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Bulletproof #3
In Close
Claire O'Toole's mother, Alana, went missing fifteen years ago. That was big news in Pineview, Montana, the kind of town where nothing much ever happens. Then, last year, Claire's husband, David, died in a freak accident � after launching his own investigation into Alana's disappearance.
Is Alana dead? Or did she simply abandon her husband and daughters? Claire's determined to find out � and her former boyfriend, Isaac Morgan, wants to help. Although their relationship didn't end well, he still has feelings for her. And yet it isn't until he starts to suspect David's death wasn't an accident that he's drawn back into her life.
Together, Claire and Isaac search for answers to the questions that have haunted Pineview all this time. But as they soon discover, someone's prepared to kill so those answers won't be found. . .
Is Alana dead? Or did she simply abandon her husband and daughters? Claire's determined to find out � and her former boyfriend, Isaac Morgan, wants to help. Although their relationship didn't end well, he still has feelings for her. And yet it isn't until he starts to suspect David's death wasn't an accident that he's drawn back into her life.
Together, Claire and Isaac search for answers to the questions that have haunted Pineview all this time. But as they soon discover, someone's prepared to kill so those answers won't be found. . .
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 25, 2011
144 people are currently reading
1,275 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
247Ìýbooks6,769ÌýfollowersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,� Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.�
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,� Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read�.�
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,� Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.�
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,� Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read�.�
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
March 3, 2015
Claire O'Toole's life is overshadowed by the unexplained disappearance of her mother, Alana, 15 years ago and the recent death of her husband, David. Another complication is Isaac Morgan, her ex-lover who abandoned her pretty shabbily ten years ago. When she discovers files amongst her dead husband's things, Claire is energized into action, with Isaac as her partner, to reexamine her mother's fate.
The mystery surrounding Alana's sudden disappearance takes many an odd turn with so many possible suspects it was hard to keep fact and fiction in order. I changed my mind often and still landed incorrectly. This part of the story was meaty but sometimes frustrating as it was difficult to get a foothold. There weren't a lot of heroes in this story.
The relationship between Isaac and Claire was interesting, though her lack of spine in supporting him publicly was a low point. It was understandable given their history and I became a huge fan of Isaac. The romance, however, took a back seat to the mystery but that was okay by me.
Oh, and those of you looking for Rex McCready's HEA...he gets it in Novak's Whiskey Creek series in .
The mystery surrounding Alana's sudden disappearance takes many an odd turn with so many possible suspects it was hard to keep fact and fiction in order. I changed my mind often and still landed incorrectly. This part of the story was meaty but sometimes frustrating as it was difficult to get a foothold. There weren't a lot of heroes in this story.
The relationship between Isaac and Claire was interesting, though her lack of spine in supporting him publicly was a low point. It was understandable given their history and I became a huge fan of Isaac. The romance, however, took a back seat to the mystery but that was okay by me.
Oh, and those of you looking for Rex McCready's HEA...he gets it in Novak's Whiskey Creek series in .
December 2, 2013
Fuck this book.
The characters were horrible
The romance was horrible
and don't even get my started on the mystery.
The real murderer was so random that it pissed me off. I like it when mysteries are unpredictable but this was just pathetic. Ugh.
Not to mention all the inconsistencies that were overlooked.
Bah
Humbug.
I don't think I can pick Brenda again for a while.
(my updates are more informative :P)
The characters were horrible
The romance was horrible
and don't even get my started on the mystery.
The real murderer was so random that it pissed me off. I like it when mysteries are unpredictable but this was just pathetic. Ugh.
Not to mention all the inconsistencies that were overlooked.
Bah
Humbug.
I don't think I can pick Brenda again for a while.
(my updates are more informative :P)
August 30, 2011
If you're like me, hoping (and praying) that this book is about Pretty Boy you are gonna be sorely disappointed. Because Pretty Boy had absolutely nothing to do with Claire or Isaac in this book. Not even a tiny glimpse of him here.
That said, the web of mysteries that surrounded Claire's family was intriguing enough that I forgave BN for her lack of compassion towards Pretty Boy. And Isaac was very brooding and HOT himself. I loved the sexual tension between him and Claire in the beginning. Former lovers always make explosive reunion sex together.
