . it's the Bible.
Filled with just the right amounts of snark, suspense and substance, this story just kept right on going, every chapter as interesting or even more interesting than the one before; pairing sweet doses of authenticity with generous portions of humble pie. The spiritual truths were amazing, the characters endearing, and the actual mystery? . . . keenly plotted. I loved every minute of time spent in this book!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 4.5 stars
BackCover Blurb:
After a tragic loss, private investigator Nona Taylor swore off romantic entanglements and distanced herself from the world. Once a year, on New Year's Eve, she attends church to beg God for forgiveness, haunted by the guilt of driving her twin sister to her death.
Attorney DeMarcus Johnson is determined to climb the ladder to partnership by winning high-profile cases at his Los Angeles law firm, harnessing his ADHD hyperfocus to excel. He's everything Nona knows to steer clear of--an overconfident ex-jock willing to do anything for success.PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop