Release Day Review: Surfacing Secrets (Elemental Evidence #3) by Bellora Quinn & Sadie Rose Bermingham
They’re treading water in an ocean of secrets.
When ex-cop Jake Chivis is woken by the police and questioned about the mysterious death of his neighbor, he thinks his day can only get better. Things go from bad to worse when his lover, Mari Gale, brings him a horrific sex tape which appears to show a man being murdered. As they begin to investigate the origin of the video, nothing is as it seems. Will they find the killers before they strike again? Or will dark secrets rising to the surface in their own lives erupt and tear them apart?
Reader Advisory: This book contains mentions of past rape and sexual assault. There are scenes involving strangulation, violence and murder, and references to suicide and suicidal thoughts.
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4 Stars!
Jake is still trying to deal with the events from the previous book and the fact that he is having trouble tapping into his psychic abilities, while investigating a new series of murders. In the meantime, Mari is having problems controlling himself when he's connected to any interface doing research and Jake is trying to help him, which might prove more difficult than any of them expected.
So, I said this before, but it's still true, I adore Jake, he's a fantastic character. Sweet, kind, relatable and he has the patience of a saint. I don't particularly care for Mari (and how odd is it to read about a character that shares my name? Let me tell you, very!). Unfortunately, I find him to be selfish and immature and truly, I have no clue what Jake sees in him. I just want to shake him or throat punch him, whatever comes first (maybe both). This time around we could add reckless to the list of reasons and oblivious since it wasn't until John pointed out some hard truths to him that he realized what he'd done. Now, even if I don't like Mari, I can admit that Jake and Mari make a good team, and had great chemistry, my problem is mostly that it's Jake who keeps bending to accommodate Mari and apologizing, when in my head it should be the other way around.
Overall, Surfacing Secrets was a very entertaining, intriguing, suspenseful read. If you've read the previous book(s), you know that they deal with some potentially triggering issues, but the authors don't go overboard with them. The writing was really good and seamless, the case was well-thought out and developed and I'm really hoping there will be more books in the future now that Jake and Mari finally seem to be on the same page concerning their relationship. Plus, I want more of John, there'll never be enough of him. ;)
Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Meet the Authors
Bellora Quinn: Originally hailing from Detroit Michigan, Bellora now resides on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida where a herd of Dachshunds keeps her entertained. She got her start in writing at the dawn of the internet when she discovered PbEMs (Play by email) and found a passion for collaborative writing and steamy hot erotica. Soap Opera like blogs soon followed and eventually full novels. The majority of her stories are in the M/M genre with urban fantasy or paranormal settings and many with a strong BDSM flavour.
Sadie Rose Bermingham: A storyteller since before she started school, Sadie also enjoys reading, photography, live music and long walks on the beach. Sadie has worked as a bookseller, a pedigree editor for the racing industry and a local and family history researcher. Originally from the north of England, she has been working her way across the UK ever since. She currently resides on the south east coast with her long term partner, where she hopes to buy a mobile home and establish a whippet farm.
Thank you so much, Mari. Your namesake is duly chastened! Heheh
ReplyDeleteI don't think he will ever be a saint but he does love Jake. ❤
And some John Cordiline love! 😍
Thank you, thank you. xxx
I don't think Mari has it in him to be a saint, either, I just want him to appreciate Jake more. LOL
DeleteJohn Cordiline is amazing and I loved seeing more of him here, he was great at making Mari realize what's been in front of him all this time.
You're very welcome! I'm really enjoying this series!