But I only gave 4 stars because I didn't like the rushed ending. I would have enjoyed a bit more of the HEA moments instead of the one page worth of it.
That said, the web of mysteries that surrounded Claire's family was intriguing enough that I forgave BN for her lack of compassion towards Pretty Boy. And Isaac was very brooding and HOT himself. I loved the sexual tension between him and Claire in the beginning. Former lovers always make explosive reunion sex together.
But I only gave 4 stars because I didn't like the rushed ending. I would have enjoyed a bit more of the HEA moments instead of the one page worth of it.
October 27, 2011
This is a Quickie Reveiw. For the full review, please visit
Expected Release Date: October 25, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Mira
Author’s Website:
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Fifteen years ago, Clair O’Toole’s mother vanished without a trace.
The sleepy little town of Pineview, Montana, was convinced that she simply ran away, abandoning her husband and two daughters, but Claire believes she was murdered. Despite her entire family’s determination that she let sleeping dogs lie, Claire’s obsession with finding out what happened to her mother is consuming her life.
Having given up hope of ever leaving the town due to misplaced feelings of guilt towards her younger sister, whose back was broken in a sledding accident when they were both young, Claire nonetheless settled down with her high school sweetheart, David, and allowed herself to put her quest on the back burner, and instead focused on being happy with David.
When David was killed in a hunting accident a year ago, however, Claire soon discovered that without something to focus on, her grief was eating her alive, and so she has picked up her investigation, much to the dismay of both her family and the townspeople.
Ten years ago, while David was at college and he and Claire both agreed to take a breather and see other people, Claire found passion and affection with local badboy Isaac Morgan. Sexy, irreverent, and a notorious heart-breaker, Isaac was exactly what Claire was looking for. When she confessed her love, however, Isaac threw it back in her face, telling her to go back to David.
For years, Isaac has regretted his knee-jerk reaction to Claire’s confession of love. Having never known love in his own life ever since his mother abandoned him at a hotel in the small town, he simply didn’t know how to properly return her feelings. Now, even with the ghost of David’s memory hanging between them, Isaac can’t help but want a second chance with the one he let get away.
Unfortunately, Claire’s snooping into the events of the past awaken a wasp’s nest of deceit, secrets, and conspiracies that will rock the small town of Pineview to its core � and could cost both Claire and Isaac their very lives.
Overall, this was a perfect ending to a wonderful trilogy. Newcomers to the series will be happy to note that this book stands very well on its own, and does not require the two previous books to make an incredible impact, while fans of the series will enjoy the involvement of both Laurel and Myles, as well as the small-town vibe of Pineview that we came to love in the previous story.
The suspense was fantastic, with plenty of danger and action, and the love scenes had a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
The only thing that kept this story from receiving the same 5/5 Star rating that the previous books in the series received from me was the fact that Claire and Isaac had been in love while she and David were split up during college. It almost made it seem as though she had married David on the rebound, when the rest of the story about their history did not indicate that in the least, and that seemed to do a slight disservice to David, who by all reports truly was a good man who really loved Claire.
Recommended for fans of small town intrigue, twisty and emotional love stories, and of second chances to rectify youthful mistakes.
A very solid 4.5/5 Stars.
From now until October 31, 2011, buy a copy of In Close and you can get not only a free ebook copy of Brenda Novak’s first novel, Of Noble Birth, but also access to the password protected are of her site, where you can access all sorts of extras and contests! See BRENDA NOVAK’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE for details!
Expected Release Date: October 25, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Mira
Author’s Website:
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Fifteen years ago, Clair O’Toole’s mother vanished without a trace.
The sleepy little town of Pineview, Montana, was convinced that she simply ran away, abandoning her husband and two daughters, but Claire believes she was murdered. Despite her entire family’s determination that she let sleeping dogs lie, Claire’s obsession with finding out what happened to her mother is consuming her life.
Having given up hope of ever leaving the town due to misplaced feelings of guilt towards her younger sister, whose back was broken in a sledding accident when they were both young, Claire nonetheless settled down with her high school sweetheart, David, and allowed herself to put her quest on the back burner, and instead focused on being happy with David.
When David was killed in a hunting accident a year ago, however, Claire soon discovered that without something to focus on, her grief was eating her alive, and so she has picked up her investigation, much to the dismay of both her family and the townspeople.
