Killing Me Softly

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques Killing Me Softly is a passionate story of love, lies, and betrayal set in the beautiful and mysterious bayou country of Southern Louisiana. The setting alone tells readers they are in for a real treat. Eighteen months ago, reporter Savannah Trahan is believed murdered... by her police officer boyfriend Cain Robichaud. But with no body to prove it, all people have are suspicions since Cain was found at the scene of the crime with her blood all over him. His career in the force ruined and having lost the love of his life, Cain is left with nothing but memories and his passion for photography. Now, another reporter has arrived in town, investigating the disappearance and supposed murder of Savannah. But Renee Fox has her own secrets as well. She is really Savannah, not dead, but with a new face and identity, hoping to get to the bottom of her own death. Believing herself betrayed by the one person she loved more than life, Savannah has given herself one week to prove Cain's involvement in her murder. However, Renee never counted on the overwhelming love she would feel for Cain upon seeing him again. Cain is drawn to this mysterious woman though he struggles with the attraction, convinced he is betraying Savannah's memory. Someone knows the truth though, and will do whatever is necessary, even continue to commit murder, to keep the truth from surfacing. Now Cain and Renee must put side their doubts and fears to work together to solve the mystery. Having read and enjoyed the Midnight Secrets trilogy by Jenna Mills, which continues the story of the Robichaud family, I could tell there was so much more to the background of these sexy suspense novels. Now, jumping back in time to read the book that started it all, Killing Me Softly, I can finally learn the history. Though events here don't directly impact the events in the additional books, it was well worth going back to the beginning. What a fast paced thrilling romance! From the opening scenes with Cain finding Savannah's body, and the subsequent heart-rending agony it causes, we know Jenna is targeting our emotions as much as our curiosity. I know I couldn't resist the immediate submersion in Cain's life, and right away wanted to know how he would recover. Fast forward a year and a half and it is quite apparent the tragedy has scarred Cain permanently. His reputation irreversibly affected by the suspicions of the locals, is it any wonder Renee immediately gets his guard up when she starts asking questions? Renee too has been permanently scarred, physically and emotionally by her own near-murder. Barely alive, her heart is crushed by the apparent involvement of Cain in what happened to her. Even so, the attraction between them is so sensual and seductive that the heat builds to a level that can rival the sultry nights of Southern Louisiana itself. This just makes us long even more for Renee and Cain to find the happiness previously stolen from them. Suspe

Killing Me Softly by the very talented Jenna Mills weaves a dark story of passion and betrayal in the steamy Louisiana bayous that mesmerizes the readers as few writers can. She is a several times RIO Award of Excellence winner and has been a personal favourite writer for me, but I felt she was wasted on series romance. She was like a thoroughbred race horse giving pony rides at the fair. Finally, Harlequin let her have the room to let that wonderful talent shine. And shine she does. Drop-dead sexy Cajun Cain Robichaud is a policeman in New Orleans. Life is good, though often volatile as he is in love with wild and passionate Savannah Trahan. She's an investigative reporter and somewhere along the lines Cain and she have run afoul of someone that sees Savannah supposedly dead and Cain accused of her murder. Cain wants answers to why he woke up, covered in blood. All believed it was Savannah's, though they couldn't prove it. His job is gone, his love gone, Cain is haunted by the riddle of what happened that night Savannah disappeared even though over a year has gone by. Enter one nosy lass asking questions. Renne Fox has come to town for answer, determined to solve what happened to Savannah. She knows too much about Cain and Savannah, and she won't stop until has the what she is seeking. Mills take the bit between her teeth and finally goes all out, marking her as one of the premiere talents in romance today. This is the first big stand alone title, and it lets her realize the full potential of what a force she is. The book is devastating, brilliant--all you could want in a suspense book and then some. One of the best books you will read this year.

