Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones

"As an FBI profiler, it's Lilah Love's job to think like a killer. And she is very good at her job. When a series of murders surface--the victims all stripped naked and shot in the head--Lilah's instincts tell her it's the work of an assassin, not a serial killer. But when the case takes her back to her hometown in the Hamptons and a mysterious but unmistakable connection to her own life, all her assumptions are shaken to the core. Thrust into a troubled past she's tried to shut the door on, Lilah's back in the town where her father is mayor, her brother is police chief, and she has an intimate history with the local crime lord's son, Kane Mendez. The two share a devastating secret, and only Kane understands Lilah's own darkest impulses. As more corpses surface, so does a series of anonymous notes to Lilah, threatening to expose her. Is the killer someone in her own circle? And is she the next target?"--provided by Amazon.com.

Oh so good but can I just start by saying MAJOR CLIFFHANGER!? Another fabulous, yet totally different read from Lisa Renee Jones!! This story follows FBI Profiler, Lilah Love, a tough, cold, foul-mouthed agent who is perfectly capable of taking care of herself and lets everyone know it. Having grown up in the rich Hampton's lifestyle (something she tries desperately to forget), she suddenly finds herself back in the Hampton's on a case and a growing list of questions about those closest to her. This leads her not only back to the family drama she left behind and that of the Hampton's elite, but her ex, Kane and one very large secret shared between them.

This book was fast-paced, full of tension and suspense and I just could not put it down! Highly, highly recommended!

I don't know where to begin with this review. I kind of just want to say it was AMAZING so go forth and read it ASAP (or rather in March, when it's published lol). I can't believe I was so late to the game with this author. Every single book I have read since I discovered her (four) have been outstanding and this one was no different in that respect. I have no idea how the author expects me to just sit here patiently waiting for book two??

So deets...this wasn't really a romance book. I wouldn't even say it was a romantic suspense book. More a thriller with some romantic undertones. So don't go into it expecting some hot sex. There is really only one sex scene, and it was very tame. The romance reader in me struggled with this and one other issue (Samantha). I think it's hard sometimes when you read a lot of romance to separate expectations. Especially when the book has some romantic undertones. I am not even sure if that makes sense, but “I” wanted more sex and I could have done without the whole “Samantha” scenario. small issues that genuinely shouldn't have bothered me but like I said I struggled to separate my feelings in this case, so they did.

That said, I found this one to be fantastically well written and well paced. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages. I LOVE all things serial killer, profiling, criminal minds, etc. I eat TV shows like that up by the spoonful and this book would make a fabulous TV series for sure. The plot was intricate and full of twists and turns. The author does an excellent job of laying the groundwork for what I can only assume will be an epic and far-reaching conspiracy. There is a full cast of characters that make up this book. Each one intriguing. Each one mysterious. Each one potentially hiding secrets. My mind is a bit of a muddle trying to figure out who is doing what and why. Who is dirty? Who isn't? Some I loved. Some I hated. Some remain a mystery waiting to be exposed. Kane I LOVED. Who doesn't love a smokin' hot bad boy? But what is he hiding? Can he be trusted? Lilah I ADORED. I struggle with alpha heroines A LOT but Lilah just worked for me on every level. She was strong. She was feisty. She was funny. She was badass. But she was also vulnerable especially when it came to Kane. The only man that has ever understood her. Last, we were left with a decent cliffhanger that will make you want to hunt down this author and force her to give you book two tout suite!

All in all, this was a fantastic first book in a series I am sure will blow a lot of readers right out of the water. Therefore yours truly will give this one two HUGE thumbs up.