Ten years ago, while David was at college and he and Claire both agreed to take a breather and see other people, Claire found passion and affection with local badboy Isaac Morgan. Sexy, irreverent, and a notorious heart-breaker, Isaac was exactly what Claire was looking for. When she confessed her love, however, Isaac threw it back in her face, telling her to go back to David.
For years, Isaac has regretted his knee-jerk reaction to Claire’s confession of love. Having never known love in his own life ever since his mother abandoned him at a hotel in the small town, he simply didn’t know how to properly return her feelings. Now, even with the ghost of David’s memory hanging between them, Isaac can’t help but want a second chance with the one he let get away.
Unfortunately, Claire’s snooping into the events of the past awaken a wasp’s nest of deceit, secrets, and conspiracies that will rock the small town of Pineview to its core � and could cost both Claire and Isaac their very lives.
Overall, this was a perfect ending to a wonderful trilogy. Newcomers to the series will be happy to note that this book stands very well on its own, and does not require the two previous books to make an incredible impact, while fans of the series will enjoy the involvement of both Laurel and Myles, as well as the small-town vibe of Pineview that we came to love in the previous story.
The suspense was fantastic, with plenty of danger and action, and the love scenes had a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
The only thing that kept this story from receiving the same 5/5 Star rating that the previous books in the series received from me was the fact that Claire and Isaac had been in love while she and David were split up during college. It almost made it seem as though she had married David on the rebound, when the rest of the story about their history did not indicate that in the least, and that seemed to do a slight disservice to David, who by all reports truly was a good man who really loved Claire.
Recommended for fans of small town intrigue, twisty and emotional love stories, and of second chances to rectify youthful mistakes.
A very solid 4.5/5 Stars.
From now until October 31, 2011, buy a copy of In Close and you can get not only a free ebook copy of Brenda Novak’s first novel, Of Noble Birth, but also access to the password protected are of her site, where you can access all sorts of extras and contests! See BRENDA NOVAK’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE for details!
November 5, 2011
In Close is the third book in the Bulletproof Trilogy by Brenda Novak.
I was really looking forward to this book, I thought it will be Pretty Boy/Rex’s story. Sadly it wasn’t. This book is about Claire O’Toole and the investigation on the disappearance of her mother fifteen years ago. We met Claire in book two (In Seconds).
I had some problems with the story and the characters. Even though I tried I couldn’t connect with Claire. Her behavior felt childish and she cared too much what other people thought about her. She was a people-pleaser to the point of sacrificing her happiness for underserving people as her sister Leanne. Claire also asked difficult questions and when she got answers she didn’t accept them despite being the truth.
Isaac was the character I liked the most. He has regretted the decision he took years back in regards to Claire. At the time he wasn’t ready for what she wanted from him. He had issues and traumas he needed to deal with before being ready for a relationship. Now he is sure he wants Claire and is willing to do anything to be with her. I loved how protective of her he was and how without expecting anything in exchange he took the reins of the investigation on his hands.
Their relationship felt rushed. I understand they had a past together but it was too much too fast.
I didn’t like any of the secondary characters starting with Claire’s sister Leanne. Her behavior was inexcusable and her story was left with many unanswered questions.
One of the problems I had was that Laurel and Myles felt completely different from the characters I loved in In Seconds. It was as if they were not the same characters but completely new ones.
My final thought: I was a little frustrated with In Close. First this is supposed to be the last book in the Bulletproof Trilogy and to say I was disappointed In Close wasn’t about Pretty Boy/Rex is an understatement. I felt cheated that the conclusion of the trilogy was the story of somebody we met quickly in book two instead of the story of the person remaining in the trio of friends from book one (Inside) and book two (In Seconds). I can say that from the three books of this series this one is the one I have liked the least. I blame it on the characters, the lack of closure of even mention of Pretty Boy/Rex and the abrupt and unsatisfactory end. Don’t take me wrong, everything wasn’t bad with In Close, Mrs. Novak writing is good as always and the mystery behind Claire’s mom disappearance had me glued to the pages, that I didn’t like the end it’s something else.
I was really looking forward to this book, I thought it will be Pretty Boy/Rex’s story. Sadly it wasn’t. This book is about Claire O’Toole and the investigation on the disappearance of her mother fifteen years ago. We met Claire in book two (In Seconds).