If you're looking for a dramatic story that will leave you wanting more, pick up a copy of Jenna Mills' KILLING ME SOFTLY. Intensely vivid scenes, emotionally charged dialogue, and a top notch mystery leave you on the edge of your seat. Jenna Mills is a gifted writer who sets incredible scenes for her readers. You can feel the humid air of Louisiana, hear the sounds of the bayou, taste the amazing food, see the turmoil in her characters' eyes. Her stories draw you in and make you a participant; you feel like you're there, watching the events unfold before your eyes. KILLING ME SOFTLY is her most compelling work yet, and leaves you hungry for more. If you like rich imagery and emotionally gripping suspense, this book is for you.

In a story of deception, betrayal, and intrigue set against the shadowy Southern Louisiana bayou Jenna Mills' novel is both mesmerizing and a sensually romantic suspense lovers delight! An intense thriller with so many twists and turns this author had me guessing right up to the very end! Starting with a heart-wrenching prologue this story opens showing the distraught Cain Robichaud, a New Orleans police officer, being arrested for the disappearance and murder of his girlfriend, investigative reporter Savannah Trahan. Although caught with her blood on his hands, but without a body and insufficient evidence, Cain is released to mourn the loss of his once brilliant career and the woman he loved, Savannah. Eighteen months after her presumed death, Savannah is back with a new face and a new name determined to discover the truth of who had brutally stolen the life she desperately wanted back. Calling herself Renee Fox complete with a carefully constructed background she began to immerse herself back into the remnants of a life she'd once loved. First thing on her agenda was returning to the scene of the crime and surprisingly coming face to face with the man she'd once loved and whose murderous betrayal continued to haunt her dreams. Riveting and suspenseful this novel unfolded with a stunning opener and remained well paced throughout. In addition to the unparalleled intrigue the author carefully weaves in a bittersweet and poignant love story told in flashbacks of two people desperately in love. Admittedly, this reviewer fell in love with Cain who was fashioned beautifully as the alpha strong and very sexy Cajun male whose outward appearance of strength hides the sensitive gentle artist and lover that few people other than Savannah had ever seen. Savannah is painted as the woman whose heart was torn out of her by what she felt was the betrayal of the man she'd once loved with all her heart. With a deft hand, the author uses the sultriness of the bayous to enhance the sensual feelings between the two protagonists as they once again danced a dangerous game. This story was beautifully interpreted with a skillful hand and a delicate touch that emphasized the central characters feelings of betrayal and loss. Along with a well rounded and robust cast of secondary characters the story rolls along to most satisfying conclusion and for me - surprise ending! Bottom line, Jenna Mills swept me off my feet with this fabulous novel of passion, betrayal and intrigue. My advice is to experience the thrill yourself by checking out this new and very talented author, and may I also say, a check out the beautiful cover. Highly recommended! Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization

Eighteen months ago Savannah Trahan, a well known investigative reporter, disappeared. Her car was found submerged in a swamp. Her boyfriend, Detective Cain Robichaud, was blamed with good cause. However, he was acquitted by the grand jury. Cain retreated to his southern Louisiana hometown, Bayou de Foi. Present date: Renee Fox left Nova Scotia to spend one week in Bayou de Foi. Renee thought she was after revenge. She wanted to know who murdered her brother and who tried to kill her. Renee no longer looks like Savannah, her former self. The doctors had done a very good job putting her back together. But Renee remembers everything perfectly. Using her alias name, Renee now has a new identity. She is still a reporter, but no one knows she is the same one from almost two years ago...not even Cain. It soon dawns on Renee that she came back for one other reason also, to heal. Cain's family is a local legend. But ever since he was framed for Savannah's death, Cain has lived in solitude. He had turned in his badge on that horrible night of long ago and now wants nothing more than to be left alone so he may concentrate on his photography and forget all that he had gambled on and lost. But the more Renee digs into the past and the more she uncovers, someone begins to worry. Someone who wants the past to remain history. ***** An excellent beginning for the Robichaud family. Readers get a taste of each member and see a glimpse into their dark pasts. From the moment I began reading, I could not stop. Highly recommended reading. ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.