I had some problems with the story and the characters. Even though I tried I couldn’t connect with Claire. Her behavior felt childish and she cared too much what other people thought about her. She was a people-pleaser to the point of sacrificing her happiness for underserving people as her sister Leanne. Claire also asked difficult questions and when she got answers she didn’t accept them despite being the truth.
Isaac was the character I liked the most. He has regretted the decision he took years back in regards to Claire. At the time he wasn’t ready for what she wanted from him. He had issues and traumas he needed to deal with before being ready for a relationship. Now he is sure he wants Claire and is willing to do anything to be with her. I loved how protective of her he was and how without expecting anything in exchange he took the reins of the investigation on his hands.
Their relationship felt rushed. I understand they had a past together but it was too much too fast.
I didn’t like any of the secondary characters starting with Claire’s sister Leanne. Her behavior was inexcusable and her story was left with many unanswered questions.
One of the problems I had was that Laurel and Myles felt completely different from the characters I loved in In Seconds. It was as if they were not the same characters but completely new ones.
My final thought: I was a little frustrated with In Close. First this is supposed to be the last book in the Bulletproof Trilogy and to say I was disappointed In Close wasn’t about Pretty Boy/Rex is an understatement. I felt cheated that the conclusion of the trilogy was the story of somebody we met quickly in book two instead of the story of the person remaining in the trio of friends from book one (Inside) and book two (In Seconds). I can say that from the three books of this series this one is the one I have liked the least. I blame it on the characters, the lack of closure of even mention of Pretty Boy/Rex and the abrupt and unsatisfactory end. Don’t take me wrong, everything wasn’t bad with In Close, Mrs. Novak writing is good as always and the mystery behind Claire’s mom disappearance had me glued to the pages, that I didn’t like the end it’s something else.
December 18, 2012
This one, provided by netgalley, was quite a bit of an improvement on , but not as good as . Like , I was hoping this one was going to blow me away, but I felt it didn't give me that same feeling of being run over by a truck, although this was a very good romantic thriller.
I liked the romance between the hero and heroine and the plot really was extremely good. I could guess at who the baddie was, but I didn't know until the end - it really kept me guessing. What let it down for me, were a couple of moments when the hero and heroine were TSTL, and also the way the heroine's family resolved their issues so unrealistically easily at the end, without any feelings of betrayal or divided loyalty. I didn't buy that for one minute, and it completely ruined the end for me. It was almost as though the author had been told, or had insisted, that all romantic thrillers must end with HEA for EVERYONE.
So, 3.5 stars, ruined by the end, but still a good romantic thriller.
I liked the romance between the hero and heroine and the plot really was extremely good. I could guess at who the baddie was, but I didn't know until the end - it really kept me guessing. What let it down for me, were a couple of moments when the hero and heroine were TSTL, and also the way the heroine's family resolved their issues so unrealistically easily at the end, without any feelings of betrayal or divided loyalty. I didn't buy that for one minute, and it completely ruined the end for me. It was almost as though the author had been told, or had insisted, that all romantic thrillers must end with HEA for EVERYONE.
So, 3.5 stars, ruined by the end, but still a good romantic thriller.
June 22, 2019
The suspense in this book is very good -- keeps you on the edge of your seat. The problem lies with the attempted "romance" -- the characters spend an annoying amount of time going back on forth on their feelings for each other, and it gets old quick, plus is then resolved suddenly and seemingly inexplicably from one page to the next. In addition, the ending has a lot of frustrating elements -- <> It's also just strange how quickly the book is cut off -- almost like the author literally had a page limit and was just forced to stop where she was. An unsatisyfing ending, to be sure, to an up-and-down book.
November 15, 2011
I'm a big fan of Brenda Novak and have liked majority of her books.The first two books in the Bulletproof series were great romantic suspense but this book I was disappointed. I usually fly thru reading her books and this one I had a hard time finishing. Great on the romance between Claire and Issac BUT the book was short on suspense.The book went on and on about who killed Alana..Claire's mom but by mid book I just wanted the author to just tell me already and get on with the story. I am a huge romantic suspense reader and although her first two books in the series I would recommend. The finale if you wanted to you could miss has nothing too do with the previous books and lacks in suspense.This book is all about Claire and finding out what happened to her mom and nothing to do with Laurel or Pretty Boy from the previous books. Disappointed not Brenda's best book.
September 3, 2011
*4.5 stars*
Claire O’Toole hasn’t exactly had the easiest life. She’s had first hand experience at loss and heartache. Fifteen years ago, Claire’s mother, Alana, disappeared, shocking the small town of Pineview, Montana. No one ever knew if Alana had abandoned her family, or if foul play had been involved. Claire has never doubted for a moment that her mother did not, and would not ever, desert her family. Ten years ago Isaac Morgan broke Claire’s heart into little pieces. Isaac was then forced to watch Claire marry her childhood sweetheart and live her life� without him in it. Last year, when Claire’s husband David was killed in a tragic hunting accident, Claire became lost in her grief. But was it really an accident? Isaac doesn’t think so, and after a long estrangement from Claire, he knows a way he can help make up for how badly he hurt her. Isaac believes Alana’s disappearance and David’s death are somehow connected. Together, Isaac and Claire begin their own investigation, and discover more than just clues to Claire’s lost loved ones. They realize they still have feelings for each other, and that they need one another now, more than ever. But when they start uncovering answers, it’s clear that someone out there wants them to leave well enough alone, and that someone is prepared to keep those answers from coming out at any cost.
I really enjoyed this exciting and fast paced story. I especially enjoyed Isaac Morgan. Isaac is a character you don’t want to stop thinking about long after you’ve read the last page of the story. His relationship with Claire is an intense one, and as much as Claire needs Isaac’s strength and comfort�. he needs her just as much.
This book contained a lot of twists and turns. I was determined to figure out the mystery before the author’s reveal - I didn’t. I adore a suspenseful and thrilling read!
is the first book I have read by , but I know this: I want more. The woman knows how to write a great mystery, and she really knows how to write a love scene. I’ll be reading more by this talented author.
I received a copy of this book for review from Netgalley.
Claire O’Toole hasn’t exactly had the easiest life. She’s had first hand experience at loss and heartache. Fifteen years ago, Claire’s mother, Alana, disappeared, shocking the small town of Pineview, Montana. No one ever knew if Alana had abandoned her family, or if foul play had been involved. Claire has never doubted for a moment that her mother did not, and would not ever, desert her family. Ten years ago Isaac Morgan broke Claire’s heart into little pieces. Isaac was then forced to watch Claire marry her childhood sweetheart and live her life� without him in it. Last year, when Claire’s husband David was killed in a tragic hunting accident, Claire became lost in her grief. But was it really an accident? Isaac doesn’t think so, and after a long estrangement from Claire, he knows a way he can help make up for how badly he hurt her. Isaac believes Alana’s disappearance and David’s death are somehow connected. Together, Isaac and Claire begin their own investigation, and discover more than just clues to Claire’s lost loved ones. They realize they still have feelings for each other, and that they need one another now, more than ever. But when they start uncovering answers, it’s clear that someone out there wants them to leave well enough alone, and that someone is prepared to keep those answers from coming out at any cost.
I really enjoyed this exciting and fast paced story. I especially enjoyed Isaac Morgan. Isaac is a character you don’t want to stop thinking about long after you’ve read the last page of the story. His relationship with Claire is an intense one, and as much as Claire needs Isaac’s strength and comfort�. he needs her just as much.
This book contained a lot of twists and turns. I was determined to figure out the mystery before the author’s reveal - I didn’t. I adore a suspenseful and thrilling read!
is the first book I have read by , but I know this: I want more. The woman knows how to write a great mystery, and she really knows how to write a love scene. I’ll be reading more by this talented author.
I received a copy of this book for review from Netgalley.
August 30, 2011
This book starts out with a bang, but unfortunately ends with a fizzle. The story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of the heroine's mother fifteen years ago. After some fifty or so pages, we already know what happened on that front, some can even have a good guess who did it. Or at least you have a fifty-fifty chance of guessing the real villain. What kept me around was why. And the answer leaves me disappointed. On the romance aspect, we have a heroine who pines for the hero, and vice versa. The conflict is there, but it, likewise, is resolved too fast. The hero who is supposed to be a bad bad boy is reduced into a puddle after a couple of kisses. When I first read the excerpt of this book, I was really excited. I expected another Killer Heat. There are so many potentials on this book, but the author somehow squanders them all. It is still a good read, just not that great.
October 2, 2023
DNF at 44%. Heroine is all over the place (crying over dead husband, sleeping with hero, dating other guy, then slut shaming her sister, like within a 48 hour period), hero is acting like he’s in a high school soap opera, and the secondary characters are mostly aholes so far.
August 16, 2017
Again I am sorry to see this saga close just when I was getting to know everyone. This book in the series deals with Claire O'Toole and her quest for answers of the disappearance of her mother and the death of her father. Claire is determined to find out what happened to her mother - did she disappear or was she murdered? and who was there to help her but her former boyfriend, Isaac Morgan.
Together they stir up the pot in trying to find out answers and making the town of Pineview get nervous on how much they are digging and how far they will go to get answers.
Another "can't put it down" book!
Together they stir up the pot in trying to find out answers and making the town of Pineview get nervous on how much they are digging and how far they will go to get answers.
Another "can't put it down" book!
June 26, 2021
2.5 Stars
I felt a little lost reading this one. I had read the descriptions for earlier books in this series and it didn't seem like they HAD to be read in order. I kind of think maybe I should've though. In this book, we have Claire, whose mom disappeared years ago and her husband died a year ago, maybe from looking into it. Then there's Isaac who comes in and decides to help her. I didn't really feel real chemistry between the two. It felt forced. I'm not sure if I'll go back and read the others or not. Maybe if they are on audio.
I felt a little lost reading this one. I had read the descriptions for earlier books in this series and it didn't seem like they HAD to be read in order. I kind of think maybe I should've though. In this book, we have Claire, whose mom disappeared years ago and her husband died a year ago, maybe from looking into it. Then there's Isaac who comes in and decides to help her. I didn't really feel real chemistry between the two. It felt forced. I'm not sure if I'll go back and read the others or not. Maybe if they are on audio.
August 3, 2020
Could not put It down! Great suspense novel!
September 13, 2022
3â� - it was enjoyable
Very mediocre, ok mystery
Very mediocre, ok mystery
December 4, 2021
Me ha encantado, la trama de intriga está muy bien llevada de manera que ya te atrapa desde sus primeras páginas, porque todos ocultan muchos secretos que han estado guardando y se irán descubriendo a lo largo de la historia. La forma en como la autora cuenta los hechos poco a poco hace que me haya enganchado y no he podido parar de leer la mayor parte del tiempo, solo por querer saber más y más.
Es una historia con unos toques de misterio y suspense que me han parecido perfectos para la trama y un romance que he disfrutado mucho aunque sea previsible. Tal vez añadir, que en la últimas páginas todo se resuelve demasiado rápido y me hubiera gustado más páginas. Aún asà es una novela que me ha sorprendido muchÃsimo.
Es una historia con unos toques de misterio y suspense que me han parecido perfectos para la trama y un romance que he disfrutado mucho aunque sea previsible. Tal vez añadir, que en la últimas páginas todo se resuelve demasiado rápido y me hubiera gustado más páginas. Aún asà es una novela que me ha sorprendido muchÃsimo.
November 2, 2011
Claire's mother disappeared fifteen years earlier and she has never given up searching for answers. Searching through the cabin her mother used as a studio, she discovers that her husband was secretly investigating her mother's disappearance until he was killed in a hunting accident a year earlier.
Now after 15 years the truth of what happened to Claire's mother is starting to emerge, but someone is trying to make sure the secrets of the past stay buried.
Isaac, her former lover, is someone Claire would rather avoid, but with suspicion falling on everyone even her family, she reaches out to him for help.
Brenda Novak writes very good romantic suspense. Fans of Lisa Gardner and Karen Rose will like the entire Bullet Proof trilogy. I think this is the weakest of the three books but it is still a good book and a very much a page turner.
Now after 15 years the truth of what happened to Claire's mother is starting to emerge, but someone is trying to make sure the secrets of the past stay buried.
Isaac, her former lover, is someone Claire would rather avoid, but with suspicion falling on everyone even her family, she reaches out to him for help.
Brenda Novak writes very good romantic suspense. Fans of Lisa Gardner and Karen Rose will like the entire Bullet Proof trilogy. I think this is the weakest of the three books but it is still a good book and a very much a page turner.
October 31, 2011
The book had great potential but in the end it fell flat. The romance between the hero and the heroine was very thin and I didn't see that the hero had changed so much that he wanted to be committed to the heroine.
However, what most annoyed me was the deus ex machina ending, there was no real closure.
However, what most annoyed me was the deus ex machina ending, there was no real closure.
December 17, 2018
Did not realize this was part of a trilogy. Not that it mattered . It’s a poorly plotted & written novel and it just got worse the further I read. ! I finished it only to confirm that I had identified the muderer of Clair’s mother.
April 1, 2015
Really enjoyed this book. Read my full review at
August 22, 2018
I'm on the fence about this one. On one hand it's well written and I enjoyed the mystery and this is a favourite author of mine. On the other hand, I really can't stand Claire or Isaac and I think the way their relationship has been portrayed makes no sense at all and I don't really care much about them. I feel no chemistry or attraction. The romance scenes are not really featured much either and I assume this is because the author is trying to focus on the suspense instead, but if you don't care for the H/h, then what's the point. I have picked this story up and put it down a few times and read other books in between. I still haven't finished, but I wanted to write this review.
I am also wondering how Claire's stepfather married again not long after his wife disappeared? No body was ever found and surely there are many years to wait before someone can be declared legally dead? Especially for a partner to remarry? This book is a complete stand alone, even though it's number three in the series. (The lead characters from book two appear in this one) Also in my Kindle edition, around a third of the commas have been formatted in the wrong place by the publisher - above the bottom line (eg two'/but') etc - which makes it annoying to read.
While a lot of scenes are full of suspense, some of them cut off abruptly before the end, then are recapped/told in reflection by the H/h later on or the next day - this made them feel disjointed and the whole impact of the original scene fell flat. Days and hours were skipped at times, so momentum was lost and there was more telling than showing at times and a far amount of inner dialogue that annoyed me. There were a lot of red herrings and the story was well thought out. I will for sure read many more books by this author - just this one let me down after reading the others in this series.
I am also wondering how Claire's stepfather married again not long after his wife disappeared? No body was ever found and surely there are many years to wait before someone can be declared legally dead? Especially for a partner to remarry? This book is a complete stand alone, even though it's number three in the series. (The lead characters from book two appear in this one) Also in my Kindle edition, around a third of the commas have been formatted in the wrong place by the publisher - above the bottom line (eg two'/but') etc - which makes it annoying to read.
While a lot of scenes are full of suspense, some of them cut off abruptly before the end, then are recapped/told in reflection by the H/h later on or the next day - this made them feel disjointed and the whole impact of the original scene fell flat. Days and hours were skipped at times, so momentum was lost and there was more telling than showing at times and a far amount of inner dialogue that annoyed me. There were a lot of red herrings and the story was well thought out. I will for sure read many more books by this author - just this one let me down after reading the others in this series.
January 13, 2025
I kept trying to get through this book, but it’s just corny. It draws out the emotional pain of the main character too much. The male intrest is too cookie cutter. The conflict between the family is trivial and exhausting. The nosy townspeople are cheesy. And even though I didn’t finish the book, it alluded to the killer being someone that seemingly has some kind of social/mental disability which is also corny to me.
Granted, there could be twists and turns that make this book I interesting, but I never got to them. Reading this book was difficult because it didn’t genuinely hold my interest and it is bottlenecking my reading, because I just could not get through it. I finally threw in the towel at 50% read.
I feel bad for bashing the book because a person wrote it and I don’t want to be mean, but I also would like to inform people before so they can make a decision and possibly not waste time.
Granted, there could be twists and turns that make this book I interesting, but I never got to them. Reading this book was difficult because it didn’t genuinely hold my interest and it is bottlenecking my reading, because I just could not get through it. I finally threw in the towel at 50% read.
I feel bad for bashing the book because a person wrote it and I don’t want to be mean, but I also would like to inform people before so they can make a decision and possibly not waste time.
February 11, 2017
Claire O'Toole has been through so much with her mother missing for the past 15 years and from the death of her husband, David, a year ago. Isaac Morgan, the man she had an intense relationship with prior to her marriage, re-enters her life. Both of them are in danger. This book is intense and scary good. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Although it is book three of the Bulletproof series, it is definitely a stand alone. There are many plot twists that urge you to want to jump in and help avoid the dangerous situations Claire and Isaac face. I was exhausted from the running and lack of sleep, and exasperated by the inaction of Claire's relatives and the town people in finding out what actually happened to Claire's mother and husband David. I highly recommend this book and series to those who like romantic suspense.
November 13, 2023
Claire O'Toole's mother, Alana, went missing fifteen years ago. That was big news in Pineview, Montana, the kind of town where nothing much ever happens. Then, last year, Claire's husband, David, died in a freak accident � after launching his own investigation into Alana's disappearance.
Is Alana dead? Or did she simply abandon her husband and daughters? Claire's determined to find out � and her former boyfriend, Isaac Morgan, wants to help. Although their relationship didn't end well, he still has feelings for her. And yet it isn't until he starts to suspect David's death wasn't an accident that he's drawn back into her life.
Together, Claire and Isaac search for answers to the questions that have haunted Pineview all this time. But as they soon discover, someone's prepared to kill so those answers won't be found. . .
Is Alana dead? Or did she simply abandon her husband and daughters? Claire's determined to find out � and her former boyfriend, Isaac Morgan, wants to help. Although their relationship didn't end well, he still has feelings for her. And yet it isn't until he starts to suspect David's death wasn't an accident that he's drawn back into her life.
Together, Claire and Isaac search for answers to the questions that have haunted Pineview all this time. But as they soon discover, someone's prepared to kill so those answers won't be found. . .
October 17, 2019
Claire O'Toole's mother disappeared 15 years ago and the case was never solved. Everyone has moved on but Claire. When she discovers a file of her deceased husband David's that shows he has been trying to solve the case and found several discrepancies and unanswered questions, she decides to continue his search. Isaac Morgan, young love of Claire's, now back in Pineview, MT. saves her from an attack and decides to help. It soon becomes clear that someone does not want the case reopened and there are a plethora of suspects. This was an OK mystery but none of the characters grabbed me and some of the actions seemed illogical.
September 21, 2020
In Close (Bulletproof, #3) was a great read by Brenda Novak. 15 years ago, Claire’s mother went missing and she just wants answers to what happened. Last year, Claire’s husband, David, launched and investigation but died in a freak accident before he got answers for her. Claire wants to find out if her mom died or just left her family. Her ex boyfriend Isaac wants to help her find out what happened. They search for answers to the many questions around town. I really enjoyed reading Claire and Isaac’s story and can’t wait to read more by Brenda Novak.
July 4, 2017
As a suspense book goes, it was good. as a closeout to a series I was disappointed. No mention of Rex or what he is doing. No mention of Virgil. Laurel and Miles were in there but not one of their kids. would be been nice to at least had small updates. an epilogue.
as far as this book goes, it was ok. kinda figured most of it out right away although there were twists and turns that made you go hmmm
as far as this book goes, it was ok. kinda figured most of it out right away although there were twists and turns that made you go hmmm
July 4, 2019
The suspense starts right from the beginning, so it draws you in and it keeps ahold of you all throughout the book! The characters and scene are described so nicely that you can actually picture everything as you’re reading.
This book has the right amount of romance, mystery and suspense to give you a good wholesome feeling like all that you crave in a book is wrapped into one. Great book, nicely written!
This book has the right amount of romance, mystery and suspense to give you a good wholesome feeling like all that you crave in a book is wrapped into one. Great book, nicely written!
November 28, 2024
This is the third and final book in this Brenda Novak series. I couldn’t put it down, especially while reading the last few chapters. All three books in this series kept me on the edge of my seat. There was a person who reviewed/rated this book and basically said it was terrible. And “eff� (but more colorful language) this book. Apparently, they didn’t read the entire book and/or become immersed in the story!
May 16, 2020
This is book #3 in the Bulletproof Trilogy and Claire’s story. She has always wondered what happened to her mother& never believed that she just up & disappeared fifteen years ago on her own. So once again she starts to investigate and as she does her life is put in danger and also those who are helping her. Read on to see if the mystery gets solved.....
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